Crosspointe Church KY's Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Crosspointe Church at the corner of Douglas Avenue and Depot Street in Versailles, KY welcomes you with open arms. Experience the love...you'll love the experience.
Have You Been With Jesus?
Acts 4:13-21 NKJV
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
What Shall We Do To These Men
- Boldness
Parresia: Telling It All
- Speak To No Man In This Name!
No Other Name
Acts 4:1-12 NKJV
4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. 5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone, which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
What Are You Expecting To Receive From God?
Many Who Heard The Word Believed
By what power or by what name have you done this?
John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Solo Gratia
Solo Fide
Solo Christo
1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
Where To Look In The Bible
When you need rest and peace: Matt 11:25-30When lonely, Psalm 23When you need peace of mind, John 14:27When you are discouraged, Psalm 34When God seems far away, Psalm 139When you want courage, Joshua 1:1-9When looking for joy, Colossians 3When you leave home to travel, Psalm 121When you think of investments. Mark 10:17-31When you need to know God’s will for your life, Proverbs 3:1-6When you worry: Matthew 6:19-34When men fail you, Psalm 27When you have sinned, Psalm 51; 1 John 1When in sickness, Psalm 41When in danger, Psalm 91When you need assurance, Romans 8When you feel sorrowful, John 14; Psalm 46When you need rules of conduct, Exodus 20:1-17When you forge your blessings, Psalm 103
Acts 3:11-26
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’
- Why are you surprised?
It’s the power of God– that’s how he’s walking and leaping and jumping!
It’s through the faith of Jesus Christ that he has been healed and made whole.
- The Invitation
Is our walk as Christians an open invitation to see God’s faithfulness in our lives?
I . Declaring it
II. Disguising it
III. Dismissing it
- Repent and Turn to God
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Luke 9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
You must turn around - turn away and start over, go back, repent, turn away
Sometimes it takes longer. Sometimes you must back-track, but you can still get there!
Expecting To Receive
Acts 3:1-10 NKJV 1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Wonders And Signs On Display
The Hour of Prayer
Are Your Spiritual Eyes Open?
Look at us.
You Are About To Receive Something Far Greater Than You Expected!
But What I Do Have I Give You
Gift Of Faith - Supernatural Ability To Trust God In A Particular Situation For Something Out Of The Ordinary.
God’s Church Growth Strategy II
Acts 2:41-47 ESV So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
They Were Devoted To:
1) The Apostles Teaching
2) The Fellowship
3) The Breaking Of Bread
4) The Prayers
God’s Church Growth Strategy
Acts 2:38-47 ESV
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
I. Repent And Be Baptized
Vs. 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Vs. 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
Exhort: call to one’s side, instruct, teach, intreat, or beg
Vs. 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
II. God’s Church Growth Strategy
Devoted: deeply committed to, attentive to, persevering in, adhering to, continuing in
The Apostle’s Teaching
Heb. 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Peter’s Pentecost Sermon – II
Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. 36 “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
- Peter’s Sermon – Part 1
- Peter’s Sermon – Part 2
A Sermon Devoid Of Christ Is Not Satisfactory
As You Yourselves Also Know
A Gospel Message: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Jesus of Nazareth
1 Cor. 1:27 says, “ But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.”
Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter’s Pentecost Sermon
Acts 2:14-21 NKJV
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’
The First Christian Sermon
A God Of Order
God Orchestrated It All
The Primary Purpose for Preaching/Teaching Is Explanation
Spontaneous Doesn’t Mean Unprepared
Heed My Words
The Church Must Be Anchored In The Scriptures
Vs. 21 – “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.”
We Hear Them Speaking The Wonderful Works of God
Acts 2:5-13 NKJV And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
- The Crowd’s Response
The Multitude Came Together
- We Hear Them
Verse 12 - 2 Responses To The Gospel: 1) Drawn In With Curiosity 2) Reaction of Mockery
Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Why Do You Stand Gazing Up Into Heaven?
Acts 1:9-11 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Vs. 9
Jesus’ Exaltation
Jesus’ Delegation
John 16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
Why Do You Stand Gazing Up Into Heaven?
Jesus Will Come In Like Manner
“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Mt. 26:39)
God Can Change Your Story Into A Place Of Glory
Filled With The Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 NKJV But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:1-4 NKJV When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
What is Pentecost?
Fully Come
With One Accord In One Place
Audible
Visible
Oral
Suddenly
*We do not own these songs. Use via Christian Copyright Licensing International CrossPointe Church CCLI#1727068
Witnesses Of Christ
Acts 1:1-8 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Verse 1
Through The Holy Spirit
Verse 2
The Lord Chose You
Verse 3
Colossians 1:18 “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
Verse 4
Wait
Verse 5
Verse 6
Verse 7
Verse 8
Be Witnesses
The Kingdom Impact of a Mother
2 Timothy 1:1-7 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Discipleship Creates Kingdom Impact
2 Tim. 3:15 “From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 16:2 He (Timothy) was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.
Genuine Faith
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).
Ordained Disciples
Mark 3:13-15 NKJV
13 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:
I. Make Disciples!
1 Cor. 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I am also of Christ.
II. Ordained Disciples
Mark 3:13
Ordained-to make, produce, construct, form or fashion, with designation of time spent or passed
III. Be With Him!
Mark 3:14
John 15:26-27 says, 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
IV. Why Me?
Go Therefore
Mathew 28:16-20 ESV Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
I. The Mission
II. All Authority
Eph. 3:20 Now unto Him who is able… Jesus’ Authority is Assurance That We Accomplish The Mission
Nobody Gets A Pass
III. Make Disciples
Of All Nations
I Am With You!
We Are Running Out Of Time!
Are You Engaged In The Great Commission?
A Lion On The Loose
1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
I. A Lion On The Loose
II. Satan’s Identity
“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12, ESV).
III. Satan’s Strategy
John 10:10, ESV Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
IV. Satan’s Territory
V. Satan’s Frailty
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Rev. 5:5 “And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Can I Get A Witness?
1Peter 5:1
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.
- A Witness
- The Sufferings of Christ
“Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:4-5)
“Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Mt. 26:39).
- The Glory of Christ!
Clothed With Humility
1Peter 5:5-7 NKJV
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
I. Pride Vs. Humility & Submission
Prov.16:18 Pride goes before destruction. And a haughty spirit before a fall.
D.L. Moody: Be humble or you’ll stumble.
You Cannot Be Saved Without Submission
II. Clothed With Humility
Spurgeon: If you are willing to be nothing, God will make something of you
Phil. 2:5-9 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.
Humble Yourselves
III. He Cares For You
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
The Next Generation: Not just for the future
- Train
Proverbs 22:6 ”Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give to you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your house and on your gates.”
You retain...10% of what you read, 20% of what you hear, 30% of what you see, 50% of what you see and hear, 70% of what you discuss, 80% of what you experience, & 90% of what you go on to teach others
- Observe
1 Timothy 4:11-14 “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
- Release
Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Stewardship For The Master
Mathew 25:14-30 NKJV
14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
I. Stewardship
1) Everything We Have Comes From God
James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no shadow of turning.”
1 Chron. 29:12 Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign overall, In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.”
Ps. 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”
2) God Doesn’t Give Us All The Same Thing But He Gives Us All Something
3) Godly Stewardship Is Active
1 Pet. 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
4) We Will All Give An Account
Live Like There Is No Tomorrow II
1 Peter 4:7-11 NKJV
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- The End Is At Hand
Live in expectation that it might be today!
Pray, Love, & Serve Like There Is No Tomorrow.
- Serve Sincerely
You Have A Spiritual Gift
Deploy The Gift!
Be Good Stewards Of The Gifts
You Will Be Judged By What You Did With The Gift
He Has No Hands But Ours
Get Engaged In God’s Work 1) Pray 2) Love 3) Serve
Live Like There Is No Tomorrow
1 Peter 4:7-11 (NKJV) But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
I. The End Is At Hand
“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Mt. 24:37).
The End Is At Hand
Mark 13:35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning.
Luke 12:40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
James 5:8 says, 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
II. Pray Diligently
III. Love Deeply
Enough Is Enough!
1 Peter 3:20-21 NKJV
20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
1 Peter 4:1-6 NKJV
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
I. The Days of Noah
Gen. 6:5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
II. Enough Is Enough!
Two Choices: 1) Live In The Flesh 2) Live For The Will Of God
Enough Is Enough!
Same God
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
- God is the same God today as He is in the Bible– our road map, the living word
He is still that same God.
Exodus 16:4
4 Then the Lord said to Moses, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.
Our God
But the manna forced daily dependence and obedience.
- God is the same on the mountain and in the valley!
Praise You in this storm
- God is the same God who sent his son to die on the cross for us!
God is the same God.
WE BRING OTHERS TO CHRIST - 1 PETER 4:1-11 NKJV
Follow-Up to: Christ Brings Us to God
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles (utterance) of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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THE CHANGE (NOT OUR WILL BUT GOD’S)
a. Take On Christ’s Mind
b. Do The Will of God -
THE REASON (NOT ABOUT US BUT ABOUT GOD)
a. Gospel Was Preached
b. Live According to God in The Spirit
c. Have Fervent Love -
THE MINISTRY (FOR OTHERS NOT END WITH US)
a. Minister It to One Another
b. Minister As God Gives You the Ability
Christ Brings Us To God
1 Peter 3:18-22 NKJV
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
I. Christ Brings Us to God
Christ’s Crucifixion Gives Us Admission, Access And Audience With God
Hebrews 10:19-20 says, 9 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh
The ultimate reason for Jesus’ suffering was to bring you to God.
Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. You are that joy!
Revelation 21: 3-4, describing the New Heaven and the New Earth says, 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
The Resurrection Gives Us A New Perspective On Suffering.
II. The Exaltation of Christ
Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
Phil. 2:5 says, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 2:8-11 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 8:18 the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Be Ready
1 Peter 3:13-18 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
I. Suffering For Righteousness
The General Role Of The Christian – Submission
1 Peter 2:12 “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
Righteousness
2 Cor. 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
John 3:19-20 says, 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
II. Be Ready
Live in a way that demands explanation and be ready to explain why
III. Christ Also Suffered
Called to Blessing
1 Peter 3:8-12 NKJV
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
3 Major Areas Of Interaction: Society, Workplace, & Home
One Mind
1 Cor. 2:16 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?”
Being of one mind
“All of you”
And my how they love Him and how they love one another.
John 17:21, “that they may be one, just as you, Father, and are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Having compassion for one another
Rom. 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
1 Cor. 12:26 “If one member suffers, all suffer together, if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
Love as brothers
1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.”
Tenderhearted
Be Courteous
That you may inherit a blessing
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But, new things can be better! – even if it’s not what you expected!
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Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) “But forget all that—It is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.* I am about to do something new– bringing forth a new thing!
- But, sometimes loss is the way to gain. Sometimes pain is the way to purpose.
- Some people might be better at some things, it doesn’t make them better –
- The religious people could quote the laws (and thought they were better than everyone) but Jesus was not happy with them.
- MATTHEW 23:1-7, 11-13 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses.3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. 5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. 6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. 7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’
- 11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. 13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.
- Better depends on what you need; what you are using something for–
- Better is relative to purpose. And each of us have and serve a different purpose in our jobs, in our lives, in our families, in our churches, in our ministry, in our relationships
- Better is perspective
- God is better. But sometimes life might get worse.
- What if better is not what God is doing FOR me– but what God is doing THROUGH me.
- Sometimes we think we know better–
- We think we know better than God, and it causes chaos.
Husbands Likewise
1 Peter 3:7 NKJV
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
I. Submission
Submission: a voluntary attitude of cooperation
1 Peter 2:12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Eph. 5:21-25 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.
Yield
Submission is Mutual
Understanding is Essential
Giving Honor
Division is Unprofitable
“If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:14-15).
Come And See What God Has Done II
Luke 1:26-38 NKJV
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
- Come And See What God Has Done
Any ordinary place can become an extraordinary place when God shows up!
- The Virgin Conception
Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Let it be to me according to your word
Nothing is impossible with God
Come And See What God Has Done
Luke 1: 5-20 NASB
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7 And yet they had no child, because Elizabeth was infertile, and they were both advanced in years. 8 Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
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Come And See What God Has Done!
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God Remembers His Oath
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Your Prayer Has Been Heard!
Title: Salvation Belongs To God
- The Author of Salvation: God’s Sovereign Grace
- The Accomplishment of Salvation: Christ’s Finished Work
- The Application of Salvation: The Spirit’s Regenerating Power
- The Goal of Salvation: The Glory of God
- Jonah 2:9
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- Romans 8:29-30
- Isaiah 53:4-6
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- John 3:3-8
- Titus 3:4-7
- Romans 11:36
- Ephesians 1:3-14
- Philippians 1:6
Luke 19:40 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”
GOD DOES NOT NEED US
- He has ALWAYS been
- Psalm 90:1-2
- God CREATED ALL CREATION first
- Genesis 1:26-31
- He can USE OBJECTS to cry out
- Luke 19:37-40
GOD MADE US FOR HIS GLORY
- Isaiah 43:7
GOD WANTS US
- God DESIRES us
- 1 Timothy 2:1-7
- God DELIGHTS in us
- Proverbs 3:12
- God FELLOWSHIPS with us
Spiritual Makeover II
1 Peter 3:1-7 NKJV
3 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
I. Mutual Submission
Submission – a voluntary attitude of cooperation
II. The Hidden Person of the Heart
3 Marks of a Tender-Hearted Woman
1) Her Actions Speak Louder Than Her Words
2) Her Attitude Is Her Most Attractive Feature
A Spiritual Makeover
3) Her Admiration Is More Biblical Than Conventional
III. Dwell With Them With Understanding
Eph. 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
1 Peter 2:21 “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in His steps.”
Eph. 5:28-30 “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.”
A Spiritual Makeover
1 Peter 3:1-7 NKJV
3 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
I. Submission
Submission a voluntary attitude of cooperation
Look to Christ As The Example
II. Wives
Likewise husband and wife
to your own husbands
- Continuation
- Submission
Submission does not imply inferiority
Submission To Authority
1 Peter 2:13-21 NKJV
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
I. Identity Continues To Drive Activity
Does Your Life Demonstrate The Gospel And Gives Sinners No Excuse?
II. Submission To Authority
Are You Submitting to Authority?
Submit
a voluntary attitude of cooperating
Rom. 13:1-2 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.
Honor All People
Love The Brotherhood
John 13:35 says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Fear God
Honor The King
Vs. 12 “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evil doers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
We Are Called To Endure Grief and Wrongful Suffering
Identity Drives Activity II
1 Peter 2:9-12, NKJV
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
His Own Special People
God’s Word Defines Who You Are
You Are God’s Possession
God’s Word Is The Blueprint
Citizens With Rights and Responsibilities
Citizens of Heaven Strangers in The World
Abstain refuse to engage
Proclaim
Abstain
Identity Drives Activity
1 Peter 2:9-10, NKJV
9 But you are a chosen generation, (you are) a royal priesthood, (you are)a holy nation, (you are)His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
A Chosen Generation
A Royal Priesthood
A Holy Nation
His Own Special People
Rights & Responsibilities Of Citizenship
Living Stones, Holy Priests
1 Peter 2:1-5 NIV
2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
I. Therefore
II. Crave Like Babies
Crave
Ps. 42:1 NKJV “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.”
As Babies
You Will Not Grow Without The Word
III. Living Stones
IV. A Holy Priesthood
As Priests: 1) We Can Stand Before God 2) We Are Obligated To Live Holy Lives 3) We Are To Offer Spiritual Sacrifices To God.
God’s Holiness – Motivation For Godly Living
1 Peter 1:15-19 NKJV
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
To Be Holy You Must Be: 1) Set apart from ungodliness 2) Pursuing God’s highest purpose for your life.
I. God’s Holiness - Motivation For Godly Living
Vs. 16 says, “Be holy, for I am holy”
God’s Holiness - Motivation For Godly Living
When God touches Your Life - You Become Uncommon
II. Holy, Holy, Holy
Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
Vs. 3 says, And one called to another and said:” Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!
Woe is me
Isaiah 6:8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Called To Be Holy
1 Peter 1:13-16 ESV
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
I. Live Like You’re Born Again!
II. Therefore
Verse 13. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Think Before You Act.
Being Holy: 1) Set apart from ungodliness 2) Pursuing God’s highest purpose for your life.
III. Do Not Be Conformed
Vs. 14, As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. Paul brings up the same topic.
Romans 12:1-2, ESV says, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Christ’s Kingdom Is Not Of This World
Vs. 13 says, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Tested By Fire But Still Praising!
1 Peter 1:6-9 NKJV
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
I. Living Like You Are Born Again
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Living Like You Are Born Again
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Trials Can Help You: 1) Course Correct 2) Stay Humble 3) Produce Patience 4) Comfort
II. Precious Faith
III. Tested By Fire
- Trials: Reveal The Genuineness Of Your Faith
- How Will You React In A Trial?
- Leaders Will Face Tougher Trials
- God Isn’t Out To Burn You, He’s Out To Better You!
In This You Greatly Rejoice
1 Peter 1:6-9 NKJV
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
I. Live Like You Are Born Again!
II. In This You Greatly Rejoice!
Verse 5 “who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
III. The Nature Of Trials
Trials Are Diverse
If Need Be
Trials Can Be Helpful
James 1: 2-4 “2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Trials Help Us Comfort Other Sufferers
2 Cor. 1:3-4 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Living Like You Are Born Again
1 Peter 1:1-5 ESV
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
I. From: Peter, An Apostle
II. To: The Exiles of the Dispersion
Living Like You Are Born Again
Jesus told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, ESV).
Remember Who You Are!
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV)
Vs. 3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!”
What awesome work of the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit! God saved us because of His great mercy, not anything that we did or can do to deserve it.
III. A Living Hope
Peter says as Christians we have “a living hope. through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” Vs. 3.
Paul said, “And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world” (1 Cor. 15:19, NLT).
Hannah’s Prayer 1 Samuel 1:6-20 (NET)
6 Her rival used to aggravate her to the point of exasperation, just to irritate her, since the LORD had not enabled her to have children. 7 This is how it would go year after year. As often as she went up to the LORD’s house, Peninnah would offend her in that way.
So she cried and refused to eat. 8 Then her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why are you crying and why won’t you eat? Why are you so upset? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 9 So Hannah got up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh.
At the time Eli the priest was sitting in his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s sanctuary. 10 As for Hannah, she was very distressed. She prayed to the LORD and was, in fact, weeping. 11 She made a vow saying, “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, if you would truly look on the suffering of your servant, and would keep me in mind and not neglect your servant, and give your servant a male child, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.”
12 It turned out that she did a great deal of praying before the LORD. Meanwhile Eli was watching her mouth. 13 As for Hannah, she was speaking in her mind. Only her lips were moving; her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was a drunkard.
14 Then he said to her, “How much longer do you intend to get drunk? Put away your wine!” 15 But Hannah replied, “Not so, my lord! I am a woman under a great deal of stress. I haven’t drunk wine or beer. But I have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman. It’s just that, to this point, I have spoken from my deep pain and anguish.”
17 Eli replied, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request that you have asked of him.” 18 She said, “May I, your servant, find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and got something to eat. Her face no longer looked sad.
19 They got up early the next morning. Then they worshiped the LORD and returned to their home at Ramathaim. Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the LORD called her to mind. 20 Then Hannah became pregnant.
- The World, People, Situations, and Circumstances will provoke you and cause you stress!
Don’t be a Peninnah…
Hannah in the bible means favored
- Bring your petition to God– Go to him!
11 She made a vow saying, “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, if you would truly look on the suffering of your servant, and would keep me in mind and not neglect your servant, and give your servant a male child, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.”
James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
- Walk Away Different and Keep your Promise
18 She said, “May I, your servant, find favor in your sight.” So, the woman went her way and got something to eat. Her face no longer looked sad.
19 They got up early the next morning. Then they worshiped the LORD and returned to their home at Ramathaim. Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the LORD called her to mind. 20 Then Hannah became pregnant.
My Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XGfTOw...
James 1 - Faith Booster James a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my fellow believer, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have [its] perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to them. 6 But they must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that human being ought not to expect that they will receive anything from the Lord, 8 [being] a double-minded human being, unstable in all their ways. 9 But the fellow believer of humble circumstances is to glory in their high position; 10 and the wealthy [is to glory] in their humiliation, because like flowering grass they will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the wealthy in the midst of their pursuits will fade away. 1. Don’t have to be perfect (Vs. 1-4)
- Be a bondservant = attendant to the will of God and Jesus
- Encounter various trials = fall into bad situations
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Testing of your faith = proving shows level of faith and maturing
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Just ask (Vs. 5-6)
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Lacks wisdom = want wisdom
- Will be given = supply will be made available
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Must ask in faith = conviction that it will occur, belief beyond circumstances
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Claim it (Vs. 6-8)
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Without doubting = without hesitation
- They will receive = you must lay claim
- Being double-minded = become certain, not uncertain
Biblical Stewardship
I Corinthians 4:1-2 NKJV Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
- Servants and Stewards
Scripture Emphasizes God’s Ownership Of Everything
Deuteronomy 10:14 “Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.”
I Chronicles 29:11-12 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule overall. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand, it is to make great and to give strength to all.
servants and stewards
God Owns You and Me
- Biblical Stewardship
Time
Talents
I Peter 4:10 says, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Treasure
Testimony
Team
Seeking Fruit
Luke 13:6-9 NKJV
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.”
I. Seeking Fruit
- If Jesus were to inspect me what would He find?
II. What Kind of Fruit?
- God Seeks Fruit
- 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control.
- The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- The Fruit of Repentance
III. A Year of Intentionality
- A Lot Can Change In A Year
- Acts 1:8 become a reality in our church. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
- What are you willing to let the Lord do in you over the next year?
Profession Without Possession
Mathew 21:18-19 NKJV
18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.
I. Deeply Rooted
II. Cleansing the Temple
“Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves” (Mk. 11:17)
“Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them” (Matt. 21:14)
III. Cursing The Fig Tree
If Jesus Inspected You, What Would He Find?
Profession Without Possession
You Are Complete In Christ
Colossians 2:4-10 NKJV
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
I. Deeply Rooted
II. Don’t Be Deceived By Persuasive Words
Eph. 4:14 says, “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting”.
III. As You Have Received
Paul says, “As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Vs. 6)
Walk In Him
Our Roots Must Be As Deep And Wide As Our Branches To Keep Us Balanced
Built Up In Him
IV. You Are Complete In Him
The Preeminence Of Christ
Col. 2:6-7 NKJV 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Col. 1:15-23 NKJV 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight —23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
- The Problem in Colosse
Solo Christo
To keep from being led astray we must be deeply rooted in Christ
- The Preeminence of Christ
Preeminence: to hold first place, above all, over all, surpassing all, nothing and no one can even come close.
What About The Soil? Deeply Rooted - Sermon 2
Mark 4:1-9
1 And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. 2 Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. 5 Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. 7 And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 8 But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” 9 And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
I. Deeply Rooted
“Which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:3).
II. The Seed
(Rom. 1:16) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
III. The Soil
How A Person Responds To the God’s Word Determines Their Ultimate Destiny
What Kind of Soil Am I?
What Word Have You Stored In Your Life?
The Wayside
Stony Ground
Among Thorns
Good Ground
Deeply Rooted
Psalm 1:1-6 1 Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law, he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous, 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.
Deeply Rooted
Deeply Rooted: Firmly Established, Fixed, or Ingrained
In Scripture: A Strong, Stable, Enduring Faith In Christ
The Choice: Way of Righteousness Or Way of Wickedness
“Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22
V3 “He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Diligent Study Of God’s Word
Bears Fruit
V4 “The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind blows away.”
How A Person Responds To the God’s Word Determines Their Ultimate Destiny
“The ungodly shall not stand in the judgment.” Ps 1:5
3 Essential Resources For Spiritual Formation: God’s Word, God’s Spirit, God’s People
Romans 1:16-18
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Quality of Wrath
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Time of Wrath
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Source of Wrath
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Nature of Wrath
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Extent of Wrath
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Cause of Wrath
Your Sorrow Will Be Turned Into Joy
John 16:12-16, 20 NKJV
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. 16 “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.”
20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
- He Will:
He will: Guide You Into All Truth
He will: Not Speak On His Own Authority
He will: Tell You Of Things To Come
He will: Take Of Mine And Declare It To You
I Still Have Many Things To Say To You
- Your Sorrow Will Be Turned Into Joy!
16 “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again, a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.”
20 “I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice.”
Nevertheless
Your Sorrow Will Be Turned to Joy!
- I Have Overcome The World!
33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
To Your Advantage
John 16:7-11 NKJV
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
I. Pentecost Sunday
“I will put My Spirit within you and will cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them” (Ez. 36:27).
II. To Your Advantage
The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit Is To Your Advantage!
Parakletos: summoned, called to one’s side, called to one’s aid, a counsel for defense, an intercessor, advocate, and helper.
III. The Work Of The Holy Spirit In The World
“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8).
Convict expose, refute, or convince.
1) Convict of Sin
2) Convict of Righteousness
3) Convict of Judgment
Hated Without A Cause
John 15:16-27 NKJV
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
I. I Chose You
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Love One Another
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I Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
II. If The World Hates You
-V22 “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.”
- “If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin” (Vs.24).
III. Hated Without A Cause
Get Connected, Stay Connected
John 15:7-14 NKJV 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be My disciples. 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
Jesus Is The Source
The Purpose Of Every Branch -Bear Fruit
Levels Of Bearing Fruit: 1) No Fruit 2) More Fruit 3) Much Fruit
God Expects Us To Grow And Produce Spiritual Fruit
ABIDE
Abide: Stay, Dwell, Remain, Continue, Endure, Live
Steps To Maintain Connection To Jesus:
- Listen & Rely On The Holy Spirit
- Reading & Studying God’s Word
- Develop A Healthy Prayer Life
- Obey His Commandments
John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love.” (Vs. 10)
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (Vs. 13)
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (Vs. 11)
Do You Love Me?
John 21: 15-17 NKJV
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
- Restoration
- Do You Love Me?
- Jesus Doesn’t Leave You Like He found You!
- Do You Love Me?
- Bosko: to pasture or to promote in every way the spiritual welfare of the members of a church
- Poimaino: tend to, keep, rule or govern
Vs 18-19 “18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
I Am Going Fishing
John 21:1-7 NKJV 1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.
- After These Things
- I Am Going Fishing
It is the Lord!
Get to Jesus!
John 15:1-61 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
- He cuts off every branch that bears no fruit!
- Verse 1 says my father is the gardener.
- While every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
- 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
- 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
- Abide in the Father
- We should be connected directly to the source.
Receive The Holy Spirit
John 20:18-22 NKJV
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. 19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
I. Go Tell!
II. Peace
III. You Are Sent!
IV. Receive the Holy Spirit
“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:30-31
His Story Will Change Your Story!
John 19:1-6 NKJV 1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands. 4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” 6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
One Man Should Die For The People
I find no fault in Him
I. Jesus was Scourged
II. Jesus Was Crucified
Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews
III. It Is Finished!
IV. The Resurrection
He Is Not Here, But Is Risen!
Phil 2:13 “For it is God who works in you to fulfill his good purpose.”
I Am
John 18:1-11 NKJV
18 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
I. Betrayal In The Garden
I Cor. 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
II. The Cup
Shall I Not Drink The Cup
2 Cor. 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Vs. 37, “You rightly say that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Who Needs Prayer?
John 17: 9, 20 NKJV 9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word
Jesus Prays
We Should Pray for Ourselves
Jesus Prays For You!
Jesus Prays For Us Because We Are In The World.
Jesus Prays For Us Because We Have A Purpose
Jesus Prays For Us To Be In Unity
Jesus Prays For Us To Be Kept From The Evil One
Jesus Prays That We Will Intimately Know The Word
Jesus Prays We Will Be With Him In Heaven
Jesus Prays That We Will Have Eternal Life
Jesus Prays We Will Experience God’s Love and Presence Continually
Greater Works
John 14:12-18 NKJV
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
I. Greater Works
Greater Works
II. Whatever You Ask In My Name I Will Do
James 5:16 The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Prayer works!
III. Another Helper!
Another Helper!
The Way, The Truth, And The Life
John 14:1-6 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
I. Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
You Believe In God, Believe Also In Me
In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions
I Go To Prepare A Place For You
Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I Will Come Again!
II. The Way, The Truth, And The Life
I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
No one comes to the Father except through Me
Towel Service
John 13:1-5,14 NKJV
13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
I. Jesus Loved Them
Telos - to the fullest extent, no limits, to the uttermost, eternally and continually
II. Jesus Washes Dirty Feet
John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
III. Towel Service
Submit And Serve
The Triumphal Entry
John 12:12-19 NKJV - 12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!” 14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
What Will You Do With Jesus?
Your Testimony Is Powerful!
Will You Believe?
I. The Triumphal Entry
Have You Declared Him King Of Your Life?
“Hosanna” means “Save Now”
The Lamb Of God!
Vs. 19 “Look, the world has gone after Him!”
II. Jesus To Be Glorified
Vs. 23 “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.”
Vs. 24, “I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
Vs. 26 “If anyone serves me, he must follow me”
THE RESURRECTION & THE LIFE
John 11:17-27 NKJV 17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
- 4 DAYS
- 21 Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.
IF
- 22 “But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
EVEN NOW
- THE RESURRECTION & THE LIFE
- 23 “Your brother will rise again.” Again, Martha responds with something that fits into her faith timetable.
- 24 “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?
- 27 “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
- JESUS CAME TO THE TOMB
- 38 “Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb.”
- 39 “Take Away The Stone
TAKE AWAY THE STONE!
- 39 “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”
- 40 “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?
TAKE AWAY THE STONE!
- 43 “Lazarus, come forth!”
Delay Is Not Denial!
John 11:1-6 NKJV
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.
I. For The Glory Of God
Apologetic Purpose
Evangelistic Purpose
Verse 4 When Jesus heard about Lazarus being sick, he said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
You Glorify God In Your Circumstances!
Are You Living For The Glory Of God?
II. Humanity & Divinity On Display
Humanity And Divinity On Display
Verse 5 says Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
Jesus Loves You
III. Delay Is Not Denial!
Whom God Helps
Delay Is Not Denial
Vs. 14-15 “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for our sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.”
The Good Shepherd
John 10:1-6 NKJV “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.
I. The True Shepherd
A True Shepherd Comes Into Position Through: Love, Calling, Care, and Sacrificial Service
II. The Door
John 10:7 “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.”
John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”
John 10:10a “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.”
John 10:10b “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”
III. The Good Shepherd
Are You Hearing His Voice? Responding To His Leadership? Obedient To Follow Him?
Verse 11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.”
Jesus Knows You By Name!
Born Blind
John 9:1-7 NKJV 1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.
I. Jesus Saw A Man
What Do You See?
II. The Light of The World
Mark 2:27-28 “And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
III. Born Blind
Keep Telling Your Story!
John 9:25 “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”
One Thing I Know
Though I Was Blind, Now I See
Do You Believe In The Son Of God?
The Lord Bless You, II
Numbers 6:22-27 NKJV
22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: 24 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” 27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
God Wants To Bless Us
Keep You
Psalm 91:11 says, “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all of your ways”.
Jude verse 24 says, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy”.
Make His Face Shine Upon You And Be Gracious To You
Lift Up His Countenance Upon You
The God Who Sees Me!
Give You Peace
Phil. 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
They Shall Put My Name On
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”.
1 John 3:2 Beloved now are we the sons of God.
Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
There is privilege, and responsibility to having God’s name on your life
2 Chron. 7:14 tells us that “If My people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and repent of their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land”.
Deut. 28:10 says, “And all the people of the earth shall see that you are called by the Name of the Lord”.
The Lord Bless You
Numbers 6:22-27 NKJV
22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: 24 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” 27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
I. The Conditions For Blessing
II. The Lord Bless You!
The Lord
I Will Bless Them
Ephesians 1:3 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Gal. 3:13-14 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
God loves to Bless His People!
Luke 24:50 “And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them.
We Must Receive the Blessing By Faith
III. You Have A Choice
Deuteronomy 11:2 Behold I set before you today a blessing and a curse.
The Light Of The World
John 8:1-12 NKJV
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
I. The Woman Caught In Adultery
Jesus: The Bread of Life, Living Water, and Light Of The World.
II. The Light Of The World!
The Light Of The World!
Jesus Is Present!
Jesus is Our Protector!
Psalm 121: 5-7 The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Jesus is the Word.
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Jesus Is Our Guide!
Verse 12 concludes “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
Living Water
John 7:37-39 NKJV
37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
- Feast Of Booths
God’s Provision
Are You Operating In God’s Timing?
- Living Water
1 Cor. 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
Verse39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive.
Bear Fruit!
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
- We are chosen and appointed (given the job) to go and bear fruit, but not bear just any fruit, but fruit that will last.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
John 15:1-8 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.Jeremiah 17:8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.2. When we are planted by the water, with our roots stable, we don’t fear, and we will bear fruit.
Trees need water to live to bear fruit
- The roots take in what is needed from the water source.
- The roots also give the tree a way to hold fast to the ground.
- The roots keep us grounded. We all know how hard life is and we can count on hard storms and circumstances to come and take us down. And literally knock the breath out of us.
In the most desolate of times we shouldn’t worry or stress but be confident because he is the source. And always bear fruit.
Sometimes people depend on you to flourish and grow.
Good News – God With Us!
Luke 2:10-11 NKJV: 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Mathew 1:18-25 NKJV: 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
- Good News!
- Conceived of the Holy Spirit
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Immanuel – God With Us!
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The Best Of All Is God With Us!
Omnipotence On Display!
Luke 1:11-20 NKJV
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell on him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord’. And Zacharias said to the angel, How shall I know his? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their own time.
- Zacharias’ Response
“I am an old man and my wife is well advanced in years” (Luke 1:18)
Luke 1:20, “You will be mute until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words”.
Luke 1:24 says, “After those days Elizabeth conceived”.
- Mary’s Response
Now let’s look at the story of Mary who was also visited by the angel Gabriel six months after Elizabeth conceived. To be able to compare Mary’s response to Zacharias we will read a somewhat lengthy passage.
Luke 1:26-38 (read during worship).
“How can this be, since I do not know a man” (Luke 1:34)
Then Gabriel tells Mary that her cousin, the one “who was called barren” (Luke 1:36) is now in her sixth month of pregnancy.
Gabriel’s final words of comfort to Mary are Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing will be impossible”.
“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You” (Jer. 32:17).
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me” (Jer. 32:27).
Is this Highly Favored?
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
28 The angel went to her (Mary) and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.
30 the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
- So Mary was favored by God!
- So, even though Mary was favored she still endured hardship and pain.
Psalm 84:4 - Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; They will be singing Your praises all the day long.
Ephesians 1:6 - reads
As a child of God, you are greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved.
The miracle endured
- When you are favored you still have a job to do!
When you are favored you have to surrender to God’s will and get to work.
1 Peter 5:8-11
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8nC-RnETd0
But, also remember this doesn’t exempt you from heartache and hard times, but it does guarantee you victory if you know him and surrender to him.
"HE IS"
Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
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He Is Wonderful
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He Is Our Counselor
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He Is Our Mighty God
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He Is Our Everlasting Father
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He Is Our Prince of Peace
Give Us This Bread! / Series: That You May Believe
John 6:25-35 NKJV 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” 28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” 30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” 35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
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John’s Purpose
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Apologetic Purpose
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Evangelistic Purpose
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I Am The Bread Of Life
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Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
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I Am The Bread Of Life
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Peter answered, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. And we have believed, and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).
They Willingly Received Him - John 6:16-21 NKJV
16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
I. There Will Be Storms
The Divine Purpose Of The Storm Is For Your Growth.
God Has A Destiny For You!
II. Jesus Walking On The Water
It Is I; Do Not Be Afraid
The Storm Is A Set Up For Jesus To Show Up!
Greater Than Fish & Bread! - Series: That You May Believe
John 6:4-13 NKJV 4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted, up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” 10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So, the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.
I. The Passover
Verse 35 Jesus tells the crowd who had once again followed Him “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
“Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst, But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water spring up into everlasting life. (John 4:13-14, NKJV)
II. Where Shall We Buy Bread, That These May Eat?
When The Lord Speaks In Spirit Don’t Respond In Logic
Get Ready!
Signs & Wonders
Series: That You May Believe
John 4:46-54 NKJV
46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” 49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. 54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.
- Sign & Wonders
- The Nobleman
Beginning Faith
Persistent Faith
Go your way; your son lives.
Trusting Faith
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.
Open Your Eyes
Contagious Faith
Finish His Work! Series: That You May Believe
John 4:34-42 NKJV
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
I. Many Believed In Him
II. Many More Believed Because Of His Own Word
III. Finish His Work!
Open Your Eyes
What Feeds You?
Series: That You May Believe
John 4:27-34, 39 NKJV
27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?” 28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him. 31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”
- Jesus Talked To A Woman?
Are You Motivated By Love?
- Witnessing
Witnessing Begins With A Conversation
Witnessing Takes Time
- What Feeds You?
Witnessing Feeds You Spiritually
You Must Be Born Again
Series: That You May Believe
John 3:1-7 NKJV
1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Apologetic Purpose: To give evidence that Jesus is the Messiah
Evangelistic Purpose: That you may believe on Jesus and have eternal life in his name
- You Must Be Born Again
2 Cor. 5:17 “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.”
Being Born Again Is A Work Of The Holy Spirit
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
For God so loved the world – The object of God’s love
He gave His only begotten Son –The expression and gift of God’s love
Whoever believes in Him – The recipient of God’s love
Should not perish – The intention of God’s love
Everlasting life – The duration of God’s love
“The Call”
1 Samuel 3:1-10
1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
The Call, the Response, and the Release
– The Call
And while in God’s presence – God calls out to him, Samuel –
–Response
He didn’t know God’s voice… yet
1st Samuel 3:19-21 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD. 21 The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.
1 Samuel 4:1 And Samuel’s word came to all Israel.
– Release
Our primary calling is to glorify God!
1 Peter 2:9 He called you out of darkness into the light
That is your calling!
He calls you to a “who” before he calls you to “a do”.
But, she was called
2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
The First Sign
Series: That You May Believe
John 2:1-11 NKJV
2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” 6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” 11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
Apologetic Purpose: To give evidence that Jesus is the Messiah
Evangelistic Purpose: That you may believe on Jesus and have eternal life in his name
I. The Party
II. The Predicament
III. The Provision
Do You Go To Jesus When You Have a Predicament?
Just do it!
There Is Transforming Power In Jesus!
The Best Is Yet To Come!
IV. The Purpose
His Disciples Believed In Him!
What Do You Seek? Series: That You May Believe
John 1:35-42a NKJV
35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
That You May Believe
Without Jesus You Are Dead And In Darkness
- John The Baptist
Point People To Jesus!
Behold! The Lamb Of God
- What Do You Seek?
Follow me
Come and See
How can you apply what you’ve heard today? 1) Pray for your friends and family to know Jesus. 2) Give them your testimony. 3) Invite them to come to church with you.
Genesis Series - Lesson 8 - Genesis 4
Questions
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“Knew” is a polite way of saying __________________________
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Adam & Eve likely expected Cain to be ____________________
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What kind of offering did Cain & Abel bring to the Lord? (Gen 4:3-4)
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How did God respond to their offerings? (Gen 4:4-5)
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According to Hebrews 11:4 Why did God respect Abel and his offering?
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What question did God ask Cain and what was Cain's response? (Gen 4:9)
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What did God say Abel’s blood did? (Gen 4:10)
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What did God do to Cain to keep anyone from killing him? (Gen 4:15)
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Who was the son who God appointed as another seed to replace Abel? (Gen 4:25)
Answers
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sexual relations
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the Messiah
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Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat.
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The LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering.
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By faith Abel offered up a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.
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"Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
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Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.
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The LORD set a mark on Cain.
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Seth
The Word Became Flesh
Series: That You May Believe
John 1:14 NKJV
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth.
John 20:31 NKJV But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
- That You May Believe
That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
John 1:1-2 NKJV says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”
Vs. 3 says, “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
Jesus is God
Ps. 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Rom. 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.
God Has Spoken To Mankind Perfectly And Comprehensively
2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Vs. 4 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
Jesus Is The Light! We Are To Be Reflectors Of The Light!
- The Word Became Flesh
John 1:12
Genesis Series - Lesson 7 Questions - Genesis 3:14-24
1. To eat dust has the idea of __________ __________.
2. And the God of Peace will __________ Satan under your __________ shortly. (Rom. 16:20)
3. The real battle is between __________ and the __________ of the woman.
4. Genesis 3:15 has been called the _______________, the first gospel.
5. I will greatly multiply your __________ and your __________; in __________ you shall bring forth __________; your desires shall be for your __________, and he shall __________ over you. (Gen. 3:16)
6.What is the significance of Adam calling his wife Eve?
7. What is significance of God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins? (Heb. 9:22)
8. What two things make us believe that Adam and Eve will be in heaven?
9. How did man become like God? (Gen. 3:22)
Answers
1. total defeat
2. crush / feet
3. Satan / seed
4. proto-evangelium
5. sorrow / conception / pain / children / husband / rule
6. She wasn't a mother yet. Adam called her Eve in faith to what God said.
7. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. God did the sacrifice.
8. Adam had faith in God's promise of a savior. / God provided a covering for them through sacrifice.
9. He was able to know good and evil.
Back To The Book – Commitment
Nehemiah 9:38 NKJV
And because of all this, we make a sure covenant and Write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.
I. Make A Covenant
God Is Still Doing Significant Spiritual Work Among His People!
II Chronicles 7:14 If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
II. Commitment
III. Separation
2 Corinthians 6:17 says, “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.”
They Committed To Support
Submit, Separate, & Support
Back To The Book – Rebuilding Spiritually III
Nehemiah 9:1-6 NKJV
9 Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads. 2 Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. 3 And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for one-fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God. 4 Then Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani stood on the stairs of the Levites and cried out with a loud voice to the Lord their God. 5 And the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said: “Stand up and bless the Lord your God Forever and ever! “Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise! 6 You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.
- Spiritual Renewal
Revival began by the Spirit of God working through the Word of God and it would continue that way
Confession And Recognition Of Sins Is A Sure Sign Of Revival
Are You Serious About Your Relationship With God And Serious About His Word?
Repentance is the inseparable companion of faith
Brokenness Of Heart Is A Sure Sign Of Revival.
- Prayer/Rehearsal of God’s Goodness
“Stand Up & Bless The Lord Your God Forever And Ever!”
Start With Praise!
Reflection On The Goodness Of God Is A Sure Sign Of Revival
Back To The Book – Rebuilding Spiritually II
Nehemiah 8: 9-15 NKJV
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them. 13 Now on the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law. 14 And they found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, 15 and that they should announce and proclaim in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the mountain, and bring olive branches, branches of oil trees, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.”
- Bring The Book!
The People’s Response To The Word: Unity, Present, Attentive, Responsive, Worship
God’s Word Brings Joy
The Joy of The Lord Is Your Strength!
This Day Is Holy
- Leadership
Verse 13. “Now on the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law.”
Obedience
Very Great Gladness
Luke 14:25-35
Count the Cost
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You must worship at any cost - (Crucifixion)
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You must work at any cost - (Construction)
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You must war at any cost - (Conflict)
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You must witness at any cost - (Commission)
Back To The Book – Rebuilding Spiritually
Nehemiah 8:1-6 NKJV
8 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. 4 So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
- Working on the Spiritual Foundation
Are You Serious About God’s Word?
Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Revival And Worship Are Inseparably Linked To The Word Of God
Revival The Spirit Of God Working Through The Word Of God, In The Lives Of The People Of God.
- Hear & Understand
After The Walls Are Built
Nehemiah 7:1-5 NKJV
1 Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, 2 that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. 3 And I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut and bar the doors; and appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house.” 4 Now the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few, and the houses were not rebuilt. 5 Then my God put it into my heart to gather the nobles, the rulers, and the people, that they might be registered by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of those who had come up in the first return, and found written in it:
- Preserving & Protecting
The Purpose Is To Give God Glory.
1 Peter 5:8 says, “ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
- Appoint Leadership
Great Works Start With A Burden For People
Be Faithful - The Greatest Ability Is Dependability
III. Take A Census
Are You Willing To Work For The Lord?
The Lord Will Supply All You Need!
Almost Done!
Nehemiah 6:1-4, 9 NKJV
1 Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), 2 that Sanballat nd Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” 4 But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner. 9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
I. Almost Done!
The Attack Of Distraction
Pray For Your Leaders
- I’m Doing A Great Work!
I will not come down, I will not stop, I’m doing a great work!
- The Attack Of Slander
It’s Time To Get Back To Work!
O God, strengthen my hands!
Saturation
Deuteronomy 6: 1-9 reads The Greatest Command
1 “This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. 2 Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. 3 Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey. 4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
- When something is saturated it is not easily dried up!
John 7: 37-38
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
- When you are saturated you leave a mark wherever you go!
- But sometimes in order to be completely and fully saturated you may have to be squeezed.
The Why Behind the Work- Sermon 3
Series: Rebuilding
Nehemiah 4:1-6 NLT
4 Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, 2 saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” 4 Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! 5 Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders.” 6 At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.
- Pray, Plan, Persist
What has God put in your heart to do?
Share The Vision
Encourage The People
Start
Stay Focused.
Are You On The List Of Workers For The Kingdom?
- The Why Behind The Work
Nehemiah 4:13-14 NLT So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows. Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
The Why Behind The Work?
God Is fighting For Us!
Stepping Out In Faith!
Series – Rebuilding
Nehemiah 2:1-10
2 Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. 2 So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified, 3 but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4 The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, 5 I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” 6 The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request. 7 I also said to the king, “If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. 8 And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me. 9 When I came to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, I delivered the king’s letters to them. The king, I should add, had sent along army officers and horsemen to protect me. 10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.
Turnaround: an abrupt or unexpected change, especially one that results in a more favorable situation.
Pray, Plan, and Persist
- A Bold Request!
A Bold Request!
III. The Plan
- Stepping Out In Faith!
Turnaround Starts With Prayer
Sermon 1 of Series “Rebuilding”
Nehemiah 1:1-11 NLT
1 These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. 5 Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! 7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. 8 “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’
10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer.
- Turnaround
Turnaround: an abrupt or unexpected change, especially one that results in a more favorable situation
Things are not going well!
- Pray First
Nehemiah’s Prayer
Turnaround Starts With Prayer
Son, Father, Brother, Worker, Soldier
Philippians 2:19-30 ESV
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
- Timothy
Son
Father
The Church Needs More Father/Son Relationships!
Choose Godly Role Models/Be Godly Role Models
- Epaphroditus
Serving
Gives Meaning And Purpose To Our Lives.
Brother
Worker
Soldier
The Shield Of Faith
Series: Prepare For Battle!
Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
1) You are in a spiritual war
2) Know your enemy and know yourself
3) Jesus gave us power over the enemy
4) Sword of the Spirit – God’s Word
5) Be strong in the Lord
The Shield Of Faith
Don’t Go Into Battle Without The Shield!
Faith - assurance, being persuaded, convicted to the truth of anything, trust, believing in One who can be relied on
Without faith, it is impossible to please God
Walk by faith and not by sight
Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God
By grace through faith
Fight the good fight of faith
Don’t go into battle without the Shield
1 John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Don’t Go Into Battle Without The Shield!
Romans 4:19-20 says: 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Don’t go into battle without the shield!
The Sword Of The Spirit
Series: Prepare For Battle!
Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
- Know Your Enemy
- Know Yourself
We Don’t Have To Fear The Enemy!
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV says, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Romans 8:15 NKJV For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
I’m A Child Of God!
Jesus Gave You Authority Over The Enemy!
Matthew 16:19 says, “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind (prohibit) on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose (permit) on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Devil, You’re Not Welcome Here!
Matthew 10:1 NKJV And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
III. The Sword Of The Spirit
The Word of God Exposes Satan’s Techniques.
Don’t Go Into Battle Without The Sword!
The Whole Armor of God
Series – Prepare For Battle!
Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
- Be Strong In The Lord
2 Cor. 12:9-10 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Col. 2:15 NLT “In this way he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”
- We Are In A Spiritual War!
1) We are in a spiritual war!
2)The Real Enemy Is The Devil!
3) We Do Not Wrestle Against Flesh And Blood
III. Put On The Whole Armor of God!
2 Cor. 10:3-4 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
Put On The Whole Armor Of God!
Stand!
Nothing Can Move You When You Stand In Christ!
Prodigals Are Returning!
Luke 15:11-24 KJV
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, how many hired servants of my fathers have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry.
-
The Prodigal
God Places Great Value on Lost People -
A Far Country
Separation From The Father Creates Problems
Sin Will Take You Farther Than You Want To Go
Sin Will Keep You Longer Than You Want To Stay
Sin Will Cost You More Than You Want To Pay -
He Came To Himself!
-
The Loving Father
God Actively Seeks Out The Lost!
Grace
My Prodigals Are Returning!
A Mother’s Prayer
Mathew 20:20-23 KJV
20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
I. Be A Part Of His Kingdom
Worshipping
Keep Praying
II. Participate In His Kingdom
III. Be Powerfully Used In His Kingdom
What Are You Expecting?
Luke 3:15-16 NKJV
15 Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, 16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- Expectation
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV 3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
What Are You Expecting?
- How Are You Living?
Luke 7:28 NKJV 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
One Mightier Than I Is Coming
Expectation
Prosdokao: look for, wait for, tarry, anticipate
What are you expecting?
Psalms 119:126 KJV says, 26 It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.
Lesson 5
Questions 1. Salvation is the _______ solution for _______.
-
Salvation is made possible by what 2 things? (4th fundamental truth)
-
_______ of us have _______.
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Jesus _______ sin on the _______.
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Jesus _______ us with _______.
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What does repent mean?
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There will be _______ as well as _______ evidence if a person is saved.
-
What is the internal evidence?
-
What is the external evidence?
*
Lesson 5 Answers
-
only / sin
-
The meritorious work of Jesus on the cross and through the Holy Spirit conviction.
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All / sinned
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conquered / cross
-
reunites / God
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To be sorry for one's past lifestyle and to change direction towards God.
-
internal/external
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Inner witness
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Changed behavior
What Are You Saying?
Proverbs 18:21 ESV
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
- The Power Of The Tongue
Words Have The Potential To Edify Or Destroy
The Tongue Is Hard To Control
Be Careful What Direction Your Tongue Takes You
- What Are You Saying?
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:36-37)
Avoid Complaining
Nothing Is Impossible With God!
Truths for Life – Lesson 4 Questions
- Jesus – Fully _______ and Fully _______.
- Name 3 ways others see Jesus?
- The _______ teaches us that there is only _______ way to heaven and one path to pleasing God and that is through _______.
- Philippians 2:6 establishes that Jesus is _______ with _______ and is _______.
- Philippians 2:7 tells us that _______ initiated setting aside His divine _______.
- Jesus was _______ to human _______.
- While on earth Jesus was _______ on His _______ with the Father.
- Luke 1:34 tells us that _______ was a _______.
- Luke 1:35 tells us that the ______________ was involved in Mary becoming _______.
Truths for Life – Lesson 4 Answers
- Human / Divine
- Prophet, one of many gods, a good man
- Bible / one / Jesus
- Equal / God / God
- Jesus / privileges
- Subject / limitations.
- Dependent / relationship
- Mary / virgin
- Holy Spirit / pregnant
Presence, Purpose, Power
Mathew 9:35-10:8 NKJV
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
10 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, [raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
- Pray/Send Out
Jesus Saw A Neglected Flock And A Harvest Going To Waste
Pray
Send Out
- Presence, Purpose, Power
Mark 3:14-15 NKJV 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:
Be With Jesus
Share His Presence
John 15:5 NKJV says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:7 NKJV says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Participate in His Purpose
Operate in His Power
Paul told the Corinthian church, “ I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:3-5 NKJV)
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Sickness a result of sin John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, ___________________________ come unto thee.
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Sickness caused by a spirit Luke 13:11-12 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art ____________________________.
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Sickness through unbelief Mark 6:5 And he could ____________________________ there, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
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Healing through deliverance Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of ____________________________, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.
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Gave disciples authority to preach, heal and deliver Mark 3:13-15 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would; and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have ____________________________, and to cast out devils:
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God glorifies the Son through healing Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath ______________, whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
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Signs follow the word Acts 8:5-8 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. _____________________ crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: And there was great joy in that city.
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Healing a kingdom thing Luke 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unti them, The ____________________________ unto you.
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Healing is one of the gifts of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the ____________________________; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Answers: - lest a worse thing - loosed from your infirmity - do no mighty work - evil spirits and infirmities - power to heal sickness - glorified Him - For unclean spirits - Kingdom of God has come - gifts of healing by the Spirit
Truths For Life - Lesson 03 - Godhead
Questions
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Who are the 3 people of the trinity?
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List some ways the Bible describes God.
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List 2 errors associated with the doctrine of the Trinity.
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What 2 illustrations are often used to describe the Trinity?
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What did the Spirit and the Father do at Jesus' baptism? (Mk. 1:10-11)
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Immediately the Holy Spirit _______ Jesus into the wilderness. (Mk 1:12)
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What claim does Jesus make for Himself? What does this indicate about His divine nature? (Mt. 28:18)
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What name did Jesus authorize His disciples to baptize people in? (Mt. 28:19)
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What promise did Jesus make to His disciples? What does this tell us about His nature? (Mt. 28:20)
Answers
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Father / Son / Holy Spirit
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Eternal - no beginning or ending / Spirit / Omniscient / Omnipotent / Omnipresent / Holy / Good / Righteous / Faithful / Love
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polytheism / Sabellianism
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three forms of water (solid, liquid, gas) / three parts of an egg (yolk, white, shell)
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Spirit descended like a dove upon Him / Father said, This is My Son in whom I am well pleased
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drove
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That He has been given all authority in heaven and earth. He is God.
-
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit
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I will be with you always. He is omnipresent, also eternal.
Hungry People
Matthew 14:13-21 (CSB)
13 When Jesus heard about it, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick. 15 When evening came, the disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send the crowds away so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 “They don’t need to go away,” Jesus told them. “You give them something to eat.” 7 “But we only have five loaves and two fish here,” they said to him. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 Then he commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of leftover pieces. 21 Now those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
- Jesus Saw
The Disciples Saw: it was late, people were hungry, and no place to purchase food
Compassion
God Wants To Increase Your Capacity For Ministry
You Give Them Something To Eat
- Opportunity Vs. Problem
What Do You Have In Your Hands?
Never Assess A Situation Bases On Your Own Resources
Lesson 02 - Scriptures
Truth for Life Series
Truths for Life - Lesson 02 Questions
1. Define "Doctrine" _______________________________________________
2. Fill in the blanks: The _______ of the Old and New _______ are the _______ Word of God presenting to us the _______ revelation of His _______ for the _______ of men, and constituting the _______ and _______ rule of Christian faith and practice.
3. Define "Canon" _________________________________________________
4. Define "Inspired" _______________________________________________
5. God did not _______ the Bible.
6. We believe the Bible is _______ or never wrong.
7. Name 4 things the scripture is profitable for": __________, __________, ____________________, ____________________
Lesson 02 Answers
1. Teaching or instruction established through past decisions
2. Scriptures / Testaments / inspired / complete / will / salvation / Divine / only
3. measuring rod or standard
4. breathed on
5. dictate
6. infallible
7. doctrine / reproof / rebuke or correction / instruction in righteousness
We Were Without Strength
Romans 5:6-9 NKJV
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
We Were Without Strength
Jesus Came To Our Rescue
Demonstrates
We Are Made Right By The Blood Of Christ!
The Blood!
Christ’s Blood Allows Us To Enter God’s Presence
The Cleansing Power Of Jesus’ Blood Is Limitless
The Resurrection!
We Were Without Strength
Born Again – A Heart Walk / Questions 03/27/24
- The amplified translation expands born again to be _______ _______ _______ - spiritually _______ _______ _______
- Stiff-necked means to be _______ and _______ to _______
- To be biblically circumcised means to have your _______ and _______ covered.
- Ezekiel 11:19 – God will put a new _______ within us and take the _______ heart out of our flesh and give us a _______ of _______
- Rend our hearts, not our garments. Rend means to:
- Psalm 51:17 – The _______ of God are a broken _______ and a broken _______ heart.
- Per the original Greek and Hebrew words for heart embrace the whole _______ _______ and is the seat of _______ _______ _______
- Per Samuel 16:7, the Lord looks at the _______
- This people honor me with their _______ but their heart is _______ _______ _______ (Mark 7:6)
- The wind blows wherever it pleases. So it is with everyone _______ of the _______ (John 3:8)
- God loves a _______ giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)
*
*
*
*
*
Answers
- Reborn from above / transformed renewed sanctified.
- Obstinate / difficult / lead
- Heart / ears
- Spirit / stony / heart / flesh
- Split, tear to pieces, separate abruptly, bust
- Sacrifices / spirit / and contrite
- Inner man / desires, appetite, intelligence
- Heart
- Lips / far from Me
- Born / Spirit
- cheerful
No Condemnation
Romans 8:1-4, 14-15 NKJV
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
- No Condemnation
You Are Free From The Guilt Of Sin.
Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus
You Are Free From The Power Of Sin.
God’s Children Are Led By The Holy Spirit.
The Spirit Of Adoption Is More Powerful Than The Spirit Of Bondage.
Hidden Treasure
Matthew 13:44-46 NKJV
44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
- *The Kingdom of Heaven
*The Kingdom of Heaven
- The Great Value
*Jesus is the hidden treasure
*The gospel is the field in which the treasure is hidden
III. The Secret
*Don’t Let The Secret Of The Treasure Die With You
*Do We Realize The Value Of The Kingdom Of Heaven?
*ALL IN
All In
The Power Of The Gospel!
Romans 1:14-20 NKJV
14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
Zealous For God
An Encounter With Jesus
Committed To Preaching The Gospel.
Zealous For The Gospel!
Romans 12:11 NIV, Paul instructs us to “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel Of Christ
Zealous For The Gospel!
- The Power Of The Gospel!
God Is Righteous But Man Is Not
II Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
- For Everyone Who Believes!
For Everyone Who Believes!
- I Am A Debtor
Mark 16:15 NKJV says, 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
I Am A Debtor
The Promise Of The Father!
Acts 1:4-5 NKJV
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
- Wait For The Promise!
The Promise Of The Father!
- The Holy Spirit Comes To:
1) Invade
2) Incase
3) Instruct
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
4) Impress
5) Indwell
1 Cor. 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8BhszJOVjo
Questions
-
Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT says "Instead. let the __________ renew your thoughts and attitudes."
-
Philippians 2:5 NLT "Let this __________ be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
-
Philippians 2:5 NLT "You must have the same __________ that Christ Jesus had."
-
In John 16:33, Jesus told us that we would have tribulation in this world, but to be of good cheer because He has __________ the world.
-
Jentezen Franklin writes that we can either let life's difficult situations take us __________ or take us __________.
-
"The single most important __________ I can make today is my choice of __________." Charles R. Swindoll
Answers
-
Spirit
-
mind
-
attitude
-
overcome
-
down / up
-
decision / attitude
Genesis 37:3-11 Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was a son born to him in his old age, and he made a long-sleeved robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him. Then Joseph had a dream. When he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: There we were, binding sheaves of grain in the field. Suddenly my sheaf stood up, and your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” “Are you really going to reign over us?” his brothers asked him. “Are you really going to rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and what he had said. Then he had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun, moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He told his father and brothers, and his father rebuked him. “What kind of dream is this that you have had?” he said. “Am I and your mother and your brothers really going to come and bow down to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Joseph was a dreamer!
A Delayed Dream
But be careful who you tell–
because not all will encourage you or be happy for you.
Joseph’s dreams were about God making Joseph a great leader one day.
A few of the things he endured were.
● being betrayed by his brothers
● Thrown in a dry well to die.
● Sold into slavery.
● brought to Egypt, where he was sold to Potiphar, one of King Pharaoh’s ministers.
● sent to prison for being wrongfully accused.
Because sometimes when God puts a desire in our hearts it may look like circumstances are taking you in the exact opposite direction, and that’s when the panic and doubt set in, BUT God’s ways are better than our ways.
If God had answered Joseph’s cries to be saved, he would have saved him from a lot of pain, but he also would have blocked his road to his destiny– the destiny to become a great ruler.
Sometimes we become reliant on every other thing EXCEPT God.
God wants us to be completely reliant on him. So sometimes he allows us to be in positions where we realize we need him more than anything else, we simply need him.
Just when you think the dream is fulfilled… I am here, he says wait a minute, there’s more.
Teach Us To Pray
- __________ need to pray for __________ own needs.
- How many times does Mark 11:24 use the word “You”?
- What type of prayer did Paul teach?
- What should be your top priority in intercessory prayer? (1 Tim. 2:3)
- What problem is mentioned in Matthew 9:37 that we need to pray for?
- What 4 things does Paul say should be made for all men?
Answer Key:
- You / Your
- 5 Times
- Intercessory Prayer
- To pray for sinners to become believers.
- The laborers are few.
- Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks
Jesus Is Praying For You! -Part 2
John 17: 9, 20 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
- Jesus Prays for Us!
1) Jesus Is Praying For You!
2) We should pray for ourselves
3) Jesus Is Our Advocate
4) Jesus Prays For Us Because We Are In The World
5) Jesus Prays For Us To Be In Unity
6) Jesus Prays For Us Because We Have A Purpose To Fulfill
- Additional Things Jesus Prays
Jesus Prays That We Will Have Eternal Life
Jesus Prays That We Will Be Kept From The Evil One
Jesus Prays That We Will Intimately Know The Word.
Jesus Prays We Will Be With Him In Heaven
Jesus Prays That Our Unity Will Lead Others To Christ
Jesus Prays We Will Experience God’s Love and Presence Continually
Jesus Prays His Joy Will Be Fulfilled In Us
Jesus Is Praying For You!
John 17: 9, 20 NKJV
9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
Hebrews 7:25 NKJV
25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
- Jesus Prays for Us!
- Why is Jesus Praying for Us?
Verse 11 “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one.”
Jesus Prays For Us Because We Are In This World.
John 13:35 NKJV “By this all will know that you are my disciples, that you have love for one another.”
Jesus Prays For Us Because We Need Unity.
Verse 15 “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”
Verse 18 “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”
Jesus Prays For Us Because We Have a Purpose To Fulfil
Gather Sticks
28 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
- The Storm
- Love People No Matter What
Galatians 1:6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
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Gather sticks
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Put Your Sticks on the Fire
Keep the fire burning!
Have You Left Your First Love?
Revelation 2:1-7 NKJV 1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”
- Hear What The Spirit Says
- I Know Your Works
Ephesians 2:8-10 says, For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
- You Have Left Your First Love
1) Remember 2) Repent 3) Return
I Set Before You An Open Door
Revelation 3:7-11 NKJV
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
- 2024 – The Year Of The Door
Hear What The Spirit Says
I am coming quickly!
You Have Not Swerved From Your Purpose
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NKJV 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and thus we shall always be with the Lord.
- An Open Door
See The Door
Walk Through The Door!
Time Stewardship
1 Peter 4:7-11 NKJV
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- The End Of All Things Is At Hand
The End of all things is at hand
Time is valuable
Time is a reflection of God’s grace
Time is a testament to God's sovereignty
Time is a tool for spiritual growth
The shortness of time should motivate us to serve the Lord
- Pray
Be serious and watchful in your prayers
What To Do When Heaven Shows Up In Your World –Part 3
Luke 2:1-3 NKJV And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Ceasar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So, all went to be registered everyone to his own city.
Luke 2:4-5 NKJV Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
Luke 2:6-7 NKJV So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Luke 2:8-11 NKJV Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Do not be afraid
Luke 2:12-14 NKJV And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!
Luke 2:15-20 NKJV So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
What To Do When Heaven Shows Up In Your World
Mathew 2:1-12 NKJV
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the
least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
The Wisemen Vs. The Religious Leaders
Are you looking and listening for heaven to show up in your world?
Wisemen Still Seek Him.
Indifference - lack of interest or concern, apathy, especially regarding matters of importance
Micah 5:2 NKJV “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
Mathew 23:27 NKJV “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Worship
What To Do When Heaven Shows Up In Your World
Mathew 1:18-25 NKJV
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
God Still Shows Up In Our Daily Lives
Mary & Joseph
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
Behold the Maidservant of the Lord!
Let it be to me according to your word.”
Joseph did as the Lord commanded him
Preparations For The Promise
Joshua 5:10-12 NKJV
10 Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. 11 And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. 12 Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.
- Preparations For The Promise
Preparations for the Promise
- Celebrate The Passover
III. The Manna Ceased
More Than Enough!
More Than Enough > Just Enough
No More Shame!
Joshua 5:1-9 NKJV
So it was, when all the kings of the Amorites who were on the west side of the Jordan, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel until we had crossed over, that their heart melted; and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel. 2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 4 And this is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: All the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, had died in the wilderness on the way, after they had come out of Egypt. 5 For all the people who came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness, on the way as they came out of Egypt, had not been circumcised. 6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people who were men of war, who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they did not obey the voice of the Lord—to whom the Lord swore that He would not show them the land which the Lord had sworn to their fathers that He would give us, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” 7 Then Joshua circumcised their sons whom He raised up in their place; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. 9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day.
- Gilgal
God is on your side!
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God’s Military Strategy
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No More Shame!
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What Do These Stones Mean to You?
Joshua 4:1-7 NKJV
4 And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: 2 “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’ ” 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; 5 and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”
- I’m Crossing Over!
- What Do These Stones Mean to You?
Memorial: anything intended to preserve the memory of a person or event
Carry Them Over With You!
Psalms 145:4 “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts”.
Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb (The death and resurrection of Jesus is the basis for all victory over Satan) and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
Sanctify Yourselves!
Joshua 3:1-6 NKJV
3 Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. 2 So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; 3 and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.” 5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” 6 Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people.
Where God Guides He Provides!
Sanctify Yourselves!
Go After It!
Be Strong & Courageous
Joshua 1:7-8 NKJV
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
- History
God delivered Israel from bondage
God delivered us from the bondage of sin
- Possessing the Promise
God is with you!
Be Strong and Courageous!
Obey God’s Word
Wholly Follow the Lord
Joshua 14:6-15 NKJV
6 Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: “You know the word which the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. 8 Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God. 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’ 10 And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. 12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. 14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. 15 And the name of Hebron formerly was Kirjath Arba (Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim). Then the land had rest from war.
- Historical Background
- Wholly Follow the Lord
Wholly: solely, exclusively, absolutely, entirely, completely, fully
I’m not turning back!
You can trust God’s Word!
Wholly follow the Lord!
Wilderness Worship
Psalm 63New King James Version (NKJV)
A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
63 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.
4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. 6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. 7 Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. 8 My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.
I. The Wilderness
Wilderness Worship
II. Oh God, You are my God
Psalm 18:2-3 David said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.
III.Seek the Lord
In Psalm 42:1-2, it says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”
Worship is not only a response to God, but also the pursuit of God
Something is Missing
I Samuel 4:1-11 NKJV
4 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek. 2 Then the Philistines put themselves in battle array against Israel. And when they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men of the army in the field. 3 And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.” 4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 5 And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook. 6 Now when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, “What does the sound of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?” Then they understood that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp. 7 So the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp!” And they said, “Woe to us! For such a thing has never happened before. 8 Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. 9 Be strong and conduct yourselves like men, you Philistines, that you do not become servants of the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Conduct yourselves like men, and fight!” 10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter, and there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers. 11 Also the ark of God was captured; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
Something is Missing
You Need a Word From the Lord
Three signs you are making a bad decision
- You avoid input from God ordained leadership.
- You don’t consult the word of God.
- You don’t pray for God’s leading.
The Relationship Was Missing
God’s Presence Was Missing!
Are You Listening?
1 Samuel 3:1-10 NIV
3 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
- A Scarcity of Revelation
- The Lamp of God had not yet gone out
- Are You Listening?
- When you are in God’s presence expect to hear from Him.
- Are You Listening?
- Here I am
- Are You In Tune With God’s Voice?
- Is God Calling You to Another Level?
A Holy God
1 Samuel 2:1-2 NLT
2 Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong.Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. 2 No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
A Holy God
Look what the Lord has done!
“No one is holy like the Lord”!
Psalm 113:4-6 NIV: 4 The Lord is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high, 6 who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?
God calls us to be holy
1 Samuel 2:11-12 NLT 11 Then Elkanah returned home to Ramah without Samuel. And the boy served the Lord by assisting Eli the priest.12 Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord.
1 Samuel 2:18-21 NLT 18 But Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the Lord. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest.19 Each year his mother made a small coat for him and brought it to him when she came with her husband for the sacrifice. 20 Before they returned home, Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, “May the Lord give you other children to take the place of this one she gave to the Lord.” 21 And the LORD blessed Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters.
You can’t outgive the Lord!
God is in control
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxwYnQyMhTY&t=18s&pp=ygU0bGl0dGxlIGJveSByZXZlYWxzIGplc3VzIGluIGV2ZXJ5IGJvb2sgb2YgdGhlIGJpYmxlIA%3D%3D
The Plight, The Prayer, The Promise
1 Samuel 1:1-8 NKJV
1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there. 4 And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb. 6 And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat. 8 Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
- The Plight
- The Prayer
- The Promise
The Champion!
I Samuel 17:1-4 NKJV
17 Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle, and were gathered at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah; they encamped between Sochoh and Azekah, in Ephes Dammim. 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and they encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array against the Philistines. 3 The Philistines stood on a mountain on one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. 4 And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
- Arrayed For Battle
- David the Champion
The Battle Belongs to the Lord!
III. The Ultimate Champion!
Crossing Over To The Other Side
Mark 4:35-41 NKJV
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Crossing Over to the Other Side
You can face any storm if Jesus is with you
Let us cross over to the other side!
The secret is remembering Jesus is in the boat with you.
I’m Crossing Over!
What is Love?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT) which reads; “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
- Love God
- Love others
- Love Yourself
All you need is love!
We Never Saw Anything Like This!
Mark 2:1-5,10-12 NKJV
2 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediatelymany gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Jesus is in the House!
Jesus saw their faith
Jesus Responds To Faith
We never saw anything like this!
Draw Near! – Part 2
Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Draw Near!
We Are Better Together!
The Day Is Near!
Proverbs 27:17 NIV says, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Go To Church!
Draw Near!
Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
“For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin” (Heb. 10: 4, ESV).
“We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10, ESV).
Draw Near!
Having Boldness
The Blood of Jesus Christ.
Draw Near!
The Priestly Blessing II
Numbers 6:22-27 NKJV
22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: 24 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” 27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
Are you connected to Christ?
Keep You
Psalm 91:11 says, “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all of your ways”.
Jude 24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy”.
You are not alone!
Make His Face Shine Upon You And Be Gracious To You
Lift Up His Countenance Upon You
Give You Peace
They Shall Put My Name On
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”.
Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Deut. 28:10 “And all the people of the earth shall see that you are called by the Name of the Lord”.
The Priestly Blessing
Numbers 6:22-27 NKJV
22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: 24 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” 27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
A Good Word
The Lord
I Will Bless Them
Ephesians 1:3 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Gal. 3:13-14 NKJV Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
God loves to Bless His People!
Luke 24:50 says, “And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them.
We Must Receive the Blessing By Faith
“Blessed (fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God) is the nation whose God is the Lord”. (Ps. 33:12, NKJV)
Pentecost – The Power of God – 4
The Power of Change
2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come
They Were All With One Accord In One Place
A Rushing Mighty Wind
Tongues, As Of Fire
Fire changes whatever it touches
Are you willing to be transformed by the fire of the Holy Spirit?
Epic Dads - In Times of Failure
Adam: Genesis 1-4 Noah: Genesis 6-8 Job: Job 1-42 Abraham: Genesis 12-21 Jehonadab: Jeremiah 35 Joseph (Jesus's earthly dad) Jarius: Mark 5:21-43
Jesus heals a woman and Jarius's daughter
Jesus calls Jairus to an extreme faith with an extreme promise
Jesus communicated 3 things to Jairus: - Ignore what they say - Do not fear - Only believe
4 things we can learn from Jairus - We must put ourselves in the presence of Jesus - We must humble ourselves sincerely before Jesus - We must present our need in a holy reverence - We must have total confidence in the power and the goodness of Jesus
4 things we can learn from the afflicted woman - We must tell Him the whole truth about our sin - We must tell Him the whole truth about our suffering - We must tell Him the whole truth about the other doctors and cures we've tried - We must tell Him the whole truth about all our hopes
Challenges and failures will come to all Epic Dads
3 things that can change - Your life - Your family's life - Your impact on others
The words you speak - Life and death are in the power of the tongue
Be a "Father of Faith" - A "father of faith" seeks continual encounters with Jesus
When the world is upside down - To stand for the gospel is to stand for truth
Pentecost- The Power of God – Part 3
You Shall Receive Power!
Acts 1:4-8 NKJV
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
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Wait for the Promise
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You Shall Receive Power!
Pentecost – The Power of God!
The Spirit of Truth
John 14:16-17 NKJV
16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
A Season of Preparation for Even Greater Things!
“For this purpose, I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37-38) Pilate said, “What is truth?”
- The Spirit of Truth
Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
2 Cor. 4:4 “Whose minds the god of this age (Satan) has blinded, who do not believe lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”
1Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light”.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
- How Can I Know The Truth?
1 Cor. 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
“So, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Pentecost – The Power of God!
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
- Greater Works
Believe - to rely on, to cling to in faith
In His Name - According to His Character and Authority
In Unity With the Mind and Motive of Jesus
- Another Helper
A Season of Preparation For Even Greater Things!
Pass the Baton II
2 Timothy 1:5-8, 11-14 NIV
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
- Be Reminded
- Stir Up the Gift!
Stir Up The Gift!
Don’t Drop the Baton!
Generational Legacy
Spiritual Legacy
Pass The Baton
2 Timothy 1:3-6
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Sincere Faith
Sincere Faith is Both Taught and Caught!
Pass the Baton!
The Way You Live Will Impact Your Children.
What Are You Giving Your Children For Mother’s Day?
Don’t Drop The Baton!
Key thought: You thought you were fair-you-see, but you were really sad-you-see, because when it’s only God-you-see, it changes both you and me.
Key passage: Galatians 6:1 – 5 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
FAIR-YOU-SEE
Galatians 3:17 – 19 This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. For if the inheritance could be received by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God’s promise. But God graciously gave it to Abraham as a promise. Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people.
SAD-YOU SEE
Galatians 3:21 – 25 Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.
GOD-YOU-SEE
You Are The Light Of The World
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
You Are The Salt Of The Earth
You Are Valuable To The Kingdom Of God
Are You Salty?
- You Are The Light Of The World
The Light Lives Inside Us!
John 1:4 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life”.
John 1:5 KJV And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:5 NIV The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The Light Did Shine, Is Shining, And Will Continue Shining!
- A City Set On A Hill
Don’t Hide Your Light!
Go Be The Light!
You Are The Salt Of The Earth
Matthew 5:13 NIV
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
- You are the salt of the earth
You are valuable to the Kingdom of God!
I am the salt of the earth
- Properties of Salt (Christians)
Salt flavors
Salt preserves
Salt heals
Salt promotes thirst
Are You Salty?
You Are The Salt Of The Earth
Risen With Christ!
Note: Mathew 28:1-7 NKJV will be read during Worship
Mathew 27:45-50 NKJV
45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47 Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!” 48 Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. 49 The rest said, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit.
In the 20th Century We Have Sanitized and Ritualized the Cross
Jesus Did It Willingly
John 10:17-18 NKJV “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" (2 Cor. 8:9 KJV)
It is Finished!
Paid in Full!
Christ is Risen!
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gal. 2:20)
Risen with Christ!
Jehovah-Jireh II
Genesis 22:6-14 KJV
6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? 8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
I. Jehovah-Jireh.
II. Both Of Them Together
Who wanted Jesus crucified on the cross?
God did
Both of Them Together
III. God Provides
Jehovah-Jireh
Jehovah Will See To It!
God Provides
Jehovah-Jireh
Genesis 22:1-5, 14 KJV
1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. 2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. 3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.
God Will Test You
Here I am
“3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.”
I Will Make You Fishers of Men
Mathew 4:18-22 NKJV
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
I. Follow Me
Jesus’ Presence Demands a Decision
Follow Me
II. I Will Make You
III. Fishers of Men
Don’t Wait!
Don’t Wait, Go Fishing!
Matthew 10:46-52
46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” 50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
Passing Through
How Desperate Are You?
Jesus Won't Be A Reality In Your Life Until He Becomes A Necessity In Your Life
Throw Aside Your Garment
Hunger & Thirst
Mathew 14:15-21 NKJV
15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Hunger & Thirst
Seeking is Part of Revival!
Healing is Part of Revival!
The Word is Part of Revival!
Jesus Responds to Genuine Hunger!
Hunger & Thirst
Psalms 63:1-5 NKJV – A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah - O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. 4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
Jesus the Bread of Life
Hungry & Thirsty
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life & death, between prosperity & disaster. 16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. 17 “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. 19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
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We Have Been Taught Wronga. Didn’t it say you would suffer for Christ?b. Isn’t money evil?c. Don’t just the wicked prosper?
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We May Have Skipped That in Our Bible Reading “Plan”- Psalm 25:12-13 Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. 13 They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land.- Psalm 34:12-14 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.- Proverbs 11:24-25 Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. 25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.- Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
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How Can We Change This Concepta. Define Itb. Make God the Priorityc. Stand on the promises of God!Romans 9:7-9 Being descendants of Abraham does not make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too. 8 This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children. 9 For God had promised, “I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”d. Claim the promises of God!Genesis 12:1-3 (NLT) [The Call of Abram] The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
• God, I leave my comfort zone and follow Your design.• You make us a great nation.• You make me blessed.• You bless me to bless others.
Ask Anything in My Name!
John 14:12-16 NKJV
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever
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Believe In Me!
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Ask Anything In My Name!
III. Another Helper!
Worship Changes the Atmosphere
John 12:1-11 (NIV)12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
I. In Jesus’ honor
II. Martha’s Worship-Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”-Saved People Serve People! -Titus 2:14 says, “Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. III. Lazarus’ Worship-Acts 4:13 says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”-Are People Coming to Jesus Because of Your Life? IV. Mary’s Worship-Expensive-Extravagant-Personal-Worship is a Function of Your Will -Worship Changes the Atmosphere
Take Away the Stone!John 11:38-44 NKJV38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.
For the Glory of God
Take Away the Stone!
If you believe you will see the glory of God revealed!
F.B. Meyers - "The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayers, but unoffered prayers."
1 Peter 4:7 "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers."
Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."
Devote
Persistent
Don't Give Up
The less we pray, the less we desire to pray.
Passionate
Intercessor
Intercessory prayer changes things!
Devoted, Persistent, Passionate, and Intercessors
For The Glory of God!John 11:1-7 NKJV11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
For the Glory of God!
Whom God Helps
You glorify God in what you go through!
Delay is not denial!
Don’t lose hope!
Are you living for the glory of God?
The Joy of DecreaseJohn 3:25-30 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
I. All Are Coming to Him!
II. The Joy of Decrease
III. He Must Increase, but I Must DecreaseThe priority is not the preeminence of your position but the performance of your assignment. Am I humbling enough to bend to God’s will for my life? You can’t exalt Jesus if you are full of yourself.
Luke 4:38-39 - 38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39 So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.
Luke 4:40-41 - 40 At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 41 Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah
John 14:12-14 - 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Luke 4:42-44 - 42 At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 44 And he kept onpreaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Acts 4:31-33 - 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all Filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With Great Power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
Good Tidings & Great Joy To All PeopleLuke 2:8-20 NKJV8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Good Tidings and Great Joy to all People
Breaking the Silence!Luke 1:18-20, 57-64, 76-7718 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. 59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So, they all marveled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins
There is protocol to enter the King’s presence
Break the Silence!
Speak!
I’m Breaking the Silence!
No Longer Barren!Luke 1:26-38 NKJV26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
The Greatest Story Ever Told
God Is Still Speaking
Rejoice
You are Favored
Do Not Be Afraid
How can this be?
Holy Spirit Overshadow Us! “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Gen. 18:14)
No Longer Barren!
God With Us!Mathew 1:18-25 NKJV18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
The Greatest Story Ever Told
What Will You Will Do With Jesus?
God can take unlikely people and use them in great ways! The Virgin Birth
1) Fully Human2) Totally Sinless3) Fully God
Conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bare a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
God With Us!
Psalms 46:7 &11 both say, “The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Psalm 46:5 says, “God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.”
Revival Requirements III 2 Kings 23:1-3, 21 NKJV 23 Now the king sent them to gather all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to him. 2 The king went up to the house of the Lord with all the men of Judah, and with him all the inhabitants of Jerusalem—the priests and the prophets and all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the house of the LORD. 3 Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant. 21 Then the king commanded all the people, saying, “Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.”
1) Seek God 2) Purge the idols 3) Turn to God 4) The House of God must become a priority 5) Discover/Rediscover the Word
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. James 1:22 says “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Revival Requirements II
2 Chronicles 34:1-3 NKJV 34 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.
2 Kings 23:25 NKJV 25 Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.
Purge
Revival requires a purge
Revival requires a turning to God.
The House of God becomes a priority in times of revival
To Experience Revival: 1) Seek God 2) Purge any idols 3) Turn to God wholeheartedly 4) Make God’s House a priority
The Power of Gratitude Psalm 136:1 declares, “Give __________ to the Lord, for He is __________! His __________ love endures forever.” (NLT) Benefits of living life with an attitude of gratitude: 1. Gratitude __________ __________. Isaiah 43:7 (NKJV) says we were created for His __________. Psalm 50:23 (NKJV) says that whoever offers praise __________ me. 2. Gratitude __________ __________ __________ God. James 1:16-17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from __________, and comes down from the Father of lights… 3. Gratitude __________ __________ __________ __________ __________. The scripture that says, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Is found where? __________ 4. Gratitude __________ __________. 1 Samuel 17:36-54 tells the story of __________ and __________. 5. Gratitude __________ __________. Romans 10:17 declares that faith comes by __________ and __________ by the Word of God. 6. Gratitude __________ __________. John 6:5-13 tells the story of the feeding of the 5,000. 7. Gratitude __________ __________ __________ __________. The story of the 10 lepers can be found in Luke 17:11-19. Out of 10 lepers, only one returned to thank Jesus for healing him. Jesus told the man to, “Go thy way, thy faith has made thee __________.” 8. Gratitude __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________. 2 Chronicles 5 gives the account of the priests bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Solomon’s Temple. Verse 14 (KJV) says, “so that the priests could not __________ to minister by reason of the cloud: for the __________ of the Lord had filled the house of God.”
Answers: A. thanks / good / faithful 1. glorifies / God / glory/ glorifies 2. helps / us /see / above 3. puts / us / in / God’s / will / 1 Thessalonians 5:18 4. brings / encouragement / David / Goliath 5. builds / faith / hearing / hearing 6. brings / multiplication 7. turns / healing / into / wholeness / whole 8. brings / down / the / Glory / of / God / stand / glory
Revival Requirements
2 Chronicles 34:1-3 NKJV 1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.
2 Kings 23:25 NKJV Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.
I. Seek God!
“If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Revival requires humbling ourselves and seeking God
Josiah means “Whom Jehovah heals”
“O God, You are my God, Early will I seek You, My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for you in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.” (Psalms 63:1-2)
We’re Not Done Fishing! John 21:1-6 NKJV After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. I. Jesus Showed Up!
II. We’re Not Done Fishing!
Throw in the nets!
We’re Not Done Fishing!
I’m going fishing!
Rock Solid Church Mathew 16:13-19 NKJV 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” I. Who is Jesus?
II. I Will Build My Church What is the Rock that Christ Will Build His Church On? 1. Jesus Himself 2. The Confession of Faith 3. Us
The Great Commission
Mathew 28:18-20 ESV
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
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Great Authority
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Great Command
Go!
Make Disciples!
Baptize
Teach
III. Great Promise
We can do this! He is with us!
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
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The Situation
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Don’t Look Around
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Look to God
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Change me
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Change what you think (Romans 12:1 – 2)
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Change what you see (2 Corinthians 4:16 – 18)
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Change what I expect (Hebrews 12:1 – 4)
Digging Ditches
II Kings 3:9-12,15-18,20 NKJV
9 So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they marched on that roundabout route seven days; and there was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them. 10 And the king of Israel said, “Alas! For the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” 11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water othe hands of Elijah.” 12 And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
15 But now bring me a musician.” Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. 16 And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ 17 For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ 18 And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 20 Now it happened in the morning, when the grain offering was offered, that suddenly water came by way of Edom, and the land was filled with water.
- A Word from God
One word from God can change everything!
There is great power in spiritual music!
- Digging Ditches
Hebrews 11:1 KJV “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Make this valley full of ditches!
The blessing is directly proportionate to your preparation for the promise!
Prepare for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit!
Keep Digging Ditches!
Acts 2:17-18 KJV 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
This Is A Simple Matter In The Sight Of The Lord!
Back to the Basics
Lesson 9
Romans 5
Back to the Basics – Lesson 9 Questions
- What is the 1st benefit we have because of being justified? V1
- What is the 2nd benefit we have because of being justified? V2
- Define “Rejoice”
- Define “Hope”
- Describe mankind’s condition before Christ died for us. V6
- How did God demonstrate His love?
- What are we saved from? V9
- Through what man did sin enter the world?
- What is the penalty for Adam’s sin?
- Through what man did Grace and righteousness enter the world?
- Every person is identified in either __________ or __________
Answers
- Peace with God
- A Standing Grace
- A Triumphant Confidence
- Happy Certainty
- Without Strength, Utterly Helpless
- He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us
- The wrath of God
- Adam
- Death
- Jesus Christ
- Adam / Jesus
Servant, Student, Son II Kings 2:9-14 9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 10 So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” 11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. You must let go of the past to grasp the future God has for you
I. Positioned for a Double Portion
Faithfulness positions you to do greater things for God.
1) Servant
Serving positions you to do greater things for God.
We prepare to lead by following, and we train for service by serving.
2) Student
Being a student positions you to do greater things for God.
3) Son
Son-ship comes through relationship
Being a son positions you to do greater things for God
(Servant, Student, Son) II. Why is a Double Portion needed?
To turn this nation back to God
Forsaking All For The Call I Kings 19:19-21 NKJV 19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.
I. Continued encounters with God! God Passed By Go back! God wants to expand your role in His kingdom Anoint - to spread out or to expand
II. Forsaking All For The Call God rewards those who are faithful where they are planted. Waiting to obey is disobedience
Revival of the Dead Ezekiel 37:1-10
1 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
The Mountain Versus the Valley
Valley of Dry Bones
Can These Bones Live?
It’s not until the spirit of God breathed upon the bones that they became alive.
Sometimes there is just nothing we can do about a circumstance. The circumstance is simply out of our control.
But, the breath of God…
What Are You Doing Here?
I Kings 19:9-13 NKJV
9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
What Are You Doing Here?
Your destiny is greater than you realize!
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Get Out of the Cave!
Go Back!
1 Kings 19:1-8 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” 5 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 8 So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.
God I Can’t Do This Anymore!
1) Apparent failure 2) Emotional loneliness 3) Physical Exhaustion
God, I Can’t Do This Anymore!
Sometimes the most spiritual thing a person can do is get enough rest.
God, I Can’t Do This Anymore!
My God is Jehovah - V
I Kings 18:41-46 NKJV
41 Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, 43 and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.” 44 Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab,” ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ 45 Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. 46 Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girdedup his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
We Need Rain!
There is the sound of abundance of rain!
Allow the Spirit to change you, not just entertain you
Do you hear the sound of abundance of rain?
I hear the sound of abundance of rain!
Lord, Send the Rain!
My God is Jehovah IV
I Kings 18: 30, 36-39 NKJV 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. 36 And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”
Make a Decision
I Kings 18:21 “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.”
Make a Decision
How long?
Repair the Altar!
Let it be known that you are God!
My God is Jehovah!
Then the fire fell!
The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!
My God is Jehovah III I Kings 17:17-22 NKJV 17 Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. 18 So she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?” 19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the LORD and said, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?” 21 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the LORD and said, “O LORD my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.” 22 Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.
1) Trust the Provider 2) God is always a step ahead of you 3) Obedience 4) Sometimes the brook will dry up but God is Jehovah-Jireh.
Dwelling in Zarephath Malachi 3:2-3 NKJV 2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like launderers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness. Refining - to reduce to a pure state Out of Zarephath Revival will Come!
My God is Jehovah II I Kings 17:7-16 NIV 7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
I. The Brook Dried Up the brook dried up If not for the Lord, I wouldn’t have made it! God has not forgotten you at the dried up brook!
II. The Journey of Obedience It’s not over! Jehovah Jireh-The Lord will Provide Are you willing to give God the first and the best?
Acts 1:21-26 (New Living Translation)
Acts 14:19-20 (King James Version)
Acts 9:23-25 (New King James Version)
My God is Jehovah! 1Kings 17:1-6 And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” 2 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 3 “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 4 And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.
I. My God is Jehovah! James 5:17-18 NKJV makes this clear: 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. My God is Jehovah!
II. The Walk of Faith Trust the Provider more than the provision To Walk by Faith 1) Know the word of God 2) Believe God is a Step Ahead of You 3) Get moving
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU 1. INVISIBLE ENERGY THAT EMPOWERS YOU TO ACCOMPLISH MORE 2. REQUIRES YOU TO SEPARATE YOURSELF AND TRAIN INTENSELY 3. BECOME RADICAL DANIEL 3: - … 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.” … 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time, you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” 4. INVISIBLE ENERGY THAT EMPOWERS YOU TO ACCOMPLISH MORE 5. REQUIRES YOU TO SEPARATE YOURSELF AND TRAIN INTENSELY 6. BECOME RADICAL “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!...there is no other God who can deliver like this.” 7. INVISIBLE ENERGY THAT EMPOWERS YOU TO ACCOMPLISH MORE 8. REQUIRES YOU TO SEPARATE YOURSELF AND TRAIN INTENSELY 9. BECOME RADICAL
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
The Missing Man
Ezekiel 22:30 ESV
30 And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.
Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
The Missing Man
God is still looking for a man
Will you be the man that God is looking for?
The Missing Man
Amazing things can happen when a man takes a stand!
The Missing Man
Is there not a cause?
Amazing things can happen when a man takes a stand!
The Spirit and the Church Ephesians 2:19-22 NKJV 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. I. We are the Church
“Oikeios”means devoted to, belonging to a house or family, or related by blood
We are the Church II. The Spirit
The Holy Spirit and the Church are inseparable
The Holy Spirit constitutes the Church
The Holy Spirit adds to the Church
The Holy Spirit unites the Church
The Church cannot exist without the energizing power of the Holy Spirit
A Church filled with the Spirit is an Army that cannot be stopped
The Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4 KJV 2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Joel 2:28-29 KJV says, 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
One day can make all the difference in the world
The Spirit’s Continual Presence and Sustained Empowerment
Filled & Refilled
The disciples were obedient to the Lord to wait
Wait for two reasons 1) God’s timing is always perfect 2) They weren’t ready
God make us ready!
Empty Us!
God grant us a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit today!
Baptized with the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:4-9 NKJV
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
- Acts of the Holy Spirit
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s Way of Empowering the Church to Spread the Gospel message
- The Work of Jesus Continues!
Acts Continues to be Written Today
Acts 1:8 says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”
III. Wait!
You Shall Receive Power
1) Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Gift
2) The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for those who have been born again
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is distinct and separate from salvation
One who is baptized in the Spirit becomes saturated and immersed with God’s presence to the point that it spills out
A Thread of Hope Joshua 2:1,15-21 1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. 16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way. 17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear. 18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. 19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. 20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear. 21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
The Spirit and the Bride Say Come! Revelation 22:17, 20-21 NKJV 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I. Be Ready!
II. The Spirit Says Come!
III. The Bride Says Come!
“Maranatha!” means, “O Lord, come!”
Maranatha!
Seeking the Lost Mathew 18:11-14 NKJV 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
I. What is Our Motivation & Focus?
Our Motivation and Focus can be Skewed
What is our motivation & focus?
II. Insights from the Parable
God Places Great Value on Lost People
It Was Not Safe For The Sheep To Be Separated From The Fold
The Power of God
Romans 1:14-17 NKJV 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.
I. I Am A Debtor! - Who are we indebted to? - Am I delinquent? - Romans 12:11 NIV Paul instructs us to “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” - Be zealous for the gospel! - The Gospel is the Power of God II. The Gospel - The gospel is the good news that God will restore broken lives through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. - God is righteous but man is not. III. For Everyone Who Believes! - Mark 16:15 NKJV says, 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” - The Gospel is The Power of God! - II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” - The Gospel is the Power of God! - The gospel is the good news that God will restore broken lives through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
But Now…
I Cor. 15:20-22 NKJV 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
But Now…
John 12:24 Jesus said, 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
verses 21 -22. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
3 Crosses
Luke 23:32-43 NKJV 32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
I. The Cross of Rejection
II. The Cross of Repentance
III. The Cross of Redemption
Uncovered
2 Kings 5:1-14
Vulnerability that Leads to Healing
Behind the Scenes
The Other Side of Vulnerability
A New Location
A New Covering
Made Whole
Restoration
High Priestly Prayer
John 17: 9, 20 NKJV 9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
Hebrews 7:25 NKJV 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
I. Jesus Prays for Us!
Jesus Prays for Us!
II. Why is Jesus Praying for Us?
Verse 11 Jesus tells us why He is praying for us. He says, “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one.”
Jesus prays for us because we are in this world but not of this world.
Jude verse 24 says, 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy
John 13:35 NKJV Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, that you have love for one another.”
Jesus prays for us because He knows we need each another.
Verse 15 Jesus says, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”
Verse 18 answers the question. “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”
Jesus prays for us because we have a purpose to fulfill
In Luke 9:23, Jesus looks at his disciples and tells them, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."
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Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him.
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So what does it mean to carry your cross?
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The cross was equivalent to opposition or execution
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The cross is a symbol of shame and suffering.
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Cross equated: death, the sole purpose was to kill
- The execution or plan of order became life instead of death.
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The shame and suffering became honor because he died for all of us, and he now sits with the father
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Death becomes resurrection and victory because the tomb was empty!
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But, we can be encouraged that it doesn’t end there.
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We should be excited that there is more to the story.
Luke 23:26 26 As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.
Luke 22:41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
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Without Jesus, the execution, the suffering, the shame, and the death are permanent, but with Jesus these do not have the final word.
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With Jesus all things are new.
Psalm 23 (New King James Version) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
He Sent His Servant Luke 14:16-23(NLT) 16 Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.
I. God Prepared! Galatians 4:4-5 English Standard Version (ESV) says, 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
II. He Sent His Servant He sent me! Inviting people to God’s house is a command.
III. It’s Urgent! The Master recognized the urgency to fill His house with guests. Bring people to Jesus There’s still room! A growing church is a going church.
John 4:35-42 NLT 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” 39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” I. Keep Drinking! John 7:37-38 ESV “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” “pineto” - continuing or repeated / act of drinking Keep Drinking! If you neglect or disconnect from the source (Jesus) you will dry up spiritually If you are a waterless spring, you won’t be effective in witnessing Jeremiah 2:13 ESV says, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” II. Additional Harvest Principles 1) The generation after us will reap what we have sown II Corinthians 9:6 ESV says, 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. The amount you sow is proportional to the amount you reap. 2) The Word will increase your effectiveness in reaping the harvest. 3) We are all supposed to work in the harvest Mathew 9:37-38 Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Plant and Harvest John 4:34-42 NLT 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” 39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
II. Wake Up and Look Around!
III. Harvest Principles - Be willing to go wherever the Holy Spirit leads you. - Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - You have to go into the field to get to the harvest. - Be willing to break tradition and social and cultural barriers. - To be effective in planting and harvesting we must spend time in Jesus’ presence. - When you encounter Jesus it awakens compassion for others. - Your testimony is crucial to the harvest. - Today is crucial to the future harvest! - Take what you know and go!
Mark 5:21-41
21 When Jesus had crossed over again by boat[a] to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the sea. 22 One of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and begged him earnestly, “My little daughter is dying. Come and lay your hands on her so that she can get well[b] and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd was following and pressing against him. 25 Now a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years 26 had endured much under many doctors. She had spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse. 27 Having heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothing. 28 For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I’ll be made well.” 29 Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30 Immediately Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 His disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing against you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But he was looking around to see who had done this. 33 The woman, with fear and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be healed from your affliction.” 35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 When Jesus overheard[c] what was said, he told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” 37 He did not let anyone accompany him except Peter, James, and John, James’s brother. 38 They came to the leader’s house, and he saw a commotion—people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 They laughed at him, but he put them all outside. He took the child’s father, mother, and those who were with him, and entered the place where the child was. 41 Then he took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha Koum”[d] (which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, get up”). 42 Immediately the girl got up and began to walk. (She was twelve years old.) At this they were utterly astounded. 43 Then he gave them strict orders that no one should know about this and told them to give her something to eat.
But Jesus
We have to trust in God’s plan, not our own.
But he brought Jesus to the house. He brought Jesus to his daughter.
And sometimes his plan as well as his timing are different from ours.
Temporary loss in order to show us the eternal abundance of His blessing.
And lastly, trust Jesus to have the final say, the truth, not the world
Relational Evangelism John 4:34,39 NLT 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” ESV Vs39 says, “Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.”
I. Witnessing - Witnessing is a major theme of the Bible - Witnessing is intentional - Preparation is necessary - Witnessing is expected - Witnessing begins with a conversation - All people need Jesus - Witnessing takes time - People must recognize their sin so they understand they need a savior - Jesus is the answer to the sin problem
II. What Feeds You? Witnessing feeds you spiritually
III. Results of Relational Evangelism
Catching the Vision – Strengthen Me
Nehemiah 6 1:4 1 Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), 2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” 4 But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.
I. Discernment
Prov. 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Discernment – The ability to judge matters according to God’s view of them, and not according to outward appearance.
I Sam. 16:7 says, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
II. Why Should the Work Cease?
“Why should the work cease?”
“It’s time to get back to work!”
III. Strengthen Me
Verse 9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
Catching the Vision - Incentive Nehemiah 4:1-6 NIV 4 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!” 4 Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders. 6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. Opposition is inevitable with every God ordained vision. II. Opposition is inevitable The devil wants you to question 1) Yourself 2) Is God really in it? 3) Is the vision really possible? 4) Can you complete the vision? 5) Are the resources enough? 6) Is the result of the vision worth the risk and sacrifice? III. A whole hearted commitment Following a vision always requires a whole hearted commitment. Your plan may change but the vision doesn’t change. Don’t be afraid! Remember how great and awesome God is! Incentive
Accomplishing the Vision Together
Nehemiah 2:11-18 New Living Translation (NLT)
11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, 12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. 13 After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. 14 Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. 15 So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate. 16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. 17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
- Investigate Before You Initiate
III. Communicate the Vision
Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
1st - the problem. Verse 17 “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.”
2nd - the solution. “Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem”.
3rd - the reason. “to end this disgrace!”
What is our reason?
- the harvest
- more opportunity
- Bring Glory to God
4th - the timing.
Visionary Prayer Nehemiah 1:5-11New Living Translation (NLT) 5 Then I said, “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! 7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. 8 “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’ 10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cupbearer.
Service out at pavillion on CrossPointe East property, so has a lot of background noise.
The first 5 minutes of audio is of reduced quality. We apologize for the inconvenience.
We apologize for the popping sound throughout the audio, we found we had a loose connection in the microphone wires.