Perris Valley Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pastor Chris Thompson
Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians
Series: Undeserved
Title: Undeserved Identity
Date: 4.30.23
Location: Lakehills Community Church, Lake Elsinore, Ca
Ephesians 2:1-2 (NIV)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
Ephesians 2:3-5 (NIV)
3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
Point number 1 in your notes:
There is always something or someone helping you produce the identity of you that you convey to others.
Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Exodus 20:4-5 (NIV)
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Point number 2 in your notes:
When God gives gifts, He does not give fairly.
Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV)
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Point number 3 in your notes:
You didn’t earn, nor do you deserve this identity in Christ, but still, it is yours - if you will accept it.
Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Psalm 17:15 (NASB)
As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Your true handmade identity has been created in Christ and prepared by God.
Colossians 3:10 (NASB)
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it—
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Romans 12:2 (NASB)
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.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Here’s point number one in your notes this morning:
God, by his own nature, cannot be second.
Point number 2 in your notes is this:
There is always somebody or something helping us write our priority list and put them in order.
Point number 3 in your notes is this:
You cannot hide your priorities from God.
Exodus 20:3 (NASB)
You shall have no other gods before Me.
Point number 4 in your notes is this:
Our behavior is going to show how honest we are about our priorities.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB)
and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Numbers 18 (NASB)
18 So the Lord said to Aaron, “You, your sons, and your father’s household with you shall bear the guilt in connection with the sanctuary (that is, you should do the work), and you and your sons with you shall bear the guilt (that is, you should do the work) in connection with your priesthood.
Point number 1 in your notes:
God has appointed people to manage His church.
Numbers 18: 20-21, 25-26 (NASB)
Then the Lord said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land nor own any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the sons of Israel. 21 “To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel as an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.
Leviticus 27:30 (NASB)
30 ‘Now all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. This is the instruction that God gave to Aaron and the priests who were to run the houses of worship.
Numbers 18: 25-26 (NASB)
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Moreover, you shall speak to the Levites and say to them, ‘When you take from the sons of Israel the tithe which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present an offering from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Everyone has a responsibility to Tithe.
Deuteronomy 12:13-14, 19 (NLT)
Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings just anywhere you like. 14 You may do so only at the place the Lord will choose within one of your tribal territories.19 And be very careful never to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.
Point number 3 in your notes:
God did not allow anyone to make an excuse not to give Him His tithe.
Matthew 23:1-3 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.
Matthew 23:23 (NLT)
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Mark Batterson
"Let me be blunt, because on the subject of money Jesus was. Obedience can be measured in dollars. So can faith. So can sacrifice. It’s certainly not the only measure, but it’s one of the most accurate. If we give God 2 percent of our income, can we really say we are 100 percent committed to Him? I think not. If we withhold the tithe, can we really say, “In God we trust”? If we give God our leftovers instead of the firstfruits, can we really say we’re seeking first His kingdom?" ― from "All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life"
Point number 4 in your notes:
What if our love for God was measured by our obedience to giving?
Ephesians 6:10-17
Series: Text Messages
Title: Preparing for a Fight
Date: 11/13/22
Ephesians 6:10 (NLT)
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT)
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
2 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.
Point number 1 in your notes:
You are not prepared to fight or recognize the spiritual battle you are fighting.
Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Satan uses weapons in this battle: confusion, lies, pride, selfishness, secrets, chaos, addiction, and more.
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT)
3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Ephesians 6:14 (ESV)
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Isaiah 11:5 (NLT)
He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.
Point number 3 in your notes:
All of your spiritual armor is based upon Truth. If you are wishy-washy about truth, you’re dead in the water.
John 17:17 (NLT)
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
Psalm 119:160 (NKJV)
The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
Ephesians 6:15 (NLT)
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
Isaiah 52:7 (NLT)
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns.
Ephesians 6:16 (NLT)
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Ephesians 6:17 (NLT)
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Isaiah 59:17 (NLT)
He put on righteousness as his body armor and placed the helmet of salvation on his head.
Point number 4 in your notes:
If we don’t armor up and stand and fight against this enemy, people will die.
Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians 6:1-3
Series: Text Messages
Title: Parenting God’s Way
Date: 11/6/22
Ephesians 6:1 (NLT)
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.
The natural instinct of a child is to obey.
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NLT)
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Ephesians 6:4a (NLT)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.
Parenting demands finding the balance between direction and destruction
Proverbs 13:24 (NLT)
Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
Proverbs 6:20 (NLT)
My son, obey your father’s commands and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Godly parents raise godly children to love Jesus.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NLT)
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
I am going to memorize Hebrews 10:23.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians 5:1-15
Series: Text Messages
Title: Shadow Puppets
Date: 10.16.22
Ephesians 5:1a (NLT)
Imitate God, therefore,
Ephesians 4:25-32 (NLT)
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 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.
Point number 1 in your Notes:
All actions of all Christians reflect Jesus.
John 8:11a (NLT)
“No, Lord,” she said.
John 8:11b (NLT)
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
John 5:14b (NASB)
“Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore”
Point number 2 in your Notes:
Non-Believers can see a loving God when Christians distance themselves from sin.
John 13:12-15 (NLT)
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
Ephesians 5:3 (NLT)
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.
Ephesians 5:3 (ESV)
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Point number 3 on in your Notes:
Christians are God’s people. They are saints. There is no place for sin amongst God’s saints.
Colossians 3:5 (NLT)
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Exodus 20:17 (NLT)
“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
Ephesians 5:4-7 (NLT)
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do.
Ephesians 5:8-9 (NASB)
for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
1 John 1:5-7 (NASB)
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
John 8:12 (NASB)
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
Point number 4 in your Notes:
A Christian’s life should never eclipse God’s Light.
Ephesians 5:10-15 (NLT)
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Sermon Notes: Exodus 19
Series: Do The 10 Commandments still matter?
Title: You are My People
Date: 10/2/22
Perris Valley Church
Point number 1:
God’s plans for His people and your life go back to before time began.
Exodus 19:1-6 (NLT)
19 Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. 2 After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. 3 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
Point number 2:
Without God’s presence solid and secure in our lives, we will wander in the wilderness.
Exodus 19:9-13 (NLT)
9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”
Moses told the Lord what the people had said. 10 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. 11 Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. 12 Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. 13 No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.”
Point number 3:
Even the small details of God’s word matter.
Exodus 19:14-20 (NLT)
14 So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes. 15 He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.” 16 On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled. 17 Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. 20 The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.
Exodus 19:21-22 (NLT)
21 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die. 22 Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.”
23 “But Lord,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’”
24 But the Lord said, “Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the Lord, or he will break out and destroy them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them what the Lord had said.
Exodus 20:1-2a (NLT)
20 Then God gave the people all these instructions 2 “I am the Lord your God. . ..
Mark 10:17-21 (NLT)
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Point number 4:
We should care about the 10 Commandments because God gave them.
Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians 4:1-16
Series: Text Messages
Title: Growing Together
Date: 9/18/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Ephesians 4:1-2 (NLT)
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Luke 14:8-11 (NLT)
“When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? 9 The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!
10 “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. 11 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
1 Thessalonians 2:7 (NLT)
As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (NLT)
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
Point Number One:
The Lord’s Church is designed to be united as one, not divided into many.
Psalm 133:1 (NLT)
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
Ephesians 4:7 (NLT)
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
Romans 11:29 (NLT)
For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.
Ephesians 4:11 (NLT)
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
Ephesians 4:12 (ESV)
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:12 (NLT)
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
Point Number Two:
Your Pastor’s Job Description is to Give You the Tools To Do Ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Ephesians 4:13-14a (NLT)
This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children.
Point Number Three:
A united healthy Church body is continually growing deeper in their Christian walk together.
Hebrews 5:11-14 (CSB)
We have a great deal to say about this, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. 12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NLT)
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Point Number Four:
A body will not function properly if the parts are not growing in unison and in unity.
1 Corinthians 12:12 (NLT)
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.
Sermon Notes: Ephesians 2:11-22 Title: All God’s Children Date: Sunday, September 11, 2022 Location: Perris Valley Church
Isaiah 42:6 (NIV) 6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,
Colossians 1:21 (NIV) Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
Ephesians 2:11-12 (NIV) Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
Point number 1 in your notes: Deliberately rejecting others from the body of Christ limits their hope.
Ephesians 2:13-18 (NIV) 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Point number 2 in your notes: Only Christ can heal the wounds of our society.
John 13:35 (NIV) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
1 John 4:20 (NIV) Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
John 14:12-14 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Ephesians 2:19 (NIV) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,
Point number 3 in your notes: Belief in Christ always results in becoming family.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) 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.”
1 Peter 4:9 (NIV) Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Isaiah 1:17 (NIV) Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Point number 4 in your notes: Respect for all people is not a suggestion, it is a command.
Matthew 25:40 (NIV) “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Sermon Notes: Ephesians 2:1-10
Series: Text Messages
Title: The New You in Christ (Baptism Sunday)
Date: 9/4/22
Location: Lake Perris SDA Church
Ephesians 2:1 (NLT)
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.
Colossians 2:13 (NLT)
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
Point number 1 in your notes:
You were not made to live the way you have been living.
Ephesians 2:2 (NLT)
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ,
Ephesians 2:3 (NLT)
All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
Point number 2 in your notes:
You were made to be changed by God.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
Colossians 1:21 (NLT)
This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.
Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT)
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other,
Point number 3 in your notes:
To love God is to love what God loves, and hate what God hates.
Ephesians 2:6 (NLT)
For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
Ephesians 2:9 (NLT)
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Who you are when you come to Jesus Christ should be noticeably different from who you were and from our world.
Leviticus 20:10 (NLT)
“If a man commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, both the man and the woman who have committed adultery must be put to death.
Point number 1 in your notes:
KING DAVID, THE GIANT SLAYER, THE LEADER OF THOUSANDS, THE LOVER OF GOD, KNEW WHAT WAS PERMITTED AND WHAT WAS NOT.
2 Samuel 11:2 (NLT)
Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.
2 Samuel 11:5 (NLT)
5 Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, “I’m pregnant.”
2 Samuel 11:25 (NLT)
“Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged,” David said. “The sword devours this one today and that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time, and conquer the city!”
2 Samuel 11:26-27 (NLT)
When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 When the period of mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. But the Lord was displeased with what David had done.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Our sins are the results of OUR choices. There is no one else to blame.
2 Samuel 12:13 (NLT)
Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.
2 Samuel 12:14 (NLT)
Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing this, your child will die.”
Point number 3 in your notes:
The depth of your faith is not enough to counter the worldly consequences of your sin.
2 Samuel 24:17 (NLT)
When David saw the angel, he said to the Lord, “I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are as innocent as sheep—what have they done? Let your anger fall against me and my family.”
1 Chronicles 21:13 (NLT)
“I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”
Psalm 38 (NLT)
4 My guilt overwhelms me— it is a burden too heavy to bear. 8 I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. 9 You know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh. 10 My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind. 15 For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. 17 I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. 18 But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. 21 Do not abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God. 22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Forgiveness is a gift offered from God, not a privilege God owes to us.
Psalm 51 (NLT)
1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. 5 For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.6 But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. 7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 9 Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. 16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done
Point number 5 in your notes:
God has a glorious plan to get us out of the sinful situation we get ourselves into.
Romans 3:24 (NLT)
Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Sermon Notes: Ephesians 1:15-23 Series: Text Messages Title: Revelation Date: 8.14.22 Location: Perris Valley Church
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Ephesians 1:15-16 (NLT) Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,
Romans 1:8 (NLT) Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world.
Point number 1 in your notes: When a church is dedicated to Jesus, other people know about it.
Ephesians 1:17 (NLT) asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Colossians 1:9 (NASB) For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
Point number 2 in your notes: Revelation is the activity of God, not the ability of man.
1 Corinthians 14:6 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful.
Revelation 1:1 (NASB) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John,
Galatians 1:12 (NASB) For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT) “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
Point number 3 in your notes: Something that has been enlightened, was formally darker than it is now.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Romans 8:24-25 (NIV) For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
1 John 3:2 (NASB) Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
Ephesians 1:19-22 (NLT) I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.
Ephesians 1:23 (NLT) And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
Point number 4 in your notes: It is the parts of the body that are to complete the desires of the head.
2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV) For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Sermon Notes: Ephesians 1:7-14
Series: Text Messages
Title: When a Good Plan Comes Together
Date: 8.7.22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
Ephesians 1:8 (NLT)
He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
1 Corinthians 1:20-23 (NLT)
So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
Ephesians 1:9 (NLT)
God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.
Point number 1 in your notes:
God has always had a plan but only revealed his plan to who He wanted to when He wanted to. Still, not everyone knows God's plan.
Colossians 1:27 (NASB)
to whom God willed to make known what the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles is, the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Ephesians 1:10 (NLT)
And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.
Ephesians 1:10 (NIV)
to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Point number 2 in your notes:
God’s plan is to bring His entire family home through Christ.
Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)
For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 1:16 (NASB)
for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Romans 11:25 (NLT)
I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ.
Ephesians 1:11 (NLT)
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
Point number 3 in your notes:
Part of God’s plan is to give an inheritance to ALL members of the family.
Titus 2:14 (NLT)
He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Ephesians 1:12 (NLT)
God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.
Ephesians 1:13 (NASB)
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise,
Romans 10:17 (NIV)
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
John 1:12 (NJKV)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
Ephesians 1:14 (NLT)
The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Christians have already received the first payment of their inheritance.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (CSB)
Now it is God who strengthens us together with you in Christ, and who has anointed us. 22 He has also put his seal on us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment.
Series: Text Messages
Title: Paul said: Did you know that God wanted you?
Date:7/31/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Transformational Point: You are planned, and important, and you have the power and ability to please God.
Ephesians 1:3-4 (NLT)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
Point number 1 in your notes is this:
You are not an accident. You were planned and chosen by God.
Point number 2 in your notes is this
You were planned, wanted, and chosen to be holy.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Matthew 25:34 (NLT)
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
Colossians 1:22 (NLT)
Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Romans 8:29 (NLT)
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Point number 3 in your notes is this
You are here because it pleased God to create you, and He gave you the power and ability to please Him.
Ephesians 1:6 (NLT)
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace
Point number 4 in your notes:
Our best is not even close to good enough. Because of our weakness, God offers us the gift of a voucher, but you can’t unlock it if you don’t accept the gift.
Romans 3:24 (NLT)
Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Series: True[ish]
Title: Al long as I'm Happy
Date: 7.10.22
Location: Perris Valley Church
1 Peter 1:15 (NLT)
But now you must be happy holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is happy holy.
When the bottom line is my happiness, happiness becomes the standard by which I judge my actions.
Psalm 37:4 (NLT)
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Psalm 97:12 (NLT)
May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name!
God doesn’t want you happy when it causes you to do something wrong, unwise, or sinful.
Proverbs 14:12 (NLT)
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
God doesn’t want you happy when your happiness is only based on the things in this world.
1 John 2:15 (NLT)
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.
Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT)
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
God does not want you happy - He wants you blessed.
John 16:23-24 (NLT)
At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
Luke 6:22-23 (NLT)
What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.
1 Peter 3:14 (NLT)
But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.
Series: True[ish]
Title: Where does truth come from?
Date: 7.3.22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Transformational Point: To find the truthful source of truth in our lives.
John 1:14 (NIV)
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.
What you believe determines how you behave.
John 14:6 (NLT)
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 18:37 (NIV)
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Jesus says, “I am the Truth.”
John 10:25-27 (NIV)
25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We accept living in lies when we settle for True[ish].
John 8:38 (NIV)
I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.”
John 8:39-42 (NIV)
“Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.
You always have access to the Truth. Are you going to listen?
1 John 5:20 (NIV)
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ.
John 8:31-32 (NIV)
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Series: The Four-Letter Word
Title: Priorities: Work
Date: 6/19/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Point number 1 in your notes:
Just as easily as we can say no to family because we have to be at work, we can say no to work because we have to be with family.
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.”
Point number 2 in your notes:
Being made in the Image of God means that we share many of His qualities, including the ability and obligation to work.
Genesis 2:15
The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.
Point number 3 in your notes:
If your work priority is not in its correct spot, you are putting pressure on somebody else to pull your weight.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT)
Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
Proverbs 18:9 (NIV)
One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
Point number 4 in your notes:
God never designed us, or gave us permission to be lazy.
Proverbs 14:23 (CSB)
There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 13:11 (NLT)
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
John 5:1-18 (CSB)
After this, a Jewish festival took place, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 By the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool, called Bethesda in Aramaic, which has five colonnades. 3 Within these lay a large number of the disabled—blind, lame, and paralyzed.
5 One man was there who had been disabled for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and realized he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to get well?”
7 “Sir,” the disabled man answered, “I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, someone goes down ahead of me.”
8 “Get up,” Jesus told him, “pick up your mat and walk.” 9 Instantly the man got well, picked up his mat, and started to walk.
Now that day was the Sabbath, 10 and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath. The law prohibits you from picking up your mat.”
11 He replied, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”
12 “Who is this man who told you, ‘Pick up your mat and walk’?” they asked. 13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, because Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
14 After this, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well. Do not sin anymore, so that something worse doesn’t happen to you.” 15 The man went and reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 Therefore, the Jews began persecuting Jesus because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.
17 Jesus responded to them, “My Father is still working, and I am working also.” 18 This is why the Jews began trying all the more to kill him: Not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (CSB)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
Series: Priorities
Title: Priorities: You Belong Somewhere
Date: 6/12/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Point Number 1 in your notes:
God knows you need community, fellowship, and belonging.
Genesis 2:18 (NLT)
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
Acts 1:14 (NLT)
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Point Number 2 in your notes:
God knows an aggressive, unspiritual community wants you to join their family.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NLT)
These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
John 14:6 (NLT)
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Point number 3 in your notes
Satan has prepared a community and a place for you to belong.
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
John 6:37 (NLT)
However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Point number 4 in your notes:
You are never alone. You choose who is in your company.
Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT)
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
John 1:12 (NLT)
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
Series: Priorities. Doing the First Things First
Title: Priorities: Family Must be Number Two
Date: 6/4/22/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Point number 1 in your notes:
The Healthy Family System Always Puts God First.
Point Number 2 in your notes is this:
Nothing comes between God and family on the list of priorities.
Point Number 3 in Your Notes:
God’s direction for your family might not be your preferred direction for your family.
Genesis 2:22-24 (NIV)
Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Exodus 20:12 (NIV)
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (ESV)
To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
Colossians 3:19 (ESV)
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
1 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV)
But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
Proverbs 31:10 (ESV)
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Proverbs 14:1 (NLT)
A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
Titus 2:4-5a (NLT)
These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good,
Proverbs 31:25-30 (NLT)
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Your children know what your family priorities are, or aren’t.
Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV)
6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
1 Timothy 3:4 (ESV)
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
Colossians 3:20 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
1 Peter 3:1 (ESV)
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Series: Priorities
Title: FirstFruits
Date: 5/21/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (NASB)
“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God at the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths; and they are not to appear before the Lord empty-handed.
God Owns Everything You think Own
1 Corinthians 10:26 (NLT)
26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
Psalm 24:1 (NLT)
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.
Exodus 19:5 (NLT)
Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.
Job 41:11 (NLT)
Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine.
Haggai 2:8 (NLT)
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Your Giving Back to God Reflects your Faith in God’s Ability to Provide for You
Mark 12:41-44 (NLT)
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
Giving Should be Sacrificial and Generous
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NLT)
Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
Leviticus 23:10 (NLT)
“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you enter the land I am giving you and you harvest its first crops, bring the priest a bundle of grain from the first cutting of your grain harvest.
Giving Is an Act of Worship
Genesis 4:3-5 (NLT)
When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
Matthew 6:25-26 (NLT)
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Series: Priorities
Title: First thing first
Date: 5/15/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Romans 12:2 (NASB)
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.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Here’s point number one in your notes this morning:
God, by his own nature, cannot be second.
Point number 2 in your notes is this:
There is always somebody or something helping us write our priority list and put them in order.
Point number 3 in your notes is this:
You cannot hide your priorities from God.
Exodus 20:3 (NASB)
You shall have no other gods before Me.
Point number 4 in your notes is this:
Our behavior is going to show how honest we are about our priorities.
Exodus 20:12 (NASB)
12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord your God gives you.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB)
and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Proverbs 13:4 (NASB)
The soul of the lazy one craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made prosperous.
Mark 8:36-37 (NASB)
For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 For what could a person give in exchange for his soul?
Sermon Notes: Matthew 28: 1-10
Series: Easter 2022
Title: The Hope of the Resurrection
Date: 4/17/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Matthew 28:1-6 (NLT)
28 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.
Matthew 28:2 (NLT)
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.
Matthew 28:4 (NLT)
The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
Matthew 28:5-6 (NLT)
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.
Point number 1 in your notes:
Anxiety, stress, worry, fear, panic, and alarm begin by not knowing where Jesus is.
When you don’t know where Jesus is, your life is full of fear.
Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in,
Matthew 28:5 (NLT)
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
Matthew 28:6-7 (NLT)
6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
Point number 2 in your notes:
Knowing where Jesus gives our life assurance and direction.
Matthew 28:8-10 (NLT)
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Point number 3 in your notes:
Knowing that Jesus is standing right in front of us gives us reason to fall at His feet and worship Him.
Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Point number 4 in your notes:
Once you find Jesus, He will never be lost again. Even if you feel lost, He is always there.
Sermon Manuscript: Matthew 21:4-5, John 12:37-43,
Isaiah 53:1-6, John 14:5-11
Series: Easter 2022
Title: The Coming of our Passover Lamb
Date: 4/10/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
John 11:1-44
11 A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 11 Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.” 14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” 17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. 18 Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” 28 Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.” 29 So Mary immediately went to him. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 As he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
John 11:45-57
45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.” 49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! 50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” 53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. 55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
Just as the truth of the MIRACLES of Jesus point to Him being the messiah, still some people will refuse to believe.
John 12:1-11
12 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 9 When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10 Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, 11 for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
John 12:12-19
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”
14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.
17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Just as the truth of the PROPHECIES of Jesus point to Him being the Messiah, still some people will refuse to believe.
Matthew 21: 4-5 quotes Zechriah 9 in verse 4
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion,‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
Isaiah 53:1-6
53 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 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. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Just as the truth of the WORDS of Jesus point to Him being the messiah, still some people will refuse to believe.
In John 14:5-11, Jesus says,
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
We can be who Jesus needs us to be - instead of us making Jesus who we need Him to be.
Sermon Notes: Matthew 5:13-16
Series: Jesus Teaches About
Title: Salt & Light
Date: 4/3/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Matthew 5:13a (NLT)
13 “You are the salt of the earth.
Point number 1 in your notes:
The Christian life is designed to prevent decay in the lives of those around us.
Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Our Christian influence is diminished if we slip away from God’s plan for our lives.
Mathew 5:14a
14 “You are the light of the world
Point number 3 in your notes:
The Christian life penetrates darkness and shines opportunities for others to see Jesus.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Matthew 5:14-15
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
Point number 4 in your notes:
If we keep our light of Jesus private, then someone may never know their savior.
Sermon Notes: Acts 9:26-31
Series: Acts
Title: I Know a Guy
Date: 3/27/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Acts 9:26-31 (NLT)
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer!
Acts 4:32-37 (NLT)
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. 36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
Acts 9:27 (NLT)
Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.
Everyone needs to “know a guy.” You are the someone who somebody else needs to know.
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Your voice is designed to lift others up.
Acts 9:28 (NLT)
So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.
Although you don’t see it yet, someone needs you right now.
Acts 9:29 (NLT)
He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him.
Acts 9:30 (NLT)
When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.
Acts 9:31 (NLT)
The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.
Your encouragement to someone else is a small part of a big plan, but that small part is a very important part.
Sermon Manuscript: Acts 9:20-25
Series: Acts
Title: What This World Wants
Date: 3/20/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Luke 2:41-52 (NASB)
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days required, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware of it. 44 Instead, they thought that He was somewhere in the caravan, and they went a day’s journey; and then they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50 And yet they on their part did not understand the statement which He had made to them.
Acts 9:20 (NASB)
and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
Psalm 2:6-7 (NASB)
“But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 7 “I will announce the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have fathered You.
1 Chronicles 17:11-14 (NASB)
When your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, then I will set up one of your descendants after you, who will be from your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be his father and he shall be My son; and I will not take My favor away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. 14 But I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever.”’”
Mark 1:1 (NASB)
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
John 1:34 (NASB)
34 And I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:49 (NASB)
Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel!”
Matthew 27:54 (NASB)
Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
Matthew 8:29 (NASB)
And they cried out, saying, “What business do You have with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
Mark 3:11 (NASB)
And whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, they would fall down before Him and shout, “You are the Son of God!”
Acts 9:21 (NASB)
21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?”
1) Who you were is always going to be a part of your life, but your past does not direct your future — only Jesus does.
Acts 9:22 (NASB)
22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
2) Defending Jesus will grow our Spiritual Strength
Acts 9:23 (NASB)
When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,
Acts 9:24 (NASB)
but their plot became known to Saul. They were also closely watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;
3) Neither Our Culture, Our Government, Our Celebrities, Or Our Friends, Want To Hear You Talk About Jesus. But We Must Not Stop Proclaiming Jesus As The Son Of God.
Acts 9:25 (NASB)
but his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
4) You are not alone. Your church has got your back.
Sermon Manuscript: Acts 9:10-20
Series: Acts
Title: Why . . . If I can't stand them?
Date: 3/13/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Acts 9:10-12 (NASB)
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.”
Acts 9:10-12 (NASB)
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”
It’s okay to ask God for clarity. It’s not okay to disobey.
Acts 9:15 (NASB)
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
God always has a reason for His directions, even if we don’t understand . . . or agree.
1 Timothy 2:7 (NASB)
For this I was appointed as a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Acts 9:16 (NASB)
for I will show him how much he must suffer in behalf of My name.”
Matthew 10:38-39 (NASB)
And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (NASB)
Are they servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift at sea. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
Acts 9:17 (NASB)
So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
God’s instructions are to find, help, console, and spiritually feed our brothers and sisters . . . even if we don’t like the people God is asking us to find.
Acts:18-20 (NASB)
18 And immediately something like fish scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
God Transforms lives on purpose and for a purpose.
Sermon Notes: Acts 9:1-7
Series: Acts
Title: Bring your Baggage
Date: 3/6/22
Location: Lake Perris SDA Church
Acts 9:1a (NIV)
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.
John 14:6 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me
It’s not uncommon for us to fight for what we think is right but rather it is absolutely wrong.
Acts 9:1b-2 (NIV)
He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Acts 26:9-11(NIV)
“I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished
Acts 9:3-5 (NIV)
3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
When God grabs you to get your attention it is unmistakable.
Acts 9:5b-6 (NIV)
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Jesus will get your attention, make himself known, and give you instructions.
Acts 9:7-9 (NIV)
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
John 1:16-17 (NIV)
Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
God’s Grace is bigger than all of your worst sins combined.
Romans 3:23-24 (ESV)
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Sermon Notes: Acts 8:4-24
Series: Acts
Title: Signs and Wonders
Date: 2/20/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Acts 8:4-8 (NIV)
4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:9-11 (NIV)
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.
Point number 1 in your notes:
Jesus isn’t the only one who will amaze you with signs and wonders.
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 (NIV)
9 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nation’s there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord;
Point number 2 in your notes:
Satan loves to disguise himself as God.
Acts 8:12-14 (NIV)
12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 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!’
Point number 3 in your notes:
Some people who call themselves Christians will not see the Kingdom of Heaven.
Acts 8:14-17 (NIV)
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
James 2:14,19 (NIV)
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
Acts 8:18-19 (NIV)
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Point number 4 in your notes:
The blessings of genuine faith are not for sale. There are no shortcuts. All roads lead through Jesus.
Acts 8:20-23 (NIV)
Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
Acts 8:24 (NIV)
Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
Sermon Notes: Acts 8:1-8
Series: Acts
Title: When Trouble Starts
Date: 2/13/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Acts 8:1 (NIV)
And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
The Church has always grown as the result of persecution.
Acts 8:3 (NIV)
But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
Acts 22:4-5 (NIV)
I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.
Acts 26:11 (NIV)
Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.
For every spark we initiate to spread the Word of Jesus, other people are working hard to put out the flames.
Acts 8:4 (NIV)
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.
Those who were scattered instantly became missionaries.
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
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.”
Acts 11:19-21 (NIV)
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.
20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 8:6-8 (NIV)
When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
Bringing Jesus, Brings Joy.
Sermon Notes: Acts 6:8-8:1
Series: Acts
Title: The First Martyr
Date: 2.6.22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Acts 6:8-9 (NIV)
8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
Those who oppose the Truth of Jesus cannot defend their resistance to the Truth of Jesus.
Acts 6:11-12 (NIV)
11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” 12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.
Luke 21:6-19 (NIV)
6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.
Acts 6:13-14 (NIV)
They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
Matthew 26:57-60 (NIV)
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Leviticus 24:13-16 (NIV)
13 Then the Lord said to Moses: 14 “Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, and the entire assembly is to stone him. 15 Say to the Israelites: ‘Anyone who curses their God will be held responsible; 16 anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord is to be put to death. The entire assembly must stone them.
Acts 7:1 (NIV)
7 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?”
There is no limit to the distance the enemy will go to TRY to silence the Gospel.
Matthew 5:10-11 (NIV)
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Acts 7:2 (NIV)
To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me!
Acts 7:51-53 (NIV)
51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”
The Truth is like poison to the ears of those who purposefully distance themselves from Jesus.
Acts 7:54-57 (NIV)
When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,
Acts 5:33-34 (NIV)
33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
Acts 7:54-60 (NIV)
58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 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.
Man will go to extreme lengths to hide their shame, even as far as killing the messenger.
Acts 8:1 (NIV)
And Saul approved of their killing him.
Series: Acts
Title: The Beggar and the Church
Date: 9/19/21
Location: The Fairgrounds at Lake Perris
Sermon Notes: Acts 2:42
Series: Acts
Title: The First Steps of a New Church
Date: 9/12/21
Location: The Fairgrounds at Lake Perris
ISAIAH, PLEASE COME AND SEE ME BEFORE SERVICE FOR ANY EDITS TO THESE SLIDES. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!!!
Acts 2:38,41 (NLT)
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A true, bible-believing, Jesus-following church must be a dedication to sound doctrine.
John 7:16 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.
Acts 1:13-14 (NLT)
When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.
Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
John 14:25-26 (NLT)
I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT)
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
If the church is not a building, but rather the people, the church MUST be dedicated to each other.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)
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.
1 John 1:7 (NLT)
But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT)
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV)
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Acts 2:44-46 (NLT)
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity
While together, the congregation of the church must be dedicated to remembering the sacrifice Jesus made.
1 Corinthians 10:16 (NLT)
When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)
47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
A new church must be dedicated to cooperate prayer.
Acts 12:5 (NLT)
But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Acts 2:12-36
Series: Acts
Title: Jesus on Trial
Date: September 5, 2021
Location: The Fairgrounds at Lake Perris
Acts 2:12-14a (NLT)
They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.
13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”
When the Lord starts guiding your Actions, people will look at you as strange, and they should.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT)
But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.
Acts 2:14-17,19, 22 (NLT)
Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Verse 19 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below—
22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.
The opportunities to be a witness are often created by God-Powerful moments.
John 3:1-2 (NLT)
There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”
Acts 2:32-33 (NLT)
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.
When it is time to be a witness, say what you saw.
Psalm 66:16 (NLT)
Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
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,
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Acts 2:36 (NLT)
“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Verse 41
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Be ready with an answer to “What do I do next?”
Acts 3:19 (NLT)
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
Acts 2:1-13
Perris Valley Church 08.22.21
Acts 1:5 (NLT)
John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Exodus 34:18 (NLT)
“You must celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, just as I commanded you. Celebrate this festival annually at the appointed time in early spring, in the month of Abib, for that is the anniversary of your departure from Egypt.
Exodus 12:1-21 (NLT)
While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: 2 “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. 3 Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household.
7 They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal.
12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! 13 But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 “This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time.
Exodus 34:22-23 (NLT)
“You must celebrate the Festival of Harvest (Pentecost) with the first crop of the wheat harvest, and celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season (This is the Festival of Tabernacles held in the fall at the end of the Harvest season. 23 Three times each year every man in Israel must appear before the Sovereign, the Lord, the God of Israel.
Acts 2:1 (NLT)
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.
Acts 1:12-15 (NLT)
Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. 13 When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.
15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place
Acts 2:2-4 (NLT)
Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
God can appear in ways that we can’t imagine.
Matthew 3:11
“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Acts 2:5-8 (NLT)
At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. 7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!
When the holy spirit lives in you, people notice.
Joel 2:28-31 (NLT)
“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.
Acts 2:9-11 (NLT)
Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus.
It’s time to stop leading your life and start relying on the Holy Spirit.
Perris Valley Church 8.2.21
Acts 1:11 What an Apostle Acts Like
Acts 1:1-11 (NLT)
In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:3 (NIV)
Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus,
1.The Holy Spirit is God Living in You.
John 14:26 (NLT)
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Acts 2:38 (NLT)
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
John 14:15-17 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Mark 16:19 (NLT)
When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
Acts 1:3-5 (NLT)
During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
2.There is significant Proof that Jesus rose from the Dead.
John 20:19 (NLT)
That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.
John 21:1-9 (NLT)
Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. 3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. 4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic, jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore
1 Corinthians 15:3-9 (NLT)
I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.
Acts 1:6-7 (NLT)
So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.
- Even the most mature followers of Jesus are not on the same page as Jesus.
Isaiah 32:15-20 (NLT)
until at last the Spirit is poured out on us from heaven. Then the wilderness will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops. 16 Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field. 17 And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever. 18 My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest. 19 Even if the forest should be destroyed and the city torn down, 20 the Lord will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up. Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely.
Acts 8-11 (NLT)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
4.Jesus always leaves a few instructions, but never leaves all the answers.
Revelation 1:7 (NLT)
Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him— even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (NLT)
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
Matthew 5:4 (NLT)
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
2 Corinthians 7:5 (NLT)
When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.
2 Corinthians 7:6 (NLT)
But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.
2 Corinthians 7:7 (NLT)
7 His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy.
- God makes Himself known in our sorrow is often not in the fashion we anticipate.
Isaiah 53 (NLT) My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. 3 He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. 7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
Psalm 42:2-6
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you
- Sorrow isn’t always a test but is always a time to be tested.
Psalm 6:2-9 (NIV)
2 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. 3 My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?
4 Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. 5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave? 6 I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. 7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. 8 Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. 9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.
- There cannot be repentance of sin without there being sorrow for sin.
Romans 7:18-25 (NLT)
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
- There is no sorrow in the presence of God.
Revelation 21:4 (NLT)
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Psalm 30:5 (NLT)
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 25:15-21 (NIV)
My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. 18 Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. 19 See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! 20 Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.
- There is a difference between Fearing God and Fearing God. Christians must do both.
Luke 12:4-5 (NLT)
Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. 5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.
Job 28:28 (NLT)
And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’”
Deuteronomy 2:25 (NLT)
Beginning today I will make people throughout the earth terrified because of you. When they hear reports about you, they will tremble with dread and fear.’”
Psalm 33:8 (NLT)
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.
- Christians should be in Fear of not pleasing God.
Genesis 3:10 (NLT)
He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
Psalm 86:1-12 (NIV)
A prayer of David.
Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
- God Does Not Give Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
- Jesus is the only savior from Fear.
Romans 8:14-16 (NLT)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 23 (KJV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
- Church membership is a biblical concept.
Acts 2:41 (NLT)
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Acts 6:2-3 (NLT)
So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.
- As Christians, it is important, not only that we believe, but that we belong.
Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
- Membership allows the church to have a clear doctrinal focus.
Titus 2:1 (ESV)
2 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
- Church membership provides needed accountability.
Hebrews 13:17 (NLT)
Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
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. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Psalm 137:3-4 (NLT)
For our captors demanded a song from us. Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn: “Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!” 4 But how can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a pagan land?
Philippians 1:3-5
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
- Joy can only be recognized in contrast to life without joy.
Luke 10:1-20 (NLT)
The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 10 But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate.
16 Then he said to the disciples, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.”
17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”
20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”
John 16:16-22 (NLT)
16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”
19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant?
20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.
Philippians 1:6-11
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
- Joy is a response spiritual response to an earthly situation.
James 1:2-4
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Philippians 1:12-14, 18-21
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
- Joy is the god-gifted ability to find peace in sorrow.
Matthew 18:12-14
12 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! 14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.
Galatians 5:16-26 (NLT)
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
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.
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.
Philippians 1:22-26
22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
- Joy is a gift to the believer in Jesus and is meant to be a gift to others.
Luke 13:10-17 (NLT)
One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, 11 he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” 13 Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!
14 But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”
15 But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water? 16 This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?”
17 This shamed his enemies, but all the people rejoiced at the wonderful things he did.
Romans 15:13 (NLT)
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 29:23 (NLT)
Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.
Jonah 4:1-4 (NLT)
This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” 4 The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”
- Uncontrolled Anger can lead to over-reactions
Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)
29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.
Proverbs 29:22 (NLT)
An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.
Job 18:4 (NLT)
You may tear out your hair in anger, but will that destroy the earth? Will it make the rocks tremble?
Ephesians 4:17-19 (NLT)
With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
Jonah 4:5-6 (NLT)
Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.
- Our first reactions to difficult situations are often not our last reactions.
Psalm 37:8-9 (NLT)
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. 9 For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
Ephesians 4:20-22 (ESV)
But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
Jonah 4:7-9 (NLT)
But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. 8 And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.
9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
- Anger often makes difficulties feel much bigger.
Ephesians 4:23-24 (ESV)
and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Jonah 4:10-11 (NLT)
Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. 11 But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
4, Anger takes our eyes off of Jesus.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV)
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
Deep Emotions | Love 06.20.21
Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV) 1 John 4:7-8 (NASB) 1 John 3:10 (NASB) 1 John 2:15-17 (NASB)
God is Love, but Love is not God.
1 John 4:9-10 (ESV) 1 John 4:11-12 (ESV)
Only God can Define True Love.
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV) 1 John 4:13-16 (ESV) 1 John 4:17-20 (ESV)
Love cannot win, because Love is not a game. God IS not a game piece.
Galatians 5:13 (NASB) 2 Timothy 1:6-14 (NASB)
We Do Our Part God Does His | Obedience 6.13.6
Matthew 16:24 (NLT) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 1 Samuel 15:1-3 (NLT) One day Samuel said to Saul, “It was the Lord who told me to anoint you as king of his people, Israel. Now listen to this message from the Lord! 2 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I have decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came from Egypt. 3 Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation—men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.”
- God’s instructions may not make sense to us, but they are still HIS instructions.
1 Samuel 15:4-6 (NLT) So Saul mobilized his army at Telaim. There were 200,000 soldiers from Israel and 10,000 men from Judah. 5 Then Saul and his army went to a town of the Amalekites and lay in wait in the valley. 6 Saul sent this warning to the Kenites: “Move away from where the Amalekites live, or you will die with them. For you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up from Egypt.” So the Kenites packed up and left. 1 Samuel 15:7-9 (NLT) Then Saul slaughtered the Amalekites from Havilah all the way to Shur, east of Egypt. 8 He captured Agag, the Amalekite king, but completely destroyed everyone else. 9 Saul and his men spared Agag’s life and kept the best of the sheep and goats, the cattle, the fat calves, and the lambs—everything, in fact, that appealed to them. They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality.
- There is no such thing as being obedient enough
Mark 10:17-22 (NASB) As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 1 Samuel 15:10-15 (NLT) Then the Lord said to Samuel, 11 “I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.” Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the Lord all night. 12 Early the next morning Samuel went to find Saul. Someone told him, “Saul went to the town of Carmel to set up a monument to himself; then he went on to Gilgal.” 13 When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. “May the Lord bless you,” he said. “I have carried out the Lord’s command!” 14 “Then what is all the bleating of sheep and goats and the lowing of cattle I hear?” Samuel demanded. 15 “It’s true that the army spared the best of the sheep, goats, and cattle,” Saul admitted. “But they are going to sacrifice them to the Lord your God. We have destroyed everything else.”
- The battle is not ours, and the victory is not ours.
1 Samuel 15:16-22 (NLT) Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! Listen to what the Lord told me last night!” “What did he tell you?” Saul asked. 17 And Samuel told him, “Although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel? The Lord has anointed you king of Israel. 18 And the Lord sent you on a mission and told you, ‘Go and completely destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, until they are all dead.’ 19 Why haven’t you obeyed the Lord? Why did you rush for the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord’s sight?” 20 “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul insisted. “I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. 21 Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep, goats, cattle, and plunder to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” 22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
- There is nothing more precious to God than your obedience.
1 John 5:1-5 (NLT) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Psalm 119:57-64 (NLT) 57 Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! 58 With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. 59 I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. 60 I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. 61 Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. 62 I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. 63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. 64 O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.
We Do Our Part God Does His | Building the Future 06.06.21
Exodus 35:4-9 (NLT) Then Moses said to the whole community of Israel, “This is what the Lord has commanded: 5 Take a sacred offering for the Lord. Let those with generous hearts present the following gifts to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze; 6 blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; 7 tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood; 8 olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; 9 onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece.
- The entire church is responsible to bring what is needed out of what they have
Exodus 35:10-19 (NLT) 10 “Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the Lord has commanded: 11 the Tabernacle and its sacred tent, its covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and bases; 12 the Ark and its carrying poles; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement; the inner curtain to shield the Ark; 13 the table, its carrying poles, and all its utensils; the Bread of the Presence; 14 for light, the lampstand, its accessories, the lamp cups, and the olive oil for lighting; 15 the incense altar and its carrying poles; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the Tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering; the bronze grating of the altar and its carrying poles and utensils; the washbasin with its stand; 17 the curtains for the walls of the courtyard; the posts and their bases; the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard; 18 the tent pegs of the Tabernacle and courtyard and their ropes; 19 the beautifully stitched garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests.”
- Your Professional Skill can be Used for God’s Glory
Exodus 35:20-29 (NLT) 20 So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents. 21 All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments. 22 Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the Lord their offerings of gold—brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the Lord. 23 All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather. 24 And all who had silver and bronze objects gave them as a sacred offering to the Lord. And those who had acacia wood brought it for use in the project.
25 All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth. 26 All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn. 27 The leaders brought onyx stones and the special gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece. 28 They also brought spices and olive oil for the light, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense. 29 So the people of Israel—every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the Lord had given them through Moses—brought their gifts and gave them freely to the Lord.
Exodus 35:30-35 (NLT) 30 Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 32 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 33 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. 34 And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. 35 The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers.
- God will provide leaders for the project of building His Church, and one of the leaders might be Me.
Exodus 36:1-7 (NLT) 2 So Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and all the others who were specially gifted by the Lord and were eager to get to work. 3 Moses gave them the materials donated by the people of Israel as sacred offerings for the completion of the sanctuary. But the people continued to bring additional gifts each morning. 4 Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. 5 They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!”
6 So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. 7 Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.
- God’s Part is to point out His needs and provisions, our part is to bring them. God can make too much out of not enough.
Acts 14:21-23 (NLT)
After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
“Verse 21
“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples”
Verse 23
“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church”
Verse 22
“Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith” .
Acts 16:1-5 (NLT)
Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, 3 so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey
4 Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.
Our Part: Going, Growing, Supporting and Increasing
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Psalm 96:3 (NLT)
3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Acts 16:6-10 (NLT)
Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. 7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. 8 So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.
9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.
God’s Part: Opening and Closing Doors
Revelation 3:7-8 (NLT)
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: 8 “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Acts 16:11-13 (NLT)
We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days.
13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.
Our Part: Reaching and Teaching Beyond our Current Grasp
2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT)
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Romans 1:14-15 (NLT)
For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.
Acts 16:14-15 (NLT)
One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.
God’s Part: Breaking Hard Hearts Wide Open
Ephesians 1:15-18 (NLT)
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere
18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance
Romans 3:11 (NKJV)
There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.
Romans 10:13-15 (NLT)
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?
Luke 10:1-2 (NLT)
The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.
Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (NASB)
“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God at the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths; and they are not to appear before the Lord empty-handed.
God Owns Everything You think Own
1 Corinthians 10:26 (NLT)
26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
Psalm 24:1 (NLT)
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.
Exodus 19:5 (NLT)
Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.
Job 41:11 (NLT)
Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine.
Haggai 2:8 (NLT)
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Your Giving Back to God Reflects your Faith in God’s Ability to Provide for You
Mark 12:41-44 (NLT)
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
Giving Should be Sacrificial and Generous
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NLT)
Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
Leviticus 23:10 (NLT)
“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you enter the land I am giving you and you harvest its first crops, bring the priest a bundle of grain from the first cutting of your grain harvest.
Giving Is an Act of Worship
Genesis 4:3-5 (NLT)
When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
Matthew 6:25-26 (NLT)
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
- All of your actions bring delight to a commander.
Matthew 20:21b-22 (ESV)
She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking.
Matthew 20:25-27 (ESV)
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,
Matthew 20:28 (ESV)
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 25:31-34 (NLT)
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
- You don’t have to know you are serving Jesus to actually be serving Jesus.
Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Matthew 25:41-43
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
- To God, an absence of giving and serving is noticed just as much as giving and serving.
1 Peter 4:10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Here I am. Send me
Matthew 25:45
“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
- Refusing to serve God and others is an intentional decision.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)
8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
It's About Time | Free Time Perris Valley Church 5.02.21
Romans 7:14
Romans 7:15-17
- Accepting the fact that we act in ways that oppose God’s plan for our lives, demands that we accept the understanding that that God’s plan is moral and correct.
Galatians 5:17
Romans 7:18-20
- Christians always battle Sin.
Genesis 6:5
Genesis 8:21
Romans 7:21-23
- Simply loving God does not release our body from the dungeon of Sin.
James 1:13-17
Romans 6:11-13
Romans 7:24-25
- Freedom comes from the desire and decision to live for and obey the words of Jesus.
Ephesians 2:2
Romans 3:22
John 14:15-21
John 8:31-32
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Me Time does not belong to anyone else. It is Yours. It is necessary, and it is biblical.
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Me Time is an Occasion for Rest
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
Matthew 8:23-27 (NLT)
Luke 5:17-19 (NLT)
Mark 1:30-35 (NLT)
- Me Time is an occasion Grieve.
Matthew 14:6-13 (NLT)
Matthew 14:13-14 (NLT)
- Me Time is an occasion to reconnect with God.
Mark 1:12-13 (NLT)
Luke 5:13-16 (NLT)
It's About Time | Perris Valley Church 4.18.21
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NLT)
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
Family Time is a Two-way Street.
Colossians 3:2-6, 7, 13 (NLT)
2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:14-15 (NLT)
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.
God Solved Our Family Time Problem Before We Even Knew We Had A Family Time Problem.
Romans 15:5-6 (ESV)
5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You Can't Get A Refund on Misused Time.
Colossians 3:18-19 (NLT)
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
Colossians 3:20 (NLT)
20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.
Colossians 3:21 (NLT)
21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
Proverbs 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Your Church Family Needs your Time
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 (NLT)
I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.
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. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
There was no true peace on earth before Jesus
Easter 2021 | True Peace
Perris Valley Church
Luke 1:76-79 (NIV)
76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."
The Empty Tomb is the passageway to Peace.
John 20:11-14 (NIV)
11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
Luke 2:36-38 (NIV)
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
John 20:3-10 (NKJV)
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.
John 20:15-16 (NIV)
15 He asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
John 20:19-21 (NIV)
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you!
Luke 12:51-53 (NIV)
51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother
Luke 12:54-56 (NIV)
54 He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?
Only God can define True Peace.
Revelation 21:1-7 (NIV)
21 Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth," for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 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, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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."
5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Perris Valley Church
Easter Service Part 1 | Jesus Had To... 3.28.21
John 18:1
18 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
John 13:30
30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
Luke 22:3-6
3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
John 18:2-3
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
John 18:4
Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
Jesus does not run from difficult situations.
John 18:4-9
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" 5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they said. Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go."
Jesus willingly surrendered His life in order to save yours.
John 18:10-11
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Jesus had to.
Luke 22:49-51
When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50 And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus responded and said, "Stop! No more of this." And He touched his ear and healed him.
John 18:12
Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.
The Passion that Jesus has for you is what led Him to the Cross.
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That's Just Not Me.... | No Pain, No Gain
Perris Valley Church 3.21.21
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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 4:1 (NLT)
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.
Galatians 5:7-9
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
To Grow in Your Healthy ChristStyle, You'll Need A Coach.
1 Timothy 4:6-7 (NLT)
If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.
1 Timothy 4:11-16 (NIV)
Command and teach these things. 12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
To Grow in Your Healthy ChristStyle, You'll Need A Workout Buddy.
Hebrews 10:23-28 (NIV)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 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.
James 1:22-24 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
To Grow in Your Healthy ChristStyle, You'll Need A Plan.
2 Timothy 2:3-5 (NLT)
Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
To Grow in Your Healthy ChristStyle, You'll Need A Goal.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
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That's Just Not Me.. | ChristStyle Vs. Lifestyle 3.14.21
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)
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. 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Your new ChristStyle Demands a Drastic Change from your Old Lifestyle.
1 Peter 1:13-14 (NLT)
13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then.
1 John 2:15-17 (NLT)
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Romans 12:3 (NLT)
3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Your new ChristStyle demands Humility.
Romans 12:4-6 (NLT)
4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
Your New ChristStyle comes with Responsibilities.
1 Corinthians 12:4-29 (NLT)
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. 12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. 14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, "I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand," that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, "I am not part of the body because I am not an eye," would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you."
Romans 12:8 (NLT)
8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Your New ChristStyle demands Action.
That's Just Not Me... | In Jesus' Eyes
Perris Valley Church 3.7.21
In the Eyes of Jesus, you are a Saint.
Ephesians 2:19
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family
Romans 1:7 (NKJV)
To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:1 (NKJV)
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the Saints who are in all Achaia:
Philippians 1:1 (NKJV)
Greeting Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the Saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons
In the Eyes of Jesus, you are Appreciated.
Romans 10:13-15
for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Through the Eyes of Jesus, you are Reconciled!
Romans 5:10-11
For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Through the Eyes of Jesus, you are Victorious!
Ephesians 1:18-20 (NLT)
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.
1 John 5:4 (NKJV)
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (NLT)
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Eyes of Jesus, you are Loved.
Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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That's Just Not Me... | The Cycle 3.1.21
Exodus 19:5
5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth;
Exodus 20:22-24
23 Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.
24 "'Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.
Four Steps in the Repetitive Cycle:
Sin
Discipline
Repentance
Deliverer
Judges 2:1-3
2 The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, "I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land I swore to give to your ancestors. I said, 'I will never break my covenant with you, 2 and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.' Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this? 3 And I have also said, 'I will not drive them out before you; they will become traps for you, and their gods will become snares to you.'"
Judges 3:7-11
7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 The anger of the Lord burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9 But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel, who saved them.
The Cycle Starts with Sin
Judges 3:12-14
12 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. 13 Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms. 14 The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years.
Judges 3:15
15 Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud
Judges 2:14-15
14 In his anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. 15 Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress.
Hardships designed as penalty bring discipline intended to lead people to repentance.
Hebrews 12:7, 10-11
7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Drop to your knees and repent . . . again.
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 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.
Proverbs 28:13
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
God will send another messenger to you.
Proverbs 27:17
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
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That's Just Not Me... | Perris Valley Church
Acts 9:1-2
9 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
Galatians 1:13-14
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
- You will never accomplish God's will by living in the past.
Acts 8:1-3 (NIV)
8 And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)
11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. 13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything,
- Today you are building tomorrow's past.
Acts 9:3-6 (NIV)
3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?"
5 "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked.
And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 9:10-16 (NIV)
10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord!" he replied. 11 The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 13 "But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name."
Acts 9:15-16 (NIV)
15 But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake."
- It doesn't matter how good you are at being the you that you created, if you aren't being you who God Created.
Philippians 3:7-8
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- C.S. Lewis: "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."
Proverbs 4:25-27
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Luke 15:14-20
14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.
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God's Design for Love - Love Is 2.14.21
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.
- God's Love Rejoices with the Truth
John 17:13-17 (NLT)
13 "Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word.
17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
Psalm 119:162 (NLT)
162 I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.
- God's Love Always Protects
Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 147:3 (NLT)
3 He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
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God's Love Always Trusts
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God's Love Always Hopes
Isaiah 40:31
"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."
Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
- God's Love Always Perseveres
- God's Love Never Fails
Romans 8:38-39
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Perris Valley Community Church | God's Design For Love | Love is not..... Worship Service 2.7.21
1 Corinthians 13:4-13 (NLT)
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!
9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
- Love Does Not Torment.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NLT)
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
1 John 4:18 (NLT)
18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
- Love is not selfish.
Ephesians 5:25 (NLT)
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her
- The more you love, the more you hate.
Proverbs 8:13 (NLT)
13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NLT)
16 There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, 18 a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, 19 a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.
- Love is a verb that we grow into.
1 Corinthians 13:11-12 (NLT)
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
John 3:16 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Sermon Manuscript: Matthew 24, 25
Series: ALL IN
Title: ALL IN for Eternity
Date: 1.24.21
Location: Rock of Generations, Perris.Online.Church, Digital.Online.Church
Transformational Point: The point is to be ready now!
Matthew 24:1-3, 36 (NASB)
24 Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. 2 But He responded and said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down."
3 And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
36 "But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
Always be ready for the return of Jesus. There is no "Getting Ready" once He has returned.
Matthew 24:37-38, 40-41 (NASB)
37 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, . . . until the day that Noah entered the ark,
40 At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.
Matthew 25:31-33 (NASB)
31 "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left.
Matthew 25:46 (NASB)
46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Both the Saved and the Unsaved will be cast into eternity.
Luke 16:19-31 (NASB)
19 "Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, enjoying himself in splendor every day. 20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed from the scraps which fell from the rich man's table; not only that, the dogs also were coming and licking his sores. 22 Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's arms; and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms. 24 And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set, so that those who want to go over from here to you will not be able, nor will any people cross over from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I request of you, father, that you send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not come to this place of torment as well.' 29 But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' 30 But he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!' 31 But he said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Matthew 19:23-30 (NASB)
23 And Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, "Then who can be saved?" 26 And looking at them, Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
27 Then Peter responded and said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" 28 And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.
Following Christ might come with earthly cost, but brings eternal rewards.
John 3:16 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Matthew 24:42-44 (NASB)
42 "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.
It's not a matter of if . . .
Matthew 25:1-12 (CSB)
25 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn't take oil with them; 4 but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 "In the middle of the night there was a shout: 'Here's the groom! Come out to meet him.'
7 "Then all the virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise ones, 'Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.'
9 "The wise ones answered, 'No, there won't be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell oil, and buy some for yourselves.'
10 "When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11 Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, 'Master, master, open up for us!'
12 "He replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you!'
Sermon Manuscript: Acts 14:1-4
Series: ALL IN
Title: ALL IN Nothing less than Full Reliance on God
Date: 1.17.21
Location: Rock of Generations, Perris.Online.Church, Digital.Online.Church
Transformational Point: To Be ALL IN in our Reliance on God, is to be ALL OUT of Reliance on us.
Isaiah 40:28 (NASB)
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to the one who lacks might He increases power.
John 15:4-5 (NASB)
4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
Being ALL IN with FULL Reliance in Christ requires us to come to and STAY in Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
To Be ALL IN in our Reliance on God, is to be ALL OUT of Reliance on us.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB)
28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light."
Acts 14:1-4 (NASB)
14 In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a way that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brothers. 3 Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, while others, with the apostles.
When our Reliance is ALL IN God, God can do Amazing things.
Matthew 6:25-33 (NASB)
25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? 27 And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life's span? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear for clothing?' 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.
All IN Reliance requires ALL IN Trust
Hebrews 11:1 (NASB)
11 Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
10 Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
Psalm 23 (NKJV)
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Sermon Manuscript:
Series: ALL IN
Title: Hold Nothing Back
Date: 1/3/21
1 Kings 19:19-21 (NLT)
19 So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, "First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!"
Elijah replied, "Go on back, but think about what I have done to you."
21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.
(1) Going ALL IN requires change.
Matthew 4:18-22 (NKJV)
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
Matthew 16:24-28 (NLT)
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
(2) You cannot go ALL IN and take your stuff
Mark 10:17-27 (NASB)
17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?"
19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" 20 And he said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth." 21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.
John 3:26-30 (NASB)
26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him
29 So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
(3) When we increase, we force Jesus to decrease
(4) Going ALL IN requires us to recognize areas in our life where we are still holding out.
(5) What percentage of your everyday life is led by Jesus?
Relationship with mom and dad,
Finance
Work
Hobbies
What you're reading
Education
Free time
Financial Stewardship
Leadership
Parenting
Church
Forgiveness
Grace
Life stages
Fatherhood
Motherhood
Friendships
Companions
Marriage
Dating
Respecting authority
Praying for leaders
Recreation
Teaching your kids
Making time to listen to God
Anger
Respect for others
Moments of enjoyment
Health and fitness
Family time
Community life
Entertainment
Music
Movies
Sex
Social life
Emotions
Self-esteem
Planning
Saving
Learning
Creativity
Perris Valley Community Church | Vision Sunday (2021) Revisited Worship Service 12.27.20
Sermon Manuscript: Malachi
Series: The Nightmare before Christmas
Title: God’s Last Words
Date: 12.20.20
Location: Perris.Online.Church / Rock of Generations / Digital.Online.Church
Malachi 1 (NLT)
1 This is the message that the Lord gave to Israel through the prophet Malachi.
2 “I have always loved you,” says the Lord.
But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?”
And the Lord replies, “This is how I showed my love for you: I loved your ancestor Jacob, 3 but I rejected his brother, Esau, and devastated his hill country.
Malachi 1:6-9 (NLT)
6 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name!
“But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’
7 “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.
“Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’
“You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect. 8 When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
9 “Go ahead, beg God to be merciful to you! But when you bring that kind of offering, why should he show you any favor at all?” asks the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Malachi 2:10-17 (NLT)
10 Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?
11 Judah has been unfaithful, and a detestable thing has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem. The men of Judah have defiled the Lord’s beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols. 12 May the Lord cut off from the nation of Israel every last man who has done this and yet brings an offering to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
13 Here is another thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn’t accept them with pleasure. 14 You cry out, “Why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.
15 Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union
Malachi 3:1-6 (NASB)
3 “Behold, I am sending My messenger, and he will clear a way before Me. And the Lord, whom you are seeking, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of armies. 2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like launderer’s soap. 3 And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Isaiah 40:3-5 (NLT)
3 Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! 4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. 5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!”
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NLT)
31 “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 32 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.
33 “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
Matthew 1:17 (NASB)
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Isaiah 7:14 (NASB)
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel.
Matthew 3:1-3 (NASB)
3 Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “The voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’”
Luke 2:1-14 (NKJV)
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Sermon Manuscript: Lamentations 3:1-24
Series: The Nightmare before Christmas
Title: Nothing in Life is Going Right
Date: 12.13.20
Location: Perris.Online.Church / Digital.Online.Church / Rock of Generations
Lamentations 3:1-8 (NASB)
3 I am the man who has seen misery
Because of the rod of His wrath.
2 He has driven me and made me walk
In darkness and not in light.
3 Indeed, He has turned His hand against me
Repeatedly all the day.
4 He has consumed my flesh and my skin,
He has broken my bones.
5 He has besieged and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.
6 He has made me live in dark places,
Like those who have long been dead.
7 He has walled me in so that I cannot go out;
He has made my chain heavy.
8 Even when I cry out and call for help,
He shuts out my prayer.
Sometimes when life is full of despair depression and loneliness, we mistakenly blame God.
Lamentations 3:9-14 (NASB)
9 He has blocked my ways with cut stone;
He has twisted my paths.
10 He is to me like a bear lying in wait,
Like a lion in secret places.
11 He has made my ways deviate, and torn me to pieces;
He has made me desolate.
12 He bent His bow
And took aim at me as a target for the arrow.
13 He made the arrows of His quiver
Enter my inward parts.
14 I have become a laughingstock to all my people,
Their song of ridicule all the day.
How we feel, and how others make us feel, too often dictates how we interact with God.
Lamentations 3:15-18 (NASB)
15 He has filled me with bitterness,
He has made me drink plenty of wormwood.
16 He has also made my teeth grind with gravel;
He has made me cower in the dust.
17 My soul has been excluded from peace;
I have forgotten happiness.
18 So I say, "My strength has failed,
And so has my hope from the Lord."
We must be careful listening to our feelings, because when we can't find happy and hope, our mind can deliver us distorted thoughts.
Lamentations 3:19-20 (NASB)
19 Remember my misery and my homelessness, the wormwood and bitterness. 20 My soul certainly remembers, And is bent over within me.
Lamentations 3:21-24 (NASB)
21 I recall this to my mind, Therefore I wait. 22 The Lord's acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I wait for Him."
The distance from sorrow to joy only looks long when we try to solve our sorrows ourselves. Either way you go, the answer is always Jesus.
Lamentations 3:25-32 (NASB)
25 The Lord is good to those who await Him, To the person who seeks Him. 26 It is good that he waits silently For the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man to bear The yoke in his youth. 28 Let him sit alone and keep quiet, Since He has laid it on him. 29 Let him put his mouth in the dust; Perhaps there is hope. 30 Let him give his cheek to the one who is going to strike him; Let him be filled with shame. 31 For the Lord will not reject forever, 32 For if He causes grief, Then He will have compassion In proportion to His abundant mercy.
Sermon Manuscript: Jerimiah 25
Series: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Title: The Promise Kept on Christmas
Date: 12.6.20
Location: Perris.Online.Church / Rock of Generations
Transformational Point:
Jeremiah 25:1-7 (NIV)
The word came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah: 3 For twenty-three years . . . the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.
4 And though the Lord has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention. 5 They said, "Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord gave to you and your ancestors for ever and ever. 6 Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not arouse my anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you." 7 "But you did not listen to me," declares the Lord, "and you have aroused my anger with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves."
Before correction, God always gives clear warnings.
1 Kings 9:6-9 (NASB)
6 "But if you or your sons indeed turn away from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have placed before you, but you go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut Israel off from the land which I have given them, and the house which I have consecrated for My name, I will expel from My sight. So Israel will become a saying and an object of derision among all peoples. 8 And this house will become a heap of ruins; everyone who passes by it will be appalled and hiss and say, 'Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and this house?' 9 And they will say, 'Because they abandoned the Lord their God, who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and they adopted other gods and worshiped and served them, for that reason the Lord has brought all this adversity on them.'"
Jeremiah 25 (NIV)
8 Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: "Because you have not listened to my words, 9 I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon," declares the Lord, "and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. 10 I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, 11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
God always keeps His promises, and not all promises are joyful.
Jeremiah 25:12 (NASB)
12 'Then it will be when seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation,' declares the Lord, 'for their wrongdoing, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation.
God never leaves His children without hope, even after correction.
Jeremiah 29:1-10 (NIV)
29 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
3 It said: 4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.
10 This is what the Lord says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
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.
Isaiah 9:1-7 (NASB)
9 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. . . . but later on He will make it glorious,
2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.
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.
Christmas is God's promise fulfilled.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NASB)
11 For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will let Myself be found by you,' declares the Lord, 'and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you,' declares the Lord, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'
Series: Vision 2021
Numbers 18 (NASB)
18 So the Lord said to Aaron, “You, your sons, and your father’s household with you shall bear the guilt in connection with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear the guilt in connection with your priesthood.
God has appointed people to manage His church.
Leviticus 27:30 (NASB)
30 ‘Now all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.
Numbers 18: 20-21, 25-26 (NASB)
20 Then the Lord said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land nor own any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the sons of Israel.
21 “To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel as an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.
Numbers 18: 25-26 (NASB)
25 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Moreover, you shall speak to the Levites and say to them, ‘When you take from the sons of Israel the tithe which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present an offering from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.
Everyone has a responsibility to Tithe.
Deuteronomy 12:13-14, 19 (NLT)
13 Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings just anywhere you like. 14 You may do so only at the place the Lord will choose within one of your tribal territories.
19 And be very careful never to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.
Matthew 23:1-3
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.
Matthew 23:23 (NLT)
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
The ALL IN challenge:
Who is going to give to the church for the very first time today?
"Let me be blunt, because on the subject of money Jesus was. Obedience can be measured in dollars. So can faith. So can sacrifice. It’s certainly not the only measure, but it’s one of the most accurate. If we give God 2 percent of our income, can we really say we are 100 percent committed to Him? I think not. If we withhold the tithe, can we really say, “In God we trust”? If we give God our leftovers instead of the firstfruits, can we really say we’re seeking first His kingdom?"
― from "All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life"
Location: Rock of Generations – Perris.online.church
Sermon Manuscript: Galatians 6:1-10
Transformational Point: Christians have the responsibility to lead others out of sin
Galatians 6:1 (NLT)
6 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
For Christians, Sin is your business.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NLT)
14 But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.
James 5:19-20 (NLT)
19 My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.
Galatians 6:2-5 (NLT)
Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
There is no one better for the job of helping others than you are.
1 Corinthians 3:18-22 (NASB)
18 Take care that no one deceives himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God. 21 So then, no one is to be boasting in people. For all things belong to you,
Galatians 6:7-8 (NLT)
7 Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.
All your actions are seeds. They will either bloom and lead others or they will choke and die in great company.
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NASB)
6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously.
Job 4:8 (NASB)
8 According to what I have seen, those who plow wrongdoing And those who sow trouble harvest it.
James 3:16-18 (NASB)
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT)
9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
You are not done harvesting blessings unless you are done planting seeds.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
James 5:7-8 (NASB)
7 Therefore be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
Sermon Manuscript: Galatians 5:16-17
Series: Why it Matters
Galatians 5:16-17 (NASB)
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.
Satisfying your own desires is, by definition, sinful.
Romans 7:18-25 (NASB)
18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person, 23 but I see a different law in the parts of my body waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, the law which is in my body's parts. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NASB)
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The deeds of the flesh are not somebody else's sin. They are ours.
Ephesians 2:3 (NASB)
3 Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control;.
Fruit is what is accomplished by works. The fruit of the spirit is not accomplished by our works, but rather God's.
Colossians 3:16-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Galatians 5:24-26 (NASB)
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let's follow the Spirit as well. 26 Let's not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
In order to God's work to be shown in us, the desires of our flesh must die.
Ephesians 5:15-21 English Standard Version (ESV)
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Sermon Manuscript: Galatians 5:1-15
Series: Why it Matters
Transformational Point: In Christ, we conform to neither the will of our culture nor religious institutions.
Galatians 5:1-15 (CSB)
1 For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don't submit again to a yoke of slavery.
John 8:31-36 (CSB) (I'm going to read this all together)
31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33 "We are descendants of Abraham," they answered him, "and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, 'You will become free'?"
34 Jesus responded, "Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.
Galatians 5:2-5 (CSB)
2 Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; 5 For we eagerly await through the Spirit, by faith, the hope of righteousness.
Thinking you are going to get to heaven by any other means other than Jesus makes Jesus 100% useless.
Galatians 5:7-9 (CSB)
7 You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.
Identifying the Liar is needed to identify and address the lie.
John 8:44-46 (CSB)
44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Who among you can convict me of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me?
Galatians 5:10-12 (CSB)
10 I myself am persuaded in the Lord you will not accept any other view. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. 11 Now brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 I wish those who are disturbing you might also let themselves be mutilated!
Point number 3 in your notes:
Only with Jesus can distance yourself from the liar.
Matthew 16:24-26 New Living Translation (NLT)
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Galatians 5:13-15 (CSB)
13 For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.
God's Grace, and your freedom from the illness of our world, are not a license to sin.
Romans 5:20-21 (NLT)
20 God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:1-3 (NLT)
6 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?
John 8:31-32 (CSB)
31 Then Jesus said . . ., "If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Rebroadcast
Exodus 20:13 (NLT)
13 "You must not murder.
Life Is Sacred Because All Life Is Made In The Image Of God
Genesis 9:5-6 (NLT)
5 "And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person's life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. 6 If anyone takes a human life, that person's life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image.
The Sixth Commandment Is More Than A Prohibition: It Is Also Protection.
There Are Biblical Penalties For Any Taking Of Life
Numbers 35:9-15 (NLT)
"When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 designate cities of refuge to which people can flee if they have killed someone accidentally.
Numbers 35:16-21 (NLT)
16 "But if someone strikes and kills another person with a piece of iron, it is murder, and the murderer must be executed. 17 Or if someone with a stone in his hand strikes and kills another person, it is murder, and the murderer must be put to death.
Matthew 5:21-22 (NLT)
21 "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.'22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
Christians Live Under The Command, Not The Suggestion, To Control Their Anger
Sermon Manuscript: Galatians 3:19-25
Series: Why it Matters
Galatians 3:26-28 (CSB)
26 for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus. 27 For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. 28 There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Point number 1:
Christians are not part of a club, they are part of a family.
John 1:12-13 (CSB)
12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.
Romans 8:14-17 (CSB)
14 For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Galatians 3:29-4:3 (CSB)
29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.
4 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. 2 Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements of the world.
Point number 2:
As a member of the family, your name has been written in the Father’s Will.
Ephesians 3:4-6 (CSB)
4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Hebrews 9:15-16 (CSB)
15 Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16 Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established.
Galatians 4:4-5 (CSB)
4 When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Point number 3:
Like an orphan, you were hand-picked by your father in Heaven.
Galatians 4:6-7 (CSB)
6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.
Point number 4:
As a believer in Jesus, you have full rights to the Kingdom of God.
Sermon Manuscript: Galatians 3:19-29
Series: Why it Matters
Genesis 17:1-7
17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless. 2 I will set up my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.”
3 Then Abram fell facedown and God spoke with him: 4 “As for me, here is my covenant with you: You will become the father of many nations. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations. 6 I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you. 7 I will confirm my covenant that is between me and you and your future offspring throughout their generations. It is a permanent covenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (CSB)
28 “Now if you faithfully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all his commands I am giving you today, the Lord your God will put you far above all the nations of the earth. 2 All these blessings will come and overtake you, because you obey the Lord your God:
Deuteronomy 28:15-21 (CSB)
15 “But if you do not obey the Lord your God by carefully following all his commands and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overtake you:
16 You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. 17 Your basket and kneading bowl will be cursed. 18 Your offspring will be cursed, and your land’s produce, the young of your herds, and the newborn of your flocks. 19 You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out. 20 The Lord will send against you curses, confusion, and rebuke in everything you do until you are destroyed and quickly perish, because of the wickedness of your actions in abandoning me. 21 The Lord will make pestilence cling to you until he has exterminated you from the land you are entering to possess.
Galatians 3:19 (CSB)
19 Why, then, was the law given? It was added for the sake of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator.
Point number 1 in your notes:
Without rules, we wouldn’t know if we are in the right or in the wrong.
Romans 4:15 (CSB)
15 because the law produces wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression (sin).
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (CSB)
31 “Look, the days are coming”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 This one will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—my covenant that they broke even though I am their master”—the Lord’s declaration. 33 “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”—the Lord’s declaration. “I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “For I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin.
Galatians 3:20 (NLT)
But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people.
Point number 2 in your notes:
God planned a new promise with mankind that would be fulfilled in His Son.
Romans 5:12-21 (CSB)
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned. 13 In fact, sin was in the world before the law, but sin is not charged to a person’s account when there is no law.
Romans 5:15, 18 (CSB)
15 But the gift is not like the trespass (sin). For if by the one man’s trespass the many died, how much more have the grace of God and the gift which comes through the grace of the one man Jesus Christ overflowed to the many.
18 So then, as through one trespass (sin) there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is justification leading to life for everyone.
Galatians 3:21-22 (CSB)
21 Is the law therefore contrary to God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if the law had been granted with the ability to give life, then righteousness would certainly be on the basis of the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin’s power, so that the promise might be given on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ to those who believe.
Point number 3 in your notes:
For Christians, the covenant is based in Faith in Jesus, not works.
Luke 22:20 (CSB)
20 In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Galatians 3:23-29 (CSB)
23 Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. 24 The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. 25 But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.
Point number 4 in your notes:
The Blood of Jesus is our complete covenant.
Matthew 5:17 CSB
17 “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
Romans 10:9-12 (CSB)
9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame,12 since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him.
Sermon Manuscript: Galatians 3:10-14
Series: Why it Matters
Title: Works Don’t Work
Galatians 3:10 (NLT)
10 But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.”
Point number 1:
The price to get into heaven is total perfection.
Deuteronomy 27:26 (NKJV)
26 ‘Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law by observing them.’ “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ ”
Galatians 3:11 (NLT)
11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT)
4 “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.
Point number 2:
The biggest lie people tell themselves is that you can be anything you want to be.
Galatians 3:12 (NLT)
12 This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”
Leviticus 18:1-5 (NLT)
18 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. I am the Lord your God. 3 So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. 4 You must obey all my regulations and be careful to obey my decrees, for I am the Lord your God. 5 If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord.
Point number 3:
If you strive for salvation by being a good person, then you are denying your need for God’s Grace.
Galatians 3:13 (NLT)
13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Deuteronomy 21:23 (NLT)
23 the body must not remain hanging from the tree overnight. You must bury the body that same day, for anyone who is hung is cursed in the sight of God. In this way, you will prevent the defilement of the land the Lord your God is giving you as your special possession.
Galatians 3:14 (NLT)
14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.
Point number 4:
You are saved by Grace alone, Faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, To the glory of God alone. You do nothing to earn your own salvation.
Sermon Manuscript: Galatians 2:11-21
Series: Why it Matters
Title: You know better
Galatians 2:11-12 (NLT)
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.
Point number 1 in your notes:
Our actions and our words must match.
Acts 15:6-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
6 So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue. 7 At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News and believe. 8 God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. 10 So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
Galatians 2:13-14 (NLT)
13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?
Point number 2 in your notes:
Your Christian faith is of great concern because others are following your lead and example. Don’t lead them to Hell.
1 Corinthians 9:20-23 (NLT)
20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Galatians 2:15-18 (CSB)
15 We are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners,” 16 and yet because we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we ourselves have believed in Christ Jesus. This was so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. 17 But if we ourselves are also found to be “sinners” while seeking to be justified by Christ, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild those things that I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker.
Point number 3 in your notes:
If you have come to Christ, and your actions still say you are loving your old life, then you have a lot of spiritual growing up to do.
Philippians 3:7-9 (NLT)
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Galatians 2:19-21 (CSB)
19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Why it matters is because Jesus died for you. He gave himself for you. If we are to die for Christ, who do other people see when they look at you? You or Jesus?
Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.
Point number 1 in your notes:
There is only one true Gospel. And it’s the Good News of God’s Grace.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Galatians 1:11-12
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. 12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
Point number 2 in your notes:
No human source can ever change the Word of God.
Deuteronomy 4:2
2 Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you.
Revelation 22:18
18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.
Galatians 2:16
16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
James 1:6
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
Galatians 1:13-16
13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.
15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.
Point number 3 in your notes:
We can all change who we are, into who God wants us to be.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Romans 12:2
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Galatians 1:22-24
22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.
Point number 4 in your notes:
When your life is changed by Christ, people notice.
Sermon Manuscript: Acts 22:1-22
Series: Why it matters
Title: Getting to know Paul
Date: 8/6/20
Location: Rock of Generations / Perris.Online.Church
Transformational Point: The Gospel Matters
Point number one
The apostle Paul, at one point in his life he did everything to destroy anything and anyone that has anything to do with Jesus.
Acts 22:1-3 (NLT)
22 “Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” 2 When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater. 3 Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today.
Acts 22:4-5 (NLT)
4 And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the followers of the Way from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.
Acts 22:6-11 (NLT)
6 “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ 9 The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me. 10 “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’ 11 “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions
Put number two
The authority of the Bible and the theology that Christians follow comes directly from men who actually met Jesus in person.
Acts 22:17-21 New Living Translation (NLT)
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’ 19 “‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’ 21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’”
Acts 22:22 (NLT)
22 The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!”
Point number three
People will hate the teaching of Jesus. But we cannot let the meaning of God’s words be changed to fit the will of this world.
Galatians 1:6-7 (NLT)
6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
Matthew 7:13-20 (NLT)
13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
Sermon Notes:
Jonah 1:1-3 (NLT)
The Lord gave this message to Jonah: 2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”
3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.
Point number 1:
If we don’t go and share the gospel, we are boldly refusing salvation to others.
Jonah 1:4-11 (NLT)
4 But the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. 5 Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help and threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship.
But all this time Jonah was sound asleep down in the hold. 6 So the captain went down after him. “How can you sleep at a time like this?” he shouted. “Get up and pray to your god! Maybe he will pay attention to us and spare our lives.”
7 Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit. 8 “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”
9 Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”
10 The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the Lord. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned. 11 And since the storm was getting worse all the time, they asked him, “What should we do to you to stop this storm?”
Point number 2:
There is nowhere you can run where God can’t see you.
Jonah 1:12-16 (NLT)
12 “Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.” 13 Instead, the sailors rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn’t make it. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God. “O Lord,” they pleaded, “don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.” 15 Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! 16 The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.
Point number 3:
Cutting yourself off from the world will not stop the work of the gospel.
Jonah 1:17 (NLT)
17 Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.
Point number 4:
God just might be arranging nature to bring you to obedience.
Sermon Scripture and Points
1 Samuel 17:4-7 (NLT)
4 Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! 5 He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. 6 He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. 7 The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield.
Point number 1:
The armor the world brings to your spiritual fight is always gigantic.
1 Samuel 17:8-18 (NLT)
8 Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. “Why are you all coming out to fight?” he called. “I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! 9 If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! 10 I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!” 11 When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.
13 Jesse’s three oldest sons had already joined Saul’s army to fight the Philistines. 14 David was the youngest son.
16 For forty days, every morning and evening, the Philistine champion strutted in front of the Israelite army.
17 One day Jesse said to David, “Take this basket of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread, and carry them quickly to your brothers. 18 And give these ten cuts of cheese to their captain. See how your brothers are getting along, and bring back a report on how they are doing.”
1 Samuel 17:20-33 (NLT)
20 So David left the sheep with another shepherd and set out early the next morning with the gifts, as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the camp just as the Israelite army was leaving for the battlefield with shouts and battle cries. 21 Soon the Israelite and Philistine forces stood facing each other, army against army. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies and hurried out to the ranks to greet his brothers. 23 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, came out from the Philistine ranks. Then David heard him shout his usual taunt to the army of Israel.
24 As soon as the Israelite army saw him, they began to run away in fright. 25 “Have you seen the giant?” the men asked. “He comes out each day to defy Israel. The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him. He will give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!”
32 “Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!”
33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.”
Point number 2:
The enemies of the One True God were the enemies of David.
1 Samuel 17:34-40 (NLT)
34 But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, 35 I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. 36 I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! 37 The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”
Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!”
38 Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail.
“I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. 40 He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.
1 Samuel 9:1-14 (NLT)
There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.
3 One day Kish’s donkeys strayed away, and he told Saul, “Take a servant with you, and go look for the donkeys.” 4 So Saul took one of the servants and traveled through the hill country of Ephraim, but they couldn’t find the donkeys anywhere.
5 Finally, Saul said to his servant, “Let’s go home. By now my father will be more worried about us than about the donkeys!”
6 But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honor by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.”
7 “But we don’t have anything to offer him,” Saul replied. “Even our food is gone, and we don’t have a thing to give him.”
8 “Well,” the servant said, “I have one small silver piece. We can at least offer it to the man of God and see what happens!” 9 (In those days if people wanted a message from God, they would say, “Let’s go and ask the seer,” for prophets used to be called seers.)
10 “All right,” Saul agreed, “let’s try it!”
Point number 3 in your notes:
Weak Leaders deliver inferior results. Weak Christians apply insufficient discernment.
1 Samuel 9:41-49 (NLT)
Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, 42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. 43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. 44 “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled.
45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”
48 As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. 49 Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.
Point number 4:
Even the smallest weapon of the One True God is overwhelming.
1 Samuel 17:51-53 (NLT)
When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran. 52 Then the men of Israel and Judah gave a great shout of triumph and rushed after the Philistines, chasing them as far as Gath 53 Then the Israelite army returned and plundered the deserted Philistine camp.
Sermon Manuscript: Daniel 3
Series: Known in the Unknown
Title: Forging Faith in the Furnace
Date: 8/9/20
Location: Rock of Generations – Perris.online. church
Transformational Point: The flames strengthen faith
Daniel 1:3-4 (NLT)
3 Then the king ordered his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. 4 “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.”
Daniel 1:18-20 (NLT)
18 When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. 20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.
Daniel 3 (NLT)
3 King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 Then he sent messages to the high officers, officials, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the provincial officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up. 3 So all these officials came and stood before the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
4 Then a herald shouted out, “People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king’s command! 5 When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue.6 Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
Point number 1 in your notes:
The Ungodly create False Gods.
Daniel 2:48-49 (NLT)
48 Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. 49 At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.
Daniel 3:7-12
7 So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8 But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king! 10 You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. 11 That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Point number 2 in your notes:
There is always going to be worldly pressure to follow worldly Gods.
Daniel 3:13-18
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Point number 3 in your notes:
People will get angry when you hold your ground.
Daniel 3:19-30
19 Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. 22 And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.
24 But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.
25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.
Point number 4 in your notes:
When the heat of the furnace leads to the unknown, God’s presence remains flawless and sufficient.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Sermon Manuscript: Genesis 6-9
Series: Known in the Unknown
Title: Living in Chaos
Date: 8/2/20
Location: Rock of Generations / Perris.Online.Church
Genesis 6:8-16 (NLT)
8 But Noah found favor with the Lord.
11 Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence.
13 So God said to Noah, “I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence.
14 “Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. 15 Make the boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. 16 Leave an 18-inch opening below the roof all the way around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build three decks inside the boat—lower, middle, and upper.
God has all the answers.
Genesis 6:17-22 (NLT)
17 “Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes.
18 But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. 19 Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood.
21 And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals.”
22 So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.
Sometimes we have to move forward into the unknown.
Genesis 7:5 (NLT)
5 So Noah did everything as the Lord commanded him.
Genesis 7:7-22 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 He went on board the boat to escape the flood—he and his wife and his sons and their wives. 8 With them were all the various kinds of animals.
9 They entered the boat in pairs, male and female, just as God had commanded. 10 After seven days, the waters of the flood came and covered the earth.
11 When Noah was 600 years old, all the underground waters erupted from the earth, and the rain fell in mighty torrents from the sky. 12 The rain continued to fall for forty days and forty nights.
13 That very day Noah had gone into the boat with his wife and his sons.
14 With them in the boat were pairs of every kind of animal—domestic and wild, large and small—along with birds of every kind. Then the Lord closed the door behind them.
17 For forty days the floodwaters grew deeper, covering the ground and lifting the boat high above the earth. 18 As the waters rose higher and higher above the ground, the boat floated safely on the surface. 19 Finally, the water covered even the highest mountains on the earth.
21 All the living things on earth died.
22 Everything that breathed and lived on dry land died.
The Lord provides for those who follow his instructions.
Deuteronomy 28:1-6 (NLT)
28 “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God.
Genesis 8 (NLT)
8 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. He sent a wind to blow across the earth, and the floodwaters began to recede. 3 So the floodwaters gradually receded from the earth. After 150 days, the boat came to rest.
6 After another forty days, Noah opened the window he had made in the boat 7 and released a raven. The bird flew back and forth until the floodwaters on the earth had dried up. 8 He also released a dove to see if the water had receded and it could find dry ground. 9 But the dove could find no place to land because the water still covered the ground. So it returned to the boat, and Noah held out his hand and drew the dove back inside. 10 After waiting another seven days, Noah released the dove again. 11 This time the dove returned to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Then Noah knew that the floodwaters were almost gone. 12 He waited another seven days and then released the dove again. This time it did not come back.
13 Noah was now 601 years old.
15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Leave the boat, all of you.
17 Release all the animals—so they can be fruitful and multiply throughout the earth.”
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord
Genesis 9:12-17 (NLT)
12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life.
God always keeps his promises.
John 16:33 (NLT)
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Exodus 20:16 (NLT)
16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
Exodus 23:1-3 (NLT)
23 “You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand. 2b When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice. 3 And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor.
When you lie, people believe you.
Proverbs 19:5 (NLT)
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.
Proverbs 25:18 (NLT)
18 Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
When our witness becomes a lie, we are misrepresenting God.
Colossians 3:9-10 (NLT)
9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
The Dangers of Lies
Over time Lies become truth in culture.
Romans 1:18-27 (NLT)
18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.
24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie.
26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.
God will never lie to you.
Proverbs 30:5 (NLT)
5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.
Psalm 12:6 (NKJV)
6 The words of the Lord are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.
Hebrews 6:16-20 (NLT)
16 Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. 17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest.
Sermon Manuscript: Exodus 20:14
Series: Do the 10 Commandments Still Matter?
Title: The Protections of the 7th Commandment
Date: June 28, 2020
Location: Rock of Generations, Facebook, YouTube
Exodus 20:14 (NLT)
14 “You must not commit adultery.
The Seventh Commandment is a Protection for the Community.
Proverbs 6:24-29 New Living Translation (NLT)
24 It will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman. 25 Don’t lust for her beauty. Don’t let her coy glances seduce you. 26 For a prostitute will bring you to poverty, but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life. 27 Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? 28 Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? 29 So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife. He who embraces her will not go unpunished.
Romans 13:9 (NLT)
9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Seventh Commandment is a Protection for the Family.
Leviticus 20:1-2 (NLT)
The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give the people of Israel these instructions,
10 “If a man commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, both the man and the woman who have committed adultery must be put to death.
The Seventh Commandment is a Protection for our Hearts.
Matthew 15:19 (NLT)
19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.
Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT)
9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.Who really knows how bad it is?
The Seventh Commandment is a Protection for our Relationship with God.
Sermon Manuscript: Exodus 20:12
Series: God’s Original Prescription for relationships
Title: The Sanctity of Life
Date: 6/14/20
Location: Facebook Live, YouTube
Exodus 20:13 (NLT)
13 “You must not murder.
Life Is Sacred Because All Life Is Made In The Image Of God
Genesis 9:5-6 (NLT)
5 “And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. 6 If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image.
The Sixth Commandment Is More Than A Prohibition: It Is Also Protection.
There Are Biblical Penalties For Any Taking Of Life
Numbers 35:9-15 (NLT)
“When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 designate cities of refuge to which people can flee if they have killed someone accidentally.
Numbers 35:16-21 (NLT)
16 “But if someone strikes and kills another person with a piece of iron, it is murder, and the murderer must be executed. 17 Or if someone with a stone in his hand strikes and kills another person, it is murder, and the murderer must be put to death.
Matthew 5:21-22 (NLT)
21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
Christians Live Under The Command, Not The Suggestion, To Control Their Anger
Sermon Manuscript: Exodus 20:12
Series: God’s Original Prescription for relationships
Title: Forgiving My Worthless Father
Date: 6/7/20
Location: Facebook Live, YouTube
Exodus 20:12(NLT)
12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
To honor somebody does not demand that we love them.
Honoring those who have wronged us starts by giving grace.
To honor somebody who has wronged us, we must be willing to forgive before even being asked.
Romans 12:17-21 (NLT)
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
We must show our mother and father honor and respect for the sake of our children
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 20:7 (NLT)
7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
Sermon Manuscript: Exodus 20:8-11
Series: Do the 10 Commandments Still Matter
Title: God’s Holy Day
Date: 5/31/20
Location: Facebook Live / YouTube
Exodus 20:8-11 (NLT)
8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
Exodus 20:8 (NLT)
8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
The Sabbath is a day that God’s children are commanded to set apart for the Lord.
Ezekiel 20:10-13 (NASB)
10 So I took them out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. 11 I gave them My statutes and informed them of My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, he will live. 12 Also I gave them My sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.
13 But the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not walk in My statutes and they rejected My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, he will live; and My sabbaths they greatly profaned.
Exodus 20:9 (NASB)
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
Our work that brings a harvest to our household, is prescribed to be done in six days.
Exodus 20:10 (NLT)
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.
God has built downtime into your nature and commanded you to take it.
Exodus 16:27-29 (NLT)
27 Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. 28 The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? 29 They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day.”
Mark 2:27 (NLT)
27 Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.
Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
2 Corinthians 8:2-5 (NLT)
2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
Ungenerous Christians are stunted souls.
2 Corinthians 8:6-8 (NLT)
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us —I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.
Nothing inspires a good endeavor as much as a good example.
2 Corinthians 8:10-11 (NLT)
10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving.
Good intentions are useless if not followed with corresponding actions
2 Corinthians 8:11-12 (NLT)
Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.
Sermon Manuscript: Exodus 20:7
Series: Do the Ten Commandments Still Matter?
Title: Separate from Typical
Date: 5.17.20
Location: Facebook Live, YouTube
Transformational Point: Our words matter to God
Exodus 20:7 (NLT)
7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
Point Number 1: God's name, or any written, spoken, or signed, or drawn representation of not just God, but even his name, is sacred.
Matthew 6:9 (NIV)
9 "This, then, is how you should pray:
"'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
Matthew 6:9 (NLT)
9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Point Number 2: God’s Name is HOLY.
Isaiah 29:23 (NIV)
23 When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
John 17:6 (NKJV)
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.
POINT Number 3: God’s Name reveals who He is.
Deuteronomy 12:5-6 (NIV)
5 But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.
Sermon Manuscript: Exodus 20:4-6
Series: Do the 10 Commandments Still Matter?
Title: Point A to Point B Worship
Date: 3/10/20
Location: Facebook Live, YouTube
Transformational Point: Eliminating the “in-between” you and God.
Exodus 20:4-6 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
Matthew 5:17-19
17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Point number 1 in your notes:
How we worship and serve is just as important as who we worship and serve.
Numbers 21:4-9
4 Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey, 5 and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”
6 So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. 7 Then the people came to Moses and cried out, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” 9 So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!
2 Kings 18:1-4
18 Hezekiah son of Ahaz began to rule over Judah in the third year of King Hoshea’s reign in Israel. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 3 He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, just as his ancestor David had done. 4 He removed the pagan shrines, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke up the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because the people of Israel had been offering sacrifices to it.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Even elements of faith can become idols, and often do.
Deuteronomy 4:15-20
15 “But be very careful! You did not see the Lord’s form on the day he spoke to you from the heart of the fire at Mount Sinai. 16 So do not corrupt yourselves by making an idol in any form—whether of a man or a woman, 17 an animal on the ground, a bird in the sky, 18 a small animal that scurries along the ground, or a fish in the deepest sea. 19 And when you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, and stars—all the forces of heaven—don’t be seduced into worshiping them. The Lord your God gave them to all the peoples of the earth. 20 Remember that the Lord rescued you from the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt in order to make you his very own people and his special possession, which is what you are today.
Exodus 20:5-6
I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
Point number 3 in your notes:
Idol Worship destroys Families.
Exodus 20:6 (NLT)
6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
Jeremiah 10
2 This is what the Lord says: “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. 3 Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol.
5 Their gods are like helpless scarecrows They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good.”
11 Say this to those who worship other gods: “Your so-called gods, who did not make the heavens and earth, will vanish from the earth and from under the heavens.” 15 Idols are worthless; they are ridiculous lies! On the day of reckoning they will all be destroyed.
Exodus 20:3 (NLT)
3 “You must not have any other god but me.”
3 “You must not have any other god (Lowercase g) but me.”
Point number 1:
The Ten Commandments were given to everybody, including me.
Exodus 24:3 (NLT)
3 Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the Lord had given him. All the people answered with one voice, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”
Point Number
God needs us to remember at all times that we should have no other gods.
Joshua 24:15-25 (NASB)
15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
16 The people answered and said, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; 17 for the Lord our God is He who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did these great signs in our sight and preserved us through all the way in which we went and among all the peoples through whose midst we passed. 18 The Lord drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.”
19 “You will not be able to serve the Lord, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgression or your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you.” 21 The people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the Lord.” 22 Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen for yourselves the Lord, to serve Him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23 “Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are in your midst, and incline your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” 24 The people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and we will obey His voice.”
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Christians do not have a choice not to serve Uppercase G, God.
Exodus 20:5 (NLT)
5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.
Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Luke 12:32 (NLT)
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
- You shall have no other gods but me.
- You shall not make unto you any graven images
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain
- You shall remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
- Honor your mother and father
- You shall not murder
- You shall not commit adultery
- You shall not steal
- You shall not bear false witness
- You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor
Exodus 19:1-6 (NLT)
19 Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. 2 After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. 3 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
Exodus 19:9-13 (NLT)
9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”
Moses told the Lord what the people had said. 10 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. 11 Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. 12 Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. 13 No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.”
Exodus 19:14-20 (NLT)
14 So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes. 15 He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.”
16 On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled. 17 Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. 20 The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.
Exodus 19:21-22 (NLT)
21 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die. 22 Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.”
23 “But Lord,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’”
24 But the Lord said, “Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the Lord, or he will break out and destroy them.”
25 So Moses went down to the people and told them what the Lord had said.
Exodus 20:1-2a (NLT)
20 Then God gave the people all these instructions 2 “I am the Lord your God. . ..
Mark 10:17-21 (NLT)
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”
20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Point number 1 in your notes:
We should care about the 10 Commandments is because God gave them.
Mark 16:1-3 (NLT)
16 Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”
Matthew 28:2-4 (NLT)
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
Point number 1 in your notes:
Fear cannot stop the Resurrection of Jesus
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Mark 16:5-8 (NLT)
5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, 6 but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. 7 Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.”
8 The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.
Matthew 28:11-15 (NLT)
11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Callous Hearts could not stop the Resurrection.
John 20:3-9 (NLT)
3 Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. 4 They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, 7 while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. 8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— 9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.
Point number 3 in your notes:
A lack of full understanding of Biblical truth could not stop the resurrection.
Proverbs 2:1-5 (NLT)
My child, listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Point number 4 in your notes:
Doubt cannot stop the spread of the gospel.
John 20:27-29 New Living Translation (NLT)
27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-22 (NLT)
15 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News
3b Christ died for our sins.
4b He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time.
12b Why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.
18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost!
20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.
1 Peter 1:3-4 (NASB)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
Acts 5:27-32 (NLT)
27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
Devotion to obedience is the pledge that believers make when they come to Jesus.
John 14:15 (NLT)
15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.
Matthew 5:44-46 (NLT)
44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
If it is God’s plan, He will pave the way if we are obedient.
Matthew 7:7 (NLT)
7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 22:19-21 (NLT)
19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, 20 he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Being Devoted to Obedience will require sacrifice.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
Teaching about Money and Possessions
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Luke 9:23-25 (NLT)
23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?
The final point in your notes this morning:
Obedience takes practice
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
John 11:45-48 (NLT)
45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”
John 11:49-53 (NLT)
49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! 50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”
53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.
Point #1 - Nations and Rulers could not stop the work of Jesus
John 11:55-57 (NLT)
55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.
Point #2 - Crowds and Traditions could not stop the work of Jesus
John 12:1 (NLT) 12 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead.
Matthew 21:1-5 (NLT)
21 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”
4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’”
Matthew 21:6-9, 10 (NLT)
6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.
8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,
“Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!”
10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
John 12:17-19 New Living Translation (NLT) 17 Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. 18 That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!”
Point #3 - Plots to eliminate the Gospel can not stop the work of Jesus
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
Acts 2:45-47
45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
The entire Christian life is intended to be done in Fellowship.
Acts 4:32, 34-35
32 Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
34 For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Matthew 18:19–20
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. 10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? 12 And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
We need others and the Church, just as others and the church need us.
1 Corinthians 1:9
9 God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Malachi 3:16
16 At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before him for those who feared the Lord and had high regard for his name.
Devotion to Fellowship demands a deep love for others within the church.
1 John 1:6-7
6 If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Devotion to Christian Fellowship keeps us on the right path.
1 Corinthians 6:15-17
15 Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body? So should I take a part of Christ’s body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not! 16 Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh. 17 But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
James 1:2-20 (NLT)
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
James 1:2-5 (NLT)
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Trials are the Cause, Joy is the Effect
James 1:5-8 (NLT)
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
God’s heavenly remedy for our trials is to give us the wisdom to see our situation as He does.
James 1:12-15 (NLT)
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
God will test our faith, but will never tempt us to be unfaithful.
James 1:16-20 (NLT)
16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. 19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
God knows the details of our trials because He saw them coming before we did.
Matthew 11:1-3 (NLT)
11 When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’
11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. 13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
Matthew 11:1-3 (NLT)
11 When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
Point Number 1: To question our faith is only human.
Matthew 14:3-5 (NLT)
3 For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). 4 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.
Matthew 3:13-17 (NLT)
13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.
16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Matthew 11:4-6 (NLT)
4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”
Point Number 2:There is proof of our faith in the works of Jesus.
Isaiah 35:5-6 (NLT)
5 And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. 6 The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
1 Peter 1:8-11 (NLT)
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
Matthew 11:7-10 (NLT)
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’
Point Number 3: The faithfulness God has for His children is unwavering.
Romans 3:3-4 (NLT)
3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? 4 Of course not
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Matthew 11:11-15 (NLT)
11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. 13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
Point Number 4: Even the best who ever lived struggled with faith but had the willingness to push through.
Romans 4:18-25 (NLT)
18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
Matthew 8:5-7 (NLT)
5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” 7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed
Luke 7:2 (NLT)
2 At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death.
Faith Looks Humble
Psalm 51:17 New Living Translation (NLT)
17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Matthew 8:9 (NLT)
8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
Faith recognizes the Authority of Jesus
Matthew 21:23 (NLT)
23 When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
John 10:18 (NLT)
18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
Matthew 8:10-12 (NLT)
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Faith is not based on religious knowledge.
Matthew 8:13 (NLT)
13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Faith is obedient to Jesus
Romans 1:5 (NLT)
5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
Sorry that the audio in this sermon is bad.
Matthew 7:15-16 (NLT)
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Point number 1 in your notes:
False teachers look innocent but seek to undermine the teachings of Jesus to gain influence for themselves or their cause.
2 Peter 2:1-2 (NLT)
2 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered.
Matthew 7:17-20 (NLT)
17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
Point number 2 in your notes:
There is no need in the kingdom of God for dead wood.
2 Peter 1:5-8 New Living Translation (NLT)
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(This is all one piece – It may need a few slides)
2 Peter 2:2-18 (NIV)
2 Many will follow their depraved conduct
3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.
10 They follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. They are Bold and arrogant,
12 But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand.
13b They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.
14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed
15 They have left the straight way and wandered off
17 These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm.
18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.
Point number 3 in your notes:
There is an eternal penalty for False Teachers.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (NLT)
3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.
2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (NLT)
12 But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. 13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.
Matthew 7:24-29 (NLT)
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
Point number 4 in your notes:
False Teachers are dangerous.
2 Corinthians 11:26 New Living Translation (NLT)
26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.
John 15:1-4 N (NLT)
15 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Prayers that are never prayed are never answered.
Job 38:4-12 (NLT)
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. 5 Who determined its dimensions? 6 What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone 7 as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?
12 “Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east?
Matthew 7:9-11 (NASB)
9 Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
The Gift-Giver is the one who determines the Gift, and God’s gifts are always good and according to His will.
Romans 8:32 (NLT)
32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
1 Peter 4:8-11 (NIV)
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:7-12 (NASB)
12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Luke 6:31 (NIV)
31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Our relationships should be based on the life instructions that God has given His children.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Luke 6:32-36 (NASB)
32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
You, and your example of God’s Love, could be God’s answer to someone’s prayer.
Sermon Manuscript: Matthew 7:1-6
Series: Untwisting Scripture
Title: God’s Job vs. Our Job
Date: 2/9/20
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
Transformational Point: Christians are not to judge, but rather to discern.
Matthew 7:1-6
7 “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.
6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Matthew 7:1-2 (NASB)
7 “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.
(1) Christians are not to do God’s job of condemning, but rather are to show God’s example by forgiving.
1 John 4:1–3
4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.
Matthew 5:7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
James 4:12 (NASB)
12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?
Matthew 7:3-5 (NASB)
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?
(2) Christians should always examine their own heart before examining the hearts of others.
Matthew 18:15-16 (NASB)
15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.
Matthew 7:5 (NASB)
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.
(3) As Christians, we have an obligation to help our brothers and sisters out of sin.
Matthew 7:6 (NASB)
6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
(4) Not everyone is going to be open to your witness about Jesus.
2 Peter 2:22 New Living Translation (NLT)
22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”
Romans 1:16 New Living Translation (NLT)
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—
Point number 1:
COMMIT TO BEING AN INTENTIONAL WITNESS.
Acts 1:8 New Living Translation (NLT)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 13:45-46 New Living Translation (NLT)
45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
Point number 2:
GO AND TELL.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)
2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Romans 10:14–15 (NLT)
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Point number 3:
RECOGNIZE AND REPENT OF EXCUSES.
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REMAINING IN A SPIRITUAL COMA
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GROWING INCLUSIVENESS
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A DISBELIEF IN HELL
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BUSYNESS
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THE FEAR OF REJECTION
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A DESIRE TO BE TOLERANT
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LOSING THE HABIT OF WITNESSING
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LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY
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FAILURE TO INVITE
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CHURCH NOT INTENT ON REACHING THE LOST
3 Questions:
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Will you be intentional?
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Will you be accountable?
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Will you be mature as a disciple maker?
Following His Lead,
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Pastor Chris Thompson
Lead Pastor
Perris Valley Community Church
http://www.perrisvalleycc.com
(951) 230-8551
John 1:35-42
Series: Who’s Your One
Title: The Power of One
Date: 1/26/20
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
Transformational Point: You are important to the mission of Kingdom growth
John 1:35-40 (NLT)
35 The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. 36 As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus.
John 1:41-42 (NLT)
41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). 42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).
Point number 1 in your notes:
HE SAW THE VALUE OF INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE.
John 12:20-22 New Living Translation (NLT)
20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.
Point number 2 in your notes:
HE SAW THE VALUE OF INSIGNIFICANT GIFTS.
John 6 (NLT)
6 After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. 3 Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. 4 (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) 5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” 8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
Luke 21 (NLT)
21 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
HE SAW THE VALUE OF UNNOTICEABLE SERVICE.
Luke 16:19-31
Series: Who’s Your One
Title: The Truth about Hell
Date: 1/19/20
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
As Christians, we must reach others to keep them from Hell.
Luke 16:19-31 (NASB)
19 “Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. 20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 22 Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Luke 16:19-31 (NASB)
19 “Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. 20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 22 Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.
Point number 1 in your notes:
Hell is Eternal and Irreversible
Matthew 25:46 (NLT)
46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Point number 2 in your notes
HELL IS CONSCIOUS TORMENT.
Matthew 13:49-50 New Living Translation (NLT)
49 That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, 50 throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mark 9:47-48 New Living Translation (NLT)
47 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’
Luke 16:24
24 And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’
Point number 3 in your notes
HELL IS A PLACE OF PAIN.
Luke 16:24
24 And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’
Luke 16:26
26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’
Point number 4 in your notes:
HELL IS A PLACE OF ISOLATION.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 (NASB) 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
Point number 5 in your notes:
HELL IS A PLACE OF FEAR.
Luke 16:27-28
27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
Point number 6 in your notes:
GOOD PEOPLE ARE IN HELL.
Point number 7 in your notes:
GOOD PRAYERS ARE IN HELL.
Point number 9 in your notes:
GOOD THEOLOGY IS IN HELL.
Point number 10 in your notes:
GOOD INTENTIONS ARE IN HELL.
Matthew 4:18-22 (NASB)
18 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
2) He doesn’t choose the best. He chooses the willing.
3) God chose us, not we Him.
4)
Philippians 1:6
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
5) PN3
He commands us to spiritually reproduce.
6)
Matthew 4:19 (NKJV)
19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
7)
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
8)
Three stages of our ministry in Jesus.
9)
Stage One: Come and See
10)
John 1:43-46 (NKJV)
43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
11)
Stage Two: Come and Die
12)
John 12:25-26 (NKJV)
25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me;
13)
Stage Three: Go and Tell
14) PN4
I am not asked to reach 85% or 15%. Today I am asked to simply reach One.
15)
My One is ______________________
Sermon Manuscript: Matthew 2:1-12
Series: The Message of the Manger
Title: The Wise Men and the Lion’s Den
Date: 12/29/19
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
Matthew 2:1-12 New Living Translation (NLT)
2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said.
7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
et’s open our Bibles together this morning to the New Testament Gospel of Matthew. This morning we are in chapter 2 and we are wrapping up our sermon series called, “The Message of the Manger,” this morning looking at a story from the Christmas narrative that happens after Jesus has been born.
In our lesson this morning we see that the typical nativity scene that you might put out around Christmas, and almost every Christmas card that the pics the characters in our Christmas photograph, is absolutely wrong.
Sermon Manuscript:
Series: The Message of the Manger
Title: “What happens, when Jesus.”
Date: 12/22/19
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
Let’s open our Bibles together this morning to the second chapter of the book of Luke, and it’s going to be helpful to leave your finger there as we turn back and forth between Luke chapter 2 in Matthew chapter 1 as of this morning we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a message that I have titled: “What happens, when Jesus.”
Luke 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 1:5-25 New Living Translation (NLT)
5 When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah (Ah-by-zha), and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. 6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.
8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. 9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.
11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. 22 When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.
23 When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. 24 Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. 25 “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT)
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born.
Luke 1:39-56 New Living Translation (NLT)
39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
46 Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.
Luke 2:1-20 (NLT)
2 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
Luke 2:6-14 King James Version (KJV)
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:15-20 (NLT)
15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Luke 2:21-38 (NLT)
21 Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.
22 Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” 24 So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
Matthew 2 (NLT)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said,
7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
13 After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”
16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.
19 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. 20 “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”
21 So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. 22 But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus (Ark-a-lay-us), he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. 23 So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Luke 2:39-40 (NLT)
39 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
Luke 1:39-55
Series: The Message of the Manger
Title: The Gifts Jesus Brings
Date: 12/8/19
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
Luke 1:39-56 (NLT)
39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.
Luke 1:36 (NLT)
36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month.
Luke 1:25 (NLT)
25 “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
Luke 1:39-41 (NLT)
39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:42-45 (NLT)
42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Point number 1 in your notes:
When Jesus enters your world, He brings blessings and Joy.
Luke 1:46-49 (NLT)
46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
Point number 2 in your notes:
A soul dedicated to Jesus is a soul full of worship
1 Samuel 1:11 (NASB)
11 She made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life,
Luke 1:50-52 (NLT)
50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.
Point number 3 in your notes:
A mark of a true Christian is a heart is continually fed by the Word of God.
Psalm 103:17 (NASB)
17 But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,
Luke 1:53-55 (NLT)
53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”
Luke 1:38 New Living Translation (NLT)
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Point number 4 in your notes:
As true Christ followers, all we do is to glorify God, and not self.
Series: The Message of the Manger
Title: What God Can Do
Date: 12/1/19
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
Luke 1:26-38 (NLT)
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” 29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.” 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Micah 5:2 (NLT)
2 But you, O Bethlehem, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.
Luke 2:4-7 King James Version (KJV)
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Point number 1 in your notes:
The Birth of Jesus was perfectly planned into eternity.
Luke 1:26-27 (NLT)
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David.
Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)
14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).
Luke 1:28-31 (NLT)
28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” 29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Being confused and disturbed is human.
Luke 1:32-33 (NLT)
32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Luke 1:34-35 (NLT)
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.
Point number 3 in your notes:
When we don’t know how - God does.
Luke 1:30 New Living Translation (NLT)
30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!
Acts 20:27 (NKJV)
27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
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Sometimes we think that the sermon on money is a “someone else” sermon.
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In our church, there is no “Someone Else.”
And the next door your possessions and your money and hanging on the doorknob is a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
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The meaning of the word Tithe - 10%
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Tithe vs. Offering
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The Tithe is God’s
Haggai 2:8 (NLT)
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
In the book of Job chapter 41 verse 11 God says this:
Job 41:11 (NKJV)
11 Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.
- 12 tribes
- 11 received land
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
God created the path for funding the ministry of His church.
Numbers 18:1 (NLT)
18 Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You, your sons, and your relatives from the tribe of Levi will be held responsible for any offenses related to the sanctuary.
Numbers 18:2-4 (NLT)
2 “Bring your relatives of the tribe of Levi to assist you and your sons as you perform the sacred duties . . . 3 But as the Levites go about all their assigned duties at the Tabernacle . . . 4 The Levites must join you in fulfilling their responsibilities for the care and maintenance of the Tabernacle.
Numbers 18:20-21 (NLT)
20 And the Lord said to Aaron, “You priests will receive no allotment of land or share of property among the people of Israel. 21 As for the tribe of Levi, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel.
Look why God put the tithe in place:
Numbers 18:31 (NLT)
31 for it is your compensation for serving in the Tabernacle.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
God has written a prescription for our finance.
First Fruits:
- First of the harvest
- First of our paycheck 10% = 8 hours
Leviticus 23:10 (NLT)
10 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you enter the land I am giving you and you harvest its first crops, bring to the temple a bundle of grain from the first cutting of your grain harvest.
Is the Tithe only an Old Testament idea?
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
The New Testament followers of Jesus knew how to tithe, and how much.
Jesus praised the Pharisees about their tithing
Matthew 23:23 (NLT)
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
We wouldn’t reach our hand in the offering bag to take money out, but that is what God says we are doing:
Malachi 3:8-12 (NLT)
8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple.
There is a command, and then God gives a blessing for obedience.
If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
Can we trust God to help us live on the remaining 90%?
When you look at the New Testament 1/6 of all the words that Jesus spoke are about finance. When we read the parables of Jesus 1/3 of his parables dealt with money.
In our church, there is no “Someone Else.”
Matthew 6:25-26 (NASB)
25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
Matthew 6:19, 22 (NASB)
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.
Point number 1 in your notes:
God provides life’s necessities for His children.
Isaiah 26:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Matthew 6:27-30 (NASB)
27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
Point number 2 in your notes:
To worry is to show a distrust of God.
John 14:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
14 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
Jeremiah 17:5-8 New Living Translation (NLT)
5 “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.
7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.
Matthew 6:31-33 (NASB)
31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Point number 3 in your notes:
When we worry about the small things, we take our eye off the Main thing.
Colossians 3:1 (NLT)
3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
Matthew 6:34 (NASB)
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Point number 4 in your notes:
The trouble of tomorrow is not the problems of today.
Sermon Manuscript: Matthew 6:9-13
Series: Jesus Teaches About
Title: The Disciple’s Prayer
Date: 11/3/19
Location: Clearwater Elementary
Our prayers must recognize God for who He is in our lives.
Matthew 6:9 (NKJV)
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Point number 1 in your notes:
Our prayers should bring us in line with God’s desires for our lives.
Psalms 118:8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (NKJV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Matthew 6:11 (NKJV)
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Our prayers should continually recognize who provides for us, and who doesn’t.
Matthew 6:12 (NKJV)
12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
Point number 3 in your notes:
Our prayers are our chance to tell God that we acknowledge the steep price He paid for our lives.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLT)
for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT)
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.
26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.
28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.
29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.
31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.
35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
Matthew 6:13 (NKJV)
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Our prayers are our way to tell God how much we need His guidance.
James 1:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
Matthew 6:5-9 (NLT)
5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Point number one in your notes this morning:
A trademark of the Christian life is that of a disciple in prayer.
Matthew 6:6-7 (NLT)
6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.
Point number two in your notes this morning:
Our prayers are our personal conversations and petitions to God the father.
Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
2 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)
pray without ceasing,
Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
An Encouragement for Prayer
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Point number three in your notes this morning:
As a church, we are to be praying for each other, and with each other.
I want us to open our Bibles together now to the Gospel of Matthew. We are in a series of messages, verse-by verse, through Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7. These chapters bring to us the famous first sermon of Jesus that we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount. Our series is called: Jesus teaches About, and we are learning many deep points that Jesus is making to His disciples and the other hearers of this original message about how to properly live and maintain our Christian lives.
This morning we’re in Matthew chapter 5 verses 38-48 in a message that I’ve titled “ The Reason ”
Matthew 5:38-48 New Living Translation (NLT)
38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Revenge and retribution are not to be part of the Christian’s life.
As Christians, we are not commanded to play fair, but rather to always offer grace.
If Jesus can show love to everyone on earth, so must we.
Christians should be recognized by their unconditional love for others.
Matthew 5:27-30 (NLT)
27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Matthew 5:27-30
Series: Jesus Teaches About
Title: Keeping our lives and Relationships Holy
Date: 9/15/19
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
Transformational Point: Living Pure
I want us to open our Bibles together now to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5. We’re going to be reading verses 27-30 this morning in a message that I’ve titled “Keeping our lives and Relationships Holy.”
Matthew 5:17-20 New Living Translation (NLT)
17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Sermon Manuscript: Matthew 5:13-16
Series: Jesus Teaches About
Title: Salt & Light
Date: 8/25/19
Location: Clearwater Elementary School
Jesus wants to pack the world with salt, which happens to be his followers, like you and me, for the sole purpose of preserving our world from unworldly deterioration.
That leads us to point number 1
Point number 1 in your notes:
The Christian life is designed to prevent decay in the lives of those around us.
As if He was a courtroom defense attorney, defending himself, and he gave His witness list to the prosecutors, which would’ve been the Pharisees and the religious elite of his day, telling them, “these are the witnesses I planned a call to the stand to testify about me.”
And it’s so important that He had witnesses because in their culture you needed witnesses to prove anything. Look at the book of Deuteronomy chapter 17. God the Father gave this instruction to Moses as a rule for the Israelites:
Deuteronomy 17:6 Never put a person to death on the testimony of only one witness. There must always be two or three witnesses.
Deuteronomy 19:15 (NLT)
15 “You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
I’d ask you to open your bibles to John chapter 5. We’re going to be reading verses 31-47 this morning in a message that I’ve titled “The Witness List”
Point number 1 in your notes:
The messiahship of Jesus was observed by people.
Explanation:
The Pharisees know whom John the Baptist was. The had sent a congregations of scribes and leaders from the Temple in Jerusalem to the river where John was baptizing to ask John if he was the Messiah. John told them that he was not the Messiah, but that he was the one that Isaiah had prophesied about when the prophet wrote,
“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’”
On the surface it’s easy to read these verses and see physical healing, but I think it be fair to say that God doesn’t give us any scripture to simply satisfy our needs of physical healing, as we’ve discovered over the last few weeks, God is more concerned about the healing of our soul than the healing of our body.
Turn with me if you will to John chapter 5. We’re going to be reading verses 1-15 this morning, in a message that I’ve titled “The Healing of our Hearts.”
Turn with me if you will to Mark chapter 1. We’re going to be reading verses 21-28 this morning in a message that I’ve titled “The Absolute Authority of Jesus of Nazareth”
You might be thinking, “Pastor, is this a sermon about demons?” No… This is not a sermon about the beings that have the power to turn our culture into a world that takes pride in their sin, but rather, It’s A SERMON ABOUT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS THE POWER TO OVERCOME ALL SIN.
It’s about the only one who brings cosmic power because He created the cosmos.
The people of Galilee had heard of the works of Jesus. It was in the City of Cana, in the land of Galilee that Jesus turned Water into Wine. And Many Jews from Galilee had been in Jerusalem for the Passover and had heard of the miracles that Jesus was performing. Many of them had seen what he had done.
There was a trait that we’re going to see today in the Galileans who had heard about Jesus. You and I can relate in our lives as well to a trait. The people in your life can relate to this trail, and may, in fact, be living with this trait right now.
See, there was a curiosity about Christ and who he was and what he was doing. This curiosity would lead to many people coming to follow Jesus.
Point number 1 in your notes:
The curiosity of what Jesus can do in a life begins at first introduction to our Savior.
Point number 2 in your notes:
We people have no other answer; they will turn to what they didn’t know existed.
Point number 3 in your notes:
When we are desperate, we will beg and plead for Jesus.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Once people touch and feel their Savior, personal trust in Jesus deepens.
As we read through our text, I want you to pay attention to the emotions of Mary, and Mary Magdalene that Sunday morning.
I want you to feel with the guards felt.
I want you to feel with the disciples.
I want you to ask yourself, have you found Jesus,
or are you still looking for Him?
I want you to see what happens when you find something in a place that you've never been looking.
Point number 1 in your notes:
When you don’t know where Jesus is, your life is full of fear.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Knowing where Jesus is it gives our life assurance and direction.
Point number 3 in your notes:
Knowing that Jesus is standing right in front of us gives us reason to fall at His feet and worship Him.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
Just as the truth of the MIRACLES of Jesus point to Him being the Messiah, still some people will refuse to believe.
On Palm Sunday, many Jews waved Palm branches in and claimed Jesus as the “Son of David.” They had seen him raise a man from the dead. They had heard of his other miracles. Jesus certainly had a reputation, and people wanted to see and know him.
His miracles were well known.
Changing water into wine
- Healing a leper
- Healing a paralyzed man
- Calming the storm
- Healing a mute demon-possessed man
- Feeding 5000 men and their families
- Walking on water
- Healing a girl possessed by a demon
- Healing a deaf man
- Feeding the 4,000 men and their families
- Healing a blind man
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Just as the truth of the PROPHECIES of Jesus point to Him being the Messiah, still some people will refuse to believe.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Just as the truth of the WORDS of Jesus point to Him being the Messiah, still some people will refuse to believe.
And many more!
We’re going to look at the life of Christ and three major instances in his last days. We’re going to see how the plot to kill Jesus came to pass, the prayers of Jesus before His crucifixion, and the details of the resurrection of our Lord. There is a theme that we need to take away from this series, and it’s the reminder on a Friday 2000 years ago, Roman soldiers had in their hands some nails and a hammer, and those nails were for me. Those nails were for you.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
The Death of Jesus on the Cross was a planned event.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Judas was part of the Heavenly and the Earthly plan to lead Jesus to the Cross.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Jesus wants us to know that He knows our sin.
28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
When people bring people to Jesus, we start to show and tell enthusiastically.
Luke 15:3-10 (NLT)
3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
John 4:31-38
31 Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
When people bring people to Jesus, new believers are introduced to biblical spiritual nourishment.
Isaiah 55:1-3 (NIV)
55 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Deuteronomy 8:3 (NIV)
3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
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. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
John 4:39-41
39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
When people tell people about Jesus, we must be willing to stay.
John 4:42
42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
There is a joy that comes to Christians when new believers “Get it.”
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
When Jesus brings people to Jesus He first addresses our sin
After Jesus explains to this woman that He offers living water, he starts to make inroads. He starts to show her the good news of the gospel message. And part of that message is the message of God‘s grace. But Jesus knows that there is no need for grace if we don’t recognize our own sin as sin.
Jesus brings this woman’s sin to the forefront of the conversation and he puts it all out in the open on the table so she can see it and He can see it.
When Jesus brings people to Jesus
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
When Jesus brings others to Jesus, He addresses our worship.
Explanation:
There was a debate that was going on between the Samaritans and the Jews about where worship was supposed to take place. Being that these cultures were so deeply angered and mad at each other, the Samaritans had built a temple that they worshiped in. And so you have this argument between the Samaritans and the Jews and one says that you worship in Jerusalem, and the other in Samaria.
Jesus says there’s coming a time when you’re not going to worship in the Temple, but you’re going to worship God in spirit and in truth. There is, however, an assumptive point that Jesus is making to the woman that it is as you come to Jesus, YOU ARE GOING TO WORSHIP. That’s not a question.
It’s not a question of where we worship but it’s a question of who we worship.
- When Jesus brings others to Jesus HE confirms that HE is Lord.
Jesus has no authority in our life if He is not the Messiah. He has no authority in our life if He is not Lord. But just as he did for the woman at the well if you’re coming to Jesus he WILL confirm without a doubt that He is God.
This woman at the well, even though she is coming from a different religious background, she knows there is a God. And she’s waiting for him to come. She might not know all the details and theological perspectives, she might not have all the Bible verses memorized, but she knows that when the Messiah comes he’s going to answer so many questions for us.
She was waiting with anticipation. She was ready for the Messiah.
I personally believe that every single soul is waiting to recognize its savior.
- When Jesus brings others to Jesus, he helps them grow closer to Him, and further from this world.
Explanation:
The disciples would have had every right to ask Jesus why He was talking to a woman of the night in the middle of the day, alone. But they knew that Jesus works different from the way we would work. The realized that if Jesus is talking to a sinner, He is making himself known. When Jesus makes himself known, He is begging to grow a young follower into a mature follower. An that means that we are about to experience a life of change.
Title: “Our Personal Ministry”
Today’s Topic: John 3:30: He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Scholars suggest there may have been hundreds of thousands of people who came to Jerusalem every year to celebrate the Passover. At this point in our story, however, the event is over, and everyone from out of town is heading home.
John 3:22-26 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people. 23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
The men who followed John the Baptist were very loyal to their leader. They had followed John for a while now, and they had seen some of their colleagues who also used to follow John, leave their group, and start following Jesus.
Disciples of John the Baptist were worried about earthly numbers, figures, and attendance. They were starting to see their influence diminish. They were starting to wonder what would happen if everyone stopped coming to see John the Baptist.
How should the church feel if another church opens its doors across the street? Why is it hard to feel this way?
John gives a very important lesson:
John 3:27-30 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
John tells his disciples that you only have what God gives you. John said no one could receive anything unless God gives it from heaven! John then utters one of the most humble statements and the entire Bible. He says, "I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and I must become less."
John also teaches his disciples that anything that we do is limited to the things that humans can do and that Jesus is not limited because he's not limited to earth.
John 3:31-36
31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”
John is telling his disciples that even if you could do your best, your best is earthly, worldly, and bound by human limitations. If you're trying to give somebody advice or correct of sinful behavior, there's only so much that you can do because you're human. God can do so much more. John says, “Jesus is sent by God the Father and that Jesus speaks of God's words because the father has given the Son the Spirit without limit.” Jesus talks to people about what Our Lord has seen and heard and that he came from heaven to save the world, but nobody is believing in Him.
There is a warning that people will believe the disciples of John because they're talking from a human standpoint, but what good is it if somebody believes us, but doesn't believe Jesus? That belief is worthless.
If a non-believer will trust us before they trust in Jesus, what actions can we take to bring them to Jesus and finally believe in Him? Do our actions have an influence on others?
Shouldn’t people in our lives who know that we are Christians expect more from us when we are in ministry? We need to be beginning our conversations with statements like, “let’s see what the Bible says,” or, “I know that God has an answer for this.” or, “we need to start working on this in prayer .” These lessons show others that we are leaning on God to direct our lives, and they can as well.
John the Baptist was so adamant about biblical principles that HE WOULD NOT BUDGE. John the Baptist would "tell it like it is," and if somebody in his life was living outside of the principles of the Bible, John would call them out.
Luke 3:19-20 John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. 20 So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.
Standing by his heavenly calling lead to John being sent to prison, and it will get us in earthly trouble also. The ministry of John the Baptist was to let people know that the Messiah was coming. Can you imagine what people would've thought about John the Baptist if John had wavered in his support of the gospel so that he didn't offend anyone? Would people have really followed a wishy-washy religious leader?
Flimsy leaders create flimsy followers, and John was not a flimsy leader. Herod, the Roman ruler of the district of Galilee has become fed up with John talking down at the sinful lifestyle that Herod enjoys on a regular basis.
Herod acted outside of the Law of Moses and he married his brother's wife. John knows this is not appropriate and Herod it is going to shut up this messenger of the Lord by throwing him in jail. Notice what John did and what John didn't do. John spoke about the wrongdoing of a government leader, but John didn't cause a revolt of the people, but rather John simply told the truth.
What does the example of John the Baptist tell us about the courage we need to defend the authority of Scripture? Why is this hard?
See what Jesus does once the news of the arrest to make it's way to our Lord.
Matthew 4:12
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee.
John 4:4
He had to go through Samaria on the way.
Threats to our ministry don't always require us to stand and fight, sometimes we need to go find new sheep. Jesus knew that the pressure was on. Only a few days ago he had caused a major disturbance at the temple in front of thousands of people. All the Pharisees saw him toss over the tables of the moneychangers, and they knew who he was. He spent a good amount of time talking to Nicodemus. Jesus understood the depth of the hatred from the Pharisees for Jesus by now. John has just been arrested, and it's easy to imagine that Jesus is going to be next.
Jesus isn’t running away. He will come back and minister in this area again. For now, however, His ministry is better with Him in the field that it is with him in jail.
In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus talks to His disciples about not staying too long in an area where people aren’t going to listen.
Matthew 10:13–15
13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
Jesus is going to go and minister in another location. He's going to go to Galilee. There are people there who need to know about the saving grace that the son of God brings. Jesus could've stayed and argued with the people and he could have, with His heavenly power, simply changed the minds and convinced people of who he was. But that's not who He is.
Sometimes, after we made our point, and after we have preached in an area, it's time to go find a new sheep. Sometimes our work in a specific area is done much sooner than we think. Sometimes God has plans for us somewhere else, to reach new people, to guide new souls to Christ who have not heard his words.
What is the lesson you learned from this study?
When Jesus began His ministry, one of the first people He had a one-on-one conversation with was a man named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a leader in the Jewish church, who had come to Jesus at night to ask questions. What Jesus made very clear was that works would not get people to heaven. The Pharisees liked everything by the book. They liked the rules and works. They weren’t going to believe in a system that they couldn’t control. To the Pharisees, righteousness was to be seen on the outside.
The topic of belief is one that Jesus knew Nicodemus would struggle to understand. In order to connect with Nicodemus, Jesus quoted a story from the Old Testament and reminded Nicodemus of a time when belief saved the Hebrews.
Numbers 21:4-9 Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey, 5 and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!” So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. Then the people came to Moses and cried out, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.” So Moses prayed for the people. Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!
Why would it be so hard for people who were ill from snakebites to follow the instructions from Moses and look at the pole to be cured?
From this story in the book of Numbers, we can see that the Lord brought a way for the people to be saved. The way to salvation involved belief. Unfortunately, not everyone believed, and those who didn’t would eventually die. God said, “All who were bitten will live if they believe and look at the snake.”
Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to spend eternity with the Father, you must be born again. To be born again is a spiritual birth. It’s not something you can control, it requires faith.
John 3:9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. 10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.
Do you see the similarities? Sometimes something as simple as faith can seem so difficult.
The Hebrews were in the wilderness, and they were being bitten by poisonous snakes. Moses walked around the camp, and he told people they simply needed to look at the bronze snake on the pole to be healed. They needed to have faith. They needed to do what God had asked them to do, and their faith would lead to healing.
Undoubtedly there were people in the camp who had been bitten by the snakes who would not believe the directions from Moses. They were the ones who died. They died because of their lack of faith. The author of Hebrews writes in Hebrews 11:
11 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
If you looked at the bronze snake and were cured, how would you feel when you looked at the people in your camp that didn’t look at the pole and were dying?
Jesus knew He would someday be nailed to a wooden pole. Jesus has asked us to be obedient in the same way that Moses asked of the Hebrews. Jesus told us that we need to be born again and to do so, you and I need to have faith in the man on the pole.
Jesus continues his discussion to Nicodemus, with the most quoted verse in the entire Bible. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
As much as we learn about God from this one verse, we discover so much more from one simple word within this verse. It’s the word SO. God didn’t simply love the world, He SO loved and the world. He doesn’t simply love you; He SO loves you. To some people, you might say, “I love you.” However, isn’t there a difference when you say, “I love you SO much”? It’s two letters! However, it shows us how deep God’s love is for us. He loved us SO much that He decided to save us. He decided to trade HIS SON for You and me.
Some people will do anything for their pets. When we need to take our animal to the vet. We are never ready financially for the veterinarian to say, “yes, I can heal your precious best friend, but it’s going to cost $9000.” It is so much money, and you’re left with a choice. They can put your dog to sleep with a simple shot and you say good-bye for only $112.
Some people might say, “No animal is worth $9000.” However, others will say, “I love my dog SO much that I would pay anything.” It sounds strange to compare Gods love for us to our love for an animal, but that that’s what God did. He paid for us because He loves us SO much. God knew that He would have to pay more than thousands of dollars for us but He paid something even more than that: He gave his Son for you.
What if the angels were looking at God and saying, “You paid what?” “You gave your Son? Look at them, they’re just humans. No human is worth the Son of God. Look at them, God! They are sinners! They don’t obey you. They don’t follow you. They curse your name!” And maybe God would look back at His angels with tears in His eyes as He keeps one hand on our shoulder and says, “I know all of that, but . . . but, but I love them SO much.”
How must God have felt as Jesus died on the cross for us? What can we learn about the depth of His love?
How are we responding to the love of God? We need to continue to look up, because there is a God who loves us, and never stops looking down.
Jesus continues his message to Nicodemus in John 3, 17.
John 3:17-19
17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.
John makes it clear that if you believe, you have already been saved, but if you DON’T believe, if you don’t have faith, you have already been judged. It’s a very clear gospel message the only way to the father is through belief in Jesus Christ. People want to create shiny things. There are so many different cultures, lifestyles and fake religions that keep popping up that are based on fabricated ideas. They all have one thing in common, they diminish the truth of the gospel and allow you to create your own path. The pleasures of this world will always sparkle, but they will never save.
John goes on to tell us that new this direction for our lives is free. We can all have this joy by simply having faith. It’s a change in our life that is going to bring us closer to our creator and further away from guilt. This change even comes with the benefits of people who are going to notice our change, people who are going to understand, and people who are going through the same exact thing that we are. We are also part of a family of believers, many of whom have been on the very place that every new believer has been.
John 3:20-21
20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. ”
Jesus has a message for Nicodemus. Jesus says you can continue in your sin if you choose to, you can hide it from everyone in your world, and you can think you’re hiding it from Jesus, but God still sees our sin. A new life in Christ makes all our sin visible to us the same way that Jesus sees our sin. When we recognize and repent of our sin, we can finally recognize the power of the blood of Christ that paid for our sin. Jesus wants you to walk to the cross with your sin. Jesus gives us relief from our sin, and that is what the Light is for. It’s to shine a light on our sin. Yes, the closer we get to Jesus, the brighter the light shines on our sin. This helps us to see it and come to Jesus to eliminate it from our lives. We cannot grow closer to Christ and closer to sin at the same time.
If Jesus were right here right now he might say, “Why are you still carrying that sin around? Why have you not yet brought that to me?” I already paid for it. All that guilt and that heavy heart that you have because of the sin that you know is in your life, I already paid for that. Let me have that, leave this sin, and let’s move on together.” Jesus really knows what our sin is, but what Jesus wants is for us to recognize it as sin. He wants us to stop making excuses. He wants us to stop believing what the world says that our sin is OK because it’s not OK. Jesus wants us to except that he is already paid for that guilt, he’s already paid for that sin.
Our response to the blood of Christ covering our sin should be . . .
Turn with me if you will to John chapter 2. We’re going to be reading verses 12-25 this morning in a message that I’ve titled “The Problem of Worship without Reverence.”
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
The Respect of the Father should always be part of our Worship.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Every place that the Lord lives should be considered Holy.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
God no longer lives in a building, but rather lives in us.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
Jesus is looking for genuine devotion, not superficial astonishment.
This morning, we are going to start a series of messages that will witness five miraculous moments where Jesus reviles His messiahship to mankind. Some of these moments are going to be revealed by the actions of Jesus, while others are going to be revealed by his words our of Lord.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
Jesus will answer our prayers on His time and at the will of the Father.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Jesus might ask us to do something that we don’t understand while He is answering our prayers.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
When the Lord delivers a miracle, we should anticipate the astonishing.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
The miracles of Jesus are not to amaze us, but rather to reveal Christ to us.
Open your Bibles this morning to the New Testament Gospel of John. We are continuing a Sermon Series called It’s all about Jesus. A series that follows the life of our Lord and Savior chronologically from the manager through his ministry.
The last few weeks we have learned about
- who John the Baptist was,
- witnessed the baptism of Jesus,
- and we saw Jesus manage a period of temptation.
All of these things happened before Jesus actually started his ministry. We come to a point in our study of the life of Jesus when Christ himself starts the process of getting the message of the cross to you and I.
If we look back in the manner in which God of the Israelites made himself known, and then into the New Testament, the way that Jesus made himself known, and then made our method of salvation known to other people… it is evident to see that God uses people to reach people.
John chapter 1. We’re going to be reading verses 35-51 this morning in a message that I’ve titled “True Discipleship”
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
If we are going to learn from Jesus, we need to follow Jesus.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Finding Jesus should cause a desire to lead others to Jesus.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Our testimony about Jesus is the best connection we have to show others to the Lord.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
We are all called to be disciple makers, and that means we need to be looking for disciples to make.
I’d like you to open your Bibles this morning to the New Testament Gospel of Matthew. We are continuing a Sermon Series called It’s all about Jesus, that follows the life of our Lord and Savior chronologically from the manager through his ministry.
We often think about Jesus and see him rightfully so as the Son of God. A member of the trinity. See him as Immanuel, God with us, but we often forget the very important point that Jesus was human.
- He was flesh and bone.
- He was emotion and learning.
- He was wonder and caring.
- He was skinned knees as a kid, and tears.
- He had hugs for his mom.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
Surrendering to physical temptation puts our love for our body above our love for God.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Just because we have a God-given ability, doesn’t mean that we have God-Given permission.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
The glory of material possessions will always be inadequate, unholy, and costly.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
We will never outlive temptations, but we can overcome with the help of Jesus.
We celebrate baptism for a very specific reason. It's because the Bible tells us to do so. In a little while we are going to go outside and gather around as new brothers and sisters in Christ make a public proclamation of faith in Jesus. There is definitely a reason that we are celebrating baptism at our church today at the very same time that we come to the place in the Scripture where Jesus himself was baptized.
In our church statement of faith, which you can read on out website, we refer to Baptism in these words: Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead.
John says that the reason that he started baptizing was to reveal Jesus to Israel. It was to make Christ known. In our New Testament context, that is exactly what baptism is for.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
Baptism identifies believers with God’s Kingdom
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Baptism joins our worldly self to Christ in death.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Baptism joins our spiritual self to Christ in life.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
The new life of a believer shines holiness for all to see.
The bible gives us an introduction to John the Baptist on the day he was born, and then we don’t hear anything for about 30 years. It is when he is grown, living in the desert, and baptizing people who come to see him that we find him again.
There are many lessons that we can learn from and about John the Baptist, but this morning I want to focus on four areas. To characterize John the Baptist, we would say that he was
- God’s appointed messenger,
- a preacher who was laser focused with his message,
- someone who did not care about social status,
- a man deeply uncompromising in his message,
and a fifth and bonus trait, John the Baptist was,
- for his time, flat out weird.
You know what… John didn’t care. John had a one mission in life.
John’s job was to tell people the Messiah was coming.
I guess when you live in the desert, you look weird other people, you wear camel fur, and you eat bugs, it doesn’t really matter what people say about you. As long as you are doing all you can to bring the message to the masses within your power, the Lord will bless your words and work.
It’s by studying Jesus, that we can be more LIKE Jesus.
Today’s Topic: How can we be more like Mary and Joseph?
It was in the city of Antioch, as Luke records in Acts 11 verse 26, that the followers of Jesus were first referred to as Christians. The name isn’t a name that the followers of Christ gave themselves, but rather it was given to them by the society in Antioch, by the powers-that-be. It was derogatory; it was used to disrespect the followers of Jesus, to cast them as outcasts.
Luke preferred to refer to Christians as “believers,” or “disciples,” or “brothers.” However, the name given in Antioch stuck. The word “Christian” literally means “Christ followers” or “people of Christ’s party.” If we are Christians, isn’t necessary that we deeply know our leader? If we are Christ Followers, isn’t it important to know whom we are following?
What does it mean to be a Christian? What should non-Christians expect from our behavior that is different from non-Christian behavior?
Luke 2:39-40 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
This word, “filled” is a very important word here. This same application works as well with the statement that Luke mentions when He says that Christ, “grew” up healthy and strong.
These words are showing us a transformation from something that wasn’t to now something that is. Jesus aged and grew up just like any other kid.
These words literally tell us that Christ was growing just like any other young man. He would have grown physically, mentally, spiritually, and He would’ve grown in the revelation of understanding his role as the Messiah. This story deeply reminds us of the humanity of Jesus.
If you remember when Jesus was born, he was born as a baby. As a baby, he did not have all of the abilities of a full grown adult… He had to grow. From this very specific wording, we know that there was a time in the life of Jesus where he went through everything we went through as a child. Specifically, He would know what boys go through. He would know what teenagers go through.
How should we feel knowing the Jesus grew up as a child just like we did, and that He experienced growth just like us?
Luke 2:41-42
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual.
Devotion to Faith was part of Home Life for Jesus. There was a rule in the Jewish land that every male must go to Jerusalem and participate in three religious feasts. One of the three feasts was the feast of Passover.
This scripture tells us that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus we’re on their way to celebrate Passover. Passover was a time that Jews would come together and reflect in rituals that celebrated the time in Israel’s history when the Israelites we’re led out of 400 years of slavery in Egypt.
Luke 2:43-44
43 After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, 44 because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.
Other translations tell us that Mary and Joseph walked with the caravan about one day, which would’ve been roughly 25 to 30 miles. Mary and Joseph didn’t know that they would not find Jesus on the side of the road on their way. The worst thoughts that a parent would imagine had to have been going through their head.
Can you remember the first time that you thought your child was lost and you didn’t know where they were? What did you feel?
How should we feel knowing that Mary and Joseph went through the same emotions as parents as we do today?
Luke 2:45-47
45 When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. 46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
How many of us would have made church the first place on our search list?
Church is exactly where Mary and Joseph find Jesus. In he’s not simply hanging out at the church He is in deep conversation with religious leaders. He is listening intently to what they are teaching and is actually asking follow-up questions. It is as if he is somewhere where He is deeply interested in being. You know why? It’s because Jesus was learning.
Remember how we talked earlier about Jesus growing in wisdom, growing physically, drawing mentally, and growing spiritually? This is showing Jesus growing. Moreover, Luke tells us that his understanding and his answers amazed all who heard him.
The Greek verb in this verse that indicates amazement is literally describing how people would react to supernatural events. The verb structure in this verse is the same as we see later in the Gospels of people’s reaction to how Christ performed miracles.
See, at 12 years old, with this conversation with the religious leaders, the reaction to Jesus was the beginning of the reactions the people would show towards Jesus during his ministry.
Jesus, at 12 years old, was showing signs of His divinity. The word divinity refers to being divine, the divinity of Jesus, and the divine nature of Jesus as being God. It is the aspect of the life of Christ that is heavenly. At 12 years old, Jewish leaders are amazed by the answers of this child as if he were bringing Lazarus up out of the grave.
What is Luke trying to tell us by including a lesson on the humanity of Jesus and the Divinity of Jesus in this text?
This may have been the first time in Jesus’s young life but he is ever been able to sit down and have a conversation with the spiritual leaders. And this was definitely the first time that the spiritual leaders had an opportunity to sit down with a 12-year-old boy named Jesus who seemed to know whole lot about the Scriptures.
No doubt that the priests would’ve been the scratching their head at this amazing child and not knowing exactly what to think. I’ll tell you who else didn’t know what to think about the situation… Jesus is mother. She had been looking for him for three days and finally just found him at church.
Luke 2:48
48 His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”
Joseph may have said:
You had your mother and I worried sick?
We’ve been searching for you for three days, and we were afraid you’d been taken by bandits.
You’re going to give your father a … Heart Attack
And then Jesus responds to his parents who probably have hugged him for moments look them over make sure you still has five fingers and five toes. I can see Mary grabbing the hand of Jesus so tight that she was not going to let the hand of that child leave hers until they got back home to Nazareth.
Look what Jesus says in verse number 49
49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant.
So Jesus asks them two questions in his response and in both of these questions Jesus is he assuming that Mary and Joseph know the answer. First, he asks them, “Why did you need the search?” Jesus is leaning towards the answer, this unspoken assumption that Mary and Joseph should have known where he was and if they knew where he was, they wouldn’t have to look for him. Second, Jesus just said, “Didn’t you know that I must be in my fathers house?”
Now, although the Bible doesn’t give us the words that Mary used to answer the questions form her son, She may have answered these questions like this: When Jesus asked “But why do you need to search?” Mary and Joseph would have wanted to answer, “Because I am your parent and I don’t know where you are and I need to find you. I need to protect you.”
Jesus says, “And didn’t you know I must be in my fathers house?”
And then Mary says: “No. I didn’t know that you would be in the temple.
Let’s pick up our action in Luke chapter 2 verse number 51
51 Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart.
Nowhere in this story do we hear that Jesus was disobedient to his parents. The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus never sinned, and so we know that this episode was not an example of Christ humanly disobeying his parents, but rather Christ showing his messiah ship to his parents.
What emotions and qualities did Mary and Joseph show in their home, and what can we learn from their example?
Open your Bibles this morning to the New Testament book of Luke. We are finishing a sermon series this morning called Simply Christmas where we are looking at the Christmas story chronologically.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
Jesus was raised according to very specific Jewish ritual given to the Jews by God.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
Mary knew she needed the salvation of her newborn Son.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Every person in all the earth is looking for the Savior. However, many don’t know where to find him.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
The Child was born in the manger for one reason: To Die on the Cross.
Open your Bibles with me this morning to the New Testament book of Luke as we continue our sermon series called Simply Christmas. We are taking a day-by-day look at the events that make up the Christmas story and this morning we come to the pinnacle of this historic event.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
From before time began God hand of providence guided the actions leading to the Birth of Jesus.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
The Angels did not announce Jesus by name but instead announced him by title.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning: The Story of Christmas demands to be told by us to others.
We have seen this point in our note throughout this entire sermon series. There is a reason but we have repeated this point every single week . . . because it is that important.
Point number 4 our notes this morning:
The Child was born in the manger for one reason: To Die on the Cross.
The manager of Bethlehem leads directly to the Cross of Calvary.
Without the Christmas story of a cute baby boy, we don’t get to the Easter story full of pain, and suffering, and Humiliation, and our Lord and Savior being nailed to a Roman cross.
Without the Christmas story, we don’t have a Messiah.
Without the Christmas story we don’t have a sacrifice for our sins.
Without the Christmas story, we don’t have the cross, and without the cross, we don’t have salvation.
The manger is not the point. The nails are the point.
This morning, as the Gospel writers continue telling us the story that leans to Christmas, We first have the birth of John the Baptist.
We are starting to see that these stories of John the Baptist and Jesus the Messiah are intertwined. There is a family connection, and family was so important in biblical time, even as much as the family of Jesus is so important today.
But the Family of God doesn’t start with the people who came after Christ and put their lives in His hands, but rather is started much earlier before his birth. When John the Baptist was born a few months before Jesus was born, the last member of the “Before Christ” family had finally come, and now it was time for the Messiah.
Let’s open our Bibles this morning to Luke chapter 1, verse 57 before we turn to Matthew in a message I’ve titled: The Not So Royal Family of Jesus.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
The purpose of the birth of John the Baptist was to point people Jesus.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
The promise of a Messiah through the family of Abraham is an important part of the Christmas story.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
Jesus, who is born a King, is part of a not so royal family.
Point number 4 in your notes this morning:
And this is a big point
Every single person in the family of Jesus needs a Savior.
Open your Bibles to the Gospel of Luke. We are continuing our sermon series called “Simply Christmas.” We are in a chronological verse-by-verse study of the incarnation of our Lord and Savior. And we’re not adding anything to the story, we are simply learning and hearing the Christmas story as we read.
Any mom and dad will tell you that the day their child was born what is the climax of the pregnancy. It was the moment that everyone had been waiting for. But there was so much to the story BEFORE of the day that your child was born that happened that is an amazing part of the story. If you look at our modern culture and the way that pregnancies are developed, there is an exciting moment somewhere in the first six weeks of pregnancy that a new mom and dad get to experience. But Before mom and dad get to go and tell friends and family about their pregnancies they actually find out the news themselves.
I’d like you open your Bibles this morning to Luke chapter 1 is we are going to be reading a vast amount of content today from verse 5 through verse 56 and a message that I have titled: The Birth Announcements.
When God wants to talk to you he WILL single you out. When God speaks, we it is our job to listen. The improbable is always possible when God is in control. The Child was born in the manger for one reason: To Die on the Cross.
This Christmas season, we are going to look at the story of the birth of Christ through the eyes of all the Gospel writers. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote content to be delivered to others to tell them about the life of Jesus. And all four of them wrote their letters of Good News to different audiences, telling about Jesus to people all over the world.
This season, we are going to take the writings of these four men, lay them out, piece together one chronological event that tells the Christmas story from beginning to end, and read and study the story from beginning to end.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
The Christmas story actually starts from before time began.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
God the Father sent messages and messengers to announce the coming of the Son.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
The Child was born in the manger for one reason: To Die on the Cross.
If we are to ask God for wisdom and he will give it to us when we ask, it would be fair to say but if you ask this world for wisdom it will give you it’s interpretation of wisdom when you ask.
Point number 1 in your notes this morning:
When God gives wisdom, there is an expected result.
Point number 2 in your notes this morning:
The world can give a dishonest form of wisdom.
Point number 3 in your notes this morning:
The Wisdom from our Lord is recognized in changed behavior.
Earthly wisdom is a result of being self-focused instead of God-focused!
If we are focused on ourselves, the world will be thankful
If we are focused on ourselves, we won’t stand out in culture
If we are focused on ourselves, Satan rejoices!!
But if we are God-focused – The world might hate us
If we are God-focused – our lives should bring peace
if we are God-focused – We are willing to put others first
if we are God-focused- we don’t play favorites
if we are God-focused – We care about pleasing God,
if we are God-focused – Our needs are second to all things
This morning we are going to look at the worldly, and unbiblical teaching that:
“Obedience always leads to financial blessings.”
But, contrary to popular belief…
The Bible Doesn’t Say That.
God chooses the blessings He gives in return for obedience.
God is the gift giver, and he gets to give a gift based on our needs, not based on our wants and desires.
If God is the giver of the blessing, is not right for Him to be able to decide what his blessing actually will be for us? Would it not be fair for us to put faith in God knowing that He knows the blessing that each one of us needs… And that each one of us has need that is different from anyone else.
I know this is going to shock you… It’s going to shock many people… but not everyone needs a blessing of finance.
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Sometimes what people really need is a blessing of have a friend who will answer the phone and listen.
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Sometimes what people really need is a blessing of rest.
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Sometimes what people really need is a blessing of the sunset reminder that God is still there.
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Sometimes what people really need is a blessing have a coworker cool tell them about Jesus.
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Sometimes what people really need is a blessing the phone call from a relative that you haven’t talked to in 12 years.
We are going to look at one of the most used verses, and misinterpretation of a verse, from the secular world against the church. We are going to look at the first line of defense that the ungodly among us reach for in defense of their behavior. I truly believe that there are many people who never open up their Bible but cling to these words and use these words the throwback in the face of Christians, as if these worldly defenders of their ungodly behaviors are biblical scholars. There’s a very good chance that you may have heard somebody utter these words in a way that legitimizes their actions… I’m here to tell you the way the world presents these words – this representation is not the Bible.
The King James Version of the Bible has
783,137 words
But an amazingly large swath of the Western world simply only wants to read three words:
Do not judge.
This morning we’re going to focus on a very popular secular quote that is constantly attributed to the Bible that it’s simply not there.
- It’s a quote that does more harm than good.
- It’s a quote that encourages people lead themselves through whatever life gives them.
- It’s a quote that many people rely on in our times of trouble and tribulation,
But as Christians… We should know better.
It’s a quote that the world uses to try and remind us that:
- We are strong
- That we are empowered
- That we are unstoppable
- That Nothing is going to get in our way
There’re many amazing things the Bible does say… but one of the many that our culture thrives upon that the Bible absolutely does not say is:
“God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
There is an over-reaching attitude that everyone needs to:
- Take care of themselves, first.
- Look out for number one.
- Focus on your needs before anyone else’s.
- Be your own
- eBay tells us to - “Buy it, sell it, love it”
- Facebook tells us to - Be Connected. Be Discovered. Be on Facebook.
- McDonald’s reminds us 2 focus on self when - I’m Lovin’ It
- Nike tells us to - Just Do It
And even more, our world seems to place in process on the fact that if you are in a dire situation you first need to step out and help yourself before you reach out to other people for help.
Some people in our culture use this phrase to justify their behavior towards those who are less fortunate in our world. Have you ever heard someone talk about the person who’s at the street corner holding the sign and as they sit at the light in the air-conditioned car - and they say about that person holding the sign, “They need to go get themselves a job!”?
It’s about this world using a phrase to assign priorities to them selves into other people. It’s also an excuse to be selfish, and a demand selfishness from other people.
It’s as if culture will determine somebody else’s worth based on how much that person is willing and able to take care of themselves.
When we read, God helps those who help themselves, not only is it that The Bible Doesn’t say That, the Bible teaches quite the opposite.
We see more than a half a dozen times in the first few chapters in Acts that the early church went to prayer
- regularly,
- fervently,
Not only was prayer and important part of the life of the early church… It was a direct command of Jesus.
It’s a literally talking to God. It’s holding a conversation with the
- Lord of heaven and earth,
- the creator of all things,
- the Alpha and the Omega,
- the beginning in the end…
- The one who can move mountains.
We have been studying the second chapter of the book of Acts, and specifically verse 42 which reads:
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
This verse shows attributes of Bible study, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread that have been benchmarks of the church since the year 33 A.D. This morning we are going to focus on the devotion that became part of the early church and was taught by apostles and what has become what we referred to as “the Lord supper.”
The Bible clearly gives a purpose, a plan, and a path to each person as we will walk this road together. And many of the Bibles teachings are very specific – And NOT open to interpretation by our modern culture. It demands that if you and I are going to grow closer to Christ, in order to experience the blessings of a Life lived for Jesus, we must be obedient to his Word!
We see throughout the Bible that obedience to God’s Word brings blessings and disobedience to the word of God it Brings disaster. We can clearly see that as a church we must have deep devotion to biblical obedience. And as individuals walking this road that Christ has led us on, WE MUST HAVE INDIVIDUAL AND PERSONAL DEVOTION TO BIBLICAL OBEDIENCE.
1) Devotion to obedience is the pledge that believers make when they come to Jesus.
2) If it is God’s plan, He will pave the way if we are obedient.
3) Being Devoted to Obedience will require sacrifice.
4) Obedience takes practice
Acts 6 1-7
6 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prock-er-us, Nick-a-nore, Tie-man,
Par-men-us, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
A Church devoted to reaching others for Christ, must be devoted to serving others for Christ.
Service comes in different forms to different people.
Service is always a sacrifice
Our main devotion must be telling other people about Jesus.
Sometimes the church can get so caught up in programs.
Sometimes we can get so involved in event planning.
Sometimes as church members, and pastors, we can be so consumed in our time in projects that are so far removed from bringing people to Jesus.
Our job is to keep the main thing the main thing.
In our modern society, it is sometimes not politically correct to be talking about Jesus. If Peter would’ve been thinking about political correctness… The Christian church would never have been formed.
In our modern society, sometimes it’s uncomfortable to talk about Jesus. There are times when we let the situation get the best of us, and we move forward in our conversations with strangers without them having any idea that we are followers of the Messiah.
See, doing nothing takes no devotion.
Keeping quiet comes naturally.
Our devotion to Jesus requires us to tell other people about his mercy, and his grace, and his forgiveness, and his love.
The entire Christian Life is intended to be done in Fellowship.
Since we are all part of the body of Christ… And since the church is made up of many different parts – what happens when one part isn’t here at church?
We need others and the Church, just as others and the church need us.
Devotion to Fellowship demands a deep love for others within the church.
Devotion to Christian Fellowship keeps us on the right path.
Being here.
Being in church.
Being in the Bible study.
Being in community with each other.
Being in Communication during the week.
Being in Christ with each other.
Being of common goals.
Being of Love and affection for each other . . . is koinonia
Our working definition of the term Life Hack over the next 5 weeks is: The purposeful use of a life instruction that has been so under-practiced in our culture, that the concept seems foreign.
And it’s no secret that the directives of the Bible in our relationships are odd to some people.
So starting today, and all through July, we are going to look at 5 topics, and we’re going to hack the Bible for our direction.
We’re going to see how using a tool that culturally looks so odd in a marriage, actually helps to manage one's marriage in a more efficient way.
We’re going to see how using a tool that culturally looks so odd in a womanhood, actually aids in relationships between wives and husbands.
We’re going to see how using a tool that culturally looks so odd in a manhood, actually aids in relationships with between husbands and wives.
We’re going to see how using a tool that culturally looks so odd in a the workplace, actually grow us as better employees and leaders.
There's a meaning inside this resurrection story that not only reminds us what it took for us to be saved, but it also tells us that when we have no clue where Jesus is, our life is full of fear. When we find Jesus, or life is full of worship, joy, and direction.
This evening I would ask you to open your Bibles to the 28th chapter of the book of Matthew. We're going to be reading from verse number 1 through verse 10 in a message I’ve titled, "Finding Jesus.”
As we read through our text, I want you to pay attention to the emotions of Mary, and Mary Magdalene that Sunday morning.
I want you to feel with the guards felt.
I want you to feel with the disciples.
I want you to ask yourself, have you found Jesus,
or are you still looking for Him?
Sermon It’s not uncommon for a pastor to pray with someone and lead them to Jesus, only to hear them ask “what now?” What is it that I am suppose to do now that I am a child of God?
“How, as a Christian, do I fully please Jesus?”
How do we “Walk Worthy of the Lord?”
What is it that Christians can do that makes Jesus happy?
Being confident and unashamed is important to the Christian walk. It’s important to a new believer. It’s even important if you don’t know Christ as your personal Lord and savior. John is speaking here of having a solid understanding of the salvation and hope that is in Jesus Christ. Knowing that hope exists, and being confident that Jesus will deliver on His promises. Sometimes hope is all we have to keep us going day-to-day. But knowing that Jesus is our Blessed hope is the most powerful hope of all.
This path paved in Acts chapter 1 verse 8 is given to the 11 remaining disciples after Jesus had risen from the dead, He was seen by more than 500 people, showed holes in His hands to Thomas, and before he ascended back into Heaven.
I want you to remember that number. Jesus only told this plan to 11 men.
Acts chapter 1 verse 8 is one of the references to what is called The Great Commission. The second half of verse 8, Jesus tells His apostles:
But you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8b)