The Chapel Cleveland's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ritchie Johnson
Peace With Others: Paul “judges” with truth, love, and purpose.
Slide 3: Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Slide 3: 1 Cor. 5:3 For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 [I have decided] to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. ... 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within [the church?] 13 But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.
Slide 4: Peace with others: Evan good people can have conflict with each other.
Slide 5: Peace with others: We can’t stand firm without standing together.
Slide 6: Peace with others: Sometimes requires community.
Slide 7: Peace with others: Resolve conflict by finding common ground.
Keys to Effective Ministry Mark 6:30-44
We must constantly examine the direction of our affection.
1 Peter 2:4-5 and 9-12
We are all called to ministry.
We are called to minister first to God and then to people.
Acts 13:2
Minister: Serve or perform a work for. Often translated as worship.
1 Peter 2:5
Minister to God: Through Holiness By being spiritual sacrifices.
1 Peter 2:9-12
Minister to others: By proclaiming By abstaining
Mark 6:30-32
Matthew 11:11
Key to Effective Ministry: Point people to Jesus
Mark 6:33-38
Key to Effective Ministry: Point people to Jesus Rest: Don’t starve. Make his word a priority.
Key to Effective Ministry: Point people to Jesus Rest: Don’t starve. Make his word a priority. Have Faith: Give God everything.
Key to Effective Ministry: Point people to Jesus Rest: Don’t starve. Make his word a priority. Have Faith: Give God everything. Be faithful: Minister to the individual.
Key to Effective Ministry: Point people to Jesus Rest: Don’t starve. Make his word a priority. Have Faith: Give God everything. Be faithful: Minister to the individual. Repeat: Ministry has no cruise control.
The Filter: God – Family – Work – Ministry
The simple filter: Put God First Point people to Jesus Rest: Don’t starve. Make his word a priority. Have Faith: Give God everything.
Put People Second Be faithful: Minister to the individual. Start with your family.
Allow God to handle the rest.
The struggle is real.
Slide: Rom 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I [would] like to [do,] but I am doing the very thing I hate.
Slide: Forget the PAST. Make the most of the PRESENT. Look to the FUTURE.
Slide: Luke 9:57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." 58 And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air [have] nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." 59 And He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." 60 But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." 61 Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." 62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
Slide: The goal is “to attain to the resurrection of the dead.”
Slide: He is the prize.
Slide: Acts 9:1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He [said,] "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, ...
20 and immediately he [began] to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
Slide: Eph. 1:15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which [exists] among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention [of you] in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray that] the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. [These are] in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly [places,] 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
There Can Be Only One (Phil 3:1-3)
Slide 1: 2 Cor. 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.
Slide 2: Gen 17:10 "This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 "And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 "And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations, a [servant] who is born in the house or who is bought with money from any foreigner, who is not of your descendants. 13 "A [servant] who is born in your house or who is bought with your money shall surely be circumcised; thus shall My covenant be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Slide 3: Col 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; 11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Slide 4: Rom 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."
Slide 5: Rom 4:9 Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, "FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." 10 How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; 11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. 13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Slide 6: What we learn about circumcision: It was an outward sign of an inward condition. Our closest “sign” today is baptism Even Abe was made righteous before receiving the sign
Slide 7: Things we put confidence in today: The Law Church attendance and family tradition Baptism/christening/confirmation The gift of tongues Keeping Sabbath Having said the sinner’s prayer
Slide 8: The only confidence we should have…faith: Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Slide 9: The only confidence we should have…faith: Rom 10:8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
Slide 10: The only confidence we should have…faith: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Slide 11: There Can Be Only One 1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, [and] one mediator also between God and men, [the] man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony [given] at the proper time.
Slide 12: There Can Be Only One John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Slide 13: There Can Be Only One Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Slide: Role model #3, Epaphroditus: Paul’s “brother” Fellow worker Fellow soldier Your messenger Minister to Paul’s need
Slide: What we’re to lust for: Each other’s company and well-being (Rom. 1:11, 1 Thess. 3:6) Day of salvation (2 Cor. 5:2) The Word (1 Pet. 2:2)
Slide: How do I create an environment that encourages me to lust for the right things?
Slide: Some “Christian” principles on grieving: It is biblical to grieve We grieve for the distress of brothers and sisters in Christ We grieve over the salvation of the lost We grieve over our loss
Slide: 1 Thess. 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of [the] archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Slide: Some “Christian” principles on grieving: We grieve in hope Comfort one another “with these words”
Slide: Hold servants in high regard.
Slide: Servants are held in high regard.
Slide: Your challenge for this week: go gambling!
Acts 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, 2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
Slide: 1 Cor. 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
Slide: 1 Cor. 4:16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
Slide: Role Models: Timothy Was a kindred spirit, an imitator Was sympathetic toward others Was sacrificial and Christ focused
Slide: Role Models: Even Paul had very few kindred spirits.
Slide: Role Models: Timothy Battle tested Submissive
Slide: Role models: Paul filtered his hopes, dreams, and timing through the Lord’s plans.
Service is sacrificial.
Slide: Num 15:4 'The one who presents his offering shall present to the LORD a grain offering of one-tenth [of an ephah] of fine flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of oil, 5 and you shall prepare wine for the drink offering, one-fourth of a hin, with the burnt offering or for the sacrifice, for each lamb.
Slide: Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship.
Slide: Service can be physically exhausting.
Slide: Service can be emotionally taxing.
Slide: Service is priestly.
Slide: 1Pet 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God's] OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Slide: Phil 3:18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] enemies of the cross of Christ,
Acts 20:31 "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.
2 Cor 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.
Slide: Service is a fruit of humility.
Slide: Even so, service is joy!
Slide: Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Slide: 1 Cor 3:12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is [to be] revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.
Slide: Recognize your need to become more of a servant? This week… Make some investments Spend time with Jesus
When it comes to obedience, there is no line.
Slide: Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Slide: When it comes to works: We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus alone. As Christians, God has created good works for us to walk in…so work it out!
Slide: The salvation “workout” Do all things without grumbling or disputing Hold fast (and forth) the word of life
Slide: We are made to be image bearers and glory spreaders.
Slide: Gen 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
Slide: Rom 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to become] conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
Slide: Hab 2:14 "For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.
Slide: A nice, healthy fear of God is a great motivator.
Slide: Unity is serious business to God.
Slide: Eph 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment,] so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor
Citizenship, the foundation of our commUNITY.
Slide: How do citizens of heaven act? They stand firm in one spirit. They strive together for one purpose.
Slide: The benefits of citizenship: Security & Salvation
Slide: Oneness, the evidence of our commUNITY.
Slide: Humility, the practice of our commUNITY.
Slide: Jesus, the example for our commUNITY.
Slide: Don’t stop believing in commUNITY!
Slide: Unpack your expectations of commUNITY.
Slide: Sometimes, it’s ok to agree to disagree in commUNITY.
Slide: Practice the golden rule in commUNITY.
Slide: The presence of the Spirit is essential for commUNITY!
Slide: A humble, united church exalts the name of Jesus!
Slide: 1Cor. 10:16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.
Slide: In a way it's almost easier for me to contemplate throwing out all of Christianity than it is to keeping Christianity and adapting it in these different ways.
Slide: I guess if we can with one generation make that radical a shift with the Bible, who's to say that another generation can't completely shift the Bible to, you know, to justify something that we would all think is horrendous? It starts to just be silly putty.
Slide: Kenosis theory – Jesus gave up some or all of his divine attributes (ex: omniscience, omnipotence) as a man. He laid down His deity to take up humanity.
Slide: How did Jesus empty Himself? Took the form of a bond-servant Made in the likeness of men Humbled Himself to death on a cross
Slide: Mark 13:31 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. 32 "But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father [alone.]
Slide: Col 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
Slide: Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever. (Immutability)
Slide: Matt 26:53 "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
Slide: Conclusion: Jesus was fully God and fully man. He practiced the power of submission. He chose not to exercise His deity at times in His humility and obedience to God’s plan.
Slide: So why does this all really matter anyway: The demotion of Christ leads to the deification of man. To deny the deity of Christ cheapens the grace of God.
Slide: Heb 1:1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Prayer practices: · Don’t feel guilty for praying out of need or want. · Prayer is a partnership with God. · Humble, confident prayer arises from hope. · Pray big prayers for the glory of God.
Choose life: · For the love of people · For the glory of God
Perspective matters.
Our lives are object lessons.
Sin is a joy stealer. Circumstance is not.
Slide: Servitude: the key to not becoming a people-pleaser.
Slide: To kill the complaining spirit, practice praying praise.
Slide: Marks of true fellowship: · Communication · Cooperation · Communion
Slide: Agape Love lessons: · Love can grow. · Love is not dumb, it judges wisely. · Love helps us decide between good and best.
Slide: It’s all because of Him, through Him, and for His glory!
To Philippi, With Love
Slide: There’s numbers in strength.
Slide: Fruit is born out of obedience. Obedience is born out of submission. Submission is born out of trust.
Slide: The Holy Spirit works though “no” as well as “yes.” He works in difficulty as well as in victory.
Slide: Focus on what you know, not what you don’t.
Slide: We are the island of misfit toys. Praise God!
Slide: True fellowship is the product of: Faith Service Mission
There Can Be Only One (Judges 20 & 21)
Slide: “Collapse in the Christian life is rarely because of a sudden blow-out, but primarily due to a slow leak.” Jon Courson
Slide: What is our responsibility in an increasingly ungodly culture? To maintain our doctrine in our home and churches.
Slide: Deut. 6:6 "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Slide: Eph. 4:14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
Slide: What is our responsibility in an increasingly ungodly culture? To live in purity and good works
Slide: Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Slide: 1Pet. 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe [them,] glorify God in the day of visitation.
Slide: What is our responsibility in an increasingly ungodly culture? To live at peace with and honor all men
Slide: Rom. 12:17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Slide: 1Pet.2:17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
Slide: What is our responsibility in an increasingly ungodly culture? To submit to governmental authorities
Slide: 1Pet. 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.
Slide: Rom. 13:1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Slide: What is our responsibility in an increasingly ungodly culture? To proclaim the Gospel in word and deed to a lost and dying world
Slide: 1Pet. 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God's] OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Slide: Matt. 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Slide: We must go to war with our sin. It has to be put to death.
Slide: Don’t be lead by impulse. Be lead by the Word.
Slide: There can be only one king!
Slide: The cycle of sin: Sin – Slavery – Supplication - Salvation
Slide: Cycle breakers: Word, Worship, Withness, and Witness
Slide: When we seek Him, we will find Him!
Just because the Bible records something doesn’t mean it condones it.
Slide: Hospitality is one of the outward evidences of the inward work of the Gospel.
Slide: A reminder: God’s design for sex is intimate, precious, and holy.
Slide: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (“Soul Searching: The Religious Lives of American Teenagers” 2005) A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself. God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem. Good people go to heaven when they die. Slide: In other words…religion exists to build me up and make my life better
Slide: Christian atheism (Craig Groschel, 2010): “believing in God but living as though He does not exist”
Slide: We may believe in God. We may desire to be blessed by Him. But do we truly want Him? Do we truly know Him?
Slide: Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but by [their] deeds they deny [Him,] being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
Slide: Matt. 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven [will enter.] 22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
Activity: How Well Do I Know God? _ I struggle to believe that God loves me. _ I feel disconnected from God. _ I pray when I need help, but I don’t routinely spend time with God. _ I feel trapped in a cycle of shame about my past. _ I don’t feel much need or desire to read the Bible. _ I believe in God, but I can’t say I prioritize my life around Him. _ My belief in God doesn’t seem to keep me from worrying almost all of the time. _ I don’t experience worship or express praise to God in my daily life. _ I find it almost impossible to forgive people who have hurt me. _ My sense of security is impacted more by how I am doing financially than by how I am doing spiritually. _ I’m not sure my heart breaks for the things that break the heart of God. _ I tend to diminish or overlook my sins and failures rather than grieving them. _ I don’t often experience a passionate desire to please God. _ It feels like a long time since I’ve heard God’s voice or experienced God’s leading in my life. _ I often feel God is not fair. _ It’s rare for me to feel completely surrendered to God. Most of the time, I’m not even sure I want to be. _ I make most of my own decisions without submitting them to God’s Word.
Here’s the encouragement: Slide: If we seek Him, we will find Him!
[Jer 29:13 NASB] 13 'You will seek Me and find [Me] when you search for Me with all your heart.
[Pro 8:17 NASB] 17 "I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.
[Act 17:26-27 NASB] 26 and He made from one [man] every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined [their] appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
[Jas 4:8 NASB] 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
[Heb 11:6 NASB] 6 And without faith it is impossible to please [Him,] for he who comes to God must believe that He is and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
[Rom 10:13 NASB] 13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
Sometimes, our children need to be told they are bad so we can point them to the One who is good.
Slide: You can’t always trust your eyes.
Slide: Gen. 3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make [one] wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.
Slide: Gen. 13:10 Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere--[this was] before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah--like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar.
Slide: Gen. 16:5 And Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me." 6 But Abram said to Sarai, "Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight." So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.
Slide: James 4:6b …"GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." What is more arrogant than designer religion and morals? God does not exist to prosper and serve us.
Slide: What’s more dangerous to the church than the hireling?
Slide: Rom. 1:1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called [as] an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord…
Slide: The resurrection is the single most powerful declaration of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Slide: Rom. 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Slide: What should the significance of the resurrection be in my life? Power…in new life!
Slide: Acts 1:6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."
Slide: What should the significance of the resurrection be in my life? Power…in new life! Power…in our witness/ministry.
Slide: Rom. 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Slide: What should the significance of the resurrection be in my life? Power…in new life! Power…in our witness/ministry. Power…to experience joy, peace, and hope.
Slide: Eph. 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; [and] that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Slide: What should the significance of the resurrection be in my life? Power…in new life! Power…in our witness/ministry. Power…to experience joy, peace, and hope. Power…to know the love of God and be filled by Him.
Slide: Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know-- 23 this [Man,] delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death. 24 "But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.
Slide: Heb. 2:14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.
Slide: What should the significance of the resurrection be in my life? Power…in new life! Power…in our witness/ministry. Power…to experience joy, peace, and hope. Power…to know the love of God and be filled by Him. Power…freedom from the fear of death.
In Spirit and Truth
Slide: “There are many who believe in the gifts and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but they don’t have a strong emphasis on Biblical teaching, nor do they look to the Word to guide their experiences with the Holy Spirit. There are many who have a strong emphasis on teaching the Word of God, but they don’t share the view that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available and valid today. In Calvary Chapel we find the teaching of the Word and an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit. It is this balance that makes Calvary Chapel a uniquely blessed movement of God.” Chuck Smith
Slide: Judges 3:10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim.
Slide: Judges 6:34 So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him.
Slide : Judges 11:29 Now the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, so that he passed through Gilead and Manasseh; then he passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he went on to the sons of Ammon.
Slide : Judges 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. ... 19 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes [of clothes] to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father's house.
Slide: Judges 15:14 When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands.
Slide: The Holy Spirit in the book of John and early Acts: John 1:33 "I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' John 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater [works] than these he will do; because I go to the Father. ... 16 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 [that is] the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, [but] you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. 26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 15:26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, [that is] the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me Acts 1:4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," [He said,] "you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." ... 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Slide: What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? “Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a term used to describe a movement of the Spirit upon and/or within a believer usually, sometime after the person is saved. There is controversy surrounding this phenomenon as to whether it is legitimate or not. Some people believe that once a person is saved the Holy Spirit is in the person and there is no subsequent "baptism in the Holy Spirit." In other words, they maintain that this Baptism of the Spirit occurs at salvation. Others believe that it is possible for the Christian to experience an additional movement of the Holy Spirit some time after salvation. Generally speaking, it is the charismatic movement that supports the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” (Source: Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry)
Slide: Non-Pentecostal pastors, teachers, and evangelists who believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: John Piper, J. Vernon McGee, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, David Platt, Matt Chandler, George Whitefield, John Wesley, John McArthur
Slide: Simultaneous with salvation: Mcgee, Platt, Whitefield, McArthur
Slide: (Possibly) Subsequent to salvation: Piper, Lloyd-Jones, Wesley, Chandler
Slide: Where’s the debate? The “timing” of salvation in the disciples (John 20:22-23), Samaritan believers (Acts 8), Paul (Acts 9), Cornelius and household (Acts 10), and the Ephesian disciples (Acts 19). Over Acts being descriptive, prescriptive, or both.
Slide: Why do I believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Some primary roles of the Holy Spirit in our lives: “With” us, to convict the world of sin (Gen. 6:3 and John 16:7-11) “In” us, as a seal, a mark of our salvation (1 Cor. 6:19, Eph. 1:13-14) “Upon” us, to empower us for ministry (Acts 1:8, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7)
Slide : Why is this discussion so important? The Holy Spirit is the source of power in the Christian life and to become a bold witness of Jesus Christ. Slide: Power: ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.
Slide : There is a close relationship between your faith and the release of the power of God through the Holy Spirit.
Slide: Where can we all agree on the Holy Spirit? We are saved by grace through faith and not of works! Jesus alone! We are all sealed in the Holy Spirit at our salvation. (Eph. 1:13) Receiving the Holy Spirit is a life altering experience. We should not be afraid of the Holy Spirit. He is God!
Slide: Eph. 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment,] so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Slide: Where can we all agree on the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Sin has grieved the Holy Spirit in many churches and in many people.
Slide: Eph. 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Slide: Where can we all agree on the Holy Spirit? This doctrine should not create “classes” of Christians. Our experience with the Holy Spirit is not one time, it is continuous!
Slide: So what should I do in response? Confess (quickly) Submit (totally) Believe (steadfastly) Be filled (constantly)
Stay Thirsty My Friends (Judges 15 and 16)
Slide 1: Cycle breakers: Listen to your conscience
Slide 2: Cycle breakers: Unceasing prayer
Slide 3: Don’t wait on a sign.
Slide 4: Matt. 12:38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You." 39 But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and [yet] no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; 40 for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Slide 5: Stay thirsty my friends.
Slide 6: John 7:37 Now on the last day, the great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"
Slide 7: Cycle breakers: Scripture
Slide 8: Cycle breakers: Go to war with your sin
Slide 9: When will the Lord remove His favor?
Slide 10: John 7:37 Now on the last day, the great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"
Slide 11: Eph 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment,] so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Slide 12: Samson’s freedom led to slavery.
Slide 13: It’s never too late to cry out!
Time to Pick a Fight (Judges 14)
Slide 1: Don’t always trust your eyes.
Slide 2: Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Slide 3: Jos. 13:1 Now Joshua was old [and] advanced in years when the LORD said to him, "You are old [and] advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed. 2 "This is the land that remains: all the regions [of] the Philistines and all [those of] the Geshurites; 3 from the Shihor which is east of Egypt, even as far as the border of Ekron to the north (it is counted as Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines: the Gazite, the Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite; and the Avvite
Slide 4: Judges 3:1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to test Israel by them ([that is,] all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan; 2 only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly). 3 [These nations are:] the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians and the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath. 4 They were for testing Israel, to find out if they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers through Moses.
Slide 5: Impulsivity: doing things suddenly and without careful thought often out of emotional response doing what is right in your own eyes in that moment in time (mine)
Slide 6: Pick a fight with your impulses: stop, collaborate, and listen.
Slide 7: 1 Pet. 5:8 Be of sober [spirit,] be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Slide 8: What would you risk for a little pleasure?
Slide 9: Don’t manipulate…communicate.
Slide 10: Matt. 19:4 And He answered and said, "Have you not read that He who created [them] from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5 and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH'?
Slide 11: God had a plan, and He still does. And NOTHING is outside of His control.
His Name is Wonderful (Judges 13)
Intro:
Slide 1: What if God intends for you to begin the work, not to finish it?
Slide 2: The Nazirite vow (Numbers 6): Not to eat or drink anything of the vine No contact with the dead Don’t use a razor Usually made for a season
Slide 3: Man’s expectation vs. God’s economy: Details vs. devotion Transaction vs. trust Rules vs. relationship Victory vs. surrender
Slide 4: Exo. 3:14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
Slide 5: John 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am."
Slide 6: Jos. 3:5 Then Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."
Slide 7: Isa. 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Slide 8: Jesus in Judges 13: The barren woman (v2) The consecrated deliverer (v5) The beginning of the deliverance that Jesus would finish (v5) I am (v11) His name is wonderful (v18) They saw God and lived (v22) The acceptable sacrifice (v23)
Slide 9: What was missing in Judges 13? The cry for help!
Slide 10: “Love is its own reason.” JD Greear
The Heart of the Father
Don’t “just” follow men.
Sam. 12:11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’”
Service is worship, and worship should not be for sale.
When does God’s patience with us run out?
Put away your idols no matter how you feel, and no matter what it costs.
The Father grieves with and for His children.
Deut. 32:36 “For the Lord will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants, When He sees that their strength is gone, And there is none remaining, bond or free. 37 “And He will say, ‘Where are their gods, The rock in which they sought refuge? 38 ‘Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, And drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you, Let them be your hiding place! 39 ‘See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.
Heb. 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Ps. 34:17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
When does God’s patience with us run out?
Luke 15: 18 I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’20 So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
You reap what you sow.
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, [and] running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
Luke 6:31 "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you...
Ambition is a slippery slope.
True leadership is servant leadership.
Worship Wars (Judges 8)
Slide 1: Worship Wars: Don’t hate, congratulate.
Slide 2: Rom 12:10 [Be] devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; ... 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ... 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Slide 3: Worship Wars: Understand the power of the tongue.
Slide 4: James 3:9 With it we bless [our] Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come [both] blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Slide 5: Pro 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue…
Slide 6: Worship Wars: Only the Lord is to be our ruler, our king!
Slide 7: Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Slide 8: 1 Sam. 8:7 The LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.
Slide 9: 2 Cor. 1:24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.
Slide 10: Worship Wars: Stay in your lane.
Slide 11: Lev 10:1 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, 'By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.'" So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.
Slide 12: Worship Wars: A great misconception is that the Bible endorses everything it records.
Slide 13: Worship Wars: To break the cycles of sin in our lives, we must exhibit faith not only in times of crisis, but also in the everyday.
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs? (Judges 6:33-6:40)
What is a sign? It is a “distinguishing mark.”
Is it ok to ask for a sign to confirm God’s will?
On signs in Scripture: Moses and the exodus Elijah and Elisha The works of Jesus and the Apostles
Matt. 11:4 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 [the] BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and [the] lame walk, [the] lepers are cleansed and [the] deaf hear, [the] dead are raised up, and [the] POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.
Signs “of the times”
Luke 21:10 Then He continued by saying to them, "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, 11 and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. ... 25 "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Signs also attributed to satan, false prophets, and false Christs.
2 Thess. 2:8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 [that is,] the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
Matt. 24:24 "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
One warning: do not put God to the test.
Matt. 16:4 "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah." And He left them and went away.
God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
Some observations on Gideon: He was still walking in the fear of the Lord. He was humble. Even weakness of faith is still faith. It only takes a mustard seed.
Heb. 11:32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed [acts of] righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
One encouragement: We can still make decisions even when God does not provide a confirming sign or wonder. How? We have the full counsel of the Word The Holy Spirit in each believer.
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Final thoughts: The mark of the mature is not in the pursuit of signs, but in a foundation in God’s Word.
Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes [only] of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
A belief in signs should not erode confidence in or reliance upon the Word.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
1 Cor. 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Where’s the power? What if we were a church that was open to the wonders of God under the authority of the Word of God?
God is always at work around you.
God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing
You come to know God by experience as you obey him and He accomplishes his work through you. -Henry Blackaby
Slide 1: What is a firstfruit? The first, and best, of anything you have
Slide 2: What is a firstfruit? It could be… Praise – Heb. 13:15 Thanksgiving – Ps. 50:14 Our children – 1 Sam. 1:11, John 3:16 Our lives – Rom. 12:1 An offering – Lev 2:12
Slide 3: Let’s talk tithes. Three O.T. tithes… Levitical – Num. 18:21-24 Feasts – Deut. 14:22-27 Poor – Deut. 14:28-29
Slide 4: Why we shouldn’t tithe. We’re not under law – Rom. 6:14-15 We make only freewill (spontaneous, voluntary) offerings – Gen 14:18-20
Slide 5: Our giving should be… Planned, proportionate, and private – 1 Cor. 16:1-4 Generous, given cheerfully – 2 Cor. 9:5-7
Slide 6: Why are firstfruits important? Keeps us dependent and makes us grateful – Hag. 2:8 As an act of congregational worship So that each member of the Body experiences participation in the ministry of the church – Matt. 28:19-20, 1 Cor. 9, 1 Tom. 5:17 Keeps our eyes on the prize – Rom. 8:23, 1 Cor. 15:20-23 So we will prosper – Prov. 3:9-10, 2 Cor. 9:6, 10-11
Slide 7: Take a day this week, or even a meal, as an individual or as a family to fast and pray. Ask God that He would help you to give Him the firstfruits of your lives in 2019.