Roblin Wesleyan Church: Recent Episodes
Roblin Wesleyan Church
Roblin Wesleyan Church invites you to join each week for a new podcast to help grow your relationship with God on a deeper level.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Jesus the Wisdom of God is Worth Everything
Pastor Bert McCutcheon
Sunday, August 18, 2024 (morning service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Stuart Marples
Saturday, August 17, 2024 (evening service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Stuart Marples
Friday, August 16, 2024 (evening service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Stuart Marples
Thursday, August 15, 2024 (evening service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Stuart Marples
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 (evening service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Nathan Huff
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 (evening service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Nathan Huff
Monday, August 12, 2024 (evening service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Nathan Huff
Sunday, August 11, 2024 (evening service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Nathan Huff
Sunday, August 11, 2024 (morning service)
Family Camp - Roblin Christian Camp
Guest Speaker: Pastor Nathan Huff
You Are Salt...You Are Light...You Have Influence
March 10, 2024
Pastor Bert McCutcheon
- Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.
- Is. 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.
- 2Th. 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Gen. 50:22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.
Heb. 2:11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
2Pet. 3:8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
James 4:13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Eccl. 2:11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Psa. 8:3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
Jer. 6:16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Eph. 3:18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge
Psa. 36:5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. ….7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
Psa. 103:14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
- For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. - Romans 12:4-5
- The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” - Genesis 2:18
- God sets the lonely in families, - Psalm 68:6a
- Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. - James 5:16
- As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17
- ...not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25
- Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. - Proverbs 14:4
- And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; - Genesis 3:15
- 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:1-5
- The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14
- ...the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. - Revelation 13:8b
- Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; - Psalm 23:4a
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). - Matthew 1:23
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.9“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
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. - Isaiah 59:2
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, - 1 Timothy 2:5
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. - Philippians 2:6-7
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. - Ephesians 4:9-10
18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict. Be grateful and you won't grumble. Grumble and you won't be grateful. - Billy Graham
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” - Genesis 12:3
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. - Luke 2:10
“This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, - Exodus 19:3b-5
And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. - Genesis 35:11
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” - Exodus 19:5-6
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 2:5
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. - 1 Peter 2:9
And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.11These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. - 1 Corinthians 10:10-11
Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! - James 5:9
Hear Pastor Bert's reflections on the most wonderful of days, which freed us from the fear of death. Jesus is alive!
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. - Luke 9:51
Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ - Luke 13:33
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, - Hebrews 12:2a
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. - 1 Peter 2:16
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. - Hebrews 12:3
During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. - Exodus 2:23
There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” - Exodus 3:2-3
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”And Moses said, “Here I am.”5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
- Exodus 3:4-6
Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”“A staff,” he replied. - Exodus 4:2
Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” - Exodus 5:2
1. He's A Consuming Fire
For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. - Deuteronomy 4:24
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our “God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28-29
2. He is Holy
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” - Exodus 3:5
3. God is Compassionate
So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” - Exodus 3:10
4. He's Willing to Work Through Our Humanity
And God said, “I will be with you. - Exodus 3:12a
...settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. - Genesis 47:6b
Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. - Exodus 1:8
Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.” - Exodus 1:22
During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. - Exodus 2:23
"Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C.S. Lewis
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” - Luke 22:42
28 When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” – 1 Samuel 17:28
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:6-7
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.– 1 Peter 3:3-4
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:8
I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ – Acts 13:22b
Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” 11 On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. – 1 Samuel 17:10-11
“Emotional health and spiritual maturity are inseparable. It’s impossible to be spiritually mature, while remaining emotionally immature. – Pete Scazzero
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24
28When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” – 1 Samuel 17:28
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:6-7
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.– 1 Peter 3:3-4
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:8
I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ – Acts 13:22b
Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” 11On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. – 1 Samuel 17:10-11
“Emotional health and spiritual maturity are inseparable. It’s impossible to be spiritually mature, while remaining emotionally immature. – Pete Scazzero
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24
For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. – Leviticus 17:11
Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. – Genesis 8:20
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. – Genesis 6:9b
Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” – Genesis 22:8a
The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.– Genesis 8:21
The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. – Genesis 6:5
So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. – Genesis 6:6
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14
After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord. – Genesis 12:8
Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. – Genesis 26:25a
So Jacob told everyone in his household, “Get rid of all your pagan idols, purify yourselves, and put on clean clothing. 3We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God– Genesis 35:2-3a
“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!– John 1:29b
Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. – Hebrews 7:27
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. – Romans 12:1
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. – 2 Corinthians 2:15
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, - Proverbs 9:10a
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. - 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. - Ephesians 5:2
Be Who You Are: Your Identity in Christ
Identity Crisis - when you aren't sure if who you are aligns with who you thought you were.
When we know who we are, God empowers us to act in accordance with our new identification as His son or daughter.
12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” 13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” 16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” - Judges 6:12-16
- Thinking about Calling.
- What are you called to?
- Abe was: called through a tragedy
- Focus on Jesus, now & eternity
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3
- What are you called to?
- What is my brokenness to overcome?
- Sin is a coping mechanism - what are you trying to cope with? What can I do to strengthen my family/people?
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. - Colossians 4:5-6
1 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Spiritual Conversation Curve:
Unreceptive "Gain a Hearing":
- Chat - chatting about life builds trust
- Relate - Relating to each other's joys and pains deepens connections
Receptive "Give Good News":
- Share - Sharing Jesus at work in your life affirms His relevance
- Connect - Connecting Jesus to daily life reveals Good News
Seeking "Guide Toward Faith":
- Explore - Exploring questions about faith encourages searching
- Clarify - Clarifying costs and rewards of following Jesus prepares for faith
The Five Types of Prayer:
- Adoration - Psa. 29:2 - Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
- Thanksgiving - Psa. 100:4 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
- Confession - 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
- Supplication - Phil. 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Intercession - 1 Tim. 2:1 - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people
The Five Contents of Prayer:
- Pray for Self
- Pray for Family
- Pray for Church
- Pray for Social Sphere
- Pray for Nations
Think of the endless possibilities in prayer if we applied the five types of prayer to the five contents of prayer.
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.”
_____
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, no
This is my grown up Christmas list
_____
“What would happen, I wonder, if the armies suddenly and simultaneously went on strike and said some other method must be found for settling the dispute?”
1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
“My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.” - Brennan Manning
1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
Eph. 3:17 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Values are the basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions.
- in the spiritual realm
- In a Humanistic society
- In Our Unbelief
Advent Means "Coming" - It's a symbol of and emphasis on our wait for Christ's return, in these 'last days'.
Advent is a time of remembering his deeds, and expecting his action.
Is. 9:1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan — Is. 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Is. 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Is. 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Matt. 4:12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: Matt. 4:15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”(Quoted From Isaiah 9:2)
Matt. 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” — which means, “God with us.”
Is. 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Counselor = one who gives advice and direction, with implication that the advice given is wise and valuable
Wonderful = be amazing; beyond understanding - the word for miracle
Ex. 15:11 “Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Is. 25:1 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelousthings, things planned long ago.
Luke 4:32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.
- Dare to Hope
- Dare to Believe
- Dare to Love
How do we Hold on to Hope?
- Hold on to your courage and don’t give up
o Heb. 3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
- Own God’s Promises as Your Own
o Heb. 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
- Prepare your mind for action every day
o 1Pet. 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
o Encourage Yourself Daily that God Can Be Trusted
- Heb. 6:18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Phil. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Phil. 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Phil. 2:12 work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Phil. 4:2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
1. Let Your Desire to Please God Override Your Desire to Be Right.
In all our beliefs — we have Love.
In essential beliefs — we have Unity.
In life style statements - we have Grace.
Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
II. Influence Yourself and Others with Rejoicing and Gentleness.
Col. 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James 5:8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Phil. 4:5 Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer ... 7 And the peace of God, ... guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
III. Give Your Anxiety To God and Practice His Peace.
Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.
IV. Change What You Think About.
The Mirror
19 Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. - Romans 1:19-21
Guidelines to help us:
- Is it true?
- Is it helpful?
- Is it kind?
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. - Phillippians 2:5-7
HOT
- Humble
- Open
- Transparent
Gal 4:19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
Eph. 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
Gal. 5:19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Gal. 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Liminal Spaces - From Latin:
Limen, “Threshold” or “Doorstep” take you from where you are to where you are going.
Physical Liminal Spaces:
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Stairwells
-
Hallways
-
Elevators
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Break rooms
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Waiting rooms
-
Hotel Lobbies
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Airports
Non-Physical Liminal Spaces:
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job loss
-
college
-
wedding
-
graduation
-
mid-life
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divorce
Liminal space is where transformation takes place, but we have to wait and let God use this often uncomfortable space to form us.
Quote: Richard Rohr Author & Theologian
“Where we are betwixt and between the familiar and the completely unknown. There alone is our old world left behind, while we are not yet sure of the new existence. That’s a good space where genuine newness can begin. Get there often and stay as long as you can by whatever means possible …. This is the sacred space where the old world is able to fall apart, and a bigger world is revealed. If we don’t encounter liminal space in our lives, we start idealizing normalcy. The threshold is God’s waiting room. Here we are taught openness and patience as we come to expect an appointment with the divine doctor.”
Psa. 139:23 Search me,a God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
A Prayer of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, (from Hearts on Fire) 'Patient Trust'
Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through some stages of instability—
and that it may take a very long time. And so I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually—let them grow, let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.
Prayer - October 30, 2022
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
13 “It is written,”he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” - Matthew 21:13
4 For this is what the Lord says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— - Isaiah 56:4
And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant— 7these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” 8 The Sovereign Lord declares— he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.” - Isaiah 56:6-8
16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? - 1 Corinthians 3:16
Inner strides towards God:
- Worship
- Bible reading
- Listening/silence
- Talking to Him/praying
- Fasting
- Solitude
Outer strides towards God:
- Loving people - strangers and those close to us
- Entertaining, encouraging, helping
- Hearing people
- Discipling people
Gen. 3:1-8
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
Gen. 3:5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Jer. 2:13 “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
Rev. 3:17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Gen 3:8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Rev. 5:1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne…
See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.
Gen. 49:1. … “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.
Gen. 49:8 “Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. 9 You are a lion’s cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness — who dares to rouse him? 10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. 11 He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
Phil. 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
4 Powerful Reasons to Know Jesus as Lion of Judah
The Lion of Judah is Lord
The Lion of Judah is Victorious
The Lion of Judah will Rule Forever
The Lion of Judah Shed His Blood for the Forgiveness of Your Sins
"You have made us for yourself, o Lord,
and our heart is restless
until it rests in you."
Augustine
Matthew 24:4 "Watch out that no one deceives you."
Matthew 24:24 "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and preform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect"
Matthew 24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."
Matthew 25:13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."
The Importance of Being Refreshed in the Lord - Part 5
John 3:3
1 Cor. 3:9
Rom. 8:29a
Eph. 4:22
Eph. 5:1
Luke 18:11
John 6:28
Matt. 18:1
1 Cor. 13:2
Eph. 4:15
Eph. 4:22
Rom. 8:29a
Eph. 5:1-2
The Importance of Being Refreshed in the Lord - Part 4
Psalms 69:1-3
Jeremiah 31:25
Hebrews 4:9
Philippians 4:7
1 Corinthians 6:19
John 4:16
Isaiah 40:31
The Importance of Being Refreshed in the Lord - Part 3
Mark 1:35
Luke 7:44
John 11:2
1 Peter 4:10
James 5:16a
Hebrews 10:24-25
Ecclesiastes 4:9
John 14:16
1 Corinthians 6:19
1 John 4:4
Ephesians 5:18
Jeremiah 2:13
Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
“Everyone is under encouraged, under appreciated and lonely.”
Heb. 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Luke 4:42a At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place.
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Heb. 5:7 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.
1 Kings 19:1-21
1 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9There he went into a cave and spent the night.
The Lord Appears to Elijah
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”
The Call of Elisha
19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?” 21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
The Reunion Table
Guest: Pastor Olivia Phillips
Building Community - Health Community is built on truth and love
John 14:15-24
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
The Empty Table
Guest: Pastor Olivia Phillips
"Show Up" - When people show up, do not show them out.
1 Kings 17:8-24
8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ”15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. 17 Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. 18She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?”19 “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” 21 Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!” 22 The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived. 23Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!” 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”
How Holy Is Too Holy?
Guest: Pastor Ross Kingston
Sunday, August 14, 2022 - evening service
19Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.
1Pet. 1:18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Matt. 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Rom. 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
1Cor. 6:13 “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food” — but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
1Th. 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable,
1 Th. 4:5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.
1 Th. 4:7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
1Kings 7:51 When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the LORD was finished, he brought in the things his father David had dedicated — the silver and gold and the furnishings — and he placed them in the treasuries of the LORD’s temple.
1Kings 8:1 Then King Solomon summoned into his presence at Jerusalem the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant from Zion,the City of David.
1Kings 8:6 The priests then brought the ark of the LORD’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim.
Ex. 33:15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.
1Cor. 11:25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
1Kings 8:10 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. 11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.
1Kings 8:22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven 23 and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below — you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.
Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
Matt. 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
1 Kings 8:29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.
1Cor. 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. - Psalms 51:12-14
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:3-10
1 Kings 17
1Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” 2Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 3“Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. 4You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”5So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. 6The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9“Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”13Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ” 15She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.17Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. 18She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?”19“Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. 20Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” 21Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!”22The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived. 23Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!” 24Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”
Prayer: What do you want to do, God?
1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” NIV
1 Peter 2:5 - ‘You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ’ NIV
Incarnation - in the flesh
How to be a priest:
• Ask them how they’re doing.
• Pray for them, before, during and after.
• Share what God is doing in you with them.
Revelation 8-9
8:7 1/3 of trees & all the grass are burned
8:8 1/3 the seas turns to blood
8:9 1/3 of all sea life & ships are destroyed
8:10 1/3 of all rivers & Springs go bad
8:11 many people die as a result
9:5 locust torture for 5 months
9:15, 18 1/3 of all light is gone.
Revelation
It’s 3 Genres
-
A letter written to some near by churches
-
It’s Prophetic- an encouragement to return to God.
• Theo-centric & Dynamic - it’s about God& he’s engaged
• It’s apocalyptic - meaning ‘reveal’
Some Guiding Principles
-
Don’t focus on the details
-
Focus on the repeated
What’s the Message of Revelation?
Judgement for sin
Life for the believers
Glory for God.
Patmos : [a] “treeless, waterless, rocky crag.”
Faith is necessary for mysteries. The righteous will live by faith. The righteous live in mystery. Learn to become comfortable in the unknown, that you may know the unknowableGod. Relate to him. Revelation is a mystery – Don’t try to tie it down.
“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus…” Revelation 1:9
The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race,
and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle.
The wise sometimes go hungry.
And the skillful are not necessarily wealthy
and those who are educated
don’t always lead successful lives.
- Ecclesiastes 9:11
I. We are motivated by what we see and hear
II. Our motivation must not come from the majority
III. When you look back focus on the victories
IV. See Your Unique weapons
V. Focus on the direction of Victory - set your heart, mind and eyes.
VI. Focus on the target but focus beyond the target
VII. Know that God is on your side
1 Samuel 17:1-58
1Cor. 4:14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. 15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
Eph. 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Rom. 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
2Cor. 12:14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?
1Cor. 4:14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. 15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your Father through the gospel.
Ephesians 6:4: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
1Cor. 4:14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. 15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ,you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
1 Cor. 4:16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
Phil. 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
1 Cor. 4:15b - 16 ... for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Eric Hallett
Celebrating 20 years in the building at Roblin Wesleyan Church!
I. Being a Disciple in God’s Kingdom won’t always be Easy
Acts 14:21 They (Paul and Barnabus) preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,
Matt. 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Eph. 6:12 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.
Rom. 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
II. God’s Kingdom is Worth the Hardship
Matt. 13:45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Rom. 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in
2Cor. 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Rev. 21:2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
III. This Kingdom is Our Real Home
Phil. 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph. 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,
2Cor. 5:1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2Cor. 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
IV. God’s Kingdom is Here and Requires Transformation for all Who Enter
Matt. 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
John 3:5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Heb. 12:14b … without holiness no one will see the Lord.
1Pet. 1:15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
Discipleship
Matt. 28:19 Therefore go and make disciplesof all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
We’re Talking about Discipleship
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Calling from above
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Calling from below
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Calling from outside
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Calling from within
“You must find companions or make them, the Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.”
The society - larger group
- fellowship, prayer, instruction.
The entry requirement “a desire to flee the wrath to come”.
The class meeting - ten to twelve people
- weekly offerings for poor - met weekly for personal supervision and spiritual growth.
The band meeting - smaller - accountability. - met weekly for mutual confession.
The Society aimed for the head,
the Class Meeting for the hands,
and the Band Meeting for the heart.
Contexts Jesus Used to Disciple
Public Space - Jesus with the Crowd
Social Space - Jesus with the 70
Personal Space - Jesus with the 12
Transparent Space - Jesus with the 3
Divine Space - Jesus with the Father
1. Calling from above
John 20:21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
2. Calling from below
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
3. Calling from outside
Matt. 9:36a When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,
John 4:35b I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
4. Calling from within
John 21:17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me? ... Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Knowing Jesus is the heart of Discipleship NOT
Knowing about Jesus
Gen. 3:8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
1. Solitary space (divine)
2. Transparent Space - me & a few
3. Personal Space - me & small group
4. Social Space - me & my church
5. Public Space - Me & large gathering
Transparent Space
Matt. 4:18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
Personal Space
Matt. 14:28-29 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
Social Space
Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them …
Transparent Space
Mark 9:2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.
Public Space
Luke 9:13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.”
The 5 Spaces of Discipleship
Jesus made disciples. Jesus commands us to make disciples.
How did Jesus do it? Different things in different spaces.
5 Spaces
• Public
• Social
• Personal
• Transparent
• Solitary
Public “My Network” 100s
Social “Me & my church” 20-70
Personal “Me & my people 4-12
Transparent “Me & a few” 2-4
Solitary “Me & God”
Possible Activity:
Public: Hear From & Talk to God
Social: Connect
Personal: Grow
Transparent: Encourage
Solitary: Hear from & talk to God
How did you experience God first?
How do you experience him most?
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. - Ephesians 1:7-10
18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. - 1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. - 1 Peter 1:18-19 ESV
mataios (Greek for futile) - without purpose, useless
“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. Acts 2:38b
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41
… They came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot.
Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:37b-38
But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:12
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ Acts 22:16
1. Water Baptism Represents Cleansing
2. Baptism Publicly Expresses My New Identity
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor. 5:17
3. Baptism is a picture of death and resurrection
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Rom. 6:3
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new Rom. 6:4
In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, Col. 2:11
Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Col. 2:12
4. Baptism means we are openly joining the ranks of those who believe in Christ.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Matt. 28:19
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Gal. 3:27
It is appointed to man to die once, then face the judgment (Heb. 9:27).
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:55
Acts 1:3a After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive…
Acts 2:24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Acts 2:32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.
Acts 4:10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
Acts 4:33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead — whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.
Greek Word for Resurrection is Anastasis
John 11:25a"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die…
Acts 17:18b …“What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
Because He raised from the dead so will you.
Because He raised from the dead so will I.
AND
We can’t ignore what Jesus said.
1Cor. 15:12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Cor. 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
1Cor. 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
1Cor. 15:16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
1Cor. 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.
1Cor. 15:18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
1Cor. 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1Cor. 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
1Cor. 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
1Cor. 15:24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
1Cor. 15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead Ephesians 1:18-20
The Hope Of The Gospel Is The cross
1 Corinthians 1:18 “…the message of the cross is… the power of God”
1:23 “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolish to gentiles,
24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 for the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:18,23-25
Matt. 16:13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Luke 19:41-42 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes.
Matt. 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.
Matt. 21:6-7 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.
Matt. 21:8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
Matt. 21: 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”
John 11:57 But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him.
Matt. 20:17b -19a… as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified."
John 12:13a They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”
Rev. 7:9a After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.
Rev. 7:9b They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Matt. 21:5b “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
Matt. 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matt. 11:29 -30 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
John 19:15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
John 12:19 … the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
Matt 21:10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
Matt. 21:11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Matt. 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
- Eph. 5:28
- Mark 1:17
- Luke 9:23b
- Heb. 4:13
- Gen. 3:9-10
- Psa. 139:23-24
I. Moses’ journey – Reveals how to come to grips with the real you.
Moses’ warped view (too high) of himself prevented him from fulfilling God’s purpose for his life. - Ex. 2:12 Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
Moses’ warped view (too low) of himself almost prevented him from fulfilling God’s purpose for his life.
Excuse #1 – “I’m a nobody” - Ex. 3:11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
Excuse #2 – “I’m not smart enough” - Exodus 3:13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"
Excuse #3 – “I’m not credible” - Ex. 4:1 Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?"
Excuse #4 – “I’m not qualified” - Ex. 4:10 Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."
II. Moses’ reluctant trust in God’s promises and God’s character were his “baby steps“ to a sober self-assessment.
Ex. 3:12 And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."
Matthew 28:20 "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Ex. 3:14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Ex. 4:2 Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Ex. 4:11 The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
III. Moses’ life reveals that a sober self-assessment (Reality) is a prerequisite to fulfill our divine assignment.
Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”
Eph. 2:10 “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
- Ask God to help you recognize the warped mirrors of the world that have shaped your thinking.
- Begin the journey of developing a sober self-assessment by getting God’s view of you through:
…His Word – Renew your mind
… His people – Honest feedback
... Personal evaluation – Strengths/Weaknesses
… Discovering your primary spiritual gift
- Celebrate daily that you are unique, loved, accepted, capable and being prepared to fulfill your divine assignment.
Prov. 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
1Sam. 16:7b … The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Rev. 2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands
Rev. 2:2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
Rev. 2:3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Rev. 2:4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
1 Cor 13:3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Rom. 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
He deserves to be worshiped.
Rev. 2:5a Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.
Rev. 2:5b If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Fragile - easily broken or damaged
Resilient - able to withstand or quickly recover from difficult conditions.
Anti Fragile - improves and grows in difficulty
In our relationship to God are we fragile? Resilient? Anti-Fragile?
In our relationship with our people, are we fragile, resilient, or anti-fragile?
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Watch out,’ replied Jesus. ‘Don’t let anyone deceive you. 5 You see, there will be several who will come along, using my name, telling you “I’m the Messiah!” They will fool lots of people. 6 You’re going to hear about wars, actual wars and rumoured ones; make sure you don’t get alarmed. This has got to happen, but it doesn’t mean the end is coming yet. 7 Nations will rise against one another, and kingdoms against each other. There will be famines and earthquakes here and there. 8 All this is just the start of the birthpangs. … 22 And if those days had not been shortened, nobody at all would have been rescued. But for the sake of God’s chosen ones those days will be shortened.’ Matthew 24:4-8,22
One Minute Pause - a prayer app in your App Store.
“11b Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful….17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” - Colossians 3:11b-17
Link to Pause App:
- https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ransomedheart.pause
What are you called to?
“Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus” - 1 Corinthians 1:1
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:2
I appeal to you, brothers by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26
So let the one who boasts, boast in the lord. 1 Corinthians 1:31
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, 1 Corinthians 1:2b
called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours - 1 Corinthians 1:2c
“it’s not about gritting your teeth, it’s about falling in love” - Richard Foster on Prayer
2 Cor. 13:11 - Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:1-3
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. - James 1:19-20
2 Cor. 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
“We give offerings and we bring them to God."
How we handle money is a significant indicator in revealing the condition of our heart.
Because we put money toward what we value most.
We give God what is already His.
Giving is an issue of the heart.
1Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Eccl. 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Malachi 3:7a Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them.
Malachi 3:7b Return to me, and I will return to you,”says the LORD Almighty.
Malachi 3:7b-8a “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
Malachi 3:8b“But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:9 You are under a curse — the whole nation of you - because you are robbing me.
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
Malachi 3:10b Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Honouring God with our tithes and offerings is one way we close the door to Unbelief.
Malachi 3:7 Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them.
Lev. 27:30 A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.
1 Cor. 16:1-2 Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Malachi 3:10b Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Mal. 3:10b see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Mal 3:11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty.
Honouring God with our tithes and offerings is one way we combat fear.
Principle: Firstfruits=Whatever comes to us, we must give the first portion of it back to God.
Prov. 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
1Sam. 2:30b "...Those who honor me I will honor,…"
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”
Gen. 3:1 “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
Gen. 3:4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman.
He began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.” Matthew 16:21 NLT
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Matthew 16: 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 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? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:24-28 ESV
If any of you wants to be my follower, there’s 3 steps:
1. You must deny yourself
and 2. you must take up your cross,
and 3. you must follow me.
Outcomes:
Whoever would save his life, will lose it.
Whoever loses his life for my sake, will find it.
What good is it to gain much, but lose life?
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God will repay everyone for to what they’ve done.
Discipleship. We know we should do it, but what is it? How do you do it? Dig in with Pastor Brock as we go a little deeper in the practical ideas in discipleship.
Heb. 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- KJV - 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
- NLT - 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
- ESV 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
- NASB - 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love
- Webster - 24 And let us consider one another to excite to love and to good works:
11 On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
Num 13:31b“We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”
Num 13:32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. ...
Discouragement - the act of making something less likely to happen or of making people less likely to do something. a feeling of having lost hope or confidence.
Num. 14:1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and WEPT aloud.
Num. 14:2 All the Israelites GRUMBLED against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert!
Num. 14: 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”
When a spirit of discouragement takes over there is no hope.
When a spirit of encouragement takes over there is no room for despair!
How Do We Encourage One Another? We Encourage Ourselves!
1 Sam 30:6b but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
2 Cor. 1:3-4 Praise be to the God … God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
We impart desire to one another
1. Words - (speaking into one another’s lives)
Col. 3:16a Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another…
Eph. 5:19a Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. …
Words of encouragement
Words of affirmation
2. Actions (of Love)
Gal. 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
3. Prayer (for one another)
a. Daily We Pray (TAWG)
b. Weekly We Meet - we do the body life
John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Eccl. 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Homework:
- Consider who is a ‘Balcony Person’ in your life.
- Decide to be a ‘Balcony Person’ in someone else’s life.
- Begin to encourage yourself in the Lord
- Start encouragement box
- Integrate prayer for others into TAWG
Heb. 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
1Cor. 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Heb 3:13b…encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Heb.12:7 Endure hardship as discipline;…
Heb. 10:32 Remember …when you stood your ground…in the face of suffering.
Heb. 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Discouragement - the act of making something less likely to happen or of making people less likely to do something. a feeling of having lost hope or confidence.
Encouragement - to inspire with courage, spirit, and hope
John 14:16 - And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever
Prov. 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Heb. 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing
Romans 1:11 -12 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
We must not underestimate how much people need you and how much you need people.
Rom. 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,
1 Thes 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
We are not only to encourage one another but to increase it (Heb 10:25 “all the more as the day approaches.” )
Rev. 12:12b …But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”
Let’s consider how we can spur one another on toward Love and good deeds.
Connect together in fellowship and worship
Speak faith into one another
Eph. 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Let’s develop a posture of ever increased encouragement
Be encouraged as you encourage.
2 Kings 3:2 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his father and mother had done. He got rid of the sacred stone of Baal that his father had made. 3 Nevertheless he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.
2 Kings 3:7 He also sent this message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go with you,” he replied. “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
V9b … After a roundabout march of seven days
2 Kings 3:11 - Jehoshaphat asks, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD through him?”
Psa. 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
2 Kings 3:16 “Make this valley full of ditches"
2 Kings 3:18 "This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also hand Moab over to you.”
God supplied a prophet THEY had to look for him
God sent water THEY hadtodig trenches to catch the water
God birthed the plan to confuse the enemy THEY had to to rise up and fight the
Gal. 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Jesus Made Prayer the Center of His Life and Ministry.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Luke 3:21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
1Th. 5:16 -18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
John 4:31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”
John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What area of your life have you been leaning on your own understanding and not on God?
How Shall We Start the New Year?
Jeremiah 29:5-7 “ Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:5-7
What do you hope for this year?
Some guidelines:
Hope in something God promised, that you can wait on him for.
Hope in things that you can accomplish with him.
How was 2021?
What was the DREAM? What was a THEME? What HURT?
Be ready for change, but not reliant on it.
How do you worship God?
Who has God given you?
What does God want you to do?
Michael Hyatt's SMARTER Goals:
SMARTER Goals: Specific
SMARTER Goals: Measurable
SMARTER Goals: Actionable
SMARTER Goals: Risky
SMARTER Goals: Time Bound
SMARTER Goals: Exciting
SMARTER Goals: Relevant
What is God calling you to this year?
Spiritually? Relationally? Vocationally
Two Last Practices to Have a good 2022
1. Find 2-3 people to invite into your hopes for 2022
2. Review your goals daily. Ask what step can you take.
Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Questions for Mary - Max Lucado
- What was it like watching him pray?
- How did he respond when he saw other kids giggling during the service at the synagogue?
- When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention a flood?
- Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world?
- When he saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did he act differently?
- Did you ever see him with a distant look on his face as if he were listening to someone you couldn’t hear?
- How did he act at funerals?
- Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof?
- Did you ever try to count the stars with him….and succeed?
- Did he ever come home with a black eye?
- How did he act when he got his first haircut?
- Did he have any friend by the name of Judas?
- Did he do well in school?
- Did you ever scold him?
- Did he ever have to ask a question about Scripture?
- Did he ever get angry when someone was dishonest with him?
- Did you ever catch him pensively looking at the flesh on his own arm while holding a clod of dirt?
- Did he ever wake up afraid?
- Who was his best friend?
- When someone referred to Satan, how did he act?
- Did you ever accidentally call him Father?
- What did he and his cousin John talk about as kids?
- Did his brothers and sisters understand what was happening?
- Did you ever think, That’s God eating my soup?
2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 2:7 she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:28-32 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:33-35 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Luke 2:51-52 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
John 2:25 He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
John 19:25a Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
“Weary Christmas” Matt. 11:28
Ex. 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
Psa. 63:1 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalms 23 "The Lord is my shepherd … He restores my soul.”
Is. 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matt. 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
We Can’t Understand Christmas without understanding that Christmas was a rescue mission
Five Facts (Revelations) that Precede our understanding of God’s Rescue Plan.
- We Cannot Find God Unless He Shows Himself to Us
John 6:44 For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.
Matt 11:25 “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
- Jesus is and has the full authority of God.
Matt 11:27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, And no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Heb. 1:3b The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
- Only the Father fully understands Jesus.
Matt 11:27b … No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
- Only Jesus fully understands the Father.
Matt 11:27b … No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
- Jesus alone Reveals the Father to Us
Matt. 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” — which means, “God with us.”
Phil 2:6a Who, being in very nature God … 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Matt. 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
So God’s rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God. So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today.
God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.” -Heb. 4:6-7
Heb. 4:8-11 Now if Joshua had succeeded in giving them this rest, God would not have spoken about another day of rest still to come. So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.
Luke 4:16-21 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: (He reads from Is 61:1)
Luke 4:18-21 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
We Can’t Really Understand Christmas without understanding that Christmas was a rescue mission
Luke 2:1-3 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register.
Matt. 23:25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Isaiah’s Prophesy Matt 4:16 "the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
John 11:33-34 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
Jesus wept.
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Five Meanings of Brokenness in the Bible
- Brokenness That Is Caused By Our Own Sin
- Broken People Crushing Other People
- The Brokenness of the World Can Break Us Too
- Broken Lives but Unexpected Beauty
- A Broken Jesus For Broken People
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Is. 61:3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
Rom. 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin.
Luke 9:58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Is 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Advent: coming or waiting for someone coming.
Shepherds: The right place, right time, unprepared, but willing
Wisemen: Wrong blood. Wrong place. But fully committed
Gold - a kingly gift
Frankincense - incense for worship
Myrrh - used in embalming the dead
In his presence, we come alive. Where do you meet with God?
Hebrew: QAV - rope
QAVAH - lit. tension. Fig. Wait or Hope.
Acts 2:42 they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to breaking bread, & prayer.
Let’s grow in our hope this Christmas - is your bag packed?
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
If we are to fulfill God’s purposes in life We have to increase our capacity to face difficulties
X. They Faced the Deep Distress and Disruption of Discrimination.
Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them. ”When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 8:1-3 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Acts 8:4-5 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.
Acts 7:57-58 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Acts 8:1 …On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.Acts 8:3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison
Eph. 6:13 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.
1Pet. 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
John 16:33 …In this world you will have trouble.
Jn 15:19-21 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace In this world you will have trouble. BUT take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In Every Adversity
- God is with us
- There is an opportunity
- God Increases the Capacity Of His People to Face Hardship
Gen 5:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Acts 8:1 … On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.7-8 With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.So there was great joy in that city.
1John 4:4 …greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
If we are to fulfill God’s purposes in life we have to increase our capacity to face difficulties
“God, I don’t love hard times but I love that you are increasing my capacity to face hard times.”
I. They Faced the difficult Stress of Vital Decisions
II. They Faced the harsh Disappointment of Misunderstanding
III. They Faced the Huge Responsibility that Comes from Successful Outcomes
IV. They Faced the extreme Messiness of Human Suffering
V. They Faced the Harsh Pressure of Surprising Opposition
VI. They Faced the Sobering consequences of Insincerity
VII. They Faced the illogical injustice of Jealous intentions
VIII. They faced the inevitable Challenges to meet demands that accompany growth
Acts 6:1-6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:47b …And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 5:14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.
Acts 2: 44-45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
Acts 6:2 Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
Col. 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Acts 6:7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Complained - Greek root (goggysmos)
John 7:12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering (goggysmos) about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.”
Phil. 2:14 Do everything without complaining (goggysmos) or arguing
1Pet. 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (goggysmos)
John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The Challenges of today are preparation for the challenges tomorrow.
We increase our capacity to face challenges by working through issues and avoiding bitterness and defensiveness.
In every uncertainty comes an opportunity to grow and improve.
Psalm 27:1 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?
If we are to fulfill God’s purposes in life We have to increase our capacity to face hardships
God uses hardship today to increase our capacity to face hardship tomorrow.
“God, I don’t love hard times but I love that you are increasing my capacity to face hard times.”
I. They Faced the difficult Stress of Vital Decisions
II. They Faced the harsh Disappointment of Misunderstanding
III. They Faced the Huge Responsibility that Comes from Successful Outcomes
IV. They Faced the extreme Messiness of Human Suffering
V. They Faced the Harsh Pressure of Surprising Opposition. They turned Opposition into an opportunity to Share Truth
VI. They Faced the Sobering consequences of Insincerity
Acts 5:2-9 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?
Acts 4:37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Insincere Defined: the quality of not expressing genuine feelings
1 Cor. 11:31-32 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
Reveal your pain
Face any lie you have believed from that experience
VII. They Faced the illogical injustice of Jealous intentions
Acts 5:12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.
Acts 5:17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.
18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
Jealousy Defined: resentment of someone enjoying success or advantage fear of losing something you feel is yours (rightly or wrongly) to someone else
Gal. 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
other focused - comparison
Self focused
James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
kept a kingdom perspective
They focused on gratitude not their injury
1 Pet 3:17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
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Turn from our focus on self & self ambition
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Be willing to confront our actions and bring them in alignment with God’s design.
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Look to God for affirmation.
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Rejoice in the success of others (When God’s Kingdom wins, we all win).
Handling hardship from the Book of Acts
If we are to fulfill God’s purposes in life we have to increase our capacity to face hardships
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test. he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Rom. 5:3
"Loss and hardships are unavoidable in life, however, "how" we deal with our pain is what will make us or break us.” - Melanie Willard.
I. They Faced the Stress of Vital Decisions
a. They faced the issue before them
b. They consulted one another
c. They consulted God
d. They took action
II. They Faced the Disappointment of Misunderstanding
Acts 2:13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine. ”Once again God shows up and the first thing to emerge is ridicule!
a. They kept focused on speaking truth.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
But do this with gentleness and respect -1 Pet. 3:15
You do your part and let people do what they will and let God work.
b. They Served and Loved in spite of the Misunderstanding
III. They Faced the Responsibility that Comes from Successful Outcomes
"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Acts 2: 41
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19-20
IV. They Faced the Messiness of Human Suffering
Acts 3:2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.
Matt. 26:11 The poor you will always have with you
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.
We believe in alleviating poverty but we believe the highest form of alleviation is introducing someone to Christ who raises them up with new purpose, faith, and hope for both now and eternity!
V. They Faced the Pressure of Surprising Opposition.
Acts 4:1-3 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed ... 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.
They acted with Courage and reliance upon God
a. They turned Opposition into an opportunity to Share Truth
b. They Shared the Burden of Opposition with the Church
c. They Asked God for boldness to speak not a back door to escape
d. They Depended on the Holy Spirit - they prayed
Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Be patient in discipleship
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:30-31
22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ - Matthew 7:22-23
Jesus taught his disciples:
- Examples
- Formal lessons
- Incidentally
- Correctional
- Repetitive
Discipleship:
- Who are your people?
- Pray for them
- Set a time/place to meet regularly
- Set up accountability questions
- Plan Bible study/devotions
- Discuss what God is saying to you
`...teach them to obey all I commanded you' - Jesus, Matthew 28
Repent, Remember, Pray
Be Perfect
"You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" - Matthew 5:48
Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Don't Be Anxious
John 17:3 "and this is eternal life - to know the one true God and Jesus Christ who he has sent"
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
What does Jesus command?
Matthew 4:17 – Repent for the Kingdom of heaven has come near
Repent: To change your mind, understanding or focus.
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. - Matthew 3:8
Flexibility is the new superpower - Carey Neuhoff
Our Father in Heaven hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For it is your Kingdom, Power, and Glory, Forever and Ever, Amen.
What is God saying to you?
Matt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Rom 8:29 “… to be conformed to the image of his Son ..."
Is. 6:5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips …
Is 64:5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? 6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. 7 No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins. 8 Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people.
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins …
Acts 2:38 “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.
Is 53:4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering…
Is 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Psa. 99:9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
Heb. 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
1Pet. 1:15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Acts 10:34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death…
2 Cor. 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Rom. 3:23 says: “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
…’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ Matt 6:9-10
Acts 1:3 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Acts 28:23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
Matt. 4:23a Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom …
… Jason has welcomed them (Paul and Silas) into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” Acts 17:7
Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 19:8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
John 3:3 … “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Matt. 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God —
…’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ Matt 6:9-10
Finding Yourself in the Book of Acts - Part 7
5:20 - Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
7:45 - 2 Timothy 3:1 "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days."
9:05 - Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,"
9:22 - James 4:4 "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
13:28 - Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"
14:15 - 1 Peter 4:7 "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray."
14:30 - Matthew 24:7-8 "7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains."
14:49 - Luke 21:28 "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
15:23 - 2 Timothy 3:1 "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days."
18:05 - 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."
23:15 - Ephesians 1:19-20 "19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,"
25:01 - Romans 1:25a "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator"
25:59 - Genesis 3:5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
32:34 - Romans 8:29a "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,"
33:44 - Acts 3:6b "...In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
34:31 - Acts 4:10b "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."
38:09 - Ephesians 4:27 "and do not give the devil a foothold."
39:34 - John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
40:27 - Romans 1:25 "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie,"
Finding Yourself in the Book of Acts - Part 7
16:00 - Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
17:58 - This was a Church of Power
18:29 - Power = Greek dynamis (doo-nam-is) ... ability - power, strength, force - force miraculous
20:32 - Luke 1:35 "The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."
24:26 - Acts 3:6b "“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
26:22 - "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
30:06 - Acts 4:10b "...It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."
37:18 - 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."
39:32 - 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
Join guest speaker Matthew McCullough as he discusses the work that God is doing through Celebrate Recovery
Finding Yourself in the book of Acts - Part 4
The Early Church was a Church of Joy, they had glad hearts.
5:50 - Acts 2:46 "Every day they continues to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts."
God's kingdom is a spiritual kingdom
9:03 - Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
When the Holy Spirit came, there was joy! There was joy, unity, fellowship, oneness, and power.
12:56 - Acts 4:12 - "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
The early church was a group of people bound together by love. They needed to have some organization, but the love, joy and filling with power came FIRST.
The call of salvation is a call to embrace Christ, not an organization.
16:39 - Mark 10:15 - "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
How does a child receive the Kingdom? Through faith, innocence and joy.
Joy sustained the early church in difficulties
______ - Romans 5:3 "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Their joy was contagious (effective witnessing)
_______ - Acts 2:47 "Praising God and enjoying he favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Joy created an atmosphere of true fellowship
_____ - Acts 2:46 "Every day they continues to meet together in the temple courts."
Joy brings delight to the heart of God
_____ - Psalms 147:11 "The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
_____ - Psalms 100:4 "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to hime and praise his name."
The early Church was filled with Joy! Why joy? It was because of the Holy Spirit, Salvation, Obedience, Fellowship, and the Hope of Heaven. They were in the Holy Spirit and the Holy Sprit was in them.
_____ - Romans 14:17 - "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
The ultimate joy factor...INTIMACY. They were experiencing intimacy with God through His Holy Spirit, and therefore a deeper intiacy with one another through that same Spirit.
_____ - Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Think about Paul's prayer for the Ephesian Church...
____ - Ephesians 3:14-19 - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from who his whole famil in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses the knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Intimacy - (In-to-me-see) - loved by God, known by God, accepted by God. This is the life in the Holy Spirit, this is how we overcome sin!
Finding Yourself in the Book of Acts - Part 3
This week, we continue to explore the book of Acts. It contains the DNA of our history and our mission to fulfill. It is our empowerment to fulfill the mission. Acts is the story of the expansion of the gospel.
We need God!
10:15 - Revelation 3:17-18 "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see."
13:10 - Acts 1:4 - "On one occasion, while he was eating with them he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about."
The early church - They waited on the gift from God.
13:29 - Acts 1:14 - "they all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."
Why were they a praying Church? They prayed until the Holy Spirit came, then the Holy Spirit came, and then they continued to pray after the Holy Spirit came.
14:40 - Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
Why did they pray?
- They loved Jesus
- They knew they needed Jesus (humility)
19:08 - Luke 18:35-43 - "As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. 38 He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told hi to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 40 Jesus stopped and order the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him "What do you want me to do for you?" 41 "Lord, I want to see," he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight' your faith has healed you." 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God."
How did they know they needed Jesus?
- They began to see themselves
- Jesus told them that they needed him
24:18 - John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Prayer is birthed the moment we realize we can't, but He can!
33:28 - Revelation 22:20 - "He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon" Amen Come, Lord Jesus."
Why did they pray?
- They believed Jesus' words (faith)
- They knew this life is temporary (eternity)
Prayer was their connection to the spiritual world (the real world), prayer was their investment in the eternal, prayer reinforced the reality of their treasure in heaven.
We are called to pray.
Ask God how we can become a praying church and recognize our need for God.
The Book of Acts is vital in understanding why we are here today as a Church!
- It is the only book that tells us how the world-wide phenomenon of the church started.
- Without this Book our Church here in Roblin makes no sense!
Acts is a wild, moving, action-packed story.
Called the “The Acts of the Apostles”
- Thousands of people come to know Christ
- Clashes with Jews and Gentiles
- Martyrdom and imprisonment
- Travel throughout the ancient Roman world
- Get to tour the ancient greek cities of Asia
- Ship wrecks, riots, disputes,
- bold, passionate, men and women standing for truth under fierce opposition
Acts is:
- Our History
- Our story
Acts is about what Jesus continued to do in His “body” the Church. These 28 Chapters follow the The First Prophesy in the book to its fulfillment.
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This prophesy would be the framework for the story of the church for the next 30 years & beyond
- Power
- Holy Spirit
- Witnesses
- Expansion
Acts is an important model for the church of every generation.
- Getting over invested in, or fixated on, certain specifics can cause us to miss the big picture.
This New Church was:
- Spirit-powered,
- joy-driven,
- forward-moving,
- life-changing,
- world-shaking expansion of the church of Jesus Christ and the message of His gospel.
Six Movements in Acts
- Movement 1: Acts 1:1-6:7 The Church is born in Jerusalem
- Movement 2: Acts 6:8-9:31 The Church scatters into Judea and Samaria
- Movement 3: Acts 9:32-12:24 The Church scatters into the Gentile world
- Movement 4: Acts 12:25-16:5 The Church expands into Gentile world
- Movement 5: Acts 16:6-19:20 The Church expands into Europe
- Movement 6: Acts 19:21-28:31 The Church expands to Rome
Acts is about the spreading of the gospel
Jesus told the disciples to “Go into all the world” Then He said, “Wait” - for the gift my father promised.
- John 14:16 - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever"
- John 14:26 - "But the Counselor, 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."
- John 16:7 - "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."
We must find our place in Acts:
- You will receive power and be my witnesses.
- Will we wait on God?
- Will we receive the fulness of God’s Holy Spirit?
- Will we allow God to reshape us, transform us and make us attractive in our love?