Grand Parkway Baptist Church: Recent Episodes

Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Messages from Grand Parkway Baptist Church in Richmond, Texas.

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

How To Maximize The Moment
Matthew 10:16-33

There is a purpose for the sending, v. 16
Here Jesus says three things...
a)be wise- intelligent, wise
b)be innocent- to be unmixed
c)beware- to turn your mind or attention to, focus on
There is a reason for the experience, v. 18
Two things we have to understand in this verse...
a)“for my sake”
b)“to bear witness"
Practice received speech, v. 19-20
Hardship reveals the quality of all relationships, v. 21-22
To be Christlike is to suffer, v. 24-25
• Hebrews 5:7-10

Three things about suffering...
a)Suffering is a reflection of our identity- “although he was a son...”
b)Suffering is painful learning- "he learned obedience"
c)Suffering accomplishes things in us that nothing else can- “And being made perfect...”
6. Don’t waste your fear, v. 26-33

Mental worship...
1. Would you consider yourself “unmixed” in relation to evil?
2. What have you learned from your suffering?
3. When is the last time you experienced “received speech?”
4. How has hardship affected the quality of your relationships?
5. What has to happen in your life for you to acknowledge Jesus in any and all circumstances
before anybody?
6. Do you waste your fear? If so, on what?

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Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Provision of Proclamation
Matthew 10:1-15

The power, v. 1-4
• Authority is the ability or strength one is given, which they either possess or exercise; the
power of authoritative influence which derives from birth.
• 2 Corinthians 4:7
The people, v. 5-6
Four things to helps us think rightly about these people...
a)It’s not about “saved” versus “unsaved Israelites
b)Refers to people who’ve gone through some stuff
c)They needed something but thought it was too late to get it
d)Their leadership had failed them
The proclamation, v. 7
• Matthew 4:17
• Matthew 4:23
• Matthew 5:3
• Matthew 6:10
• Matthew 6:33
• Matthew 7:21
• Matthew 9:35
• Matthew 24:14

Reducing the gospel strictly to a transactional arrangement for forgiveness removes the natural
mandate for discipleship, leaving Christians with a mechanism for getting into heaven without
any actual transformation of character.” ~ Dallas Willard

The provision, v. 8-15

Mental worship...
1. Do you see things more as an opportunity or an indication?
2. Could you explain Christianity to someone without mentioning the Cross, Jesus dying for
people and forgiveness?
3. What could you do this week that would demonstrate the joyful reality of the Kingdom?
4. What does your actual lived out life proclaim?
5. If you could only pray one prayer as a result of what you heard today, what would that prayer
be? Would you pray it right now?

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Blake Hardcastle, Equipping Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The One Thing That Is Really Important In Life
Philippians 3:12-21
1. Everyone is in assembly v12-13
2. Put on the Press v.13-14
A. Forget past failures.
B. Forget your past achievements:
C. Strain forward v.13
D. Remember your “why?”v.12
3. Follow Worthy Examples v. 15-19
A. Get an example to follow v.17
B. Be an example to follow v.17
Proverbs 13:20
C. Grieve unworthy examples: v.18-19
• Their end is destruction
• Their god is their belly
• Their glory is their shame
• Their minds set on earthly things
4. Remember the Promise v.20-21
A. Remember how long eternity is.
B. Remember what will happen.

Mental worship
1. Who do you need to have new hope for because they are still in assembly?
2. What can you address (press on) that will dramatically affect the quality of your life?
3. Who do you grieve because they are wasting their life on the wrong goal?
4. If you were going to follow someone, who would you ask?
5. Where do you turn when you are bored?

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Overwhelmed by stress? Discover how humbling yourself under God’s mighty hand and casting your anxieties on Him brings lasting restoration and strength.

In this sermon, Pastor James Perryman walks through 1 Peter 5:6–11, breaking down the spiritual rhythms of grounding behaviors and formative experiences. Learn how to navigate suffering, watch out for spiritual battles, and allow God to gently restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you in times of brokenness.

In this episode, we cover:

Being Made Low to Be Lifted Up: Why true humility requires placing yourself under God's authority—and receiving His value for you.
How to Saddle God with Your Anxiety: Practical steps to stop carrying heavy burdens and experience God's active care.
Enduring Suffering & Jungle Warfare: Understanding spiritual opposition and building faith muscles through trials.
God’s Gentle Restoration: How the Master Craftsman applies "necessary pressure" to heal and rebuild you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & The Anxiety Epidemic
01:28 – Welcome & Scripture Reading (1 Peter 5:6–11)
05:10 – Point 1: Being Made Low & Lifted Up
10:45 – Point 2: Casting Anxieties & Experiencing Care
15:30 – Point 3: Watching Out for the Opponent
19:15 – Point 4: Enduring Sufferings & Faith Strength
21:40 – Point 5: Experience Healing & God's Workbench
29:10 – Point 6: Releasing Control & Closing Prayer

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Why do we take communion? Discover how the Lord's Supper connects our past forgiveness, our future hope, and the daily power we need to live for Christ right now.

In this message, Executive Pastor Wade Burgess walks through Matthew 26, Revelation 21, and John 10 to explain the deeper meaning of communion. Learn why remembering Christ’s sacrifice isn't just a religious ritual, but an essential anchor for receiving daily grace, overcoming anxiety, and living in the power of the Holy Spirit today.

In this episode, we cover:

Remembering the Sacrifice (The Past): How Jesus’ body and blood paid the debt for our inherited sin nature and restored our relationship with God.
Celebrating the Promise (The Future): A look into Revelation 21 and the hope of a new heaven, a new earth, and the end of all suffering.
Empowered for Everyday Life (The Now): Why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us navigate marriage, parenting, anger, and anxiety in the present moment.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Opening Prayer & The Gospel Solution to Sin

01:13 – Why We Observe Communion as a Church

02:30 – Matthew 26: The First Communion & Forgiveness of Sins

04:30 – Revelation 21: Celebrating Our Future Hope & All Things Made New

06:40 – John 10: Living in the "Now" Through the Power of the Holy Spirit

09:00 – Closing Prayer & Reflection

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Want to live a truly "blessed" life? Discover what it actually means to flourish according to Psalm 1 and how delighting in God's Word changes everything.

In this message, Student Pastor Ian Weber breaks down the six verses of Psalm 1 and explores its powerful parallels to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Learn how to identify the subtle progression of sin, move from duty-based religion to authentic delight in God, and become a fruit-bearing tree planted by streams of living water.

In this episode, we cover:

How to Avoid the Slippery Slope of Sin: Understanding the progression from "walking" to "standing" to "sitting" with compromised values.
Duty vs. Delight: Why a relationship built solely on rules feels cold—and how to cultivate true "Christian hedonism" by pursuing your highest pleasure in God.
Fruit-Bearing Tree vs. Chaff: How abiding in God’s Word naturally produces lasting fruit rather than a shallow, forgotten life.
Knowing About God vs. Knowing the Way: A powerful personal story on sobriety, transformation, and discovering real freedom in Christ.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The Danger of Flirting with Sin

01:37 – Welcome & Introduction to Psalm 1

04:30 – How to Become "Super Blessed" (Psalm 1 vs. Sermon on the Mount)

07:00 – Identifying the 3 Audiences: Wicked, Sinners, & Scoffers

11:45 – Duty vs. Delight: Moving Beyond Cold Religion

16:40 – The Agricultural Analogy: Fruit-Bearing Trees & Chaff

24:30 – Knowing the Way of the Righteous (A Story on Sobriety & Grace)

30:15 – The Two Paths & Closing Reflection Questions

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Are your personal preferences keeping you from God's bigger purpose? Discover the four central habits of Jesus that every believer is called to imitate.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon walks through Matthew 9:35–10:5, exploring how Jesus lived with a deep sense of responsibility rather than personal preference. Learn what it means to move past your comfort zone, see people with true compassion, and recognize when God is calling you to be the answer to your own prayers.

In this episode, we cover:

Where He Went (Responsibility vs. Preference): Why clinging to our comfort zones causes us to miss out on what God is doing in the "villages."
What He Did (Teaching, Proclaiming, Healing): Why believing the Bible is profitable requires allowing it to align our lives, correct us, and train us in righteousness.
How He Felt (Moving from Ethos to Pathos): Experiencing the deep, visceral compassion of Jesus for people who are harassed and helpless.
What He Prayed (Becoming the Answer): Why Jesus calls us to pray for laborers in the harvest field—and then sends us out to be the laborers.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Is the Bible Profitable for You?

01:05 – Welcome & Passage Context (Matthew 9:35–10:5)

02:25 – Habit 1: Where He Went (Preference vs. Responsibility)

10:45 – Habit 2: What He Did (Teaching, Proclaiming, Healing)

18:15 – Why the Scriptures Are Profitable (2 Timothy 3:16)

26:10 – Habit 3: How He Felt (Jesus' Deep Compassion)

33:20 – Habit 4: What He Prayed (Praying for Laborers)

37:15 – Chapter 10: Are You the Answer to Your Own Prayer?

41:10 – Closing Prayer & Reflection

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What is the unforgivable sin, and why do so many people misunderstand it? Discover what Jesus' miracles reveal about spiritual warfare, authority, and living an interruptible life.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon breaks down Matthew 9:32–34, addressing the crucial difference between seeking transcendent experiences and living the full life God created you for. Unpack what the Bible actually teaches about demonic oppression versus possession, how to close open doors to spiritual strongholds, and the true biblical definition of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, we cover:

The Power of Being Interruptible: Why the most consequential spiritual moments happen in the margins of daily life rather than in planned events.
The Deification of Destination: Why chasing ultimate fulfillment through vacations, career goals, or ideal circumstances will always leave you empty.
Oppression vs. Possession: Understanding how the spiritual world impacts the physical, why a Christian cannot be demon-possessed, and how to eliminate spiritual footholds.
Demystifying the Unforgivable Sin: What blasphemy against the Holy Spirit actually is—and why it isn't just struggling with doubt or unbelief.
Gospeling Your Family: Practical spiritual leadership for fathers and parents looking to anchor their homes in the blood of Christ and personal testimony.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Debunking Misconceptions About the Unforgivable Sin

01:34 – Welcome & Passage Reading (Matthew 9:32–34)

03:10 – Point 1: Jesus Was Interruptible (Living in the Margins)

06:30 – Transcendent Longings & "The Deification of Destination"

11:00 – Point 2: The Spiritual Manifesting in the Physical

16:00 – Four Kingdom Realities: Salvation, Power, Kingdom, & Authority

19:15 – Conquering the Enemy: The Blood of the Lamb & Your Testimony

24:30 – Oppression vs. Possession: How Footholds Become Strongholds

29:10 – Can a Believer Be Possessed? (The Temple & The Seal)

31:20 – Point 3: Defining the Unforgivable Sin (Matthew 12 Parallel)

38:00 – Closing Application: Submitting Your Life to Christ & Final Prayer

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Is your faith grounded in real belief, or just religious habit? Discover how knowing Jesus as the promised Messiah shapes your expectations and turns personal faith into His fame.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 9:27–31, where Jesus heals two blind men who cry out to Him as the "Son of David." Unpack what it means to move from head knowledge to active, applied faith, and learn five practical steps to rebuild your trust in God when your faith feels exhausted or small.

In this episode, we cover:

Knowing Informs How We Relate: Why seeing Jesus as the promised "Son of David" changes how we approach Him in prayer.
Belief vs. Faith: The crucial distinction between knowing information about God and actively placing your confidence in Him.
"According to Your Faith": Understanding how faith shapes our expectations and opens our eyes to God's favor.
5 Things to Do When Your Faith Feels Small: Simple, actionable steps to refocus when you feel spiritually drained (Look at, Look in, Look around, Look out, and Look back).
From Faith to Fame: Why true Biblical faith always points the spotlight away from ourselves and onto the reputation of Christ.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Overcoming Religious Prayer Rut

00:45 – Welcome & Passage Reading (Matthew 9:27–31)

02:40 – Point 1: Knowing Informs How We Relate (The Son of David)

10:45 – Point 2: Our Experience Requires Belief (The Theo Von Example)

14:30 – "If You Can": Expecting God to Do What Only God Can Do

18:15 – The Difference Between Belief (Information) and Faith (Application)

21:20 – Point 3: Faith Shapes Our Expectations

25:10 – 5 Things to Do When Your Faith Feels Small

29:10 – Point 4: The Goal of Faith is His Fame

33:30 – Closing Prayer & Reflection

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How does your faith shape the daily choices you make? Discover how Jesus responds to real, active faith in two back-to-back miracles from Matthew 9.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon walks through Matthew 9:18–26, contrasting the story of Jairus—a synagogue leader whose 12-year-old daughter dies—with the woman who suffered from a discharge of blood for 12 years. Unpack how our choices reveal what we truly put our trust in, why Jesus heals through personal faith, and how a relationship with Christ changes the way we view life, suffering, and death.

In this episode, we cover:

Faith Informing Choices: Why we must move beyond seeking forgiveness for past choices to seeking active direction for future decisions.
Making the Unwelcome Welcome: How the hemorrhaging woman's 12-year isolation reflects social and spiritual outcast behavior—and how Jesus meets her.
"Seeing with the Mind": Understanding how Jesus sees beyond physical circumstances to speak identity, restoration, and courage over us.
The Role of Faith in Miracles: How learning and unlearning scriptural truth expands our belief and fuels our faith.
A New Perspective on Death: Why Christ’s victory over death changes how believers view fear, grief, and eternity.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Faith for Direction vs. Forgiveness

01:13 – Opening Prayer & Expository Preaching

03:20 – Reading Matthew 9:18–26

05:00 – Point 1: Our Faith Should Inform Our Choices (Jairus' Story)

13:40 – Point 2: Anyone Who Doesn't Feel Invited Is Welcome

17:15 – How We Calibrate to Experiences (Negative Headspace & Isolation)

22:30 – Touching the Wings of His Garment (Malachi 4:2 Parallel)

26:10 – "Seeing with the Mind" (Jesus Restores the Woman)

33:00 – Point 3: The Way We Think About Death Changes

38:20 – Does Jesus Withhold Miracles Due to Unbelief? (Matthew 13)

42:10 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Are you settling for self-improvement when God is offering complete transformation? Discover why Jesus came to make all things new—not just better.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 9:14–17, exploring Jesus' answers to John the Baptist’s disciples about fasting and religion. Unpack the parables of the unshrunk cloth and the new wineskins, learn what it truly means to enjoy God, and discover why a relationship with Jesus invites us into a radical "newness of life" that human effort can never replicate.

In this episode, we cover:

Jesus Came to Be Enjoyed: Rethinking your core motivation for faith—shifting from cold religion to enjoying God supremely.
Fasting as Longing & Lament: How to cultivate a genuine spiritual appetite for God's presence in a culture saturated with quick distractions.
4 Questions for the Soul (Psalm 13): How to regain perspective when feeling forgotten, overwhelmed, or spiritually weary.
Why New is Better Than "Better": Moving past self-help, behavior modification, and settling for an improved status quo to embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Enjoying God Beyond Sin & Religion

01:13 – Passage Reading: Matthew 9:14–17

02:50 – Point 1: Jesus Came to Be Enjoyed (The Bridegroom Metaphor)

05:40 – The Chief End of Man & Enjoying God Supreme

08:30 – Point 2: Fasting as an Expression of Lament & Longing

12:20 – Soul Care: Navigating Psalm 13 & The 4 Perspective Questions

19:00 – Point 3: New vs. Better (Unshrunk Cloth & New Wineskins)

22:15 – Raised to Walk in Newness of Life (Romans 6 & Revelation 21)

27:15 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Why do sick sinners "get" Jesus when self-righteous religious people miss Him completely? Discover why Jesus calls the broken rather than those who think they have it all together.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 9:9–13, unpacking the calling of Matthew the tax collector. Unpack why the Gospel isn't about behavior modification or religious self-reliance, but about responding to a Savior who came specifically for those who know they need a doctor. Learn how to live out a true "glory orientation" and use the B.L.E.S.S. practices to intentionally share your faith with others.

In this episode, we cover:

Moving at Different Paces: Why following Jesus isn't an instant trance, but a journey from knowing about Him to surrendering your whole life.
The Calling of Matthew: Why leaving the tax booth meant giving up everything—and why Jesus was better than Matthew's everything.
The B.L.E.S.S. Practices: 5 practical ways Jesus engaged with people (Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, Story).
The Mark of a True Follower: Shifting your "glory orientation" to seek God's honor rather than self-reliance and social approval.
Why Jesus Came: Understanding how Christ sees our deep spiritual need rather than just our external failures.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Religion vs. What Jesus Actually Came For

01:07 – Welcome & Passage Reading (Matthew 9:9–13)

03:10 – Point 1: Everyone Moves Toward God at a Different Pace

04:30 – Two Signs of Following Jesus: Glory Orientation & Spiritual Fruit

10:15 – The Real Story of Matthew the Tax Collector

13:40 – Point 2: New Converts Are the Most Intentional

16:20 – What It Means to Be Far From God (Ephesians 2)

20:15 – Practical Outreach: The B.L.E.S.S. Practices

28:30 – Point 3: Our Lives Should Require Explanation

33:00 – Mercy vs. Sacrifice: Seeing Need Instead of Failure

38:00 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Where are you looking for real life? Discover why true, abundant life isn't found in career achievement, financial security, or social approval—it is found through belief in Jesus alone.

In this guest sermon, Kade Pierce (Lead Pastor of East Side Community Church) walks through John 20:30–31 to explore the ultimate purpose of the Gospel of John. Unpack what it means to have an "all in, whole self, life-transforming" belief in Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God, and learn the difference between mere physical existence (bios) and the deep, eternal life (zoe) offered through Christ.

In this episode, we cover:

Missing Puzzle Pieces: Why substituting cheap imitations for real life always leaves us unsatisfied.
What Biblical Belief Looks Like: Shifting from head knowledge to an active, trusting reliance on Jesus.
Promise & Power (The Christ & The Son of God): How Jesus fulfills the Old Testament promises and possesses divine power to deal with our sin.
Bios vs. Zoe Life: The crucial distinction between biological existence and qualitative, eternity-stained, abundant life.
Refusing Lesser Sources of Life: Practical warnings against finding ultimate satisfaction in sports, career, money, or social media validation.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Stopping the Search for Lesser Sources of Life

01:15 – Passage Context: John 20:30–31 & The Missing Puzzle Pieces

05:00 – What Does It Mean to Believe? (The Roof Example)

08:20 – Jesus as the Christ (Promise) & Son of God (Power)

13:00 – Bios (Biology) vs. Zoe (Abundant Life)

16:40 – What Zoe Life Looks Like in Action (Acts 16 Parallel)

19:15 – Don't Settle for Cheap Imitations (Career, Money, & Social Media)

24:00 – Inviting Others into Eternal Life

26:10 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Still carrying guilt after being forgiven? Discover how Jesus operates in the world and why the authority of Christ sets you free from the burden of shame.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 9:1–8, where Jesus heals a paralytic and declares his sins forgiven. Unpack what it means when Jesus "sees" faith, understand the crucial difference between your loudest needs and your deepest needs, and learn how to move from persistent guilt into true spiritual freedom through the power of the cross.

In this episode, we cover:

What Jesus Sees Informs What He Does: How God actively seeks to support and respond to authentic faith.
Loudest Needs vs. Deepest Needs: Why Jesus addresses our core spiritual need for forgiveness before granting physical restoration.
The "Son of Man" Authority: Exploring the Old Testament roots of Daniel 7 and why Jesus alone holds the authority on earth to forgive sins.
Guilt vs. Conviction: How an enduring sense of guilt undermines the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice—and how Holy Spirit conviction leads to lasting freedom.
The Nature of the Trinity: Understanding how God is one in being and three in person.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why Feeling Guilty Insults the Cross

00:36 – Welcome & Passage Context (Matthew 9:1–8)

03:10 – Point 1: What Jesus Sees Informs What He Does

06:40 – Point 2: What Jesus Does Is in Response to Faith (Hebrews 11)

12:30 – Point 3: Jesus Starts with Your Deepest Need (Loudest vs. Deepest)

18:20 – Point 4: Jesus Came to Change What We Know

21:10 – Understanding the Title "Son of Man" (Daniel 7)

24:30 – The Trinity: One Being, Three Persons

29:10 – Freedom from Guilt: Living in Holy Spirit Conviction

33:30 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Feeling stuck in a season of fear, anxiety, or spiritual opposition? Discover how to find unshakable hope in dark places by trusting in the ultimate authority of Jesus.

In this sermon, Pastor Blake preaches through Matthew 8:28–34, exploring the encounter between Jesus and two demon-possessed men in the country of the Gadarenes. Unpack what this "weird and freaky text" teaches us about spiritual warfare, understand why dark circumstances have no power over Christ, and learn why inviting Jesus close into our lives is always better than holding Him at arm's length.

In this episode, we cover:

Hope in the Dark: Recognizing that Jesus actively moves toward our darkest valleys, addictions, and unfulfilled longings.
Who Is the Boss?: Understanding the absolute authority of Christ over every spiritual power, trial, and fear.
Deliverance Is Always Possible: Why real freedom through Jesus is worth any personal cost, inconvenience, or disruption.
Begging vs. Believing: How to expand your expectation of God rather than settling for a small, timid faith.
Asking Jesus to Stay: The danger of holding God at arm's length—and how surrendering control leads to real flourishing.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Knowing Jesus vs. Trusting Him as Lord

00:39 – Welcome & Opening Prayer

01:15 – Finding Hope in Dark Places (Matthew 8:28–34)

05:10 – Point 1: Remember Who the Boss Is (Authority Over Darkness)

10:45 – Understanding Demon Possession & Believer Security

14:20 – Point 2: Deliverance Is Always Possible

18:15 – Absorbing the Cost for Someone Else's Freedom

22:10 – What Word Do You Need Jesus to Say Over You?

27:30 – Point 3: Ask Jesus to Stay (Avoiding the Mistake of the Gadarenes)

32:15 – Surrendering Control & Closing Prayer

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Why is the church called "love rehab"? Discover how living in deep, authentic Christian unity transforms your spiritual walk and demonstrates the Gospel to a divided world.

In this sermon, guest speaker Elijah Lamb walks through the book of Ephesians to address a fundamental question: How should the resurrection of Jesus change our everyday lives right now? Explore what it means to be a "new creation community" caught between the present age and the full coming of God's Kingdom, and learn why your personal growth in Christ is inseparable from your commitment to the local church.

In this episode, we cover:

The "Already / Not Yet" Tension: Understanding inaugurated eschatology and living between two prophetic mountain peaks.
The Cosmic Scope of the Gospel: How Christ is reuniting heaven and earth, spiritual and material realities, in and through the church.
The Church as "Love Rehab": Why the local church is God's designated playground for healing wounds, overcoming individualistic culture, and learning how to love.
Unity as the Primary Witness: How unlikely people coming together in Christ serves as a prophetic "embassy" of heaven behind enemy lines.
Growing Into the Head: Why you cannot grow into spiritual maturity in isolation apart from the active, working body of Christ.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: The Church as Love Rehab

00:46 – Welcome & Reflections on the Resurrection

03:40 – The Telescopic View of the Prophets (Isaiah 61 & Zechariah 9)

06:10 – Inaugurated Eschatology: Living Between the Two Mountain Peaks

08:50 – Speedrunning Ephesians: New Creation People in an Old Creation World

13:10 – Reuniting Heaven & Earth in Christ (Ephesians 1 & 2)

17:00 – The Church as a Microcosm of God’s Cosmic Plan

21:15 – An Embassy Behind Enemy Lines (Ephesians 3)

24:30 – Walk Worthy: Making Every Effort for Unity (Ephesians 4)

28:00 – Overcoming Individualism & Growing Up Into Christ Together

34:10 – Practical Application: Forgiveness, Reconciliation, & Closing Prayer

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Are you relating to God based on what you need Him to do, or based on who you know Him to be? Discover how Jesus uses life's storms to transform your view of Him and build authentic faith.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 8:23–27, exploring the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Unpack what it means to truly follow Christ rather than just agree with Him, learn why God uses tests to promote our spiritual maturity, and discover how to experience real freedom by submitting to the full, all-encompassing authority of Jesus in every area of your life.

In this episode, we cover:

Following as Essential to Discipleship: Why true faith is built on deep experience rather than fear of consequences.
Bios vs. Zoe Life: Understanding the difference between mere physical existence (bios) and the abundant, eternity-stained life (zoe) promised in Christ.
Living Out of Sync with Circumstances: How Jesus models peace in the middle of a storm and invites us to share His trust.
The Purpose of Storms: Recognizing that God often speaks to our hearts before He quiets our circumstances.
A Transformed View of God: Why God isn't situationally authoritative—and how surrendering to His rule brings lasting comfort and power.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Rescued vs. Having Real Personal Faith

00:54 – Welcome & Passage Context (Matthew 8:23–27)

03:40 – Point 1: Following Is Essential to Discipleship

06:50 – Experiencing Zoe Life vs. Bios Existence

10:15 – Point 2: Faith Allows You to Live Out of Sync with Circumstances

14:40 – 4 Things to Understand About Life's Storms

19:15 – Why Jesus Speaks to the Disciples Before the Storm

22:30 – Point 3: Fear as an Invitation to a Transformed View of God

26:10 – The Danger of a "Situationally Authoritative" God

29:30 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Are you just part of the crowd, or are you truly following Jesus? Discover the radical clarity, cost, and priority of authentic discipleship in Matthew 8.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 8:18–22, examining two encounters Jesus had with potential followers—one who promised to follow Him anywhere, and another who wanted to delay until his father passed. Unpack why Jesus sought disciples rather than crowds, learn what it means to embrace both the positive and negative experiences of Christ, and discover how following Jesus fundamentally interrupts our own timing, priorities, and self-reliance.

In this episode, we cover:

Disciples vs. The Crowd: Why Jesus intentionally retreated from popularity to focus on making true followers.
Spiritual Authority & Physical Dominion: Reclaiming the power God entrusts to believers over their speech, choices, and resources.
To Follow Means to Experience: Understanding that following Christ means embracing rejection and hardship alongside His joy.
Mental Health & Christ-Like Experiences: How shifting our perspective to expect trials can heal spiritual and emotional frustration.
Following Interrupts Timing: Why placing God's call first changes our plans for career, family, and the future.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: A "Follower of Jesus" vs. Being a Christian

01:18 – Welcome & Passage Reading (Matthew 8:18–22)

03:20 – Point 1: Jesus Wants Disciples, Not a Crowd

05:40 – Spiritual Authority & Physical Dominion in Daily Life

10:50 – Point 2: To Follow Means to Experience

14:00 – Embracing Hardship as a Christ-Like Experience

22:15 – Point 3: Following Interrupts Timing

26:40 – The Legacy of Adoniram Judson & Sacrificial Living

31:10 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Is there a fullness to the life you are living right now? Discover how the reality of Easter transforms your present life and gives you a future bigger than your past.

In this Easter sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through 1 Corinthians 15:1–11, addressing the core questions of the resurrection. Unpack the true definition of the Gospel, explore why the Christian faith offers a higher quality of life (zoe) rather than mere biological existence, and discover how God's grace meets us in our deepest "becauses" to offer a fresh start and lasting hope.

In this episode, we cover:

What Is the Gospel?: The 6 distinct experiences people have with the Gospel—and how to avoid "believing in vain."
Informs, Influences, and Interrupts: Recognizing how authentic faith moves beyond head knowledge to shape your daily choices.
What Is Ultimate?: Examining the central pillars of Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and eyewitness appearances.
The Reliability of the Bible: Exploring historical, internal, prophetic, and scientific evidence for Scripture's trustworthiness.
Your Past vs. Your Future: How God’s grace overcomes our human "becauses" and opens the door to walk in newness of life.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Quality of Life vs. Quantity of Life

00:39 – Passage Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1–11

03:10 – Question 1: What Is the Gospel? (5 Experiences to Have & 1 to Avoid)

05:00 – How the Gospel Informs, Influences, and Interrupts Us

08:30 – What It Means to Believe in Vain

10:45 – Question 2: What Is Important or Ultimate?

14:20 – The Atonement: Resolving the Problem of Sin

17:15 – Walking in "Newness of Life" (Zoe vs. Bios)

22:00 – Question 3: Is the Bible Reliable and Can It Be Trusted?

26:15 – Experiencing Scripture: Psalm 27:10 & Psalm 1

29:40 – Question 4: Does Your Past Feel Bigger Than Your Future?

33:00 – You Have a "Because," But God Has a "But"

36:15 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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What did Jesus really come to do when He rode into Jerusalem? Discover the true meaning of Palm Sunday and why lasting peace on earth requires peace in heaven first.

In this Palm Sunday sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Luke 19:28–44, examining Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Unpack why Jesus sought understanding over popularity, explore how His arrival fulfilled 500-year-old prophecies in Zechariah 9, and discover why Jesus wept over a city that wanted political relief instead of spiritual redemption.

In this episode, we cover:

Understanding vs. A Following: Why Jesus operated with "veiled disclosure" to ensure people understood His true identity and mission.
Everyone Plays a Role: How letting go of our possessions and plans aligns us with God's global purposes.
Fulfilling Prophecy (Zechariah 9:9): 4 reasons fulfilled biblical prophecy proves God's sovereignty over human history.
Peace in Heaven vs. Peace on Earth: Why Jesus entered Jerusalem as the ultimate Passover Lamb to reconcile us to God.
Helping People Understand Jesus: Shifting our witness from pushing for forced belief to clearly communicating who Christ is.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Christianity vs. Other World Religions

00:53 – Welcome & Passage Context (Luke 19:28–44)

03:40 – Point 1: Everyone Plays a Role in What God Is Doing

07:15 – Ownership vs. Stewardship

10:00 – Point 2: Jesus Comes on a Mission From God

12:30 – 4 Reasons Fulfilled Biblical Prophecy Matters

17:15 – Why Heavenly Peace Is the Prerequisite for Earthly Peace

22:15 – Point 3: Not Understanding Jesus Is Consequential

25:40 – The Parallel of Palm Sunday & The Selection of the Passover Lamb

31:10 – Applying the Blood of the Lamb & Closing Prayer

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Leo Almeida
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Authoritative Touch and Word of Jesus
Matthew 8:1-17

A Touch That Changes Everything
• 2 Cor. 12:9-10
A Word That Is Sufficient
• Matthew 10:29-31
• John 16:7
• John 17:22-23

____________
Mental Worship Questions:
1. What part of your life needs the touch of Jesus the most right now?
2. Do you believe that Jesus is able to go even beyond what you’re asking?
3. Are you a part of Group 1 or Group 2; not praying for healing or sick of praying for healing?
How did you land there?
4. Who do you know that takes Jesus’ word for it? What is different about that person’s life?
5. Would anyone close to you describe you as someone who is gladly under the authority of Jesus?

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Are you building your life on shifting sand or the solid rock? Discover what it truly means to choose the narrow gate and live out the radical teachings of the Sermon on the Mount.

In this sermon, Executive Pastor Wade Burgess walks through the conclusion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:13–29. Unpack the stark choices presented by Christ: the wide vs. narrow gates, true vs. false prophets, mere religious words vs. active obedience, and houses built on sand vs. rock. Learn how to cultivate spiritual discernment, align your heart's motivations with God's will, and anchor your life on an unchanging foundation.

In this episode, we cover:

The Narrow Gate (Matthew 7:13–14): Why easy is not best, popular is not right, and why we must live by principle rather than preference.
Discerning False Prophets (Matthew 7:15–20): How to evaluate spiritual leaders by examining their character, their product, and their immersion in the Gospel.
True Obedience vs. Religious Performance (Matthew 7:21–23): Why your internal heart motivation and daily walk outweigh external spiritual achievements.
Building on the Rock (Matthew 7:24–27): Moving beyond shifting feelings, social trends, and self-reliance to build your life on the words of Christ.
Teaching with Authority (Matthew 7:28–29): Why living out the truth allows your life to require an explanation rather than an excuse.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why Popular Isn't Always Right

00:57 – Welcome & Sermon on the Mount Context

02:40 – Passage Reading: Matthew 7:13–29

05:00 – Point 1: The Two Gates (Easy Is Not Best & Popular Is Not Right)

09:30 – Feel vs. Believe: Principle Over Preference

13:40 – Point 2: Beware of False Prophets (Character vs. Charisma)

18:15 – Point 3: I Never Knew You (Heart Motivation vs. Religious Performance)

24:30 – Point 4: Two Builders (Building on the Rock vs. Sand)

31:10 – Teaching with Authority & Living a Life That Requires Explanation

34:00 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Is everything you’ve been taught about the Golden Rule wrong? Discover how persistent prayer and resting in the generous nature of God completely transform the way we view Matthew 7:12.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 7:7–12, dismantling popular misunderstandings about the Golden Rule. Rather than a transactional, karma-like formula for manipulating others into treating us well, unpack how authentic prayer—asking, seeking, and knocking—connects us to the limitless nature of our Heavenly Father. Learn how trusting God's provision frees us from scorekeeping, enables us to endure closed doors, and empowers us to genuinely bless those around us.

In this episode, we cover:

3 Types of Persistent Prayer: Understanding the distinction between asking for provision, seeking for direction, and knocking for breakthrough.
Need vs. Nature: Why praying out of God's limitless nature yields far greater results than praying merely out of our limited human needs.
Parenting & Functional Atheism: How over-accommodating our children can accidentally rob them of experiencing their personal need for God.
Rethinking the Golden Rule: Shifting from a self-centered expectation of what others should do for us to a God-centered freedom that blesses others.
Liberation From Scorekeeping: How experiencing our Heavenly Father's "how-much-moreness" frees us from manipulating people and keeping track of favors.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Escaping the Scorekeeping Mentality

01:11 – Passage Reading: Matthew 7:7–12

02:40 – Point 1: Prayer Involves Persistence (Asking, Seeking, Knocking)

04:30 – The History of Grand Parkway: A Byproduct of Knocking

09:40 – Praying Out of Need vs. Praying Out of God's Nature

13:50 – Point 2: Prayer Puts You in Touch With the Nature of God

16:00 – Avoid Becoming a Functional Savior to Your Kids

18:20 – Point 3: Proper Relation to God Changes How You Relate to People

21:00 – How Prayer Transforms the Golden Rule

23:30 – Closing Prayer & Reflection Questions

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Are you as enjoyable to be around as Jesus died for you to be? Discover what "Judge not" really means and how to cultivate right judgment, self-awareness, and clear spiritual sight.

In this sermon, Pastor Blake Hardcastle walks through Matthew 7:1–6, examining one of the most widely quoted—and misunderstood—passages in the Bible. Unpack why Jesus isn't forbidding critical thinking or evaluation, but rather warning against hyper-critical, hypocritical, and fault-finding attitudes. Learn how to remove the "log" from your own eye, protect holy truths with discernment, and do the delicate, holy work of helping others grow in Christ.

In this episode, we cover:

What "Judge Not" Really Means: Distinguishing between harmful hyper-criticism and healthy, biblical discernment.
The Danger of Condemning Yourself: How hyper-critical attitudes push others away and alienate us from deep community.
The Cartoon Version of You: Removing the "log" of self-righteousness from your own eye before addressing the "speck" in someone else's.
Pearls Before Swine: Exercising right judgment and building trust before offering holy counsel.
Holy Work & Clear Eyes: How developing self-awareness and compassion turns evaluation into delicate, redemptive soul work.

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Does your past feel so heavy that it keeps you from seeing who you can become in Christ? Discover the transformative power of God’s mercy and grace at the Lord’s Table.

In this communion homily, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through 1 Timothy 1:12–17, exploring how the Apostle Paul—formerly a violent opponent of the church—became a prime example of God’s boundless patience and grace. Unpack why your past never disqualifies you from God's mercy, learn how receiving forgiveness empowers us to extend grace to others, and discover the mission behind every story of redemption.

In this episode, we cover:

Everyone Has a Past: Why our history doesn't define our future when we come to the Lord's Table.
Anybody Can Receive Mercy: How recognizing our past puts us in touch with our genuine need for Christ.
Grace Brings Faith & Love: Understanding that God's overflowing grace equips us with gifts found only in a relationship with Jesus.
Mercy Always Comes With a Mission: Why God displays His patience in our lives to inspire hope in others.
Withholding What Others "Deserve": How the cross enables us to extend forgiveness to those around us, just as God withheld judgment from us.

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Are you struggling with anxiety because your definition of life is too small? Discover biblical tools to reframe your perspective and trust in the fatherly provision of God.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 6:25–34, addressing how believers can change their relationship with anxiety. Unpack why anxiety is often the byproduct of an insufficient definition of life, explore what we can learn from the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and discover how recovering a right view of God's infinite value and care frees us from worry about tomorrow.

In this episode, we cover:

A Proper Definition of Life: Why reducing life to what we eat, drink, or wear leads directly to anxiety.
A Motivating Perspective: Learning from the birds that God's provision is far more reliable than our human performance.
A Right View of Yourself: Embracing the unique value God places on human beings as image-bearers.
A Biblical View of Anxiety: Understanding how anxiety exposes where our faith is placed and why small faith results from placing trust in finite things.
A Right View of the Father: Resting in a Heavenly Father who knows every need before we even ask.

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Where does your ultimate allegiance lie? Discover how testing your treasures, your spiritual vision, and your master reveals the true state of your heart.

In this sermon, Student Pastor Ian Weber walks through Matthew 6:19–24, continuing through Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. Unpack why earthly riches are bad spiritual investments that decay or vanish, how "healthy eyes" allow us to see the world through God's perspective, and why it is impossible to serve both God and money. Learn how submitting your life to Christ as your Master brings true freedom, purpose, and lasting heavenly treasure.

In this episode, we cover:

Testing Your Treasures: Discerning between bad earthly investments and permanent, good spiritual investments.
Where Your Heart Follows: Why tithing and intentional stewardship align our deepest affections with the things God loves.
Healthy Eyes vs. Bad Eyes: How moral rationalization dims our spiritual sight and why we need Christ's perspective.
The Reality of Masters: Why everyone is a slave to something—and why Jesus is the only Master who delivers true fulfillment.
Total Deliverance Over Determination: Understanding that shifting your allegiance isn't about willpower, but receiving a new heart from the Holy Spirit.

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Is your physical appetite overwhelming your hunger for God? Discover the true freedom, spiritual power, and generational breakthrough found in biblical fasting.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 6:16–18, exploring Jesus's teaching on fasting from the Sermon on the Mount. Unpack why fasting is designed to nourish our hunger for God while quieting our hunger for the world, why it must be done for God rather than human approval, and how aligning your heart in secret invites God's profound power into your life. Learn how fasting allows you to see yourself clearly, hear God distinctly, and break long-standing generational sins.

In this episode, we cover:

The Assumed Life of a Christian: Why Jesus assumes His followers will engage in giving, praying, and fasting.
Nourishing Your Spiritual Hunger: Saying no to physical appetites in order to take control of emotional appetites and deepen your focus on God.
Fasting is for God, Not Impression Management: Distinguishing biblical fasting from self-focused trends and performance-based religious habits.
The God Who Sees in Secret: Taking comfort in hidden righteousness and letting God uncover, forgive, and redeem what is kept in the dark.
Becoming a Chainbreaker: How fasting and clear spiritual sight empower believers to confront generational iniquity and break cycles of sin.

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Are you praying from a place of freedom as a child of God, or are you praying like an orphan? Learn how to break free from performance-based prayer and discover the true power of the Lord's Prayer.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 6:5–15, unpacking Jesus's teachings on prayer from the Sermon on the Mount. Explore why prayer is not meant for managing other people’s opinions or trying to manipulate God with empty words. Discover how true prayer springs from knowing God as a loving Father who already understands your needs, and examine the structure of the disciples' model prayer—from honoring God's nature to receiving daily provision, extending forgiveness, and walking in spiritual freedom.

In this episode, we cover:

Prayer is Not Impression Management: Moving past self-conscious, performative prayers and embracing honest communication with God.
Relational Connection Over Transaction: Why piling up words cannot control God, and how to rest in a Father who knows your needs before you ask.
Living in Fullness vs. Addicted to Forgiveness: Moving beyond basic forgiveness into the transformative, life-changing presence of God.
The Structure of Big & Free Prayer: Walking through acknowledgement, God's nature (Name, Kingdom, Will), daily physical needs, and personal responsibility.
Forgiveness & Spiritual Freedom: Understanding how experiencing God's grace empowers us to forgive others and build spiritual maturity that exceeds our physical appetites.

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Are you practicing righteousness to reinforce who you are in Christ, or to be seen by others? Discover why true Christian generosity happens in secret and seeks God's reward over human praise.

In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 6:1–4, opening Jesus's core teachings on practicing righteousness from the Sermon on the Mount. Unpack why practicing righteousness reinforces your true identity as a child of God, examine the dangers of using giving as a form of self-promotion, and learn why avoiding judgment requires active, open-handed stewardship toward those in need. Discover the freedom of letting the fact that God knows your secret heart be enough.

In this episode, we cover:

Reinforcing Your Gospel Identity: Why practicing righteousness isn't about rule-keeping, but stepping into your identity as a son or daughter of God.
Giving to the Needy as Assumed Behavior: How generosity reflects a lifestyle transformed by the gospel rather than an optional duty.
Lending to the Lord & Avoiding Indifference: Understanding how stewardship honors God and protects us from heart-hardening apathy.
When Giving Becomes Taking: Recognizing how impression management, public recognition, and performative charity rob us of heavenly reward.
Letting God Knowing Be Enough: Resting in the quiet confidence of a Father who sees in secret and rewards genuine, anonymous obedience.

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Are you content with yesterday's blessings, or do you crave a deeper, life-changing encounter with God? Discover the transformative power of God’s holiness, presence, and severe mercy.

In this powerful sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon steps into Isaiah 6:1–13 to share his heart and prayer for the church. Unpack the historical context behind Isaiah's vision—a culture that trusted in human leadership, grew spiritually complacent amidst wealth, and treated religious rituals as a substitute for true devotion. Learn what it means to truly see God in His transcendence, experience the seared purification of His grace, and stand firm as a faithful remnant in a compromised world.

In this episode, we cover:

Seeing God in Power: Moving beyond superficial experiences to witness the weight, presence, and unrepeatable work of God.
Growing in Knowledge: Balancing God's immanent closeness with His majestic, high-and-lifted-up transcendence.
Making Progress on Your "Stuff": Stopping the cycle of self-comparison and allowing God's holiness to expose and transform our deepest flaws.
Receiving Severe Mercy: How the "burning coal" from God's altar sears away guilt and permanently reshapes our desires.
Hearing from the Lord: Standing as a resilient, faithful remnant even when the surrounding culture turns a deaf ear to the truth.

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Are you settling for superficial holiday sentiment, or are you grounded in the sovereign, sustaining love of God? Discover how God's absolute sovereignty guides, protects, and gives deep hope in the midst of life's deepest trials.

In this Advent sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 2:13–23, exploring the escape of the Holy Family to Egypt, the tragic massacre of the innocents by King Herod, and their eventual return to Nazareth. Unpack why biblical sovereignty is deeply relational rather than cold and distant, examine how trusting in God's ultimate authority sustains believers through tragedy and human depravity, and learn why waiting for God’s perfect timing increases your capacity for true satisfaction and hope.

In this episode, we cover:

Sovereignty is Relational: How God intimately understands our thoughts, foresees the intentions of our enemies, and actively guides us through fear.
Sovereignty is Sustaining: Why a strong biblical theology keeps us from reverting to impulsive reactions or despair during times of suffering and tragedy.
Human Depravity vs. Divine Control: Understanding that while God is sovereign over all creation, He is not responsible for the sinful actions of human free will.
Sovereignty is Hopeful: Resting in the truth that "God is for us" (Romans 8) and that earthly threats and hard seasons carry a limit.
Time Fills Up, It Doesn't Run Out: Learning to wait patiently for God's prophetic fulfillment instead of settling for artificial, half-filled solutions.

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Are you willing to surrender your life to King Jesus, or are you fighting to stay on the throne of your own heart? Discover the true joy of living under the loving, absolute authority of the King of Kings.

In this Advent sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 2:1–12, examining the arrival of the wise men from the East and the starkly different reactions to the news of Jesus's birth. Unpack why humanity naturally resists authority, explore the contrast between King Herod's insecure, self-preserving control and the magi's posture of humble worship, and learn how true worship extends beyond singing into physical posture, sacrificial giving, and radical obedience. Discover how God speaks to us in ways we can understand and invites us to find Him.

In this episode, we cover:

The Cultural Myth of "No King": Confronting the spiritual lie that we never have to submit to an authority outside ourselves.
Two Responses to the King: Why every heart either seeks to worship King Jesus or eliminate His rule to maintain self-sovereignty.
Biblical Worship vs. Modern Sentiment: Understanding worship as prostrating our hearts, bodies, and lives before a superior authority rather than seeking emotional experiences.
The Heart of King Herod: How insecurity, fear, and the desire for control drive destructive self-preservation.
God Speaks Your Language & Wants to Be Found: How God reached Persian astrologers through the stars and continues to reveal Himself to seeking hearts today.
Obedience as the Ultimate Expression of Worship: Recognizing that we naturally obey whatever holds the highest authority in our lives.

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Are you trying to get God to bless your plans, or are you joining where He is already at work? Discover how submitting to God's divine design brings lasting peace, even when He reshapes your life.

In this Advent sermon on peace, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 1:18–25, unpacking the miraculous birth of Jesus and the courageous responses of Mary and Joseph. Explore why life is designed to be an active response to God’s sovereign initiatives rather than a demands list for Him to fulfill. Examine the reality of the Immaculate Conception, learn how vertical righteousness with God must translate into horizontal righteousness toward others, and discover the power of glorifying God through quiet obedience and restraint.

In this episode, we cover:

Life as a Response to God: Shifting from living "life backwards" to aligning with where God is actively working.
The Immaculate Conception & Gospel Conversion: Understanding how the Holy Spirit initiates salvation and spiritual rebirth without human manipulation.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Righteousness: Why true justice in Joseph’s character meant protecting others rather than self-righteous judgment.
Evaluating Dreams & Personal Revelations: Testing experiences against the primary authority of God's Word.
Glorifying God by What You Don't Do: Learning from Joseph's restraint and self-denial for the sake of God's higher kingdom purpose.

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Struggling to find real hope in a cynical, broken world? Discover how the genealogy of Jesus reveals the bigness of God’s redemption plan and His habit of working through deeply flawed people.

In this Advent sermon on hope, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 1:1–17, diving into the long list of names that opens the New Testament. Unpack why this historical record is far more than a lineage—it is a powerful revelation of God's sovereign story. Learn why Jesus's family tree includes broken, imperfect, and unexpected figures, examine the crucial doctrine of the Virgin Birth and Original Sin, and discover why true Christian hope is built on enduring character.

In this episode, we cover:

God is Telling a Big Story: Connecting the history of Scripture—from the Garden of Eden to Abraham, David, and the silence of Malachi—to the arrival of Jesus.
Imperfect People in the Lineage: How figures like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, David, and Manasseh prove that you cannot out-sin the sovereign promises of God.
The Necessity of the Virgin Birth: Why Jesus had to be born without an inherited sin nature to serve as a sinless Savior for humanity.
Original Sin & Human Condition: Understanding sin not merely as individual actions, but as a condition inherited from Adam that requires a Redeemer.
Character Produces Hope: How enduring trials builds the spiritual character needed to sustain real, unshakeable biblical hope.

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Pastor Chris Brooks
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

How the Spirit Helps us to Hope
Romans 8:22-30
(Place each of these 3 groupings of questions on their own slide i.e. fight questions, then flight
etc...)
Fight Questions
1. What emotion do you fear feeling?
2. What is this emotion trying to tell you?
3. What is one way you can fight to feel the emotion you fear the most?
Flight Questions
1. What do you run to instead of God when you are afraid?
2. Who are the friends you trust to hear your fears and help you face them?
3. How will you strengthen this friendship when you are not afraid? (What do you need to do to
be a better friend?)
Freeze Questions
1. What frantic activities do you need to freeze?
2. How does the hope of the resurrection inform your relationship to fear?
3. What would change about your attitude and interactions if you truly believed God is working
all things together for good?
Three things that give you false hope
a. Thin theology of heaven
b. Thin theology of suffering
c. A compulsive need for total control
Mental Worship
1. What emotion do you fear feeling?
2. What is this emotion trying to tell you?
3. What do you run to instead of God when you are afraid?
4. Who are the friends you trust to hear your fears and help you face them?
5. How does the hope of the resurrection inform your relationship to fear?

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Matthew 5:43-48
The Reassuring Power of Enemy Love

Enemy love is evidence of authentic faith, v. 43-45
2 Kings 6:20-23
Enemy love is how God loves, v. 45b-47

Two questions we have to answer today…
a) who do you love? v. 46
b) who do you greet? v. 47

Enemy love is God’s nature, v. 48
a) Jesus incites a pre-evangelistic despair that prepares us for the gospel.
b) You don’t need a relationship with God just for forgiveness; you need a relationship with Christ for capacity.

Mental worship…
1. Do you feel capable of loving your enemies?
2. What is different about the way you love and greet from the way non-Christians love and greet?
3. Is there a “moreness” to the way you live?
4. What is a first step you could take this week towards enemy love?
5. Do you see God’s commands through the lens of His promise?
6. Who do you spend time with that is like looking in a funhouse mirror?

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Matthew 5:38-42
How The Violence of God Triumphs Over The Violence of Man

The insufficiency of proportionate justice, v. 38
The law did three things...
a) takes punishment out of the realm of private vengeance
b) gave judges a clear and just formula for punishment
c) it forbid vendettas and excessive retribution

“...I have killed a man for wounding me...”
-Genesis 4:23

Why do we insist on retaliation?
a) embarrassment
b) justice
•
“Slowly and imperceptibly, the one true God begins acquiring the features of the
gods of this world. For instance, our God simply gratifies our desires rather than
reshaping them in accordance with the beauty of God’s own character. Our God
then kills enemies rather than dying on their behalf as God did in Jesus Christ.”

― Miroslav Volf,
Free of Charge: Giving and

Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace

c) unbelief

“If God were not angry at injustice and deception and did not make the final end to
violence God would not be worthy of our worship. Here, however, I am less
interested in arguing that God’s violence is not unworthy of God than in showing
that it is beneficial to us. Life has rightly drawn our attention to the fact that in a
world of violence we are faced with an inescapable alternative: either God’s
violence or human violence. Most people who insist on God’s “nonviolence”
cannot resist using violence themselves. They deem the talk of God’s judgment
irreverent, but think nothing of entrusting judgment into human hands, persuaded
presumably that this is less dangerous and more humane than to believe in a God
who judges! And so violence thrives, secretly nourished by belief in a God who
refuses to wield the sword.”

-Miroslave

Volf, Exclusion & Embrace

The capacity of life in the Kingdom, v. 39-42
• Matthew 11:12
As Christians we have the capacity to demonstrate four things...
a) a different response to evil, v. 39
• Romans 12:14-21
b) a different response to guilt, v. 40
c) a different response to authority, v. 41
d) a different response to need, v. 42

Mental worship...
1 Is there anybody that you’ve punished too much and you don’t know how to get
it back to where it should be?
2 Do you feel you actually have the capacity to respond differently when violated?
3 Does your response to evil say more about you or God?
4 How does the Gospel inform your response to the poor and needy?
5 What or who have you lost sight of?

Nov 2, 2025

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Communioin

I Corinthians 11:23-26
1. Remember Jesus
2. There is a new way to relate to God.
3. We are proclaiming the Lord’s death.

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Matthew 5:33-37
The Insufficiency of Swearing

We must reclaim a sense of our self, v. 33-36
Here is the progression in how we lose ourselves...
1)we become disillusioned with ourselves
2)we become distrusting of ourselves
3)we become destructive towards ourselves

Signs you are losing yourself...
a)seeking external validation
b)difficulty with decisions
c)feeling lost
d)emotional fog
e)loss of identity
f) negative self-talk
g)always changing to fit in
h)increased anxiety and insecurity
Hebrews 6:13-16

We must reclaim simple speech, v. 37

Mental worship...
1. What do you point to when you go outside of yourself to establish your integrity?
2. Is there anybody in your life who has slowly stopped believing you?
3. What is the motive when you are less than truthful, less than forthright and lacking integrity in
your speech?
4. When is the last time you did something you didn’t want to do just because you couldn’t say,
“No”?

What needs to change in what you believe in order for there to be a change in how you talk?

Oct 19, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Christopher M. Brooks
Pastor to Pastors | Local Church

Joy Is The Serious Business of Heaven
Abide in Love, Joy FULL
John 15:5–11

I. Key Theme: MENO AGAPE HARAH PLAYRAO
("Abide – Love – Joy – Full")

II. Abide (Meno) – Remain in Christ
Definition: To dwell, endure, make your home.

Spiritual Practice:

Training the mind to return to God like a compass needle to north.
Reflection: What are you abiding in today?

III. Love (Agape / Hessed) – Steadfast Love
Definition: Loyal, never-ending, sacrificial love.
Scripture:
• “No greater love…”
• “Perfect love casts out fear.”
Reflection Questions:
• Who loves you well?
• Who or what taught you to love better?

IV. Joy (Harah) – Strength from the Lord
Definition: Gladness, delight, cheerfulness.
Scripture:
• “The joy of the Lord is our strength”
• “Everlasting joy will crown their heads” (Isaiah 35:10)
Reflection Questions:
• What fills or drains your joy?

V. Full (Playrao) – Living in Wholeness
Evidence of abiding:
• Keeping His commands
• Loving God and others through the Spirit
• Repenting quickly and returning
Not a strategy to avoid problems, but a skill to endure them.

VI. Neuroscience of Love & Joy
Dr. Allan Schore: Joy and attachment form brain development.
Right Brain (Fast Track):
• Relational identity
• Emotional connection
• Character formation
Left Brain (Slow Track):
• Logic, strategy, problem-solving
Critique of modern discipleship:
• Left-brain heavy (doctrine, willpower)
• Right-brain light (attachment, joy)
Call to become “full-brained” Christians
• Combining emotion, intellect, and identity in Christ

VIII. Joy as a Spiritual Discipline
Joy is a theological virtue, not just an emotion.
Seen throughout Scripture:
• Even in suffering (Paul: “sorrowful yet rejoicing”)
• Jesus Himself was "for the joy set before him endured the cross”
Joy empowers us to face trials with strength and hope.
Quote: “Joy is the serious business of heaven” – C.S. Lewis

IX. Practical Steps to Abide in Love & Be Full of Joy
Abide
• Spend time in Scripture and fellowship.
• Make room for God’s Word in your life.
Love
• Rebuild relational attachments to God and others.
• Ministry without love is empty.
Joy
• Joy is transmitted face-to-face and through voice.
• “You make us joyful with your presence” (Ps. 21)
Full
• Let the Spirit fill you.
• Be delighted in God’s presence—and delight in others.

Oct 12, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Matthew 5:31-32
A Gospel Informed Understanding of Divorce

Introductory thoughts…

1) read through the right lens
2) let Bible counsel Bible
3) seek to understand the cultural context
4) seek to understand the biblical context

Four questions we need to answer today….

Is there ever a biblical grounds for divorce?

a) adultery- “sexual immorality”
b) abandonment due to spiritual incompatibility

• Corinthians 7:12-16

c) abuse

• 1 Timothy 3:1-3
• Ephesians 5:28-30

How does divorcing someone make them commit adultery? Why is it considered adultery to marry a divorced person?
So what do I do if I’m divorced and remarried and according to what I’ve heard today, I committed adultery?

a) ask God’s forgiveness
b) ask your partners forgiveness
c) ask your former spouse’s forgiveness
d) stay committed to your relationship

• Samuel 8:4-9

Mental worship…

What lens do you read the Bible through?
Who or what has most shaped the way you think about marriage?
Do you think people have been hurt more by what the church says or doesn’t say about divorce?
Have you ever been a part of a church that practices church discipline?
What questions do you have after what you heard today?

Oct 5, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Matthew 5:27-30
The High Price of Lust

Jesus upholds the sufficient sanctity of marriage, v. 27-28

• Genesis 2:24

God’s design for marriage…
a) priority loyalty- “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother…
b) lifelong loyalty- …and hold fast to his wife…
c) bodily loyalty- …and they shall become one flesh.”

The eye reveals what is in the heart, v. 28

Lust does four things…
a) starts with dissatisfaction
b) turns people into things
c) teaches you to relate to the world out of your appetites instead of your understanding
d) trains you to sow to the flesh

• Galatians 6:7-8
• Galatians 5:19-21

Signs You Are Sowing to the Flesh
1) Pleasure becomes your master- "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality . . .”
2) Worship is misplaced- “. . . idolatry, sorcery . . .”
3) Conflict is your pattern- “. . . enmity, strife, jealousy . . .”
4) You can’t control your emotions- “. . . fits of anger . . .”
5) Competitiveness is your posture- “..rivalries, dissensions, divisions . . .”
6) You refuse to celebrate others- “. . . envy . . .”
7) Escapism is a way of life- “. . . drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.”

Jesus is trying to change the way we view sin, v. 29-31

• Matthew 7:24-27

Mental worship…

In your opinion, have Christians changed the way the culture views marriage or has the culture changed the way Christians view marriage?
Is there anybody or anything that you currently desire too much?
What struck you today as something you will need to think more about?
If you are a Christian, how has your view of sin changed since you came to faith?
How do you feel when the rain, floods and wind beat down on your life?

Sep 28, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Inward Life of the Kingdom
Matthew 5:21-26

Four lenses for the rest of this chapter…
a) Jesus is more concerned with motive than checking the box
b) Christians are held to a higher ethical standard
c) The Gospel always invites us to think deeper
d) Truth turns radishes into carrots

Life in the Kingdom calls for integration, v. 21-22
a) name calling- “You fool!”
b) insults
c) angry

Here is what we need to understand about anger…

1) anger manifests when your illusion of control is exposed
2) anger justifies your response to people and things with which you do not agree
3) anger requires something of others but never you
4) anger happens when you don’t know what to feel- anger is the soldier we send out to protect us.
5) anger is typically connected to fear

Reconciliation is inconvenient, v. 23-24
Integrated people can agree quickly, v. 25-26

Mental worship…

Are you more of a radish or a carrot when it comes to integration?
Have you dehumanized anybody lately in how you treated them or talked about them?
Does anybody have something against you right now?
How often are you inconvenienced in the name of obedience?
Is there anything you know you need to do and are running out of time to do it?

Sep 21, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Do you think living by the Ten Commandments is enough to be right with God? What about the other 603 laws in the Old Testament? In this powerful message, Pastor Neil McClendon unpacks Jesus's statement that He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. The sermon reveals how a "rules-based" relationship with God will always leave us condemned, and how true righteousness comes only through Jesus Christ

This message will help you understand:
• Think Properly (v. 17)
• Understand Deeply (v. 18)
• Teach Rightly (v. 19)
• Hear Clearly (v. 20)

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here 👉 https://www.grandparkway.org/give

A Right View of the Law
Matthew 5:17-20

Think properly, v. 17

Thinking about the law...

a) the law cannot change your heart
b) God never intended for the law to be a perfect or permanent basis for our relationship with Him.
c) Jesus fulfills the demands of the law on the Cross
• Colossians 2:13-15
d) Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law makes salvation possible for humanity
e) Jesus’ fulfillment of the law provides a different motivation for obedience

Understand deeply, v. 18
Teach rightly, v. 19
• Galatians 3:23-26
Hear clearly, v. 20

Signs of self-righteousness...

1) Do not take feedback or criticism well
2) Outward focussed
3) Competitive
4) A comparative mindset
5) A lack of community orientation
6) You are not to be embarrassed

• Philippians 3:1-12

Mental worship…

Are there areas where you are still striving or working to achieve something that Jesus has already accomplished for you?
Do you ever relax some of the things the Bible clearly teaches? If so, for who?
What consistently motivates you to obey God?
How often do you reference the law when talking to people about God?
Do you understand what it means to be self-righteous versus trusting in Jesus’ righteousness?

Sep 14, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Consequential Nature of Kingdom Faith
Matthew 5:13-16

There is a problem we have to overcome, v. 13

! Peter 4:1-4

Four ways salt loses its saltiness…
a) it is absorbed by its surroundings
b) exposure to moisture
c) confusion about the purpose of the church
d) churches that try to make Christianity interesting instead of making Christians consequential

There is a responsibility to embrace, v. 14
a) identity- who God says I am
b) activity- what God commands me to do
True faith is distinguished by the number of people who are affected by it, v. 15-16

Mental worship…

How is your life distinguishable from the unbelieving world?
What environments have been affected by your faith?
Do you think you really understand the ramifications of your identity?
Does God leaving you here in this world make you think God is missional or mindless?
Is the life you are currently living causing others to think about heaven?
Which does your faith need more: flavor or illumination?

Sep 7, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Sam Storms
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

If The Kingdom of God is Here, Why Is The World Such a Mess?
Dr. Sam Storms

The Kingdom of God is the power of the Holy Spirit to bring forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Kingdom of God is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to bring physical healing to our bodies.
The Kingdom of God is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to bring restoration to our mind and emotions.
The Kingdom of God is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to drive out demons and set people free.
The Kingdom of God is the power of the Holy Spirit to grant innumerable spiritual blessings such as righteousness, peace and joy.
The Kingdom of God is the power of the Holy Spirit in creating and shaping a spiritual community of Christian men and women who live in harmony and love.
The kingdom of God is the power of the Holy Spirit to bring us into intimate knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Aug 31, 2025

Blake Hardcastle, Equipping Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

What’s it like in the New Kingdom?
Matthew 5:1-12

Intro - What is Jesus Doing v.1-2

Kingdom People are Aware They are Needy. v.3-6
• The Poor in Spirit
• The Mourners
• The Meek
• The Hungry and Thirsty for Righteousness
Kingdom People Choose to Live for God. v.7-
• The Merciful
• The Pure in Heart
• The Peacemakers
Kingdom People Expect Persecution. v.10-12

Mental Worship

Where have the beatitudes brought you affirmation you are in the Kingdom?
Is there a conversation you have been putting off?
When is the last time you experienced persecution? Can you rejoice over it?
Do you know the Idols that most often tempt you?
Are you seeing God lately or does he seem hidden?
Is someone trying to make peace and you’re putting them off?

Aug 24, 2025

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

God’s Timing, People & Power
Matthew 4:12-25

God’s timing, 4:12-17
• Isaiah 9:1-2

Biblical examples…
a) David & Goliath
b) Judges 5
c) Omer of manna

Exodus 16:31-32

d) Apostle Paul
• 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

God’s people, 4:18-22

What God looks at and for in people…
a) willing not perfect
b) your future not your past
c) faith not promises

God’s power, 4:23-25

Mental worship…
1. Do you sense holy momentum on your life these days or is it just you and your ideas fueling your choices?
2. Since becoming a Christian what is something you’ve been able to do that you couldn’t do before?
3. Are you okay with your kids leaving you to follow God’s will for their lives?
4. When you look back at your past, what are some of the experiences you’ve had that strengthen your faith in the present?
5. Could your life, as it is currently being lived, sustain a demonstration of God’s power?

Aug 17, 2025

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Matthew 4:1-11
Learning From Temptation

In the wilderness they should have learned three things:

1) not to depend on bread alone but on Gods’ word
2) not to put God to the test
3) to worship God alone

Temptation comes around our biggest appetites, v. 2-4

Our appetites do four things…

1) create opportunities- so we must learn to ask, “What opportunity does this appetite present?”
2) remind us of our responsibility
3) reflect our identity
4) give somebody/something glory

The enemy attacks the last thing you believed, v. 3

Genesis 3:1
Matthew 3:16
Matthew 4:3

Our response to temptation is often times a test, v. 5-7

Exodus 17:1–7

Temptation is an opportunity for God to see what you will settle for, v. 7-10

Mental worship…

Do you have any appetites in your that concern you?
Is there anything you once believed but now you doubt it?
Is there anything the Father says about you that you find hard to accept?
When you are tempted does God have to prove himself all over again or have you tasted enough of His goodness to trust Him?

Aug 10, 2025 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Thinking Through The Questions
Matthew 3:13-17

What does it look like to be missional? v. 13
Why does Jesus get baptized?

Four reasons Jesus gets baptized…
a) identifies with the people
b) submits to the will of the Father
c) practices what He preaches- Matthew 28:18-20
d) to fulfill all righteousness

Two ways…
1) confirms John as the forerunner to the Messiah
2) confirms Jesus as the Messiah

• Isaiah 42:1
• Acts 8:30-35

What are my real needs?, v. 17

Our three biggest needs…

a) identity- “This is my son…"
b) affection- …whom I love…"

Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made,
were ev’ry stalk on earth a quill and ev’ry man a scribe by trade,
to write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;
nor could the scroll contain the whole, tho' stretched from sky to sky.

• Disbelief- the inability to accept something as true
• Unbelief- the unwillingness to believe

c) acceptance- “...with whom I am well pleased.”

Three back to school questions…

1) “In God, who’s word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh (people) do to me?” - Psalm 56:4
2) “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear: The Lord is the stronghold of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?” - Psalm 27:1
1) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” - Psalm 42:5

Mental worship…

If un-seized time flow to your weakness, where does your unseized time most often go?
Which is bigger, your “from” or your “to?”
Have you ever been baptized? Why did you or why haven’t you?
Are you more guilty of disbelief or unbelief?
Where were you when you really understood the love of God for what it is?
Who's acceptance do you probably want too much?

Aug 3, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Kingdom And The Power Thereof
Matthew 3:1-12

Purpose of Matthew
a) tell the story of Jesus
b) apologetic and evangelistic
c) explore the reality of the Kingdom
d) catechetical- to teach the truths of Christianity and their ethical implications

The proportionality of repentance, v. 1-3

The Kingdom of heaven/God is best understood by two words…
a) reign
b) realm

The requirement of baptism, v. 4-10
a) confession, v. 6
b) demonstration, v. 7-9

Repentance is a change of mind and actions wherein we cease our approval of wickedness (in others) and justification of bad behavior (in self). It is foremost a decisive reorientation of one’s life away from the self and toward the Lord. But this subsequent repentance flows from and confirms the initial act wherein we realize our desperate state, admit our need of pardon and come to Jesus in a childlike manner.

c) sanctification, v.10

“Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.”
-Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

Galatians 5:22-24

“Repentance is an inward matter, which has its seat in the heart and soul, but afterwards yields its fruits in a change of life.” - John Calvin

The moreness of Jesus’ baptism., v. 11-12

-Romans 8:9-11

a) Holy Spirit- the person of God

b) fire- the power of God

Mental worship…

Do you spend more time asking God to bless your will or submitting to His?
How would you describe the Kingdom of God in one sentence?
What do you point to on the outside that is proof that you have been changed on the inside?
What do you walk away wanting to think more about this morning?
Which do you seek more often, forgiveness or fire?
How do you keep your love for God from getting cold?

Jul 27, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Blake Hardcastle, Equipping Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Essentials of a Biblical Fit
Psalm 77

Put your heart in your mouth. v.2-5

Selah = pause, reflect, meditate.

Throw your fit to the right audience. v.1-2
Burn the house down. v.5-9
Borrow Hope. v.10-18
• v.10-12
• Psalm 46:1
• Hosea 11:8-9
• v.13
• v.19-20

“God is cunning; He knows how to get our attention. Rather than let us wallow in the mediocrity of complacency, He lets us experience what it would be like to live without him. He abandons us in order to shatter our illusions and then to lead us into a deeper relationship with him.”

The Cry of the Soul, Allender and Longman

Mental Worship:

Is there someone you need to ask forgiveness for throwing an unbiblical fit?
Do you cry out to God like this psalmist, or are you on your best manners when talking to him?
Is there something that if you knew God would resolve it, you would throw a biblical fit?
What situations tempt you to complain, get resentful, or lose hope?
Does the truth that God comes close in your trouble help you look at hard things differently?

Jul 20, 2025 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Clyde Copeland
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

What Kind of Love Is This?
1 John 3:1

"See…"
"…what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God…"

-Five kinds of God’s love
a. God’s love for God.
b. God’s love for His creation
c. God’s loving and salvific stance toward a fallen world
d. God’s particular, electing, adopting love for his children
e. God’s conditional love for his children

1 John 4:10
"…and so you are."

Jul 13, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Ian Weber, Student Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Purpose of Salvation
Titus 2:11-15

What is the purpose of Salvation v.12-13

A. To renounce ungodliness and worldly passions v.12
⁃ Isaiah 5:20 - moral confusion
⁃ Romans 1:18 - suppresses truth
⁃ Jude 1:4 - deny Jesus Christ
⁃ 2 Timothy 3:1-5
⁃ 1 John 2:15-17
B. To live in this age
3 ways Christians are to live in this age
⁃ Self controlled
⁃ Upright
⁃ Godly lives
C. To wait for our blessed hope v.13
⁃ Titus 2:13
⁃ Luke 12:36

I What do you put your hope in?

II. Why did Jesus Give himself up for us? v.14
A. To redeem us from lawlessness
B. to purify us
C. to produce Zeal for good works in us

Have you experienced this kind of salvation?

III. the purpose of salvation is not
A. Escapism
B. A Private Matter
C. Contentment with our current condition

Mental Worship questions

What would you have said was the purpose of salvation before this morning? Did this morning change, add, or subtract from your understanding of that purpose?
Has the Holy Spirit trained you to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions? What is your evidence?
What would you have said before this morning are the three things the holy Spirit trains believers to be? Why do you think this passage says self-control, uprightness, and godly living? To what degree do those three characteristics define you?
What do you put your hope in? Have you ever put your hope in something that has failed you? Does knowing that Jesus is coming back and that he is going to make every wrong right help you get through tragedy?
Jesus gave himself up to redeem and purify us which should lead to a “Zeal for good works.” Where does this come out in your life?
Did anything you hear this morning convict you to live for a bigger view of salvation?

Jul 6, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Julian Solis, Spiritual Formation Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Created For Glory
Genesis 1:26-28

Embrace Dignity
• Genesis 1:26-28
• Psalm 8:5-6

Confront the Curse
• Genesis 9:6
• James 3:9

Think I forgot how to be happy
Something I'm not, but something I can be
Something I wait for
Something I'm made for

Billie Eilish O'Connell / Finneas Baird O'Connell

Find Restoration in Jesus
• 1 Corinthians 15:49

Mental Worship
1. Has sin—either your own or someone else’s—robbed you of a sense of identity, dignity, or purpose? How does the good news of Jesus speak into that today?
2. How does knowing that you were created for God’s glory shape your vision of life?
3. How might the truth that all people are made in God’s image affect your view of family, culture, and work right now (v. 5)?
4. How does God’s plan to make you more like Jesus help you envision your future? What is your next step to join Him in that work?

Jun 29, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Balance of God
Jonah 4:5-11

The direction of disobedience, v. 5

Here are some examples from Genesis of how eastward movement symbolizes departure from God’s will…

a) Adam & Eve are put out of the Garden on the east side
b) Cain settles east of Eden
c) The builders of Babel are headed east when they decide to build a tower so as to make a name for themselves
d) Lot separated from Abram and traveled east near Sodom and Gomorrah

Here is how we drift away from God…

1) a fixation on the physical over the spiritual in your priorities
2) a loss of sensitivity

“You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the God. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one — the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” - C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

3) the glorification of feelings

God acts sovereignly to reveal His nature and our need, v. 6-8

Three ways God demonstrates His nature…

a) His name- v. 6- “YHWH Elohim”
⁃ YHWH- speaking to Israelites (particular)
⁃ Elohim- speaking to non-Israelites (universal)
b) His sovereignty- “appointed…”
c) His patience- v. 9

Three ways God demonstrates our need…

a) provision- v. 5
b) experience- v. 6
⁃ Matthew 7:1-2
c) isolation- v. 8b

God is not ashamed of you, v. 10-11

2 Peter 3:9-10

Mental worship…

What does drifting away from God feel like in your life?
Are you biggest priorities physical or spiritual in nature?
What is the latest thing you could clearly identify as God’s provision?
Is there anything you think or feel but you only say to yourself?
What are some of your takeaways from the book of Jonah?

Jun 22, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Wade Burgess
Executive Pastor

The Cure for Circumstantial Amnesia

Psalm 136

His steadfast love endures forever

His - God
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 90
• Psalm 103
• Psalm 139
• Psalm 145

Steadfast - a firm, unwavering commitment and determination
Love - God’s love is the only one experienced from a perfect being with perfect intent
Endures - to withstand hardship, persecution, or adversity with patience and perseverance

We cure amnesia by:

1 Giving Thanks - v 1-4
2 Seeing Nature - v5-9
3 Telling Stories - v 10-22
4 Recognizing the Order - v 23-26

Mental Worship
1. How could you make it a habit to count your blessings?
2. If you were to write your own Psalm, what should it include?
3. If your story is only of pain and heartache, what do you think God is up to?
4. Are you more likely to remember than anticipate God's goodness?

Jun 15, 2025 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Jonah 4:1-5
God’s Freedom To Be God

God’s nature doesn’t conform to our emotions, v. 1

Four things about anger…
a) anger is a secondary emotion
b) anger doesn’t earn me the right to be in charge
c) anger turned inward becomes depression
d) anger is an invitation to identify your root idols

Four root idols…
Power: a longing for influence or recognition
Control: a longing to have everything go according to my plan
Comfort: a longing for pleasure
Approval: a longing to be accepted or desired

God’s nature is not subject to our preferences, v. 2-3

Components of a prophetic complaint…
a) We accuse God of injustice
b) We point to something God said, did or didn’t do as evidence
c) We request a correction of the injustice

Three things about God’s nature…
1) it’s not one dimensional
2) it’s not open to interpretation
• Exodus 34:6-8
3) it’s expressed in God’s timing
• Nahum 1:1-15

God’s nature invites self-reflection, v. 3-4

Mental worship…

What is your theology of anger?
Does your love of country ever over rule God’s love for the nations?
Are you balanced in your view of God’s nature?
What part of your life is God’s nature inviting you to think about today?
What kind of spiritual progress have you made over the past year?

Jun 8, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Essence of Biblical Repentance
Jonah 3:3-3:10

The message you preach informs the response, v. 3b-4
Romans 3:23
Romans 3:21-25
There is a difference in repentance and appeasement, v. 5-9

Notice what they did…
a) they believed God, v. 5
b) they were sorry, v. 5
c) they went into a complete fast
d) they prayed, v. 8
e) they turned from sin and violence, v. 8

2 Corinthians 7:8-13

The fruit of repentance…
1 earnestness- what is your focus?
2 eagerness to clear yourselves-is telling the truth hard for you?
3 indignation- where is your anger directed?
4 fear- what is your fear?
5 longing- what is the biggest desire of your heart?
6 zeal- what are you most passionate about?
7 punishment- who do you want to punish?
8 proof- what do you point to as evidence that your repentance is real?
9 comfort- who is comforted by your repentance?

God’s mercy is easily accessible, v. 10
Ephesians 2:4-6
Lamentations 3:22-24
Isaiah 30:18
Psalm 103:8
Hebrews 4:16
Psalm 23:6

Mental worship…

What is missing from the message you preach?
Which best describes the way you respond when you sin: appeasement or
repentance?
What did you hear today that you will think about this week?
Do you believe God’s mercy is as big as His sovereignty?
Do people enjoy themselves around you?

Jun 1, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Jonah 2:10-3:3b
God’s Commitment to the Message

God speaks to anyone who will listen, v. 2:10

Some of the ways God speaks to us…

a) Creation

Psalm 19:1-4
Romans 1:18-20

b) Bible/the Word

Psalm 1:1-3

c) prayer
d) spiritual authority
e) circumstances

God repeats Himself, v. 1-2

Three similarities between them…

a) Peter ran from his calling, just like Jonah, and Peter got a second chance to submit to God.
b) Peter is similar to Jonah in that he was the first of the apostle to cross the Jew/Gentile boundary with the gospel.
c) Peter receives his vision about the animals being clean at the house of Simon the Tanner in the city of Joppa.

God speaks through His prophets, v. 2

“We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum.”

A.W. Tozer

Three evidences of a prophet…

a) They live in the unseen.
b) The speak for God.
c) They move according to the word of the Lord, v. 3

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Mental worship…

When is the last time you had good “tone” on something?
When you pray, are you talking to God or thinking about the people in the room who are hearing you?
Have you ever tried to disqualify yourself with your behavior from something God was calling you to?
What one word best describes a life lived according to the Word?
What would you like to ask God to repeat?
Do you have prophetic friends and who are they?

May 25, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

The Glory of Disobedience
Jonah 1:17-2:10

Introductory thoughts…

a) We have consumed Jonah upon our comfort theology
b) The book of Jonah was not recorded as they were happening. The first part of our passage is descriptive and then there is this long psalm of thanksgiving from verses 2-9 which describes, after the fact, what Jonah went through.
c) You have to pick your miracle.

A sovereign God does everything for a reason, v. 17
-Matthew 12:38-41
It’ never too late to pray, v. 2:1-2
Luke 16:22-24
There is a consequence for disobedience, v. 3-6a

Progression of disobedience…
a) deceitfulness of sin
b) rationalization

“Rationalization is a process of not perceiving reality, but of attempting to make reality fit one’s emotions.”
-Ayn Rand
c) hardness of heart
d) seared conscious

This is a picture of salvation, v. 6b-9
Ephesians 2:1-2, 4-5

“The highest motive, in heaven and earth, for obedience is love resulting from gratitude.”
-Dan DeHaan

Mental worship…

1 Do you ever find yourself asking God to prove Himself to you?
2 What is the weirdest place you’ve ever prayed from?
3 Thinking back in your life, can you see places where sin deceived you?
4 Do you believe in a God who punishes sinners not just sin?
5 What is the trajectory of your relationship with God these days? Down, away, or up?
6 Do you have to work up the energy to be thankful or does it come naturally?

May 18, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Solve A Problem
Jonah 1:4-2:1

What is the nature of the problem? v. 5-6
Jeremiah 23:18-22

Three kinds of response to the problem…

a) spiritual- “each cried out to his god”
1) polytheism- the belief or worship of more than one god.
2) monotheism- the belief that their is only one God. Dt. 6:4
3) henotheism- the belief that there are many gods who are the same
but they are just called by different names.

b) physical- “and they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them.”
c) emotional- “But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.”

Inappropriate sleep patterns/habits are many things…
a) a sign of depression
b) a form of avoidance
c) subtle form of escape
d) unconscious denial- an unconscious response to a conscious problem.

Who is responsible for the problem? v. 7-16
What is God’s response to the problem? v. 17

“God’s grace is not infinite. God is infinite, and God is gracious. We experience the grace of an infinite God, but grace is not infinite. God sets limits to His patience and forbearance. He warns us over and over again that someday the ax will fall and His judgment will be poured out.” - R.C. Sproul

Mental worship…

Are you currently living in disobedience to something the Lord has told you to do?
What is the order by which you respond to problems?
Is God repeating anything to you these days?
Is there anybody that you refuse to have your mind changed about?
How is God’s judgment a sign of His love?
Have you ever had an experience with God’s judgement that turned your heart back towards God?

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Motivating Power of God’s Nature
Jonah 1:1-4

Introductory thoughts on the book of Jonah…
a) Jonah is a prophetic narrative
b) Jonah is not an allegory
c) Symbolic use of geography and climate

Hearing the Word of the Lord comes with a responsibility, v. 1
God sees things as they are and as they will be, v. 2
God can be patient in response to evil, v. 2
Psalm 103:8-14
There is no where you can go to get away from God, v. 3
Psalm 139:1-12

Two things this passage teaches us:
a) God knows us
b) God knows where we are

Disobedience is a downward journey, v. 3
God is sovereign over all things and He uses everything over which He is sovereign, v. 4

Mental worship…

What is the last thing you would say you heard from the Lord?
Can you see things as they are and as they will be?
Have you ever run from God and what was the outcome? How did you know you were running?
What about God’s nature motivates your obedience?
Is the direction of your life more up or down these days?

May 4, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

How to change spiritual numbness
1Samuel 3:1-18

Believe that God wants to speak to his people. v.1-4

How God speaks
A. The Spirit
B. The Scripture
C. The Church

Know God must reveal himself. 4-7
Remember God is patient but not a pushover. 11-14

Obstacles to hearing God
A. Sin
B. Inexperience
C. Expectation

Accept that God does what he wants. v.16-18

Mental Worship

How does God usually get your attention?
Has God reveled himself to you? How do you know?
What is a recent Word God has said to you? What are you doing with it?
If God were to answer the next thing you ask him, what would you ask?
Has God ever used hardship as a way of rescuing you?
What do you have to do more of, or less of, to hear God better?

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Holy Week Afterthoughts
Romans 8:31-39

God is for us, v. 31

Romans 1:1-7

The Cross is an indication of God’s posture towards us, v. 32

”graciously”- to freely give and to give generously

God’s mind about me is unchangeable, v. 33-34a

“There is unspeakable comfort – the sort of comfort that energizes, be it said, not enervates – in knowing that God is constantly taking knowledge of me in love and watching over me for my good. There is tremendous relief in knowing that his love to me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can disillusion him about me, in the way I am so often disillusioned about myself, and quench his determination to bless me.” - J.I. Packer, Knowing God

Robust theology is helpful, v. 33b-34

The accomplishments of Christ...
a) crucifixion- “Christ Jesus is the one who died"
b) resurrection- “more than that, who was raised”
c) ascension- “who is at the right hand of God”
d) intercession- “who is interceding for us”

God will never not love me, v. 35

Mental worship…
1. Do you believe that God is for you?
2. When is the last time you experienced God’s graciousness?
3. Do you ever wonder what Jesus is praying for you?
4. How does hardship affect the way you think about God?
5. What question is your soul asking as a result of what you heard today?

Apr 20, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

God’s Big Picture Plan for Resurrection Sunday
Luke 24:36-49

That something hard to believe would happen, v. 36-43
Two responses to Jesus…
a) doubt, v. 38
b) disbelieved for joy, v. 41

“"If Christ is not risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is risen, nothing else matters.”
- Jaroslav Pelikan

That we would have a Bible we can believe, v. 44
That Christ should suffer, v. 46
Luke 9:22

Three reasons Christ had to suffer…
1) because we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s standard
2) because our sin separates us from God
3) because sin requires a sacrifice for us to be reconciled to God

That on the third day He would rise from the dead, v. 46
Some examples of the third day pattern…
a) Genesis 1:9-13- God creates dry land, vegetation, plants, trees
b) Genesis 22:4- “On the third day, Abraham saw the place…”
c) Jonah 1:17- in belly of the fish for three days and nights
d) Hosea 6:1-2
That change would be possible for everyone, v. 47
a) “of sins”
b) “in his name”
c) “to all nations”
That we would have the capacity to do what God requires, v. 49

Mental worship….
1 How often do you struggle with doubt and are you doubting anything these days?
2 When is the last time you experienced something so good it was hard for you to believe it?
3 What is one thing you would be willing to start believing about the Bible?
4 Have you gotten to your “third day” yet?
5 Do you need forgiveness for sin or do you need God to change how you feel about what you did?
6 Do you ever experience this power that God promises?

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Three Truths That Transform
Luke 19:28-44

God has a plan for everything and our lives find fulfillment in God’s plan, v. 28-35
• Zechariah 9:9
• Luke 19:32
Worship accompanies what God does, v. 35-40
• Three stages to worship…
• what God does
• who God is
• what I do
Peace is found in a relationship with God, v. 41-44
• Luke 14:31-32

Mental worship…

What area of your life feels like God does not have a plan for it?
Is your worship of God more about what He does or who He is?
Do you have a mechanism for remembering all that God has done in your life?
Have you made your peace with God?
Is there anybody that you are seeing as you need them to be but not as they really are?

Apr 6, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Chris Brooks, Pastor to Pastors | Local Church

This sermon explores the “terrible word” of God’s judgment and the “terrific opportunity” of salvation, as seen in Zephaniah 3:14-17. We often forget that God is not a distant deity, but a mighty warrior who saves, comforts, and delights in His people.

The prophet Zephaniah reveals that God’s salvation comes even from His own wrath, described as “The Day of the Lord”. This sermon will dive into the significance of the Day of the Lord, including both judgment and the hope brought by Jesus Christ.

We'll discuss the specific reasons for God’s judgment: indifference, idolatry of affluence, and the sin of syncretism. But even within this message of judgment, there is a call to seek the Lord, pursue righteousness, and find hope in salvation.

Ultimately, for believers, there is the “terrific opportunity” to anticipate the Judgment Seat of Christ, where we will account for our faithfulness. This sermon will encourage you to live in light of this reality.

A Terrible Word & A Terrific Opportunity
Zephaniah 3:14-17

Iniquity of Indifference
Idolatry of Affluence
Sin of Syncretism

Mental worship…

Where do you need God to quiet you with his love?
When was the last time you experienced God delighting you with gladness?
In what areas have you started to act as if the Lord will neither move for good nor bad?
Where are you sacrificing your integrity to save a few bucks?
What profane beliefs are you mixing with your sacred faith?
If you were to “quest for the broadest capacity of heavenly reward possible by faithfully serving God,” what would you do differently this week?
How do you rejoice and express your gratitude to God for saving you from his wrath?

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Cure For Church Hurt
Ephesians 4: 1-15

This is what we do, v. 11-12

a) equip the saints for the work of ministry
b) building up the body of Christ (church)

2 Peter 3:1
This is the goal for what we do, v. 13
a) to the unity of the faith
b) knowledge of the Son of God
c) maturity
d) fullness
This is why we do it, v. 14-15
a) in true growth everything gets bigger, v. 15
b) we all have a part to play, v. 16
c) growth is the by-product not the goal, v. 16

Mental worship…

How well furnished is your spiritual house?
Who do you spend time with that provokes you spiritually?
How do you measure your spiritual growth?
What is the last thing you’ve learned about Jesus and how is it affecting the way you live?
How often do you experience fullness?

Mar 23, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Julian Solis, Spiritual Formation Pastor

How Low Can Grand Parkway Go?
Philippians 2:5-11

Think like Christ in your relationships (v. 5).

"Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other?
They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow.”
A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Give like Christ, who gave His life for you (vv. 6–8).

Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 20:25-28

Allow the Father to lift you up (v.9-11).

Isaiah 45:23

Mental Worship:

In what ways are selfish ambition, rivalry, or pride showing up in your life right now (vv. 3–4)?
This passage calls us to have the mind of Christ. Where do you see yourself living this out well, and where is there room for growth (v. 5)?
As a Christian, you’re thankful that Jesus humbled himself and gave his life for your sins. Following that pattern of the cross, how might God be calling you to humble yourself and give today (vv. 6–8)?
Where is the Lord pressing you to live this out most— your church, home, work, or community?

Mar 16, 2025
Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

What Should I Do During Communion?
I Corinthians 11:23-34

Look back, v. 23-26
Look in, v. 28
Look around, v. 29-34

Means two things…

a) it is a reference to the physical body of Jesus
b) it refers to the body of Christ, the Church

Look forward

Mark 14:25

Mar 9, 2025

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How Do We Keep Going?
Acts 28:17-31

The corporate nature of faith, v. 17-22

Hebrews 11:6-13
Hebrews 11:17-12:2

The sufficiency of Scripture, v. 23-27

2 Peter 1:16-21

Three things we believe about the Bible…

a) the Bible isn’t someone’s opinion
b) people didn’t write the Bible
c) he Bible is the product of divine inspiration

That there will always be an audience, v. 28-29

Revelation 7:9-12

Stay focussed, v. 30-31

The book of Acts ends with a focus on two realities…

a) the Kingdom of God
b) the Lord Jesus Christ

Acts 1:1-3

“There can be no Kingdom of God in the world without the Kingdom of God in our hearts.”

Albert Schweitzer

Mental worship…

Will those who have gone before you recognize what you call faith?
When you think and talk about Christianity is it more in terms of “me” or “we?”
Is there anything you think about the Bible that may surprise someone?
How would you describe the Kingdom of God to someone totally unfamiliar with this reality?
What are some things that stood out to you about the book of Acts?

Mar 2, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Endure A Long Journey
Acts 28:1-16

Kindness helps, v. 1-2

“Kindness is a language which the non-verbal can speak and the deaf can understand.”
-C.N. Bovee
Romans 2:1-5

No karma in the Kingdom, v. 3-6

Luke 13:1-5

Four core problems with karma…

a) You are responsible for everything that happens in your life both good and bad
b) You need neither prayer nor worship
c) You have no explanation for trauma or tragedy
d) Karma nullifies the reality of grace

Psalm 103:8-14

The Kingdom comes, v. 7-10

Luke 10:1-12

Four reasons for miracles in the New Testament...

a) demonstrate God’s power and authority
b) validate the messengers
c) immediately piqued people’s interest in the Kingdom of God
d) established a platform for the Gospel

The Kingdom is communal by nature, v. 11-16

Three Taverns was a real place some two thousand years ago on the Appian Way, just outside of Rome. It was a traveler’s rest and is mentioned in the book of Acts. We don’t know much about it, but from stories we’re told it was a place of thanksgiving and communal hospitality. We imagine Three Taverns as a place weary travelers in the ancient world found rest, community, and conversation—centered around food and drink at the table. Though the world has changed immensely since days of the Roman Empire, the culture of the table has been a constant throughout the ages. At Three Taverns, we believe, as we gather at the table and share our lives together over good food and drink, we are formed at our best as humans.

Mental worship…

1 What questions is your soul asking after hearing this sermon today?
2 What was your last experience with kindness that really hit the mark?
3 Are you a functional believer in karma?
4 When the Bible says of God that, “He does not deal with us according to our sins” what does that make you think, feel or want to do?
5 What about your life makes people curious about the Kingdom?
6 Where do you experience rest, community and conversation?

Feb 23, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Christopher M. Brooks
Pastor to Pastors | Local Church

THE FOG OF WAR
Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version

“There are two equal and opposite errors to which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally please by both or errors, and hail the materialist or the magician with the same delight.” - C.S. Lewis The Screwtape Letters

“The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn’t exist”

Kaizer Soze

• Why can't I stop all these random and reckless thoughts?
• Why do I feel this low grade anxiety in my chest?
• Why is my heart always at war with destructive desires?
• Why am I prone to the very behaviors that tore family apart?
• Why is so hard to concentrate when I pray?
• Why is all the news bad, polarizing, and demonizing?
• Why is there so much injustice in the world?
• Why do I even care?

The fog of war is the uncertainty in situational awareness experienced by participants in military operations. The term seeks to capture the uncertainty regarding one's own capability, adversary capability, and adversary intent during an engagement.

• The devil is diabolos (Greek) – slander or accuser
• The satan is hassatan (Hebrew) – accuser, howler, morning star
• The evil one
• The tempter
• The destroyer
• The deceiver
• The great dragon. Who deceives the whole world
• The ancient serpent who leads the whole world astray

Jesus also called him the prince of this world – archon - the highest ranking roman official in a city or region (John 12v31, 14v30, 16v11).

He claimed of the kingdoms of the world were his to give a way and Jesus didn’t disagree with him (Matthew 4v8-10).

He was created by God, (Ezekiel 28v15) This is key; he's not God's equal and opposite but a created being with a beginning. And an end.

His original role seems to have been the spiritual formation of human beings through testing. Think of how a teacher tests children to bring them to maturity. But (as we see in the story of Job) he began to drift from his charter and used his skill set to tempt human beings into spiritual deformation (Job 1vs6-12, 2v1-7, Matthew 4v1-11)

He sat on God's divine council, a group of hand-selected spiritual beings whose job was to collaborate with God's rule over the world (Gen 3, Isaiah 14v12-13, Ezekiel 28v12-15), But he choose to rebel against God's rule, to seize the world's throne for himself, and to enlist as many creatures as possible in his violent insurgency (Ezekiel 28v15-17, Revelation 12v1-9, 14v9-12, Luke 10v18, Isaiah 14v12-17).

For thousands of years, he held sway as the "prince of this world, "(John 14v30, 2 Corinthians 4v4, 1 John 5v19)

Jesus came "to destroy the devil's work (1 John 3v8). To"tie up strong man"(Mark 3v27) and set humanity free (John 8v32, 36)

Jesus's kingdom was, and still is, nonviolent. How-ever, Jesus likened the kingdom to a warlike assault on the "gates of hell (Matthew 16v18).”

In this ongoing war, harm - spiritual, mental, emotional, and even physical-is a very real possibility.

Our great hope is in Jesus's return to finish what he started.

MENTAL WORSHIP

How do you understand the concept of spiritual warfare, and what role do you think believers should play in it today?
What specific pieces

Feb 16, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Survive a Shipwreck
Acts 27

Have friends, v. 1-8

“I have many things to write you, but I don’t want to write to you with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends send you greetings. Greet the friends by name.”

3 John 13-15

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’"

C.S. Lewis
Follow truth not money, v. 9-12

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

I Timothy 6:10
Face the wind, v. 13-15
Allow the storm to clarify what is essential, v. 16-20
Listen to spiritual authority, v. 21-26

v. 24- “God has granted you all those who sail with you!”

Have a means of measuring progress, v. 27-32

“They took a sounding...”

Find something to be thankful for, v. 33-38

“And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and begin to eat.”

Do your part, v. 39-44

“He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.”

Mental worship…

Who are the friends you look to in order to survive a storm?
What is your affection level towards money?
Are you avoiding anything or anybody that you need to face?
Before what people is it hardest for you to pray?
Have your emotions calibrated more towards the positive or the negative
because of the storms you’ve endured?
Looking back, what is the biggest storm you’ve been through and what
did God teach you about yourself, Himself and your faith?

Feb 9, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Tyler Moffett
Teaching Pastor at Grace Fellowship Church

John 1:1-5 (ESV)

LIGHT IS POWERFUL

LIGHT IS REVEALING

FIRST OPTION: HIDE

John 3:16-20 (ESV)

SECOND OPTION: CONFESS

John 3:21 (ESV)

1 John 1:5-10 (ESV)

"Any acceptance of the gospel that does not lead to a life of ongoing confession and repentance is not actually a belief in the gospel. To be 99% known and 1% unknown is to be completely unknown. And if you choose to live your life that way, you'll never experience love. You'll never be able to receive it because you are convinced that if the 1% was found out, they would reject you." – Matt Chandler

In confession the break-through to community takes place. Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation. Sin wants to remain unknown. It shuns the light. In the darkness of the unexpressed it poisons the whole being of a person. This can happen even in the midst of a pious community. In confession the light of the Gospel breaks into the darkness and seclusion of the heart. The sin must be brought into the light. The unexpressed must be openly spoken and acknowledged. All that is secret and hidden is made manifest. It is a hard struggle until the sin is openly admitted. But God breaks gates of brass and bars of iron (Ps. 107:16)." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV)

Questions
• What is the status of your heart this morning?
• Is there some aspect of your life that is currently in the dark?
• Where is God calling you to confess & repent this morning?
• The breakthrough to community often comes through confession. Who do you need to confess to this week?
• Do you believe you can be forgiven of all sin?

Feb 2, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Elements of An Effective Testimony
Acts 26:1-32

A past, v. 1-11

The glory of your present life should always eclipse the shame of your past. If not, you will always fear your past.

A conversion experience, v. 12-18

Three things that are universal for every conversion experience…

a) God appears to you, v. 16
b) God delivers you, v. 17
c) God sends you, v. 17-18

Four things happen when people’s eyes are opened…

1) they turn from darkness to light
2) turn from the power of Satan to the power of God
3) they receive forgiveness of sin
4) they get a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus (the Church)

A consistent life, v. 19-23

A converted life is consistent to three things…

a) God’s vision for their life, v. 19-21
b) God’s help, v. 22
c) Biblical doctrine, v. 22b-23

1) atonement- Jesus died in your place/for your sins
2) resurrection- the receipt that confirms God’s acceptance
3) salvation- you can change because of the first two

A shared focus, v. 24-29

Mental worship…
1 What are some of the “goads” in your life and to what are they pointing you?
2 Is your life more of a reflection of God’s vision or your desires?
3 Have you ever experienced the help that comes from God?
4 What kind of world would it be if everyone was like you are spiritually?
5 Are you a prisoner to anything these days?

Feb 2, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

The Ordination of Ian Weber
I Kings 19:19-21

"God’s call is an inner conviction given by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by the Word of God and the body of Christ.”
-Erwin Lutzer

You’ve got to understand some things, v. 19

Two things come with the Call to ministry…

a) gravity
b) gladness

You’ve got to say good-bye to some things and people, v. 20
You’ve got to sacrifice some things, v. 21
You’ve got to follow somebody, v. 21

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Julian Solis, Spiritual Formation Pastor

Gospel Perspective
Philippians 1:3-11

Look, God’s good work is sure
Look, God will bring His work to completion

Additional Verses Referenced:
Philippians 1:9-10
Philippians 2:16
Philippians 3:20
Philippians 4:4-5

Mental Worship:
1. What in your life has been eclipsing the good news of Jesus?
2. How does knowing that, God never stops working to redeem you, strengthen your faith?
3. Name three people that regularly help you maintain a “Gospel Perspective”.
a. If you can, praise God for them.
b. If you can’t, pray to find them.
4. How does anticipating “The Day of Jesus Christ” encourage you to live for Him today?

Jan 19, 2025
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Big Picture Parenting
Luke 15:11-32

Always balance resource and relationship, v. 11-13
Consequences are necessary, v. 14-19

The Consequences of No Consequence…

a) irresponsible adults
b) more of the same
c) difficulty with social norms
d) impaired decision making ability
e) over reliance on parents

Stay on the porch, v. 20
Beware of the style of relating, v. 21-24

Two dominant styles of relating:

a) transactional
b) relational

Never allow your children to be self-righteous, v. 25-32

Mental worship…
1 How does your children’s behavior affect the way you relate to them?
2 Which do your kids currently enjoy more, the resources or the relationship?
3 What core convictions do you want to instill in your kids before they leave home?
4 What do you count on to motivate change in your children?
5 Do you allow your children to experience consequences?

Jan 12, 2025
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Wade Burgess, Executive Pastor

Character Matters
Genesis 6:5-14, 17-22 and 8:20-21

God’s Character:

More concerned about people’s hearts than creation - 6:7
Attention to details - 6:15-23
Keeps His word - 6:18
Willing to Demonstrate His power - 8:21
He rarely works alone

“God knew that my need as a sinner was so great that it was not enough for Him to just forgive me; He had to come and live inside me or I would not be what I had been re-created to be or do what I had been reborn to do.” Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies

Godly Character includes:
Favor with God - 6:8
Walking with God - 6:9
Intimacy before Calling
Long obedience in the same direction

Mental Worship
1. Do you often find yourself outside of society norms or do you go along to get along?
2. Have you let the excuse of age (old or young) stop you from serving God?3. When was the last time God called you to something that did not make sense?
4. How are you demonstrating what you believe?

Jan 5, 2025
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

What Our Church Believes
I Corinthians 6:1-11

Our fundamental problem is not being unwilling but being unrighteous, v. 9
Romans 3:9-19

What does this mean?

a Religion won’t change you- Jews
b Intelligence cannot excuse you- Greeks
c Everybody does their own thing
d Our preferred behaviors don’t bring us peace
e Because we don’t know God we don’t fear God
f Everyone has fallen short of God’s standard and is accountable to God
g There is nothing we can do to change this reality

Everybody has a past, v. 9-10

Two things about people with a past…

a) they are very loving
b) they are very worshipful

God’s power is bigger than your past, v. 11

Draw your attention to three words…

a) But you were washed…
b) …but you were sanctified…
c) …but you were justified...

Three things about conversion…

a) True conversion equips us for what the Bible requires of us.
b) The expression of grace comes from the experience of grace.
c) Salvation is not a transaction but a relationship

Mental worship…

1 Would you rather be defrauded or the Gospel be discredited?
2 How has your past informed and influenced who you are today?
3 Does your experience of forgiveness affect how you worship?
4 Do you think Christians should seek arbitration instead of going to court?
5 Did you hear anything today that has the capacity to set you on fire?

Dec 29, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

HOW TO BE DIFFERENT
Colossians 4:2-6

Pray differently, v. 2

Three aspects to our prayers…

a) steadfastly- refers to our inward posture when we pray
b) being watchful- alert, don’t get lazy

Two ways you know you are not watchful in your prayers…

1) you say the same thing without much thought or emotion.
2) you think more about the people in the room hearing you pray than the God you are praying to.

c) with thanksgiving- grateful language, perspective on the God you are praying to

Think differently, v. 3-4.

Notice Paul’s prayer requests…

a) that God may open to us a door for the word
b) to declare the mystery of Christ
c) that I may make it clear

Walk differently, v. 5
Talk differently, v. 6

Colossians 4:6

Mental worship…

What is the average length of time you pray for something before giving up?
What do your prayers reveal about how you think?
Do you understand the difference between the opportunity and the outcome?
Does your speech need more salt or grace?
Are you more happy with or proud of your life?

Dec 22, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

What Love Makes Us Love
I John 3:11-24

Love the message, v. 11-15

Zoe is the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical. Life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new and better experiences; including a more perfect body which will last forever.

Love the opportunity, v. 16-22

When you love the opportunity three things happen…

a) think differently, v. 16
b) see differently, v. 17
c) love differently, v. 18

To see means to perceive with the eyes, to discern, to ascertain, find out by seeing. Looking is directing your eyes in a particular direction but to see means to notice or become aware of something by using your eyes.

“I would rather die right now than live a life of obvious ease in so sick a world.”

-Nate Saint, Christian missionary, martyr

Love the simplicity of the Gospel, v. 23-24

a) acknowledgement
b) agreement
c) surrender

Mental worship…

Is there anybody in your life that is hard to love right now?
Do you feel as if you have the life of eternity inside you longing to get out?
Has the love of God caused you to do anything lately that you by nature wouldn’t normally do?
What does it sound like when your heart condemns you?
Does the way you live give you assurance concerning your salvation?

Dec 15, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

What To Do While We Wait
Luke 12:35-48

Be ready, v. 35-36

Ephesians 6:15

Stay awake, v. 37-38

2 Peter 3:1-4
2 Peter 3:8-10

Signs we are falling asleep spiritually:

1) no appetite for spiritual things
2) prayer is an afterthought
3) reduce Christianity to conversion only
4) rationalize sin as an expression of personal power
5) fail to prioritize your faith
6) more opinions than experiences
7) often offended but rarely convicted
8) evaluate more than you experience
9) more preferences than priorities
10) obedience is determined by your willingness

Be consistent, v. 41-48

Ephesians 2:4-7

Mental worship…

What emotions stir in you when you think about Jesus’ return?
Is there any spiritual truth that you have grown sleepy towards?
Do you understand the relationship between man’s nature and man’s need?
How often do you think of God as kind?
Would you describe yourself as spiritually consistent? How would you describe yourself spiritually?

Dec 8, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Clyde Copeland, Worship Pastor

The Way Of Peace
Luke 1:67-79

God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. v. 67
-Luke 1:6

Three miracles in Zechariah’s family
a. Conception of John the Baptist
b. Zechariah loses his speech
c. Zechariah could speak again

“The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children.” -GK Chesterton

You can’t understand Jesus without the Old Testament, v. 68-74

-Genesis 12:2-3
-2 Samuel 7:16
-Luke 24:27

Advent has more to do with the ministry of John the Baptist than the birth of Jesus, v. 76-77
(I’ll refer to the pictures here I sent in the other emails.)
-John 3:28-30
Jesus is the only way to peace, v. 78-79
-Isaiah 59:8

Mental Worship
1. What blessings have you experienced from ordinary or mundane events?
2. If you were to read a passage in the Old Testament, would you be able to understand how it points to Jesus?
3. Of all things you can prepare for, how do you prepare for the second coming of Jesus?
4. Peace with God, peace with others, peace with self: of these three, which do you need more of?

Dec 1, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Be Hopeful To The End
Hebrews 6:10-12

Hopelessness is a feeling of despair or lack of hope that life can feel better than it has been.

The people progression of hopelessness…
PARENTS..…PEERS..…SELF…..GOD…..NIHILISM

Nihilism is the rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life has no meaning and therefore is hopeless.

Hebrews 6:13-20

Faith

Few thoughts about faith…

a) our faith is not in our faith/religious traditions
b) our faith is not in ourselves
c) our faith is a verb
d) our faith is in God

1) His promise is rooted in “Surely I will…”
2) His purpose hasn’t changed, v. 16-17
3) Our hope has a name, v. 19

Two things about the order of Melchizedek…

a) eternal nature
b) dual office- King/Priest

Patience, v. 15

Romans 4:16-25

Mental worship…

How often do you feel sluggish spiritually?
What part of speech is your faith? Noun, adjective, verb, preposition, adverb?
What do you think is God’s purpose for your life?
If God were trying to convince you that something is really true, what would that thing be?
How is your soul these days?
Do you have religious traditions or an actual relationship with a real God?

Nov 24, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Christopher M. Brooks
Pastor to Pastors | Local Church

How to hear the voice of God
1 Samuel 3 NIV

How God speaks

How to hear God when He speaks

How to know if it is really God speaking

HOW GOD SPEAKS

• His word (Hebrews 4:12)
• People (Acts 9:10-18)
• And they don’t always agree (Acts 21: 4-6) .
• Circumstances (Romans 8:28)
• Creation (Psalm 19:1-2)
• Music (2 Chronicles 20)
• Thoughts and Impressions (1 Cor 2:16)
• Pictures and Images (Psalms/parables/John 10)
• Dreams (Acts 2:17)

HOW TO HEAR GOD SPEAK

• Sit still and Quiet yourself (Psalm 46:10 / Luke 5:16)
• Smile back at God and say Hi (Numbers 6:24-26 / Exodus 33:11)
• Exercise the authority of Christ over all other voices(James 4:7 / Luke 4:35)
• Ask God to make his presence known to you (psalm 70:1).
• Ask God to speak to you (1 Samuel 3:10).
• Ask God to search your heart and bring up anything that needs his healing touch (Psalm 139:23-24)
• Write down any impression God gives you (Matthew 7:24-25)

Common Barriers to Hearing God
• Unrepented Sin
• Pride
• Business of Life
• Distractions away from God
• Unresolved conflict with others
• Unforgiveness for others
• Lack of faith in God
• Lack of effort

What hearing from God is not:

• A trump card
• Hammer
• Only for the super spiritual
• Easy

How to know if it is really God speaking (or just me talking to myself)?

• Confirmation with the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
• Cooperation with the Spirit (John 14:26) But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
• Collaboration with your Spiritual Family (Colossians 3:16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

= = = = = = = = = = = =

Mental Worship

Do you want to make the choice to hear God's voice?
Pray this scripture to God: Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.
What do you think God wants to say to you?
Can you recall a time when you felt God speaking to you? What did he say? How did He communicate with you? How did you respond?
What is blocking you from hearing God?
Where do you need help d

Nov 17, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Components of Biblical Faith - Part 3
The Final Judgment
Acts 24:24-25

Introductory thoughts…

a) Being nonjudgmental will not get you out of judgement.
b) The final judgment is good news.
c) The final judgment reminds us that evil won’t triumph.
d) The final judgment explains the Gospel.
e) The final judgment is forever.

Four Things About The Final Judgment

The dead will be raised
Acts 24:14-15
Everyone is being judged and will be judged
2 Peter 2:4-10
The Christian and the non-Christian have different experiences of judgement
Revelation 20:11-15

A few things to notice…
a) All people will stand before God in judgement
b) How you live indicts you on judgement day
c) A person goes to hell because they don’t have a relationship with Jesus

2 Corinthians 5:10

A few of things to notice…
a) Judgement for the Christian has nothing to do with their salvation
b) For a Christian, judgement is about recognition and reward for the life you lived on earth
c) Some rewards will be lost because of how we lived

The motivation for becoming a Christian shouldn't be to escape judgement but to experience fullness
Psalm 37

= = = = = = = = = = =

Mental worship…

Do you ever think of the final judgement as good news?
How does knowing that everybody lives forever, just in different places, inform and affect the way you share the Gospel?
Can you feel when you are experiencing God’s judgement?
Do you believe that the life you are currently living will be rewarded in heaven?
What brings you comfort when you feel hopeless about the state of the world today?

Nov 10, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Components of Biblical Faith- Part 2
Self-Control
Galatians 5:16-25

Introductory thoughts…

There is a difference in self-control and self-discipline.
Thinking about this should cause us to think deeper about our salvation.
Self-control requires a power greater then self.
Walk by the Spirit, v. 16

To walk by the Spirit is what happens when the desires produced by the Spirit are stronger than the desires produced by the flesh. The Holy Spirit produces desires in us that are in keeping with God’s word and lead us into the experience of God’s will.

“I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”

Ezekiel 36:24-27
Be led by the Spirit, v. 18

This means two things…

a) not under the laws condemnation

b) not under the laws constraint

Progression in our posture towards the Holy Spirit… knowing…..understanding….trusting….enjoying

1

Crucify your flesh, v. 24

Crucifying the sinful nature is really the identification and dismantling of idols. Crucifying the flesh is about strangling sin at the motivation level, rather than simply setting ourselves against sin at the behavioral level. Real changes in our lives cannot proceed without us discerning the idols and desires that come from our individual sinful nature.

Tim Keller

Four root idols that drive our behavior:

a) Power: a longing for influence or recognition

b) Control: a longing to have everything go according to my plan

c) Comfort: a longing for pleasure

d) Approval: a longing to be accepted or desired

“The evil in our desire typically does not lie in what we want, but that we want it too much.”

-John Calvin

Keep in step with the Spirit, v. 25

This means you...

Live from the inside out in a world full of people who are living from the outside in.
It is to live in bondage to the invisible in a world full of people who live in bondage to the visible.
No longer fear getting caught, you fear missing out.
Understand that Deep calls out to Deep and you got tired of that producing an echo in you.
Don’t need external rules because you are now governed by an internal Reality.

Mental Worship
1. How often do you think about the Holy Spirit?
2. Can you feel how the Holy Spirit leads you to be careful when it comes to obedience?
3. Where are you in the progression towards the Holy Spirit? Knowing…understanding…trusting…enjoying?
4. How well do you relate to the cycle of stopping, starting and quitting?
5. Of the four root idols of power, control, comfort and approval, which one do you deal with the most?

Nov 3, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Sam Storms

Enjoying God
Luke 12:32

Oct 27, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Components of Biblical Faith- Part 1
Acts 24:22-27

Righteousness

As it relates to man it refers to the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved by God.

When it comes to righteousness man is …

A. By nature unrighteous

B. By effort self-righteous

Self-righteous quiz...

Do you ever think of yourself as better than others because of what you do or don’t do?
Do you ever relate to God as if nothing bad should happen to you because you are a good person or because you’ve been good?
Do you withhold forgiveness from anyone because “they don’t deserve it.”
Do you ever treat people with contempt?
Do you insist on maintaining a low sense of self-worth?
You think you're right with God because of anything you’ve ever done in your life good or helpful.
You like people knowing when you do good things.

C. By faith made righteous

Mental worship…

Are people more comforted or convicted by the way you share the Gospel?
In what ways does your self-righteousness express itself?
Do you find it difficult to transition general conversations into gospel conversations?
What is the source of your righteousness?
Do you know what it means to contextualize the gospel?

Oct 20, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Communion
I Corinthians 11:23-32

Oct 13, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Christopher M. Brooks, Pastor to Pastors | Local Church

Hello Trouble! (or The Christian Response to Trouble)
Psalms 69:13-18

What do you do when you are in trouble?

Most Underquoted Promise of Jesus
John 16:33
2 things you can be sure of when you get into trouble:
• The devil wants to destroy you
• God wants to develop you
What is the Christian Response to trouble? Name it, explain it, and ask for help
• Name it - I am in trouble
• Explain it
• Ask for Help - Hurry to Help Me.
Be honest with God about our deepest fears and darkest feelings when we are in trouble
• Psalm 46:1
• Psalm 9:9
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• John 14:1
• John 16:33
Hello Trouble! - James 1:2-4

Mental Worship?
1. Where are you experiencing trouble?
2. What is your default response to trouble?
3. What keeps you from asking for help?
4. When have you experienced “the gift of being caught”?
5. Is there anything you need to confess?
6. Is there anyone you need to forgive?

Oct 6, 2024 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Keep Going When You’re Spiritually Tired
Acts 22:30-23:11

Remember your audience, v. 1

To live coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.

Psalm 139:7-16

Two things I want you to see here…

a) there is not place you can be where God is not
b) there is not a day of your life for which God doesn’t have a plan

Remember what it’s all about, v. 6

Acts 4:1-4

I Corinthians 15:12-24

Remember the sustaining power of encouragement, v. 11

Four things God says to Paul in verse 11...

a) I know you
b) I am with you
c) I am for you
d) I am not finished with you

Mental worship…

What are you currently forgetting that would be helpful and hopeful for you to remember?
Does your parenting demonstrate to your kids that God has a plan for their lives?
Which do you need more of right now: motivation or encouragement?
Which of those last four phrases do you need to hear God say to you?
What questions do you have as a result of what you heard today?

Sep 22, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Sam Storms
Pastor Emeritus, Bridgeway Church

The Two Most Glorious Words a Sinful Soul Can Hear
Romans 8:1-4

Sep 15, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Defending The Gospel Without Being Defensive
Acts 21:17-36

Let your actions go before you, v. 17

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

-2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Tithe- obedience
Offering- generosity

This offering does two things:

a) helps the poor
b) promotes unity in the church

Practice concession not compromise, v. 19-26

1) it is voluntary
2) can be done by either men or women
3) has a specific time
4) has specific requirements and restrictions
5) at its conclusion a sacrifice is offered

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”

-I Corinthians 9:19-23

Don’t confuse people’s response to the Gospel with their response to you, v. 27-30

“the people”- your religious nationalism cannot save you
“the law”- the rules cannot save you because you cannot keep the rules
“this holy place”- God lives in people not buildings

Trust what you know, v. 31-36

“And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that inmprisonment and affliction await me.”

-Acts 20:22-23

“While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

-Acts 21:10-14

Mental worship…

Do you know the Gospel well enough to trust it when life gets hard?
Do you understand why God prepares us for something instead of always preventing it from happening?
How do you reconcile your belief in the Gospel and your fear of man?
Do you understand the difference between the tithe and an offering?
How would you describe the difference between conce

Sep 8, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Julian Solis, Spiritual Formation Pastor

Living On Mission
Acts 21:1-16

Live on mission, selflessly with your Church
Live on mission to your church
3.Live on mission for the name of Jesus

Acts 19:21
21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

Acts 20:22-24
22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 23:11
11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

Mental Worship
1. What step you can take toward Christian community?
2. How can you further share your life & gifts with the church to enrich the lives and ministry of others?
3. Do you find it difficult to discuss important decisions with Christian friends? Why or why not?
4. How does this passage challenge your perspective about the cost of following Christ?
5. Ask the Lord to empower you to fulfill his purpose, and how He wants you to reflect Christ today.

Sep 1, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

What You Should Expect From Church Leadership
Acts 20:17-38

Knowable, v. 18
Servant, v. 19
Honest, v. 20
Spirit-led, v. 22
People with an “if only…", v. 24
Kingdom driven, v. 25
Gospel intentionality, v. 26
Materially content, v. 33-35

Mental worship…
1. Based on this morning, how are you led to pray for our church leadership?
2. What about the way Paul served the church most resonates with you?
3. What is your “if only?”
4. Do you consider yourself intentional with the Gospel?
5. What would be the most helpful part of I Timothy 6:6-10 for you to embrace these days?
6. Is your life making a distinct sound such that those around you know they need to get ready for something?

Aug 25, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Experience Encouragement
Acts 20:1-12

Keep the proper perspective, v. 1
Work towards a balance, v. 1-2

Encouragement does five things…

a) provides awareness
b) creates belief
c) builds confidence
d) improves attitude
e) promotes action

1) Election (God’s choice of people to be saved)
2) The gospel call (proclaiming the message of the gospel)
3) Regeneration (being born again)
4) Conversation (faith and repentance)
5) Justification (right legal standing)
6) Adoption (membership in God’s family)
7) Sanctification (right conduct of life)
8) Perseverance (remaining a Christian)
9) Death (going to be with the Lord)
10) Glorification (receinbg a resurrection body)

“But what happens when we think faith saves us? Sincerity becomes paramount. We begin to think of faith as a single act- a prayer prayed, a decision made, a card signed, a hand raised-rather than as a whole-life orientation. The trouble is, we can never be sure if we were sincere enough. So insecurity follows, and a culture of rededication develops. Anxious children pray “the prayer” over and over. Youth re-dedicate themselves at every youth retreat. Adults do the same. All are hoping that this time the expression of faith will be sincere enough.”
-Michael Lawrence, Conversion: How God Creates A People

Surround yourself with encouraging reminders, v. 3-6
Do things that are encouraging, v. 7-12

Two things Paul did that were encouraging…

a) he went to church, v. 7
b) he demonstrated a graceful response, v. 7-12

Mental worship…

What is your tendency when you find yourself in an “uproar?”
Do you feel confident enough in your faith to encourage someone else in theirs?
What do you have around you that encourages you?
When was the last time someone gave you a gracious response and how did it feel?
If you were going to spiritually encourage one person this week, who would it be and what would you do?

Aug 11, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Disruptive Nature of the Gospel
Acts 19:21-40

Jesus Christ is the only way, v. 23
The Gospel threatens the status quo, v. 24-26

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.”

-Psalm 115:1-8

The Gospel changes what you worship, v. 26-27

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

-Romans 12:1

The Gospel gives me courage, v. 29-30

“Courage is acting on the premise that there is something more important than fear, it is not the absence of fear.”
-David Prince

The Gospel is about God, v. 37

“The critical question for our generation—and for every generation- is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there? ”

John Piper, God Is the Gospel

Mental worship…

Do you currently have any “idols” that get too much attention and affection in your life?
What are some things you used to love but no longer love because of the Gospel?
Do you enjoy forgiveness or sanctification (making progress) more?
Are you “about God” in how you live or something else?
Is God necessary, central and essential to your view of heaven?

Aug 4, 2024 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

The Prevailing Power of God’s Word
Acts 19:8-20

Gospel saturation, v. 8-12

The pattern of apostolic preaching we see in Paul…

they reasoned and persuaded people in dialogue
they were bold
the focus was the Kingdom of God
they expected resistance

“They eventually descended to attacking in public what they did not want to embrace; and they did this simply because they wanted, if possible, to have everyone share in their impiety.”
-John Calvin

Gospel imitation, v. 13-16

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
-Ephesians 4:30

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
-I John 4:4

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it find the house empty, swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”
-Matthew 12:43-45

Gospel demonstration, v. 17-20

repentance- v. 18
renouncing- v. 19

Mental worship…

1.What was your last experience with resistance and how did you respond?
2.Are you still holding on to any tangible remnants of your old life?
3. Do you consider yourself as someone who is known by the enemy?
4. How has the faith changed what you value?
5. How would you explain the Kingdom of God to someone?

Jul 28, 2024 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Ian Weber, Student Pastor

The Peace of God
Philippians 4:4-9

I. What to do when peace is lacking v.4-7

a. Expressed he is in prison 1:7 & 1:12-13
b. That some of his peers only preach Jesus out of rivalry with Paul. 1:15 & 17
c. That his own execution is a real possibility 1:20 & 2:17
d. That he has endured different forms of suffering 1:30 & 3:7
e. He has endured the near death of a close friend 2:25-29
f. He has left behind his former life of prestige 3:4-6
g. That loved ones have abandoned their faith to satiate their worldly appetites 3:18-19
h. And that he has been dealing with two friends bickering at one another 4:2

I. What to do when peace is lacking v.4-7
A. Where peace comes from v. 6
B. Peace does not come from a change of circumstances

Where do you find peace?

II. Right thinking leads to right action v. 8-9

a. true - accordance with fact
b. honorable - worthy, holy, above reproach
c. just - right, equitable
d. pure - an attribute of divinity and everything belonging to it
e. lovely - causing pleasure or delight, pleasing, amiable
f. commendable - praiseworthy
g. excellence - excellence of character exceptional civic virtue
h. praise - admiration, approval

II. Right thinking leads to right action v. 8-9
A. "Think about such things" v.8

II. Right thinking leads to right action v. 8-9
A. "Think about such things" v.8
B. "Practice such things" v.9

II. Right thinking leads to right action v. 8-9
A. "Think about such things" v.8
B. "Practice such things" v.9
C. "The God of peace will be upon you" v.9

How does what you think about impact your life?

III. Think right, live right

Mental worship:

1) How does your body show you, you are not at peace?
2) What things predominately fill your mind? Would they fall under Paul's list in v.8?
3) What lenses do you see the world through? (ex. preference, politics, experience, scripture, etc.)
4) Who do you have in your life who calls out falsehoods you believe?
5) When will you do the applications shared this week?

Jul 21, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Sam Storms, Pastor Emeritis at Bridgeway Church

When No One Cares for My Soul
Psalm 142

Jul 14, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Blake Hardcastle, Equipping Pastor

Why did Jesus Leave?
John 14:26-31

We were made for Peace v.27

v.27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.

Hope in fake gods not the real one.
The internet is my refuge
My house is my shepherd
My family is my light.
Comfort is my portion.
“Not yet” is my rock.
Alcohol is my strength.
Not failing is my salvation

The Spirit is our source of peace. 26-27

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 that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

What does the Spirit do to give peace?

God is my refuge. Psalm 46:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my light. Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my portion. Lamentations 3:24-26
God is my rock. Psalm 62:2
God is my strength. Psalm 73:26
God is my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

Peace has to be fought for. 27b

v.27b Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

What do we do when troubles and fear rise in us? Answer 4 questions.

What is happening?
What do I feel?
What am I believing?
What does God promise?

Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God’s path to peace does not have to make sense v. 28-29

28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.

Psalm 112:7-8 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.

Mental Worship:

If you were to release to God your two biggest worries what would they be?
What are you peaceful in now that you have learned to trust God for?
Who came to mind as someone who needs to have real peace?
If you fall for imposter peace, what does that usually look like?
Does anything need to change in how you relate to the Holy Spirit?

Jul 7, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Wade Burgess, Executive Pastor

Freedom
Romans 6:1-23

Freedom From
Freedom From Sin-vv 2 & 7
Freedom From the past - vv 4 & 13

Freedom To
Freedom to be a new creature - vv 5 & 6
Freedom to take our directions from only one source - v 16

Freedom to love - v18b

Freedom For
1. Righteousness - v 22
2. Holiness - v 22

Mental Worship
1. Is there anything you are in bondage to?
2. Are you being influenced by any source other than God, His Word, His people?
3. Is there anything holding you back from loving as Christ loves?
4. If you really believed in this Freedom, how different might you live?
5. Are you running well all the way to the finish line?

June 30, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Gospel Modeling Behaviors

Acts 18:18-28

Vows, v. 18

A vow is an informed expression of understanding that one submits
themselves to in order to express gratitude, need or understanding.

“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to
listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know
that they are doing evil. 2 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your
heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and
you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream
comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words. 4
When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no
pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not
vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Let not your mouth lead
you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a
mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work
of your hands? 7 For when dreams increase and words grow many,
there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.”
-Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

If God wills, v. 21

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such
and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”
— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life?
For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15
Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or
that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it
is sin.”
- James 4:13-17

A teachable spirit, v. 24-28

Four things that will help you become a more teachable person…
a) Seek honest feedback by asking honest questions of honest people

b) Get better at listening- Hearing is the auditory function of the ear.
Listening is an emotional commitment to the person talking.

c) Get thicker skin- seek to be convicted more than offended.
d) Ingest and implement- people come to see you as teachable when
they see things they have shared with you show up in your life.

Mental worship…
1. Is there a vow you need to make or want to make, for the next
month, that would communicate gratitude, need or understanding?

If you wanted to change something about your life, what question
would you ask and who would you ask?
How do you express your dependence on God in decision
making?
Are you better at hearing or listening? How would your spouse/
significant other answer?
What is one thing you want to better understand about
Christianity?
Can you learn from anybody? If not, what type of person is it hard
for
you to learn from.

June 23, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Acts 18:1-17
How To Ward Off Spiritual Discouragement

Good friends, v. 1-5
Good message, v. 5-8

“All of Scripture builds to the climax of God’s revelation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ-centered preaching doesn’t search to find Jesus in every text; it exposits where texts stand in relation to Jesus and where they find fulfillment in him.”
-Walt Nilsson

Good doctrine, v. 9-11

Election is God’s choice of individuals to receive salvation before they have done anything good or bad. It is not a choice that is based on, or in light of, certain deeds or choices that we make but is based solely on God’s sovereign grace.

Two important thoughts about the doctrine of election…
a) It is not divine keep away
b) We don’t know who the elect are so the Gospel is for everyone

How can I know if I am one of the elect?
1) A changed life

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.”

Thessalonians 1:2-5

2) A changing life

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement (add to) your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 1:5-11

“Although self-examination be a duty of great use and importance, and by no means to be neglected; yet it is not the principal means, by which the saints do get satisfaction of their good estate. Assurance is not to be obtained so much by self-examination, as by action.”

-Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections

Good help, v. 12-17

Mental worship…

How often do you find comfort in biblical doctrine?
How does the life of Jesus help you make sense of your life?
Are you spiritually nearsighted or farsighted?
Does the way you live confirm your faith or confuse it?
When is the last time you were helped spiritually and who helped you?

Jun 16, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Acts 17:22-34
What Unbelievers Need to Understand

Religion worships the wrong things, v. 22-23

Syncretism is the process by which aspects of one religion are assimilated into, or blended with, another religion. This leads to fundamental changes in both religions.

Christianity is the worship of the one true God, v. 24
God’s nature makes Him knowable, v. 24-28

1) He is Creator, v. 24

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
-Romans 1:18-20

2) He is self-sufficient, v. 24
3) He is provider, v. 25
4) He is ruler of the nations, v. 26
5) He is knowable, v. 27-28

Arguments are only persuasive if they work within the plausibility structure existing in the midst of the hearers.

What you think about God matters, v. 29-30

“Your thoughts about God are all too human.”
-Martin Luther

Final judgement is clarifying, v. 30-31

1) The final judgment is good news

“A world without judgement is a world of anarchy, a world in which those who terrorize others sin with impunity.”
-Thomas R. Schreiner

2) The final judgment reminds us of the nature of God

"This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.”
-2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

3) The final judgment teaches us that evil won’t triumph

4) The Gospel doesn’t make sense if there is no final judgement

Mental worship…

Is there a chance you are someone who is religiously superstitious but doesn’t have a personal relationship with God?
What has the capacity to become your “objects of worship?”
What attribute of God brings you the most comfort these days?
What thoughts or feelings does the reality of the final judgment stir up in you?
What did you hear today that you want to think about or ask questions about this week?

Jun 2, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Become More Gospel Fluent
Acts 17:16-21

Know yourself, v. 16-17

“Profound compassion is the motivation behind true apologetics.”

-Michael Green

a) this is what he did- “So he reasoned…”
b) this is where he did it- “in the synagogue …and in the marketplace”
c) this is when he did it- “every day with those who happened to be there."

“Your anger is both brilliant and appalling. The shifting line between good and evil plays out when it comes to your anger. Your anger is Godlike to the degree you treasure justice and are alert to falsehood. Your anger is devil-like to the degree you play God and are petty, merciless, whiny, argumentative, willful, and unfair.”

-David Powlison

What is the difference in anger and righteous anger?

1) The goal of righteous anger is to restore God’s will. The goal of human

anger is to exert your will.

2) Righteous anger confronts someone. Human anger condemns.

3) Righteous anger admonishes, while unrighteous anger accuses.

4) Righteous anger warns while unrighteous anger threatens.

5) Righteous anger is instructive. Human anger is destructive.

Know your audience, v. 18-19a

Contextualization is the process of making the gospel as “at home” as possible in a given cultural context.

Know what the Gospel is and what it means, v. 19b-21

Two things in play here...

a) information- what it is
b) implication- what it means

Mental worship…

When is the last time your spirit was provoked?
What emotions does lostness stir up in you?
Can you talk about spiritual things in such a way that it produces curiosity and desire in people?
Are you more comfortable having spiritual conversations in the “synagogue” or in the “marketplace?”
When having a spiritual conversation, do you find yourself saying the same thing to everybody or can you contextualize the Gospel?
Do you have a balance in knowing what the Gospel is and what it means?

May 26, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Clyde Copeland, Worship Pastor

Why You Brought Your Bible To Church Today
Acts 17:10-15

Be eager for the Word, v. 11.
-1 Corinthians 15:3-4
-Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:3; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 12:40
Examine the Word, v. 11.
a. Sufficiency
b. Necessity
c. Clarity
d. Authority

"Everything,...You see tragedies, but you also see so many beautiful things … heroic mothers, heroic men, men who have hopes and dreams, women who look to the future. That gives me a lot of hope. People want to live. People forge ahead. And people are fundamentally good. We are all fundamentally good. Yes, there are some rogues and sinners, but the heart itself is good." -Pope Francis, 60 Minutes

“We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.” - Grand Parkway Baptist Church Belief Statement

Be a people of the Word, 12.
Find Christ in the Word, 12.
-John 5:39-40; Luke 24:25-27

_____________________________

Mental Worship

Think about your schedule, your calendar, your social media feeds…if someone looked at those things, what would they say you are eager for?

Are you known outside of the large Sunday morning gathering? Who do you spend time with in life on life discipleship?

When was the last time you were in a daily season of examining God’s Word? What happened?

What is one thing you take away from today’s text?

May 19, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Power of Connection
Acts 17:1-9

Connect with people, v. 1

Gospel capacity + Gospel responsibility = Gospel experiences

Connect people to the story of God, v. 2-3

Helpful verbs in telling the Story of God…

a) reasoning- to mingle thought with thought
b) explaining- to cause one to open their mind
c) proving- to place evidence before

Connect people to the intellectual integrity of the Faith, v. 3-4

Two things Paul labored to prove...

1) that Christ had to suffer

a) because sin must be punished
b) because God must be understood to as holy

2) that Christ had to rise from the dead

a) the resurrection proves the deity of Christ

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord…”

Romans 1:1-4

b) the resurrection affirms God’s acceptance of Jesus’ death in your place and for your sins

Connect people to the King, v. 5-9

Mental worship…

How comfortable are you in having a Gospel conversation?
When is the last time you had what you would consider a “Gospel experience?”
Do you know the Story of God or just some stories from the Bible?
How would you summarize the story of God in thirty seconds?
How would you explain to someone the difference in being religious or “spiritual” and actually having a relationship with God?

May 12, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Causality of Faith
Acts 16:25-40

Causality is an influence by which one event, process, state, or object contributes to the production of another event, process, state, or object where the cause is partly responsible for the effect, and the effect is partly dependent on the cause.

Faith empowers us to defy our circumstances, v. 25

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
-Matthew 5:21-24

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
- Matthew 5:27-28

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”
- Matthew 5:43-47

Faith is often display in what we don’t do, v. 26-28

“Your true character is most on display when you get the upper hand on your enemies.” - Jack McGorman

Our lived faith causes others to desire faith, v. 29-32

v. 26- “all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.

True faith seeks to identify with the God of our faith, v. 33-34

Religious tradition vs. biblical Faith...

a) you have some rituals in your past but little joy in the present
b) its an external thing trying to get in not an internal reality trying to get out
c) nothing exercises dominion over what comes naturally
d) you have more excuses than experiences
e) you rarely submit to anybody or anything
f) you have always been in control

Faith sometimes calls for civil disobedience, v. 35-40

Mental worship…

What song is most consistently coming from your life these days?
What has the Faith given you the capacity to do that you by nature couldn’t?
In

May 5, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Enjoy Life More
Acts 16:16-24

Habits are the avenue of involvement, v. 16

The fruit of habits…

a) habits move me beyond what I feel towards structures that I need
b) habits facilitate exposure and exposure initiate change
c) habits interrupt the status quo
d) habits lesson our need of spiritual stimulation

Life is also spiritual, v. 16-19

There are three dimensions to life: physical, psychological, spiritual

Syncretism is the blending together or an attempted blending of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought.

There is a bondage that comes with one dimension living, v. 19-24

Each dimension is characterized by a simple word…

physical- control
psychological- fear
spiritual- freedom

Their bondage to the physical manifests itself in three ways...

1) an inability to acknowledge the obvious, v. 19
2) same response to everything, v. 19
3) an inability to tell the truth, v. 20
4. Regardless of where I am or what happens to me, I am never alone, v. 23-25

Can you experience this kind of injustice, hardship and persecution and still sing to God? They aren’t singing about God but to God b/c what they believe about God, what they know about God hasn’t been altered by their experiences.

Mental worship…

Do your habits involve you in what God is doing in the world or are you always seeking experiences?
Where is your place of prayer?
What new habit could you start that would help you grow spiritually?
How often do you think about the spiritual dimension of life?
Which dimension of life are you most likely to get stuck in: physical, psychological or spiritual?

Apr 28, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Sam Storm, Pastor Emeritis at Bridgeway Church
Matthew 8:1-4

Apr 21, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Lessons Along The Way
Acts 16:1-15

Our experiences are not always intended for our benefit, v.1-5
God leads by closing doors as well, v. 6-10

God doesn’t always send you where you want to go. He puts you where you need to be in order to hear what you need to hear which prepares you for what you will need to do. This is so that when you get there, your faith is proportional to the task at hand.

Three things about a closed door in your life…

a) it’s not punishment but invitation
b) it’s not no but better
c) it’s not now but later

Evidence of faith is what you do with your stuff, v. 11-15

Here are some other successful business women in Acts...

leading women of Thessalonica, 17:4
women of high standing in Berea, 17:12
Damaris in Athens, 17:34
Priscilla in Corinth, 18:2

Notice two things in this section…

a) they thought differently about family back then
b) they thought differently about their stuff

There is a difference in entertaining and showing hospitality…

Entertaining is about impressing people with your home, your decor, my cooking. Hospitality seeks to minister, it doesn’t try to impress but to serve.
Entertaining puts things before people. “As soon as I get the house finished, the living room decorated, my house just like I want it- then I will start having people over.” Hospitality puts people before things. “We have no furniture; we’ll eat on the floor.”
Entertaining subtly declares, “This is mine- these rooms, this decor; this is an expression of who and what I am. Hospitality whispers, “What’s mine is yours.”
-Karen Mains, Open Heart, Open Home

Mental worship…

Are other Believers strengthened in the faith by the way you live out your faith?
Has God ever closed a door in your life and how did you respond to it?
How do you use your stuff/home as a tool for ministry?
How do you think about your family? Corporate or individual?
Have you been baptized since professing faith in Christ?

Apr 7, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How to Disagree to the Glory of God
Acts 15:36-41

Be aware of your assumptions

Positive assumptions to shape how we disagree…

a) not everybody has to think or act the way I do or would
b) disagreeing with me does not deserve punishment
c) them being wrong or doing wrong doesn’t give me permission
d) it’s not different with family

Be clear about the principles you are standing on

A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of beliefs or behavior or a chain of reasoning.

“I will never compromise Truth for the sake of getting along with people who can only get along when we agree.” ― D.R. Silva

“Now Paul and his companion set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and return to Jerusalem…” -Acts 13:13

Engage all avenues of reconciliation

To shape your theology of disagreement ask questions like...

How is God represented by my behavior?
What does the Gospel make me capable of?
What can I do to demonstrate this capacity?

Two reasons we don’t reconcile..

a) uncertainty- I don’ know what to do
b) effort- I don’t want to exert that much effort.

“A brother/sister offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.”

-Proverbs 18:19

“Friends become wiser together through a healthy clash of viewpoints.”

Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage
You engage in the disagreement in a way that makes reconciliation possible down he road

“Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.”

-2 Timothy 4:9-11

Mental worship...

Is there anybody in your life that you have categorized? If so, what does the Gospel make you capable of and responsible for in relation to this person?
As an outworking of what you heard this morning, is there a conversation you need to initiate?
What is your theology of disagreement?
Which is the source of more disagreement in your relationships: your beliefs or your preferences?
Are there any friendships/relationships where you have given yourself permission the Gospel does not?

Mar 31, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Answering The Resurrection Question
I Corinthians 15:1-24

The consequences of unbelief are increasingly personal, v. 12-18

a) not even Christ has been raised, v. 13
b) preaching is in vain, v. 14
c) faith is in vain, v. 14
d) we are misrepresenting God, v. 15
e) you are still in your sin, v. 17
f) those who have fallen asleep have perished, v. 18
g) we have hope in this life only, v. 19

The consequences of belief are increasingly helpful, v. 20-24

a) there is life after death, v. 20
b) there is a universal problem and solution, v. 21-22
c) there is an order, v. 23

tagma- "that which has been arranged.”

d) there is an end, v. 24

“ And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

-Matthew 24:14

Knowing that there is an end coming does three things for us…

1) informs our priorities

“Since everything will be destroy in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?”

2 Peter 3:11

2) invites personal change

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

2 Corinthians 5:10

3) initiates the question of peace

Mental worship…

When did people get “in sin” and how did they get there?
Do you believe there is life after death, heaven and hell, if so how does a person get to either one?
Given all that is going on in the world, do you believe that there is an order to it? That Someone is ultimately in charge?
Is the life you are living on earth going to be recognized in heaven?
If you had to make a change today would it be in the area of priorities, personal change or peace?

Mar 24, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Trajectory of the Kingdom
Luke 19:28-40

It comes in God’s timing

a) chronos- time runs out
b) kairos- time fills up

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”

-Luke 9:51

“They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.”

-Mark 9:30-32

“And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

Matthew 20:17-19

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Matthew 16:21-23
It comes in keeping with history

“The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: “This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month they must each select an animal of the flock according to their fathers’ households, one animal per household. If the household is too small for a whole animal, that person and the neighbor nearest his house are to select one based on the combined number of people; you should apportion the animal according to what each person will eat. You must have an unblemished animal, a year-old male; you may take it from either the sheep or the goats. You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembly of the community of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight.”

-Exodus 12:1-6

a) the day Jesus enters Jerusalem is lamb selection day
b) they had to keep the animal for five days to inspect it
c) the animal; had to be without blemish or defect
d) Jesus will be crucified as the Passover lambs re being sacrificed

It comes because of a sense of purpose, v. 38

“Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in

Mar 17, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Christian Essentials In An Ever Changing Culture
Acts 15:22-35

Gospel clarity, v. 24

Jesus + politics = not the Gospel!
Jesus + Christian nationalism = not the Gospel!
Jesus + prosperity = not the Gospel!
Jesus + my preferred style of worship = not the Gospel!
Jesus + socialism = not the Gospel!
Jesus + cultural universalism = not the Gospel!
Jesus + activism = not the Gospel!

Jesus + nothing = Gospel

Decision making order, v. 28

v. 22- “it seemed good”
v. 25- “it has seemed good”
v. 28- “it has seemed good”

Relational sensitivity, v 29

The Jews asked for consideration in four areas…
a) abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols
b) from blood
c) from what had been strangled

Leviticus 17:10-12
Hebrews 10: 29

d) from sexual immorality

I Thessalonians 4:1-8

The practice of remaining, v. 35

“So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord…” -Acts 14:3
“And they remained no little time with the disciples.” - Acts 14:28
“But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching and teaching the Word of the Lord, with many others also.” -Acts 15:35
“We remained in this city some days.” - Acts 16:12
“Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.” -Acts 17:14

I Thessalonians 2:7-8

= = = = = = = = = =

Mental worship…

Who or what determines “good” in your life and how do you define it?
In what relationship could you practice more relational sensitivity?
Should anything change in the way you make decisions?
Does the pace of your life allow for meaningful relational engagement? i.e. “remaining”
Are you ever guilty of adding something to the Gospel that isn’t the Gospel? What need does this meet in you?

Mar 10, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Leo Almeida, Teaching Pastor

Salvation and Its Importance
Acts 15:1-21

Salvation is a topic worth fighting about.

Look at verse 1-2
Galatians 1:8-9

Salvation creates repetitive celebrators.

Look at verse 3-4
Luke 15:32

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Look at verses 6-11
Romans 8:3
John 6:29

Salvation was God’s plan from the beginning.

verse 12-21

___________________

QUESTION:

All chapter long these men were fighting the good fight of faith. What does that look like for you?
How often do you take time to celebrate the reality that you were saved, are being saved, and will be saved?
If you have grown up in the church…what are some things you can look back on now and say “those were unnecessary distinctions”? What is an unnecessary distinction Christians make today?
What has been your relationship with the Scriptures lately?

Mar 3, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

A Snapshot of Effective Ministry
Acts 14:19-28

It is human nature to make principle out of your own experience, v. 19-20
The goal of the Gospel is making disciplines, v. 21

Three things they did as they ministered to the disciples…
a) strengthening the souls of the disciples
b) encouraging them to continue in the faith

“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” -Jude 3-4

c) saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God

Leadership in the church is plural, v. 23

Paul established three things in every church he started...

a) gave doctrinal instruction
b) established spiritual authority- elders
c) pointed them to the faithfulness of God

A balance of hardship and fellowship, v. 27

Mental worship…

How often do you play relational red rover?
How is your soul these days?
Do you think of Christianity in terms of making a decision or being a disciple?
Do you feel comfortable contending for the faith when necessary?
Can God do with you whatever He pleases or for you to follow Him must he always do for you?
Who do you spend time with that strengthens your soul?

Feb 25, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Be and Become of the Atonement
2 Corinthians 5:21

Relief
Responsibility

Feb 18, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Leo Almeida, Teaching Pastor

FUEL FOR THE MISSION
Acts 14:1-18

They Believed God

Matthew 28:19-20
Acts 4:29-30
1 John 5:14-15

The Power Of Grace

Acts 3:4-6

_________

QUESTIONS

Do you consider yourself someone who prays with high expectation?
What courageous thing would you finally get done if you trusted that God was really with you?
If you were given the ability to see God’s throne next to You this week, what would be the obvious difference in your life?
Do you think much about God’s common grace? Has it ever fueled your worship or courage?

Feb 11, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Always Ever Consequential Word
Acts 13:44-52

We all have appetites that can only be awakened by the Word, v. 44

“Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.” -Psalm 119:129-131

Five question we have to answer concerning the Bible…

a) Is the Bible divine?
b) Is the Bible true?
c) Is the Bible clear?
d) Is the Bible sufficient?
e) Is the Bible personally authoritative?

The Gospel is the only story big enough to live in, v. 45-47

What Paul said was...

a) the Gospel is a historical fact, v. 16-22
b) Jesus is God’s solution to man’s need, v. 23-25
c) Jesus was innocent yet died for the guilty and rose again, v. 26-37
d) only in Jesus can you find forgiveness and freedom, v. 38-39

Doctrine informs how you tell the Story, v. 48-49

Doctrine refers to the entire body of essential theological truths that define and describe the message of Christianity.

“Christians learn doctrine in order to participate more deeply, passionately and truthfully in the drama of redemption.”
-Kevin Vanhoozer

Experiences bring fullness, v. 50-52

Mental worship…

Of the five questions about the Bible, which one do you most need to answer?
How often are you comforted by what you believe? (biblical doctrine)
When it comes to having spiritual conversations, do you rely on people’s curiosity or the commands of God for your motivation?
In what ways does the Bible alter and affect your daily living?
What experiences do you look to in order to be filled spiritually?

Feb 4, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Chris Brooks - Pastor, Local Church

Repentence - Finding The Right Tool for Righteousness
Matthew 4:17 NIV

Mental Worship Questions:
1. What do you think of when you hear the word “Repent?”
2. When is the last time you repented?
3. If Jesus was sitting right next you and offered you a chance to change, would you take it?
4. By the grace of God, if you could change one thing in your life right now, what would it be?
5. If absolutely nothing changes in your life this year, what needs to change in you?
6. Who do you trust to help you repent and hear your confession?

Jan 28, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Leo Almeida, Teaching Pastor

When the Gospel Steeps in Your Mind
Acts 13:13-43

YOU GO FROM BEING RIGHT TO BEING READY!
YOU GO FROM CHRISTIANESE TO GOSPEL FLUENCY!

chose our fathers
made the people great (verse 17)
with uplifted arm he led them out of it (verse 17)
put up with them in the wilderness (verse 18)
(destroyed) seven nations in the land of Canaan (verse 19)
he gave them their land as an inheritance (verse 19)
he gave them judges (verse 20)
God gave them Saul the son of Kish (verse 21)
he raised up David to be their king (verse 22)
God has brought to Israel a Savior (verse 23)

YOU ARE FREED FROM BEING THE MAIN CHARACTER

1 Cor. 3:5-7
2 Cor. 4:7
John 15:4

_____________

MENTAL WORSHIP

How has just “dipping” spiritually in and out of your life served you lately?

What needs to change in your life for you to let this news steep and be immersed in your mind?

When are you most likely to be like Paul and “put on the readiness to preach the Good News of peace with God”?

Do you consider yourself someone who is Gospel fluent? If not, why not?

What area of your life are you wanting the credit of a main character?

Jan 21, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

What Makes a Great Church?
Acts 13:1-12

A variety of giftedness, v. 1

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
-Romans 12:4-8

Simple way to clue in to your spiritual gift…

a) what comes naturally to you?
b) what does the Church affirm about you?
c) is there anything you do that is draining and yet you are filled?

The practice of spiritual disciplines, v. 2-3

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
-Matthew 6:16-18

“A discipline is an activity within our power--something we can do--which brings us to a point where we can do what we at present cannot do by direct effort.”
-Dallas Willard

Disciplines of Abstinence Disciplines of Engagement

solitude study
silence worship
fasting celebration
frugality service
chastity prayer
secrecy fellowship
sacrifice Communion
watchfulness submission

“The discipline of watchfulness includes both negative and positive aspects. Negatively, we’re to ruthlessly guard our hearts from sin and temptation, making no provision for the flesh. This requires the cultivation of self-examination, where we take regular inventory of our personal tendencies towards particular sins, what the Puritan Isaac Ambrose called “Delilah sins.” Delilah sins, like Samson’s Philistine mistress, like to sit on our laps and whisper sweet nothings in our ears, but they will betray us to our foes in a heartbeat and cut off our moral strength. These are the specific sin patterns we’ve cultivated through willful and habitual sin. Like deep ruts that furrow a muddy road, these vices are etched into our lives through daily routines, self-justifying rationalization, and continual repetition.”
-Brian Hedges

Produces consequential people, v. 4-12

Characteristics of spiritually consequential people…

a) Gospel fluent, v. 5
b) aware of man’s need, v. 7
c) live full of the Spirit, v. 9
d) traffics in the works of Jesus and the words of Jesus, v. 12

Mental worship…

With what type of person is it hard for you to share the Gospel?
What is one spiritual discipline you want to practice this week?
How often do you ask yourself, “Am I full of the Spirit today?”
Can you be trusted with the kind

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

God’s Will For Our Church
I Thessalonians 5:12-24

Leadership v. 12-13

a) “those who work hard among you”
b) “are over you (care for you) in the Lord"
c) “admonish you”

Fellowship, v. 14-15

Types of people we need to engage…

a) "admonish the idle”
b) "encourage the fainthearted”
c) “help the weak”
d) “be patient with them all”

Be patient vs. suffer long

Patience has to do with situations and circumstances.

Suffering long has to do with people.

Worship, v. 16-22

a) “rejoice always”

1) the Bible is not saying we have to always be happy
2) this is not about the experience of joy as much as the expression of joy

b) "pray without ceasing"

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
-Luke 18:1-8

c) "give thanks in all circumstances"- not for but “in”

“In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers…”

Mental worship…

1.Which is harder for you to deal with, difficult people or difficult circumstances?
2. What bothers you more, that people are not Christlike or that they are not like you?
3. How often do you experience your powerlessness and what does that feel like to you?
4. Do you think God ever refuses to answer your prayers just to see if you will persist in praying?
5. Is there anything you have prayed about for so long that you’ve begun to lose heart?

Jan 7, 2024
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

GOD’S INVITATION TO OUR CHURCH
Psalm 95

Come on
a) Worship is proportional to our understanding of God
b) Sanctification is a process not an event

Three things you want to outgrow this year…
1) your marriage
2) yourself
3) your knowledge of God

Come in

“Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full of artificial admirers. On the other hand, emotion without truth produces empty frenzy and cultivates shallow people who refuse the discipline of rigorous thought. But true worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine. Strong affections for God rooted in truth are the bone and marrow of biblical worship.”

John Piper
Listen

God speaks primarily in four ways…
a) Word
b) prayer
c) spiritual authority
d) circumstances

Mental worship…

What is God inviting you to in this new year?
How do you worship when you are not singing in church?
What have you seen God do that will keep you from testing God or insisting He to prove Himself to you?
Do you ever harden your heart towards God? If so, what are you trying to protect yourself from?
What do you hear God saying to you today?

Dec 31, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Wade Burgess, Executive Pastor

Consistency is Key
Daniel 1:1-16; 6:1-4, 12-23; 9:1-19

In Youth:

Respect for Authority - 1:8
Confidence in his Belief - 1:12-13

When in Charge:

Trustworthy - 6:4
Consistency - 6:9

Overall:

Never wavered from what he knew to be True
Raised Right
Kept the Faith

Mental Worship

Do you find that you are respecting authority or pushing against it?
What are the moments/events that you might find yourself losing confidence in your belief?
Are you influenced by the world or an influence in the world?
How is your parenting helping shape your kid’s relationship with God?
How can you maintain consistency?

Dec 24, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Full of Wonder Love of God
I John 4:7-12

The love of God has a source and an order, v. 7-8
The love of God is demonstrated, v. 9

“…was made manifest among us”- to make actual and visible

Importance of the incarnation…

a) the incarnation halides the teaching of the Old Testament

b) the incarnation shows us that God loves us enough to make a way for us through Jesus

“The Son of God became man to enable men to become the sons of God.”
- C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

c) the incarnation shows us that Jesus understands the struggles of humanity

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
-Hebrews 4:15

d) the incarnation reminds us that God has a plan for the world

The love of God is defined, v. 10

“propitiation”- means appeasement, an angry offended deity has been satisfied.

a) Believer- a constant source of grateful worship

b) unbeliever- a constant source of concern

“For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.”

Psalm 5:4-8

Mental worship…

Does loving people feel more like an obligation to you or an expression of who you really are?
Does the incarnation, God taking on flesh and living among us, still hold wonder for you?
How often do you take comfort in the fact that God knows what your life feels like and how does this inform the way you

relate to him?

How will you think differently about the love of God after this morning?

Dec 17, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Encouragement of the Second Advent
I Thessalonians 4:13-18

What we believe informs our emotions, v. 13-14
What we believe is clarifying, v. 14

What beliefs are in the text?
a) Jesus died-
b) Jesus rose from the dead-
c) Christians who have died will be resurrected- v. 14 “even so"

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
-I Corinthians 15:20

There is an order to it all, v. 15-18

a) return, v. 16- “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven…”
b) resurrection, v. 16- “And the dead in Christ will rise first.”
c) rapture, v. 17- “Then we who are alive, who are left will be caught up together…"
d) reunion, v. 17- “…and so we will always be with the Lord.”

Mental worship…

What did you hear today that encouraged you?
When you are emotionally dis-regulated, how often do you turn to your beliefs for comfort?
How often does what you feel take priority over what you believe?
Did your curiosity about the Bible grow any this morning?
Do you think it is possible to live between the first and second Advent with more joy than fear? Why?
What question rises in you as a result of what you heard today?

Dec 10, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

THE WORK OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE
ROMANS 5:1-5

He came to give us peace with God.

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” - St. Augustine of Hippo

He came to give us the peace of God.

___________________

QUESTIONS

Which type of conflict can keep you up at night the most: inner conflict, interpersonal conflict, or international conflict?
What would change first in your life if you gave yourself more space to sink into the truth that you have Jesus’ perfect report card over you?
What would supernatural peace finally free you up to do?
If you really allowed “the peace of God rule in your heart”, who would notice first? Who would benefit the most?

Dec 3, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Hope is born of consideration and comparison, v. 18

consider- “to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over to take into account, to make an account of and mediate on.”

God does what He does in hope, v. 19-21

Three things that sustain creation…

a) there is Someone behind it all, v. 20
b) His motivation is hope, v. 20
c) He is redeeming everything He created, v. 21

You need the right hope, v. 22-25

We don’t experience power in relation to our hope for two reasons…

a) there’s a lot of groaning going on- “to sigh with grief”
b) we have the wrong hope, v. 23-24

Hope involves waiting, v. 25

“I will put enmity between you and the women, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” -Genesis 3:15

Mental worship…

What would you feel better about if you engaged in consideration and comparison?
Does your parenting teach your kids to depend on God, themselves or you?
What are you “groaning” about these days?
Is there anything you are hoping for but cannot see?
Are you currently waiting for anything and how does that feel?

Nov 26, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How God Glorifies Himself
Acts 12:20-25

Whoever you depend on has power over you, v. 20b
We must understand what motivates God, v. 21-23

The glory of God is the total manifestation of all of His attributes.

Three things about the glory of God…

a) the glory of God is God’s highest motivation
b) the glory of God is intrinsic and extrinsic
c) God will not share His glory with another

“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.”
-Isaiah 42:8

“For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.”
-Isaiah 48:11

The Gospel is unfazed, v. 24

“If you believe what you like in the gospel, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.”
― Augustine

God acts now in light of then, v. 25

Mental worship…

When you don’t depend on God, who/what do you depend on and what do you depend on them for?
Can you feel when people are thinking too much of you and how do you respond?
Does the way you live right now make your kids eager to get to this phase of life?
Do you feel most loved by God when God makes much of you, or when he enables you to enjoy making much of him forever?
Do you ever blame God in the hopes that this will obligate him to do your will?
What is currently increasing in you?

Nov 19, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Leo Almeida, Teaching Pastor

When God’s Kingdom Moves Forward
Acts 12:1-19

We should expect resistance from the enemy.
We should expect earnest prayers to be required and answered.
We should expect that God will not be stopped.

_______

Questions:

Have there been moments in your walk with the Lord in which growth caused an attack from the enemy?

Are you the type of person that can grieve a shut door and still trust God?

What area of your life requires earnest prayers right now?

Do you have people that regularly pray with you and pray for you?

Nov 12, 2023

Acts 11:19-30

THEY SAW DARKNESS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE A LIGHT
THEY HAD A HAND IN CONSISTENT CONVERSIONS TO CHRIST
THE SAW CRISIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMPASSION

___________________

QUESTION:

What are some typical Christian reactions to the darkness of our world?

When you look out over the darkness of our world, what does it stir in you: hopelessness and anger or eagerness to share Jesus?

When did God open your eyes to the filth of sin and the necessity of Jesus? How did He do it? Was it gradual or spontaneous?

What does crisis in the world typically do for you? Does it turn you inward or outward?

Nov 5, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon
Lead Pastor

Gospel Momentum
Acts 10:24-48

God orchestrates all things, v. 1-33
What you do when no one is looking matters, v. 30-31
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
-Malachi 3:10

v. 32- “Send therefore…”

The Gospel is sufficient, v. 34-43

Components of the Gospel…

1) universal need, v. 34-35
2) the life of Jesus, v. 36
3) the death of Jesus, v. 39

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.”

-Galatians 3:13

4) the resurrection of Jesus, v. 40
5) the certainty of judgement, v. 42
6) opportunity to believe, v. 43

Mental worship…

Who or what really orchestrates your life and what does it sound like?
What does it stir in you to know that our prayers and our giving have consequences?
If you could fill the room with people in your life that need to hear the Gospel who would you have in the room?
When is the last time you shared the Gospel with someone?
What will you think most about after what you heard this morning?

Oct 22, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Dr. Sam Storms
"Oh!"
Romans 11:33-36

Oct 15, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

The Gospel Goes Global
Acts 10:1-23

He Uses Devout Men
He Uses Confused Obedience
He Uses Barrier Climbers

___________________

QUESTIONS

Has there been a time when you can definitively say that you were used by God in advancing His cause?

What type of person typically comes to mind when you think of the word devout? Are they different than you?

Has there been a group of people that you did not want receiving the grace from Jesus that you enjoy now?

In this season of your life, what is God calling you to do that has you confused and/or even scared?

Oct 8, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Power of Healing
Acts 9:32-43

In this next section of Acts, chapter 9:32-12:25, three things happen…

focus shifts from Peter to Paul
from Jerusalem to Antioch
from outreach to the Jews to the inclusion of the Gentiles..this story is the first step in that direction!

Establishes the Gospel
Demonstrates the Kingdom

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

-Matthew 4:17

“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.”
-Luke 9:1-2

Five Questions Concerning Healing

1) Why doesn’t God always heal?

a) the Kingdom of God is entirely now- prosperity gospel

b) the Kingdom of God is entirely not yet- cessationism

c) The Kingdom of God is already and not yet- it was inaugurated by Jesus and will be consummated when he comes again

2) Does God always heal us if we just believe he will?

“And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick and their diseases left them and the evil spirts came out of them.”
-Acts 19:11-12

“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
-2 Corinthians 12:7-10

3) Why not?

4) How can we see more healing?

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
-James 5:13-15

“I live my life and face my cancer somewhere between seemingly sincere “namers and claimers” who expect healing every time and seemingly surrendered “if-the-Lord-willers” whose prayers affirm God’s healing power but whose caveats and qualifiers make it sound like he’s not likely to use it. God alone knows the heart. But the tone of the former party can sound like presumption masquerading as faith, while the tone of the latter can sound like doubt masquerading as humility.”
-Tim Shorey

5)

Oct 1, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

How To Become A Consequential Person
Acts 9:19b-31

You need a changed and changing life, v. 20-25

Two things that Paul worked to establish…

a) Jesus is the Son of God
b) Jesus is the Christ

Paul did three things…

a) increased all the more in strength

“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.”
-Galatians 1:11-17

b) confounded the Jews- to disturb the mind
c) proving- to put together in one’s mind

You need people who believe in you, v. 26-30

“…for they did not believe he was a disciple. But Barnabas…"

You need a healthy church to belong to, v. 31

a) peace
b) was being built up
c) walking in the fear of the Lord
d) in the comfort of the Holy Spirit

Mental worship…

How often do you go to the “desert” to pursue intentional silence?
What do you do to strengthen yourself spiritually?
What are the verbs that characterize the relationships with people who believe in you?
What are some ways you build up your church?
Which is bigger, your fear of messing up or missing out?

Sep 24, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

THE GLORIOUS GOD WHO IS MIGHTY TO SAVE
Leo Almeida, Teaching Pastor

The Glorious God Who is Mighty To Save
Acts 9:1-19

GOD WHO INTERRUPTS BEASTS
A GOD WHO STANDS BY HIS WORD (AND PEOPLE)
A GOD WHO DEPLOYS ORDINARY PEOPLE FOR EXTRAORDINARY WORK

_____________

QUESTIONS

Whose salvation have you stopped praying for? Why is that?

Think of your day to day life. Do you typically settle for an identification as a polite Christian? Or are you an available disciple of Jesus?

Is your circle of Christian friends welcoming to people who just opened their eyes? How so ?

What do you think God was daydreaming of getting done when he created and saved you?

Sep 17, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Chris Brooks, Pastor - Local Church

Judges 3:12-30 CSB

2 Corinthians 12:9&10
Romans 8:28

Mental Worship

Where do you feel redistricted, deformed, or woefully inadequate?

What is keeping you from “embracing the shake?”

How might God use your limitation for liberation?

What is your favorite excuse to tell God why he can’t use you?

Imagine a way God’s power might be made perfect in your weakness?

Who is someone that can help you move forward?

Sep 10, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Acts 2:1-14
The Power and Purpose of the Church

The Church is a spiritual entity which is intended to demonstrate a spiritual reality, v. 1-4

“Without the Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship wild be inconceivable, even impossible. There can be no life without the life-giver, no understanding without the Spirit of truth, no fellowship without the unity of the Spirit, no Christlikeness of character apart from his fruit, and no effective witness without his power. As a body without breath is a corpse, so the church without the Spirit is dead.”
- John Stott

"And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
-Acts 1:4-5

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
end of the earth.”
-Acts 1:8

a) “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit”

" 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. 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.”

-Acts 2:38-39

b) “and began to speak in other tongues”

Three differences between this and the gift of tongues in I Corinthians 14:

1) audience- here they are talking to men not God
2) translation- didn’t need interpretation
3) evidence that the Spirit has come (Acts) vs. edification of the church (I Corinthians)

God is purposeful in everything He does, v. 5-11

Three things demonstrate God’s purpose here…

a) a reversal of the Tower of Babel
b) Pentecost marked the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai
c) meaning of Pentecost- first fruits

The Church is designed to cause questions not just answer them, v. 12

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
-Acts 2:14-21

What can we learn from this explanation?

God uses imperfect people to tell a perfect story
we’ve been living i

Sep 3, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Acts 8:14-25
The Validating Work of the Holy Spirit

This experience is not normative, v. 14-17

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…”
- Ephesians 2:1-5

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.”

-Luke 9:51-56

What you do with your money is an indication of where your heart is, v. 18-20

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

-Matthew 6:19-21

How the Holy Spirit functions in our lives...

comfort
sanctification
revelation
empowerment
gifting- spiritual gift
love
intercession- He prays for you

The ordinances of the Church cannot change you, v. 21-24
Even mature believers need to grow, v. 25

Mental worship…

What does the way you spend your money say about your heart?
How often do you think about the Holy Spirit?
Where do you look for assurance of the fact that you are a Christian?
What is currently the growing edge of your faith?
What questions do you have as a result of what you heard today?

Sep 3, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Acts 8:14-25
The Validating Work of the Holy Spirit

This experience is not normative, v. 14-17

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…”
- Ephesians 2:1-5

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.”

-Luke 9:51-56

What you do with your money is an indication of where your heart is, v. 18-20

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

-Matthew 6:19-21

How the Holy Spirit functions in our lives...

comfort
sanctification
revelation
empowerment
gifting- spiritual gift
love
intercession- He prays for you

The ordinances of the Church cannot change you, v. 21-24
Even mature believers need to grow, v. 25

Mental worship…

What does the way you spend your money say about your heart?
How often do you think about the Holy Spirit?
Where do you look for assurance of the fact that you are a Christian?
What is currently the growing edge of your faith?
What questions do you have as a result of what you heard today?

Aug 27, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Acts 8:1-13
How The World Changes

God is at work in all of life’s circumstances, v. 1-4

Three ways we see God at work…

a) God’s promise is being fulfilled, v. 1

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all

Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

-Acts 1:8

b) God uses ordinary people, v. 1

c) God uses people with a past, v. 3

We have to get the Gospel into its native environment, v. 4-8

Two things to notice in this section…

a) people pay attention when they see and hear the Gospel, v. 6

b) the city responds with joy, v. 8

Keep it simple, v. 9-13

The Good News is focused on two things…

a) the Kingdom of God

b) the name of Jesus Christ

Mental worship…

When you look around who do you see that could use some good news?
Do people around you most need to hear the Gospel or see the Gospel?
When is the last time you were surprised spiritually?
Is your life more oriented around one tree or the entire forest?

Aug 20, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

2 Peter 1:1-15
Making the Most of The Moment

Increase your understanding of God, v. 1-3

Notice the consequential nature of two things…

a) the righteousness of God

“For our sake he (God) made him to be sin who knew no sin (Jesus), so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

-2 Corinthians 5:21

b) the knowledge of God

Four things we experience through a right knowledge of God…

1) grace, v. 2
2) peace, v. 2
3) life, v. 3

Zoe refers to the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, the kind of life only God can provide. Life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new experiences (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.

4) godliness, v. 3

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
- Jeremiah 9:23-24

Put yourself in spiritually formative environments, v. 4.

A spiritually formative environment is any environment that increases your understanding of and experience with the truth of the Gospel.

Exert yourself spiritually, v. 5

“We have been taught that grace means “you can do nothing to be saved.” Such thinking has been extended to “you can do nothing to have spiritual growth.” So spiritual transformation occurs, according to this thinking, in one of two ways – inspiration or information. Inspiration means that in one golden moment, one great experience, you will be transformed. I don’t want to criticize experience. I have had many wonderful experiences with God, but they don’t transform you. The other view, information, is the means whereby you pour truth into your head and suddenly you are transformed. Inspiration isn’t going to do it and information isn’t going to do it. The only way human character is transformed with grace is by discipline and activity.”
Dallas Willard

Virtue

Knowledge

Self-control

Steadfastness

Godliness

Brother affection

Love

Ineffective

Unproductive

Be around spiritually consequential people, v. 12-15

Mental worship…

Do you experience the fullness of the Zoe life Jesus came to give?
Is your experience with Christianity more about partaking or escaping?
How are you currently exerting yourself spiritually?
Who do you have in your life that stirs you up spiritually?

Aug 13, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Wade Burgess, Executive Pastor

Ultimate Marathon
Hebrews 12:1-13

Preparation
Running the Race
Finishing Well
Preparation

Proper intake is key
Bible
Prayer
Deal with sin
Run the Race

Start
Refuel for consistency

Finish Well

Never quit
Tell God stories

2 Timothy 4:7
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Mental Worship

Am I always preparing but never entering the race?
Where do you need to be involved so you can better engage others?
What would it look like for you to finish well?
How do you run a good race in your relationships, at your job or school, in your parenting or toward your parents?

Aug 6, 2023
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Psalm 42:1-6
The Gospel & Mental Health

Where did I lose my courage?

Has anything happened that affected the confidence I have in God, myself or others?

Why is my heart so sad?

Negative emotions...

Anxiety is not a sign that you don’t trust God.
Sadness doesn’t mean you are weak.
Grief doesn’t mean you aren’t believing God for the future.
Depression doesn’t mean God has given up on you.

Postive emotions...

Being happy doesn’t mean you love the world too much.
A sense of accomplishment over a job well done isn’t pride.
An extended sense of joy doesn’t mean you don’t care about others.

Two things I want us to see here…

1) Without emotional self-awareness we never get the right answer to this question.

2) Unprocessed emotions produce unchecked behaviors.

“What do I do when I am stressed, sad, lonely, angry, overwhelmed or emotionally activated?”

In who or what have I placed my hope?

“For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
-Hebrews 6:13-20

How is my worship?

Few things about worship…

a) Worship is an expression of spiritual warfare
b) Worship is where we subject our emotions to the Truth
c) Worship changes our posture

What have I forgotten?

Incommunicable attributes of God...

a) Infinite- God has no limits whatsoever in His person or dominion

b). Self-existent- God depends on nothing for His existence beyond Himself. The whole basis of His existence is within

Himself. At one time nothing but God Himself existed. He added nothing to Himself by creation.

c) Self-sufficient- within Himself, God is able to act, that is, to bring about His will without any assistance. Although he may choose to use assistance, it is His good pleasure, not His need that governs that choice.

d) Immutable- God is always the same in His nature, His character, and His will. He never changes, and He can never be made to change.

e) Omniscient- God knows all. He has perfect knowledge of everything that is past, present and future.

f) Omnipotent- God possesses all power. He is able to bring about anything He has decided to do- with or without the use of any source beyond Himself.

g) Omnipresent- God is present everywhere, in all the universe, at all times, in the totality of His character.

h) Sovereign- God is totally, supremely, and preeminently over all His creation. There is not a person or thing that has escaped His control and forek

Jul 30, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Blake Hardcastle, Spiritual Formation Pastor

Communion
1 Corinthians 11: 23-29

1 - Proclamation
2 - Remembrance
3 - Examination

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Wade Burgess, Executive Pastor

The Necessity of Trials
James 1:1-12.

Definitions
Pure - solid, through and through
Joy - gladness of heart

“Face” / “Meets” - not going the other way or avoidance. A path toward each other.

Trials - for the purpose of testing
Testing - purification process, refinement, proof of genuineness
Faith - belief in the truth or true reality
Perseverance (steadfastness) - bearing up under, endurance in circumstances

When Trials Come

Meet them head on
Ask for wisdom
Understand testing is meant to form and affirm
Faith will be the bedrock
Consistency will be rewarded

Preparation for the Trial

Pray
Read the Bible
Fast
Worship
Church - know and be known

Mental Worship

If someone were to watch you experience a trial, would they know you are a Christian?
At the end of a trial, is your faith stronger or weaker?
Are your prayer habits preparing you for trials?
Are you known in our church so that you can lean on others and they on you?

Jul 16, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Leo Almeida, Teaching Pastor

YOUR NEW IDENTITY IS GLORIOUS
2 Corinthians 5:11-21

1. Your New Identity is Received Not Achieved

Your New Identity is More Than What Meets The Eye
Your New Identity is Glorious

QUESTIONS

Which temporary identity (work, history, etc.) are you most tempted to live out of? Why?
As you look at your life, how much of your old self is still in control? Can you point to evidence that you are a new creature?
This passage shows us that we are new creatures, reconciled messengers, ambassadors, and the righteousness of God. Which of these is the least believable for you and why?
What major change would occur if you ONLY lived our of the identity God purchased for you?

Jul 9, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Leo Almeida, Teaching Pastor

Our God is the Greatest
Psalm 23:1-6

The Greatest Possession
The Greatest Privilege

Inner Orchestra

Guilt - “I should’ve done this...I should’ve said that”
Greed - “I want it... I need it...I must have it...”
Vanity - “Me up, her down. Me up, him down. Me up, all down.”
Anger - “How could she...how could he”

The Greatest Comfort
Greatest Promises

QUESTIONS:

As you think about your prayer life and praise life…How do you consistently relate to God: as a Tool or a Treasure? Is He more useful to you or beautiful to you?
As time passes with your relationship with the Lord, are you growing to be more independent or childlike? How so?
What are some lies about yourself and about God you tend to believe when you’re in a dark valley of life?
God’s children are currently being pursued by His goodness and mercy; when have you been most aware of that reality?

Jul 2, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Leo Almeida, Teaching Pastor

THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD
Timothy 3:14-17

We Read With Resilience (14-15)
We Read To Stay Awake (v. 15b-16a)
We Read Because It Pays (v. 16b)
We Read To Stay Ready (v. 17)

Questions:

Is the authority of the Bible a conviction or an opinion for you?
Do you want to get into the Word more? If so, what is typically the reason you don’t?
This world has a way of rocking us to sleep. What does that look like for you? Which convictions do you compromise first when this happens to you?
When you are bumped or squeezed by life and its circumstances, what comes out of you?

Jun 25, 2023

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Gospel Capacity
Acts 7:35-60

The Gospel makes you capable of knowing well, v. 35-43

a) God came to solve a problem not condemn people with problems, v. 35

b) Prophecy becomes a problem, v. 37

c) The church has been around a long time, v. 38.

d) The Bible has power- "living oracles” means "having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul.”

The Ten Commandments

You shall have no other gods before me.

You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain...

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Honor your father and your mother...

You shall not murder.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.

e) It starts in the heart, v. 39

f) There is texture to God’s being, v. 42

The Gospel makes you capable of applying well, v. 44-53
The Gospel makes you capable of dying well, v. 51-60

“For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.”
-2 Corinthians 5:4

The gospel never depends on one person, v. 8:1

Mental worship…

What is your heart posture towards God these days?
How do you think about death?
How do you remind yourself of God’s presence?
Is there anything you wish you understood more about the Gospel?
Will the life you are living make Jesus stand up when you die?

Jun 18, 2023

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Understanding How God Does What God Does
Acts 7:9-34

God orchestrates things before we get there, v. 9-16

Favor is best defined as demonstrated delight. To have the Lord’s favor means that the Lord has joyful trust in a person and has shown gracious kindness towards them.

“His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
-Genesis 50:18-21

God has a plan for what happens when and why, v. 17-29

“I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites from before you. I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land."
-Exodus 23:27-30

There are things you only learn in the wilderness, v. 30-34

“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.”

-Deuteronomy 8:2

Wilderness wisdom…

a) Your real heart is most on display in the wilderness

b) God has not forgotten you

c) You never deserve forgiveness, you just come to believe it

d) Sin changes the way you think about God but not the way God thinks about you

e) God uses people with a past to deliver other people with a past

Mental worship…

Do you ever think of yourself as having God’s favor on your life?
What need are you most often trying to meet when you sin?
When you think of your past do you feel grateful or fearful?
Are you asking God to be for others what you’ve never let Him be for you?

Jun 11, 2023

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Beauty of Gospel Fluency
Acts 6:8-7:8

Christianity is historical before its personal

There is a two-fold beauty to Gospel fluency...

questions get answered that were not being asked
things begin to make sense that didn’t before

God is not a god of place, v. 3

Stephen was charged with two things:

he speaks against the Temple- where God lives
he speaks against the Law- where we live

God knows our future better than we do, v. 4-5
God knows your children’s future better than you do, v. 6-7
God has always wanted a people more than a place, v. 8

“Thus says the Lord: Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool; where is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

-Isaiah 66:1-2

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.”

-Genesis 17:1-11

Mental worship…

Are you ever guilty of “temple thinking?” Meaning, you live one way on Sunday and differently the rest of the week.
What would change in the way you relate to God if you believed that He knew everything about your future?
How would your parenting change if you embraced the truth that God knows your kids future better than you do?
Do you understand the relationship between “this”, “that” and “after that?”

Jun 4, 2023

Acts 6:1-7
The Word Will Not Be Stopped

1) Having Needs and Meeting Needs is Biblical v.1, 3, 5

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

Good Repute = Followable

Full of the Spirit - Maturing,

Full of wisdom = Peaceable

5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

2) Serving Addresses a Multitude of Sins v. 1, 2, 4, 7

A) Sin of society against widows

B) Sin against Greek speaking widows

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

C) Sin of hindering the ministry of the Word

2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word

D) -Sin of unbelief

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

3) Everbody Deacons

diakonos

Matt 23:11-12 11 The greatest among you shall be your deacon. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Mark 9:35 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and deacon of all.”

John 12:26 26 If anyone deacons me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my deacon be also. If anyone deacons me, the Father will honor him.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be deaconed but to deacon, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Abilities Survey Picture

Image of Excel file

Sermon Questions

Would you rather ask for help or do without? Why?
When you become aware of a need are you quick to respond or do you wait to see if someone else will take care of it?
Where would you like to serve to help the Word proceed forward?
Are you in an environment here where when you can be known? Do you prefer to stay hidden?
Ask the Spirit to remind you of a time you were “deaconed” and worship Him with gratefulness.
Does anything need to change in order for you to “deacon” (serve) here?

May 28, 2023

Acts 5:11-42

The Fruit of Fearing God

Conversion, v. 14-16

“Too often our confessional theology says one thing, while our practical theology says something else. We say that regeneration makes us new creatures in Christ, but then we teach our kids a moralism that atheists could duplicate. We say that Christianity is about a trusting relationship with Jesus, but then we treat it like checking a box on a decision card. We say that only the Holy Spirit transfers a person from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light, but then we employ the marketing tools used for getting someone to switch brands of toothpaste. Again and again what we claim in our doctrinal statements about conversion doesn’t match what our churches practice or their ministry models. So it shouldn’t surprise us that our kids end up being something less than Christian.”

-Michael Lawrence, Conversion

The appeal of nice is based on three ideas...

an optimistic view of human beings
a domesticated view of God
a view of religion as a means of moral self-reform

“this Life” gets taught, v. 17-26

Zoe life refers to the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God; life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed.

This life also involved things we see in this section like...
jealousy, v 17
imprisonment, v. 18
deliverance, v. 19
instruction, v. 20
the unexplainable, v. 24
respect, v. 26

Consistency, v. 27-39

“We must obey God rather than man.”

Godward joy, v. 40-42

So what do these two guys do…

a) they rejoice, v. 41

b) they continue, v. 42

“And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”

Mental worship…

What would have to change in your life if you submitted to the simple truth, “We must obey God rather than man?”
Can God count you worthy to suffer for His name or would you misrepresent him in suffering?
How often do you Gospel people and circumstances that oppose you?
What do you rejoice over?
Does your reputation exceed your reality?

May 21, 2023

Unity That Pleases Jesus
Acts 4:32-5-11
John 17:20-21

They type of unity that answers Jesus’ prayer

Acts 4:32-37

A. A LOOSE GRIP ON STUFF

v. 32

John 3:16

Romans 8:32

2nd Corinthians 8:9

But looks at verses 34-35

B. BIG MOUTHS FOR THE GOSPEL

Look at verse 33

C. CONSISTENTLY OTHER FOCUSED

Look at verse 36-37

Acts 9:26-27

The type of hearts that spoil this type of community

5:1-11

A. HEARTS THAT OVERVALUE A GOOD REPUTATION

Proverbs 4:23

B. HEARTS FILLED WITH GREED

v. 3-4

1 Timothy 6:10

C. HEARTS THAT ARE SPIRITUALLY BLIND

In Genesis 1:2

Matthew 12:31-32

James 4:5
_____________________________________

QUESTIONS:
If you were picked up and dropped off in a church that was doing this…would you blend in?
If not, what type of selfishness do you have to repent of in order for you to contribute to this type of unity?
If your fellow Christians friends watched the way you lived and loved…how would they nickname you?
Idolatry is when a good thing turns into a God thing. Is there something that you own that you need to hold with a looser hand?

May 14, 2023

Acts 4:23-31

Why You Should Pray For Boldness

Boldness answers the questions beforehand, v. 23

“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason, my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience would be neither right nor safe. God help me. Here I stand, I can do no other.”

-Martin Luther

“But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 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, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.”
-Acts 4:14-22

Boldness comes from right doctrine, v. 24-28

“The conviction that Christian doctrine matters for Christian living is one of the most important growth points of the Christian life.”

-Sinclair Ferguson

Four biblical doctrines from the text...

a) sovereignty of God, v. 24

b) creation, v. 24

c) inspiration of Scripture, v. 25

God….Holy Spirit…David…Psalm 2

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
-2 Timothy 3:16

d) prophecy, v. 25-27

Boldness is about continuing not starting, v. 29-31

Mental worship…

If you continue living as you are right now will more people be in heaven as a result of your life?
What question, if answered, would produce more boldness in you?
What is one biblical doctrine you want to better understand?
Would you rather be popular or bold?
What are the five most life shaping things you believe right now?

May 7, 2023 #followyourheart #yolo #authenticity

“Everybody has plans until they get hit for the first time.” - Mike Tyson

Acts 4:1-22
THE GOSPEL IS A BOLD MESSAGE

verses 1-4

A. POLARIZING

1st Cor. 1:18

Matthew 28:18-20

B. HISTORICAL AND OBJECTIVE

verses 7-11

Your mind is the source and standard of truth, so no matter what, trust yourself. #theanswersarewithin
Your emotions are authoritative, so never question (or let anyone else question) your feelings. #followyourheart
You are sovereign, so flex your omnipotence and bend the universe around your dreams and desires. #liveyourtruth
You are supreme, so always act according to your chief end, to glorify and enjoy yourself forever. #yolo
You are the summum bonum—the standard of goodness—so don’t let anyone oppress you with the antiquated notion of being a sinner who needs grace. #neverchange.
You are the Creator, so use that limitless creative power to craft your identity and purpose. #authenticity.

C. EXCLUSIVE

verse 12

CREATES AND REQUIRES BOLD MESSENGERS

verse 13

A. TRUST INSTEAD OF SHAME

Luke 12:11-12

1st Corinthians 6:9-11

B. BOLDNESS INSTEAD OF FEAR

v. 10-11

THE GOSPEL SHOULD OVERFLOW OUT OF US

verses 14-22

2nd Cor 4:13

Apr 30, 2023

Acts 3:1-26
How To Live A More Interesting Life

Have some habits, v. 1-10
Know your history, v. 11-16

On the Cross two things happen:
a) God establishes universal guilt
b) God demonstrates substitutionary atonement

Contextualization is the process of considering something in relation to the situation in which it happens or exists.

End with hope, v. 17-26
a) God’s faithfulness gives us a foundation for our faith, v. 18

“Today I began reading the Bible. Something I’ve never done. I believe this is the only truth left here in earth. Maybe the only truth there ever was. Everyone else has turned to nothing but deception and lies. All of it.”
-Shawn Ryan, Instagram post

b) your failure is not final, v. 19
c) it won’t always feel this way, v. 20
d) God has a plan for the world, v. 21
e) God raised Jesus to bless you, v. 26

Mental worship…

Are spiritual disciplines more of a hobby for you or a habit?
What is one habit you want to establish in the next thirty days that would make a noticeable difference in your life?
What have you been speaking to that you need to take hold of?
How well do you know the history of God’s dealings with humanity?
What questions are you asking as a result of what you heard today?

Apr 23, 2023

Title: The Church That Blesses

Text: Acts 2:42-47 CSB

“That evening I recognized the importance of blessing and being blessed...We all need ongoing blessings that allow us to hear in an ever-new way that we belong to a loving God who will never leave us alone, but will always remind that we are guided by his love on every step of our lives.”

Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved (New York: Crossroad, 1992), 69-72.

Bless Rhythms

B. begin in prayer

L. listen and engage

E. eat

S. serve

S. share your story

Loneliness

In 2003, UCLA researchers studied the physical effects of loneliness on the brain and they discovered being excluded proved the same sort of reaction in the brain that physical pain might cause.
Time Magazine recently called loneliness the next great health epidemic on par with obesity and substance abuse.
In a recent study sponsored by an insurance company Cigna, they realized being lonely caused more inflammation and higher levels of stress. Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 30%, making it as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. People without meaningful connections experience disrupted sleep patterns, altered immune systems. Do you know who they discovered experiences the highest levels of loneliness? 18-24 year olds. They concluded that loneliness is making us sick.

Meal Sharing

-Sixty years ago the average dinnertime was 90 minutes; today it is less than twelve minutes.

-The #1 factor for parents raising kids who drug-free, healthy, intelligent, and kind human beings?

-The #1 shaper of vocabulary in younger children?

-The #1 predictor of future academic success for elementary school children?

-One of the best safeguards against obesity, eating disorders?

-The variable most associated with lower incidence of depressive and suicidal thought among 11-18 year old’s?

*(Maral Eisenberg, “Correlations Between Family Meals and Psychological Well-Being,” JAMA Pediatrics)

● In Luke 5, Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners at the home of Levi (5:29-32).

● In Luke 7, Jesus is anointed by a woman in the home of Simon the Pharisee during a meal (7:36-50).

● In Luke 9, Jesus feeds the five thousand (9:10-36).

● In Luke 10, Jesus eats in the home of Mary and Martha (10:25-42).

● In Luke 14, Jesus shares about the parable of the large banquet in which

He urges people to invite the poor rather than their friends (14:7-24).

● In Luke 22, we read the account of the Last Supper (22:14-23).

“Sharing meals together is one of the most sacred practices we can engage in as believers...If every Christian family regularly invited a stranger or a poor person into the home for a meal once a week, we would literally change the world by eating.” —Alan Hirsch and Lance Ford, Right Here, Right Now

Serve

“'Atheism [I.e. the Christian faith!] has been specially advanced

through the loving service rendered to strangers, and through their care for the burial of the dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jew who is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans care not only for their own poor but for ours as well; while those who belong to us look in vain for the help that we should render them.”

*The Roman Emperor Julian, fourth cent

Apr 16, 2023

Acts 2:22-41
How To Talk About Jesus

Engagingly, v. 22-24

“attested”- to demonstrate or prove

“…for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.”
-Acts 4:27-28

Historically, v. 25-35

“Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.”

-I Corinthians 10:6-13

Accessibly, v. 36-41

”Let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

-Acts 2:36

a) Jesus is the Christ- the Messiah, the promised one (true of him)
b) Jesus is Lord- he has all authority over all of my life (true of me)

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

-Luke 6:46

Two things you need to grasp from this verse.

a) “for the forgiveness of your sins”- deals with your past
b) “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”- provision for the future

“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.”
-Acts 2:39

Mental worship…

If God was going to prove Jesus to the world, what do you think He should do?
What do you wish you understood more about the history of the Christian faith?
What are some areas of your life that get out from under the lordship of Christ most often?
If someone asked you what they should do in order to be right with God, what would you tell them?
What is one thing you heard this morning that you want to remember for a long time?

Apr 7, 2023

I Corinthians 1:18-31
The Word of the Cross

Wisdom from God
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”
-Proverbs 3:13-18
Righteousness

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

-2 Corinthians 5:21

Sanctification
Redemption

Apr 2, 2023

Luke 19:28-48
The Subtle Power of a Surrendered Life

God knows the future, v. 30-32

“And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise. But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.”
-Luke 18:31-34

Jesus is compelled by what He values
God thinks a lot of Jesus, v. 40-44

Two things bear this out…

a) everything God created is created to worship Jesus
b) everyone who doesn’t believe experiences judgement

There is a purpose, v. 45-48
a) the day Jesus enters Jerusalem is lamb selection day- lamb selected
b) they had to keep the animal for five days to inspect it- Passion Week
c) the animal had to be without blemish or defect- “I find no fault in him.”
d) Jesus will be crucified as the Passover lambs are being sacrificed

Mental worship…

How should it orient you around God to know that He knows the future?
Do your choices reflect your values?
What is one thing about Christianity you wished you understood sooner?
What do you think Jesus valued during his time on earth?
What questions will you ask as a result of what you heard today?

Mar 26, 2023

Acts 2:1-14
The Power and Purpose of the Church

The Church is a spiritual entity which is intended to demonstrate a spiritual reality, v. 1-4

“Without the Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship wild be inconceivable, even impossible. There can be no life without the life-giver, no understanding without the Spirit of truth, no fellowship without the unity of the Spirit, no Christlikeness of character apart from his fruit, and no effective witness without his power. As a body without breath is a corpse, so the church without the Spirit is dead.”
- John Stott

"And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
-Acts 1:4-5

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
end of the earth.”
-Acts 1:8

a) “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit”

" 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. 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.”

-Acts 2:38-39

b) “and began to speak in other tongues”

Three differences between this and the gift of tongues in I Corinthians 14:

1) audience- here they are talking to men not God
2) translation- didn’t need interpretation
3) evidence that the Spirit has come (Acts) vs. edification of the church (I Corinthians)

God is purposeful in everything He does, v. 5-11

Three things demonstrate God’s purpose here…

a) a reversal of the Tower of Babel
b) Pentecost marked the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai
c) meaning of Pentecost- first fruits

The Church is designed to cause questions not just answer them, v. 12

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
-Acts 2:14-21

What can we learn from this explanation?

God uses imperfect people to tell a perfect story
we’ve been living in “the last days” since the Ascension
the Bible is cohesive- Joel was written 800 years B.C.
God uses all kinds of people to tell His story-sons, daughters, young, old, servants.
nobody is too far away
Que

Mar 12, 2023

A HEART TO OBEY
Acts 1:12-26

When they read this book it would have read as a list of Martyrs 1:13
Unity comes from us all seeking God, all waiting on the Holy Spirit, All on the same mission 1:14
Women have incredible value and worth to God 1:14
1 Peter 2:9

9 But you are za chosen race, aa royal bpriesthood, ca holy nation, da people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you eout of darkness into fhis marvelous light.

d. Jesus has removed every ounce of shame from your life 1:15

e. If your vision is from God it will happen. Wait on God. 1:15

f. Matthew 27:3-8 Scripture is trustworthy and reliable

g. What happened to Judas was terrible but it was God’s plan

How to make Decisions: 1:20-26

Look to Scripture. What does it say?
Use common sense
Pray. Seek God. Ask for wisdom
Trust the Lord with the final results

Philippians 1:21-23

21 For to me mto live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 nI am hard pressed between the two. My desire is oto depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Questions:

What does it mean for us today in our American culture that this list of apostles would have read like an obituary? What is God calling us to do?
Is there any shame in your life that you are still holding onto?
Of those 4 things: Look to Scripture, Use common sense, Pray, Trust the Lord, which one of those are you lacking in the most? Why is that?
Do you find yourself wanting to and growing in your desire to obey God?

Mar 5, 2023

Acts 1:1-11
Pre-Flight Instructions

Introductory thoughts on Acts…

a) Focus moves from Peter to Paul as spokesman
b) To Jerusalem, from Jerusalem- it moves from Jerusalem to the geo-
political centers of the world at the time…Rome
c) Came to Jews, now Gospel pivots to Gentiles
d Miracles establish a platform for the Gospel.
e) God is intentional in everything He does.

Jesus’ life and ministry was balanced, v. 1
The resurrection of Jesus was a historically verifiable reality, v. 3

The resurrection does four things…

a) demonstrate Jesus’ victory over death
b) proves that Jesus was divine
c) validates the teaching of Jesus
d) testifies that Jesus’ atoning work was accepted by God as sufficient

Jesus came to inaugurate the Kingdom of God, v. 3-7
God tells His story through people, v. 8

a) Peter
b) James
c) Thomas

The ministry of Jesus ends with a reminder, v. 9-11

a) The ascension leaves no doubt about what happened
b) The ascension leaves no doubt about what will happen

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

-I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Mental worship…

This morning we talked about sensationalism, intellectualism and balance. Which are you more prone to?
How often do you think and talk about the resurrection?
How big is the Gospel you share and who is at the center of it?
Who was the first person who saw who you were going to be?
What will you think about most as a result of what you heard today?

Feb 26, 2023

Words to Live by: Look

1 Chronicles 16:7-14 NIV

Bottom Line: Make sure that what you are looking at is what you are looking for.

Questions:

What are you looking at?
What are you looking for?
Are you glancing at God or Gazing at his glory?
Where do you need to turn your eyes upon Jesus the most?
Because of Jesus, what can you see that no one else can see?
How would you look at yourself differently this week if you looked at yourself through God's words?
Who in your life is waiting for you to look at them through the lens of the gospel?

Feb 19, 2023

HESED: The Grip & The Heart of God
Psalm 136

THE GRIP OF GOD

A. PRAISE WORTHY
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. - Psalm 63:3

B. CONTRACONDITIONAL

“Having entered a covenant relationship with His people, God binds Himself to act toward them with hesed, and He is utterly faithful to His own self-commitment. To put it another way, our hope that God will love us to the uttermost, and forever, is not founded on our ability to keep His commands but rather it’s founded on God’s ability to keep being God.” - Barry Cooper

2 Timothy 2:13: “if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.”

“Sometimes hesed is translated “steadfast love.” It combines commitment with sacrifice. Hesed is one-way love. Love without an exit strategy. When you love with hesed love, you bind yourself to the object of your love, no matter what the response is. So if the object of your love snaps at you, you still love that person. If you’ve had an argument with your spouse in which you were slighted or not heard, you refuse to retaliate through silence or withholding your affection. Your response to the other person is entirely independent of how that person has treated you. Hesed is a stubborn love.” - Paul Miller, A Loving Life

Ruth 1:15-18

Hosea 3:1-2

THE HEART BEHIND THE HAND

“When feelings are the standard, we are left adrift on a turbulent sea. Every good feeling becomes a new path, so we become good at starting to love, but bad at finishing.” Paul Miller, A Loving Life

John 13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

______________________

QUESTIONS:

How has your praise life been praised these days?

Does the stubborn love of Hesed describe any of the relationships you are currently in? If so, how so? If not, where could you start?

David experienced God’s steadfast love in such a way that he declared, “…your steadfast love is better than life.” Is that something you can say? If not, what would it take for you to join him in that declaration?

Which word in our “Words To Live By Series” has been the most impactful thus far for you? How so?

Feb 12, 2023

Luke 17:1-4
Words To Live By: Forgiveness
Things We Don’t Say About Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a commitment by the offended to pardon graciously the repentant from moral liability and to be reconciled to that person, although not all consequence are necessarily eliminated.

Forgiveness is doctrinal, v. 3

Beliefs that are on display in forgiveness…

a) soteriology- salvation/conversion

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
-Ephesians 4:32
b) ecclesiology- doctrine of the church

c) eschatology- the end times, or the final judgment and destiny of humanity

“Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” For if you forgive others their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will you Father forgive your trespasses.”
-Matthew 6:11-15

Forgiveness is involved, v. 3

A biblical rebuke includes the following…

a) limited to specific, observable behavior
b) avoids the use of words like “always” and “never”
c) has as its goal restoration not condemnation

Four promises we make when we forgive…

1) “I will not dwell on this incident.”
2) “I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.”
3) “I will not talk to others about this incident.”
4) “I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.”

Forgivness is conditional, v. 3

“Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance.”

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Biblical repentance means to change behavior as a result of a complete change of thinking and attitude.

Forgiveness doesn’t eliminate consequences

Mental worship…

How does what you believe influence how you forgive people?
This morning we talked about being relational versus transactional. Which best describe you when it comes to forgiveness?
What is the longest you’ve gone without forgiving someone?
When is the last time you were rebuked?
Would dwelling on your own sin make you a more forgiving person?

Feb 5, 2023

Philippians 4:4-7
Words To Live By- Prayer
Prayer that Changes Things

Rejoice

Rejoice means "to be well and thrive”

Be reasonable

To be reasonable is to be affable, mild, moderate and patient.

Proclaim
Respond
Pray

ANYTHING vs EVERYTHING

Difference between supplication and prayer…

a) supplication- asking God for things, petition
b) prayer- the enjoyment of talking to God

Three components of prayer…

a) thanksgiving

“And the days that I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations, well, I have really good days.”

-Ray Wiley Hubbard

b) authenticity
c) vulnerability

Peace

Peace produces three things in you…

a) an experience with peace you cannot explain
b) an ordered heart- secure emotions
c) a calm mind

Mental worship…

What is your request today?
Are you known for being reasonable?
Where do you experience your deepest joy?
Do you recognize yourself when you pray? Does God recognize you?
What is your habit of and experience with prayer?
Is there anybody or anything that you are letting in that is causing you to be anxious?

Jan 29, 2023

Words To Live By: Kingdom

Mark 1:14-15

Jesus came to make available the Kingdom of God

“Jesus then came into Galilee announcing the good news from God. ‘All the preliminaries have been taken care of and the rule of God is now accessible to everyone. Review your plans for living and base your life on this remarkable new opportunity.’”
-Dallas Willard

The Kingdom of God is the realm within which what God wants done gets done.

Repentance is the doorway into the Kingdom
Believing is our response to the Gospel

To believe something means you experience conviction towards it that produces trust in you that causes you to submit yourself to it and live in the joy of it.

The Gospel is what we are to believe in

The gospel is the story of the work of the triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) to completely restore broken image-bearers in the context of the community of faith through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, to union with God and communion with others for the good of the world.

Characteristics of this robust Gospel…

a) The robust gospel is a story.

b) The robust gospel deals with big problems.

c) A robust gospel includes the whole life of Jesus.

“If our only problem is individual guilt, the solution can be reduced to Good Friday. But as we acknowledge our problem in its true biblical proportions, we need more than Good Friday: we need Christmas as Incarnation, Good Friday as Substitution and Easter as New Creation, and Pentecost as Empowerment. The robust gospel incorporates us into the life of Jesus Christ, into his death with us, for us, and instead of us, into the Resurrection that justifies and creates new life, and the Pentecostal Spirit that empowers us to live together, as image-bearers of God, in such a way that we glow with the glory of the blessed God.”

-Scott McKnight

d) A robust gospel emerges from and leads others to the Church.

Mental worship…

What has changed most in how you think since you came to faith?
Has your mind changed about sin since you repented? If so, how?
When is the last time you set the Kingdom down?
How often have you heard people preach, teach or talk about the Kingdom of God?
What thoughts go through your head when you think about being a part of something as consequentially good as the Kingdom of God?Show less

Jan 22, 2023

Romans 13:1-7
Words To Live By: Authority

Two introductory thoughts…

a) Authority is the first casualty in a culture that begins with your rights and not your responsibility.
b) Authority is under attack in our culture today, both overtly and covertly.

Subjection is God’s design for everyone, v. 1
Authority is Gods design for the world, v. 1-2
Authority is intended to moderate conduct, v. 3-5

“Without justice, what are kingdoms but great gangs of bandits?”

-Augustine

Subjection positions you for a different experience, v. 5-7

In relation to two things…

a) God’s wrath- to avoid it
b) conscience- for the sake of it

"When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.” -Matthew 8:5-13

Mental worship…

What would your life look like if you subjected yourself to all of the authority figures in your life?
How would you describe the difference in being in charge versus being under authority?
Is there anyone in your life to whom you owe revenue, respect or honor?
Does it nourish or indict your belief when you hear Jesus say, “Go, let it be done for you as you have believed.”
What is one part of this morning that you will want to talk about later this week?

Jan 15, 2023

Philippians 4:10-13
Words To Live By: Contentment

“Contentment is nothing more than soul rest. It is satisfaction, peace, assurance, and a sense of wellbeing cultivated by pursuing the right things.”
-Gary Thomas

Practice a Godward orientation, v. 10

“Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.”

-Psalm 32:9

Don’t speak fluent need, v. 11

Two reasons why…

a) because of what it does to you
b) because of what it does to everyone around you

Learn some things, v. 11

Four dominant learning styles…VARK Model

a) visual
b) auditory
c) read & write
d) kinesthetic

Paul learned some things that fueled contentment…
my life is a medium for the Gospel- 1:12
my suffering has a purpose- 1:13
our lives are intended to demonstrate the worth of the Gospel-1:27
as a Christian I will suffer on occasion-1:29
humility makes me capable of what I by nature am not- 2:3-4
what I do externally reflects what God is doing inwardly-2:12-13
my ministry is not in vain- 2:14-18
put no confidence in your flesh- 3:2-6
righteousness comes by faith and continues to depend on faith- 3:7-11
I haven’t arrived- 3:12-15
the peace of God calibrates my emotions- 4:7
how I live will always matter- 4:9

Expect all things, v. 13

Mental worship…

What or who is your life most consistently oriented around?
How do you tell the difference between your needs and your wants?
Of the four learning styles, which is yours and what is the last spiritual lesson/truth that you learned?
Which is easier for you, having plenty or not having enough?
What is one change you could make in your life that would help you become more content?

The God of Hope
Romans 15:13

Ray Ortlund

Jan 1, 2023

Mark 6:30-31
Rhythm Over Resolutions

Differences in rhythm and pace…

a) pace is the speed of something while rhythm is the pattern of something
b) pace thinks about what we can accomplish while rhythm thinks about who we are becoming

Exertion
Community

In biblical community we experience three things…

a) refreshed

“May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”
-2 Timothy 1:16-18

Three questions to clarify where you find community…

Who refreshes you?
Who is not ashamed of your chains?
Who searches for you?

b) reoriented
c) refueled

Rest

Truths that facilitate rest…

a) God is good at God’s job of ruling the world
b) God is not worried about the state of the world
c) God has promised me a future and a hope

Leisure

Mental worship…

Is your life more about pace or rhythm?
Who do you spend time with that leaves you feeling refreshed, reoriented and refueled?
Of these four components of a life rhythm which most needs your attention?
How do you spend your leisure time such that it restores your soul?
Is there one of these areas that you engage in too much?

Dec 25, 2022

Luke 2:22-35
The Consequence of the Incarnation

Divine choreography, v. 27
David & Goliath- “take these cheeses to your brothers”
Moses & burning bush- “Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro…”
Healing of blind man- “One day Peter and John were going up to the temple…"
The universal reach of the Gospel, v. 32

“And now the Lord says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength— he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
-Isaiah 49:5-6
a) a light for revelation to the Gentiles
b) glory for your people Israel

Consequences for everyone, v. 33-35

Four consequences from the text…

a) the fall and rising of many in Israel

“I guess that’s what happens when he chases you down. Everything is different there’s a new me in town. I don’t wake up angry at the mirror on the wall.
So if you miss the old me that’s Jesus’ fault.”
-Walker Hayes

b) a sign that is opposed

“Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way
or another on facing Christ in me.”
-Jim Elliott

c) a sword will pierce through your own soul

“When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”
-John 19:23-26

d) the thoughts from many hearts will be revealed

Mental worship…

What three words best describe your life as this year winds down?
Did anything happen to you this year that was a consequence of you believing the Gospel?
What would your reputation be if the thoughts of your heart were revealed?
How often do you find yourself trying to make something happen instead of simply trusting what God is doing even if you can’t see it?

Dec 25, 2022

Luke 2:1-7
Three Questions of Christmas

What happened?

Caesar Augustus Quirinius of Syria
Joseph Galilee Nazareth Judea
Bethlehem David
Mary
child

Why did it happen?

“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
-Matthew 1:20-21

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sining, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.”
-I John 3: 8-9

What does it mean for you?

Dec 11, 2022

Nehemiah 8:1-12
Defiant Joy

Biblical joy is not just a happy emotion that we either feel or don’t feel. It is a state of being that finds its source in God. This joy come from God and our joy is a product of what God has done and continues to do. It is gladness and contentedness flowing out of a well spring of God’s faithfulness and mercy, quite independent of our circumstances.
-Robin Basselin

The Law of God is a good thing, v. 1-4

“The common man doesn’t believe the bible to be authoritative so I don’t reference it much in my preaching.”

“The goal of revelation is not information only, but affection, worship, and obedience. Christ in us will be realized only as we drink deeply of the Bible, which is God’s word outside of us.”
― Kevin DeYoung

Posture changes in the presence of authority, v. 5-6

Two things hold authority over them:

a) the Word of God
b) the worship of God

Understanding increases their capacity, v. 7-8

“If you are ignorant of God’s Word, you will always be ignorant of God’s will.”
– Billy Graham

I cannot be ruled by my feelings, v. 9
Celebration is essential, v. 10-12

Why celebrate?

1) you find a capacity in joy that you will never find in grieving
2) conviction is an invitation back to our identity
3) celebration reorients our attention and affection around God and what He is doing instead of us and what we have done
4) understanding God’s word is a powerful thing

Mental worship…

Through what lens do you see your days?
What holds authority over you such that you change when you are around it?
What is the last thing you celebrated? How do you celebrate your spiritual growth?
Do you think of the Bible as a good thing? If not, how do you think about it?

Dec 4, 2022

Peace - Presence of the Desirable
Ephesians 2:11-22, Philippians 4:7

Peace
Absence of the undesirable

Peace
Presence of the desirable

Reconciliation (v16)
Citizenship (v19)
Dwelling place (v22)

How to have it - Romans 5
Faith in Jesus image.png Righteous image.png Peace

What does having Peace look like - Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoicing

Graciousness
Conform to the belief that God is in charge

"God is outside of humanity’s full experience, perception or grasp."

Peace is the absence of the undesirable and a presence of the desirable

Mental Worship
1. In which area of your life are you at peace? Where are you not at peace?
2. What habits could you develop to remind you of who God is and who you are in Him?
3. In what ways could you demonstrate peace?
4. Do you focus more on the absence of the undesirable or the presence of the desirable?

Nov 27, 2022

Hebrews 6:13-20
The Power of Hope

Our hope is based on certainty, v.17

a) to show
b) more convincingly
c) to the heirs of the promise
d)the unchangeable character of his purpose

“There is tremendous relief in knowing that His love for me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery can now disillusion Him about me, in the way that I am so disillusioned about myself, and quench His determination to bless me.”

-J.I. Packer, Knowing God
e) he guaranteed it with an oath
f) so that by two unchangeable things

The two unchangeable things…

1) God’s promise
2) the oath that confirms it

Our hope gives us a refuge, v. 18

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”
-Psalm 62:5-8

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
-Psalm 91:1-2

Our hope encourages us to continue, v. 18
Our hope is in what has been accomplished, v. 19

"And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.”
-Hebrews 7:20-28

Mental worship…

Is it enough for God to show you or does he have to convince you of certain things?
Is there anybody or anything you are close to giving up on?
Is your life more about “from” or “for?”
If God were to accommodate you this Advent season, how would He come to you?
What encourages you when you feel hopeless?

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

-Ephesians 4:32

Nov 13, 2022

Malachi 3:13-4:8
Final Words

Our motives matter, v. 13-14

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.”
-C.S. Lewis

Judgement takes many forms, v. 15

Here is an example of progressive judgment…

a) sexual impurity, v. 24- “therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity”
b) unnatural affections, v. 26- “God gave them up to dishonorable passions”
c) a debased mind, v. 28- "God gave them up to a debased mind"

You need positive spiritual friendships, v. 16
Remember these realities, v. 4:1-6

a) the day of the Lord
b) the Word of God
c) the mercy of God

Mental worship…

What motivates you to live as a Christian?
Do you spend more time talking God into forgetting or rejoicing that He remembers?
Who do you spend time with that reminds you of your faith and reinforces your faith?
If God left you a voicemail today, what would it say?

Nov 6, 2022

Malachi 3:6-12
Why Conditional Living Will Never Satisfy You

God is patient, v. 6
God is covenantal not conditional, v. 7b-9

If you are married to someone who is conditional not covenantal three things happen in your marriage…

a) rarely feel heard or understood in an argument, much less validated
b) rarely feel closure after an argument because they are never wrong
c) you will come to believe that for this to work you have to compromise

“By the curse you are being cursed, yet me you are robbing.”

To anyone who believes tithing is an OT concept and no longer applicable I would say two things…

a) grace makes you capable of more

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
-Matthew 5:27-28

b) Jesus indicates tithing continued into the New Testament

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!”

-Matthew 23:23-24

God is invitational, v. 10

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”
-Malachi 3:10-12

Mental worship…

What are some of the generational sins that you want to end with you and not be passed on to your children?
Is your life one of stewardship or ownership?
Are you covenantal or conditional in the way you relate to God? Why do you think you are that way?
What is God inviting you to this morning?

Oct 30, 2022 Malachi 2:17-3:5
How To Live When It Feels Like It Doesn’t Matter

Keep believing despite what you see, v. 17

Five mistakes they made…

a) they ignored God’s word
b) they spoke their words to one another, not to God
c) they contradicted the character of God
d) they spread their unbelief to each other and to the community
e) they failed to encourage one another to love and trust God

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!”
-Psalm 34:1-3

Remember that God’s answer to the problem is often a person, v. 3:1
Remind yourself that God refines to reconcile, v. 2-4
We need to hold on to the fear of God, v. 5

“To be fearless means we fear God above all and all other fears must come under that primary fear. Then fear becomes a signal from your body to navigate life by rather than a trauma or a tyrant to suppress or repress you. As a result we become less afraid and more loving. Fear is an indicator to our souls that something is seeking primacy in my life that wasn’t created to be primary.”
-John Mark Comer

Mental worship…

Do you ever feel as if living right doesn't matter?
Who do you consistently spend time with that encourages you spiritually?
Have you been tolerating something that you are in danger of becoming?
Is there any relationship in your life that needs reconciliation?
Do you fear God out of love or love him out of fear?

Oct 23, 2022
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE THROUGH THE EYES OF THE FATHER
Malachi 2:10-16

1 GOD’S PEOPLE WERE INTERMARRYING WITH THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM
2. GOD’S PEOPLE HAD A LOW REGARD MARRIAGE

QUESTIONS:
• How has your relationship with God directly or indirectly affected the people you live with? What about the people you work with?
• What do you need to start doing in your marriage as a response to the instruction “guard yourself in your spirit”?
• Is there an older couple whose marriage has blessed you? What has God taught you through them?
• What part of Malachi has been the most helpful for you thus far? What has been the most challenging?

Matthew 17:13-14
How to Swim Upstream in a Downstream Culture

The Consistency of God In An Inconsistent World
Malachi 2:1-9

God is about the heart, v. 1-2

“ I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you. I will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations. Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations.
-Ezekiel 36:25-31

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”
-Deuteronomy 11:18

God is consistently constant, v. 2-3
God is a God of reciprocity, v. 4-5

Two things you will see when God makes a covenant with someone:

a) He always goes first
b) He always keeps his word
v. 5- “The covenant was one of life and peace…and I gave them to him.”
“It was a covenant of fear…and He feared me. He stood in awe of my name."

God holds those in ministry to a standard, v. 6-9

Here are some of the things you should expect from your pastors…

a) right doctrine
b) speaks the truth
c) an intimate, peaceful integrity
d) consequential
e) knowledgeable
f) helpful
g) messenger

Mental worship…

Has God ever exchanged your old heart for a new one?
In your relationship with God, do you focus more on what you have to do or and what He has done?
What motivates you to listen to God and what motivates you to avoid listening to God?
What do you think God sees when he looks upon your heart? How does that question comfort you and how does it cut you?
What one thing, good or bad, has been true about you the longest?

Oct 2, 2022 Malachi 1:6-14
How to Combat Spiritual Apathy

God takes Himself very seriously, v. 6-7
Spiritual apathy is the state of not taking God seriously, v. 7

Despised means “to hold in contempt, to treat as lacking value; worthless.”

Progression towards spiritual apathy…

a) quitting- people quit something that was spiritually formative
b) experience- I never have experiences that others talk about
c) knowledge- don’t take time to learn the faith
d) indifference- I don’t care and it doesn’t bother me
e) calloused- I can’t feel things like I once did
f) comparison- I look at people who seem to be flourishing without God
g) avoidance- I begin to avoid things I once enjoyed and enjoy things I once avoided

God expects His people to take Him seriously as well, v. 8-10

“So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. These he handed over to his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me and put a space between drove and drove.” He instructed the first, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you?’ then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’”
Genesis 32:13-18

In despising the offerings three things were happening…

a) presence an offering is what allows sinful people to be in God’s presence
b) forgiveness- people made offerings to cover their sin, by despising the offerings they were despising their means of forgiveness
c) visible sign of the Christ who was to come- the offerings prepared people for God’s once for all offering of Jesus

Then starts now and there begins here, v. 11-16

“For from the rising of the sun...

Mental worship…

Does the way you worship God properly reflect who He really is?
Have you quit anything lately that you should restart?
What is the most weighted relationship in your life right now?
When is the last time you felt spiritually apathetic and how did it feel?
What would have to happen for God to be great in you?

Does God love me?
Malachi 1:1-5

Mental Worship:
Is there anyone I know who needs someone to shut the door on sin in their life? Do I need someone to come and do that for me?
Do you think your life is marked by cynicism or gratefulness?
Have the hard things in your life driven you closer to Jesus or farther from Him?
What does it look like for you to live out the fact that God loves you?

Relentless Love for the Family
A. AUTHENTIC (9 - 10a)
B. COMPASSION IN ACTION
C. Connected to Source
Uncommon Response to a Hostile World

Mental Worship -
In what ways do you let God’s goodness to you go beyond you?

Think of how you would’ve treated Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus. How does that match the way you treat fellow believers now?

Would you describe any of your treatment as a Christian as persecution? How did you love when you were on under pressure?

Where in your life do you have the opportunity to respond in an uncommon way?

Core Values: Mission
Mark 2:1-12

a) When we think of mission, we think of the all-encompassing mission of God to redeem mankind and bring healing to the land. It is reflected in the Lord’s Prayer when we ask, “Thy Kingdom come, thy (King) will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

b) Missions is ministry which fulfills the Great Commission by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ cross-culturally through evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and church leadership development, giving priority to the least reached. Missions is a part of the Church’s total mission.

c) Mission describes who the Church is and what the Church does to advance Christ’s kingdom for his glory. Missions describes the Church’s activity to advance Christ’s kingdom across language, cultural, socio-economic, ethnic and spiritual boundaries.

Five components of living on mission…

Exposure, v. 1

Biblical examples of exposure to Jesus…

a) Zacchaeus- Luke 19
b) sinful woman- Luke 7
c) road to Emmaus- Luke 24

Truth, v. 2

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord but they shall not find it. In that day the lovely virgins and the young men shall faint for thirst.”
-Amos 8:11-13

Belief, v. 3-4
Faith, v. 5
Intersectionality the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

“When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
-Matthew 8:5-13

Authority, v. 6-12

Mental worship…
Does your life make sense apart from what you believe about Jesus?
How often do you talk intentionally about spiritual things with people who are not believers?
Is there anything that you question in your heart but don’t put words to?
Do you ever miss what God is really saying or doing? How long after the fact before you realize it?
Are you more moved by people’s faith or need?

Finding Rest For Your Soul
Matthew 11:25-30

Soul rest is a deep, all consuming rest we feel in our mind, soul and body which restores all these areas of our lives to their created levels.

Signs you lack soul rest…

1) physical fatigue
2) a lost hunger for God’s word
3) feelings of being far from God
4) no desire to serve others
5) entitlement
6) feelings of vague uncertainty

“When our innate human restlessness collides with the digital age and a culture of accomplishment and accumulation, the result is an epidemic of emotional unhealth and spiritual death.”
John Mark Comer

“We have to arrange our lives to where sin no longer looks good to us.”
-Dallas Willard

Invitation, v. 28

The kinds of people who are invited to Him…

a) labor to grow weary, tired or exhausted because of toil, burdens or grief.
b) heavy laden- those bearing a burden or heavy load

rest- to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to collect their strength.

Submission, v. 29

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe what ever they tell you but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.”
Matthew 23:2-4

Transformation, v. 29

Jesus describes himself in two ways…

a) gentle mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit
b) lowly- of low degree, not rising far from the ground.

Mental worship…

Do you experience soul rest?
What, if anything, would change in your life if you developed the habit
of coming to Jesus?
What weighs heaviest on you these days?
Who or what do you submit to? Do you find submission difficult?
What one question do you want to ask as a result of what you heard this
morning?

Community
Acts 2:42-47

1. Devote yourself to Doing what the Bible asks
2. Share whatever you have with others
3. Eat and Drink together
4. Pray together
5. Meeting together once a week won’t cut it

Mental Worship:

Are you a doer of the Bible?
What is it in your life that you struggle to share with those in need?
Do you regularly eat and drink with people far from God?
Who in your life can really be you with and they still love and accept you??
What holds you back from being that open and honest with others?
What are you presently most in Awe of?
if it's not Jesus why not? --

Gospel: Getting the Order Right
2 Corinthians 4:7-18

People were created by God to live in joyful submission to God, Genesis 2:15-17

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
-Genesis 2:15-17

All people are inherently sinful and therefore separated from God, Romans 5:12-14

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.”
-Romans 5:12-14

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only way to a relationship with God, I Timothy 2:5-6

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”
- I Timothy 2:5-6

a) “which is the testimony given”- this is the Gospel we testify to
b) “at the proper”- proper means “one’s own”
c) “time”- a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for

God is currently at work in the world to reconcile all things, 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:1

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.”

-2 Corinthians 5:18-6:1

a) “world”- refers to any aggregate or general collection of particulars of any sort
b) “vain”- destitute of spiritual wealth, of one who boasts of his faith as a transcendent possession, yet is without the fruits of faith in this life.

Mental worship…

When people listen to you talk what do they conclude that you believe?
Do you live in the freedom you were created for?
If you wanted to make spiritual progress should you stop believing something or start believing something?
What is your “message of reconciliation” in fifteen seconds or less?
Of the four things we were asked to believe today, which one is hardest for you?
What do you most need to do after hearing what you heard this morning?

Communion
August 8th, 2022

Romans 8:31-39

1. God will withhold nothing in taking care of us
2. God will allow nothing to condemn us
3. God will allow nothing to separate us from His love.

= = = = = = = = = =
Mental Worship

Who do you feel is against you right now
What would change in your life if you lived like God is for you?
What or who in your life is making you feel condemned right now?
4.What would change in the way you live your life if you lived like you weren’t condemned?
What voice in your life do you give the most weight to?
What would change in the way you live your daily life if you lived like nothing could separate you from Christ’s love?

God is amazingly good
Romans 8:26-30

When we are weak the Spirit intercedes for us
God is working all things for our good
God has predestined us to follow him
Ephesians 1:4
1 timothy 2:4
2 Peter 3:9
God has called us to follow him (His effectual calling)
Acts 16:14
Acts 9:17-18

Questions:

How is your relationship with God right now? Are you worried that he is angry with you?
When was the last time something really bad happened to you? Do you realize that in that moment the Holy Spirit was most likely praying for you? How does that make you feel?
Are there any situations in your life where you are struggling to trust that God is working for your good?
Has God called you to Himself?
What does it mean for your walk with Jesus that He has justified and glorified you and He sees you as that right now? How do these truths change how you live?

The Groaning and Glory
Romans 8:16-25

This Groaning is Universal
This Groaning is a Consequence
3. This Groaning is Personal
A. BODIES WITHOUT THE BADNESS
B. A NEW WORLD

______________________

What part of glory stirs you with the most excitement: redeemed bodies or a redeemed creative order? Why?
When someone who is not a follower of Jesus groans about the brokenness of the world, how do you respond to them? Why?
Have you ever experienced homesickness for your eternal home? When is it the most intense?
What specific things usually influence Christians into becoming bad hopers?

Glorious Reminders From The Holy Spirit
Romans 8:12-17

A New Identity
A New Intimacy
A New Inheritance

MENTAL WORSHIP
Who do you know that truly has intimate relationship with the Father? What could you imitate about them?
What seasons of your life does prayer tend to be the most natural? How so?
Is there any part of your Christian life where the spirit of slavery is prevails over the spirit of adoption? If so, how so?
Throughout Scripture, hope is illustrated as a helmet and an anchor. Why do you think that is?

THE LIFE OF THE FILLED
Passage: Romans 8:1-11

FILLED PEOPLE ARE FREE PEOPLE
A. THE POSITION IS PERFECT (v. 1)
B. THE WORK IS DONE (v. 2-4)
FILLED PEOPLE ASK HIGHER QUESTIONS
FILLED PEOPLE HAVE LIFE

__________________________

QUESTIONS:

Do you really believe you’re as approved of by the Father as Jesus is? If not, how would your life change if you did?

When do you most feel the flaming darts of Satan? In what ways could you start hiding behind the truth of Romans 8:1?

When you have no pressing responsibilities, where does your mind consistently drift towards?

What questions are leading your life? Do they sound like they are from the flesh or from the Spirit?

In specific ways should the joy of those filled with the Spirit differ from the joy of people of other religions?

The Power of Knowing, Part 2

We can know freedom from sin, v. 18

forgiveness…freedom…fullness

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

-I John 3:4-10

The problem with habitual sin biblically speaking…

a) violates the law of God
b) nullifies the work of Christ
c) grieves the Holy Spirit

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
-Colossians 1:13-14

domain- ability
Kingdom- accomplishment

We can know a biblical worldview, v. 19

Two things to notice here…

a) “We are from God…”
b) “…and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one."

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
-2 Corinthians 5:18-21

We can know what is true, v. 20-21

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
-John 17:1-3

Mental worship…

What do you find comforting about God?
If God were to give you a one sentence warning of what you should be on guard for, what would that sentence say?
Are you comfortable with God making His appeal through you?
When is the last time you shared the Gospel with someone?
In what area would you like God to give you understanding today?

The Power of Knowing, Part 1

We can know that we have the life of eternity in us, v. 13

Three realities Christians should experience...
joy- “to make our joy complete
holiness- “so that you will not sin”
certainty- “so that you make know that you have eternal life”

Three main reasons Christians do not experience certainty are…
uncertainty/doubt about their conversion experience
ongoing baggage
lack of biblical knowledge and experience

We can know that God answers our prayers, v. 14-17

“And this is the confidence we have towards him…”

Confidence is mentioned in relation to three realities…

a) the second coming
b) the Judgement
c) prayer

Confidence is a freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; a free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance.

Questions from the text…

a) Does that mean we get whatever we want?
b) Why does it take so long?
c) What is the sin unto death?

1) sin not leading to death- this is any sin that a Christian commits

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
-Galatians 6:1-2

2) sin that leads to death- this is the sin of the false teachers/secessionists

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
-John 14:6

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
-Acts 4:12

“ For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”
-I Timothy 2:5-6

Biblical examples of sin unto death which results in physical death…

a) Numbers 25- high minded disregard for God’s commands
b) Acts 5- lying to the Holy Spirit

Mental worship…

Do you believe God tolerates you or enjoys you?
Confidence was mentioned three times in I John in reference to the second coming, in reference to the Judgement and in reference to prayer. Do you have confidence in relation to these realities?
How has your relationship to sin changed since you became a Christian?
What is one question you want to ask as a result of today?
Do people who struggle with sin find you helpful?

The Most Important Question You Will Ever Answer
I John 5:5-12

The witnesses, v. 6-8

a) the water- Jesus’ baptism

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
-Matthew 3:13-17

b) the blood- Jesus’ crucifixion

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
-Matthew 27:50-56

1) curtain of the temple was split from top to bottom, Mt. 27:51
2) there was an earthquake, Mt. 27:51
3) a number of OT saints were raised from the dead and appeared to many as the first fruits of the resurrection, Mt. 27:52-53
4) Roman guards responded, “Truly this way the Son of God!” Mt. 27:54

c) the Spirit

The testimony, v. 9-10
The life, v. 11-12

Zoe is the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God. Life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new experiences, among them a more perfect body and to last forever.

Mental worship…

Why is a “water only Gospel” not sufficient for us?
Which is bigger in your life these days, the testimony of man or the testimony of God?
How has your understanding of “eternal life” changed?
Do you experience this Life we were talking about today?
What will you pray as a result of what you heard today?

Birthmarks From Above
1 John 5:1-5

BELIEVING JESUS FOR WHO HE IS

John 1:12-13
Colossians 3:11
Matthew 16:16
Hebrews 7:25

A LOVE FOR GOD THE FATHER
verses 1 -3

A. “I love Jesus…(but I hate the church)”

B. “I’m a believer, just not a follower”

James 2:19

A FAITH THAT OVERCOMES THE WORLD

James 1:2-4

__________________

QUESTIONS:

Which of the titles of Christ (Prophet, Priest, or King) gives you the most comfort? Which one gives you the most boldness? How so?

With a faith and hope that looks past this world, how would that set us free to live in the world?

As you think through your past week and next week, when do you most need a reminder of your new birth?

Assurance leads to joy, hope, and confidence. Can you think of some other ways assurance of eternal life is beneficial to those who have been born again?

How should you go about correcting someone who has been deceived into thinking they have been born again?

SHOW LESS

The Certainty of Faith and Love
I John 4:13-21

The certainty of faith, v. 13-16

“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
-Romans 8:9-11

This is what the Spirit does…

a) the Spirit leads us to understand the mission of Jesus, v. 14
b) the Spirit reveals the deity of Christ, v. 15
c) the Spirit convinces us of the love God has for us, v. 16

The progression of love, v. 17-21

a) perfecting love prepares us for what is to come, v. 17-18

“perfected”- to bring to completion, to reach the goal

b) the love of God is visible, v. 20-21

Mental worship…

Are you doing anything right now that you know deserves to be punished?
Does your mission match the mission of Jesus?
What standard do you use to evaluate your faith?
Do you rely more on God’s love for you or your love for God?
Are you hating anybody these days?
How do the people you love know that you love them?

Why God is More Than Love
I John 4:7-12

A different way to think, v. 7-8
When the Bible says “God is love” it means two things…

a) it is the essence of who God is but not the summation of who He is
b) it means that anytime God expresses any attribute of his character that He is being motivated by love

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
-Romans 3:21-26

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 3:16

A different way to live, v. 9

“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. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
-Galatians 2:20-21

A different God, v. 10

"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Two things that make God different…

a) it is not based on our efforts- “not that we have loved God"
b) it is based on His accomplishment- “he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

The question: "Hypothetically, if God and heaven are real, on what basis do you believe God will or will not accept you into Heaven?”

Consensus: Acceptance in heaven depends on performance on earth.

Common questions from people:

a) Do you believe all paths lead to God?
b) How can one persons death enable another person’s forgiveness?

Similarities in all religions:

a) living a moral life equals peace
b) living an immoral life equals chaos

Differences in all religions:

a) religions lead to different mountain tops
b) religions claim different ways of restoring peace from chaos

A different outcome, v. 11-12

Mental worship…

Given how you actually live, who or what would people say you have faith in?
What did you learn today about God and his character?
On what basis do you believe God will or will not accept you into heaven?
How would you describe the difference in a religion about God and a relationship with God?
What questions stir in your mind as a result of what you heard this morning?

SHOW LESS

1 John 4:1-6

1 John 3:4-10

The nature of sin, v. 4

“lawlessness”- the rejection of God’s authority and the exaltation of the autonomy of the self.

The person and work of Jesus, v. 5-8

Sound doctrine is a summary of the Bible’s teaching that is both faithful to the Bible and useful for life.
-Bobby Jamieson

Two foundational truths...
a) the incarnation
b) the sinlessness of God

v. 6- “in him…in him”
v. 7- “is righteous…as he is righteous”
v. 8- “makes a practice of sinning…has been sinning from the beginning”

The agency of the Holy Spirit, v. 9

“seed”-whatever possesses vital force or life giving power; of divine energy, of the Holy Spirit operating within the soul by which we are regenerated.”

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
-Romans 8:1-11

Biblical doctrine provides clarity, v. 10

The evidence…

a) practice righteousness
b) love others

Three things to consider in loving hard to love people…

Do I want to forgive this person?
Do I believe things about them that are not true but you like believing them?
Do I really know them?

Mental worship…

What, if anything, is evident about your faith?
What was your attention drawn to in the sermon today?
How often do you experience the life of the Holy Spirit in you?
Is there one doctrine/belief in Christianity that you want to better understand as a result of what you heard today?
Who is the hardest person for you to love right now?

I John 2:28-3:3

Confidence is born of consistency, v. 28

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” -Revelation 19:11-16

Confidence comes from practice, v. 29

Two things to notice here…

a) God imparts spiritual life to people

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
-John 1:12-13

b) The practice of righteousness is evidence of being born of God

Confidence is anchored in other world love, v. 3:1

Here is love, vast as the ocean, loving-kindness as the flood, when the Prince of Life, our Ransom, shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember? Who can cease to sing His praise? He can never be forgotten throughout heav'n's eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion fountains opened deep and wide; through the floodgates of God's mercy flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers, poured incessant from above, and heav'n's peace and perfect justice kissed a guilty world in love.

Confidence comes from perspective, v. 2

“now”…..”will be"

Confidence has its hope in the right place, v. 3

Mental worship…

What do you practice?
Is the Gospel to you more about forgiveness or restraint?
To purify yourself do you need to practice addition or subtraction?
When did you first grasp the manner in which God loves you?
Where do you live more often, in the “now” or in the “will be?”
What do you hope in?

John 12:12-36

People, v. 12-13, 17-19

John 11:45-57

Promise, v. 14-16

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.”
-Zechariah 9:9-12

Three things about the Messiah, the one who is to come...

a) righteous

“The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.”
- Charles Spurgeon

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
-Titus 3:4-7

b) having salvation
c) humble

Provision, v. 20-36

Mental worship…

Do you confuse Gods patience with tolerance?
How was the Bible shaped your view of God?
Besides the Bible, what has most shaped your view of God?
What motivates you to do the right thing when nobody seems to
understand?
Is there any area of your life that feels as if God doesn’t have a plan?

Author and host of the Alisa Childers Podcast shares on progressive Christianity, apologetics, the gospel, and more.

Interview by Spiritual Formation Pastor Blake Hardcastle.

1 John 2:18-27

Remember there are deceivers among us v.18-19, 26, 22-23
Relax, you can spot them, you’re anointed v.20-21, 27
Abide! That’s a command and the clutch v. 24-25, 27

Mental Worship

Do you know any deceivers? Who are you concerned has left the faith?

Are you ignoring that it is the last hour and think you have “plenty of time” to obey in the future?

What do you hope is in God’s heart to provide for you? For your family? For this church?

What persistent “respectable” sin is the Spirit wanting to lead you out of?

What needs to change for you to more fully enjoy the life of eternity?

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

John 2:3-11

Have you ever had seasons in your life where you questioned if you really know God?

If you asked God right now "am I your child?" What do you think He would say?

How is your heart toward others right now? Is it marked by love?

Do you have anyone in your life that has hurt you in the past?

How much has God forgiven each of us?

How is your heart toward people that have hurt you? Is there any bitterness or unforgiveness there that needs to be dealt with?

1 John 1:1-4
What Is Eternal Life?

These false teachers emphasized two things…

a) matter/flesh was impure, bad
b) knowledge was supreme

These teachers were known for three things…

a) they did not believe in the incarnation, that Jesus came in the flesh
b) they believed sin didn’t matter because morality did not matter
c) they were not loving, very dogmatic, harsh and divisive

This has always been the Gospel, v. 1
Eternal life is about quality of life not quantity, v. 2

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
-John 3:16

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
-John 3:36

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”
-John 5:39-40

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
-John 10:10

“And this is eternal life that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
-John 17:3

“Zoe (life) refers to the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions and to last for ever.”

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus.”

-2 Timothy 1:1

Experiencing this life is what motivates us, v. 3
Eternal life reshapes our joy, v. 4

a) joy- “to make our joy complete
b) holiness- “so that you will not sin”
c) certainty- “so that you make know that you have eternal life”

Mental worship…

Do you experience the life of eternity?
What could you do today that would add to your joy?
What is one question you would ask as a result of what you heard today?
Have you seen and heard enough to be sufficiently motivated?
What is the one thing you want people to know about God right now?
Does your definition of joy require the Gospel?

James 3:1-12
The M Word: My Mouth

Greater strictness should make preachers intentional, v. 1
Must learn to see our tongue in relation to our whole body, v. 2-6

Three word pictures…

a) bit- “we guide their whole bodies as well”
b) rudder- “so large…strong winds…very small rudder”
c) fire

Our mouth makes visible what is invisible, v. 4

“…wherever the will of the pilot directs.”

words…will…worship (idol)

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
- Luke 6:45

Root idols of the heart…

a) power- a longing for influence or recognition
b) control- a longing to have everything go according to my plan
c) comfort- a longing for pleasure
d) approval- a longing to be accepted or desired

Identity makes the difference, v. 7-12

“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”
-Isaiah 50:4

Mental worship…

Are you guilty of talking too much about things you shouldn’t or talking too little about things you should?
How often do you think of yourself in terms of your spiritual identity?
What is the last thing somebody said to you that blessed you?
What do your words reveal to be the idol of your heart?
As a result of what you heard today, is there a necessary conversation you need to have or action that you need to take?

Colossians 1:15-20

We see His relationship with God the Father

Col. 1:15a

Hebrews 1:3

John 14:9

We see His relationship with creation

Col. 1:15 - 17

“You have a hundred trillion cells in your body. Each one of them, scientists will tell you, is like a complex city—like the city of New York on a cellular level. Every second of every day your cells are operating on a millions of parts and interactions. A scientist named Lewis Thomas (not a believer, by the way) once wrote eloquently about the beauty of a single human cell: "If I could explain what goes on in a human cell, I would for the rest of my life hire a plane and fly it back and forth across the earth just to proclaim the incredible wonder of how and why a cell works.” - Matt Woodley

Psalm 19:1-2

We See His Relationship with the Church

Col. 1:18

Ephesians 5:25-27

Acts 9:4-5

Lastly, We See His Relationship with the Cross

Colossians 1:19-23
_________________

Questions:

Jesus is King of creation…how should that change the way you trust, pray, and worship?
Have you ever taken time to marvel at the fact that the church is bride of Christ? What does that say about what God sees when He sees you?
What role does Jesus play most often in your life: tool or treasure? Why?

I Kings 8:1-21, 54-61

Presence

Why is God’s presence so important…

a) God’s presence is an indication of God’s pleasure.
b) God’s presence distinguishes us as God’s people.

“Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”
-Exodus 33:13-16

Provision

Provision is God doing what is in His heart and God’s people being faithful with what God has put in their heart.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
-Matthew 7:7-11

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
-Luke 12:32

Twice the word “fulfilled” is used but there are two different definitions to the word...

a) v. 15- “to fill full”
b) v. 20- “to be fixed, proven, established”

Progress, v. 54-61

Matthew 28:16-20

The church is not an audience to be entertained; it is an army to be empowered. The large crowd will not change the world. The mobilized force of Spirit-filled believers will. -JD Greear

If you want to hear from God. You have to obey what he says.
If you are doubting run to Jesus not away from Jesus.
We are all called to Go.

Every Christian here is either a missionary or an imposter. -Charles Spurgeon.

We are to make disciples(mentors and mentees)
We are to make disciples of ALL Nations

Questions:

How many of you find your lives boring and unfulfilling right now? Do you feel there is more to a relationship with Jesus than just a quiet time with Him each day?

What is the last thing that God told you? Have you been obedient to what he told you?

How have you and your family responded to God's call to Go?

Who are you discipling right now? If you are not discipling someone who is God leading you to pursue?

What are you doing to reach all nations here in Fort Bend County?

Think of a time when you were encouraged by ministering to someone else. Go tell someone about it.

1 Timothy 6:2-19

The prosperity gospel is nothing new, v. 3-5
Contentment is the goal, v. 6-10

Two kinds of poor Christians referenced here…

contented poor, v. 7-8

covetous poor, v. 9-10

Preachers should be an example, v. 11-16

a) ethically, v.11

b) doctrinally, v. 12

c) experientially, v. 12

-2 Timothy 1:1

Besides me, here is a list of people you should look to in order to see what this life looks like…

Caleb Miller

Travis Dunham

Chris Sedgewick

Clyde Copeland

Jana McKee

Mike Rice

Leo Almeida

Brent Wildeson

Krista Hood

Gary Cooper

Wade Collier

Jason Dailey

Wade Burgess

Marcie McClendon

David Mertins

Brandon Fralick

Theran Gay

Tommy Hamor

Blake Hardcastle

Cheyenne Burge

Barkley Peschel

Tommy Hamor

Brian McKee

Steve Mittanck

Joe Page

Brad Snyder

Al Williams

Thomas Brown

Jeff Wood

Ryan Yokubaitis

If you are rich then be rich, v. 17-19

This is what the Bible says to rich Christians...

don’t be haughty

don’t set your hopes on money but God

believe this

How do I enjoy what God provides?

a) by doing good

b) be generous

c) ready to share- "sociable, ready and apt to form and maintain communion and fellowship. Inclined to make others sharers in one's possessions.”

“The reason the use of your money provides a good foundation for eternal life is not that generosity earns eternal life, but that it shows where your heart is. Generosity confirms that our hope is in God and not in ourselves or our money. We don’t earn eternal life. It is a gift of grace. We receive it by resting in God’s promise. Then how we use our money confirms or denies the reality of that rest.” -John Piper, Desiring God

Mental worship…

Today we read these words, “for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” How does this affect the way you think about your money and possessions right now?

When you covet what do you covet most often?

What is the easiest thing for you to be generous with and what is the hardest?

What are you not enjoying enough right now?

Is stealing the only sin you can imagine when it comes to money?

What is your theology of money?

Can you rejoice with those who rejoice when you are around people who have more money than you?

My Body: Sportsmanlike Conduct

1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Win! (By giving up)

v. 19 - “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.”

A. Win the religious

v. 20 - “To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.”

B. Win the regular man

v. 21: “To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.”

C. Win the weak man

v. 22: “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak.”

1 Cor. 8:12: “if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again…”

1 Corinthians 9:12: Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

v. 23: I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Run to win

(pictures for tomorrow)

A. Athletic awareness

verse 24: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

B. Self control

verse 25: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”

verse 27: “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Romans 12:1: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

C. Aim for the prize

verses 25-26: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.”

Questions

Do you run your rights through the filter of the Gospel? Or do you typically choose the most convenient option?

How does the Gospel speak to the way you view your body?

Besides self-control, what are other ways you could use your body as an instrument of worship for the Lord this week?

How would your week look different if you ran solely focused on the reward from Jesus?

The “M” Word: My Marriage/Relationships

Ephesians 4:17-32

Introductory matters...

1) callous- “to cease to feel pain or grief, apathetic”

2) sensuality- “unbridled lust, excess, shamelessness”

Three important phrases:
"that is not the way you learned Christ!"
“assuming that you have heard about him”
“you were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus”

Six characteristics of my relationships...

Speak truth, v. 25

“for we are members of one another.”

Be angry, v. 26

Three ways we sin in our anger..
When you practice triangulation instead of confrontation.
When you tell yourself how they are going to respond as an excuse for not going to them
When your anger justifies what you really want to think about that person

Be repenting, v. 28

Repentance is a change of mind that produces a change in behavior which produces a change in outcomes.

Give grace, v. 29

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth…” refers to words that are "worn out, of poor quality, unfit for use, stale.”

Be Spirit aware, v. 30-31
Behaviors that grieve the Spirit...
bitterness- deep sense of hatred that produces bitter fruit
wrath- ever present anger, the wine of passion
anger- agitated soul that gives in to impulses of the mind
clamor- an inability to not speak out, outcry.
slander- to speak in a way that injures another person’s name
malice- a desire to injure
Be kind, v. 32

The Gospel always puts the motivation for our behavior in a context bigger than ourselves because not only does it rescue us from ourselves initially but it keeps on rescuing us from ourselves.

"…as God in Christ forgave you."

Mental worship…

Where do you experience oneness these days?
What is your theology of anger and how do you practice that?
Are you aware of all the ways you steal in your relationships?
Do you find it hard to be kind, tender-hearted or forgiving to certain people?
What is the most necessary conversation you need to have as a result of what you heard today?
How often do you put your behavior in the context of the Gospel?

Philippians 3:1-11

Reminds yourself of some things, v. 1-2

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
-Proverbs 18:21

Define Christianity biblically, v. 2-3

A Christian is someone who’s life is characterized by three things…

a) worship by the Spirit of God
b) glory in Christ Jesus
c) put no confidence in the flesh

“For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.”
-Romans 2:28-29

Let the Gospel change what you value, v. 4-11

Mental worship…

What do you need to remind yourself about today?
Is there anything in your life that is losing its value because of the Gospel?
Do you speak more life or death when you open your mouth?
What questions do you have as a result of what you heard today?

Luke 7:36-54

Define...

a) Proportionality is the quality of corresponding in size or amount to something else.
b) The perfect tense in Greek is used to describe a completed action which produced results which are still in effect all the way up to the present.

How to become more loving…

Think about your sinfulness and your actual sin
Think about what you deserve for your sin

You did not wait for me to draw near to you,
But you clothed yourself in frail humanity.
You did not wait for me to cry out to you,
But you let me hear your voice calling me.

And I’m forever grateful, Lord, to you.
And I’m forever grateful for the Cross.
And I’m forever grateful to you,
That you came to seek and save the lost.

Live in a state of forgiveness

Mental worship…

Are you more comfortable around a very religious person or a big sinner? Do you know why?
If you could not use words, what would you do to express your gratitude to God?
Do you find it unsettling or comforting that God knows your thoughts?
As a Christian, does forgiveness still have an effect on you?
Have you ever had the experience of knowing that your sins, all of them, are forgiven?
As you get older are you merely getting nicer or are you actually becoming a more loving person?

Isaiah 8:11-9:7

God is a God of restoration, v. 1-2
God will do it again, v. 3-4

“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath
remember mercy.”
-Habakkuk 3:2

We won’t always have to trust ourselves, v. 5
God’s solution to the problem is God, v. 6

"When the house of David was told, “Syria is in league with Ephraim,” the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.”
-Isaiah 7:2

"Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
-Isaiah 7:10-14

"Be broken, you peoples, and be shattered; give ear, all you far countries; strap on your armor and be shattered; strap on your armor and be shattered.
Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.”
-Isaiah 8:9-10

a. this is what he is going to be responsible for- “the government shall be upon his shoulder”
b. this is what he is like- “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace"
c. this is how consequential he will be- “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”

All of this depends on God, v. 7
Four things about the zeal of the Lord...
a. Zeal is a fierce allegiance that expresses itself in a jealous affection.
b. God is not jealous of you but for you
c. Godly jealousy is not insecurity or idolatry but priority.
d. Zeal is the kind of concern for a person that desires an exclusive place in that persons affections.

Mental worship…

If you were to ask God for a sign today, what would you ask for?
What is something God did in the Bible that you would like to see him do today?
What problem would you eradicate if you had $778B dollars?
Is there any area of your life that has not been brought under the ever expanding dominion of King Jesus?
What is one thing you are absolutely sure of when it comes to God?
How does it inform the way you relate to God to know that he is jealous for you?

Messianic Expectation

prophet greater than Moses
king greater than David
priest greater than Aaron
servant suffering more than Israel
sage wiser than Solomon

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Romans 15:13

HOPE DEFINED

“…waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

Titus 2:13 -14

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

2 Peter 3:8-9

“…having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints”

Ephesians 1:18
HOPE ABOUNDING

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. ”

1 John 3:1

“You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows…”

Psalm 23:5

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Philippians 4:4:

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Romans 15:4

“I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and her offspring;

he shall bruise your head,

and you shall bruise his heel.”

Genesis 3:15

“Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.”

Romans 5:18-19

_______________________

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

Throughout Scripture, hope is illustrated as a helmet and an anchor. Why do you think that is?
What area of your life do you need to be preaching to yourself, “HOPE IN GOD”?
Who do you know that is abounding in joy and peace? What is different about them?

Genesis 11:1-9

God designed us to live in unified oneness, v. 1
We were not designed for self-worship, v. 2-4
84 percent of Americans believe that “enjoying yourself is the highest goal of life.”
86 percent believe that to enjoy yourself you must “pursue the things you desire most.”
91 percent affirm this statement: “To find yourself, look within yourself.”

Six commandments of self-worship…

1) Your mind is the source and standard of truth, so no matter what, trust yourself. #theanswersarewithin
2) Your emotions are authoritative, so never question, or let anyone else
question, your feelings. #followyourheart
3) You are sovereign, so flex your omnipotence and bend the universe
around your dreams and desires. #liveyourtruth
4) You are supreme, so always act according to your chief end, to glorify
and enjoy yourself forever. #yolo
5) You are the summum bonum—the standard of goodness—so don’t let
anyone oppress you with the antiquated notion of being a sinner who
needs grace. #neverchange
6) You are the Creator, so use that limitless creative power to craft your
identity and purpose. #authenticity

You were designed to experience disappointment, v. 5-7
God designed us to trust His plan, v. 8-9

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
-Revelation 7:9-10

Mental worship…

When was the last time you translated a clear command of God through the filter of your willingness?
How has God used consequences in your life?
When was the last time you were disappointed and how did you react?
How much of your life, social media and motivations are about making
your name great?
Do you believe

Genesis 7:1, 8:1, 9:1

Objections to the Flood…

a) Now some say that the flood was limited.
b) Why would God punish all those innocent people?
c) Why wouldn’t God give those people a chance?

A Godward people, 7:1

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”
-John 17:15-19

“ Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
-Philippians 2:14-16

A remembered people, 8:1

“Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
-Psalm 10:1

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?”
-Psalm 13:1-2

“Remember” here means “to fulfill a promise and act on behalf of somebody.”
A blessed people, 9:1
multiply, v. 1
sustain, v. 2-4
protect, v. 5-6
enjoy, v. 8-17

Genesis 6

What God Is Doing On The Ark

Our response to life is determined by the lens through which you see it, v. 1-7
God is constant in His nature, v. 5-7

Three important attributes of God…

a) immutability

b) impassability

c) infinite

Two false views of God…

1) a God who suffers

2) a stoic God who is indifferent

God tells His story through people, v. 8-10

Three things about Noah…

a) a righteous man- standing before God

b) blameless in his generation- conduct before people

c) walked with God- a life oriented around God

Human morality affects the natural world, v. 11-17
God created a world he will never give up on, v. 18-22

Mental worship…

What is the lens through which you see life?
Did you learn anything new about God today?
Do you walk with God in such a way that your children have a frame of reference for what it looks like?
What story is God telling through you these days?
Have you given up on this world and are you simply sitting in the lifeboat?

Genesis 4:1-16

-Genesis 4:1-2
-Leviticus 3:16
-Leviticus 22:20-23
-Amos 5:21-24
-1 Samuel 15:22

God wants your heart, all of it, nothing held back
-Hebrews 11:4

"Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay."

1 John 3:11-12

The more alienated you get from God the more you will fear man.
-Proverbs 15:12
-Proverbs 15:10
-Proverbs 29:1
If you hate correction it will bring death into your life

Questions:
1. Are you holding anything back from God? Are you offering him your everything? Or are you trying to regift something with him right now?
2. What makes you angry? What do you usually do with that anger?
3. What choice are you struggling with right now? Maybe you don't know what to do? Maybe you know exactly what to do and you are tempted to do the opposite?
4. How open are you to others' correction in your life?
5. What is God calling you to do this week in response to what you just heard?

Genesis 3:14-24

There is a consequence for sin, v. 14-19

Sin has three components:

a) theological- against God
b) relational- affects someone else
c) personal- affects us

serpent- cursed in his mode of movement, enmity with the seed of the women
woman- pain at childbirth, unhealthy desire to usurp husbands authority.
man- work will now be difficult, you will experience death

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.”
-Romans 5:12-13

There is provision for sin, v. 20-21

the protoevangelium…the first Gospel/good news.

Two things to see here…

1) Adam naming his wife is an act of faith
2) God providing skins was an act of grace

There is a way back, v. 22-24

Mental worship…
1. Can you name things in your life these days?
2. How do you define “good” and how have you experienced it lately?
3. Are you more oriented around hating sin or loving forgiveness?
4. How often do you think about the spiritual nature of life?
5. Are you open to receiving from God?
6. Would you, or anyone that knows you, describe you as free?

Your are not so hopeless that you’ll be forgotten.

You are not so weak that you’ll be forsaken.

You are not so sick that you can’t be healed.

Introductory observations…

Everything spiritual seeks a physical medium/means by which to express itself.
The goal is not denial but doubt.

The liar seeks to sow doubt about three things…

a) doubt about God’s word- “Did God actually say…”
b) doubt about sin’s consequence- “You will not surely die.”
c) doubt about God’s motive- “For God knows…”

Adam & Eve are mutually responsible.

Genesis 3:1-13
Where It All Went Wrong...

God mercifully designed the world to be a place of consequence

“All human sin seems so much worse in its consequences than in its intentions.”
— Reinhold Niebuhr

God designed us for submission not autonomy, v. 6-7
God designed humanity to know when they have sinned, v. 8-11

Here are the questions…

a) Where are you?- proximity
b) Who told you that you were naked?- identity
c) Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?-culpability

Mental worship..

Do you find more happiness in God’s glory or your own?
Can you still feel when you sin? If so, what does it feel like?
Do you live in your definition of freedom or God’s?
What is the most helpful question God could ask you right now?;
Are there any desires in you currently that concern you or if someone knew it would concern them?

Genesis 2:15-25

God designed us for meaningful labor, v. 15
God designed us for responsible freedom, v. 16-17

Four words/phrases to notice…

a) “the Lord God”
b) “commanded”
c) “may surely eat”
d) “die"

God designed us for a satisfying relationship, v. 18

Two characteristics of this relationship…

a) our spouse is to have prominence and priority, v. 19-23

b) an absence of shame, v. 25

Shame has the power to affect two things in our lives…

a) what we believe
b) our behavior

Mental worship…

If you believed God designed us to be free, how would this change the way you think about God?
Do you have a regular routine which allows you to exert yourself physically?
In your actual living, does God have the moral authority to inform and affect your daily choices?
When you think about being vulnerable, what emotions does that stir up in you?
If you really believed that Jesus died for your sins, would this make a difference in your daily living?

Genesis 2:1-3
Return to Design: Work and Rest

1) God is a Worker v. 1
Ephesians 2:10
Hebrews 1:3b

2) God Designed You as a Worker
Gen 1:28
Ecclesiastes 3:13
1 Thess 4:11

5 practical reasons God gave the gift of work
(1) to serve people
(2) to meet our own needs
(3) to meet our families needs
(4) earn money to help others
(5) to love God
Your Work Matters to God, Sherman and Hendricks

Eph 6:7-8

3) God is a Rester v.2
Rest = to cease from
Jn 15:7
God’s rest is deep pleasure and satisfaction in what he had made.

4) God Designed You as a Rester v.3
Exodus 20:8-11

Sleeping says, “The God who made the world, rules the world, and I trust Him to do it better than me.”

“You won’t lose anything by resting that you need to keep. You won’t gain anything by overworking that you won’t lose one day.” Adam Mabry, The Art of Rest

5) Enter the True Rest
Matt 11:28

St. Augustine, “Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in Thee.”

Questions:
Are you experiencing work as more of a blessing or a curse?
How do you feel when rest is forced on you?
What kind of work do you experience as renewal?
What is the state of your sleeping practice?
When you refuse to rest as God designed, is self-sufficiency or self-rule dominating you?
Do you most often view yourself working for man or for the Lord?
What do you need to begin taking deep pleasure in?

Genesis 1

God existed before anything was made, v. 1

Three possibilities for anything that exists…

a) it is self-created
b) it is eternal
c) it is created by something that is eternal

Colossians 1:17

Two questions everyone has to answer…

a) creation- how did everything you see get here?
b) coherence- what holds it all together?
2. Creation is communication, v. 3

The progression of God’s communication to humanity...
creation- Romans 1:18-20
prophets
Word
Son- Jesus Christ- Hebrews 1:1-4

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
-Romans 1:18-20

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”
-Hebrews 1:1-4

Creation obligates everything created to God
God created everything good, v. 31
Not all things are created equal, v. 26-31

Two things that distinguish the creation of human beings from everything else that was created...
we are the only thing created in God’s image
we are the only thing given dominion over everything

Mental worship…

Where do you have to be in creation to be reminded of God?
How do you answer the two questions of creation and coherence?
What does it tell you about God that he has always chosen to communicate with us?
Do you feel naive or hopeful when you hear that God created everything good?
Are you comfortable being God’s representative in the world who has been given dominion?
What did you hear today that you will want to think about more this week?

1 Kings 18:21

1 Kings 18:46

1 kings 18:37

What happens when God doesn't do what you want him to do? What happens when God does not meet your expectations?

1 Kings 19:1-8

Isaiah 55:8-9

God is going to answer your prayers exactly the way you would answer them if you knew everything he knew and were as wise as him

1 Kings 19:9-17

God has got this. He is in control. He is sovereign

“God always answers us in the deeps, never in the shallows of our soul.”

-Amy Carmichael

Questions:

What happens when God doesn't do what you want him to do? or What happens when God does not meet your expectations?
What has happened in your life that has caused anxiety or depression?
Are you eating right? Are you getting enough sleep?
What are you doing here? What has God called you to? Where are you at right now in your walk with Jesus?
What does it look like for you to trust Jesus this week?

Genesis 2:15

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Genesis 3:17

Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life

How do you know you are making work an idol:

Work is the primary source of your satisfaction
The goal of being the best you can be is to make a name for yourself

3 Things Your Congregants Should Know About a Christian Work Ethic

Christians Work in Security, Not Scarcity
Christians Work Ethically

Philippians 4:13

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

3 Things Your Congregants Should Know About a Christian Work Ethic

Christians Work in Security, Not Scarcity
Christians Work Ethically
Christians Work to Be a Blessing

Acts 20:35

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Working as if for Jesus Gives Freedom

Freedom to worship God through your work
Freedom to serve others
Freedom to trust God allows rest from it
Freedom gives you joy
Questions to Consider
1. Do you treat work as a mission field?
2. What does your attitude at work tell about your faith?
3. How are you using work as a blessing?
4. Do you find freedom in work or oppression?

Genesis 12:1-4

Obedience is often disruptive

“Obedience is the thing, living in active response to the living God. The most important question we ask of this text is not, 'What does this mean?' but 'What can I obey?' A simple act of obedience will open up our lives to this text far more quickly than any number of Bible studies and dictionaries and concordances.” ― Eugene H. Peterson, Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading

God reveals
God sees His promises through the lens of Himself, v. 2

-Isaiah 40:25-28
-Jeremiah 32:26-27
-Psalm 50:1-15

Three promises God makes to Abraham…

a) “I will make you a great nation”- see 11:30
b) “I will bless you.”
c) I will make your name great”- see 11:4

God sees the nations through the lens of you, v. 3

-Galatians 3:7-9

Mental worship…

When is the last time obedience to God disrupted your life?
What would it look like for God to bless you right now?
How would you describe the life of a seventy-five year old man who
simply did all that God asked of him?
Are you a blessing?
What will you think about later this week as a result of what you heard
this morning?

Acts 3:1-10

This day ends with three things...

-a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit

-their fellowship was strengthened

-they were emboldened to share the Gospel

Missional living is about being intentional in the every day, v. 1
Missional living involves actually seeing the world around us through the lens of God’s capacity, v. 2-3
Missional living involves knowing what has you, v. 6

When you walk in authority two things happen:

a) you don’t fear authority

b) you don’t fear situations that require authority

c) you recognize the need for authority

Missional living produces outcomes, v. 7-10

Acts 3: 11-26

Community: The Context of Becoming

Hebrews 10:19-25

Community is available because of Jesus, v. 19-22
Community is plural, v. 24

“Left to ourselves, we will get it partly wrong, but we won’t feel wrong, because we’ll be partly right. But only partly. Truth without grace is harsh and ugly. Grace without truth is sentimental and cowardly. The living Christ is full of grace and truth. We cannot represent him, therefore, within the limits of our own personality and backgrounds.” -Ray Ortlund

Community is intentionally deliberate, v. 24

4.Community is consequential, v. 24

Community requires consistency, v. 25

-Hebrews 10:26-31

Community is shaped by what is ultimate, v. 25

Mental worship…

Have you ever accepted what Christ has done for you or are you still trying to do it yourself?

Does any part of your life feel as if you are wavering these days?

Who do you spend time with that stirs you up spiritually and makes you want to be more loving and do more good?

How often do you think about judgement day and when you do, what does it make you feel?

What is the most spiritually formative question someone could ask you right now?

Romans 1:8-17

Associates well with the Gospel

disassociation…..deconstruction…denial

Understands the capacity of the Gospel
Trusts the content of the Gospel

How is it revealed…

a) from faith

-Romans 3:19-25

Notice a few things from this passage…

1) everybody in the world is accountable to God
2) you can be justified in your sight but not in God’s sight
3) our sin doesn’t cause God to give up on us, v. 22
4) The Gospel invites you to have faith in what God has faith in

b) for faith

c) by faith

-Galatians 2:20

sanctification- progress
justification- person

“Christians who are no longer sure that God loves and accepts them in Jesus, apart from their present spiritual achievements, are subconsciously radically insecure persons and such insecurity can easily hamper progress in Christian living.” -Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life

Questions…

Does the Gospel feel more foreign or familiar to you?
Could you be described as eager to share the Gospel?
Do you ever feel ashamed or embarrassed of anything about the Gospel?
Do you have mutually encouraging relationships?
What questions rise in you as a result of what you heard this morning?

The Meaning of Communion

Matthew 26:26-29

Communion shows us that the Passover is finished, v. 26-28

-Hebrews 10:1

Communion shows us that forgiveness is possible, necessary, and accomplished, v. 28.

-Jeremiah 31:31-33

“We live in an age where everything is permitted and nothing is forgiven.” -Alan Jones

Communion shows us that something better is coming, v. 29.

-Revelation 19:9

Does your spouse know that your heart is just for them? That you only desire them?

It is both spouses responsibility to initiate romance in their marriage.

Can you say about your spouse that you wish you had always known them? That you had grown up with them?

What are you doing to help young people to walk in purity?

Stage One:

Main Goal: Observation watching how they interact with others

Characteristics:

-No escalation of expectations or physicality

no physical expression “

-non-exclusive.

no expectations. - your times together are centered on an event.

When you have watched them over time, and when there is outside affirmation

Stage Two:

Main Goal: Reaching conclusions

Limited physical expression
Still a big part is observation but now more intimately
Edification- Men treat her in such a way that even if you don’t end up with her she will be better prepared for her future husband.
You need to be absolutely honest with one another,
Your times together are now centered on a person not an event
if you can’t walk in right relationship with those authorities you can see, you will have a lot of problems walking in right relationship with the authority you can’t see
What to look for in a future mate:
Godly character : Marry someone you don’t feel you deserve in this department, you should both mutually feel this way. I challenge you look around you do you even know anyone like this? Tell my story of April.
Beautiful
Are they teachable?
How do they interact with their parents
How do they interact with friends
How do they interact with those in authority over them, if they cant honor the authorities they can see they will struggle to honor the authorities they can’t see.
Don’t date non Christians 2 Cor 6:14

Marry someone with the same or similar life goals

How do you respond when you mess up?
Are you a life giving person?

Questions:
1. Does your spouse know your heart is for them? That they are your one desire?
2. Can you say about your spouse that you wish you had always known them? That you had grown up with them?
3. What are you doing to help young people to walk in purity?
4. How do you respond when you mess up?
5. Are you a life giving person?

Issues of conflict in Relationships:

Money
Sex
Relationships with others
Communication

James 4:1-3

“All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of man, even those who hang themselves.” -Blaise Pascal

Tips on Confronting others:

Do it when it's most convenient for them, not for you
Pray first
Is there anything you can apologize for first?
Be clear on what it is you are challenging them about.
Don't use absolute statements
Use the Sandwich Method

Encourage

Challenge

Encourage

Challenge them through their gifting

Matthew 18:21-22

Matthew 18:23-35

“Forgiveness means giving up the right to seek repayment from the one who harmed you.” - Timothy Keller

“Ultimately, any love that is afraid to confront the beloved is really not love but a selfish desire to be loved. Cowardice is always selfish, putting your own needs ahead of the needs of the other. A love that says, “I’ll do anything to keep him or her loving and approving of me!” is not real love at all. It is not loving the person; it is loving the love you get from the person. True love is willing to confront, even to “lose” the beloved in the short run if there is a chance to help him or her.” - Timothy Keller

Forgiveness does not mean I trust you. It means I want to reestablish trust with you.

“Everything is needful that He sends; nothing can be needful that He withholds.” - John Newton

Questions:

Who do you have conflict with right now?
Who do you need to forgive?
What do you need to do to get that process started?
Are you a person who lives out the Gospel? Do you treat your friends better than they deserve because of what Christ has done for you?
Have you begun to regularly encourage others? How is that going? If not why not?

1 Peter 2:1-3

Malice - ill will
Deceit - conceal or misrepresent the truth
Hypocrisy - claims that behavior does not demonstrate
Envy - resentful of someone else's good fortune
Slander - a false statement to damage a reputation
Grow-up - continual but never fully grown
Tastes - a timeless action in the subject’s own interest
Good - kind, loving, gracious

Must be born again
Consume the Word
Feast on Prayer
Be Full to Produce

“…Willpower requires the self-control to do something undesirable or to restrain an impulse. Craving is a powerful desire to satisfy a want or need.”
-John Shima

Questions to Consider

Are you hungry enough for Jesus to say “yes” to Him?
Are you regularly reading the Bible? Why not?
Are you regularly praying? Why not?
What is keeping you from actively participating in a D-Group, Community Group, or Bible Study? Are these barriers worth being hungry for?
How might you be full in such a way as to impact your world for God’s glory?

God is big enough
God is good enough

-Genesis 12:1-3

3.Contract Relationship: You adjust to me

Covenant Relationship: I will adjust to you

-Genesis 2:21-25

You should still be excited to go on a date with your spouse

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which,if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”

― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Just because you feel it, doesn't mean it should be said.
When you ask a girl out on a date be specific.

Date

Time

Place

Let them get to know the REAL you. Be honest about who you really are.
Make a decision TOGETHER to deal with issues in your relationship before they get big.

Questions to think about:

Do I believe that God can help me in my situation? Am I willing to allow God to come and help me in my situation?
Do I still date my spouse? Am I still excited to go on a date with them?

Singles: Is my dating life honoring Jesus?

Are you a safe place for your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend/friends? Are you committed to dealing with issues in your relationship?

Mark 9:38-49

Mark 9:38-41 - Jesus Restores John
John blew it
Jesus corrects
Jesus reassures

Mark 9:42-49 - Insight To What Jesus Values
1. Jesus values the marginalized with protective love
2. Jesus values extreme obedience
3. Jesus values life in His Kingdom

Three Responses
1. I’m out - Jesus demands to much
2. I love Jesus and want to live my life for Jesus - I will try harder
3. Learn to live life with Jesus

Preaching Class: The Gospel Outline
Here is what the text says
Here is how we must live in light of the text
But we simply cannot do it
Ah - but there is One who did!
Now, through faith in him, you can begin to live as the text says.

Reflection Questions

How has Jesus recently corrected and reassured you?
Do you value/love marginalized people?
Do your affections for Jesus move you towards extreme obedience?
Based on your lifestyle would those closest to you say you are living your life WITHOUT, FOR, or WITH Jesus?
Is there something you are seeking to do for Christ, instead of doing it with Christ?

Song of Songs 2:1-7

Numbers 2:2

Encourage your spouse publicly instead of trashing them publicly

Don't stir or awaken love until its time

1 Corinthians 6:9-20

Flee Sexual Immorality!

I am going to treat this person in such a way that whether I marry them or we end up breaking up, they will be better prepared for marriage and grow in Christ because they dated me.

Consider taking a break from the physical for 40 days

1 Timothy 5:1-2 Treat everyone as Family

Questions:

Am I the Kind of person that regularly encourages my friends or my spouse publicly or do I do the opposite? How can I grow in this area?
Am I fleeing Sexual Immorality or am I still flirting with it? Are there any relationships I have that need to change?
Is there anything in my sexual life that needs to change so I can better honor Jesus?
What can I do this week to stir up my affections for Jesus and grow more in Love with Him?

If you were going to fall what would cause it? What is your greatest area of weakness and can I keep you accountable on that?
How is your sex life with your spouse? Is it healthy? How about your thought life? Are you looking at porn? Do you have any relationships with the opposite sex that are too close?
Are you loving your wife and laying your life down for her daily as Christ loved the church? Wife are you choosing to love and respect your husband as the Bible tells us to? Is there any area where you aren’t loving or respecting her/him as you should?
Are you discipling your children? Do your kids know and understand the Gospel? Do they see it lived out before them? What is your plan for how you are going to make sure that happens with your wife and kids?

Be teachable, Proverbs 5:7-14
Don't Be Lazy, Proverbs 20:13 6:10-11
Don't allow your insecurities to become your identity
You are loved no matter what you do today, Romans 8:35-39
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Psalm 139:13-14
Be a place of refreshment for your spouse's soul, John 7:37-38

SHOW LESS

1 Peter 4:3

1 Peter 5:13

1 Peter 2:9

Exodus 29:21

Lamentations 3:22

“The marker of those who understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that when they stumble and fall, when they screw up, they run TO God and not FROM Him, because they clearly understand that their acceptance before God is not predicated upon their behavior but on the righteous life of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death.”
-Matt Chandler

Proverbs 3:14-15

Questions:

Are there any ways that God is using the difficulties in your life to grow you?
Do you understand that you are a Priest? What does it look like for you to walk that truth out?
When you mess up do you run TO Jesus or do you Run FROM Jesus? Why does this happen for you?
Are you investing in God's Kingdom? How are you doing that right now?

Song of Songs 1:1-4

-1 Kings 11:1-4

-Song of Songs 6:8

“I have also seen in my clinical experience that pornography damages the sexual performance of the viewers. Pornography viewers tend to have problems with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Having spent so much time in unnatural sexual experiences with paper, celluloid and cyberspace, they seem to find it difficult to have sex with a real human being. Pornography is raising their expectation and demand for types and amounts of sexual experiences; at the same time it is reducing their ability to experience sex.”
- Dr. MaryAnne Layden

“We are the first society that has a widespread belief that there is no ultimate future. We think when you die you go to extinction. When the sun dies we all just disappear. There has never been a society that had such an understanding of the insignificance of Human life. And the result is there has never been a society that has put so much emphasis on romance and finding that one true love. Why? We still need to know that our life matters in the grand scheme of things. We still want to merge ourselves with a higher meaning. But if we no longer have God how do we do this? The self glorification that we need in our innermost being we no longer look to God we look to our love partner. We want to be rid of our faults rid of our feelings of nothingness we want to be justified to know our existence has not been in vain. We want redemption nothing less. So we live in a culture that says without sex and love you can’t possibly be satisified.”
- Ernest Becker “The Denial of Death”

Questions:

How have you heard this book interpreted in the past?

How much has your view of sex, marriage and relationships been informed by scripture and how much by the world?

Does your spouse feel safe to share what is really going on in their heart? Why or why not?

Why is it helpful to consider what others say when we look for a potential spouse? What are your friends and family saying? Or What did they say?

What kind of a reputation do you have?

How often do you admit you are wrong?

Have you ever experienced this kind of Grace in your life?

Acts 8:26-40

Do what God says, v. 26

“I believe Christians often perceive obedience to God as some test designed just to see if we’re really committed to Him. But what if it’s designed as God’s way of giving us what’s best for us?”

-Craig Groeschel

Never assume people are Christians, v. 27-28
Walk in the Spirit, v. 29

“We serve a speaking God who talks to his people throughout the Bible. We are sons and daughters of a loving Father, who wants relationship with his children. We are the bride of Christ, and husbands and wives talk to each other. We aren’t employed as slaves or servants but welcomed as friends, and friends talk to each other. We are the sheep of our great shepherd, and sheep know their Master’s voice. We are a body in which people prophesy, speak words of wisdom and knowledge, and use other spiritual gifts to edify each other. We may get ourselves into muddle and silliness sometimes, but as Christians, we are those who hear the voice of God.”

-Andrew Wilson

Two ways we confirm God’s leading…

1) We check what we’re hearing against what the Holy Spirit has revealed in Scripture.

2) We can check it against what we know of Jesus.

“Long ago, at many time and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”

-Hebrews 1:1-3

Ask and expect good questions, v. 30-34
Be Gospel fluent, v. 35

“A person is gospel fluent when the gospel becomes their "mother tongue." They see the world through that filter, they hear the world through that filter, and they know how to speak the truths of the gospel—the truths of Jesus—into the everyday stuff of life.”

-Jeff Vanderstelt

Notice two things…

1) it’s good news

2) it’s about Jesus

Mental worship…

Are you currently living in disobedience to God in any area of your life?
How often do you think about the Holy Spirit?
Who are you paralleling these days?
What is the best question you’ve been asked lately?
Would you consider yourself Gospel fluent?
What will you do as a result of what you heard this morning?

Daniel 12

God’s people will be delivered, v. 1

-2 Timothy 3:1-7
-Revelation 20:15
-Revelation 21:27
-Philippians 4:3
-Revelation 13:8
-Revelation 17:8
-Luke 10:20

Everybody lives forever, v. 2

Two things we’ve done to take the edge off of hell…

a) universalism- the belief that all mankind will eventually be saved.
b) annihilationism- the belief that the wicked dead will perish or cease to exist. .

Evangelism is not a thankless task, v. 3
Knowledge does not equal wisdom, v.4

“This stress on the wisdom, understanding and knowledge of God’s people is an important point for us to grasp because we live in an age that despises doctrine and plays down knowledge in favor of the claims of experience. Our postmodern era is profoundly a time when people are going here and there seeking knowledge. Our age affirms the validity of every possible form of spirituality because it views all truth as relative and our experience as normative. Truth becomes whatever philosophy gives me the experiences that I desire. In our age, the idea of unique, authoritative Truth revealed once and for all in God’s inspired Word, the Bible, is therefore highly countercultural.” -Ian Duguid
-James 3:17-18

Regardless of circumstance, God is in control, v. 5-13

Mental worship…

What comfort does it bring you to know that your place in heaven is secure?
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Which do you currently need more of?
How should the truth that everyone lives forever affect the way you relate to people?
Do people find you interesting or enjoyable to talk to?
How do you think your future destiny should disciple your current reality?

2 Timothy 1:1-7

Do feel like you are training for a life of obedience in the Kingdom of God or simply just doing religious tricks for treats?

Take a minute and thank God by name for the godly men and women in your life who declared and demonstrated a sincere faith for you to live into.

Who are you discipling and who is discipling you?

What is your biggest excuse for not asking someone “follow me as I follow Jesus?”

What is one thing you need most from Jesus this morning to empower and encourage you to live the life God is calling you to live: power, love, or self-control?

What is the smallest step of obedience you can take today to respond to God’s word?

Who is one person you can encourage this week with what you have learned this morning?

Daniel 11

Four introductory thoughts…

a) Just because the Bible is inspired, that doesn’t mean that every time we read it we are going to be inspired. The goal of reading Scripture is understanding not inspiration.
b) Labor to ensure that your life and thoughts aren’t shaped by present realities instead of ultimate realities.
c) Prophecy is not recorded history before it happens. Prophecy is present and future history interpreted from the perspective of the Bible.
d) The goal of this vision is to encourage Daniel to prayer. So if we don’t walk away from this morning more oriented towards prayer then we have failed to understand this vision.

Kings- North and South, v. 5-19
Takeaways…

a) Make sure what you worship is the one true God, v. 8
b) Be known for what you are for, not just what you are against, v. 14
c) We can act against injustice in ways that demonstrate that it’s all still in God’s hand, v. 14

“The kingdoms of this world often seem overwhelming in their power to accomplish great things, a power that can easily either cow Christian into a state of depressed submission or, alternatively, seduce them into trying to use the world’s power to do God’s work. Some Christians seem to believe that they can hasten the coming of God’s kingdom by achieving certain political goals. Yet at the end the story, and for all their vaunted power, the kingdoms of this world can neither destroy God’s work nor establish it. They are merely tools in the hand of a sovereign God who is able to declare the end from the beginning because he alone ultimately controls the affairs of men and nations.”
-Ian Duguid; Daniel: Reformed Expository Commentary

Individual- Antiochus IV, v. 20-35

Takeaways…

a) Even the wicked are under God’s sovereignty, v. 27, 29
b) Some will abandon the faith because of difficulty or desire, v. 30

-1 John 2.18-21

c) A right knowledge of God will serve you will, v. 32
d) Good uses our stumbling, v. 35

Final- Antichrist, v. 36-45

a) The existence of evil is not a threat to God’s sovereignty, v. 36
b) The goal of history is to put our lives in perspective

Mental worship…
If what we read today is true, and it is, how do you live in light of it?
Where is the balance between doing nothing and feeling responsible for everything?
What are you doing to grow in your knowledge of God?
When is the last time you stumbled and what did you learn from it?
What will you pray as a result of what you heard today?

Daniel 10

Daniel’s is a life of participation, v. 1-3
Before God shows us anything He shows us Himself, v. 4-11

“We can never know who or what we are till we know at least something of what God is.”
― A. W. Tower

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”
-Jeremiah 32:27

Things on earth affect things in heaven, v. 12

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
-Jeremiah 29:11-13

There is a spiritual dimension to life, v. 13

Notice this…

a) angels and demons exist
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

-Revelation 12:7-12

b) angels and demons engage each other in spiritual combat
c) certain angels and demons are given particular geographical and governmental assignments
d) our prayers affect the battles being fought

God reveals in order to strengthen, v. 19

Four things God wants Daniel to know...
greatly loved
fear not
peace be with you
be strong and of good courage

Mental worship…
How are you currently participating with what God is doing in the world?
That things on earth affects things in heaven means what for how you live tomorrow?
What is your heart set to these days?
Do you ever think about the spiritual dimension of life?

Romans 8:31-39

What shall we say to these things?, v. 31

-Romans 8:28-31

a) that God leaves His spirit here on earth to be active and real in our lives

helps us when we are weak
prays for us in ways that transcend words
*prays for us according to the will of God

b) God works to cause all things to work together for my good
c) God has a purpose for my life
d) God knew me before anyone else could
e) God determined beforehand that I would look like Jesus
f) He called me
g) God has made me right with himself by the sacrifice of himself
h) God has a plan for my life from here to heaven

If God is for us, who can be against us?, v. 31
How will He not also with him graciously give us all things?, v. 32
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?, v. 35

-Ephesians 3:14-19

I Peter 1:3-5
Why Easter?

Easter reminds us of God’s mercy
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ’therefore I will hope in him.’”
-Lamentations 3:22-24

Three things about God’s mercy…

a) “according to”- God is motivated by His mercy towards us
b) “great”- there is a muchness to God’s mercy
c) “mercy”- Kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.

Easter reminds us that anybody can change

“Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”
-Mark 16:6-7

Easter reminds us that real hope never dies

“At the dawn of the third millennium, humanity wakes up to an amazing realization. Most people rarely think about it, but in the last few decades we have managed to rein in famine, plague and war. Of course, these problems have not been completely solved, but they have been transformed from incomprehensible and uncontrollable forces of nature into manageable challenges. We don’t need to pray to any god or saint to rescue us from them. We know quite well what needs to be done in order to prevent famine, plague and war- and we usually succeed in doing it.”

-Yuval Noah Harari
Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow

“There is a growing tribalism that reveals a culture in which there is a vacated center, a loss of any shared idea of common public good. There is a profound loss of social trust that appears to be undermining all the institutions that have held our society together.”
-Tim Keller

“He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."
-I Peter 1:20-21

Three things I want us to see this morning...
we cannot get to God except through Jesus
there is a purpose for the resurrection
because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have a place to put our hope

Mental worship…

If God were to ask you today, “How can I help you?,” what would you say?
In what or who do you put your faith and what kind of hope does that give you?
We saw today how God sent Peter a personal message. If God were to send you a personal message today what would it say?
What did you hear today that you will want to think more about later this week?
5 Will you spend thirty seconds talking to God about what’s most on your mind right now?

Matthew 21.1-11

To remind us that we have a Bible that is both integrated and authoritative -Zechariah 9.9
Because Jesus has died to the need to be understood
-Mark 8.31-33
-Mark 9.30-32
-Mark 10.32-34
-Luke 19.41-42
Jesus knows that reconciliation is necessary
-1 Peter 3.18
-1 Timothy 2.5-6

Four simple questions…
Why is there something rather than nothing?
How did things get so bad?
Is there any hope?
How will it all end?

To demonstrate that God has a plan and His life was a part of it
-Luke 9.51
To give everyone hope

Mental worship…

If you knew you had one week to live what would you do and what would you stop doing?
Do you ever feel as if your life is a part of God’s plan for the world? What is happening when you feel that way?
When we need someone’s approval they have power over us. Having said that, who has power over you?
Is your life more about getting God to bless your plan or getting you to believe His plan?

The Insufficiency of Isolation
Genesis 2.15-24

What I want us to see today from Scripture are three things:

a) when we live in isolation we are living in violation of our created purpose which is to be seen, known and loved.
b) isolation is the place where our negative self talk dominates the dialogue
c) in isolation we cannot live out the “one another’s” of Scripture

We were not created to live in isolation, Genesis 2.15-24

“No lie is more often believed than the lie that we can know God without someone else knowing us.” -Larry Crabb

God himself exists in community, He formed us to need community and the Bible assume community.

“People just aren’t drawn to me.”
"If people know how badly I had screwed up, they would run.”
“I just don’t fit in.”
“If people knew the thoughts I am capable of thinking they would evict me from their lives.”
“I’ve always been kind of a loner and I like it that way.”
“People don’t care about what I’m going through.”
“Nobody really gets me.”
“People don’t need to hear about my problems.”

We often choose isolation, 1 Kings 19:1-4

“In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can fully bring out. By myself I am not large enough to call the whole man into activity; I want other lights than my own to show all his facets.” -C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

-1 John 1:7

Sometimes isolation is forced upon us

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing
honor.”
“Live in harmony with one another.”
“Bear one another’s burdens and and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
“Comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace. And the God
of peace will be with you.”
“Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love
serve one another.”
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”
“Confess your sins, one to another and prayer for one another that you may be healed.”

Mental worship…

What messages do you expect to hear?
Where and how do you live out the “one another’s” of Scripture?
Who’s burden are you helping to bear right now?
How do you prioritize your need for community?
Which is your greatest need right now: fellowship (relational) or blood (theological)?

Judges 2:1-5

Judges 2:6-10

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Judges 11-15

Acts 2:42-47

Questions:

Are you someone who just comes to Church? Or are you truly a follower of Jesus?

When was the last time you were broken over your sin?

Who have you shared this experience with? Is there anyone you need to share about your brokenness with?

Who is discipling you right now?

Who are you discipling right now?

I Corinthians 11:23-32

Remember, v. 24-25
Proclaim, v. 26
Examine, v. 27-32

This message is from Lead Pastor Neil McClendon when he spoke to our 7th-12th grade students on March 3, 2021.

Daniel 9:20-27

Prayer moves God to action, v. 21
Daniel lives in Babylon on Jerusalem time, v. 21
God wants Daniel to know what He thinks about him, v. 23
Revelation comes with responsibility, v. 22-23
Prophecy is for perspective, v. 24-27

v. 24- During this time six things will occur…

a) to finish the transgression

b) to put an end to sin

c) to bring in everlasting righteousness

d) to seal both vision and prophet

e) to anoint a most holy place

a) rebuilding of Jerusalem, v. 25

b) the coming and death of the Messiah, v. 26

-Isaiah 53:8

c) persecution by the antichrist and his defeat, v. 27

-Revelation 13:5

What does this mean for us today…

We know a God who likes to reveal Himself and His plans.

We have a cohesive and authoritative Bible that we can trust.

We have a God who has been, is and will always be in control.

Mental worship…

Do you believe God is moved by your prayers?

What could you do without if you believed that you were deeply loved?

Are you able to live in “Babylon” on “Jerusalem time?”

When you see God’s control over the future how does that affect you in the now?

How should the passage this morning shape the way you think about the Bible?

2 Chronicles 5.1-14

1) There is a Process in our approach to God v. 1-5

2) There is a Price for having the Presence of God v. 6-10

3) There is a Proper Response to seeing God at work v. 11-14

Psalm 136.1-5

4) See Jesus

John 2.19
1 Peter 2.4-6

Questions:
Are you open to God doing the unexpected?
Is there a person you need to be praying for God to change and “fill”?
Who in this Church family does God want you to speak to?
Who in this Church family does God want you to listen to?
If you wrote the “Psalm 136” of your life what are 3 events that would be included?

Daniel 9

The motivation for prayer, v. 1-2
The ingredients of prayer, v.3

a) fasting
b) sackcloth
c) ashes

The starting place of prayer, v. 4
The nature of confession, v. 5-19
Notice how it progresses…

a) this is what we’ve done, v. 5-6
b) this is what we deserve, v. 7-15
c) this is what I am asking you to do, v. 15-16

The motivation of God, v. 16-19

Mental worship…

What most often motivates you to pray: fear, need or understanding?
Do you do anything outwardly to reveal to God what you are feeling on the inside?
Is your awareness of your sin general or specific and are you aware of the difference this makes?
Do your prayers demonstrate that you understand what God is capable of?
How will this morning affect or inform your prayers?

Daniel 8

Unless we learn to see though all that is happening around us and see God as sovereign over it all we will lose the hope that is ours in the Gospel and because of God.

God directs the course of human history because He already knows it, v. 1-8

“Open Theism is the thesis that, because God loves us and desires that we freely choose to reciprocate His love, He has made His knowledge of, and plans for, the future conditional upon our actions. Though omniscient, God does not know what we will freely do in the future. Though omnipotent, He has chosen to invite us to freely collaborate with Him in governing and developing His creation, thereby also allowing us the freedom to thwart His hopes for us. While Open Theists affirm that God knows all the truths that can be known, they claim that there simply are not yet truths about what will occur in the “open,” undetermined future. Alternatively, there are such contingent truths, but these truths cannot be known by anyone, including God.”-Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Sin has consequences for everybody…including God’s people, v. 9-14

v. 12- “because of transgression"

Understanding brings perspective, v. 15-19
Consistent sin pushes grace to discipline, v. 20-23

How do I know I’m being disciplined by God?
a) I immediately think of my sin
b) I am encouraged that this is happening
c) My heart is turned back towards God

God is always at war and work in the world, v. 24-26

v. 24- “but not by his own power”
v. 26- “but by no human hand"
burned Scripture and forbid any Jew to possess a copy of Scripture
sacrificed a pig on the altar
killed thousands of Jews
built an altar to Zeus in the temple and allowed scarifies to be made
issued a decree that all were to become a single people, each renouncing his particular customs that made them distinct
overthrew the temple and did away with daily sacrifices

We are to be about the King’s business, v. 27

Mental worship…
How does this affect your view of the Bible?
Is there anything you wish you understood more about God, the Bible and our world today?
In what ways will this morning affect the way you think about sin in general and your sin specifically?
Have you ever felt disciplined by God and what came of it?
What is the King’s business for you this week?

Daniel 7:15-28

Concern, v. 15-18
Clarity, v. 19-22
Severity, v. 23-25

“What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”
-Romans 3:9-20

“Individual sinners are harmful, sometimes deeply. But sinners bound together behind a group cause can cause great devastation. Nationalism, racism, sexism, denominationalism, factionalism- great evil can arise when sinners come together with a common purpose against someone outside of the group, the “other.” We can depersonalize the other, they aren’t quite human, and so to harm the other is not quite the same as hurting one of our own.”
-Tremper Longman

Certainty, v. 26-28

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you re to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
-Luke 12:29-32

Takeaways…

People of faith still feel deep concern.
Regardless of how things sometimes look, God is always in control.
We need to know how this all ends.

ETERNAL LIFE IS WHERE: FAITH WILL BECOME SIGHT (1 Cor. 13:12, Revelation 22:4-5)
ETERNAL LIFE IS WHERE: HEALING WILL BE AVAILABLE (Revelation 21:3-4)
ETERNAL LIFE IS WHERE: OUR DEEPEST LONGINGS WILL BE QUENCHED
(Revelation 22:1-2)

Daniel 7:1-18

Ancient of Days is in Control
What area of your life do you need to allow God to be the "Ancient of Days" in and just give up control to Him?

2.God is the source of all Wisdom
Are you connected to that source of life right now? Or are you still stuck in infant stage in your spiritual life?

3.Sin deserves Death. God has given us Grace

Have you thought about what you deserve? Have you thought about the Grace that God has shown you? Have you experienced his Grace in your life?

We are part of an everlasting Kingdom, that will never end.

What would you do if you had a dream like this? Like if you had a dream that America was going to end next year how would you respond to that?

Mark 4:35-41
Fear Is Really Pervasive

Foundational truths about fear…
Fear and worry run deep in all of us
Fear and worry have meaning.
Fear and worry reveal us.

Our emotions are intended by God to put us into motion, v. 37-38

"Fear is a God-given emotion when our mind alerts us to danger, real or perceived. Anxiety is what we feel when our body is responding to the emotion of fear. Worry is the thought process that mulls over and gives power to the object of our fear." -Tim Allchin

-Genesis 3:10

Fear causes us to doubt God’s care for us, v. 38
Fear is short-sighted, v. 39

-Exodus 2:23-25

Q: What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A: That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the power of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Fear is intended to lead us to the proper fear, v. 41

Mental worship…

When you feel fear do you move towards God or away?
What is happening when you feel cared for by God?
What questions is your fear asking these days?
What is God introducing you to?

What We Need To Remember From 2020
Part 2

We were created for community.
Humanity is as sinful as the Bible says

“Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.”
-Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

Three things to notice…

a) the bar is really low

-James 2.10

b) defining sin has nothing to do with man, man’s opinions or man’s agreement
c) sin is pervasive

-Romans 5.12

d) sin is destructive by nature

Sin changes the answer to three questions…

1) What is true?
2) What is right?
3) Who am I?

-1 Timothy 1.15-16
-Romans 5.6-8
-Isaiah 53.4-6

What this establishes…

a) A rich environment for evangelism
b) There is good news (the Gospel) that I can believe in and live from
c) Being defensive makes no sense whatsoever
d) Jesus took everything I deserve. Therefore, I have nothing to fear and much to enjoy

What We Need To Remember from 2020

We were created for Community

“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone…’” -Genesis 2:18

a) Hyper-individualism is a self-focussed worldview where the self is exalted above society and with that comes a loss of connection.

b) Hyper-individualism is a system of morals, feelings, ideas and practices based on the idea that the journey through life is an individual journey, that the goals of life are individual happiness, authenticity, self-actualization and self-sufficiency. Hyper-individualism puts the same question on everybody’s lips: "What can I do to make myself happy?"

c) H-I rests upon an emancipation story. The heroic self breaks free from the stifling chains of society. The self stands on its own two feet, determines its own destiny, secures its own individual rights. Hyper-individualism defines freedom as absence from restraint.

d) H-I gradually undermines any connection not based on individual choice-the connections to family, neighborhood, culture, nations, and the common good. H-I erodes our obligations and responsibilities to others and our kind.

e) The central problems of our day flow from this erosion: social isolation, distrust, polarization, the breakdown of family, the loss of community, tribalism, rising suicide rates, rising mental health problems, a spiritual crisis caused by a loss of common purpose, the loss-in nation after nation- of any sense of common solidarity that binds people across differences.

f) The core flaw of hyper-individualism is that it leads to a degradation and a pulverization of the human person. Eventually h-i creates isolated, self-interested dissatisfied people who sense that something is missing in their lives but cannot even name what it is.

g) The hyper-individualist finds themselves enmeshed in a network of conditional love. I am worthy of being loved only when I have achieved the status or success the world expects of me. I am worthy of love only when I can offer the other person something in return. I am what the world says about me. H-i obliterates emotional and spiritual security by making everything conditional. It makes people extremely sensitive to the judgment of others and quick to take offense when they feel slighted.

h) H-I directs people toward false and unsatisfying lives. They get to taste a series of experiences which may be pleasant, but which don’t accumulate into anything because they are not serving a larger cause. No amount of achievement gives them the love they crave and they become insecure overachievers.

I) H-I leads to tribalism. People eventually rebel against the isolation and meaninglessness of hyper-individualism by joining a partisan tribe where the tribalist mentality is based on mutual distrust. It’s always us versus them, friend or enemy, destroy or be destroyed. Tribalism is the dark twin of community. The tragic paradox of hyper-individuals is that what began as an ecstatic liberation ends up as a war of tribe against tribe that crushes the individuals it sought to free. Which is where we currently find ourselves politically, spiritually and socially in America.

-Hebrews 10:24-25

Community consists of the following…
a) consideration- “And let us consider…"
b) consequence- you should become a more loving person who does good things
c) consistency- “not neglecting to meet together”
d) cheering- “encouraging one another”
e) clarity- “and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

John 1:14-18
The Wonder of the Incarnation

The incarnation is destruction and construction
The incarnation is comfort and threat
The incarnation is promise and fulfillment

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn…”

The incarnation is accomplishment not effort
The incarnation is constant not temporary

Hosea 3

Love pursues, v. 1

“When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.”
-Hosea 1:2

Love establishes a standard, v. 1
Love pays the price, v. 2
Love is mutual, v. 3
Love comes back to what it was created for, v. 5

a) the Lord
b) His goodness

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
-Psalm 23:6

Hebrews 12:1-2

Introductory thoughts...
if you believe the Gospel then this joy is already in you
life is designed to help you access this joy
this joy is what distinguishes Christians from those who don’t know God

Joy reminds us that we are not the first people to suffer hardship, v. 1

"And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”
-Hebrews 11:32-40

The Bible’s authenticity does two things:
encourages modern Christians to hold fast during suffering
keeps our own sufferings in perspective

Joy says we are capable of what we are responsible for, v. 2

Two principles of revival...

1) You must put away any unconfessed sin
2) You must put away any doubtful habit

Joy is informed by where you look, v. 2
Joy is fuel for the journey, v. 2

“While other worldviews lead us to sit in the midst of life’s joys, foreseeing the coming sorrows, Christianity empowers its people to sit in the midst of this world’s sorrows, tasting the coming joy.”
- Tim Keller

Joy sees the big picture, v. 2

Romans 15:1-7

Instruction

-Exodus 20:1-21

Endurance

-Romans 5:1-6

Encouragement

Isaiah 42:1-9

I Peter 1:3-9

Isaiah 40:12-31

Psalm 62:1-8

Isaiah 50:4-11

I Corinthians 15:50-58

Isaiah 9:1-7

Matthew 1:18-21

Romans 8:31-34

Daniel 6

People to see that the Holy Spirit is excellent, v. 3

-Genesis 1.1-2
-Psalm 51.11
-Micah 3.8

If not you then it’s your Bible, v. 4-5
Weak leadership leads to bad decisions, v. 6-9
Faithful people being consistent, v. 10-13
Power recognizes authority, v. 14-18
Jesus, deliverance and declaration, v. 19-28

Mental worship…

How often do you think about the Holy Spirit?
Is the Bible authoritative over your life?
Do you have any spiritual routines/habits? If so, what are they?
What questions do you have as you walk away from this morning?
Does the way you live make unbelievers glad?

Daniel 5

God takes sacred things seriously, v. 1-4

Sacred means connected o God or dedicated to a religious purpose. Often refers to something that exists for a specific, spiritual purpose.

These kind of people will always be in demand, v. 5-12

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

-James 3:13-18

God values humility, v. 13-23

“Have this mind among yourself, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalt him and bestowed on him the name the tis above very name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.”

-Philippians 2:5-11

Humility is confident power that is willing to be itself without always having to prove itself.

Salvation belongs to God, v. 24-30

“For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.”

-Romans 9:9-18

Mental worship…

Would anybody describe you as “full of light?”

What is sacred to you and is your life ordered around those things?

When you think about humbling your heart what comes to mind?

Does it seem fair that God has mercy on some and not on others? On what basis could it be unfair?

What, if anything, will change in your living as a result of what you heard today?

Daniel 4:1-37

God demonstrates sovereignty and salvation, v. 1-3
God establishes a pattern, v. 4-18
God brings judgement to show mercy, v. 19-27
This manifests itself in tangible ways in his life…

a) practicing righteousness
b) showing mercy to the oppressed

God is patiently unchanging, v. 28-33

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
-2 Peter 3:8-9

God is the only one capable of being God, v. 34-37

Daniel 3:19-30

Culture is hostile to non-conformity, v. 19-23

“Oil and natural gas are east Texas’ greatest mineral blessing. Without them this school would not be here and none of us would be here learning our lessons.”

-Message on chalkboard recovered from

New London school

God is with us when we suffer, v. 24-25

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

-Isaiah 43:1-2

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murdered or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God: and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

-I Peter 4:12-19

Suffering is a test, not a form of punishment
People who suffer have a proportional capacity for gladness
Suffering as a Christian magnifies the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel
There will be occasions where it is God’s will for you to suffer
When suffering, entrust your soul to God and do good.
Who we trust determines what has power over us, v. 26-28
trusted in him
set aside the kings command
yielded up their bodies

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

-Romans 12:1-2

There is a difference in appreciating God and knowing God, v. 29-30

Mental worship…

In what ways, if any, do you not conform to culture?
Do you think it strange when you suffer?
What is your capacity for gladness?
How do you use your body to demonstrate what you believe?
What is different about a person who has a relationship with God and someone who just appreciates God?

John 14:1-7

“Sadly, good intentions in a secure room after good food are far less attractive in a darkened garden with a hostile mob. At this point in his pilgrimage, Peter's intentions and self-assessment vastly outstrip his strength." - D.A. Carson

Relate to His Lordship v1

“The lordship of God points at the myriad of ways that God exercises his power and authority over creation and across human history. The sovereignty of God carries the connotation not only that God’s power is without limit, but that he has all proper authority to exercise that power as he sees fit. It is the reminder to us that God is the creator who calls everything into being by his Word, and who also calls the dead to life by that same Word. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He is the beginning and the end. He is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.” - Richard Lints

-John 14:15

Relate to His Accessibility v2-7 (6)

-John 3:16

“This love of God, then, is the source or cause of the atoning work of Christ. God does not love people because Christ died for them; Christ died for them because God loved them. The death of the Savior is not to be conceived as restoring in people something on the basis of which we might then win or merit God’s love. The sacrifice of Christ does not procure God’s affection, as if it were necessary, through his sufferings, to extract love from an otherwise stern, unwilling, reluctant deity. On the contrary, God’s love compels the death of Christ and is supremely manifested therein. In a word, the saving love of God is giving.” - Sam Storms

-Galatians 2:20

-Ephesians 5:1-2

-I John 4:9-10

III. Relate to God’s desire to be known by you. v 7

-I John 2:3-6 , 3:2-3

Daniel 3.1-18

“In the way of faith we do not escape because it is too much for us; we plunge into it because we are commanded and equipped. It is not our feelings that determine our level of participation in life, nor our experience that qualifies us for what we will do and be; it is what God decides about us. God does not send us into the dangerous and exacting life of faith because we are qualified; he chooses us in order to qualify us for what he wants us to be and do.”
-Eugene Peterson, Run With The Horses

What is your legacy?
Your legacy is a summary of who you are and how you will be remembered.
What do you fear? v, 6-7
Who are you jealous of?, v. 8-11

Jealousy is a form of hatred built upon insecurity.
Jealous is rooted in comparison and comparison does two things:

a) it kills community
b) it justifies sin

Learn to ask this question, "What is really the issue and who is my issue with?"

Who do you pay attention to?, v. 12

Conclusions about attention…

a) whatever you pay attention to- or not- has a huge effect on how you see the world.
b) how you see the world determines how you feel about it
c) what you feel determines your level of hope

“Hope structures your life in anticipation of the future and influences how you feel in the present.
-Mary Lamia

Does your life introduce people to God?, v. 13-15

v. 15- “And who is the god who will be able to deliver you out of my hands?”

able
faithful
trusted
not obligated
worthy

Daniel 2.31-49

Observation, v. 31-35
Interpretation, v. 36-45

Gold……….Babylon

Silver………Medo-Persian

Bronze……..Greece

Iron/Clay….Rome

Stone……….Jesus

a) Each of these kingdoms has a successor

b) Notice that as these metals decrease in value they increase in strength

c) Jesus inaugurates the Kingdom

-Mark 1.14-15

-Revelation 11.15

Application

1) God mercifully communicates to those who don’t know him

-Luke 20.17-18

2) Wisdom is not a lesson to be learned but a relationship to be enjoyed.

3) God knows the future

-Isaiah 46.9-10

4) all earthy authority is transient by nature

5) Who you marry matters

6) Because of the reality of the Kingdom, the Gospel is news not advice

7) Being praised and promoted is not a sign of selling out

Mental worship…

How does the fact that God knows the future shape how you think/feel about the future? About God?

Can we contribute to the Kingdom of God getting bigger? If so, how?

Are you empowered to be humble in your marriage?

What area of your life do you most need to apply the truth that “the King has won?”

What will you think about most walking away from this morning?

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

1) Christians suffer too v.8

2) God is working in your difficulty…on you v.9

“When Paul was convinced that no wisdom or efforts of his own could deliver him from death, then he was forced to rely on the power of God” -Charles Hodge

"God intends for the disappointments of this present world to make us long for the next. This world is not a safe place to look to for a sense of well-being, so we groan as we wait eagerly for the paradise to come.” Paul Tripp

3) God makes us Rely on Him by Exposing Misplaced Trust v.9

4) God Makes us Rely upon Him by Delivering us from Peril v.10

5) God Makes us Rely on Him, through Prayer v.11

Questions

What source(s) of strength have you made a habit of relying upon?

What do you need to “do your best at” through prayer?

Do you relate to God often as a Performer? A Pretender? Something Else?

Where in your life does God have to be up to something good, because of Jesus?

Who has God brought to your mind to come alongside?

Daniel 2:1- 30

Live such that there is weight on your words, v. 16 vv. 7-8

1.18-21

“Life is a matter of choices and every choice you make makes you.” -John C. Maxwell

Be respected by those who disagree with you, v. 14-16
Pray such that God wants to give you what is His, v. 17-23

v. 20 “to whom belong wisdom and might”

v. 23 “for you have given me wisdom and might”

Few things about prayer… from vv. 17-23

a. have people in your life who know how to pray

b. when facing a mystery ask for mercy

c. follow prayer with praise

Daniel’s prayer reveals four things about God:

1) wisdom

2) power

3) sovereignty

4) knowledge

Take responsibility not credit, v. 24-26

v. 24- responsibility

v. 25- credit

Demonstrate a humility that knows what to do with glory, v. 26-30

Mental worship…

What is your theology of disagreement?
What do your prayers reveal you to really believe about God?
Do you really need God to actually answer your prayers or do you

believe that if given enough time you would figure it out on your own?

Is there one choice you could make today that would make you more

consequential?

What do you enjoy about God and what does He enjoy about you?
What questions do you have from what you heard this morning?

Daniel 1:1-7

Isolation, v. 3-4

“There is one thing a professor can be a absolutely certain of; almost every student entering the university believes, or says he believes, that truth is relative…Relativism is necessary to open-mindedness; and this is the virtue, the only virtue, which all primary education for more than fifty years has dedicated itself to inculcating. Openness- and the relativism that makes it the only plausible stance in the face of various claims to truth and various ways of life and kinds of human beings- is the great insight of our times. The study of history and of culture teaches that all the world was mad in the past; men always thought they were right, and that led to wars, persecutions, slavery, xenophobia, racism, and chauvinism. The point is not to correct the mistakes and really be right; rather it is not to think you are right at all.”
-Allan Bloom, The Closing of the American Mind

Indoctrination, v. 3-5

Four things about this indoctrination process…

a) comes disguised as “education”
b) starts with changing a persons worldview- a worldview is a particular philosophy of life or conception of the world
c) the goal is to train them to think like Babylonians rather than Israelites
d) the ultimate goal is to instill in them a total dependence upon Nebuchadnezzar for everything they need.

“So this fall, virtual class discussion will have many potential spectators- parents, sibling, etc- in the same room. We’ll never be quite sure who is overhearing the discourse. What does this do for our equity/inclusion work? How much have students depended on the (somewhat) secure barriers of our physical classrooms to encourage vulnerability? How many of us have installed some version of ‘what happens here stays here’ to help this? While conversation about race are in my wheelhouse, and remain a concern in this no walls environment, I am most intrigued by the damage that ‘helicopter/snowplow’ parents can do in the host conversations about gender/sexuality. And while conservative parents are my chief concern-I know that the damage can come from the left too. If we are engaged in the messy work of destabilizing a kid’s racism or homophobia or transphobia-how much do we want their classmates parents piling on?”
-Matthew Kay, English teacher, Science Leadership Academy, Philadelphia, PA

Incorporation, v. 5
Romans 12:1-2, The Message

vv. 8-21

Identification, v. 6-7

Hebrew namesBabylonian names

Daniel: “God is my judge” Belteshazzar: “Lady protect the king”
Hananiah: “Yahweh is gracious” Shadrach: “I am very fearful of God”
Mishael: “Who is what God is?” Meschach: “I am of little account”
Azariah: “Yahweh has helped” Abednego: “Servant of the god Nebo”

Two things to notice…

a) people over place
b) they maintained their status as exiles

I Peter 2:11-17

Mental worship…
How has not gathering for public worship affected you and what does that say about the role of weekly public worship? About you?
What are some ways that your faith informs and affects how you see the world?
Is there any water in your boat today and if so, how did it get there?
Do you live as an exile or have you learned to fit in with this world?
In the passage today, Daniel was creatively bold. What could you do right now that would be considered creatively bold?

Daniel 1:1-2

Not trusting God is a sin

2 Kings 20:1-19

Couple of takeaways…
You must decide if you are going to trust man (includes self) or God?
Have good boundaries, v. 13
Think beyond yourself, v. 19
2. Sin always has a consequence

"The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
-Exodus 34:6-7

The consequence of sin is judgement

a) judgement teaches us who God is
b) judgement informs our behavior
c) Judgement teaches us the Gospel

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
-2 Corinthians 5:21

Mental worship…
Did you hear anything today that you find hard to believe?
Do you ever feel as if your prayers move the heart of God to act on your behalf?
What decisions are you making right now that will outlive you?
Have you ever experienced God’s judgment and what did it teach you about God? Yourself? The Gospel?
How would you summarize the teaching today in one sentence?
Has anybody recently expressed a burning desire to know the God you worship?

Psalm 8

Glory

Glory means splendor, dignity, reputation and reverence.

True statements but the wrong emphasis for two reasons:
makes the Gospel transactional instead of relational
orients our lives around the wrong things: sin & gifts

”Shame is the deep sense that you are unacceptable because of something you did, something done to you, or something associated with you. You feel exposed and humiliated.” -Edward T. Welch

Here is the progressive nature of shame…

1) Because shame is a constant awareness of our defects, we develop what is known as shame-based thinking.
I am defective
I am dirty
I am incompetent
I am unwanted
I am stupid
I am weak
I am bad
I am pitiful
I am nothing

2) Our dominant thinking becomes I am not good enough (present) and I will never be good enough (future).

3) Therefore, it doesn’t matter what I do because I don’t matter. At this point I begin to act in keeping with what I believe about myself, others and the world.

4) In shame, what we do becomes who we are.

5) In glory, who we are determines what we do.

-Jeremiah 32:27

Honor

Honor is defined as a high respect and great esteem which expresses itself in an adherence to what is right.

Dominion, v. 6-8

Dominion is the power of being trusted to be responsible.

“When we talk about dominion, it’s helpful to think of it this way: As God’s image bearers in creation, we were intended to act as His representatives. We were designed, in a very real way, to show the world what God is like. So when God gave us the command to rule over the earth, the expectation was to do so in a way that reflected His character.” -Aaron Armstrong

Two things about dominion:

1) It has also been God’s design from the beginning.

Genesis 1:26

2) Before we can exercise dominion externally we have to inwardly

Mental worship…
1. What would have to change about your life if you began thinking about yourself in terms of glory, honor and dominion?
2. What role, if any, have you allowed shame to play in your life and why?
3. Is there anything about you that you know in your head is right but you just don’t believe it by the way you live?
4. Are you currently living in submission to anything you should be exercising dominion over?
5. What do you think God believes you are capable of by giving you glory, honor and dominion?

Matthew 18:21-35

How To Forgive People Who Hurt You

Introductory thoughts…

We have sinned far more grievously against God than anybody could ever sin against us.
Because of this, we should never outgrow the wonder of forgiveness
Focus on the part you can control, v. 21
Put yourself in a bigger context, v.23

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

-Colossians 1:13-14

Remember who you are in the story, v. 23
You have to release them as well, v. 27
Understand that your experience becomes the standard, v. 32-34

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”

-Ephesians 1:7-10

Under used words about forgiveness…

lavished- to exceed a fixed number

all wisdom- knows what you did

insight- knows why you did it

making known to us the mystery of his will- not only does he forgive you but he involves you in his plan for the world.

It has to come from the heart, v. 35

Mental worship…

Which gets more of your energy; trying to figure out why people did what they did or forgiving them for what they did?
Is there anybody you have forgiven but haven’t released?
How does the reality of the Kingdom of God inform and affect the way you forgive people?
What is the hardest part of forgiving someone?
When you choose not to forgive, what is motivating that choice?

Matthew 22:1-14

There is a feast, v. 2
Someone else has made every sacrifice necessary, v. 4
People have always been indifferently hostile to the Gospel, v. 5-6
Unbelief will always be consequential, v. 7
The world is invited, v. 8-10

“Jesus did not give the parables to teach us how to live. He gave them, I believe, to correct our notions about who God is and who God loves.” - Philip Yancey, What's So Amazing About Grace?

Proper attire is required, v. 11-14

-Revelation 19:6-9

Mental worship…

What is the most compelling thing you tell people about Christianity?
Becoming a Christian is free, living as a Christian can be costly. Why is that?
In today’s parable people who don’t believe are punished. Does this seem fair to you?
Which comes easier for you; loving “good” people or “bad” people?
How do you plan to get to heaven?

Luke 18:9-14

The bold compassion of Jesus, v. 9
The Church is a place of diversity, v.10

“It takes all sorts to make a world; or a church. This may be even truer of a church. If grace perfects nature it must expand all our natures into the full richness of the diversity which God intended when He made them, and Heaven will display far more variety than Hell.” -C.S. Lewis

Misplaced righteousness, v. 11-12

False sources of righteousness…

a) self

“To exalt oneself is to put one’s self in an improper place. This is a danger to the young believers and a trap to the older saints. Only after the cross has done its thorough work in a person’s heart can he refrain from expressing himself. Only then will a person allow others to receive the glory and remain silent himself as a sword in God’s scabbard.” -Watchman Nee

b) religious accomplishments

-Matthew 6:1-4

c) race

-Galatians 3:23-29

Three problems with racial supremacy...
i. it nullifies the work of Christ on the cross
ii. it creates for you a standard of unforgiveness that will be applied to you
-Matthew 6:14-15
iii. it violates the context of heaven
-Revelation 7:9-10

Gospel humility, v. 13-14

To pray you need only know three things...
a. know that there is a God
b. know yourself
c. ask God for what you need

Mental worship…
Is there a conversation that you’ve been needing to have but have put it off? How are you helped towards having this conversation by the bold compassion of Jesus?
Are you currently withholding forgiveness from someone and if so, on what basis?
How has the Cross informed and influenced the way you treat people of other races?
When it comes to race relations do you act more like a Christian or like a member of your race?
Does your knowledge of yourself humble you, make you prideful or something else?

Matthew 13:1-23
Parable of the People

First person, v. 18- lacks understanding

Two words that are helpful:

a) kingdom- “territory subject to the rule of a King”
b) understand- means “to set or join together in the mind"

“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”-Romans 8:7-8

Second person, v 20- lacks depth
“immediately he falls away”- the Greek word "skandalizo” and it means “to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey; to be offended in one, to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority.”
How do I go deeper as a person…

a) read
b) think
c) suffer
d) experience
e) solitude
f) silence
g) obedience

Third person, v. 22- lacks priorities

This person lacks priorities because of two things:

cares of this world
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life- is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
-I John 2:15-17
deceitfulness of riches

Diagnostic questions to help us see money clearly…

Do you think more money would make you happy?
Do you use money to control people/get your way?
Do I see money as the means by which I get what I really need?
Do I believe I am more deserving than those who have less or more?
Am I stingy or have I grown in the joy or generosity?
Does being generous still humble you?
Am I content to be anonymous in my giving or do I like people knowing?
Do I manage well what I have been given and can I enjoy it guilt-free?
Who’s reputation grows as my money grows?
Can I meaningfully experience all that I possess?
In my hands, is money a weapon or a tool?

Fourth person, v. 23
This person has understanding, this understanding produces depth and this depth informs their priorities and these priorities yield fruit.

Mental worship…
If your friends understood more about the King (God) do you think they would be curious about life in the Kingdom? (Christianity)
What is the last thing you did or experienced that deepened you?
Are you most often offended or convicted?
Is someone or some thing your priority that shouldn’t be?
What is the Bible becoming to you?
What is your theology of money?

Matthew 13:44-52

1) See the Value of This Kingdom v.44

2) Trade all for This Kingdom v.45-46 & Phil 3:7-8

3) Be motivated by JOY v.44

4) Conditions of this Kingdom
Acts 16:31 believe on him;
John 1:12 receive him,
Acts 3:19 turn from sin
Hebrews 5:9 obey him,
Matt 18:3 humble ourselves,
Matt 10:37/Luke 14:33 love him more than anything else
Matt 13:44 Joy unites them all

“Can you make a decision for Christ without the incentive of joy? The issue is should you? Would it do you any good if you could? Is there any evidence in scripture that God will accept people who come to him out of any other motive than the desire for joy in him?" -John Piper

5) This Kingdom Divides v.47-49

6) This Kingdom is Fulfilled in Jesus v.50-51

Luke 24:27

"Jesus is the true and better Adam, he passed a test in the garden and his obedience is credited to us. Jesus is the true and better Abel, innocently slain, his blood demands not condemnation, but acquittal. Jesus is the true and better Isaac, not just offered up by his father, but was sacrificed for us. God said to Abraham, “Now I know you love me because you did not withhold you son, your only son whom you love, from me.” We now can say to God,”we know that you love us because you did not withhold your son, your only son, whom you love, from us.” Jesus is the true and better Jacob, who wrestled and took the blow of Justice we deserved, so we, like Jacob, only receive minor wounds of grace to wake us up and discipline us. Jesus is the true and better Joseph, at the right hand to The King, forgives those who betrayed him and uses his power to save them. Jesus is the true and better Esther, who didn’t just risk leaving an earthly palace, but lost an ultimate and heavenly one, who didn’t just risk his life, but gave it up to save his people. Jesus is there true and better Jonah, abandoned in to the sea so we could be saved, Jesus is the real Rock of Moses, the real Passover Lamb, innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us. He’s the true temple, the true prophet, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.

Questions:

Lately, has the Kingdom of God felt more like a great bargain or a great chore?

What are you most looking forward to when the Kingdom of God is fulfilled and Jesus returns?

If the Joy of salvation is work of the Holy Spirit, do you need to pause and pray for that now?

Who in your life needs to hear about the Kingdom deal of a lifetime?

Who needs to be encouraged that they have chosen the best Treasure and they are not going to miss out?

Luke 19:11-27

19:11 ~ Jesus Redirects

19:12-14 ~ Servants and Citizens
Question: With the time you have remaining in this life, who do you want to rule your life? Yourself - with your limited understanding and resources or would you rather live your life in humble submission to Jesus and his teaching, trusting that he will care for you?

19:15-19 ~ Faithful Servants
Question: Can God trust you to be faithfully consistent in the small things of life? Things that are often unnoticed by others and are usually just between you and God.

19:20-23 ~ Unfaithful servant who associates with Jesus
Question: What sins are you tempted to minimize and what do you think the long-term outcome will be of minimizing those sins?

19:24-26 ~ Regret or Reward
Question: Is there anything in your life that you are holding so tightly that if Jesus were to ask you for it, you would struggle to let go of it?

19:27 ~ Jesus is the Righteous Judge

Reflection Questions

With the time you have remaining in this life, who do you want to rule your life? Yourself - with your limited understanding and resources or would you rather live your life in humble submission to Jesus and his teaching, trusting that he will care for you?

Can God trust you to be faithfully consistent in the small things of life? Things that are often unnoticed by others and are usually just between you and God.

What sins are you tempted to minimize and what do you think the long-term outcome will be of minimizing those sins?

Is there anything in your life that you are holding so tightly that if Jesus were to ask you for it, you would struggle to let go of it?

Wade Burgess

When you read the Bible you should ask:

What is it saying
What was its meaning to its original audience
What does it mean to us
What is it saying to me
How do I apply it

Luke 10:25-37

Salvation is determined by your fidelity to the Law of the Gospel, v. 25-28

a) what Jesus doesn’t say- “pray the prayer”

-Matthew 23:15

b) what Jesus does say

1) What is written in the Law? (exposition)

2) How do you read it? (interpretation)

Man’s natural inclination is toward self-justification, v. 29

“Essentially we create a narrative about the world that reflects our beliefs about the kind of person we are and assign to this narrative a ‘truth’ which does not, in fact, exist. It is not the same thing as lying or making excuses. It is more powerful and more dangerous than the explicit lie. It allows people to convince themselves that what they did was the best thing they could have done. In fact, come to think of it, it was the right thing.

Self-justification is a portrayal of the brain that, despite its stated goals or desires, is not interested in truth, but rather self-preservation.” - Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson

Two main ways we seek to justify ourselves:

a) ignorance

b) effort

Jesus calls us from a neighborhood to a brotherhood, v. 30-35

"...Today there are all sorts of zig-zag and criss-crossing separating fences running through the races and people of the world. Modern progress has made the world a neighborhood: God has given us the task of making it a brotherhood. In these days of dividing walls of race and class and creed we must shake the earth anew with the message of the all-inclusive Christ, in whom there is neither bond nor free, Jew nor Greek, Scythian nor barbarian but all are one." -The Cross of Peace, Sir Philip Gibbs

I John 3:11-24
Mercy makes us all responsible, v. 36-37

“Mercy is a kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.”

Mental worship…

Does the way you read God’s word reflect the way it’s actually written?

Do you ever seek to justify yourself? If so, what are some ways you attempt to do so?

When you forget the Gospel, what then becomes the gospel for you?

Is there currently any reason why God shouldn’t answer your prayers?

Who in your life needs to feel mercy from you?

Luke 18:9-14

-Psalm 51

“Oh, that men would learn to pray with less of language and more of meaning! What great things are packed away in this short petition! God, Mercy, Sin, the propitiation and forgiveness.” -Charles Spurgeon

-1 Peter 5:5

Pride,

preaches merit

separates by putting others down

destroys through is alienating self-service

turns its nose up at others

Humility,

pleads for compassion

identifies with others realizing we all have the same needs

opens doors with its power to sympathize with the struggle we all share

offers an open and up-lifted hand.

Reflection Questions

Do you have humility or pride in your prayer life?

Do you regularly mean what you pray or are you just spouting words to sound spiritual?

Does anything in your daily routine blind you to where you really stand with God?

Is the true condition of your heart, a prideful one or one of compassion and humility towards others?

Matthew 7:24-27

The foundation has a purpose, v. 24

“We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men, that his conduct should be blameless before the world, that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.” -Christian Conduct, from Grand Parkway Baptist Church belief statement

a. What the words are
b. How to obey the words
c. Why to obey the words

-Matthew 23:23

“The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is not meant to be admired, but obeyed.” R.T. France

The foundation has power.

What obedience can do:
a. Show evidence of our faith.
b. Show our thankfulness.
c. Strengthen our assurance.
d. Edify other Christians.
e. Adorn the teaching of the gospel.
f. Silence foolish people.

What obedience can not do:
a. Pardon our sin
b. Merit our eternal life

-1 Corinthians 15:1-4

-Romans 8:5-8

The foundation works because it lasts, and lasts because it works. v. 25 - 27

"Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried." -G.K. Chesterton

Luke 12:13-34

Greed has its roots in misunderstanding.

-Misunderstanding of how I got it

-Misunderstanding of who owns it

-Misunderstanding of the proper intention

Worry has its roots in the short-term.

-Short-term memory

-Short-sighted view of God

Combat the Roots of the Problem

-Recognize the proper owner (verse 24)

-Recognize the Owner knows & wants {verse 30&32}

-Generosity wards off greed

-Long-term memory combats worry

Questions to Consider

With what are you most greedy?

What is your biggest worry?

How could you be more generous?

How can you improve your long-term memory for what God has done?

Do you prioritize by comparing your lifespan vs. eternity?

Are you building barns or distributing blessings?

Luke 14:25-35

1) Following Jesus means He is Preeminent v.25-26

When one loves Jesus most they are filled & equipped to love others best

2) Following Jesus is a Series of Deaths v.27

Count the Costs v.28-32

3) Following Jesus means He is Treasure v. 33

4) Following Jesus means being Winsome v. 34-35

Questions:

What relationship has changed (needs to change) because you are following Jesus?

Is there a sacrifice you have endured that you now see is a cost of following Jesus?

Do you see the sacrifices Jesus asks you to make as ultimately for your good or ultimately withholding something from you?

What is a Cross (dying) that you are currently experiencing?

Who needs encouragement that the cost of following Jesus is worth it?

Do your family, neighbors, classmates, co-workers, and retail persons experience you as “salty” with the gospel? If, not cry out to God now to change you.

Parable of the Dishonest Manager

Luke 16:1-13

1) Get on board with God’s Eternal Plan, v.9

2) If You’re not Faithful with Money, God will not Trust You with Spiritual Riches, v.10-12

“The only wealth that will endure is that which has been invested in others for the sake of the gospel.”

-Joel Green

3) It is Totally Impossible to Serve both God and Money, v.13

“One’s use of money and spirituality is inseparably bound together. The sooner we realize this and do something about it, the better for our souls.”

-Joel Green

Questions

When is the last time God used someone to show kindness to you with their wealth?

Have you ever been surprised at how meaningful an act of kindness by you was to someone else?

If money use is an indicator or spirituality, what does your wealth, this last year, say about your soul?

Who are four people you long to see changed for eternity? What’s the last time you used your earthly wealth to bless them?

If you had more money how would you “make friends’ for the Kingdom?

Matthew 20:1-16

This first by earthly standards are often last in the Kingdom of God

-You and I, who are we in the story?

Difference between living like an orphan vs. a son/daughter of God
The “last” don’t really miss out
See Jesus in the text

Questions

Where do you most often fear not getting what you want out of life?
What type of person do you find yourself being envious of or bitter toward?
What description of a son/daughter of God is most appealing to you? Why?
What action may God be leading you to do in order to foster a “last” mindset in yourself?

Luke 24:13-35

Crushed Hearts, v. 17

Confused Minds, v. 22-24

What is our anchor in this time of uncertainty?

Anchor #1 - Jesus rose bodily from the dead, v. 30

Luke 24:36-43

Mark 3:21

John 7:5

1 Cor. 15:3-8

Anchor #2 You can enjoy the promises of God, v. 25-27

1 Cor. 1:20

1 John 5:14-15

Deuteronomy 1

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

The Gospel, v. 1-2

a) because people believe in vain

b) because our natural drift is towards forgetting

“The only thing more difficult than finding the truth is not losing it. What starts out as new and precious becomes plain and old. What begins a thrilling discovery becomes a rote exercise. What provokes one generation to sacrifice and passion becomes in the next generation a case for rebellion and apathy. The chief theological task now facing the Western church is not to reinvent or to be relevant but to remember. We must remember the old, old story. We must remember the faith once for all delivered to the saints. We must remember the truths that spark reformation, revival and regeneration.” -Kevin DeYoung

What is most important, v. 3-4

that Christ died for our sins

that he was buried

that he was raised on the third day

and that he appeared

that the Bible is reliable and authoritative

That God reveals Himself, v. 5-9

-Genesis 1:1-5

-Romans 1:19-20

Cephas (Peter)- people who have blown it

the twelve- people who have doubted it

five hundred brothers- those who want to believe it

James-(brother of Jesus) to a family member who needs it

all the apostles- to followers who still have questions

me (Paul)- someone who is ashamed of how he has lived and what he has done

Grace, v. 10-11

-John 1:14

-Ephesians 1:7-10

-Hebrews 4:16

-Acts 20:24

Mental Worship

What are you in danger of forgetting about the gospel?
In light of all that is happening in our world, what used to feel important to you but no longer is important?
How does the resurrection inform and influence the way you think about the Bible?
Who are you asking God to reveal himself to these days?
What effect has grace had on your life, your marriage and your friendships?

John 12:12-36

Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise God ever made, v. 12-16

-Zechariah 9:9

Jesus is the Savior of the world, v. 17-23
Jesus dies so we can have life, v. 24-26
Jesus is highly motivated, v. 27-29

Lesser motivations…

a) fear- leads us to do nothing or the easiest thing

b) pity- leads us to depend on others for everything

c) love- leads us to do anything

Right motivation…

d) glory- leads us to do the right thing

Jesus’ death is consequential, v. 30-33

a) the world is judged

b) Satan is defeated

-Colossians 2:13-15

c) Jesus will draw people to himself

Jesus invites you to believe, v. 34-36

Mental worship…

Who do you see the Gospel reaching these days?

What, if anything, would change about your life if you asked yourself, “Is this what Jesus died for?”

What most motivates you: fear, pity, love or glory?

If we all believed that the world is under judgment, Satan is defeated and Jesus will draw people to himself; how would this inform the way we engage people with the Gospel?

I Corinthians 2:1-3:4

What we see in the text...
v. 1-5 the wisdom of man vs. the power of God
v. 6-9 the wisdom of this age vs. the wisdom of God
v. 10-13 human wisdom vs. the Holy Spirit

Natural person, v. 14
They do not because they cannot.
In a time of crisis this person asks, “What do I do?”
Their take on the Bible is, “Prove it to me.”
They find comfort in their intellect and what their intelligence will not allow them to believe.
They disagree with anything that goes against their opinion because there is no greater standard by which all things are measured.

“Diseases and disasters are natural consequences of the Fall. If God miraculously prevented coronavirus, he would have to counteract every consequence of the Fall. But if there are no consequences to human freedom, God is not just and we are not truly free.”
-Dr. Jim Denison

Spiritual person, v. 15-16
They do because they can, have a capacity brought by the Holy Spirit
In a time of crisis this person asks, “What is God doing?”
Their take on the Bible is, “Just tell me what it says.”
They find comfort in a biblically-informed worldview that makes sense of the world regardless of its condition.
They disagree with anything that goes against the clear teaching of Scripture because there is no greater standard by which all things are measured.
Two things to notice:

1) “judges all things”
2) “the mind of Christ”

-Philippians 2:1-11

People of the flesh, v. 3:1-4
They are never quite ready for what should be their experience because they like the experiences they can provide for themselves.
In a time of crisis this person asks, ‘What have I done?”
Their take on the Bible is, “Convince me.”
They find comfort in their getting their way.
They disagree with anything that goes against their desires because there is no greater standard by which all things get measured.

Mental worship…

Are you currently able to find comfort in your worldview?
How would you explain this quote to a natural person, “Diseases and disasters are natural consequences of the Fall. If God miraculously prevented coronavirus, he would have to counteract every consequence of the Fall. But if there are no consequences to human freedom, God is not just and we are not truly free.”
What is God teaching you during this time? Anything you rely on too much or anything you do not rely on enough?
Did you hear anything today that made you sad, hopeful or that concerned you?
As you listened today, which one of these persons is you?
How would you contextualize the Gospel for each of these people? Said differently, what would you say to each?

Matthew 6:25-33

Life, v. 25
I Timothy 6:17-19

What would it be like right now for all Christians to do four things...
-to enjoy everything God provides
-do good
-be rich in good works
-be generous and ready to share

Value, v. 26
-Psalm 8
Faith, v. 27-30
Seek, v. 31-34
-I Peter 4:1-5

Mental worship…
What are you currently not enjoying enough?
Are you currently living the life that is truly life?
Do you understand how much God values you?
What do you really believe moves God more; your fear or your faith?
When you get older and look back on your life, what will you wish you had exercised more faith towards?
What about you and your life surprises non-Christians?

Luke 18:1-8

We give up praying too easily
Your view of God will be revealed by your praying
Pray because of your position before God

“We fall short when we spend more time in the car in one day shuttling them to games and lessons then we do in a month in prayer for their souls.” -R. Kent Hughes

Pray because He loves to do His will as it is asked for
What about when God seems not to answer?

“God is never late, rarely early, and always on time” - Grandpa Dave

A) You’re not really asking James 4:1-2

“If you are not praying, then you are quietly confident that time, money, and talent are all you need in life. You will always be a little too tired, a little too busy. But if, like Jesus, you realize you cant do life on your own, then no matter how tired you are, you will find the time to pray. “ Paul Miller

B) You’re asking wrongly

C) You’re in the Lord’s desert
-Denial
-Determination
-Despair

Despair leads to cynicism or thriving

“I realized I did my best parenting by prayer. I began to speak less to the kids and more to God. It was actually quite relaxing.” -Paul Miller

Faith is proved by those persisting in prayer

Response Questions:

When is a time God has clearly answered your prayers?

If you knew God would eventually grant your request what is something you would not give up praying for?

Can you think of a time God changed you in some way by taking you through a “desert”?

What does your pattern of prayer, the last few weeks, reveal about your view of God?

Are there some areas you consistently depend on God in prayer and other areas where you rarely seek his help?

If you believe prayer could be the key to a more relaxed life, what part of your life would you address first through prayer?

The why, what, and how of spiritually dressing for success

Text: Ephesians 6:10-18 (provided below if needed)

3 Things to Understand as to the "Why of Spiritual Warfare

Metaphor for taking sides.
Synonym for the struggles of the Christian life

Quote "Many Christians see Christianity not as an entrance into warfare but as an exit from it." Boice

Battle for Lordship

What to Wear

Belt of Truth - read the Bible and believe

Breastplate of Righteousness - by understanding

Shoes of Readiness - ready to give an account

Quote “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation.” Isaiah 52:7

Shield of Faith - have to trust

Helmet of Salvation - be saved

Sword - read the Bible and apply it

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Malachi 3:6-12

An unchanging God, v. 6

“Immutability means that, being perfect, God cannot and does not change. In order to change, a moral being must change in either of two ways. Either he must change for the better or he must change for the worse. God cannot get better, because that would mean that he was less than perfect earlier, in which case he would not have been God. But God cannot get worse either, because in that case he would become imperfect, which he cannot be, God is and must remain perfect in all his attributes.”
-James Boice, The Minor Prophets, Vol. 2

“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you.”

-Psalm 102:25-28

A reciprocal return, v. 7-9

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Matthew 6:19-21

The full tithe, v. 10a
An invitation, v. 10b

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.”--Deuteronomy 6:16

“Jesus said to him, Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
-Matthew 4:7-10

Consequences of returning to our unchanging God through obedience in tithing, v. 10-12
sufficiency, v. 10
protection, v. 11
blessedness, v. 12
delight, v. 12

Mental worship…

If you really believed God to be unchanging, merciful and good then what would you trust Him with?
What would a church be like where everybody was working towards giving a full tithe?
Do you have more treasure on earth or in heaven?
What four words would you like to describe your life when its over?
What questions will you have as a result of what you heard today?

Listen as Nagmeh Panahi shares the rest of her story at Grand Parkway Baptist Church.

Romans 13:1-7

Authority figures are God’s design, v. 1

-Daniel 4:17

Authority requires that there be a consequence, v. 2-4

good=approval

bad=punishment

Authority requires subjection, v. 5

-Matthew 24:12

a) external consequence- God’s wrath

b) internal consequence- conscience

Authority requires responsibility, v. 6-7

Mental worship…

As a parent do you bear the sword in vain?

Does your parenting style prepare your children to respect the governing authorities outside your home?

Do you think you have to agree with someone to respect them?

Is your conscience clear when it come to the authority figures in your life?

Do you currently owe taxes, money, respect or honor to anyone?

What was the hardest thing for you to hear this morning?

Guest Preacher Fenton Moorhead preaches from Luke 15:1-31

Psalm 32:1-11

There is a spiritual component to our happiness, v. 1-2
Anxiety is real but not all things are anxiety, v. 3-4
We have the capacity to affect our own happiness, v. 5

Three things David does to affect his own happiness…

1) I acknowledged my sin

2) I did not cover my iniquity

3) I confessed my transgression

“Confession to God is not merely admitting our sin as real but also rejecting our sin as repulsive. God demands that we turn from sin with repugnance because he is in the business of not just covering our sins but also of shaping our character.” -John Piper

Important distinctions in differences…

a) sin- missing the mark

b) transgression- crossing the line, more of a willful rebellion against a given standard

c) iniquity- the twistedness in us as a consequence of these other two. Relates more to the inner

character and points to a moral distortion which produces crooked behavior.

-Philippians 2:14-16

Our prayers become our experience, v. 6-7

Three things God does for the person who comes clean...

a) you are a hiding place for me

b) you preserve me from trouble

c) you surround me with shouts of deliverance

God is intimately and affectionately acquainted with everything having anything to do with you, v. 8-11

Hesed is the consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, constantly pursuing, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious love of our Father God.

Mental worship…

How often do you define happiness in spiritual terms?

In what ways, if any, do you contribute to the things that make you anxious?

How often do you have spiritual conversations that result in people wanting to better understand and experience God?

What is God shouting over you today?

Are you comfortable being loved by God the way God wants to love you?

If at lunch you could only talk about one part of the sermon, what part would you want to talk about?

1 Samuel 15

God takes himself very seriously, v. 1-3
God takes note, v. 1-6

-Exodus 17:14-16

Disobedience can feel noble, v. 7-9
Obedience is not open to interpretation, v. 13-21
It is helpful to know what God delights in, v. 22
It is always bigger than just what you are doing, v. 23

rebellion = divination

presumption = idolatry

God always has someone else, v. 24-28
People come to think about God the way they see you relating to God, v. 32-33

Three messages Samuel sends with his behavior...

a. I don’t relate to God the way Saul does.

b. What God says matters

c. Sinful behavior has consequences.

Mental worship...

Can you feel when you are just going through the motions in your relationship with God? If yes,

how would you describe that feeling?

How would you change and what would change in your life if you really understood what

God delights in?

This morning we talked about the sins of rebellion and presumption. Which one of those is more

of an issue you?

When you hear that God takes himself very seriously, what goes through your mind?
What will you pray about as a result of what you heard today?

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Zoe refers to life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.

The Gospel empowers us to suffer well, v. 8

Here is what is happening…

the message of the cross was scandalous

Paul’s message was out of style

Paul’s circumstance casts a shadow of doubt on his message

Prepositions...

“for the Gospel”

“by the power of God”

The Gospel magnifies what God has done, v. 9

“saved us”

“called us”

“not because of our works”

“because of his own purpose and grace”

“in Christ Jesus”

The Gospel illuminates what Jesus has done, v. 10

Three things Jesus does…

a. abolishes death

b. brought life

c. and immortality

The Gospel involves certainty and responsibility, v. 11-14

Our certainty is toward God, v. 12

Our responsibility is to the Gospel, v. 13

Mental worship…

When people see you going through a hard time, which are they more likely to do, pity you or appreciate and respect the Gospel more?
What is the difference in suffering because of the Gospel and suffering for the Gospel?
How does the Gospel inform the way you think about life (now) and immortality (then)?
Do you tend to bring more light or heat to circumstances, conversations and situations you are involved in?
What would you like to be more certain about?
What questions will you ask as a result of what you heard today?

Mark 1:16-17

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means ...you follow Jesus Christ and make disciples of Jesus Christ

I want to teach you a French word this morning “Amis” which means “friends”

A…. Aware

M…Minister

I…. Intercede

S…. Share

A……AWARE OF THE NEED

M……….Minister to people by caring and being generous with what we have ……unconditionally

I…………………Intercede for them (PRAY)

S………………. Share with them the good news of Jesus Christ

Follow Jesus Christ and Make Disciples of Jesus Christ of all nations.

Is your obedience known to all? Romans 16:17-20

“Doctrine is a summary of the bible’s teaching that is both faithful to the Bible and useful for life.”

Bobby Jamieson

Benefits of sound doctrine…

Doctrine frames and explains the Big Picture

Doctrine acts like a minesweeper by exposing and defusing unbiblical thoughts and attitudes that would otherwise go undetected

Doctrine corrects our imbalances

Sound doctrine is a guard against false teaching

Doctrine attaches your life to the bigger themes of Scripture

-Micah 6:8

-Matthew 22:37-40

Is your heaven a holy place? Revelation 21:7-8

“The Lord of heaven is a holy God. The angels are holy creatures. The inhabitants are holy saints. Holiness is written on everything in heaven. And nothing unholy can enter into this heaven. Even if you could enter heaven without holiness, what would you do? What joy would you feel there? What holy man or woman of God would you sit down with for fellowship? Their pleasures are not your pleasures. Their character is not your character. What they love, you do not love. If you dislike a holy God now, why would you want to be with him forever? If worship does not capture your attention at present, what makes you think it will thrill you in some heavenly future? If ungodliness is your delight here on earth, what will please you in heaven, where all is clean and pure? You would not be happy there if you are not holy here.”

-J.C. Ryle, Holiness: It’s Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots

Is your Bible authoritative? 2 Timothy 3:16-18

Mental worship…

Do you currently feel sensitive to spiritual things or is your spiritual sensitivity diminished or dull?

What makes you want to obey? What makes you want to disobey?

How often do you think about holiness?

What question will you walk away from this morning with?

What will you pray as a result of what you heard today?

Galatians 1:6-8

Galatians 2:11-13

Ephesians 2:13-16

“False gospels are seductive because they always tell you that you are more righteous than you are and have more power than you possess.” Paul Tripp (New Morning Mercies)

Galatians 2:2-10

John 1:14-15

“We have no righteousness that does not belong to Christ, no power that is not given by Christ and no hope that doesn't depend on Christ.” Paul Tripp (New Morning Mercies)

Galatians 3:2-3

Response Questions: In what circumstances have you been feeling: I’m doing great, I got this? God, where are you? Did you identify with being prayer-less? What can you ask God to do at this very moment? What self-righteousness do you need to repent of? Who needs the power and hope of Jesus?

1 John 4:7-21

Love is evidence of conversion, v. 7-8
Love is demonstrated, v. 9-10

Why...

to give us a different way to live, v. 9

to give us forgiveness for how we have lived, v. 10

Love has a standard, v. 11-12
Love like this requires progress, v. 16

-Ephesians 3:14-19

Love leads us to perfection, v. 17-18
Love is causal, v. 19-21

Luke 2:22-32

Parents who do the right thing, v. 22-24
Waiting well, v. 25

-Isaiah 40:1-2

Enjoy the Holy Spirit, v. 25-31

Here are some things that characterize the life of a person who enjoys the Holy Spirit…

the Spirit is on them, v. 25

they experience revelation, v. 26

they rely on the Spirit, v. 27

they hear and see the Gospel, v. 27-31

The sufficiency of Jesus, v. 32

Notice two things:

a) a light for revelation to the Gentiles

b) for glory to your people Israel

“Some men go to schools for glory, others to the camps of war; in all kinds of places men have sought after honor, but the believer says that Christ is the mine in which he digs for this gold—Christ is the sea in which he fishes for this pearl—he gives up all other searches, and looks for glory in Jesus, and nowhere else.”

-Charles Spurgeon

Mental worship…

As a parent, do you understand the compounding interest of generational obedience?
What would it look like for God to console you?
Do you enjoy your relationship with the Holy Spirit?
What feels impossible to you right now and how are you praying about it?
Where do you look for glory?
What did you hear this morning that made you think, “I want to

understand that better than I do right now?”

Being Hopeful In A World that Isn’t

Jesus is coming again, 2 Peter 3:1-13

holiness

godliness

waiting

hastening

Jesus is doing something about the world we live in, 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:13
Jesus came in the first place, Exodus 23:20-33

God gives them…

Covenant- they don’t want to keep

Leader- they won’t follow

Law- they can’t keep

Kings- they can’t trust

Prophets- they don’t like

Minor Prophets- they don’t listen to

-Malachi 1:10-11

Mental worship…

How often do you think about the Second Coming and when you do think about it how does it affect the way you live right now?

How do you respond when people scoff at Christianity?

When do you feel as if God is using you to reconcile the world to Himself?

What could you do this week to widen your heart?

Where do you find the motivation to do what God says when you don’t have the desire?

John 21:14-25
Established Things

God uses people who have blown it, v. 15-17

Two things we need to understand about blowing it…

a) permission vs. authority
b) now vs. afterward

-John 13:36-38

We will all experience what we believe, v. 18-19

Would you worry about the things you currently worry about?
Would you fear the people/things you fear?
Would you lie anymore?
Would you trust God more?
Would you covet anymore?
Would you be a more authentic person?
Would the way you worship God change? If so, how?

The gospel is authentic, authoritative and sufficient, v. 20-25

-John 20:30-31

a) that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ- a questions of identity
b) the son of God- a question of authority
c) and that by believing you may have life in his name- a question of opportunity

Zoe is the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God; life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions, among them a more perfect body, and to last for ever.

Mental worship…

Have you ever failed to such a degree that it changed the way you follow Jesus?
Today we talked about the phrase, “Lord, you know everything…” If you applied that simple truth to your life this morning, what would change
first in you?
Who’s name is your life in and about?
If you had to explain the gospel of John in one sentence how would you summarize it?

1. The Master is in Control - Job 12:10-13:1

A. Surrender the outcome

B. Give up control

C. Greater purpose

Have a Long Term Memory - Exodus 32:7-13

A. Not experience but God's character

B. Trust God no matter the outcome

Short-term Circumstances Should Not Determine Thankfulness - 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

A. Life is short compared to eternity

B. Not circumstances by God's character

Pray - Matthew 4:1-2

A. Living dependence

B. Rely on God's power

Questions to consider:

How does your life reflect who you believe is in control?

Why is it important to differentiate between our experiences and God’s nature?

How often are you persuaded by circumstance?

What does your prayer life most resemble, asking to avoid circumstances or confessing God’s character?

What is your theology of suffering? Asked another way, what is your response when suffering comes?

John 21:1-14

Allowance, v. 1-2
Lack, v. 3-4
-Luke 15:17-18
Questions, v. 5

Here are some questions we should learn to ask…
What is wrong?
What is confused?
What is right?
What is missing?

Demonstration, v. 6-8
Provision, v. 9-13

Question for reflection…

Can you tell when God is revealing Himself or something to you? How do you know it’s God?
Do you view lack as more of a punishment or an invitation?
One thing we see in Jesus is his patience with people who are slow to get it. In what ways are you like or unlike Jesus in this?
In the text today, Jesus invited the disciples to have breakfast. What is Jesus inviting you to these days?
Jesus affects Peter’s vocation such that he can no longer continue in this line of work. How has Jesus affected your vocation?
Summarize to yourself what you take away from the sermon today in one sentence.

John 20:19-30

The Consequential Gospel

Peace with God is now available, v. 19-20

Military- Exemption from the rage and havoc of war.

Spiritual- The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot.

The story is not over, v. 22
The responsibility is ours, v. 23

Absolution is a pronouncement of remission (forgiveness) of sins to the penitent. Penance is a sacrament and the power to absolve lies with the priest, who can grant release from the guilt of sin to the sinner who is truly contrite, confesses his sin, and promises to perform satisfaction to God.

Here are some of the problems with the concept of absolution…

Man doesn’t have the authority to pronounce forgiveness of sin. Man has the responsibility to announce forgiveness.

Forgiveness doesn’t depend on contrition or how bad we feel.

Man is incapable of satisfying God through performance. Only Jesus can satisfy God…and He has!

-Hebrews 6:1-9

God knows what we doubt, v. 24-29

“A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic. A person’s faith can collapse almost overnight if she has failed over the years to listen to her own doubts, which should only be discarded after long reflection. Believers should acknowledge and wrestle with doubts—not only their own, but their friends’ and neighbors’.”-Tim Keller “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism”

Mental chewing gum…

Does your conversion still hold wonder for you?

Do you, or anyone else, experience your life in Christ as interesting?

How is doubt at work in your life these days?

What is Jesus inviting you to today?

How will you pray as a result of what you heard today?

John 19:38 - 20:18

"The rapid growth and preaching of the early church are unexplainable without the empty tomb. To stop this “nonsense” all that had to be done was to produce a body.” - D. A. Carson

1 Peter 2:21

To see the Rembrandt painting Blake referenced, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Night_Watch

In what circumstances have you asking;

Have you forgotten me?
God, do you love me?
Are you going to leave me like this?

Are you praying for a ‘resurrection’ in your situation but still need to repent of trying to determine the outcome?

What has God raised your from already?
Who needs to hear this story of rescue and be encouraged?

John 19:17-37

The wrath of God

-Romans 5:6-9

Few truths about the wrath of God…

wrath is God’s fixed displeasure with sin

wrath is a universal experience

-Ephesians 2:1-3

“…whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” -John 3:36

it is in proportion to human sinfulness

“God’s wrath in the Bible is never the capricious, self-indulgent, irritable, morally ignoble thing that human anger so often is. It is, instead, a right and necessary reaction to objective moral evil”

-J.I. Packer, Knowing God

God’s wrath is an expression of His love

the wrath of God is in harmony with God’s justice

The Law

Romans 3:19-26

the law establishes universal guilt

we are all accountable to God

doing good cannot make me good

the law only reminds me I cannot do it

a new way of relating to God has been established

the entire Old Testament points to this reality

to be right with God I must have faith in Jesus (not enough to believe)

we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s standard

we can all receive grace

redemption is only found in Jesus

God says Jesus is enough for my sins

I must receive this by having more faith in Jesus than I do in myself

the Cross magnifies how right God is about everything

the Cross holds up God’s standard of justice

the Cross demonstrates that God alone can justify us

Separation from God

1) once for sins

2) the righteous for the unrighteous

-2 Corinthians 5:21

Doubt as to the authority of the Bible

-Zechariah 12:10

-Zechariah 13:1

Questions for reflection…

When you think about the wrath of God what stirs in your mind?

Scripture teaches that the wrath of God remains on those who do not believe the Gospel. How does this inform and motivate your evangelism?

What is the difference in having faith in God and believing in God?

What is something God loves that you could love more?

How often do you think of yourself as righteous? Not waiting until you get to heaven but right now…righteous!

Does the Bible feel more like a puzzle or a picture to you?

We Are the Church of the Living God

1 Timothy 3:15

Matthew 16:12-19

The true church recognizes that “ Jesus is the son of God”.

Colossians 1:15-16

I Timothy 5:14-15

Ezekiel 43:7

2 Chronicles 7:15-16

Jesus Christ promised to build his church

Matthew 16: 18-19

This is the foundation, the pillar of the church

The foundation of the church is believing that Jesus Christ is what the bible tells us he is.

1 Timothy 3:16

Matthew 27:51

“The veil kept people off from drawing near to the most holy place in the temple. But the rending of it signified that Christ by his death opened a way to God, He died, to bring us to God, and, in order thereunto, to rend that veil of guilt and wrath which interposed between us and him, to take away the cherubim and flaming sword, and to open the way to the tree of life. We have free access through Christ to the throne of grace, or mercy-seat, now, and to the throne of glory hereafter. “

(Commentary by Matthew Henry)

In Christ, Jewish people and gentiles became ONE, and that union is called the church of the Living God.

Ephesians 2: 19-22

Jeremiah 33:3

These statements are clear:

The church is not a building. It is a congregation of people bonding together by the grace of God.

It is called the church of the Living God, and he promised his presence whenever or wherever people meet in his name.

He is the column and pillar of the truth.

Psalm 139: 13-16

Romans 1:20

1 Peter 2:9

Romans 10:9-12

1 Corinthians 2:7-8

Jeremiah 3:15 New International Version (NIV)

1 Peter 2:9

The believers or the true church of the living God today will be the ones standing before the throne of the Lamb

Revelation 7:9

Why wasn’t punishment enough? v. 1

Pilate does three things to distance himself from this decision...

sends him to Herod so maybe he would take responsibility

attempts to release him according to Jewish custom

has him beaten

Was he really innocent? v. 4

Responses of people who encountered Jesus...

Judas said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

Pilate’s wife said, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

Pilate said, “I find no guilt in him.”

"Neither did Herod for he sent him back to us.”

The thief on the cross, “This man has done nothing wrong.”

The Roman centurion said, “Surely this man was innocent!”

Soldiers said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

-Hebrews 4:15-16

What do you see? v. 5-7

-Isaiah 53:4-6

Where is Jesus from? v. 9

-Psalm 25:7

This means...

God has the capacity to forget your past

God remembers you as someone He loves

Your life is for the purpose of God’s goodness- this means that people are to watch you live and think, “Is God good or what!?!”

Can God be sovereign and people still morally responsible for their behavior? v. 10-12

“If God’s sovereignty capsizes all human responsibility, then it is hard to see why the mission of the Son should be undertaken at all, since in that case there are no sins for the Lamb of God to take away.” -D.A. Carson

“Sometimes we need to plunge our minds into the ocean of God’s sovereignty. We need to feel the weight of it, like deep and heavy water pressing in against every pore, the deeper we go. A billion rivers of providence pour into this ocean. And God himself gathers up all his countless deeds—from eternity to eternity—and pours them into the currents of his infallible revelation. He speaks, and explains, and promises, and makes his awesome, sovereign providence the place we feel most reverent, most secure, most free. Sometimes we need to be reminded by God himself that there are no limits to his rule. We need to hear from him that he is sovereign over the whole world, and everything that happens in it. We need his own reminder that he is never helpless, never frustrated, never at a loss. We need his assurance that he reigns over ISIS, terrorism, Syria, Russia, China, India, Nigeria, France, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia and the United States of America—every nation, every people, every language, every tribe, every chief, president, king, premier, prime minister, politician, great or small.” -John Piper

If Jesus is really innocent then why does he allow himself to be judged? v. 13-16

Food for thought…

Was Jesus punished enough for you to stop punishing yourself?

Do you feel confident when you draw close to God?

Have you ever pondered what it means for you and your children if everything the Bible says about Jesus is actually true?

When you look around at our world do you feel as if God is in control, sovereign and working all of this towards a greater good?

Why doesn’t the experience of being forgiven stop people from being judgmental?

John 18:33-40

King, v. 33-35

-John 1:48-49

-John 6:15

Kings were known for three things...

power

wealth

control

Kingdom, v. 36-37

“The Gospel is a spiritual reality about a spiritual reality… the availability of life under the rule of the heavens.” -Dallas Willard

-Matthew 4:17

-Luke 19:11-27

“Consumer Christianity is now normative. The consumer Christian is one who utilizes the grace of God for forgiveness and the services of the church for special occasions, but does not give his or her life and innermost thoughts, feelings, and intentions over to the kingdom of the heavens. Such Christians are not inwardly transformed and not committed to it.”

-Dallas Willard

There are two gross errors in modern theology regarding the biblical concept of the kingdom of God:

1) over-realized eschatology- we have realized the fullness of the Kingdom of God now.

2) under-realized eschatology- the Kingdom of God is totally futuristic- in no sense does it exist already.

3) biblically balanced eschatology- the Kingdom of God is both already and not yet

Truth, v. 37-40

Core beliefs of the modern mind…

a) Nothing exists

b) Even if something exists, nothing can be known about it

c) Even if something can be known about it, knowledge about it can’t be communicated to others.

d) Even if it can be communicated, it cannot be understood.

-Gorgias, 483-375 B.C. Greek philosopher, nihilist

A) Relativism

The claim: “Absolute truth does not exist.”

Why it’s self-refuting: The claim “absolute truth does not exist” is either absolutely true or it’s not. But, of course, it can’t be absolutely true, since that would create a contradiction: we would have proven the existence of an absolute truth, the claim itself. Since it cannot be absolutely true, we must concede that there are some cases in which the proposition “absolute truth does not exist” must be false… in which case, we’re back to affirming the existence of absolute truth.

What we can know: Absolute truth exists. Put another way, the claim “absolute truth exists” is absolutely true.

B) Skepticism

The claim: “We can’t know anything for certain.”

Why it’s self-refuting: Take the most mild-seeming statement: “I don’t know if we can know anything for certain.” What you’re really saying is that, “I know that my knowledge on whether anything can be known for certain is inconclusive.” So you’re still affirming something: that you know your knowledge to be inconclusive.

What we can know: Absolute truth exists, and is knowable.

C) Scientific Materialism

The claim: “All truth is empirically or scientifically testable.”

Why it’s self-refuting: We say, “We cannot know if anything is true outside of the natural sciences”? What you are really saying is, “I know that my knowledge on the truth of things outside of the natural sciences is inconclusive.” But the natural sciences can never establish your ignorance of truths outside the natural sciences. So to make this claim, you need to affirm as certain a truth that you could not have derived from the natural sciences.

What we can know: There exists absolute and knowable truth, outside of the realm of the natural sciences, and not subject to empirical and scientific testing.

Questions for consideration…

Who or what do you submit to?

Where do you want to be somebody?

What is happening when you think, “That is what life in the Kingdom of God must be like?

What question is your faith, lack of faith or abse

A sermon from our Romania Missionary, Ovidiu Petric.

We hosted Jason Gray in our services. We recommend your support Jason by purchasing his music at jasongraymusic.com

John 18:1-32

The proper use of power, v. 1-11

If you find it hard to trust God does that mean God needs to prove Himself more to you or you need to get to know more about the character of God such that trust is the natural response to what you know to be true?

a) the proper use of power is stewardship

b) power is often demonstrated in what you don’t do

-Matthew 26:52-54

God comes to us in ways that are familiar, v. 12-18

-John 19:6

God knows everything, v. 15-27

Here is why this is important…

a)we relate to God on the basis of our knowledge of Him.

b) there is always room for growth because God is infinite

c) my life can change

Religion blinds us to the big picture, v. 28-32

-Matthew 23:23-28

Brain candy…

Today we read about Peter who denied being a follower of Jesus. Ever find yourself in situations where you could have done more to identity as a Christian but didn't? What was the emotional aftermath like for you?

What, if anything, would have to immediately change in you if you embraced the truth that God knows everything?

How do you use your personal power?

If religion gives us a sense of control then what does Christianity do?

Are you more focussed on the outside, what people think, or the inside, who you really are?

2 Corinthians 5:21

On the cross perfection took on imperfection.
In Jesus we experience capacity.
By faith we become what we could never be on our own.

John 17:6-21

Jesus plays the long game, v. 6

-Luke 22:31-34

Jesus prays for his followers, v. 11-16

a) be kept, v. 11-12

-Psalm 125:1-5

-Psalm 91:1-6

b) know divine joy, v. 13

“The joy of Jesus is the joy that arises from the sense of a finished work. It is creative joy, like the joy of the artist. It produces a sense of unexhausted power for fresh creation.” -R.H. Strachan

c) be protected, v. 14-16

d) be sanctified, v. 17-19

Questions for reflection…

What is producing joy in you these days?

Which of these best represents the way you have related to God: cross or Kingdom?

What typically motivates you to repent?

What will you pray as a result of what you heard this morning?

John 17:1-5
The Glory Prayer of Jesus, Part 2

Election
Eternal Life, v. 3

a) eternal- means without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be.

b) life (zoe)- life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.

Two things happen when we fail to understand what Bible means by “eternal life”…
Heaven loses it’s glory
and right now is drained of its possibilities

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made though him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
-John 1:1-4

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” -John 10:10

a) only in God is this life available
b) we cannot know God in any way we choose

Doctrine of man…

1) purpose
2) problem
3) person

Example, v. 4
Exchange, v. 5

a) Jesus’ first coming- redemption…in secret, in grace and with the offer of salvation
b) Jesus’ second coming- judgement…in public, in judgment, no salvation available.

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in[b] blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
-Revelation 19:11-16

Questions for reflection…

How often do you feel there is something more, bigger and better in life and you are missing out on it?
Is there anything that God has given you to do that you have yet to finish?
What did you hear today that you will still be thinking about on Tuesday?
What is one prayer you will pray as a result of what you heard today?

John 17:1-5

Election

A. Definition

“Election is an act of God before creation in which he chooses some people to be saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of his sovereign good pleasure.” -Wayne Grudem

B. Biblical examples

“And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” -Acts 13:48

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
- Romans 8:28-30

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”
-Ephesians 1:3-6

C. Mental orientation

How should we think about the doctrine of election?

a) As a reminder of God’s relentless commitment to His people

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
-Romans 8:31-39

b) As a comfort in evangelism

“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”
-Acts 18:9-11

c) As a foundation for formative worship

d) As a deterrent to pride

1 John 2:15-17

What do you love?

-Jn. 3:16

-Mt. 6:24

If you love the world…

You are not saved, no born again
-2 Tim. 3:1-5

What can world lovers do?
Pour over the Word of God
-1 Pt. 1:23
Cry out to Jesus to open your eyes
-Mt. 11:27
Plead he takes out of you a stone heart
-Eze. 36:26
Forsake sins and don’t give up until saved
-Jer. 29:13

You are reborn, but your love has grown cold
-Mt. 12:20

“There is the lust of the gutter and the lust of the gourmet. There is the lust for hard rock and the lust for high Rachmaninoff. There is the lust of Penthouse and the lust of Picasso.” -John Piper

-1 Cor. 4:7
-Deut. 8:18

Follow the Signs

What should I desire?

Am I a world lover?

“One way we can begin to do that is by asking ourselves, “What are the novels I’m reading?” “What are the movies I’m watching?” “What are the things that preoccupy me?” “What are the things that I talk about?” “Am I proud of my favorite professional, college, or high school team and willing to talk about and defend that team, and yet am ashamed of the gospel of Christ?” Something is fundamentally wrong if we won’t talk to people about Jesus with any kind of passion and enthusiasm like we talk about a sports team or a movie or a TV program. Those things can become idolatrous. The passions we invest in other things should be directed to Jesus.” -Randy Alcorn

Respond

-Think of a “sign” you regularly encounter

-Repent of your neglect of God

-Beg Him for a softer heart

The What, Why, and How of Worship

Definition of Worship:
“To be fully captivated such that every effort is for God in order to serve God.”

Every Effort includes:
a. Groaning - Psalm 13
b. Confession - Psalm 51
c. Desire for God - Psalm 63
Why Worship
Generational Knowledge - Joshua 22:25-27
Obedience equals deliverance - 2 Kings 17:35-39
How to Worship
-1 Chronicles 16:12-26
a. Recognizing His wonders - v 12 & 26
b. Recalling His promises - v 15-18
c. Making known His salvation - v 23 & 24

Suggestions on How to Worship
a. Names of God
b. Adoration
c. Sing
d. Count your blessings
e. Pray
f. Giving

Romans 12:1-2

Questions
What is your worship preparation?
What are you doing with the spiritual light and awareness God has given you?

Galatians 4:4-7

Paul believed he was an adopted son of God, and that changed everything, v. 4-5
Paul believed he had full and complete access to God, v. 6
Paul no longer identified with his past, v. 7

John 16:25-33

There is a hiddenness to God, v. 25

This is seen in three areas: teaching, healing and identity

a) His teaching
-Matthew 13:10-13
-Matthew 13:34-35

b) His healing
-Mark 5:41-43

c) His identity
- Matthew 16: 13-20

God is accessible, v. 26-27

Two consequences of not believing this truth:
1) Never know how much God loves you
2) Never experience the priesthood of all Believers

a) Priesthood of the Believer leads to a highly individualistic, lonely, isolated, private seeker of truth who practices subjective willingness and makes their mind up in isolation. In this model, every man’s hat is his church.

“The common error that the phrase ‘priesthood of believers’ is synonymous with ‘private judgment’ is most unfortunate and is certainly a misrepresentation. … Of course, the reformers emphasized ‘private judgment,’ but it was always ‘informed’ judgment, and it was always controlled, checked, and corroborated by the testimony of the congregation. Indeed, Calvin himself fully realized that uncontrolled private judgment means subjectivism, eccentricity, anarchy, and chaos.” -Cyril Eastwood

b) Priesthood of all Believers leads to a band of faithful believers united in a common confession as a local, visible church body. This captures the Christian’s freedom to stand in a direct relationship to God without a human mediator as well as the Christian’s evangelical responsibility to come before God on behalf of other Believers and the world. The universal priesthood is not about religious individualism but its exact opposite, the reality of the congregation as a community.

“All believers … should seek to bring others into the church, and should strive to lead the wanderers back to the road, should stretch forth a hand to the fallen and should win over the outsiders.” -John Calvin

1 Peter 2:9-10
Suffering is part of believing, v. 29-33

For mental consideration…

Would you say your life choices reflect a desire for relief or the Truth?
Who is your “Peter, James and John?”
How are you exercising your priesthood these days?
Is it possible for you to think of suffering as formative? Said differently, as preparation instead of punishment?
Do you find it hard to reconcile Christians suffering and God winning?

John 16:16-24

Waiting is a part of the human experience
-John 7:33; 13:33

Two questions to ask ourselves while we are waiting…
a) What is God doing in me?
b) What is God doing through me?

Jesus knew what was coming
-John 10:17-18
The disciples did not
Because of this we will experience the full range of human emotions

Here are some good questions to ask yourself…
What do you fear is happening?
What do you fear is going to happen?
What do you fear is never going to happen?

Brain candy…
Is there anything in your life to which God is saying “in a little while?"
If you realized that God already knows the questions you want to ask, what would that free you up to ask God?
Do you understand what God believes about humanity?
What does your life feel like these days?

Rosaria Butterfield at Grand Parkway Baptist Church, June 14, 2019

Rosaria Butterfield at Grand Parkway Baptist Church, June 15, 2019

Isaiah 41:1-10
1. The importance of Silence v. 1
2. Comfort in Victory v. 2-3
-Ephesians 5:25-33
3. God’s Reputation v3-4
-Psalm 19:9-14
4. God is crazy about you v. 8
5.The importance of the reminder v. 9
6. The command with a promise v. 10

John 16:5-15

God places great value on the human body
-1 Corinthians 6:13-20
The Holy Spirit is at work in the world

Specifically to convict the world of three things:

1) SIN- “concerning sin, because they do not believe in me”
-John 3:18
-John 8:24

2) RIGHTEOUSNESS- “because I go to the Father”
- Galatians 2:21

3) JUDGMENT- “because the ruler of this world has judged.”

a. It is important that we think rightly about God, v. 29
b. God is patient, v. 30
c. Everyone from everywhere is commanded to repent, v. 30
d. Judgement day has been fixed by God, v. 31
e. We will all be judged by a righteous standard (Jesus), v. 31
f. The resurrection gives us assurance as to the reality of judgement, v. 31

Hebrews 10:19-39

John 15:18-16:4

Being chosen changes everything, v. 18-21
-World refers to the whole mass of humanity alienated from God, and therefore, hostile to the cause of Christ.
Opposition is the outworking of guilt, v. 22-25

Two things we need to see here:
1) The words and works of Jesus establish a standard of universal guilt for all of humanity.
2) This is also the origin of objective truth for Christians.

We need both the internal & external witness, v. 26-27
a) internal witness- Holy Spirit
b) external witness- Christians
-To bear witness simply means “to affirm that one has seen, heard or experienced something.”
Jesus has a goal, v. 16:1-4
-1 John 2:19

Five theses on eternal security:

a. We are justified by grace alone through faith alone apart from any works.
-Ephesians 2:8-9
-Romans 3:28

b. Those who are justified will certainly be glorified. -Romans 8:30

c. No one will be glorified/finally saved who does not continue in faith.
- I Corinthians 15:1-2
- Colossians 1:21-23

d. God Himself will keep His children from finally falling away.
-Philippians 1:6
-1 Corinthians 1:8-9

e. God keeps His children by means of His children.
-Hebrews 3:13-14
-James 5:19-20

Food for thought…
When the world hates you do you feel affirmed or defeated? Why?
What effects of guilt do you see at work in the world today?
How does understanding the internal witness of the Holy Spirit inform your witness?
Do you know anybody who is drifting away that God is calling you to speak to in love?
What do you think was God’s goal for you hearing this message today?

Joshua 4:1-24

We need something to come back to, v. 1-7
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
God must lead and we must follow, v.8-9
Joshua 3:1-4
To be a person of authority you must be under authority, v. 10-14
It won’t always be what it once was, v. 19
Numbers 14:34
God always acts with a purpose, v. 20-24

Questions for reflection…

In what context are you most likely to forget God: hardship or prosperity?
Can you tell when God is leading you?
Who or what authority do you submit to?
What would people come to believe about God from watching your life?
How do you demonstrate reverence for God?

John 15:1-11

The nature of the Father’s work, v. 1-2

A vinedresser is an agriculturalist involved in the daily pruning and cultivation of grapevines. As with any agricultural professional, vinedressers work nearly year-round to help ensure the vineyard has a successful crop. Pruning is one of the preeminent tasks of a vinedresser. These pruning techniques take into consideration the shape and consistency of the vine. Pruning is an essential task as it removes dead, diseased or stunted fruits to make room for new growth, ultimately leading to a healthy and productive vine. The pruning process begins very shortly after planting, usually within a few weeks. Keeping pests away from burgeoning vines is vital to maintaining the vineyard and ultimately the wine production. Vinedressers must also closely monitor vineyards to ensure each is receiving the correct amount of water and irrigation during the growing season. Failure by the vinedresser to provide adequate water to vines could lead to sunburn, immature vines and pest problems.

That austerity is not the norm, v. 3

-John 13:10

Union makes it all possible, v. 4-10

Union means learning to believe and enjoy God’s relentless commitment to you, His holy capacity towards you and His sheer delight in you.

Matthew 11:28-30

“There is no joy in this world like union with Christ. The more we can feel it, the happier we are.” -Charles Spurgeon

“Nothing cuts the nerve of the desire to pursue holiness as much as a sense of guilt. On the contrary, nothing so motivates us to deal with sin in our lives as does the understanding and application of the two truths that our sins are forgiven and the dominion of sin is broken because of our union with Christ.” -Jerry Bridges

That joy is the goal, v. 11
Hebrews 12:1-2
James 1:2-4
Matthew 13:44

Questions for digestive thinking...

How does understanding what God does (the vinedresser) inform what you do?

What stirs in you when you think of yourself as completely clean before God?

What has joy caused you to do lately that you normally wouldn’t do?

What are you guilty of not enjoying enough?

If you were having lunch with Jesus after this service what part of the sermon do you think he would want to discuss with you?

John 14:15-31

The standard is established, v. 15-17

you love me…you keep my commandments…you receive the Holy Spirit

-Romans 8:1-9

The plan is revealed, v. 18-21
The distinction is established, v. 22-24
The function is revealed, v. 25-26

Primary function of the Holy Spirit is two-fold:

a) teach

b) remind

The peace is given, v. 27-31

Questions for reflection…

How often do you think about God living inside of you?
If you could ask Jesus to explain any one thing going on in your life right now what would it be?
Are you experiencing this peace that Jesus talks about?
How does the world know that you love God?

Righteous Influence

Paraphrase of Jonathan Edwards:

The spirit that is at work in a people is plainly observed so as to convince others that Christ is the son of God, died to save sinners, we are in great need of Him, and our affections for Him and God increases.

-Genesis 4:2-5

True righteousness - aligns with God in our worship, in our life, and in our influence.

-Colossians 4:7-8

-John 12:9-11

God uses everyone for influence and its the “little known” to the “no named” that He most often uses to be influential.

-1 Corinthians 15:58

4 characteristics of righteous influence

Willingness to give everything
Little regard for self, but utmost for God
Speaks and Acts Differently
Consistency

mentor@grandparkway.org

“Through the leading and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Christian is involved in a daily life and habit that cannot be explained.” A.W. Tozer

3 questions to consider:

What influence is your life having?

Who are you influencing the most?

What informs your influence? (world, peer pressure, self, or God)

John 13:36-14:14

A promise, v. 36-38

-Psalm 103:9-14

He promises that He is with us in our darkest times. Psalm 23:4

He promises to give us wisdom if we ask. James 1:5

He promises that in all things He is at work. Romans 8:28

He promises to provide a way out of temptation. I Corinthians 10:13

He promises that as Christians we are forgiven forever. Hebrews 10:8-14

He promises that our salvation is secure, no matter what. John 10:28-29

He promises that He is not put off by our weaknesses. 2 Cor. 12:8-10

He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5

He promises that this was His idea. Philippians 1:6

He promises to come back. John 14:3

Important to remember this…

God makes two types of promises:

1) unconditional promises – this is a promise void of conditions. Nothing has to happen for this to be true, it depends on nothing but the nature of the person making the promise.

2) conditional promises –this promise is subject to certain qualifications or requirements.

A peace, v. 1

This peace is the by-product of believing in two people who are one...

believe in God- this is a statement about God

believe also in me- this is a statement about you.

Four things we are saying about ourselves when we say we believe in Jesus…

1) I am sinful and separated from God- Jesus is necessary

2) I am incapable of making myself right with God- Jesus is needed

3) I am in need of Someone to solve this problem- Jesus is sufficient

4) I am loved by God- Jesus is the demonstration of the Father’s love

A place, v. 2-3

Steps in a Jewish Wedding

1) Marriage covenant- the Father pays for the bride and establishes the marriage covenant

2) Bridal chamber prepared- the son returns to his father’s house and prepares the bridal chamber

3) Bride is fetched- at a time determined by the father, the groom fetches the bride to bring her to his father’s house. Although the bride is expecting the groom to come to her, she does not know the time of his arrival. Because of this his arrival is preceded by a shout, which warns the bride to be prepared for his coming.

4) Bride is cleansed- the bride undergoes ritual cleansing prior to the wedding ceremony.

5) Wedding ceremony- private wedding ceremony

6) Consummation- in the privacy of the bridal chamber the bride and groom consummate the marriage

7) Marriage Feast- celebratory marriage feast to which many are invited.

A person, v. 4-11

a) the way-

b) the truth- “…assuming that yo have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus…” - Ephesians 4:21

c) the life-

-John 1:1-5

The word “zoe" refers to life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.

A possibility, v. 12-14

Questions for reflection…

Which one of these fuels the way you relate to God? The promises you make or the promises He has made?

Today we heard how God deals compassionately with us because “He knows our frame.” Do you “know the frame” of those you have authority over and how does this affect the way you deal with them?

Do you believe there is a place for you in heaven?

Should the reality of heaven influ

John 20:1-10

See this...

Jesus died

Two things you should know about sin:

a) sin is consistent

b) sin is consequential

Believe this…

God has a plan for the renewal of all things

-Matthew 19:28

All of your sin was paid for on the cross

-Romans 4:25

“In the death of Jesus we see justification accomplished and in the resurrection of Jesus we see justification accepted.” -Robert Wauphop

There is life after death

-I Corinthians 15:12-24

-Matthew 27:51-53

You can experience this for yourself

Believe in- “existence of”

Believe on- “faith in”

a) Jesus is the Christ- a question of integrity

b) the son of God- a question of authority

c) and that by believing you may have life in his name- a question of opportunity

Luke 19:28-48

Jesus is misunderstood, v. 28-40

a) When you relate to God based on your expectation you create a standard by which God is now evaluated
b) We tend to evaluate God based on what is best for us
c) Jesus knows and controls what is happening
-Luke 18:31-34
-Exodus 12:1-6
i..the day Jesus enters Jerusalem is lamb selection day
ii. the animal had to be without blemish or defect
iii. they had to keep the animal for five days to inspect it
iv. Jesus will be crucified as the Passover lambs are being sacrificed

Jesus is sad, v. 41-44
Jesus is angry, v. 45-48

The Sanctifying Power of Sexual Morality

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

I. Explanation of the text

II. Commands within the text

that you abstain from sexual immorality

that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor

that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter

III. Consequences for not holding to these commands

Immorality shrinks our pleasures, v. 1

"Sin acts as a powerful astringent upon the soul to shrink it down to the size of the individual." -Jonathan Edwards

Immorality misrepresents Christianity, v. 4-5
Immorality requires God to be the avenger, v. 6
Immorality violates the environment of your calling, v. 7
Immorality disregards God, v. 8

IV. The Context of Morality

The will of God, v. 3 & 8
Your sanctification, v. 3

Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and more like Christ in our actual lives. -Wayne Grudem

Questions for reflection:

How often do you think about holiness?

What stirs in you when you hear of God as “an avenger?”

If you took away the need to be constantly forgiven, what would you enjoy most about God? What would draw you to Him?

What will you most want to discuss as a result of this morning?

Sanctification is a work of God and man. In what ways are you cooperating with God in your sanctification?

John 12:1-11

Lazarus- What does Jesus knows about you?

Here are some characteristics of a Lazarus...
Can’t tell you how to get it because he just experienced it
His/her life is a threat to the religious subculture, v. 9-11
Forgot the score
Has a deep faith that they often cannot explain in ways that makes sense
People appreciate this person from a distance but seldom let them get close
It’s all going to be alright in the end
Lingers long at dinner

Martha- What does Jesus need from you?

Here are some characteristics of a Martha...
Has one tool, one response and one way of doing things
Typically feels under-appreciated
Busy but rarely joyful
Obsesses over possible outcomes
Cannot score enough points to feel secure enough to sit down on the inside
Can give lip service to the idea of change but rarely changes
Service is like an armor which protects them from the vulnerability of being known
Cleans up after dinner

Mary- What does Jesus want from you?

“After a certain amount of immersion in public life, I begin to burn out. And I have noticed that I burn out inwardly long before I do outwardly. Hence, I must be careful not to become a fanatic bundle of hollow energy, busy among people but devoid of life. I must learn when to retreat, like Jesus, and experience the recreating power of God. We are told that Peter tarried in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. And along our journey we need to discover numerous tarrying places where we can receive heavenly manna.”
-Richard Foster, The Freedom of Simplicity

Here are some characteristics of a Mary…
Lives with a sense of devotion to who God is and what He is doing
Doesn’t just look to understand but be involved
Engages in behaviors that do not make sense in the moment but makes a big difference in hindsight
They are often misunderstood, seen as different and live with a low grade sense of loneliness and aloneness
Something about this person that people want to be around
Slow, often seen as a lack of planning skills but in reality this person is not done with the moment when everyone else is done
Doesn’t even know there is a game going on much less the score
Leaves the dinner without anybody noticing

Judas- What do you want from Jesus?

Here are some characteristics of a Judas...
Has a set of expectations which are to be met and if not then he has another plan.
Keeps the score
Faith is in himself and his plan
Can be a pathological liar who simply sees lying as a means to an end
Motivated by personal gain, “what’s in it for me?”
Evaluates everything but rarely really experiences anything
Life is transactional and never relational
Pitches a fit over how much the dinner costs

Questions for reflection…

What do you do to relax in God’s presence?
Is there anything that you wish you could quit doing but have yet to figure out how?
Where are your tarrying places?
What are some of the bigger agendas in your life these days and how many of them are necessary?
If you wrote down a one sentence summary of what you take away from this morning, what would that sentence be?

Daniel 4

What are the two options we have when we encounter God’s majesty?
1. Prideful Path
A. Prosperity (Daniel 4:4)
B. Poor Counsel (Daniel 4:5-8)
C. Passing Time (Daniel 4:24-27, 29-30)

Humble Path (Daniel 4:34-37)

John 11:45-57

Jesus is inescapable, v. 45-48
Political solutions without spiritual renewal never changes a nation, v. 49-50

In the 2018 election cycle alone…

Democratic party- $954,729,181

Republican party- $993,963,461

Democratic national Committee- $176,782,851

Republican national Committee- $324,836,805

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee- $296,422,428

Republican Congressional Campaign Committee- $205,755,914

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee- $148,698,958

National Republican Senatorial Committee- $151,570,520

In the big picture, God uses little people, v. 49-53
The Cross is God’s will not man’s, v. 54

-Acts 4:23-31

Jesus is enough, v. 55-57

-Romans 9:16

Questions for discussion…

In what ways is Jesus threatening you these days and what is He threatening?

If you had control over all the money we spend on politics how would you spend it?

Who is God using to teach you things about yourself these days?

How would your life change if you believed that God was in charge of the times and the timing of your life?

How do you see God coming to you in the normalcy of your life?

John 11:1-44

Observations for the text:

Jesus’ lack of action was anything but a lack of love.

The more we pray, listen, observe and are obedient, the less we will miss it.

In the middle of something, all we see is that "Something", not comprehending

What God Does

Heals
Does not heal
Raises from the dead

Why God Does It

Because He loves
To communicate
He cares
To show His glory

John 10:22-42

“At its briefest, the gospel is a discourse about Christ, that he is the Son of God and became man for us, that he died and was raised, and that he has been established as Lord over all things.”

Martin Luther

“Here’s the gospel in a phrase. Because Christ died for us, those who trust in him may know that their guilt has been pardoned once and for all. What will we have to say before the bar of God’s judgment? Only one thing. Christ died in my place. That’s the gospel.”

Alister Begg

“but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

John 20:31

I. The Confrontation vv 24-30

He is the Son of God John 5:17-18
God has sent Him John 7:28-29
He is God John 8:19, 58

“John says in the first chapter: we beheld His glory, and it was the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. He was he very essence of God, the writers of the epistles picked this up. The writer of Hebrews says He’s the exact representation of God, the express image of God. The apostle Paul says all the fullness of deity dwells in Him. John says if you deny His deity and His humanity, you’re cursed. This is Christianity. He is introduced by Matthew, as Emmanuel, God with us. He’s introduced by Mark as God the Son. He’s introduced by Luke as the Holy One who is born as a child. This is the heart of the Christian gospel. He is not a noble teacher only. He is not a religious leader only. He is not a highly moral man. He’s not someone with unusual wisdom alone, although all of those things are true. He is God, and anything less than that is blasphemy against Him, against Him.”

John MacArthur
Philippians 2:12-13

II. The Response V31

By not denying to be God, Jesus is telling the Jews that He is God.
Jesus meets an angry rock-holding crowd with the intent of stoning Him, right where they are
Jesus loves second chances

Mark 14:22-25

a) rescue from Egypt

b) freedom from slavery

c) redemption by God’s divine power

d) renewed relationship with God

Provision, v. 22-23
Promise, v. 24-25

John 10:1-21

How did God design this relationship to be?, v. 3-6

-Psalm 32:8-9

Do you recognize God’s voice?

The primary way that God speaks to us is by his Son, through His Spirit in the Bible.

-Hebrews 1:1-2

-Hebrews 3:7-9

a) Does this line up with the clear teaching of the Bible?

b) Does this in any way grieve the Holy Spirit?

c) Is this in keeping with the character and nature of Jesus?

What experiences characterize the Christianity? v. 9

Mainly three:

a) saved

b) freedom

c) provision

-Psalm 23:1-3

Who is the thief?, v. 10
Would you fear death if you knew you would live again? v. 17-18

John 10:1-21

Is Jesus really the only way to God? v. 1-2, 7-9

Religious pluralism refers to the belief in two or more religions as being equally valid or acceptable. More than mere tolerance, religious pluralism accepts multiple paths to God or gods as a possibility.

Three things religious pluralism says…

1) “If we live a good life then we get to the afterlife. Isn’t this what all religions teach?”

2) “Aren’t all religions the same and basically teach the same thing?”

3) “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.”

-Acts 17:30-31

“The commercialized mindset moves away from personal conviction toward pragmatic effectiveness. It feels that if the consumer is unhappy with the presentation, there must be something wrong with it. When this feeling becomes overriding, it circles around and redefines the “truth” being presented so that the presentation can be made enjoyable. If the claim that Jesus is the only way of salvation offends people, the commercialized mindset will either not talk about it or stop believing it.”

“The psychologized mindset defines love as whatever the other person feels is loving. The effect is the same as with the commercialized mindset. If a person or group finds your summons to believe on Jesus for salvation to be arrogant instead of humble and loving, then, if you have the psychologized mindset, you will feel guilty and apologetic. It must be your fault. If this mindset becomes overriding, it too will circle around and change not only the presentation, but, if necessary, the thing presented, so that the other person will not feel unloved.”

“In this way, the unhappy consumer and the offended listener take on a power that once belonged only to the Bible. There is an epidemic fear of man behind these two mindsets. In the name of marketing savvy or sensitive communication, cowardice capitulates to the world, and we surrender the offensive truth of Christ’s uniqueness and supremacy.”

-John Piper, Jesus, the Only Way to God: Must You Hear The Gospel to be Saved?

*** There are few things you can believe in this pluralistic world that can be more consequential than the Biblical truth that Jesus is the only way to God. And yet, this is exactly what Scripture teaches us to believe. Not as a statement of hate but as one of hope.

Romans 12:9-21

To be a blessing is to apply biblical doctrine to my actual lived out life.

Love authentically, v. 9
Live in the Big Picture, v. 10-11

Love one another with brotherly affection.

Outdo one another in showing honor.

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Keep doing old things, v. 12-13
Practice harmony, v. 14-16

“The Church owes Paul to the prayer of Stephen.”

-Augustine

Think and do, v. 17-21

Questions for reflection…

What should you be hating right now but aren’t?
When are you around others who live a different note than you and what are you like in those environments?
How much of what you do is an accurate reflection of what you really think?
Of all you heard today, what will you still be thinking about on Thursday?

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Missions is more than action, it is identity

-You have a ministry and have been given a message

-Salvation has a cost

Your Identity is an Ambassador

Definition: a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign

-The message is not our own.

The Message is the Gospel

What is the Gospel?

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

-According to the Scriptures

-Sharing the Gospel is not a negotiation

Find your mission

Ephesians 2:11-22

a) similarity- we are alike

b) affinity- we like each other and the same things

c) community- we like what God does when we are together

Jesus is necessary to Gospel community, v. 13-16

a. separated from Christ

b. alienated from the commonwealth of Israel

c. strangers to the covenants of promise

d. having no hope

e. without God in the world

Gospel community is deep and wide, v. 17-18

a. fellow citizens

b. saints

c. members of the household of God

d. apostles

e. prophets

f. Christ Jesus

Together we become, v. 19-21
God builds community so he can inhabit community, v. 22

-Psalm 133

Rom. 3:9-20

What we see in this section are eight things…

a) the capacity to be good enough doesn’t exist

b) no one understands

c) no one seeks God

d) all have turned aside

e) together they have become worthless

f) there is no fear of God before their eyes

g) the Bible builds a irrefutable case against humanity

h) the whole world is accountable to God

Romans 3:21-25

God is a god of relationship, v. 21

Notice two things:

a) God didn’t wait for us to come looking for it, he “manifested” it, put it on display for the world to see.

b) the entire Old Testament, the “law and Prophets” tells us about it

What Jesus accomplished is enough for anyone, v. 22

a) life-perfect

b) death- sufficient

c) resurrection- confirming

God’s goodness exceeds your badness, v. 23

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and (all) are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood…”

“redemption”- means the freedom that comes from the payment of a ransom.

“propitiation”- means that God is not mad at you because of your sins

You can experience this for yourself, v. 25

a) acknowledge- means you not just agree with but understand the consequences of these truths for your life.

b) acceptance- means you accept what Christ has done on your behalf.

c) actuality -means the truths of the Gospel are actually being experienced and displayed in your life.

Come in - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Three words…

a) washed- Because the sinner is unclean, polluted as it were by the filth of his sins. Whoever obtains remission of sins has his sins put, so to speak, out of God's sight — is cleansed from them in the sight of God. They are washed, they are clean.

b) sanctified- to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify by expiation, to free from the guilt of sin. Expiation means the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing; atonement.

c) justified- to make a person righteous, such as they are and wish themselves to be considered.

Dig in- Psalm 34:8

Two words:

a) involve

b) immerse

Buy in- Malachi 3:6-12

One reality: origin & ownership

2 Corinthians 11:1-6

Thoughts

a) intellectual knowledge- informs and influences your thoughts

b) moral knowledge- informs and influences your actual living

Simple

-2 Corinthians 1:12

Pure
Christ

-John 1:1-18

-Colossians 1:15-20

-1 Timothy 2:5-6

-Acts 4:11-12

-Isaiah 53:1-7

-Philippians 2:1-11

1 John 3:1-10

This love is transforming, v. 1b-3

“In the world it is call Tolerance, but in hell it is called Despair…the sin that believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing, and remains alive because there is nothing for which it will die.”

-Dorothy Sayers

a) “we are God’s children”-

b) “what we will be has not yet appeared”

c) “we shall be like Him”-

This love destroys, v. 4-9
This love clarifies, v. 10

-Amos 5:21-27

Questions for reflection…

What has changed the most about you this year?

What do you want to understand more as a result of this morning?

Was there one thing in particular that you want to discuss with your family over lunch?

Before you leave this morning, what should you pray about?

Luke 2:8-14

“For unto you…"
“…is born…"

-Galatians 4:4-7

“To be under the Law means that the Law has jurisdiction and authority over a person to judge and condemn. If such a person breaks the Law (sins), then there is a necessary judgment and condemnation based on the Law. All law-breaking brings separation between God and the sinner and results in death. So, to be under the Law means that the person is obligated to keep that Law in all its aspects, and if he does not the Law condemns him.”

-Matt Slick

“…this day…"
“…in the city of David…"
Micah 5:2
“…a Savior…"

-Matthew 1:21

a. I can no longer find my identity in my sin because there is no identity in that which Jesus came to eradicate otherwise there would be no basis for knowing who I am and the incarnation would be nullified.

b. I can no longer pay back my enemies for their sins against me.

c. God has done something about my sin.

"…who is Christ the Lord.”

Philippians 2:12-16

Obedience, v. 12-13

Obedience is inconsistent because…

1) we still count equality with God as a thing to be grasped

2) obedience is an expression of humility

Distinction, v. 14-15

grumbling- internal

disputing- external

crooked- nature

twisted- choice

Identification, v. 16

“The Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.” -Quote agreed with by a large number of American Millenials

-Amos 8:11-13

-John 1:1, 14

2 Samuel 7:18-22

With initiation in mind, v. 18

-Genesis 1:1-3

With “house” in mind, v. 18-19

-Exodus 34:6-7

-Exodus 34:8

With knowledge, v. 20
With greatness in mind, v. 21

a) because of your promise

b) according to your own heart

Progression when it comes to the heart…

a) old heart

-Jeremiah 17:9-10

b) new heart

-Ezekiel 36:25-27

c) God’s heart

What if this is the way God designed life to be?

Can you be trusted with the greatness of God’s heart?

Matthew 27:34-40

Loving ourselves means learning not to settle

-To whom have you given the power to decide how you should be loved?

Loving ourselves moves us from duty to desire
Loving ourselves mean we move from roles to responsibility

Roles in our family system…

The Air Traffic Controller

The Accountant

The Noble Martyr

The Fixer

The Sheriff

The Enabler

The Narcissist

The Ghost

The Little Girl/Boy

The Bully

The Comedian

The Peacekeeper

The Problem Child

The Scapegoat

The Good Boy/Girl

The Helper

Loving yourself means you begin to regard yourself

Regard means “to have or show respect or concern for.”

-regard….…..resentment…..…reward behavior

Spiritual Blindness and Spiritual Sight

John 9:17-41

Characteristics of Spiritual Blindness

Stubbornness
Personal preference vs inclining towards the unknown
Desperate to be right
Dulls the senses

Characteristics of Spiritual Sight

1.Divine initiative

Recognize Christ
Results in Worship
Proclamation

How To Be Consequential

John 9:1-17

Learning to see is a choice, v. 1

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” -Helen Keller

We look for blame, God looks for opportunity, v. 2-3

“I just don’t believe the God of Christianity exists. God allows terrible suffering in the world. So he might be either all-powerful but not good enough to end evil and suffering, or else he might be all-good but not powerful enough to end evil and suffering. Either way the all-good, all-powerful God of the bible couldn’t exist.”

Framework for thinking about evil and suffering...

a. When you think about it, the existence of evil and suffering is actually evidence for the existence of God because people have a sense that what is happening is wrong and shouldn’t be happening.

b. Upon what is this sense of injustice founded? How do you know this is wrong? If there is no God then why do you know to expect better, desire it and are angry when it doesn’t happen?

c. Evil and suffering causes us to feel the limits of our humanity. We can feel how deeply we want to stop the suffering all around us but cannot because of our human limitations. Therefore, it is hard to conceive of a God who has the capacity, who is all powerful and yet he chooses not to do something about all of this.

d. God has done something but He didn’t do what we would have done if we were God. We all want to do away with evil and suffering in ways that are insufficient because they are temporary. God has chosen to deal with the problem of evil and suffering in a way that is eternal.

e. Because Jesus did come, God put himself on the hook of human suffering in the person of Jesus. Because of this, evil and suffering has a context, God is making all things new. He created the world to be governed by love and goodness and it will one day be. In the meantime, our lives can be used as single candle, added to the flame of God’s goodness that announces to a dark and suffering world that because God has come to us, there is a way out of the darkness.

There is an urgency that is born of identity, v. 4-5
Obedience leads to experience, v. 6-7
Evangelism born of explanation, v. 8-17

John 8:48-59

We are free from seeking our own glory, v. 50
-1 Peter 4:1-5
Death no longer has power over us, v. 51
-2 Corinthians 5:1-10

“We have no consciousness after you die. For us we fear death because we are born knowing only life. For me, the knowledge that I am going to die creates the focus that I bring to being alive.”
-Neil deGrasse Tyson

So what can I take away from this passage?

a) I was created to live forever
b) in this body I am going to suffer
c) its not about being set free (Greek) but about being forever (Christian)
c) for the Christian, death is the transition to Life
d) the Holy Spirit resides in us as assurance of these things
e) these truths are intended to encourage me
f) to be away from the body is to be with the Lord
g) I was created to live a life that pleases God
h) my life on this earth will matter in heaven

Jesus is the divine son of God, v. 59

What does this mean for us...

We have a God who keep this word
God has acted personally, at great cost to himself, to do something about our greatest problem.
You have a resource you can trust in the Bible.
Life change is possible.
-Acts 3:17-26

John 11:1-44

John 8:39-47

Believe God, v. 39-40

-Genesis 15:1-6

-Galatians 3:1-9

Love God, v. 41-42

Three types of love ...

a) eros- romantic love.

b) phileo- relational, brotherly love.

c) agape- to have an unconditional preference for, to take pleasure in, to prize above other things and be unwilling to abandon or do without.

Hears the Word, v. 43-47

Questions to think about...

Do you believe in God or do you believe God? What is the difference?

Which of the three types of love best describes the way you love God?

Is the way you love God changing? If so, how?

Do the words of God find a resting place in you?

Are you most often offended or convicted by the teachings of the Bible? What does that say to you about you? About the Bible?

The Ascension Detonated the Helper (verses Luke 24:50-51)

a. The Helper Comes with the Nearness of God (John 14:16-17)

b. The Helper Comes with Boldness (Luke 10:16, Luke 12:11-12, Matthew 10:10)

c. The Helper Comes with Joy (Romans 1:16)

The Ascension Detonated Radical Worship (verses Luke 24:52-53)

John 8:31-38

Abide

“In a nutshell, abiding in Christ means allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections. In other words, our relationship to Christ is intimately connected to what we do with our Bibles!” -Sinclair Ferguson

Know

“ginosko”- “to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of.”

Four things that helps us learn to know...

a) affliction-

“It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statues. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” - Psalm 119:71-72

b) suffering

“Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.”

-Hebrews 5:8

c) modeling

d) dialogue

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. “ -Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Freedom

Progression of our thoughts about freedom...

a) Old Testament- freedom was deliverance from slavery, liberation

b) classical freedom- inner freedom for the Stoics who believed in an internal detachment from the world (escapism). For Aristotle and Plato it was external, mainly having to do with political freedom and was experienced in the context of the law.

c) cultural freedom-our culture thinks of freedom in terms of a lack of norms, laws or restrictions so people are free to do whatever they want which leads to destruction personally as well as culturally.

d) New Testament- the predominant note of the New Testament is freedom in Christ from bondage to sin. Human beings by nature “love darkness” and “hate the light.” Because of this we live in a state of unreality. Throughout the Bible God is simply saying, “Freedom is what you were created for and the by-product of this biblical freedom is human flourishing as well as cultural flourishing."

“When we come into bondage to the Word of God we come into freedom, because the Word liberates us from the lustful pull of our own nature, and brings us on, via the pathway of hard obedience, into new realms of living for God. It is the Law of Liberty.”

-Alec Motyer

”True freedom is not the liberty to do anything we please, but the liberty to do what we ought; and it is genuine liberty because doing what we ought now pleases us.” -D.A. Carson

Questions for reflection…

Today we said that abiding in the word means allowing the Bible to fill your mind, direct your will and transform your affections. Of those three, which do you most need the Bible to do right now? What is the hardest thing you’ve been through in this past year and what did you learn from it? Who do you spend time with on a consistent basis that nourishes you spiritually? What would change in the way you thought about Christianity if you believed the the goal for the Christian really was freedom?

John 8:12-30

You don’t walk in darkness

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:1-5

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood fo Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” - I John 1:5-7 2. You believe all the truths about Jesus, v. 21-28 Lenses through which we look at Jesus...

a) ourselves b) our intellect c) our experiences d) our preferences e) our culture 3. You live with a sense of God’s presence, v. 29

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” -Psalm 139:7-12

You do what is pleasing to God, v. 29

“His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” -Psalm 147:10-11

“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” -I Thessalonians 4:1

Questions for reflection...

Is there any part of your life where you are walking in darkness? What do you find hard to believe about Jesus? Does the thought of God being everywhere bring you comfort or concern? How often do you think, “Is this pleasing to God?”

John 8:1-11

Jesus upholds the law, v. 1-5

This is important in three different contexts... a) historically b) situationally c) currently

“If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” -Leviticus 20:10

Jesus applies the law, v. 6-10
Jesus fulfills the law, v. 11

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show Gods’ righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” -Romans 3:21-26

Questions to consider...

Who or what is your faith in? Is the grace of God big enough for you? What behaviors accompany that belief? How does the Gospel empower me to stop sinning?

Matthew 6:9-13

Genesis 2:15 & 3:17

How you know you are making work an idol: -Your work is the primary source of your satisfaction -The goal is to make a name for yourself -Freedom in the right priorities

Working for Jesus gives you freedom to worship God through your work. Working for Jesus gives you freedom to serve others. Working for Jesus gives you freedom to trust God in your work which also allows rest from it. Working for Jesus gives you joy at work.

In order to be a witness at work, you must: -Have to be intentional -Demonstrate consistency -Pray, Read, Ready

“…in the Gospel, Jesus has secured salvation from our sin, satisfaction for our souls, and significance in our work in such a way that we are now free to worship God wholeheartedly as we work, to love others selflessly in our work, and to trust God completely with our work.” - David Platt

Singer/Songwriter Ross King led us in worship and shared his songs and stories with us.

John 7:25-36

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” -C.S. Lewis

God has had a plan all along

Three commonly held beliefs about the Messiah at that time are all listed in this chapter:

a) no one will know where he is from, v. 26

b) the messiah will perform miraculous signs, v. 31

c) He will come from Bethlehem and be of the lineage of David, v. 42

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” -Luke 2:10-11

There is a solution to your sin problem

“I am good, but not an angel. I do sin, but I am not the devil. I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love.” -Marilyn Monroe

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness.” Isaiah 59:1-3

“How, in the name of logic, common sense, and experience, could an imposter — that is a deceitful, selfish, depraved man — have invented, and consistently maintained from the beginning to end, the purest and noblest character known in history with the most perfect air of truth and reality? How could He have conceived and successfully carried out a plan of unparalleled beneficence, moral magnitude, and sublimity, and sacrificed His own life for it, in the face of the strongest prejudices of His people and age?” -Philip Schaff

Places a high priority on His words

”Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came; and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” -Matthew 7:24-27

Why People Hated Jesus John 7:1-24

They didn’t believe in Him, v. 1-5

“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. -John 2:23-25

He lived according to different timing, v. 6-9
He was a threat to religion, v. 10-13
He preferred God’s will to his own, v. 14-18
He was always seeing a bigger picture, v. 19-25

“See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” -John 5:14

Matthew 6:9-13

Lords prayer a. Pray like This b. Make Your name be Hallowed c. Cause Your Kingdom to come d. Your will be done e. Day by day bread f. Forgive our debts g. Keep us safe from ourselves and Satan.
New Testament vocabulary for prayer a. Proseuchomai – προσεύχομαι Matt 6:9 & James 5:17-19 b. Aiteo -αἰτέω James 1:5 & Matt 7:9 c. Deomai – δέομαι Matt 9:38 d. Erotao - ἐπερωτάω Matt 15:21-25 e. Parakaleo παρακαλέω Romans 12:1 & 2 Corinthians 12:8 f. Entugchano –ἐντυγχάνω Hebrews 7:25 & Romans 8
Three things to take away from today a. The Primary purpose of Prayer is that God may be Glorified b. Time to come to God in Prayer and ASK! c. Get some big rocks, because we serve a big God!

Romans 15:1-7

An obligation, v. 1-2
An example, v. 3-4

References in Psalm 69 to Jesus include...

4- hated and lied about by his enemies 8- estranged from his family v.11- shunned by the people v.12- talked about by rulers v.12- sung about by drunkards

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 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 also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” -John 15:18-21

Four things we get from the Bible…

a) instruction b) endurance c) encouragement d) hope

A prayer, v. 5-6

Paul prays for two things...

a) to live in such harmony with one another b) in accord with Christ Jesus

A practice, v. 7

Mark 12: 28 - 31

You need to Love God Completely a. Is the Lord the all consuming passion of your life? b. Do I have a deep and abiding affection for the Lord? c. Am I striving to become like Him? d. Do you love anything more than you love Christ? e. Do I enjoy spending time with the Lord? f. Do I tell the Lord that I love Him? g. Do I talk with the Lord as much as I can? -Psalm 139:23 - 24
You need to Love Others Genuinely -1 John 4:20 Places to meet people a. Join a local gym b. Civic organizations c. Coach a sports team - not just a Christian team d. Invest in Kids or Grandkids Schools e. Meals with neighbors f. Study or work at a Local coffee shops g. Prayer walk your neighborhood h. Volunteer to help at a local university - international students
Your Family Must Be a Priority -Eph. 5:25 - Wife -3 John 4 - Children
Get involved in Missions
Matt. 28:18 - 20 -Acts 1:8
Life is not always going to be easy -James 1:2 - 4
Our lives need to exhibit Joy -Philippians 4:4 - 5 -Habakkuk 3: 17 - 18
Give - Be Generous -1 Timothy 6:18 -Malachi 3:10
Get Involved with Small Groups
Always do your best - what you are doing is an offering to God -Colossians 3:17
Love What you Do. -Colossians 3:23
Our Example is as important as our teaching -Philippians 3:7 -1 Corinthians 11:1
Be Yourself -1 Samuel 16:7
God is always working in me -Philippians 1:6

1 Samuel 17:1-40 Seeing Into the Text

Accommodation robs me of authority, v. 16

accommodate…tolerate…become

I am responsible for obedience, God is responsible for outcomes, v. 17-18
There is power in really believing some things, v. 24-27

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” -Colossians 1:15-18

Expect resistance when you upset the status quo, v. 28-30
What happens in private determines what happens in public, v. 31-37
Know and like who you are so much that you can resist being anybody else, v. 38-40

1 Corinthians 13:5

Three reasons why we shouldn’t keep score:

…because we don’t have all the facts.

-James 1:19

“Our use of mobile phones and the internet… collapse boundaries between social groups and conversations and break down generational, educational, and social distinctions. We are all brought closer to each other in a way that disguises and is hostile to pronounced differences of competence, authority, and right to honour. Our media tend to flatten out our social spaces in an egalitarian way, falsely suggesting that all voices merit an equal part in the conversation. As conversations that would previously be clearly separated from each other start to eavesdrop upon, to intrude in, and to become entangled with each other, the results can be volatile.” -Alastair Roberts

…because it’s a mark of immaturity

-1 Corinthians 3:1-4

…because it turns a road into a highway.

If I could buy myself a conscience that wasn’t broken Mend every fence I drove my hard head through Re-lock all the doors I wish I never opened Unlearn the things I wish I never knew And it came out through the bottle It came out through my fists It came out way too early I wish it never did

Push it down, it comes out sideways Push it down, it comes out sideways Bitter roads turn into highways Push it down it comes out sideways

I have days where it’s just nose above water Keep it together while I fall apart I have moments when I act just like my father The only man that ever broke my heart And it comes out in my silence Sometimes unwanted tears Comes out disguised as anger but it’s really fear

Push it down, it comes out sideways Push it down, it comes out sideways Bitter roads turn into highways Push it down, it comes out sideways

“Sideways” by Travis Meadows

-Hebrews 12:14-15

How keeping score affects our relationship:

a. with others -leads to resentment

b. with God -leads to entitlement

c. with ourselves -leads to self-hatred

Make peace, don’t keep the peace.

Colossians 3:1-17

"The most dangerous heresies the church is called on to combat from time to time are not those which openly and blatantly assail the person of our Lord but rather those which subtly detract from His dignity while giving the appearance of honoring Him.” - Everett Harrison

Keep Seeking v. 1-2

a. Shop around. Unless you try on the outfit, you’ll never know if it fits. Do the same with vocations, avocations, hobbies and skills. You’ll need to sample every flavor to know your true favorite taste. (I’m not making this up!) b. Find a problem to solve. Being the solution makes your work feel meaningful. Having an issue to work against also gives you a villain to play against—and makes you the hero. c. Burn your plans. Your life will not go according to plan. Nobody’s ever has. So don’t worry if you get off track. The track was imaginary anyway.

Set Your Mind on Christ v.2, 5-10

-Matthew 13:15

Hide v.3, 12-14

Grace covers us completely (John 1:14; Ephesians 2:8–9; 2 Timothy 1:9).

God chose us and calls us friend (Ephesians 1:4; John 15:15).

We have forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7).

God provides for all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).

We have the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7; John 14:27).

James 1:1-8

There is a way we need to think, v. 2

“Count”means “to have authority over, to rule, to lead, to think, to go before.”

Questions that foster right thinking about trials...

a) Do I believe God is at work in this? b) How do I see God at work in this? c) What would it look like for me to join God and participate in my sanctification?

There is something you need to know, v. 3

With every trial will come a temptation and the temptation is to trust something or someone other than God to see you through this period of testing.

2 Corinthians 11:21-33

“In the crushing, in the pressing you are making new wine. In the soil I now surrender, you are breaking new ground. So I yield to you and to your careful hand when I trust you I don’t need to understand. Make me Your vessel, make me an offering, make me whatever you want me to be. I came here with nothing but all you have given me. Jesus, bring new wine out of me. New Wine, Hillsong

Does your heart more lean towards what God is doing to you or in you?

There is something you need to allow, v. 4

Steadfastness is the characteristic of a person who is not swerved from their deliberate purpose and loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. Steadfastness does three things...

a) Teaches you the insufficiency of sin. b) The sufficiency of God. c) It reminds you of the capacity of self.

There is someone you need to ask, v. 5-8

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The death of Jesus was necessary. How does the death of Jesus inform the way you think about your sin?
The death of Jesus was personal What does it stir in you when you understand that Jesus died in your place, for your sins?
The death of Jesus was consequential. How does the death of Jesus inform and affect your daily living?

Everyday Evangelism

Matthew, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Acts

Matthew 28:16-20 -The Great Commission

Evangelism -The spreading of the Christian Gospel by public preaching and/or personal witness

Long-term Relationships a. Builds Trust b. Provides Credentials c. Multiple Opportunities to Witness -We have to be on purpose in order to evangelize everyday.

1 Corinthians 1:1; 17

“Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is a classic of pastoral response: affectionate, firm, clear, and unswerving in the conviction that God among them, revealed in Jesus and present in His Holy Spirit, continued to be the central issue in their lives. He takes them by the hand and and goes over all the old ground again, directing them in how to work al the glorious details of God’s saving love in to their love for one another.” -Eugene Peterson

Ephesians 1:1; 4-6

Short-Term Relationships a. Biblical Truth -Sin -Holy God -Jesus is the only way b. Your experience

Acts 19:1-2

“Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you’re not saved yourself, be sure of that!” -Charles Spurgeon

Luke 14:12-24

A picture
A definition

“Radically ordinary hospitality is using your Christian home in a daily way that seeks to make strangers neighbors, and neighbors family of God. It brings glory to God, serves others and lives out the gospel in word and deed.” -Rosaria Butterfield

Basic requirements

1) We live under the authority of God and the church. 2) We must work hard to know who our neighbors are and how they struggle.

Five things to remember...

1) Hospitality is an expression of reciprocity.

2) Must distinguish between hospitality and entertaining.

"Entertaining focuses attention on self. Hospitality focuses attention on others. Hospitality involves setting a table that makes everyone feel comfortable. It chooses a menu that allows face time with guests instead of being chained to the stovetop. It picks up the house to make things pleasant, but doesn’t feel the need to conceal evidences of everyday life. It sometimes sits down to dinner with flour in its hair. It allows the gathering to be shaped by the quality of the conversation rather than the cuisine. Hospitality shows interest in the thoughts, feelings, pursuits, and preferences of its guests. It is good at asking questions and listening intently to answers. Entertaining is always thinking about the next course. Hospitality burns the rolls because it was listening to a story. Entertaining obsesses over what went wrong. Hospitality savors what was shared." -Jen Wilkin

3) Hospitality is a culturally acceptable form of evangelism.

"God saved me through hospitality. To be more precise, God used hospitality crucially in his pursuit of my soul. After years of a debate between my agnosticism and my longing for God—a debate that had taken place in conference halls and libraries and classrooms, in bedrooms and liquor stores and clubs—closing arguments took place in an unexpected location: a Christian family’s home. A pastor and his wife, friends of my parents, invited me into their home to stay. During the mornings, I met with the pastor and aired my grievances with God and Christianity. The Bible passages and commentary he presented to me were vital to what God did in my heart in those weeks. But just as vital was the evidence his wife brought to the debate. Her evidence was often wordless: space made in her afternoon to drink tea with me or take a walk; clean sheets in a bedroom I shared with one of her own daughters; a cultivated calm in a home full of children and teens; a hug given freely with a peck on the cheek. The words were necessary. But the hospitality gave the words context and weight. -Tilly Dillehay

4) Hospitality is a requirement for leadership in the church.

“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must mange his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” -1 Timothy 3:2-7

5) Hospitality turns your home into a hospital/incubator.

Ephesians 1.3-14 -You are chosen to be holy and blameless, v.4 -You are adopted into God's family, v.5 -You are redeemed and forgiven, v.7 -You are lavished with wisdom and understanding, v.8 -You are sealed with the Holy Spirit, v.13

John 6:60-71

God is always capable of more than we can understand, v. 60-62 -Job 38:1-3
God controls the salvation process, v. 63-65 -Romans 9:6-18

When you embrace this simple truth it does two things: a) leaves you with a deep sense of gratitude towards God b) informs how you pray for the unconverted

There is always room for progress in and towards what we believe, v. 66-71 “we have believed and have come to know”

Questions from the Congregation

Do we have free will? Can we say no to God once He has revealed himself? Adam and Eve first had revelation of God and even daily intimacy with Him. Then they chose to eat of the Tree. If we do not have free will after God's revelation, how did Adam and Eve have it?
If God draws us to Himself, why does he need us to proclaim Him? Or put another way, if we don't proclaim Him to someone, will that person lose heaven because we didn't do our job?
On different occasions in this chapter Jesus refers to “the last day." Is that a reference to Judgement day? The reference to us being raised up seems to imply we are somewhere different prior to being raised up than we are after being raised up? Can you clarify?
When Jesus talks about eating his body and drinking blood is this a reference to Communion? Is there another metaphorical meaning?
My question from John 6 is about the “age of accountability” idea that many churches teach. I think the teaching says basically that if a child dies before reaching an age where they can accept Christ, they go to heaven anyway because God has mercy and the children are not held accountable. But Jesus says that God gives people to him, and that we are unable to come otherwise so what about the young, the mentally incapable, the native person in the unreached people group that will never hear of Christ?

Dr. Dan Allender, founder of the Allender Center, preaches from Genesis 16 on seeing the God who sees us.

John 6:41-59

Jesus teaches through the familiar, v. 41-42
God initiates the relationship v. 43-45 How God draws... a) teaching b) hearing Two types of listening: 1) listening for discovery- always open to truth because you want to grow, often enlightened, teachable. 2) listening for reinforcement- always open to agreement, often offended, defensive “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news?’ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah, says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard form us?’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” -Romans 10:14-17 3) learning
Jesus is better, v. 48-59

Zayne shares his takeaways from the book This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years by Jaquelle Crowe.

John 6:22-40

The capacity to believe is a gift from God, v. 37

A) Calvinism- an attempt to summarize the doctrines emphasized by John Calvin

T- total depravity of man U- unconditional election L- limited atonement I- irresistible grace P- perseverance of the saints

B) Arminianism- an attempt to summarize the doctrines emphasized by Jacob Arminius

1) Partial Depravity- humanity is depraved but still able to seek God. 2) Conditional election- God only chooses those whom He knows will choose to believe. 3) Unlimited Atonement- Jesus died for everyone, even those who will not believe 4) Resistible Grace- God's call to be saved can be resisted or rejected 5) Conditional Salvation- Christian can lose their salvation if they actively reject the Holy Spirit’s influence in their life

C) Biblicist- a willingness to simply believe everything the Bible teaches even when it disagrees with my preferences.

** Notice the balance of v. 37...

“All that the Father gives to me will come to me”- affects how I pray! “whoever comes to me I will never cast out”- whosoever will

For the Christian there is great assurance, v. 39

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” -Philippians 1:6

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” -Ephesians 4:30

The work of the son is central to the gift of the Father, v. 40

”How are you righteous before God?”

Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. In spite of the fact that my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all the commandments of God, and have not kept any one of them, and that I am still ever prone to all that is evil, nevertheless, God, without any merit of my own, out of pure grace, grants me the benefits of the perfect sacrifice of Christ, imputing to me his righteousness and holiness as if I had never committed a single sin or had ever been sinful, having fulfilled myself all the obedience which Christ has carried out for me, if only I accept such favor with a trusting heart.

Matthew 13:1-23

The Hardened Heart
The Superficial Heart
The Worldly Heart
The Fruitful Heart

John 6:15-21

Expectation, v. 17
Storm, v. 17-18

Notice the mood of the text:

“it was now dark” “Jesus had not come to them” “the sea became rough” “a strong wind was blowing”

Has your response to difficult times changed the longer you’ve been a Christian?

Fear,v. 19

Fear does two things to us:

a) Fear signals something beyond itself b) Fear turns all of our thoughts and words inward

*fear- ‘phobeo’ to put to flight by terrifying.

Four questions that fear answers for us...

What do I really want? What is important to me? What do I value? What do I love?

How do you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness towards you and your family?

Capacity, v. 20-21

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” -2 Timothy 1:7

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hand, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but o power and love and self-control.” -2 Timothy 1:6-7

I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. -2 Timothy 1:3-5

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. -2 Timothy 1:1-2

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 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, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:1-7

How is your life different after you became a Christian? What capacity do you now possess that you didn’t before you came to Christ?

1 Corinthians 15:20-24

The resurrection is a fact, v. 20

a) preaching has no purpose, v. 14 b) faith is pointless, v. 14 c) there is no solution for sin, v. 17 d) there is no life after death, v. 18

There is life after death, v. 20
Death comes for a reason, v. 22
Jesus Christ came for a reason, v. 22

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:4-5

“I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” -John 10:10

Someone is in charge, v. 24

John 12:12-19

By keeping His word, v. 12-16
By being obedient

Two things about obedience…

a) If you can know the outcome, consequence, or the result of every act of obedience then it’s no longer obedience but manipulation.

b) Obedience requires abandonment.

“Abandonment to God is the fruitful way to experience good under God. It means relinquishing ‘our way.’ It means not being angry or resentful when things do not go our way. It means that in God’s hands we are content for him to take charge of outcomes. And in that posture we make way for him to occupy our lives with us, and achieve what is best for us and for others far beyond anything we can even imagine.” -Dallas Willard

“And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” -Mark 8:31-33

By seeing the Big Picture

Seeing the Big Picture means two things...

a) calibration

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desire of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another and envying one another.” -Galatians 5:16-26

b) character

Here are two ways to tell you are not living in the Big Picture:

1) everybody knows every injustice you experience

2) every time something goes wrong it is suddenly the biggest thing in your life and the life of everybody who really loves you

Injustices Jesus suffered in the last week of his life:

washes the feet of Judas denied by Peter, his most passionate follower...three times questioned by people who know less than him He has power He chooses not to use people choose him to be crucified instead of a known criminal they make him carry his own cross he is mocked as he is dying he gets to watch soldiers gamble for his clothes his mother watches him die

John 6:1-15

Introductory information... a) The most experienced miracle of Jesus b) This is the only miracle mentioned in all four gospels besides the resurrection c) Three kinds of miracles: creative, transformative, restorative. This is a creative miracle.

Motivation, v. 2-4 a) curiosity b) religious tradition
Testing, v. 5-6 test- “for the purpose of ascertaining his quality, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself.” “And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.” -Deuteronomy 8:2

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.” -Deuteronomy 6:16

Excess, v. 7-13 Three people speak in this section... a) Philip- b) Andrew- c) Jesus-
Refusal, v. 14-15

John 5:30-47

The Witnesses to Jesus:

Jesus God the Father John the Baptist Works of Jesus Old Testament Moses

When you depend on God, you hear from God, v. 30-37
The Old Testament is all about Jesus, v. 37-40 -Genesis 3:15 a. The savior would be born from a woman b. The savior would suffer c. The savior would conquer -Hebrews 3:1-3
The Jesus you need is better than the Jesus you expect, v. 41-44
Examine your hope, v. 45-47

"You sum up the whole of New Testament religion if you describe it as the knowledge of God as one’s holy Father. If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all." -J.I. Packer, Knowing God

Matthew 5:1-12

How do we shine as immigrants of this world?

We need to be self-aware, not self-absorbed v. 3, 5
We need to reconcile repeatedly. v. 7, 9
We need to make much of what God makes much of. v. 4, 6, 8

John 5:18-29

What it means.

It means four things…

a) imitation “Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children.” -Ephesians 5:1 “beloved"- esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love

b) affectionate revelation

c) life Zoe is the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ.

d) judgement

Why it matters.
God has always been present with His people.
It makes Him fit for the work of redemption.
God has personally done something about your sin.

Opening Thoughts -Jesus changing water into wine testified to His creative power to change the quality of things. -His cleansing of the temple showed His authority over the institutions of Judaism. -Nicodemus testified to Jesus having come from God, and His role as an authoritative teacher, which was a common Jewish response to Him. -John the Baptist bore witness to Jesus' identity as the Messiah. -The Samaritan woman's testimony implied that Jesus was omniscient [all knowing]. -Many other Samaritans acknowledged Jesus as the Savior of the world, which was a common Gentile response to Him. -The official whose son Jesus healed from afar came to recognize Him as the Healer whose word can overcome the problem of distance as well as disease.

Questions Jesus Asked “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” -Matthew 16:26

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3-4

“A familiar captivity is frequently more desirable than an unfamiliar freedom” - C.S. Lewis

Jesus’ Words Healed him- “He took his bed and walked” Instructed him- “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” Were immediate- “At once the man was healed” Fulfilled Prophecy- Isaiah 35:3-6

Questions to Think About How do we respond to the healing Jesus has given?

Do we respond with praise and thanksgiving?

Do we respond with attentiveness to the Messiah?

Or do we hoard the blessing we receive and crave for more?

Do we gratefully accept what God offers freely, or do we grumble and demand that God play by our rules?

Do we respond by seeking out other people in need of blessing so we can point them to Jesus?

John 4:43-54

Talk publicly about Jesus, v. 43-47

"What’s exciting about this “out loud with words” set of propositions is that it can and should lead to real equality, racial unity and radical generosity. This is exactly what unfolded in the early church." -Greg Stier

a) real equality- “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” -Galatians 3:28

b) racial unity- “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” -Ephesians 2:14-18

c) radical generosity- “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches in Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints- and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” -2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Think deeply about how you believe, v. 48-54

Two types of faith in this passage:

a) intellectual faith- mere acknowledgment of some fact or event. "Believe that." Starts on the outside and never moves inward.

b) personal faith- the conviction and trust to which a person is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul. "Believe in." Starts on the inside and moves outward.

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith- that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” -Philippians 3:8-11

Six things that a Christian does...

treasures Christ
devalues everything else
puts faith in Christ alone
knows Him
suffers for Him
becomes like Him

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” -Isaiah 9:6-7

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:18-21

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” -Luke 2:8-12

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.” -John 1:14-18

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” -Colossians 1:15-23

“Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our

Answering the Call

2 Peter 1:5-11

“Calling is not only a matter of being and doing what we are but also of becoming what we are not yet but are called by God to be.” –Os Guinness

“He is so awe inspiring and His summons so commanding that only one response is appropriate - a response as total and universal as the authority of the Caller.” –Os Guinness

What is a call? -It is more than a casual suggestion that requires action on the part of the hearer.
What did it look like? -A soft whisper that had compression -1 Kings 19:11-13
What to do with it? -Hear, Listen, Respond

“Our primary calling as followers of Christ is by Him, for Him. Our secondary calling is that everyone, everywhere and in everything should think, speak, live, and act entirely for Him.” –Os Guinness

John 4:11-30 1. Gospel is conceptual, v. 11-15 a) pipeline b) concentric learning c) competency based development *2. Gospel is directional, v. 16-18 3. Gospel is clarifying, v. 19-30 a) “you worship what you do not know” b) “will worship the Father in spirit and truth”c) “for the Father is seeking such people to worship him”***

John 4:1-10

No one out grows the Gospel and no one out sins the Gospel.
God doesn’t take his cues on how to treat you from the way people treat you, v. 4

Two shaping questions to consider...

1) What do you know that God doesn’t know? 2) What does God know that you don’t know?

Here are a few things that God knows...

a) God cannot be surprised by anything about you. b) Every sin you’ve ever committed and will commit were paid for on the Cross. c) God’s heart towards you is unchangeable. d) It’s never too late.

Knowing the right things changes every thing, v. 10

Two things Jesus points to...

a) the gift of God-

b) who it is that asks you for a drink

John 3:22-36

Identify yourself with Jesus, v. 22-24
Know yourself, v. 25-30

a) know your smallness

b) know your role

c) know your joy

Believe things that are consequential, v. 31-36

Two things for the believer:

a) a Believer has a life that is ruled by eternity b) belief manifests itself in obedience

John 8:31-47

Two things for the unbeliever:

a) you will never know life as it could be. b) the wrath of God is still on you.

The wrath of God is a reference to the settled and active opposition of God’s holy nature to everything that is evil.

Ephesians 4:1-16

Leverage everything against the Gospel, v. 1-3
Be led by the Spirit, v.3
Think rightly about God, v. 6

“over all”- “through all”- “in all”-

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” -1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Exercise your gift, v. 7
High priority on Scripture, v. 8

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” -2 Timothy 3:16–17

Let’s grow, v. 11-15

"unity of the faith" "knowledge of the Son of God" “maturity"

Let’s each do our part, v. 16

"every joint" "when each part is working properly" "makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love”

1 John 4:7-12

The love of God is an expression of God’s character, v. 7-8
The love of God is visible, v. 9
The love of God is defined, v 10
The love of God is the standard, v. 11-12

I Peter 1:6-9

THERE IS REJOICING, v. 6

“in”-

“this”-

“you”-

“rejoice”-

THERE IS SUFFERING, v. 6

The prepositions of suffering...

a) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father

b) in the sanctification of the Spirit

c) for obedience to Jesus Christ

THERE WILL BE A RECOGNITION, v. 7

v. 7- “may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

THERE IS SOMETHING TO DO IN THE MEANTIME, v. 8

a) you love him

b) you believe in him

c) rejoice with joy

Luke 2:14

Honesty- what lies am I telling and what lies am I believing?
Obedience- am I consistently surrendering my life to the truths of the Gospel?
Service- am I finding ways to serve others or am I serving myself?
Gratitude- does my gratitude exceed my expectations?
Repentance- as an act of worship am I turning away from sin?

1 Peter 1:1-5

Because of the resurrection we have a hope that cannot die, v. 3

a) Hope leans your life forward. b) Hope reframes what is. c) Hope prepares us for what will be. d) Hope empowers us to live with the values of heaven while here on earth.

“Hope structures your life in anticipation of the future and influences how you feel in the present. Hope creates a positive mood about an expectation, a goal, or a future situation. Such mental time travel influences your state of mind and alters your behavior in the present. The positive feelings you experience as you look ahead, imagining hopefully what might happen, what you will attain, or who you are going to be, can alter how you currently view yourself.” -Mary Lamia

Because of our salvation we have an inheritance that is waiting for us,v. 4

a) imperishable

b) undefiled

c) unfading

Because of God’s power we are being guarded, v. 5

John 3:16-21

This is what God did, v. 16

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, though whom we have now received reconciliation.”

-Romans 5:6-11

This is what God didn’t do, v. 17
This is what we can now do, v. 18  Notice two things about this verse...

a) unbelievers do not have a positive or a neutral standing before God

b) this rules out the belief that a sincere person following any religion can have eternal life with God.

This is why some people don’t do it, v. 19-21

John 3:1-15

The life of Jesus validates the claims of Jesus, v. 1-2
Jesus is focused on what matters, v. 3
This is a supernatural process, v. 4-12

Three things to understand...

a) What does “born again” mean?

b) What does it mean to be “born of the water and the Spirit?”

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues and be careful to obey my rules.” -Ezekiel 36:225-27

c) It is revealed by it’s effects.

Evidences of new birth:

-faith in Christ and in His gospel -repentance from sin -prayer -possession of new life -new desires -love for His people -joy in worship -hunger for His word

Jesus is the only way, v. 13-15

John 2:13-22

Because this is sacred space, v. 14
Because we value content over convenience, v. 16

“The consumer of today recognizes the shortage of time, they want to get the most out of every nanosecond, and retailers need to cater to this preference. Convenience means whatever suits you best. It means being able to choose what you want, when and where you want it.”

Four types of subtext in churches:

a) social reinforcement- “Aren’t we great?” b) selling- “Isn’t this a great church?” c) training- “Isn’t this information great?” d) Worship- “Isn’t God great?”

We have one audience, v. 17

John 2:1-11

1. Purposeful, v. 1-5 4:21 – “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.” 4:23 – “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him.” 5:25 – “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” 5:28 – “Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice.” 7:6 – Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here.” 7:8 – “Go to the festival yourselves. I am not going to this festival, for my time has not yet fully come.” 7:30 – Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. 8:20 – He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. 12:23 – “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” 12:27 – “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.” 2. Better, v. 6-10 “Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches. And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” - Mark 7:1-8 3. Believe, v. 11 Believe refers to the conviction and trust to which a person is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul. 4. Consequence, v. 12 “Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn’t repent. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” -Matthew 11:20-24

John 1:43-51

There is texture among Jesus’ followers
Relationship means responsibility
We all have a Nazareth
God’s knowledge exceeds our understanding
Confirmation comes

Pastor Chris Brooks speaks from Psalm 31 on committing our calling into God's hands.

Pastor Chris Brooks speaks from Psalm 31 on committing our brokenness into God's hands.

Pastor Chris Brooks speaks from Psalm 31 on committing our spirits into God's hands.

Galatians 1:11-24

God has a purpose for us
God will prepare us
God calls us to proclaim Jesus

How This All Got Started

John 1:35-42

A picture of discipleship
People talking about Jesus

Three ways people talk about Jesus: biblical proclamation- John the Baptist personal testimony- Andrew personal invitation- Jesus

Jesus is confrontational

“And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all. And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” -Mark 9:33-37

I would like to buy about three dollars worth of God please. Not too much—just enough to make me happy, but not so much that I become inconvenient to any of my friends. I don’t want so much God that I learn to really hate covetousness, lust and my addiction. I certainly don’t want so much that I start to love my enemies, cherish self-denial, and contemplate others before myself. I want ecstasy, not repentance; I want transcendence, not transformation. I prefer a warm womb to actually being born again. I would like to be cherished by some nice, forgiving, broad-minded people, but I myself prefer to be left alone. I want to be appreciated but not accountable, more socialization without transformation, please. I would like enough God to make my family secure and my children well behaved, but not so much that I find my ambitions redirected or my giving too greatly enlarged. I would like as much of this as I can have without my plans changing. I would like about three dollars worth of the God, please.” -adapted from original by Wilbur Rees

The power of grace

Grace is the unconditional acceptance of God which brings us into relationship with and exposure to the capacity of God.

“For the grace of God has appeared (Jesus), bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness (NO) and world passions, and to live (YES) self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people of this own possession who are zealous for good works.” -Titus 2:11-14 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” -Luke 22:31-34

Personal Questions 1. Have I ever spent intentional time with a spiritually mature person for the purpose of becoming a disciple of Jesus? 2. How am I bearing witness to the reality of Christ right now? 3. Who or what am I avoiding that I should be confronting? 4. If God has the grace of acceptance and the power of transformation, what is keeping me from being changed?

John 1:29-34

God has done something about our sin, v. 29

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” -Psalm 32:1

“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” -Hebrews 10:1-4

What the law cannot do…

a) the law can never make perfect b) under the law sacrifices never ceased to be offered c) under the law people never felt cleansed d) the law reminds people of their sins

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” -Romans 8:1-4

What Jesus Christ makes possible…

a) in Christ I am perfect (complete, not lacking) b) I don’t have to make sacrifices for my sin. c) in Christ I am clean d) sin is no longer necessary

God allows for progress, v. 31
Embrace the part you play
Learn to live in the reality, v. 31-33

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” -Ezekiel 36:25-27

Special Guest Mary Jo Sharp speaks at our Midweek session on September 27, 2017.

Links:

http://www.maryjosharp.com/

Books:

In Defense of the Bible: A Comprehensive Apologetic for the Authority of Scripture

Why Do You Believe That?

Defending the Faith: Apologetics in Women’s Ministry

Come Let Reason: New Essays in Christian Apologetics

John 1:1-18

1.God comes at us in ways we recognize, v. 1

Four things about the people John is writing to...

1) Greeks believed that the universe was governed by this “order of nature” they called the Logos/Word.

2) A well lived live was defined as a life that conformed to this rational and moral order.

3) Life was about contemplating this order and trying to discern what it was all about. Lots of thinking, talking and discussion.

4) One of the reasons they put so much energy into contemplating this Logos is b/c they also thought of God as detached from the world regarding it’s struggles and fears so figuring this all out was up to them.

The progression of the incarnation…

The Word existed…
The Word was with God… *The Word was God.
God is most recognizable in Jesus, v. 2

“This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” -John 5:18

All of humanity is morally responsible to God, v. 3
God came to be received, v. 4-13
It is the nature of God to reveal Himself, v. 14-18

John 20:30-31

Not everything but enough, v. 30 -John 21:25
Written with a purpose

a) that Jesus is the Christ / Messiah

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” -Isaiah 40:3-5

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy they rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden and the staff for his shoulder; the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” -Isaiah 9:2-7

b) the Son of God

The goal of it all

Zoe is the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God; life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions, among them a more perfect body, and to last forever.

Mark 6:30-52

Jesus models connection over capacity. v. 34
The right rhythm orients us towards what we value, v. 35-36
The right rhythm will eventually lead you to the impossible, v. 37-44
The right rhythm increases our faith, v. 45-52

A good rhythm consists of five things:

a) activity- time I spend doing the necessary things

b) ministry- time I spend doing the things I am called to do

c) leisure- time I use for my enjoyment

d) formation- time I take to be spiritually formed and conformed

e) rest- the time I take to do nothing

Genesis 9:1-17

God always has a plan after disaster, v. 1

“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”

Think about the way you treat each other, v.6

To see what God was responded to look back to Genesis 6:5-8...

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, 'I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.' But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

God keeps His promises, v. 8

This is the first of five covenants that God made with people in the Bible.

a) Noah b) Abraham c) Moses d) David e) Christ

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat: this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

-Matthew 26:26-29

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

“A real Christian is an odd number anyway. He feel supreme love for One Whom he has never seen. Talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see. He expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another, empties himself in order that he might be full, admits he is wrong so he can be declared right, and goes down in order to get up. He is strongest when he is weakest, richest when he is poorest, and is happiest when he feels worst. He dies so he can live, forsakes in order to have, and gives away so he can keep. He sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passes knowledge.” -A.W. Tozer

-Matthew 7:28-29

Respond To Grace v. 1-3
Endure v. 4-6

a. Trials of a general nature -"Afflictions" or "troubles" are oppressive experiences that put various kinds of pressure on you. -"Hardships" are difficulties that you cannot diminish. -"Distresses" are situations from which you cannot escape. The Greek word pictures a person trapped in a confining place.

b. Sufferings inflicted by other people -"Stripes" or "beatings" are punishments delivered with a whip or lash (cf. 11:24-25). -"Imprisonments" in Paul's day involved confinement and extreme discomfort (cf. 11:23).

c. Hardships inflicted on self for the furtherance of the gospel -"Labors" or "hard work" encompasses all the strenuous activities of life including manual labor. -"Watchings" are "sleepless nights." -"Fastings" or "hunger" refers to missed meals.

Speak Truth v. 7-10

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

A CHANGE IN HOW WE SEE PEOPLE, v. 16

Ten factors that distinguish us according to the flesh...

appearance ability age friends race gender work home family experience

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” -Galatians 3:27-28

A CHANGE IN WHAT WE HOPE FOR PEOPLE, v. 17-19

“If anyone…”

“...is in Christ…”

“...he/she is a new creation.”

A CHANGE IN HOW WE SEE OURSELVES, v. 20-21

2 Corinthians 5:11-15

WE MUST BELIEVE WHAT IS MOST TRUE ABOUT OURSELVES
Non-Christian- no need to change
Christian- no means for change

“Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.” -Henri Nouwen

WE MUST TURN FROM OUR FALSE-SELF TO OUR TRUE-SELF
false self - the person you had to become in order to survive up to this point.
true self- who you were created to be in Christ.
THIS IS NOT AN INVITATION TO SELF-HATRED BUT SELF-AWARENESS
Philippians 2:1-11

Some questions to ask yourself from this passage...

a) are you participating with the Spirit? b) is your ambition singular or plural? c) when in your presence do people feel more significant than you? d) are you pursuing humility in the right way?

The Story: Know the Story 2 Corinthians 5:11-15

Introductory thoughts...

1) Belief is possible 2) God is consequential

“A real Christian is an odd number anyway. He feel supreme love for One Whom he has never seen. Talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see. He expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another, empties himself in order that he might be full, admits he is wrong so he can be declared right, and goes down in order to get up. He is strongest when he is weakest, richest when he is poorest, and is happiest when he feels worst. He dies so he can live, forsakes in order to have, and gives away so he can keep. He sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passes knowledge.” -A.W. Tozer

3) The Cross is necessary

The Story God is telling can be summarized with these words...

SEPARATION
MEDIATION

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” -1 Timothy 2:5-6

RECONCILIATION

vv. 16-21

Psalm 103:1-14

I am created to worship God's holy name, v. 1.
Don't forget what the Lord has done, v. 2-5. -Deuteronomy 8:11-15 -Judges 2:10 His benefits: a. Forgives all your iniquity b. Heals are your diseases c. Redeems your life from the pit d. Crowns you with steadfast love and mercy e. Satisfies you with good
God’s character is always consistent, v. 8-14
God loves his children, v. 14

Psalm 32

THE BIBLE ASSUMES OUR SINFULNESS, v. 1-2

Why do you need God? How does the life, death and resurrection of Jesus make any sense? What is there to be redeemed from or for? Is there an objective moral standard by which all of life is evaluated? Is there such thing as truth and who decides? Does absolute truth exist?

Three things you have to explain if you believe man is inherently good...

a) the state of the world

“We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope for.” --Timothy Keller

b) our sinful choices

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” -Romans 7:15-19 c) Jesus Christ

THERE IS ALWAYS A CONSEQUENCE FOR SIN, v. 3-4

Two phrases to notice:

1) “when I kept silent” 2) “your hand was heavy upon me”

WE HAVE AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW, v. 5

a) “I’m sorry if you thought that.”

b) “There must of been some sort of confusion.”

c) “I’m not sure what happened.”

d) “I don’t have a problem with it”

Psalm 32:6-11

Ps 104:1-10

God makes new things
Still discovering creation
God is willing to fix the broken -Ps 51:1-17
Repairs have rewards -2 Samuel 9
Scars give character
Everyone has scars and they tell a story of God’s restoration

Psalm 147

Celebration involves response, v. 1-6

a) God’s dealings with various people

b) God’s connection to creation

Celebration involves thanksgiving, v. 7-11

Matthew 6:25-33

Celebration involves perspective, v. 12-20

Zechariah 2:1-5

“And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.”

-Nehemiah 12:43

Life Song How To Be Sad To the Glory of God Psalm 44

Some introductory thoughts on sadness...

Sadness teaches us to sing in the minor key Sadness enlarges my perspective of God and myself Sadness rescues us from weightless “spirituality” Sadness deepens my faith Sadness moves me beyond my anger

“We have traded in the language of lament for something far less. Namely, the language of grief management or psychology. When we trade biblical vocabulary for the vocabulary of the culture we are increasingly subject to losing our ability to hear this language.” -Keith Anderson

Learn to live in the trajectory not just the moment

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” -Martin Luther King

Trust God’s nature not just his activity
Don’t look for the lesson, listen for the invitation

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” -John 5:39-40

Cultivate the habit of speaking honestly with God
Don’t think of this as historical but personal

“What then shall we say these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:31–39

Matthew 6:25-34

Genesis 3:8-21

God brings hope to the hopeless, v. 15 -Romans 5:6
God brings community to the outcast, v. 8-9 -Acts 2:46-47
God redeems at great personal cost, v. 21 -Revelation 13:11

“We owe Christ to the world-to the least person and to the greatest person, to the richest person and to the poorest person, to the best person and to the worst person. We are in debt to the nations!” – David Platt

Hebrews 10:1-14

We are forgiven.
We are delivered
We are becoming.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

-2 Corinthians 5:21

1 Corinthians 12.12-31

vv. 12-13 Unity of the Church vv. 14-20 Diversity of the Church vv. 21-26 Connectivity of the Church vv. 27-31 Functionality of the Church

Psalm 131

Who am I prideful towards?

Here are two ways to know if you are prideful/haughty:

a) we are more aware of what everybody else is doing that we are of what we are becoming b) I cannot celebrate my success so I celebrate other people’s failure

What is beyond me?

Three calibrating realities about the unknowable…

a) Knowledge is one of the things that separates God from his creation

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” -Isaiah 55:8-9

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” - Deuteronomy 29:29 b) Not knowing is part of the human experience.

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part: then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” - I Corinthians 13:9-13

c) Not knowing makes faith necessary.

How is my soul?

Nine needs of the soul…

1) a keeper 2) a center 3) a future 4) to be with God 5) rest 6) freedom 7) blessing 8) satisfaction 9) gratitude

What is my hope in?

Colossians 1:15-28

I. Jesus is at the center of it all.

Jesus is God
Jesus is the agent of creation, v. 16
Jesus is the reason for which everything exists.
Jesus is before, v. 17-18
Jesus is fully God, v. 19-20
Jesus is reconciliation, v. 20

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

-2 Corinthians 5:18-20

II. We need to understand people from God’s view.

Man is by nature, not choice, separated from God.
Separation from God manifests itself in how people think and what people do, v. 21
Reconciliation changes who you are.
holy- ‘haggis’ means “most holy thing, a saint.”
blameless- without fault
above reproach- unaccused
Continuing is a consequence of salvation.

III. The minister bears a sobering responsibility.

Being a minister is not about privilege but responsibility
Ministers have a responsibility to suffer
Ministers have received something from God
Jesus is the object and your maturity is the goal

Psalm 40:1-10

Waiting for the Lord is a learned behavior, v. 1

“Our perspective on waiting is one of the stronger ways our society is out of stride with the biblical worldview.”

-David Mathis

“But they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

-Isaiah 40:31

“From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.”

-Isaiah 64:4

God’s deliverance is evangelistic by nature, v. 3
Learn from your experiences, v. 4-5
Sin reveals how I relate to God, v. 6-8

Three ways people relate to God:

a) sacrifices b) offerings c) obedience

Psalm 95

Worship is about how we approach God’s presence, v. 1-2
Worship is motivated by God’s nature, v. 3-5

“The really wonderful moments of joy in this world are not the moments of self-satisfaction, but self-forgetfulness. Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and contemplating your own greatness is pathological. At such moments we are made for a magnificent joy that comes from outside ourselves. It is about the greatness of God, not the significance of man. God made man small and the universe big to say something about himself.” -John Piper, Don’t Waste Your Life

Two reasons we must hold on to a God-sized view of God:

a) to properly humble man

b) to facilitate worship

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man show him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him?” -Isaiah 40:12-18

Worship involves intimacy, v. 6-7

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable…”

Worship starts and stops in your heart, v. 8-11

I Corinthians 15:1-11

The death of Jesus is real, v. 3

“And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priest, with the scribes and elders mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. “He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, “I am the Son of God.” And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.” - Matthew 27:39-44

The death of Jesus was necessary

“For while we were still weak, at the right time christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person- though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:6-8

The Bible is reliable, v. 4
The resurrection is verifiable, v. 5-9

a) Cephas b) the five hundred c) me

untimely born least of the apostles unworthy I persecuted the church

Grace is available, v. 10-11

“Grace is the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His influence upon souls, turns them to Christ and then keeps, strengthens and increases them in the Christian faith.”

Matthew 21:1-11

The Big Picture existed long before I got here

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse form Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.” -Zechariah 9:9-10

Hearing makes you responsible for doing, v. 2
Our obedience is affected by how we think of it, v. 2-6
Obedience is most needed in the public square, v. 7-9; 12-17
I can trust God for what is next, v. 10-11

1 Peter 1:3-9

Our Hope is sure, v. 3
Our Hope is steadfast, v. 4
Our Hope is secure, v. 5
Our Hope is refined, through suffering, v. 6-9

Ephesians 4:17-32

The Bible holds the Christian to a higher standard, v. 17

“You have heard that it was said to those of old. You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brothers has something against you, leave your gift there before the alter and go. First, be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” -Matthew 5:21-26

The Gospel is by nature non-conforming, v. 20-24

3 The Gospel is by nature clarifying, v. 25-32

How to have hard conversations…

a) speak the truth b) be angry but also be intentional c) don’t create space for the devil d) talk to not just about e) don’t grieve the Spirit f) raise it up g) reflect back

Questions to ask before having a hard conversation:

Am I clear on my biblical responsibility towards this person and this conversation?
Have I prayed about this, for this and for the other person?
What is my desired outcome?
Am I open to hearing as much as I am speaking?
Can we leave the conversations with a plan to move forward with our relationship?

Genesis 22:1-14

GOD TESTS US FOR A PURPOSE, v. 1

Temptation has as it’s goal exposing your weakness or leading you into wrong action. The goal of testing is to prove the quality of something.

GOD UNDERSTANDS WHAT HE IS ASKING, v. 2
HE ALSO UNDERSTANDS THE MAGNITUDE OF WHAT HE IS DOING

Genesis 13:14- “The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you se I will give to you and to your offspring forever.”

Genesis 15:5- “And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, So shall your offspring be.”

Exodus 11:2- “Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every women of her neighbor for silver and gold jewelry.”

Isaiah 7:3- “And the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer’s Field.”

OBEDIENCE IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP, v. 3-5
GOD TELLS A BIG STORY, v. 6-8
GOD IS STILL TELLING HIS STORY, v. 9-14

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

a) inclusion- it is part of b) integration- it is inseparable from

“the mercy of God”
Ephesians 2:1-5
“we do not lose heart”
“to tamper with God’s word”
“those who are perishing”
“the god of this world”
“blinded the minds of unbelievers”
“but Jesus Christ as Lord”
I Thessalonians 4:2-8
“For God…”

Genesis 1:1-3

2 Peter 1:19-21

2 Samuel 16:5-14

Criticism is a universal experience, v. 5

Criticism is defined as any judgment made about you by another, which declares that you fall short of a particular standard.

-Alfred Poirier

Criticism is often times a veiled attempt at control, v. 5-6
Criticism is personal, v. 7-8

If you would like to get better at receiving criticism here are some questions to ask yourself…

How do I typically react to correction?
Do I pout when criticized or corrected?
What is my first response when someone says I’m wrong?
Am I overly noble when criticized?
How well do I take advice?
Are people able to approach me to correct me?
Am I teachable?
Do I harbor anger against the person who criticizes me?
Do I immediately seek to defend myself?
Can my spouse, parents, children, brothers, sisters or friends correct me?
Criticism is an opportunity for self-evaluation, v. 9-13

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies! Let a righteous man strike me- it is kindness; let him rebuke me- it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.” -Psalm 141:3-5

Two questions to ponder…

1) If I continually squirm under the criticism of others, how can I say I know and agree with the criticism of the cross?

2) If I typically justify myself, how can I say I know, love and cling to Gods justification of me through Christ’s cross?

Criticism reminds us of our humanity, v.14

v. 14- “And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.”

“And the king…”

“…and all the people who were with him…”-

“…arrived weary at the Jordan.”

“And there he refreshed himself."

Deuteronomy 6:1-25

II. How Do We Do This?

This section on ownership parenting vs. ambassador parenting is from the book Parenting by Ted Tripp

Two types of parenting:

1) Ownership parenting- shaped and influenced by what parents want for their children and from their children

2) Ambassador parenting- shaped by what God wants to do through us in our children

The difference in these two parenting styles manifest itself in four ways…

Identity- where you look to find your sense of who you are

Owners- look to kids for identity, self-worth and affirmation of their parenting.

Ambassador- not about what I need from you but based on what I understand about God, the Gospel truth and you

salvation culture vs. gospel culture
Work- what you define as the work you’ve been called to do as a parent

Owners- have to turn their children into something and they rely on their resources to do it

Ambassador- have to live as instruments in God’s hands in the lives of their children

Success- what you define success to be

Owner- work towards specific horizontal indicators such as academic performance, social acceptance, popularity, athletics as evidence of parenting skill

Ambassador- not about reaching goals but being usable and faithful tools in God’s hands because He alone is able to produce good things in your kids

Reputation- what tells people who you are and what you’re about

Owner- children are trophies, they enjoy parading their kids when they do well but are deeply embarrassed when kids sin and often withdraw from relationships when this happens

Ambassador- see misunderstanding and embarrassment as part of parenting and keep big Gospel goal of kids being “oaks of righteousness” in mind as they parents. God does the work and God gets the glory for who their kids become

III. How Do We Become Parents God Works Through?

We ruthlessly and consistently return to the Gospel
Romans 1:16
We realize that we are raising a worshipper
We exercise discipline in our home

IV. Four Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their Kids

Do you trust me?
Do you feel like you matter in this family?
What need are you trying to meet with this behavior?
What are you learning about yourself these days?

John 15:1-11

Fruit v. 1-2

Abide v. 4-11

Commandment. v.10

4 sabbath practices:

(1) ceasing--not only from work but also from productivity, anxiety, worry, possessiveness, and so on

(2) resting-- of the body as well as the mind, emotions, and spirit--a wholistic rest;

(3) embracing--deliberately taking hold of Christian values, of our calling in life, of the wholeness God offers us;

(4) feasting--celebrating God and his goodness in individual and corporate worship as well as feasting with beauty, music, food, affection, and social interaction.

Ephesians 2:1-10

Deuteronomy 6:1-25

Learning is for living, v. 1
Parenting is consequential, v. 2
You are to be monotheistic in a polytheistic culture, v. 4
You parent from the heart, v. 6
God intends that parents be the most spiritually formative people in a child’s life, v. 7
Prioritize the Word of God, v. 8
Remember that fullness leads to forgetfulness, v. 11-12
God does not have to prove Himself to you, v. 16
Have history with God not just church, v. 20-22
Don’t just come out but enter in, v. 23

Three questions parents have to answer…

Is God real?
What is He like?

a) nature- who God is apart from us

Exodus 34:5-8

b) character- who God is in relation to us

Matthew 11:28-29

Does He really have a plan for my life?

Psalm 139:16

Acts 8:26-40

We need a sense of belonging
Acts 1:8
Acts 8:1
We need to be tune din to what God is saying

How God speaks to us today…

1) His word 2) prayer 3) spiritual authority 4) circumstance

We need to never assume
We need to ask good questions

Good questions to ask include…

1) What did you mean by that? 2) How did you come to that conclusion? 3) Is this something that you live by? 4) Do you ever wonder if there is more than what you currently believe? 5) What are the consequences if you are wrong?

We need to be Gospel fluent

The good news about Jesus includes…

1) He was the Son of God 2) His death on the cross was purposeful 3) His death was consequential 4) This forgiveness is experienced only in relationship with Jesus

This week there is a difference in the audio quality due to a technical error. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Mark 5:1-20

1 Kings 19:1-18

We are most spiritually vulnerable when…

When we are sacred, v. 3

What is your most consistent fear?

When we choose aloneness, v. 3-4

When you get scared do you move towards people or away from people?

When we lose perspective, v. 4

He does three deadly things that never give us the proper perspective…

a) he evaluates b) he decides c) he compares

Who do you compare yourself to?

When we are tired, v. 5

Some things to remember when you are tired…

1) God always has provision to get you to where he wants you to be, v. 5-8

2) Get where you can experience God, v. 8

Where is your Mt. Horeb- the place you meet God?

3) God still wants to speak to you, v. 9-14

4) God still has use for you in His plans, v. 15-17

How do you see God using you these days?

5) God will always have a remnant, v 18

2 Kings 6:8-23

Being used by God, v. 8-10

a) dissatisfaction with most things

b) consistently angry

c) rarely joyful

Known by the enemy, v. 11-14
Able to see what God is doing, v. 15-17

Isaiah 43:16-23

Prayers get answered, v. 18-19
Live outside of what comes natural, v.20-23

Ephesians 1:15-23

Prayer is the actual, physical exertion of my thoughts, fears, emotions, understanding, sins, requests and willingness to and towards God.

Forms of prayer…

a) singing b) musing c) spoken

Growing knowledge, v. 17

“Knowing God is more than knowing about him; it is a matter of dealing with him as he opens up to you, and being dealt with by him as he takes knowledge of you. Knowing about him is a necessary precondition of trusting him, but the width of our knowledge about him is no gauge of the depth of our knowledge of him.”

-J.I. Packer, Knowing God Is your relationship with God ruled by knowledge or necessity?

Intimate hope, v. 18

If your heart were enlightened today and you understood the hope to which God has called you what would you be more hopeful about?

Rich inheritance, v. 18

How do you think God sees you?

Great power, v. 19

Do you understand the power that is available to you as a Christian?

The Progressive Nature of the Incarnation

I John 1:1-4

"That which was from the beginning…”
“…which we have heard…”
Genesis 3:8-10
Ezekiel 43:2
Job 37
“…which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life- the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us- that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you…”
John 1:1-5
John 1:14-18
“…so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”

The Indicting Nature of the Love of God

I John 3:1-18

Motivation, v. 1-3
Sin, v. 4-9
Standard, v. 10
Love, v. 11-16
Indifference, v. 17-18

Luke 1:26-55 (ESV)

Anawim = “the poor ones” - the “pious poor” or the “faithful poor.” “For He has looked on the humble estate of His servant.” (1:48)

“Greetings, O favored one! The Lord is with you.” (1:28)

Mary is “greatly troubled.” (1:29)

Mary experienced the supernatural reality of joy joy despite things not going as planned.

What happens to your joy level when things don’t go as planned?

Control

Escape

Maybe God is using our detour, interruption, or problem to get our attention to draw us to Himself where He can infuse us with the joy that evades us when we try to control or escape?

Mary’s Response:

Trust “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

Surrender “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Wonder, Joy, and Adoration “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior… Luke 1:46

How is this response possible?

1) God is with her (v. 28)

2) “Nothing is impossible with God.” (v. 37).

Dad

How do we access this joy that transcends circumstances?

Prayer of surrender

Find your “people” Celebrate Recovery slide Divorce Care slide

Rejoice “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4

Exodus 40:33-38

The tabernacle matters, v. 1-33

a) the tabernacle is a microcosm of creation. b) the tabernacle is a new creation c) the attention to detail reflects the created order of the universe d) the tabernacle should inform how we think about our bodies

I Corinthians 6:18-20

If you thought of your body as the temple where God lived, what changes would you make to what you do with it?

“Sometimes what the Bible does is change how we think about God, ourselves and the world we live in. Only after our thinking is properly adjusted can we behave in ways that reflect that thinking.”

?? How is the Bible adjusting the way you think?

Finishing matters, v.33 b

What is unfinished in your life this year?

Glory matters, 34-38

“I believe the glory of God is the going public of his infinite worth. When we live for the glory of God it means feeling, thinking and doing whatever we do in such a way that it gives evidence of His supreme greatness. And when that goes public in creation, the heavens are telling the glory of God, and human beings are manifesting his glory, because we’re created in his image and we are trusting his promises so that we make him look gloriously trustworthy.” -John Piper

How is God glorifying himself in you these days?

Exodus 36-39

Life “with God” is the ultimate destination.

“All this was done just as the Lord commanded Moses.” Exodus 39:1, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 43

God wanted His People to know that even more than the Promised Land, “with God” was their ultimate destination.
The most frequent promise of the Bible is “I will be with you.” “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

“God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3

“With” God is the only way we flourish. “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” Genesis 1:26

“For” God v. “With” God

Dangers of allowing “for” God to trump “with” God…

“For” can rob us of the abundant life God has for us “with” Him here and now.
“For” can be unintentionally harmful to those we are trying to help or bless. “We are His workmanship, created for good works in Christ…” Ephesians 2:10
“For” has the potential to crush us.

“Better Life of Blessings” v. “Better Hope of Intimacy with the Father.” (The Pressure’s Off by Dr. Larry Crabb)

PAPA Prayer: Present myself to God as I am – good, bad, or ugly. Attend to where I notice God’s presence or absence. Purge myself of whatever, at the moment, might be keeping me from noticing more of God. Approach God with abandon and confidence, wanting to just be with Him to know and enjoy Him, not to use Him to make my life better.

Being an Image Bearer means that my identity, my joy, and my purpose are completely wrapped up in my relationship with God. Not the blessings of God, but God.

“Our souls cannot rest until they find rest in Thee!” – St. Augustine

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” – John Piper

“To know, enjoy, and glorify God!” - GPBC Mission

Life “with God” is our ultimate destination!

Reflect: What would it look like to shift from a “for” God life to a “with” God life?

How will I lean into life “with” God this week?

Exodus 35:4-36:7

Giving comes from the heart, v. 5

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Be skilled at something, v. 10-19
God uses then to prepare us for now, v. 20-24

Here is a link to the video referenced in the sermon: https://vimeo.com/187711437

God uses women to accomplishes His purposes, v. 24
Giving is proportional, v. 27
God uses artisans and artists, v.30-2

a) called him b) filled him with the Spirit of God c) inspired him

The power of everyone, 36:2-7

Exodus 35:1-3

Remind
Ritual

“A ritual protects common but essential elements of human life from reduction, degradation and exploitation. I cannot take charge of a ritual, I can only enter in — or not. Neither can I engage in a ritual by myself; others are involved. So a ritual, simply as ritual, prevents me from retaining any illusions that I am self-sufficient at the same time that it thrusts me into a life with others.”

-Eugene Peterson Christ Plays In Ten Thousand Places

Exodus 34:18-24

a) Feast of Unleavened Bread- deliverance b) Feast of Weeks- provision c) Feast of Ingathering- faithful

The fruit of rituals...

1) Without some consistent rituals in our life we live at the mercy of our urgency and our appetites. 2) Rituals reorient our lives around what we value. 3) Rituals bridge the gap between what I desire and what I experience

Some rituals for consideration…

kneeling
silence
solitude
friendship
service
Rest

Dt. 5:15

Sabbath does two things:

a) Reminds us that we are not slaves any more b) Everything doesn’t depend on me

Question for reflection…

In your relationship with God, what are you in danger of forgetting?
What is a ritual you are willing to engage in every day, week, month and year?
What did you used to be a slave to?

Exodus 34:29-35

Not everything in the Bible is about us
Moses has been with a glorious God

Psalm 8

Moses speaks with authority, v. 31-35

vv. 31-35

Hebrews 1:1-3

Questions for reflection…

In your worldview are you the moon or the sun?
Who’s name is majestic when it comes out of your mouth?
Who do you submit to?
Who or what has authority over you?

Exodus 34:10-28

I can’t make my life work on my own! But as I fully trust God, I find help to experience the freedom and joy of the life I was created to live.

What is a covenant? Two becoming one: “What is mine is yours and what is yours is mine.”

Yahweh promises: Mercy, Forgiveness, Grace - v. 7 Miraculous Provision & Access to His Power - v. 10 Presence & Guidance: Will drive out the inhabitants of the Land He promised - v.11

God’s People promise: To be trust Yahweh implicitly, without reservation or rival – v. 14

In their context, trusting God will involve... v. 12, 15 – no treaties. v. 13-17 – tear down pagan altars and idols. v. 16 – no intermarrying outside the tribe. v. 19-20 – give God the first of everything you have. v. 23-24 - 3 times a year all the men leave camp to appear for God. v. 25-26 – no yeast; no cooking a goat in its mother’s milk.

Then, 3 feasts that are past, present, & future reminders that Yahweh can be trusted.

Past: Feast of Unleavened Bread – v. 18

Present: Sabbath – v. 21

Future: Festival of Harvest - v.22

All of these terms of the covenant speak to an exclusive relationship of trust.

v. 28 – God writes this covenant in stone!

What does this have to do with us? “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

“When I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:10

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on our own understanding.” - Proverbs 3:5

Let’s ask ourselves… What is the evidence, or lack thereof, that I trust God? Where am I clinging to “By myself” or “I got this”? Where might I be “going along to get along”? What is keeping me from fully trusting God? What is one way I can trust God this week that I haven’t before?

Good News: I can’t make my life work on my own! But as I fully trust God, I find help experience the freedom and joy of the life I was created to live.

2 Peter 1:1-11

Exodus 34:1-9

God’s word is authoritative, v. 1-5

Exodus 34:1

Exodus 34:27-28

God’s character is clear, v. 6-7

merciful gracious slow to anger loving faithful forgiving

a) iniquity- more deeply rooted, means premeditated choice, continuing without repentance. Inquiry left unchecked less to a state of willful sin with no fear of God. Iniquity causes us to bend or twist the law of God in our hearts long before it expresses itself in our hands. b) transgression- refers to presumptuous sin, the choice to intentionally disobey; willful trespassing. c) sin- to miss the mark, dong wrong against God or a person, doing the opposite of what is right, failing to do what you know is right.

Exodus 20:4-6

Worship is the proper response to God’s revealed character, v. 8

Exodus 33:12-23

A deeper knowledge of God, v. 13

The logic of intercession- a request that is based on a truth that God has already established in His word or a principle that He has demonstrated in His character.

a) guidance…our need

b) character…God’s nature

Redemptive leadership, v. 14
How God thinks about His people, v. 14-16

I Peter 2:9-12

I Peter 1:1-2

a) according to the foreknowledge of God b) in the sanctification of the Spirit c) for obedience to Jesus Christ

Goodness is enough

Takeaways…

God is reason able
There is always more
We can accept being accepted.
We can see the basis of our salvation

I Timothy 2:5-6

Exodus 33:1-11 NLT

God is coming closer!
God is not afraid of messes.
God doesn’t come all the way inside the camp.
God’s Presence Recalibrates Us! Psalm 73 NLT (The Finding Nemo Psalm)

God’s Perspective

A Mirror

God’s presence has the power to not only recalibrate us but to transform us.

What’s one way, outside my regularly scheduled programming this week, I will meet with God?

This is a recording of our Women's Pastor, Marcie McClendon, speaking to our women on Perseverance from Hebrews 12 and leading in a time of prayer.

Exodus 32:1-14

When we neglect our hearts

Joshua 24:14-15

The idol of approval- I want the approval of the people I’m talking to
The idol of control- using gossip as a way to manipulate/control others
The idol of reputation- I want to feel important so I put others down
The idol of recognition- talking about others gets people to notice me.
The idol of success-someone is succeeding-and I’m not- so I gossip about them
The idol of knowledge- talking about people is a way of showing I now more
When we experience God as slow

Isaiah 55:8-9

When God is present but unmanageable

Exodus 19:16-20

When we forget

Two things we are prone to forget:

a) the trajectory of our relationship

b) the nature of God

When we fail to see the bigness of what God is doing

Matthew 7:24-29

The Bible is self-validating, v. 24
You can hear and never listen

Hearing- what someone says. Listening- what you do with what that person says.

James 1:22-25

Galatians 5:1

The storm reveals what you trusted in, v. 25
No one chooses sand, v. 26
People are drawn to authority, v. 28-81

Matthew 7:13-23

Section I, v. 13-14

God wants an understanding not a following Luke 9:57-62 Two gates: wide…..easy…..destruction…..many narrow…..hard…..life…..few
Many people are religiously lost

Section II, v. 15-20

People have always distorted the truth 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Fruit is evidence of conversion

Section III, v. 21-23

Don’t confuse doing with being known Luke 10:17-20

Matthew 7:7-12

Prayer is about persistence Three postures of prayer: a) ask b) seek c) knock
Prayer is an expression of faith Luke 18:1-8 Isaiah 62:6-7
Prayer puts us in touch with the nature of God, v. 11 “If you then…”
Prayer exposes us to a bigger experience of good, v. 11
Prayer moves us beyond ourselves, v. 12 Matthew 5:17

Matthew 7:1-6

Not being judgmental will not get you to heaven, v. 1-2 Acts 17:29-31
Always start with yourself, v. 3-5 I Corinthians 9:24-27

1) Am I solid in the faith? 2) Is my lifestyle in obedience to Jesus Christ? 3) Am I committed to following God’s word? 4) Do I talk openly of spiritual truths? 5) Am I prayerfully optimistic about the people around me? 6) Am I joyful? 7) Does sin still bother me? 8) Am I growing spiritually? 9) Do I find comfort in the Gospel? 10) Is my faith sharing me?

Specks matter, v. 5
There is a time to be intentional with silence, v. 6

Matthew 6:19-34

The Connection between Worry and Treasures

Matthew 6:19-21

What does Jesus say to us worriers?

Matthew 6:25-34

Make the Kingdom of God my Primary Concern

“Place top priority on identifying and involving yourself in what God is doing and in the kind of rightness he has. All else needed is provide.” (Dallas Willard paraphrase of Matthew 6:33)

Identifying and Involving myself in what God is doing

Matthew 6:31-33

"The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians - when they are somber and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths.” Sheldon Van Aukin

Matthew 5:13-16 (The Message)

Being Salt & Light = Being with people as a conduit of God’s grace, healing, and wholeness (Shalom).

Practice the Art of “Withness” https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw

Be Real

Matthew 5:1-12; 4:18-22

Hebrew Education System: Bet Sefer Bet Talmud Bet Midrash

In a world whose way is earning, performance, and privilege, Jesus invites everyone to play on His team.

Jesus believes you can be like Him!

Exodus 31:12-18

The Sabbath is a priority of God “Above all…”
Psalm 138:2
The Sabbath is a sign, v. 13
The Sabbath is holy, v. 14-15
The Sabbath reminds us that we are in a relationship, v. 16

Think of it like a triangle with three points… i. relate to ii. think about iii. experience

The Sabbath invites us into a rhythm, v. 17

“Learn to obey. Only he who obeys a rhythm superior to his own is free.” - Calvin Miller

The Sabbath is a command of God, v. 18 2 Timothy 3:16 2 Peter 1:16-21

Exodus 26

The accommodation of God
The otherness of God Psalm 15
It’s not always going to be this way
This is an indication of things to come

Exodus 25:31-40

Look closely at the details v. 31
Ex. 12:35-36
2 Sam. 7:1-11
The lampstand points to life v. 32-35 -Gen. 2:5-9 -Gen. 3:22-24
The lampstand holds light. v. 36-39
Look closely at the pattern. v. 40 -Rev. 21:22-22:5 a. access to God b. healing c. no more curse

Exodus 25:23-30

The Bread of Presence

Bread = Sustenance

Presence = Face, the gateway to deep communion

God’s presence nourishes and sustains us. Exodus 33:1-6 Psalm 16:11 Psalm 73:15-16 John 6:32-35

“Every moment we live without an awareness of God’s presence we are sleep walking.” John Ortberg

Cover of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with Him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way”. Brother Lawrence

Practicing the Presence of God

“Sleep is God’s invention for giving us help He cannot get into us while we are awake.” George MacDonald

“For Christians the beginning of the day should not be haunted by the various kinds of concerns they face during the day. The Lord stands above the new day, and all worry and all anxiety flee before Him. Therefore, in the early morning hours of the day, may our many thoughts and our many idle words be silent and may the first word and the first thought belong to the One to whom our whole life belongs.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Bread of Presence is available to us as the Bread of Life to nourish and sustain us!

Exodus 25:9-22

The ark symbolizes the presence of God
The ark reminds us of God’s holiness

vv. 10-16

The ark reminds us of God’s faithfulness

a) omer of manna- God will provide

Exodos 16:32-33

b) Aaron’s staff- I have a plan for how this should go

Numbers 16:8-10

Numbers 17:10

c) two stone tablets of Ten Commandments- God must be obeyed

Exodus 24:3

The ark reminds us of God’s mercy

vv. 17-21

Romans 3:21-25a

Exodus 25:1-9

Obedience in the area of stewardship is something we should talk about in church, v. 2

Stewardship involves two things:

a) tithe- b) offering-

Most people rarely give an offering because they don’t experience the blessing of tithing, v. 2

Priority of the first’s:

a) firstborn-

Exodus 13:1-2, 11-13

b) first fruits-

Exodus 23:19 Proverbs 3:9-10

c) tithe-

Malachi 3:6-12

Notice three things about this passage:

1) Notice that God does not change

2) Notice the word God uses to describe their behavior

3) Notice the two things God mentions

The motivation comes from your heart, v. 3

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Exodus 24:1-8

Covenant- a sacred relationship, established by God, in which God belongs to his people and his people belong to him.

Jesus is necessary, v. 1-4a

I Timothy 2:5-7

Jesus is enough, v. 4b-8

Two kinds of sacrifices:

a) whole burnt offering

b) peace offering

Hebrews 9:11-28

Hebrews 10:11-18

Hebrews 10:19-25

Genesis 12:1-3

Exodus 23:20-33

Guidance, v. 20-22

? How often do you sense God’s active leadership in your life?

Worship, v. 23-27

Genesis 35:5 Isaiah 32:21 2 Corinthians 5:11

The terror of God is a biblically informed understanding of God’s nature, capacity and willingness.

?? Who is your “they” these days?

Longevity, v. 28

Psalm 139:13-18

?? How does this shape how you think about tomorrow? If you could know how many days you had left would you want to know? And if you knew, what would it change about the way you live?

Big Picture, v. 28-31

I Kings 4:20-21

There is a beautiful purpose to God’s law, v. 18-19

a) it reveals our inability to keep it b) it reminds us of the judgement to come c) it glaringly magnifies our need for a mediator d) it shows us our need for a Savior e) it is intended to increase our wonder at and worship of Jesus

There is a posture to our fear, v. 20

a) servile fear

b) filial fear

Jeremiah 29:11 Psalm 23 Psalm 34:4-11 Luke 12:22-32

Exodus 20:1-17

• Contentment is not being driven by wanting more.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11-12

• Learning Contentment…

Relentlessly establish realistic expectations.   Contentment = reality – expectations

• Cultivate gratitude. "Give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

• Stake your life on that which can satisfy your soul.

Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33

Exodus 20:1-16

A culture of the lie

a) Lies subvert a fundamental requirement for civilization-trust.

b) Lying is a reflection of a worldview

c) Without truth you have no shared meaning

The anatomy of a lie
to escape accountability
to create a fantasy life/escape our mundane life
to avoid punishment
to get what we want
to mange people’s impression of us
to exploit others
to avoid awkward or unwanted conversations
to display our lack of trust in God
The consequence of lying
Romans 1:24-25

a) exchange b) consequence

We are people of the truth
Ephesians 4:11-16

I Corinthians 15:1-11

A Story worth repeating, v. 1

The Gospel is the good news that God saw how messed up the world was and how messed up I was and did something about it.

Galatians 1:6-9

A Story worth responding to, v. 1-2

a) received

b) stand

c) saves you

d) hold fast

A Story worth believing, v.11

Luke 19

Kingdom 1 – Rome

Kingdom 2 – Israel’s Religious Leaders

Kingdom 3 – King Jesus

Terms

Kingdom - living under the rule and reign of Jesus

Repent - agreeing with God

Believe - live like it’s true

Stealing communicates something to God.

Genesis 12:1-4

I Timothy 6:17

Stealing confers something onto your children

Exodus 20:5-6

Stealing robs people of the dignity of accomplishment

Ephesians 4:28

Stealing takes many forms

Malachi 3:8-10

“…until there is no more need.”

Exodus 20:1-14

“The Christians idea of marriage is based on Christ’s words that a man and wife are to be regarded as a single organism...The male and the female were made to be combined together in pairs, not simply on a sexual level, but totally combined. The monstrosity of sexual intercourse outside marriage is that those who indulge in it are trying to isolate one kind of union, the sexual, from all the other kinds of union which were intended to go along with it and make up the total union. The Christian attitude does not mean that there is anything wrong with sexual pleasure, any more than the pleasure of eating. It means that you must not isolate that pleasure and try to get it by itself, any more than you ought to try to get the pleasures of taste without swallowing and digesting, by chewing things and spitting them out again.” -C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

It violates God’s design for marriage

Genesis 1:27-28 Proverbs 5:15-20 I Corinthains 7:3-5

It misrepresents God’s covenant with his Bride, the Church

Ephesians 5:25-33

It is a sin against the Trinity

I Thessalonians 4:2-8 I Corinthians 6:15-20

It has eternal consequences

I Corinthians 6:9-11

Exodus 20:1-13, Matthew 5:21-22, Psalm 14:1, Joshua 25:15, Psalms 14:1-4, Exodus 20:13, Matthew 11:28-30

Exodus 20:1-12

Command

a) doctrine

b) discipline

Two ways to think about discipline:

1) punitive 2) formative

Hebrews 12:7-11

c) delight

Promise

“If anyone fails to honor his parents, is there any he will spare?”

-Augustine

Exodus 20:1-11

Remember

Sabbath looks back at creation and redemption where God says two very important things:

a) I rested b) I redeemed

Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Keep

Three things we can do to keep the sabbath:

a) work hard all week

Colossians 3:22-25

b) notice the direction of the Sabbath

c) remember that God blessed the Sabbath day

Isaiah 58:13-14

a) This is the only commandment with a sanction. b) God speaks in the third person c) God has a deep, abiding regard for His name. d) God’s name is HIs identity.

Psalm 106:7-8 Psalm 138:2 Matthew 6:9

When we seek to define God by insufficient means

Anthropomorphic- ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, especially to a deity.

Isaiah 46:1-5

When we subject God to human capacities
In therapeutic worship

Psalm 29:2

“kabod”- which means weight, burden

When we use God’s name for our purposes

Acts 19:11-20

When we take God’s name and continue living for ours.

Ezekiel 36:19-24

Exodus 20:1-6

Idolatry changes the nature of the relationship
Dt. 4:9-18
Idolatry robs God of his majesty
Idolatry is an attempt to use God
Idolatry shapes the trajectory of your family
Isaiah 40:18-41

Exodus 20:1-3

Speaking is an expression of love, v. 1
Command is evidence of relationship, v. 2
The command is revealing, v. 3

a) demanding

“The tragedy of modern faith is that we no longer are capable of being terrified. We aren’t afraid of God, we aren’t afraid of Jesus, we aren’t afraid of the Holy Spirit. As a result, we have ended up with a need-centered gospel that attracts thousands…but transforms no one. What happened to the bone-chilling, earth-shattering, gut-wrenching, knee-knocking, heart-stopping, life-changing fear that left us speechless, paralyzed and helpless? Why happened to those moments when you and I would open our Bibles and our hands started shaking because we were afraid of the Truth we might find there? William Barclay tells us that the word used in the bible for “truth” has three meanings- a word used to describe a wrestler grabbing an opponent by the throat; a word meaning to flay an animal; and a word used to describe the humiliation of a criminal who was paraded in front of a crowd with a dagger tied to his neck, its point under his chin so he could not put his head down. That is what the truth is really like! It grabs us by the throat, it flays us wide open, it forces us to look into the face of God. When is the last time you and I heard God’s Truth and were grabbed by the throat?”

-Mike Yaconelli b) jealous

c) monotheistic

Isaiah 45:18-22

d) exclusive

I Timothy 2:5-6

Exodus 20:1-21

We must understand God’s purpose for the Commandments
You cannot separate the commandments from the Story

Deuteronomy 6:20-25

The commandments keep us from falling back into slavery
The commandments are a proposal

Exodus 19:1-6

God leads us with sanctification in mind not satisfaction
God is not the problem

“The ancient man approached God as the accused person approaches his judge. For the modern man the roles are reversed. He is the judge: God is in the dock. He is quite a kindly judge: if God should have reasonable defense for being the god who permits war, poverty and disease, he is ready to listen to it. The trial may even end in God’s acquittal. But the important thing is that Man is on the Bench and God is in the Dock.” -C.S. Lewis

How we test God:

a) when we refuse to wait for Him b) when we demand that He does the same thing the same way at the same time…every time! c) when we believe we know better d) when we doubt His character e) when we insist that He prove Himself by doing specific things

Sin has consequences

John 2:23-25

Psalm 95

Presence without provision

Psalm 131

The Indicting Nature of Incarnational Love I John 4:7-12

Love is evidence of conversion, v. 7

The perfect tense in the Greek language refers to an action completed at a specific point of time in the past with results continuing into the present.

. ______________________

Love is demonstrated, v. 9-10

a) presence

b) possibility

c) propitiation

Isaiah 53:4-6

Love makes us responsible, v. 11-12

I John 3:16-18

John 16:16-24

Jesus knows what you want, v. 19

Matthew 6:7-8

• I knew you before you were born. As my hands formed you, I whispered purpose into your bones. I can’t not love you. (Psalm 139:1-6)

• I am not like people. So please - don’t put human words in my mouth or apply human behaviors to my character. You will miss me altogether. (Isaiah 55:8)

• I’ve never ignored you. I’ve been here all along. Protecting. Loving. Waiting. (Psalm 56:8)

• As resourceful and brilliant as you are, you cannot save yourself. It’s by God’s grace and faith in Me alone that you are saved. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• The shame and guilt weighs you down has been taken care of on the cross. Your bill has been zeroed out. (John 3:16)

• No matter what you’ve heard or what you’ve come to believe, there’s nothing that can separate you from my love. (Romans 8:38-39)

• My love for you won’t walk out, fail, or ever come to an end. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

• I love you. Let’s talk. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Joy is often born from sorrow and anguish, v. 21
This isn’t it, v. 23-24

John 14:25-31

Relationship, v. 25

Luke 14:31-33

Presence
Manner, v. 27

a) the world gives according to what they think you deserve. Christ gives according to what He knows you need. b) The world gives at little cost to themselves. Christ gives at great cost to Himself. c) The world gives out of obligation. Christ gives out of desire.

Context, v. 27
Believe, v. 30

Psalm 137

Hope is bigger than our circumstances, v. 1-4

Lamentations 2:15-16

Hope is a confession of remembrance, v. 5-6

Lamentations 3:1-24

Hope reminds us that God remembers, v. 7-9

“To sentimentalize something is to savor rather than to suffer the sadness of it.”

-Frederick Blechner

Micah 5:2

Exodus 16:1-26

Does God always have to prove himself to you?
Is God provision or Provider?

“go out and gather a days portion”

“every day”

vv. 31-35

Dt. 8:2-4

John 6:24-42

What do you think moves the heart of God?

Luke 7- extravagant gratitude Luke 18- persistent faith Luke 21- real sacrifice

Remember and understand the rescue v. 1-3

a) It is powerful

b) It is promised -Ex. 3:6

c) It is salvation.

Enjoy the rescue v. 4-12

-Hebrews 11:29

Look forward to the rescue v. 13-18

-Revelation 15:2-4

Exodus 14:1-18

God has a motivation for everything He does, v. 1-4

Isaiah 43:6-7

God is doing more than you can see, v. 5-9
Faith is sometimes still and silent, v. 10-14
Ask the right question, v. 15-18

a) because we have a short memory b) because we settle c) our faith is a noun not a verb

Exodus 13:17-22

God’s path is often not the most direct route

Obstacles to trusting God’s Direction

Distrust
Resentment

II. There is purpose in the wilderness

What we see—While we strain to see over the next horizon, God sees the map from above—and so knows the best way to proceed. So the Lord often leads us according to the needs of our heart, not always according to its desires.

What God sees—The Father sees the fear buried in our hearts that the quick and easy way would bring out. In our lives, we must realize that God’s goal for us—the best He could possibly give us—isn’t found in simply taking us from here to there. It isn’t even found in a new biblical insight. These come as but the means of His real goal—to know Him.

Wayne Stiles

III. There is provision and direction in the wilderness

Isaiah 41:4-10 MSG

Hebrews 3:7-19

Is there any part of your heart that is not believing the Gospel?
Are there any sinful appetites that need to be made to surrender to the truths of the Gospel?
Is there any area of your heart that has been hardened by the deceitfulness of sin?
Are you as spiritually confident now as when you began?

Exodus 11-12:14

What do the plagues teach us about God:

a) He is Almighty b) He is jealous c) He is just d) He is merciful

The favor of God changes things, 11:3
We’re not all God’s children
Ezekiel 22:23-27
The rhythm of your life should be set by God, 12:1-2
God always has a why, 12:3-14

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Matthew 14:22-33

Fear is not from God
Fear is the reciprocal of Faith
Fear can be a Feeling, Fear is a Spirit

Afraid of the Storm

• When what is on the outside, begins to come into the inside.

Afraid of the Solution

• What would you do if you had no Fear?

This will get personal, Exodus 9:8-11
I Corinthians 10:13
There is a difference in having sinned and being a sinner, Exodus 9:13-21
vv. 27-35

Three purposes for the plagues:

a) God’s power is unlimited and purposeful b) The plagues were part of God’s missionary purpose to glorify his name in all the earth.

Joshua 9:9
I Samuel 4:5-8

c) God has control over creation

God defines obedience, Exodus 10:1-11
Who do you trust in now, Exodus 10:21-29

God acts from a big agenda, 7:14-19

v. 17- “By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold…”

Is God selfish or merciful?
Relief is a vain substitute for the truth, 8:1-11
Has there ever been a time where you settled for relief instead of the truth?
My capacity exceeds yours, 8:16-19
God is a caring, personal God, 8:20-23

v. 22- “That you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth.”

Is there an area of your life where it doesn’t feel like God is Lord over?
God makes a distinction, 9:1-7

The Ordination of Aaron Cotton on May 17, 2015.

Since 1995, Ross has worked as a full-time musician. He also led our church in worship during an interim period for over a year. Ross is a lyrical craftsman and a very down-to-earth soul. Be refreshed as we hear his story and worship God together.

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Colossians 3:22-24

Is your motivation at work more internal or external?, v. 22
Who do you work for? v. 23
What does knowing this enable you do do at work? v. 24

Exodus 6:1-9

v. 2- “I am the Lord”

v. 6-8 There are seven “I will” statements in these verses that divide into four categories:

a) liberation b) redemption c) adoption d) possession

v. 9- “broken spirit”

Ask the practical
Go where you can see God
Spend time with people who restore your soul
Talk to yourself

Psalm 103

Exodus 5:1-9

Meet with God, v. 1

Exodus 33:7-11

Don’t expect lost people to act like Christians, v. 2
Tell the whole story, v. 3

a) there is something to believe b) this belief is specific and exclusive c) there is an action required d) there is a consequence of not believing

Exodus 4:18-31

The power of sovereignty, v. 21

Exodus 9:13-21

Four things to keep in mind about God’s sovereignty:

a) God’s sovereignty is never subjected to our circumstances b) God’s sovereignty is expressed in what he does and doesn’t do c) God is sovereign and merciful d) The purpose of sovereignty is worship

The power of sonship, v. 22-23
The power of the blood, v. 24-26

“The foundation of our justification- our acquittal, our forgiveness- is not a flimsy sentimentality in God, nor is it a shallow claim of human worth. It is the massive rock of God’s unswerving commitment to uphold the worth of his own glory, to promote the praise of his holy name and to vindicate his righteousness. The God-centeredness of God is the foundation of his grace to the ungodly. If God were not committed first to vindicate the worth of his own glory, there would be no gospel and no hope, for their would be no glorious God.” -John Piper

Genesis 17:9-14
The power of testimony, v. 27-31

Where “if” becomes “when”, v. 12-14

a) that God is self-existent and therefore not dependent on anything else for his own existence b) that God is the creator and sustainer of all that exists

Hebrews 1:1-3

c) that God is immutable in his being and character and thus is not in the process of becoming something different from what he is d) that God is eternal in his existence e) that God is personal

Why God distinguishes himself, v. 15

a) polytheism- the worship of or belief in multiple gods. b) pantheism- everything and everyone is God. c) syncretism- the mixing of different religions which results in a “new religion.”

That God knows the past, present and future, v. 16-22

Psalm 139:19-22 1. REMINDS US DIVINE JUSTICE IS COMING (VV. 19-20) Nehemiah 5:11 Ephesians 4:26

RELATIONSHIPS ARE PUT IN THE RIGHT ORDER (VV. 21-22) Proverbs 6:16-19

Psalm 92

Part One: Believers gather to give thanks, sing, and declare God’s Word (v. 1-4)

-1 Cor. 14:15

-Exodus 34:5-8

Part Two: Learn how to deal with the culture shock of two kingdoms. (v. 7-9)

-Col. 1:13

-2 Pet. 3:1-13

Part Three: Prepare to meet your God (v. 12-15)

-Acts 2:42

a) The apostles’ teaching

b) The fellowship

c) The Lord’s Supper (the breaking of bread)

d) The prayers

-John 15:2-3

Psalm 118 1. God’s Love is Loyal v. 1-4

His Love Delivers v. 5-21
God’s Love Saves. v22-29

Exodus 3:1-12 1. Stay curious, v. 1-4 The fruit of curiosity:

a) promotes exploration and discovery b) produces questions c) produces persistence d) provides involvement

See your life as a blank check, v.4
Get a grasp of the nature of God, v. 5-9

Revelation 19:11-16

Look through the right lens, v. 11

Exodus 2:11-25 “Posture Before Your Father”

RUNNING v 11-15
Resting v 16-22 Obstacles a) We misunderstand the posture of rest b) We misunderstand God

Benefits a) Trust in God’s provision b) Live in Blessing

Responding v 23-25

God is always at work, v. 1-2

God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm

Deep in unfathomable mines, Of never failing skill He treasures up His bright designs, And works His sovereign will

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break, In blessings on your head

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face

Deuteronomy 10:8-11
God works in your enemies hearts as well, v. 5-6

Psalm 109:1-20

How to pray for your enemies:

a) remember that you were once God’s enemy b) ask yourself what you need to let die c) pray for mercy not just justice

God works in our lives in ways we don’t expect, v. 7-10

Hosea 3:5 Psalm 84:11 Romans 8:28 Philippians 1:6 I Peter 2:3 Titus 3:3-7 Psalm 23:6

Exodus 1:1-7

God keeps his promises. v. 5-7

Genesis 12:1-2

Exodus 1:8-14

Wherever you are headed God is already there, v. 6
This is a big story

a) know the Story b) live in the Story c) tell the Story d) contextualize the Story

Exodus 6:6-8

Freed from but delivered to
God exerts himself to make knowledge possible
God places a priority on worship
God is relational
God is holy
The law is necessary
Following God is a must Exodus 40:34-38

Hebrews 10:14-25

Let us draw near, v. 22
Let us hold fast, v. 23
Let us consider, v. 25

JESUS IS IN CHARGE (v. 1)
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE INVOLVES WORK (V. 2-3, 6)

A. Works, toil, patiently endurance (v. 2)

B. Don’t not tolerate sin (v.2)

C. Identify falsehood (v. 2)

D. Keep God’s glory in mind (v. 3)

E. Don’t grow weary in doing good (v. 3)

LOVE FOR GOD IS PRIMARY (v. 4)
RESTORATION IS MADE AVAILABLE (v. 5, 7)

Ephesians 6:1-4

Be intentional

a) the goal- b) the definition- c) the task-

Be doctrinal
Play offense not defense

Romans 1:16

Understand new birth
Be God-centered

Symptoms of a God-centered family:

a) a willingness to say “no” to children when it is in the child’s best interest b) a marriage in which dad and mom are united before their children c) a willingness to make your marriage more important than your children d) a willingness to be different

Hebrews 12:25-13:6

Honor the institution of marriage, v. 4

How do we honor marriage?

a) Let what belongs to marriage stay in marriage. b) Submit to God’s definition of it.

Guard the marriage bed, v. 4

I Corinthians 6:9-20

Keep your lives free from the love of money, v. 5

I Timothy 6:5-10

Be content with what you have, v. 5

Ephesians 4:17-32

Have a former way of life, v. 22
Speak the truth, v. 25
Be angry, v. 26
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit, v. 30
Forgive as you’ve been forgiven, v. 32

Ephesians 5:15-33

Introductory thoughts:

a) Men and women have distinct roles in marriage b) Their roles are equal in value but different in function c) These roles were established before the Fall

Submission, v. 22
Headship, v. 23

a) a physical head, I Corinthians 11:7 b) source or origin, Colossians 1:18 c) a person with authority, Ephesians 1:22

What does headship mean?

1) Headship is more of a responsibility than a right. 2) Headship is the authority to serve.

“If headship means ‘power’ in any sense, then it is power to care, not to crush; power to serve, not to dominate; power to facilitate self-fulfillment, not to frustrate or destroy it. And in all this the standard of the husband’s love is to be the cross of Christ, on which he surrendered himself even to death in his selfless love for his bride.” -John Stott 3) Headship is the opportunity to lead. 4) Headship nurtures and nourishes.

Love, v. 25-30

“Christ ‘loved’ the church and ‘gave himself’ for her, in order to ‘cleanse’ her, ‘sanctify’ her, and ultimately ‘present’ her to himself in full splendor and without any defect. In other words, his love and self-sacrifice were not an idle display, but purposeful. And his purpose was not to impose an alien identity upon the church, but to free her from the spots and wrinkles which mar her beauty and to display her in her true glory. The Christian husband is to have a similar concern. His headship will never be used to suppress his wife. He longs to see her liberated from everything which spoils her true feminine identity and growing towards that ‘glory’, that perfection of fulfilled personhood which will be the final destiny of all those whom Christ redeems. To this end Christ gave himself. To this end too the husband gives himself in love.” -John Stott

Respect, v.33
The Gospel, v. 32

“When God made man, then women and then brought them together in a relationship called marriage, he wasn’t simply rolling dice, drawing straws or flipping a coin. He was painting a picture. His intent from the start was to illustrate his love for people.” -David Platt

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Genesis 2:15-25

Marriage is instituted by God.
Marriage is governed by God’s commands.

Three regulations God puts on marriage:

a) forbids homosexual marriage b) forbids polygamy c) forbids marriage to an unbeliever

Philippians 2:3-7
Marriage is designed for lasting joy.
Marriage is a covenant
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Malachi 2:13-16
Marriage has a mission
Psalm 34:3

Resurrection means the life of Jesus is verifiable, v. 44
Resurrection means the death of Jesus was purposeful, v. 46

Mark 8:31-33 Mark 9:31 Mark 10:33-34

Resurrection makes forgiveness possible, v. 47

Hebrews 10:11

Resurrection means God is available, v. 49

Luke 19:28-44

Prophecy being fulfilled, v. 37
History being filled full

Exodus 12:1-6

Our greatest need being addressed

a) sufficient motivation

John 12:27-28

b) sufficient sacrifice

Romans 3:20-26

A compassionate God, v. 41-44

Matthew 24:1-14

Focus on what is coming, not just what is happening, v. 8

Romans 8:18-22

This gets personal, v. 9
Don’t confuse pragmatism with Christianity, v. 12
Persevere, v. 13

a) Perseverance is not a condition for salvation but a consequence of salvation. b) This happens not because of my effort but because of my identity. c) My positional righteousness is bigger than my circumstances. d) Perseverance is a responsible expression of Christianity.

Proclaim the Gospel, v. 14

Luke 21:25-38

Watch yourselves

a) dissipation b) drunkenness c) cares of this life

Mark 4:19

Ten things people worry about…

How am I going to pay my bills this month?
Will I ever find the right person for me?
What do I want to do with my life?
Am I spending enough time with my family?
Is my life making a difference?
What if I lost my house?
Could I lose my job?
What can I do to lose some weight?
Will I be able to take care of my parents as they age?
Will my marriage ever get better?
Stay awake

Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 26:40-41

Pray

a) carve out some solitude b) immerse yourself in the Psalms c) Stay curious

John 17

I. God’s Glory demands obedience. (v 1-5, John 1:1-4, John 6:38, Philippians 2:3-11)

“ There is only one way to glorify God, and that is to obey God.” - Dr. Christopher Blum

II. Service is Selfless (v 6-19, )

• Keep them loyal and obedient to The Father (v.11) • Unity (v.11) • Fill them with Joy (v.13) • Faith through persecution (v.14) • Keep them from the Evil One (v.15) • Sustain their sojourn (v.15) • Sanctify Them set them apart for God’s service (v.17) • Know, understand, believe, and obey God’s Word (v.17)

"Christianity was never meant to withdraw a man from life; it was meant to equip him better for life. Christianity does not offer us release from problems; it offers us a way to solve our problems. Christianity does not offer us an easy peace; it offers us a triumphant warfare. Christianity does not offer us a life in which troubles are escaped and evaded; it offers us a life in which troubles are faced and conquered. . . . The Christian must never desire to abandon the world; he must always desire to win the world.” - William Barclay

III. Unite in Belief. (20-26)

The Gospel Is Extravagant Mark 14:1-11

The goodness of God surpasses the badness of man

II Corinthians 5:21

We live our understanding
Extravagant gospel, extravagant response

Towards thinking extravagantly about the Gospel:

a) The Gospel is the power of God

b) The Gospel changes my view of God’s commands

c) The Gospel reminds me that my righteous standing with God always holds firm regardless of my performance, because my standing is based solely on the work of Jesus and not mine.

d) The Gospel guarantees my acceptance by God and the impossibility of condemnation.

“The Gospel isn’t one class among many that you’ll attend during your life as a Christian – the gospel is the whole building that all the classes take place in! Rightly approached, all the topics you’ll study and focus on as a believer will be offered to you ‘within the walls’ of the glorious gospel.” – C.J . Mahaney

"Terror accomplishes no real obedience. Suspense brings forth no fruit unto holiness. No gloomy uncertainty as to God’s favor can subdue one lust, or correct our crookedness of will. But the free pardon of the cross uproots sin, and withers all its branches. Only the certainty of love, forgiving love, can do this."

— Horatius Bonar

I Corinthians 11:23-32

Because it helps us to remember Jesus.
Because in it we look back as well as forward.

a) “we proclaim the Lord’s death…”

b) “until He comes”

Because life is meant to be examined.

Walk in Love Ephesians 5:1-2

• Imitate God • Walk In Love to the level of Christ • Walk In Love as worship • Walking in Love is passive and active • Patience is not Tolerance

“Tolerance Is the Attitude of Those Who Do Not Believe in Anything” - G.K. Chesterton

“ Tolerance means at best indifference to everything” - G.K. Chesterton

• Be Kind • Do not rejoice in wrongdoing • Rejoice in the Truth

Acts 4:23-31

Because God knows everything
Because prayer is where we see the see the nature of God, v. 24-28
Because prayer reorients us around the nature of faith, v. 29

v. 13

Because prayer moves the heart of God, v. 31
Exodus 32:1-14

Colossians 2:6-7

Start with regeneration

Regeneration is an act of God in which he imparts new spiritual life to us.

Continue

Colossians 3:5 I Timothy 6:11-12 Luke 13:24 2 Peter 1:5-8

Five things we need to exert ourselves in:

a) our marriage b) the Word c) adversity d) Church e) formative friendships

2 Corinthians 7:2-7

Learn

Luke 4:1-15

Full of the Spirit, v. 1

Acts 10:38 Romans 8:9-11 I Corinthians 6:19

Ephesians 5:15-21

Three things happen when we are full:

a) joyful worship b) gratitude c) mutual submission

Led by the Spirit, v. 1

Galatians 5:16-25

In the Power of the Spirit, v. 14

Acts 1:8

2 Timothy 3

Learning leads to believing, v. 14
Luke 1:1-4
This is a personal process, v. 14
It’s never too early to start, v. 15
The Scriptures lead us to Jesus, v.14

John 5:39-40

The Bible was recorded by man but not written by man, v. 16

2 Peter 1:12-21

Things to remember:

1) People will always doubt the Bible.

“No fact of contemporary Western life is more evident than its growing distrust of final truth and its implacable questioning of any sure word. -Carl. F. Henry

2) People start with their experiences 3) The Bible is self-authenticating…it has to be. 4) The Bible is sufficient

John 20:30-31

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Our fate is sealed
We go immediately into God’s presence

Hebrews 12:22-24

Implications of this truth:

a) No such thing as purgatory

b) No “soul sleep”

We will be conscious of where we are

Revelation 6:9-11 Revelation 7:9-10

Our bodies will rise at the second coming.

Matthew 6:1-18

Give

Giving your money to help people who need it.

Pray

Prayer is the intentional act of talking and listening to God.

Prayer is about submission
Prayer is relational
Prayer is a place of authenticity
Prayer is proportional

Luke 18:9-14

Fast

Fasting is the intentional avoidance of food for the purpose of focussing on the spiritual over the physical.

Fasting is a tangible form of self-denial.
Fasting reveals how often we use food pleasure to avoid discomfort
Reveals the satisfying nature of obedience
Increases spiritual leverage
Turns down the volume on the external and turns up the volume on the internal
Reveals what controls you

Ephesians 3:14-21 1. Be strong (v.16) 2. Make room for Jesus (v.17) 3. Love regardless (v. 18-19a) 4. Be filled with fullness (v. 19b)

I John 4:7-12

Love is an experience, v. 7-8

a) "love"- means “to love dearly, to be contented at or with, to love without conditions.”

b) “has been born of God”

John 3:1-8

c) “and knows God”

John 1:9-13

Love has been demonstrated, v. 9-10
Love is a responsibility, v. 11-12

Luke 2:6-10

“A joyless Christianity will become an obstacle to believing the truth and will render the faith repulsive rather than attractive. However, a joyful Christianity is a most arresting advertisement for the transforming power of the Gospel. So all who hope to cut ice as witnesses for Christ will do well to study the art of joy as part of their spiritual preparation. The joy that gives Christians credibility also gives them energy.” -J.I. Packer

In the obedience

Philippians 1:12-18

From the involvement

Acts 5:27-42

In the expectation

Philippians 1:21-23

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

John 16:29-33 1 .Peace Comes From God

True Peace Delivers Us

Hebrews 6:11-20

The promise of God, v. 13
The nature of God, v. 13-16
The consistency of God, v. 17

a) “more convincingly” b) “the heirs of his promise” c) “the unchangeable character of His purpose” d) "two unchangeable things” e) "it is impossible for God to lie”

The hope of God, v. 19

Psalm 16

Fall is where we reap what we’ve sown a) my choices matter b) doing good matters c) perseverane is a must d) we all have opportunities

Galatians 6:7-10

Fall is when we realize three things:

a) doing good matters b) perseverance is a must c) we all have opportunities

Fall is where we see how we’ve sown

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Fall is where your faith is most on display

Hebrews 6:7-8

Fall is for feasting

Nehemiah 8:9-12

Fall is for gratitude

Psalm 95:1-6

“I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed. It is frustrating to have discovered a new author and not to be able to tell anyone how good he is; to come suddenly, at the turn of the road, upon some mountain valley of unexpected grandeur and then to have to keep silent because the people with you care for it no more than for a tin can in the ditch; to hear a good joke and find no one to share it with. . . . The Scotch catechism says that man’s chief end is ‘to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.’ But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.” -C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms

Seasons of Faith: Summer Psalm 19

Summer is a time of abundance

Where is your “of course” these days?

I Timothy 6:17

Summer is a foretaste of heaven

How does thinking about heaven affect how you live on earth?

Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

What is the difference between dissatisfaction and longing?

Summer is where we experience the by-product.
Summer is a time of first fruits

Proverbs 10:5

I Timothy 6:18-19

Proverbs 3:1-12

1: Embrace the right Peace v. 1-2

2: Spring is a season of Work v. 3-6

3: There is Fruit in Commitment v. 7-10

4: Sometimes Spring Feels like Uz. v. 10-12

Psalm 88

Introductory thoughts on this series:

a) The Christian life is seasonal by design b) Not every season is a fruit bearing season c) All of the seasons are necessary to produce fruit

How do you know when you are in winter?

a) People tell you things you know are true but it just irritates you b) You feel ashamed or embarrassed about what you are but you don’t have the energy to do anything about it. c) Life has lost it’s flavor d) Your issue is not knowing, it’s doing.

Dormancy
Death
Deep Feeding
Disciplines

Spiritual disciplines are holy habits that help me order my life around what I value.

Disciplines for winter:

a) sing

b) solitude

c) silence

Luke 8:22-25

Remember God’s Word

Psalm 135:5-21

Locate your faith
Grow in your knowledge of God.

Luke 19:1-10

Money will not make me happy, v. 1-3

Three things about Zacchaeus:

a) chief tax collector b) rich c) seeking

Jesus call us with friendship in mind, v. 5
Forgiveness must be scandalous, v. 7
What you do with your money is a reflection of what God has done in your heart, v. 8-9

Matthew 6:21

God is on a mission, v. 10

(Exodus 3:1-14)

DON’T MISS THE BURNING BUSH (vv. 1-4)
FREEDOM MEANS FREE (vv. 5-9)
THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL – I AM (vv. 10-14)

Matthew 15:21-28

There is a spiritual dimension to life, v. 21-22
Ephesians 4:30
Isaiah 14:12-15
Matthew 25:41
I John 4:1-4
The silence of God is purposeful, v. 23a
Pay attention to the posture of your life, v. 23-25
Know what moves God, v. 26-28

Acts 9:1-19

No one has done so much that God has given up on them, v. 1-2
A right knowledge of God changes everything, v. 3-5
Exodus 34:7
Jeremiah 9:23-24
God operates with the belief that He gets to tell us what to do, v. 6
Friends don’t always understand, v.7
God uses ordinary people, v. 10
Understand the nature of authority, v. 14
You are going to suffer, v. 15-16

On May 11th, 2002, a drunk driver killed Renee's daughter, Meagan, and Meagan's friend, Lisa. The driver, Eric Smallridge, was sentenced to 22 years in prison. In the midst of grieving the loss of her daughter, Renee came to forgive Eric, and in turn Eric decided to make something positive out of his tragic mistake.

John 8:1-11

Jesus upholds the Law, v. 1-7
Leviticus 20:10
Matthew 7:1-5
I Corinthians 5:9-13
Jesus applies the Law, v. 8-10
Jesus fulfills the Law, v. 11
2 Corinthians 5:21
Romans 3:21-26

“And what we all need to hear is that what lies most on the heart of God is not whether we move from one job to the other, but whether in our present work we are enjoying God's promised presence and obeying his commands in the way we do our work.” - John Piper

I. Genuine v. 9 II. Empathetic v.14-15 III. Honorable v. 16-18 IV. Good v 21

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

The experience of reconciliation, v.18
Colossians 2:6-15
The ministry of reconciliation, v. 18
The message of reconciliation, v. 19

“Redemption is much more than simply saving souls. It will ultimately entail the complete healing of creation, including social justice, the reunification of all humanity, and the end of physical decay and death. But even now it means bringing the health and coherence of Christ’s lordship back into every aspect of human life. The Christian church is to be a new society in which the world can see exhibited what family, business practices, race relations and all of life can be under the kingship of Jesus Christ.” -Tim Keller

1) Unless you have a proper definition of mission then you will succeed at a lot of things that are less than mission. The mission of the church is to go into the world and make disciples by declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit and gathering these disciples into churches, that they might worship and obey Jesus Christ now and in eternity to the glory of God the Father.

2) Mission is not thinking in terms of addition but intentionality.

3) Mission requires motivation. a) There is something worse than death. b) There is something better than personal prosperity. c) There is not, nor will there ever be, anything better than heaven. d) There is not, nor will there ever be, anything more agonizing than hell. 2. BAPTIZE- Acts 2:36-41 1) Baptism implies repentance 2) Baptism is observed only after conversion 3) In the NT baptism was by immersion 4) Baptism symbolizes the union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. * Romans 6:3-4 3. TEACH * John 13:34-35 * John 17:20-21 * Luke 17:3-4 “

I have seen so much emotional blackmail in my ministry I am jealous to raise a warning against it. Emotional blackmail happens when a person equates his or her emotional pain with another person’s failure to love. They aren’t the same. A person may love well and the beloved still feel hurt, and use the hurt to blackmail the lover into admitting guilt her or she does not have. Emotional blackmail says, “If I feel hurt by you, you are guilty.” There is no defense. The hurt person has become God. His emotion has become judge and jury. Truth does not matter. All that matters is the sovereign sufferings of the aggrieved. It is above question. This emotional device is a great evil.” -John Piper

What do I mean by living intentionally?
What does it look like? Numbers 13, 14
What difference does it make? a. Changes your perspective b. Enables public honesty c. Fosters perseverance
What is God saying you?

Matthew 28:16-20

TEACH- “make disciples”

The Order of Salvation

• Election (God’s choice of people to be saved) • The gospel call (proclaiming the message of the gospel) • Regeneration (being born again) • Conversion (faith and repentance) • Justification (right legal standing) • Adoption (membership in God’s family) • Sanctification (right conduct of life) • Perseverance (remaining a Christian) • Death (going to be with the Lord) • Glorification (receiving a resurrection body)

When making disciples you want to strike a glance of three things:

a) honesty

“I don’t think that anything has been done in the name of Christ and under the banner of Christianity that has proven more destructive to human personality, and hence counterproductive to the evangelistic enterprise, than the unchristian, uncouth strategy of attempting to make people aware of their lost and sinful condition.” -Robert Schuler

b) urgency

Acts 13:36-44

c) joy-

Galatians 5.13-14

You Have a Unique Design (Psalm 139.14) You Have a Priesthood (1 Peter 2.4-5) Our Design is for Us (Ephesians 4.11-16)

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” -

Theodore Roosevelt

John 15.12-17

Commitment One: Presence (1 Samuel 18.1-4)

“True friendships are not relationships we control but adventures we enter into; indeed, friendship is more a surrender than a conquest, more a loss of control than a calculated plan. Friendship is a matter of mutual affection, of reciprocal love, care, and concern.” - Paul Wadell

Proverbs 18.24 (NIV): “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Commitment Two: Honesty (Proverbs 27.5-6)

Proverbs 24.26

Proverbs 17.9 (The Message): “Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!”

Commitment Three: Encouragement (Hebrews 10.24-25)

“Therefore, the Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth. The Christ in his own heart is weaker than the Christ in the word of his brother; his own heart is uncertain, his brother’s is sure.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Commitment Four: Mutual Pursuit of Christ (2 Corinthians 6.14-16)

The Growing Community Text: Mark 8.27-38

Growing Communities Journey Together (vv. 27-30) Growing Communities Value God’s Priorities (vv. 31-33) Colossians 3.5-17

“The great, great granddaddy of all sins is the denial of sin, the refusal to admit sin.” - Eugene Peterson, The Jesus Way

1 John 1.10, Proverbs 14.12, Proverbs 28.13, Matthew 3.8

Growing Communities Have the Right Destination (vv. 34-38)

Matthew 18.20

Things that keep us from valuing community: Preference/Priority People Phones Phear

Three Main Points to the Passage What is Community? (Matthew 18.20)

2.Why Do We Value Community? (Matthew 18.20a) John 15.4-6, 12 “Christianity means community in and through Jesus Christ.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer Matthew 18.15-20 Genesis 1.26-27 Genesis 2.18 “God created us with a hunger for relationship - for relationship with him and with our fellow people. At our very core we are relational beings.” - Henry Cloud

Genesis 2.25

One Caveat: We Value Christian Community (Matthew 18.20b) Genesis 3.6-13 1 Peter 5.8

Revelation 20:11-15

Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
Resolved to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and the common circumstances which attend to death.
Resolved, that I will live so, as I wish I had don when I come to die.
Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age.
Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world.
Resolved to live with all my might while I do live.

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” -Hebrews 2:14-15

Death is a reckoning, v. 11
Acts 17:31
Death is an equalizer, v. 12

“We all have an appointment to sit down at a banquet of consequences.” -Robert Louis Stevenson

Death reveals what is recorded, v. 12-13

a) book of deeds

b) book of life

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, buy rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” -Luke 10:20

Death leads to life or death, v. 14-15

I Corinthians 6:9-11

Introductory thoughts:

1) Unrealized desires are not unique to homosexuals. 2) The Bible describes homosexual behavior as “unnatural.” 3) Our identity is not found in what we desire. 4) Context doesn’t determine morality. 5) Inconsistent application of Old Testament laws. 6) Homosexuality renders the cultural mandate an impossibility.

Homosexuality is not unique.
Homosexuality is a gospel issue.

“For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be.” -John Stott

Jude 1:3-4

Homosexuality is not inescapable.

Ephesians 5:11-20 Colossians 4:2-6 video found at - https://new.livestream.com/grandparkway/events/3022845/videos/53961149

Matthew 6:19-24
Luke 18:18-25
Luke 12:13-21
2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Right use of money has two effects:

a) Provides rewards of an eternal nature. b) Draws our affections into the Kingdom of God

Deuteronomy 6

I Corinthians 11

2 Timothy 3 & 4

Song of Solomon 5

Ephesians 5:22-31

Genesis 1:26-28

Luke 24:13-27

Luke 19

Romans 16:25-27

Romans 16:17-24

Romans 16:1-16

Romans 15:22-33

Romans 15:14-21

Romans 15:7-13

Romans 15:1-7Find the interview of Lisa at https://vimeo.com/87229286

Romans 14:13-23Watch the video at new.livestream.com/grandparkway

Romans 14:1-12

Romans 13:8-14

Romans 13:1-7

Romans 12:9-21

Romans 12:3-8

Romans 12:1-2

Hebrews 12:1-3

1 John 4:7-12

Matthew 24:36-51

Judges 6:11-24Check out the video here:http://new.livestream.com/accounts/5363977/advent/videos/36758825

Waiting is part of God's plan. Genesis 3:152. Waiting is the universal experience of God's people. Genesis 7:1-5, 8:13 Genesis 12:1 Genesis 37:18-24 Exodus 32:1 Acts 1:4-7 Galatians 4:43. Waiting connects the process to the promise. Jeremiah 33:14-16 Jeremiah 33:1 Jeremiah 32:1-9

Romans 11:33-36

Romans 11:11-32Check out the video at - http://new.livestream.com/accounts/5363977/events/2541825

Romans 11:1-10Also check out the video at grandparkway.org/live

Romans 10:14-21

Romans 10:5-13

Romans 9:30 - Romans 10:4

Romans 9:6-29

Romans 9:1-5

Naghmeh Abedini is the wife of imprisoned Christian Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is currently serving an eight year prison sentence in Iran because of his Christian faith. Naghmeh met Saeed on a trip to Tehran in 2002 and began assisting him in his ministry to house churches. They were married in 2004 and have two young children, six-year-old Rebekka and five-year-old Jacob. Since Saeed’s arrest in the summer of 2012, Naghmeh has continued to gather support for her husband by speaking before churches, the news media, U. S. Congress, and even the United Nations. Her tireless efforts have led to international publicity on Saeed’s case, involvement by national and international legislators, and a widespread prayer movement in the Christian community.

Marcie McClendon (Pastor Neil McClendon's wife) interviews Naghmeh and finds out more about her experiences and her background.

Matthew 13:44

Mark 2:1-12

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Colossians 3:23-24We apologize for the poor audio quality. We had some technical difficulties during recording.

Exodus 2:23-25

Psalm 32:1-11

Luke 19:11-27

Matthew 22:1-14

Luke 13:22-30

Matthew 20:1-16

Luke 11:1-13

Matthew 15:10-20

Luke 5:37-38Luke 5:27-30Luke 5:33Luke 6:1-2Luke 6:6Luke 5:39Luke 5:12-13

Matthew 13:31-33

Luke 15:11-32

Luke 10:25-37

Luke 8:1-21

I Corinthians 11:23-32

Colossians 1:13-20

Romans 8:31-39

Romans 8:18-30

Romans 8:12-17

Romans 7:7-13

Romans 7:1-6

John 20:1-10

John 12:12-28

Romans 6:15-23

Romans 6:1-14

Romans 5:12-21

I Corinthians 11

Romans 5:1-11

Romans 4:13-25

Romans 4:1-12

Genesis 12

Matthew 28

Psalm 133:1-3Mark 3:31-35Acts 2:44-46Galatians 3:26-28

1 Corinthians 15

Luke 2:22-35

Luke 1:26-28

Luke 1:46-56

1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:11

Luke 2:36-38

Romans 3:21-31

Romans 3

Romans 2:17-29

Romans 2:1-16

Romans 1:18-32

Romans 1:16-18

Romans 1:1-7

Hebrews 10:19-31

Galatians 5:1-6

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Ephesians 5:22-27

Acts 2:36-41

Isaiah 45:1-25

2 Timothy 4

II Corinthians 5:16-21

I Corinthians 9

John 3:1-5

Deuteronomy 30

Isaiah 53

Ruth 4:13-22

Ruth 4:1-12

Ruth Chapter 3

Ruth Chapter 2

Ruth 1:1-5

Joshua 4:1-7

Jeremiah 18:1-6

I Peter Chapter 1

Matthew 28:16-20, Exodus 33

Romans 1:1-4

I Corinthians 15: 19-28

Romans 8:9-11

Matthew 27:57 - 28:7

Mark 11:1-18

Mark 10:32-45

I Timothy 1

I Timothy 3

I Timothy 4:1-11

II Timothy 2

Titus 3:1-11

Galatians 3:1-6

Genesis 1:26-28

John 15:1-11

1 Corinthians 14:6-12

1 Corinthians 3