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I can Tell you Matthew 7:1-13 - Easter

Today we celebrate Resurrection Sunday- The day that Jesus rose from the Dead.The Easter story is simply- Jesus died on a cross, went to heaven and satisfied the wrath of God with his blood, returned to earth to prove he was alive and God in the flesh.That’s what Christians believe. It’s outlandish. It’s miraculous and inexplicable. But it changed the world forever. Not just in a spiritual sense but in a physical sense. Christians changed the world.2.3 Billion people, in fact almost a third of the planet believe in some version of Christianity- and we join them today as the Global churchAt our Church we go through the Bible- that’s what we do. We believe that the Bible is the source document for understanding all that God wants us to know about him.We don’t worship the Bible- we worship God, but this Bible helps us to understand himAnd so today- we find ourselves in Matthew 17. Its just the natural progression of studyLet me read it to you Matthew 17:1-13I can tell you It’s a very Fascinating story- equally peculiar with the resurrection story-There’s one scripture in this that I want us to focus on-17:9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”In this story- Jesus is showing them something that I think is very significant forLet me teach you something and then I can tell you something.What’s going on in this story- 1. Why did Jesus tell them to not tell anyone? - EasterBecause Jesus knew that people are people and if everyone heard about this event- the chances are they wouldn’t have heard the most important message Jesus came to doAnyone will tell you- I am not good at keeping secrets- but this one was important.The ultimate plane of Jesus was to go to the cross- not just do miracles.People, being the way that they are- would be inclined to follow the SIGNS not the SAVIOR if Jesus had not told them to be quiet- I’ve met sign follwers- go to the next•Youll notice, the thousands of people who followed Jesus were no where to be found when he went to the cross- they abandoned him. They fled from him.Jesus had to go to the cross- but Jesus had enough followers that they could have overthrown Rome, but as soon as they saw that Jesus was going to the Cross- they were no where to be found- they abandoned him.So whatever message you may have heard about Jesus- the message of Jesus is simpleI have overcome the grave for you to overcome sin and be in relationship with the Father. Leave your sins, be forgiven and follow me all the days of your life.And in this story- Jesus says- don’t tell anyone until I have risen from the dead-1 cor 15 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

So now- what can I tell you about this transfiguration story since Jesus rose?

1.I can tell you This is a Recreation of the Sinai experience of Moses for the disciples - Easter

•Ex 19:3-5 Tells the experience of Moses with God on Mt Sinai

•This was a transformational time for the Nation of Israel in that now, the people of Israel would be able know exactly what God wanted them to do and how he wanted them to live because of what happened to Moses on Mt Sinai

•Moses goes up on the Mountain back and forth a few times, he experiences God and comes back and tells the Israelites how they should live- by the telling of the Law

•Exodus 20 lays out the 10 commands that God wants as the cornerstone of the law.

•4 things happened in this interaction: God became tangibly real to the Israelites, Direction and law was given to the Israelites, and Moses was then seen as the obvious leader of the nation of Israel,

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Transformers (Romans 12:1-2) All verses in NKJV

Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Leading up to this point in Romans, Paul and the Apostles have made clear the fundamental principles of Christianity: Salvation by grace through faith, can’t earn it, repent, walk in forgiveness….
Romans 12 begins with the word “therefore”. This word goes between all for the things you just heard Paul say, and what you should do about it. It is the “application” word.
God’s gift of salvation in Christ requires a response. God is not satisfied simply with forgiving our sin; he wants to transform our lives.
This Christian life is not just spiritual ideas and a system of behavior. It is a practical pursuit of holiness and requires action on our part.
It is designed not only to inform our thoughts, but to reform our hearts.
You are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (that’s Eph Ch. 2)
James 1:22, But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James also said that a faith (or belief) without works (or actions to back it up), is a dead and worthless kind of faith. If you truly believe something, it should change your life!

1: This is your reasonable act of service.

Romans 12:1, I beseech (or urge) you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable (or rational) service.
Do this because of what God has already done for you: because he has shown you mercy, given you salvation, redeemed you and made you a new creation, justified by faith…
“Your bodies” doesn’t just mean your physical body. It means your total person. All of who you are.
In the Old Testament, the people had a whole system of sacrificing animals to the Lord. God is not asking that from us today.
A living sacrifice… lay your life down for God, not to kill it, but to offer it while living in obedience.
1 Samuel 15:22-23a, So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry….
God’s takes your stubborn self-centeredness, and rebellion to His statutes, very seriously.
The Lord would rather you simply be obedient to his word, rather than make costly and dramatic sacrifices.
Your “living sacrifice” is to live your life as he has called you to do, as his word declares.
Pastor Kevin preached on Sunday and brought a fantastic message out of Matthew:
Matthew 16:24-26, Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Tonight’s sermon fit right into this. “Dying to yourself” means you no longer live to serve your own selfish wants and desires. “Living for the Lord” means you now set His priorities as your own.
To glorify or worship God with our bodies is to engage immediately and with diligence to what God has called us to do by his word, without concern for the personal cost.
Like when Pastor Kevin spoke about Paul and Silas being thrown in prison, it is to be willing to suffer. You must trust that the Lord knows what he is doing,...

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My Prison Song Matthew 16:24-28

Matthew 16:24-28 (Nkjv) Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” ( Transfiguration)

Recap

Last Sunday we went over the part that Jesus finally told the disciples that He would suffer and even unto death (Peters reaction)The disciples have been following Jesus for a while:They had seen miracles, Heard His teaching, and much moreThey had also seen the opposition that Jesus was facingThe truth He spoke did not go very well with many - He was creating enough enemies as He moved aroundThey are following someone that didn’t have a retirement plan – one that didn’t even have a homeMatthew 8:18-21 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

And now this statement:

Matthew 6:24 -Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [[a]cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].This was a huge request – Leave everything, lose their interests, follow Him..., I will let you know of the plan as we go along , there will suffering even unto death….and I just like I said earlier I will definitely dieAnd just as they process this statement, Jesus throws this in as well.Matthew 6:25 For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting].However, if you don’t follow me- you will pretty much lose your life (you are caught in between)Put yourself in their shoes- unlike you who knows how the end looks like, they didn’t, yet they still followed JesusThis why the Bible talks about Faith- Because only Faith can do this – This is Faith at workHebrews 11:6 Nkjv But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him

Let’s get into our current txt”

Following Jesus is costly

In this case, the disciples had to abandon their plansTheir day to day lives had to changeThey had to leave behind what they knew and how they did thingsTheir friends had to change; their common places had to change

Now that they had known this, there was no way of un-knowingIf anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow MeEverybody knew what Jesus meant when He said this. Everyone knew that the cross was an unrelenting instrument of death. The cross had no other purpose.The cross wasn’t about religious ceremonies; it wasn’t about traditions and spiritual feelings. The cross was a way to execute people.It was where you worst of the worst were punished to death, the shaming place for offendersIn these twenty centuries after Jesus, we have done a pretty good job in sanitizing and ritualizing the cross. Yet Jesus said something much like this: “Walk down death row daily and follow Me.” Taking up your cross wasn’t a journey; it was a one-way trip. There was no return ticketing; it was never a round tripIt like me saying to you today – follow Jesus and y...

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Intro story- when I was called

I knew what the Lord wanted of me

I couldn’t explain why I knew I just did

The call on my life was evident and I could feel it in my spirit

I don’t know if it was fear

Or selfishness maybe

I wanted to be in control of my life

So I rebelled against the word the Lord had given me

I lived a life of complete disobedience to the Lord

I kept running away, far away

I became worse than I had previously been

Even though I tried whatever I could to run

I knew ultimately that I should submit to God and follow the call He placed on me

It took years, I think about 12 years later I finally submitted to His will and not my own

Romans 11:25-36

25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own [a]opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be [b]saved, as it is written:

“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;27 For this is My covenant with them,When I take away their sins.”

28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has [c]committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?Or who has become His counselor?”35 “Or who has first given to HimAnd it shall be repaid to him?”

36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

We are wrapping up chapter 11

The main verse I will be focusing on is verse 29

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

But before I get into that I want to give biblical context to what paul was speaking about

Im going to give a quick recap of chapters 9-11 because they all tie together to give the overall them of these 3 chapters

Paul talked about Israel’s rejection of Christ and Gods purpose

Israel’s rejection and Gods justice, Paul discussed the present condition of Israel and that they were in desperate need of the Gospel

Only to have Israel reject the gospel and the Messiah they had all been waiting on

But there is still hope because Israels rejection is not total and it is not final

God is coming back for His remnant

Which brings us to where we are now

Paul is speaking to jews and gentiles

Romans 11:25-28

“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;27 For this is My covenant with them,When I take away their sins.”

28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.

Paul is showing both jew and gentile that they are both important to Gods plan

So that way neither of them could boast that the other was more important

Out of Israels rejection and disobedience to God, it allowed Him to open the door for the gentiles to be saved, graphed , and adopted into the kingdom of heaven

Because of their disobedience the gentiles were also called to God

We are now able to have the same privilege that was initially for the jews

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How do I keep my mind right. Matthew 16:21-23Matthew 16:21-23 READ and ExplainFirst time Jesus talks about the resurrection- peter pulls Jesus aside to rebuke him, Jesus calls him Satan, and tells him that he has his mind wrongCool hand luke- Dirt in, dirt out, “whats your dirt doing in boss’s hole” “you got your mind right”Jesus wont do that- but you want to keep your mind right- you don’t want to be called Satan by Jesus- that was peter’s problem- his mind wasn’t right- Jesus said that he was and “offense”The term offense was bc Peter ‘was not mindful of the things of God’Offense- a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act.Offense- annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles.Bible Definitions of offenseProskope- leading into error2 Corinthians 6:3We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.Skandalon- leading them into sin creating something that ‘trips them up”Skandalizo- enticing them to sin1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,And then Jesus says to peter- “you are an offense to me” a “stumbling block”People say “we don’t want to offend anyone” but they mean it in a “annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles.”People build resentment because they perceive that they have been insulted on their principlesBut this Bible offense is to “lead people into error” or “lead them into sin instead of God”Matt 16:23 “You are an offense to Me,” skandalon- you’re trying to trip me up- you’re trying to keep me from going forward- you’re a ‘stumbling block’What was happening in this instance- was that Peter was trying to hold Jesus back from what he needed to do- go to the Cross- he wasn’t challenging his principles.Ellicott: Peter’s sin lay in the fact that his mind was set on the things of earth, its outward pomp and pageantry, measuring the future by a human not a divine standard.Peter says “ 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”Peter has a plan to keep Jesus from going to the cross- He is this type of Guy- its why he was the one who had the sword when Jesus was going to the crucifixion- He wants to defend JesusIt’s admirable- but not what Jesus wants him to do- he challenges him, calls him Satan, says he’s a stumbling block and says “you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.””What had sent Peter astray- was not his heart- It’s a good heart he wants to defend Jesus- who wouldn’t? it was that he was thinking with his emotions and not his intellect- he couldn’t see past his own ideas of what anyone would do to defend a friend- but that wasn’t God’s planGod’s plan is to send Jesus to the cross to die for all of humanities sins- Peter would have stopped that if he had kept Jesus from Going to the cross- he was an “offense”What’s crazy is that Jesus had apparently JUST spoke to these guys about what the plan was-V21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.But shortly after (we don’t know how much time has elapsed) Peter forgets!Remember- This is the gent that Jesus encouraged his profession of Faith “on this rock I will build my church” and now he’s not going with the plan-

So how do we get our minds right?

First off get it in your mind that It is possible to offend God- under stand “offense”And when we “offend him” its an abomination not a “stumbling block” definition- - properly something disgusting (morally), that is, (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol: - abominable (custom, thing), abomination.Deuteronomy 17:1 “You shall not sacrifice to the Lord your God a bul...

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“Therefore Consider the Olive Tree”

Romans 11:11-24

11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their [a]fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12 Now if their [b]fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! 13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. 15 For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and [c]fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, [d]goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

Here begins a new section of the discussion, lasting to the end of the chapter. Paul has shown that the rejection of Israel was never total; he now declares that it is not final. A time is to come when a remnant of Israel shall believe, and be restored to the Church. God has reserved this remnant according to His promise. The gospel could not be preached to the Gentiles until it had first been offered to and rejected by the Jews. Their rejection opened the door for the rest of the world.

Paul uses the illustration taken from the practice of those who ingraft trees. The useless branches, or those which bear poor fruit, are cut off, and a better kind inserted.

The olive-tree was sometimes cultivated, and that cultivation was necessary in order to render it fruitful. The cultivated olive-tree is "of a moderate height, its trunk knotty, its bark smooth and ash-colored, its wood is solid and yellowish, the leaves are oblong, and almost like those of the willow, of a green color. The wild olive is smaller in all its parts." The wild olive tree was unfruitful, or its fruit very imperfect and useless. The ancient writers explain this word by "unfruitful, barren." This was used, therefore, as the emblem of unfruitfulness and barrenness, while the cultivated olive produced much fruit. The meaning here is, that the Gentiles had been like the wild olive tree, unfruitful; that they had grown up in the wild and according to their sin nature. The Jews had been like a cultivated olive tree, long under the training and blessing of God.

The process of grafting consists in inserting a young shoot into another tree. To do this, a useless limb is removed; and the ingrafted limb produces fruit according to its new nature or kind, and not according to the tree in which it is inserted. In this way a tree which bears no fruit, or whose branches are decaying, may be recovered, and become valuable. The figure of the apostle is a very vivid and beautiful. The ancient root or stock, that of Abraham, was good. The branches had become decayed and unfruitful, and so broken off.

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1 Samuel 12:24

"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you."

2 Timothy 3:1-4

But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, [b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Being Unthankful Gives us an unhealthy perspective

Romans 1:21 - Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

(NLT) 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

Job 1:21

21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,And naked shall I return there.The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:5-7

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 30:19

"From them shall proceed the voice of thanksigiving and the sound of those who make merry and I will multiply them and they not will be diminished."

Psalms 107:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.Ephesians 5:20 - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

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7,000 Romans 11:1-10

I am sure some if not most of you guys have heard about the movie 300Today we are going to talk about a slightly bigger number- 7,000This evening, my goal is to make sure that we examine ourselves and know if for sure in our hearts that we can be counted among the 7,000 It’s a great time especially for our men, myself included as we plan on heading on to the Man’s advanceIt’s a time to self-check, search me oh Lord – that I may be found …and if not show me howWhat an opportunity to seek Gods face and cry out to Him to see that which lacks or blocks usIn our reading today:Paul is speaking to the Israelites who know the word of God – Pastor Crystals MessageThey know that they are a chosen generation, but they (Israelites) have taken this most precious gift as commonIts easy to point fingers and condemn these guys but if we do an honest heart check, we will find that we too have at times taken the word of God as common- (Pastor Matts preaching – Christian!)The idea is that men are sitting feasting comfortably at their banquet; and their very sense of safety has become their ruin. They are so secure in the fancied safety that the enemy can come upon them unaware” (Barclay). The Jews of Paul’s day were so secure in their idea of being the chosen people that the very idea became the thing that ruined them.Paul in Romans 11:1 – Has God rejected and disowned His People?He is almost trying to wake them up – tone?It’s bad that instead of looking inward, they start blaming God for rejecting themThe same God who in I Samuel 12 is showing undeniable love to the IsraelitesAfter the Israelites demanded a King – instead of keeping with God wish to be their everything I Samuel 12:22 (Nkjv) For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His peopleHow many times in our lives, when things are not going our way do, we take this position?After we try on our own- we come to a place and feel like God has left usOnly if we could sooner than later adopt Paul’s response – Certainly Not!Deutronomy 3:16 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”Joshua 1:5 - No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake youThe problem is not God. He is faithful and just. He is true to His word. The issue is you and IIsaiah 59:2(Nkjv) – But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hearHebrews 10:26(Nkjv) – For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sinsThis is our only link- And if we do away with this sacrifice, we are dead in our sinsPaul continues to support his response (to the question he asked himself)For I too I am a Jew – I too have seen what God has done in my lifeI too a chief sinner has seen a God who has not forsaken me and will not1 Timothy 1:15 (Nkjv) - This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Paul is speaking from experience that He has seen God work in his lifeHe continues by reminding them of the story of Elijah in 1 KingsElijah challenges the Prophets of baal – all 450 of themThey build an altar and prepare a bull and they agree that whoever call for fire from heaven and consumes the sacrifice, is the true GodIn 1 King 18 – that they called baal from Morning till way past noon, cutting themselves and no response (Challenge for us …to what length do we go to seek our God)Elijah turn, he set the sacrifice and pours 12 buckets of water so there is no doubtHe prays and fire comes from heaven and consumes ...

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Matthew 16:13-20 What does it mean to bind and loose?

We bind and loose when we decide who Jesus is?V13-15This question right here is the most important question that anyone can ask in their life-Jesus comes to Peter- and says- what are people saying about me? Who do you say that I am?Now for many people- this question is not one that they ever answer- or should I say- they answer it without answering it by their choice to ignore who Jesus is-Now what interesting- is that these people around the region had an opinion of who Jesus was-John the Baptist? Elijah? Jeremiah? One of the prophets?And all of these thoughts about who Jesus was were centered around who he wasn’tAll of those mentioned were those who would announce the arrival of messiahJohn the Baptist preached repentance and returning to God- he taught baptism. He called out sinConsider John the baptist- They lived at the same time, related by blood, about the same age, had angel Gabriel announce their births, religious and political leaders didn’t care for them, wanted them dead, people followed both of them,John the Baptist had a ministry and it was an important one- but it wasn’t he ministry of JesusConsider Elijah- prophetic rebuke of Israel for idolatry that was pagan, baal worship, to turn back to God, Prophesying miracles of rain, oil and meal for a starving widow, raising a widows son from the dead, Message of promise to his followers before he departed, and then he left earth by a chariot of fire and did not dieConsider Jeremiah- Jeremiah prophesied God’s judgement on Israel and Judah, He pleaded with Israel to repent, the ‘weeping prophet’, Jeremiah was rejected by his own people- he told his own people that God was going to judge them for their sin and rejecting God, he had words of hope for Israel if they repented, that God would be with them-so the people at the time had a working knowledge of these three people-But here was the issue- they were trying to understand who Jesus was based on THEIR frame of reference instead of considering and listening to who Jesus actually was-This is human- this is what we do- we take a limited amount of information and make decisions about who we think people areWe do it on Social media, books, TV, movies, sports, we make sweeping statements about people on limited information- we don’t even know them- “I know who Justin Beiber is”We even do it with people that we somewhat know- we have a short interaction with someone and think that we know them- See at church, read online, You think u know me from the pulpitIt took me 10 years of deep emotional and physical intimacy with my wife and after 10 years I thought I was just starting to get to know her- but someone sends one tweet and you know everything about themI don’t know nothing about Russel Wilson that the news hasn’t told me- I don’t know what he eats, who his friends were in HS, what he’s afraid of, what makes him happy, what his hobbies are.But today- still- based on Limited information- people declare who Jesus is-Good moral teacher, condemner, prophet,
We bind and loose when we declare Jesus is the Christ

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.Simon Peter answers the question with the correct answer- “you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”What Peter saw- and what he knew to be true is that Jesus was the “Christ” the anointed one, the savior, the messiah, the promised one, the end all be all.This is the one that John The Baptist, Jeremiah, Elijah, David and all the OT prophets promisedThe one- The SaviorThis is what Martha declared- John 11:27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”This is what the centurion declared- Matt 27:54 So when the centurio...

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“How Beautiful are the Feet”

Romans 10:14-21 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who [a]preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” 19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: “I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.” 20 But Isaiah is very bold and says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me;I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me. 21 But to Israel he says: “All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people.”

History- this letter was written to persecuted Roman believers. They were under the severe oppression and persecution of the Roman government. At this time, there were multiple gods and temples for worship. The government did not care which god you worshipped, so they did not much care which god the Christians worshipped. However, Christians are appointed to call Jesus “Lord”. Under the Roman empire, only Caesar was permitted to be called “lord”, as this was a sign of ownership and authority. Many Christians were required to attend the pagan temple once a year and proclaim, “Caesar is Lord”, or else they could lose their job, family, or even their very lives. We do not think much about this now- but it was a real threat under the Roman empire to proclaim that Caesar is lord.

What does this mean?

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? The apostle having observed, that whoever, Jew or Gentile, believe in the Lord and confess “Jesus is Lord”, shall be saved; and that the same Lord was ready and willing to dispense His grace, without any difference to them; that hearing they might believe, and so call upon the name of the Lord, and be saved. Paul tells us there can be no true calling upon God without faith, no faith without hearing, no hearing without preaching, and no preaching without a divine mission.

There is no hearing of Christ, and salvation by Him, without the preaching of the Word of God; the most normal way of hearing from God is by the ministry of the Word. Paul shows not only the necessity and usefulness of preaching, but also points out the subject matter of it, which is Christ, and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Acts 4:10-12 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a [a]stumbling block and to the [b]Greeks foolishness,

Paul says the message matters. They that preach ought to preach to the glory of God, otherwise men may hear the preacher, and not hear Christ.

Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah: "Isaiah said, Who hath believed our report?”

Isaiah 53:1-5 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground.He has no [a]form or [b]comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no [c]beauty that we should desire Him...

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How to keep good doctrineREAD Matthew 16:5-12In this story- Jesus is moving around once again, and his disciples follow him and forget to take bread for the journey. Jesus tells them to beware of bad doctrine. They interpret it as “he’s mad we forgot bread” Jesus rebukes them for thinking among themselves, reminds them of the past experience with bread, and tells them- its not about bread- its about doctrine. Then the disciples are like “oh, doctrine”Doctrine is important to a Christian- a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief : DOGMAIts our dogma- its what directs who we are and what we believe- simple truths that are non-negotiable that keep us in the truth- we have to know what we believe and why we believe itAnd in this day and age of internet and tik-tok preachers/youtube etc. it is very easy to be led astray. This is why church membership is good- go and learn what we believe- study our stuff100 years ago- you would only listen you your local preacher, only read your Bible (if you could read) and not much else.Nowadays anyone can write a book, start a ministry, write a song, get their message out and influence people’s minds, and frankly, just because they say its Christian, it not always is-And that’s great if they are spreading good seed- but for well-meaning people that don’t know how to discern good doctrine- you can easily be led astray because you aren’t living by principles of the word concerning doctrine. Especially if you don’t discern it as it comesSo how do you keep good doctrine?

Good doctrine is aware of what people spreadV6 “Beware the leaven”These disciples have just come from the miracles of loaves and fishes- they have seen what Jesus has done- and Jesus, not wanting to let a lesson go to waste, offers and example to those around him referencing bread- Beware of the leaven he saysWhat they all knew- which maybe you don’t know is that a small amount of leaven is used to make bread- I use 2 tbsp to 7 cups of flour in my bread- and that little bit takes over the bulk of the bread and makes the bread do what it does- small amount- big loaf-But you have to mix it, it has to go all throughout- but you have to get it in- well mixedSo Jesus says- pay attention to what is getting in spread in you (Arnold telling guy to scream)Just bc famous not right- Not everything outthere that says its Christian that is out there is good, moral, holy, good and righteous. Not only are their wolves, but deceived people. People want followers and $You have to go into something with your eyes open- it can lead you astray- it can lead you to no longer believe what the Bible says and it is no longer sound doctrine.In my life- approached no less than 12 times to join MLM- “why are we meeting” No- not inter.Listening- “where are you leading me- who is being glorified”1 joh 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.You have to be involved in the process or else this little bit of yeast will spread into your whole belief system, and you’ll turn around and you wont believe what you used to.2 Peter 2:1-3 “false prophets among the people”This has been a problem all throughout the history of Christianity2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.Simple truths like Jesus is 100% God and Man, Penal Substitutionary Atonement, Sinless life, the Trinity, Water Baptism, Innerancy of Scripture, Forgiveness of sins, Miracles of Jesus, Truth of the OT/NT, Resurrection, etcAnd these false doctrines, always have a kernel of Truth, which is why they are so deceptive-Jesus paid it all!

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Know your ABCs (Romans 10:1-13) All verses in NKJV

ABCs often refers to the alphabet, something basic that everyone knows, or should know.
ABC is also an acronym. What does “ABC” mean to you? (…like family feud)
American Broadcasting Company. Always Be Closing. Always Be Careful. Already Been Chewed…
I found over 350 definitions of some kind for “ABC” online.
In the physical life-saving sense, ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, this is the basics for the process of their life being saved.
In the spiritual sense, ABC stands for Accept, Believe, Confess. When someone is spiritually dead, this is the basics for the process of them finding salvation through Jesus Christ.
It is important to follow the process, and know where to start.
Read Romans 10:1-13

1. Airway and Acceptance. ABC

When people find out you are a firefighter, they always want to talk about the calls you’ve been on.
CPR, uncon/unresp., seems complex, but can actually be one of the more simple scenarios to deal with. The main problem is easily identifiable, and the plan is straight forward. Check their ABCs.
Check the Airway. If someone doesn’t have an airway, then breathing will be impossible.
Example: Choking, blocked airway, no other measures will matter, if no oxygen getting to the cells, then the body will die. You have to clear the obstruction!
Spiritually, you must Accept you are a sinner who needs a Savior.
The starting point is you recognizing your own sins, and knowing you need forgiveness.
Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1 John 1:8-10, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
This is fundamental to Christian belief.
Read Romans 10:2-3
Zeal means “passionate commitment”. The Jew’s zeal was misdirected because it failed to recognize Jesus as the Savior. Zeal for the wrong things can be dangerous!
The Apostle Paul know all about misdirected zeal, because it caused him to persecute Christians.
Read Galatians 1:13-14
Just because you attach God to your misdirected zeal, doesn’t necessarily make is godly… Politics?
The Jews were ignorant about their need for Jesus and tried to establish their own righteousness through the law.
They had a strong belief in God, but they needed a spiritual “airway” before they could breathe in salvation.

2. Breathing and Believing. ABC

Once you have an open airway, breathing will supply oxygen to the blood, which circulates to the cells to keep you alive.
Even if your heart hasn’t stopped beating yet, you have to breathe or you will die.
Example: Heroin overdose, suppresses CNS and then the breathing reflex, minutes later heart will stop… Now we have to bag them, breathe for them.
They can’t live simply by us being their “breath”, eventually they have to breathe on their own.
Spiritual belief is and action. “Passive oxygenation” isn’t enough!
The belief we are talking about is a confidence and assurance, not simple a recognition of.
James 2:19, You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
Many religions believe Jesus existed. A quote from a Secular Humanists article. Many will not recognize Jesus as God, “but be captivated by the teachings and example of the figure of Jesus.” “There are lots of people who are not conventionally religious but who sense that the teachings of Jesus have a universal appeal that transcends Christianity.”
I think these ideas come from an “everyone gets a trophy” generation. No one has to be wrong.

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Choose your Rock Romans 9:30-33

Paul is making a very abrasive statement – very controversial if I mayHe is telling this Jews, who believe that they know the law, kept the law and educated others about the law, that them and the Israelites has so much unbelieved that:That which was primarily theirs is not longer theirsBut that the non -believers now posses it and they are better than Jews in terms of inheritanceIt’s an example of the prodigal son, that the son came to his senses and realized that in his fathers’ house, the servants were eating, clothed and secure than he was – all he had to do was return to his fatherThe Jews has made righteousness something that it wasn’t. They cared more about what was seen on the outside and pretty much disregarded what was on the insideThey were very interested in reading what God was doing than allowing Him to change their livesOn the other hand, the unbelieving world stumbles across the Word and the transformation power of Christ that they believe and are counted righteous.Sometimes it easier to share the gospel with a non-believer because they have no preset expectations – they take everything for face valueThat why the Bible uses the words, adopted to describe usEphesian 1:5 (Nkjv) - just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His willGalatians 4:5 (Nkjv) - But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.The adopted child comes into the family with a gratefulness that is rich and fullLove is enough for them – Anything extra is a blessingWhile we who are “Biological children” we have our expectation and dictation of what love looks likeAs a child, my Christmas gifts must be from this place, I need to be loved this way, get me this new toy so that I can feel lovedWhy? – We make it about usIt becomes what it was not supposed to be. These gifts are a by product of loveBut we make it about the created instead of adoring the creatorMatt Redman- The heart of worshipWhen the music fades and all is stripped away and I simply come longing just to bring you something of worthI’ll bring you more than a song, for a song in itself is not what you requireYou search much deeper within, through the way things appearYou are looking into my heartI am coming back to the heart of worship and it all about you!Its all about you JesusI’m sorry Lord for the thing I have made it, when its all about youIts all about you JesusWhy did the Jews miss it –instead of trusting God, they took overThey were so concerned with what they were doing that they forgot Christ – that which they searched and needed – But they got carried away by their worksThey didn’t notice God right in front of their eyesHow many times have been carried away by “good things” vs ‘God’s things”Romans 9:32-33 - Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, [a]by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

The stumbling block

When I think of the stumbling block, the airport comes to mind – specifically security checkAirport checkMetal detector at the airport or that 3D scannerDo you have any liquids?Do you have any weapons or explosives? - Airport security confiscated $5700 firearms in 2021You can have all the right travelling document- Look like you are ready on the outside only to be stopped at the gateIt doesn’t matter who you are, what you are doing there is a check point and you have to pass through itMy Amsterdam storySecurity check to protect others and the host country or cityHere we see Jesus being ca...

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When you’re in a Spiritual Wilderness Matthew 15:32-39We all go through wilderness experiences- the bible word for wilderness means solitude, desolate, isolated, scarce. There is a geography, psychology and theology to ‘the wilderness’Maybe it’s an event, or a season, an ongoing illness, or a season of spiritual emptinessWe all go through them at one time or the other- and God can do something in thereIntense things happen in the wilderness! There’s needs for water and food, danger, isolation, divine deliverance, but there’s renewal and encounters with God. Prayer, supplication, miraclesThroughout the Bible we see God do things in the wilderness to his people and individuals.So we see Jesus today- in the wilderness, surrounded by the multitude- and he performs another great miracle of the loaves and fishes Earlier it was 5000, now its 4000Two different regions- two different reasons- 5k region was jewish, 4k region was gentileJewish region of 5k- reminds of the Pentateuch, 12 baskets- 12 tribes, 12 disciplesGentile region of 4k 7 baskets collected- 7 is the number of completeness, 7 days of creation,There’s symbolism in the event- Jesus is declaring once again his messiahship, but also- letting the gentiles know that salvation will come to them as well- first for the Jew then the GentileBut its in the wilderness- and today- you may be in a wilderness- and this message will speak directly to you. And if you’re not- use this to minister to others, or file it away for yourself.

There is compassion in the wilderness15:32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude,All of the multitude follows Jesus into the wilderness, they are tired and hungry and Jesus has compassion on them- a feeling- an emotion about them and to them- a care for their situationAnd that’s the nature and character of Jesus- to have compassion on them- to help themJesus had emotions! He is not a distant savior who doesn’t sympathize with people in distressMatthew 9:36 He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary Luke 19:41 He saw the city and wept over it, Mark 8:2 “I have compassion on the multitude, Luke 7:13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”We serve a savior with emotions and compassion on people- he cares about our livesAnd as we read and see his compassion on this group of people, it should remind us of the compassion of God towards us in our wilderness- he has COMPASSION in the wildernessThis isn’t a new concept or idea- this is the nature and character of GodMicah 7:19 He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.God, rich in mercy- cares about his people- what is going on with us, what we are going through the details of our life-And here’s why it matters- because when you are in the wilderness- the Devil will torment you and try to get you to believe that God has lost compassion for you and has forgot about you as you are in that wilderness- that you truly are alone and isolated, that’s its scarce and scaryNow- sometimes we end up in a wilderness like these folks did for no other reason than following Jesus- sometimes it ends up that way- you follow you end up in the wildernessBut sometimes it’s a wilderness of our own decisions- our sinful natures, or just chanceAnd sometimes, you just end up there for no specific reason other than God allowed you thereBut this compassion in the wilderness is real- and a pathway to redemption-Have you ever been in a wilderness? You feel like your praises and prayers aren’t making it past the ceiling? You’re doing all the right things, you’re not steeped in sin, but you just don’t feel close to God? Things aren’t moving in your life? You’re just kind of stuck?I’ve had those in the past 20 years- even while pastoring this church- a sense of spiritual desolation and isolation- where I felt alone and ...

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In Search of the Thirteenth Disciple

Pastor Cary Gordan

1Corintians 12:26-31 (NKJV)

“26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers and after that miracle then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are al prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the bests gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”

We are all a part of the body (if you have repented, have been saved, ant turned from sin)

(v.28) is a person who has a gift of healing, carrying an anointing of healing.One member suffers we all suffer, on rejoices we all rejoice.(v.27) we are also members individually, we all have something in common loved equally by our Lord, and we all have different abilities and skills. The Lord has appointed these different abilities in The Church.There are people who have grace to be apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helps, administration, and varieties of tongues.(v. 29) Rhetorical questions; No, not all can be called to have the same graces of abilities. We are all unique and different.

Let’s explore two things that will help our local Church (one that is getting stronger and healthier, and more powerful); Ephesians 4:11-16

Question: Why are we looking for the 13th disciple? Because of Judas.

Inside the congregation, we have answers and solutions to every problem; Local Church is supernatural!Go back to the scripture where Jesus is talking about communion (which is uniting individuals into one) the disciples are around Him; He then states that one will betray Him. Who betrayed Him? I was Judas.There is always the potential of someone among the body of Christ to be the next Judas.Ask yourself, Is it I? Will I betray Jesus? Will I betray The Church? Betray the unity?The Spirit of God is always looking for the 13th disciple. Some one to replace Judas.There wasn’t just one Judas, there is a spirit of Judas that was there back then is still here today; turning disciples against each other, causing division.Is it I? I’m I the next Judas.The enemy is after your thoughts and wants there to be division, offenses, isolation, for you to go missing. Then the Lord has to go into a local Church and find another disciple to replace the guy that left.Remember, Jesus wants us to be one. Satan wants to tear us apart.

“11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [e]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16

This is after the resurrection of Christ, Him sitting at the right hand of God. First thing He did was (v.11)(v. 13) perfect man, meaning, mature. Adult maturity in God spiritually. In the fullness of Christ.(v. 14) why? That we would no longer be like children, immature.(v.16) joint supplies, referring to the blood. Blood is flowing, keeping us alive.

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FVC-Counterfeits are Counterproductive – Revelation 2:12-17

Lords Prayer

Before we begin today’s sermon would you join me in praying the words our Lord taught us to pray?

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be donein earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Amen

Dismiss Children

Introduction

Please stand for the reading of God’s Word.

Revelation 2:12-17 ESV “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. (13) “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. (14) But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. (15) So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (16) Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. (17) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

You may be seated

Last week we talked about the church of Smyrna and we focused on this particular verse written to the church there:

Revelation 2:10 ESV Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

“Be faithful unto death”, do y’all remember the title of last weeks message?I SIGNED UP TO DIE.The church in Smyrna was facing persecution, and Jesus’ encouragement was “Persevere, even if they KILL you, persevere”.And I hope that some of y’all walked away with a new attitude… I signed up to die! Death don’t have a hold of me so death don’t put any fear in me! I SIGNED UP TO DIE!So that was the church of Smyrna, but today we are looking at the church of Pergamum… and the church of Pergamum is a step further in their persecution than last weeks church, Smyrna.Smyrna was about to face persecution, but Pergamum has already faced it… they done did it y’all… They done been persecuted, and you know what, they persevered!

Revelation 2:13 ESV “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

Man at some point this man Antipas was snatched up, beaten, and tourtured… and to borrow from the poem we read last week…“His killer walked up on him, looked him in the eye, he said “Are you going to convert”… Antipas said “NO! I signed up to die!”What else is there to say about Antipas other than “He won!”…You know I was talking to Pastor Cary Gordon, and incredibly wise and learned theologian, about Jan Hus…I said “Pastor, you know church history way better than anyone I know, is it a good idea to keep honoring Jan Hus in our church when we buy this building, or is there some secret heresy he taught that I don’t know about?”And listen, Pastor Cary is putting out a documentary called Enemies in the Church all about heritichs in church leadership… he is very happy to call it like it is…So I was expecting him to just blow Jan Hus up…But that is not what pastor Cary did… pastor Cary instead said “Christian, Jan Hus gave his life for the gospel? What else could I say about him? He died for Christ! Honor him!”.That stuck with me,

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Intro Story-My fathers house

Nobody in their right mind would ever say that my dad was unjust or unfair in this situation

He had every right to remove me

It was his house and his rules and I broke them

I convinced myself and anyone that would listen that my dad was wrong

I believed it in my heart

For years I was angry as if it was my dad that was the problem

How could he do that? Doesn’t he love me? Why did he reject me?

It wasn’t until after I gave my life to the Lord that I knew I was wrong

I was the reason I was removed

I rejected Him

I was guilty and he was just

Romans 9:14-29

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.

19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

25 As He says also in Hosea:

“I will call them My people, who were not My people,And her beloved, who was not beloved.”26 “And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them,‘You are not My people,’There they shall be called sons of the living God.”

27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea,The remnant will be saved.28 For [a]He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.”

29 And as Isaiah said before:

“Unless the Lord of [b]Sabaoth had left us a seed,We would have become like Sodom,And we would have been made like Gomorrah.”

In the beginning of this verse it asks if God is unrighteous? Other translations use unjust

Paul is answering the question boldly. Certainly Not

Romans chapters 9-11 are talking about Israel’s election, rejection of the gospel, and salvation

Even though God had made His covenant with Abraham, Gods chosen people ended up not being chosen only be lineage

but to faithfulness to God and the gospel of Jesus

Because Israel rejected the Gospel of Jesus it opened the door for gentiles to be saved

So the question. Is God unjust? Certainly not

Often times the reason people think that God is unjust or unfair is because they try to regulate God with their own morals

But this cant be done

We cant comprehend the holiness of God

He is perfect, pure, and righteous

Nobody could live up to that standard even if they consider themselves a good person

Because next to God nobody is Good

Luke 18:19

19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.

Since some people truly cant grasp the holiness of God and their depravity

They tend to think that maybe God is the one who is unjust

But He isn’t

I have heard many reasons over the years of why God is unjust

What about innocent babies and children dying

If God was fair then there wouldn’t be disease and illness

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Just Ten Yards.

I hear this two ways:

As a mocker questioning, “Just ten yards??” As an encouraging coach, “Just ten yards.”

Which one do you hear? Today, I want you to hear the second one.

RUNNING, Matt and I often pass by our 97 year old neighbor walking. This man walks at least five days a week. We passed by him in the very beginning of our run and then after 2.5 miles, we passed him again at the end of our run. He had walked maybe 2 football fields in the time we had run 2.5 miles. Some might say he moves at a snail’s pace, but I thought, “Man he’s doing good! At least he’s out here grinding!” I started to think about football. And I get how a lot of people like the big plays. It’s exciting to watch a guy run on a punt return and the long throws for a touchdown are fun to watch, but it’s the “one yard at a time” grind that I appreciate. It takes 10 yards for a first down- and sometimes it takes all four downs to get just ten yards. It can be painful and grueling to get just ten yards. It seems like a short distance, but in football, it can be the longest 10 yards of your life.

I see the running back grinding it out to get just a few yards that’s a greater representation of real life. Oh sure, sometimes you get a big play and instant success, and people will cheer your name, but it’s the grind that really defines us. In my life, I haven’t had many big plays. I’ve taken over ground yard by yard. Its the mundane, day to day, keeping going, don’t quit work that produces the greatest harvest. One of my favorite Scriptures is found in Paul’s letter to the Galatians:

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians‬ 6:9‬‬‬‬ NKJV

The running back is one of the most high-profile offensive positions on a football team. And it’s also one of the most demanding. Many dream of being a great running back in the NFL, but very few are able to make it to that level, and even fewer last for a while once they do. In fact, the average playing career length of running backs in the NFL is only 2.57 years, compared to the league average of 3.3 years.

While it may not seem like much of a difference at first, that's quite the monumental drop-off in career average from the league norm.

But why do running backs not last that long at the NFL level?

There are many contributing factors, but the main reason often cited for this is the fact that running backs take a beating on just about every play.

A featured running back on a team may handle the ball anywhere from 15 to 30 times per game, between the times he carries the ball and catches the ball as a receiver. And on just about every one of those plays, he will absorb a hit from a defender.

Even if the play ends in the running back going out of bounds or scoring a touchdown, it's likely a defender made contact with him. And even if he escapes without being touched at all, he likely made plenty of sudden cuts that’d cause wear on tear on his knees, hips, ankles, and feet.

In addition to being the target of all 11 defenders on the field when he touches the ball, a running back is also responsible for picking up rushing defenders and blocking them on certain pass plays.

Most great running backs will have a set of traits and skills that set them apart from other players at other positions. Here are some of what makes a great running back.

5 Running Back Traits

Running Backs Have Great Vision

Just like quarterbacks, running backs have to constantly scan the field to identify opportunities and pick up responsibilities. Unlike a quarterback, though, running backs need to do this while running in crowds.

A running back must have great vision to be able to see gaps in the defense. Sometimes, these gaps are less than a yard wide, and they can sometimes close quickly. That's why a running back must be able to scan the field using his peripheral vision to...

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“Esau I Have Hated”

Israel’s Rejection: Romans 9:6-13

What does this mean? Matthew Poole: “Much is written pro and con upon this argument. But I remember, he that writes a commentary must not too far involve himself in controversy.”

I will explain to the best of my ability and knowledge of the Word. I am not a Calvinist, as I believe it is a heretical teaching. But I do believe in the sovereignty of God to do as He wills. I don’t believe it’s either or, I believe it is both. He can and does control world events and circumstances, He can move hearts and it rains on the just and the unjust; but He also allows free will choices and has bound Himself to those choices.

Paul tells us in v. 5 that there are certain privileges given to Israel, none greater than the Messiah. God incarnated His Son in the flesh of that nation and He choose that nation to show His glory.

Paul dismisses the idea that Israel was responding badly to Jesus because there was something wrong with the Word of God. The gospel is not the problem. The gospel exposed a deep problem with the Jews. The problem with the physical descendants of Abraham was that they did not have in their hearts the same faith of Abraham. They were merely genetically related to him. Paul distinguishes between two groups: those who have the faith of Abraham and those who do not. To prove his point, he returns to the biblical record of Abraham’s children and grandchildren. Something unexpected had taken place. The promised blessings, which should have been given to the eldest son, each time were given to a younger son because that child had faith and the elder did not. And each time, God knew whom would have faith and whom would not, before that child was born. In a Hebrew family, the eldest son is expected to receive the blessing, but never once did this actually happen among the forefathers of Israel:

Abraham’s eldest was Ishmael, but the promise went to Isaac (Ro 9:7,9, Gen 18:10) No Script. pls

Isaac’s eldest was Esau, but the promise went to Jacob (Romans 9:10-13)

Reuben was Jacob’s eldest, yet the promise went to Judah (Genesis 49:8-12, the fourth in line)

God is not bound by cultural rules of seniority. HE reserves the right to give His promised blessings to whomever He wishes. And to whom does He give them? He reveals His answer: to men and women of faith, not to the physical descendants of people with faith, nor to those who try to earn righteousness by zealously performing religious service. As with Jacob, He foreknows who will have faith and superintends over their lives, even before they have been conceived.

V.10-13 are terribly misunderstood. Some erroneously believe that it means God hates certain babies and that His hatred is not based in anything that the child does. Calvinist’s teach this proves “sovereign election” which teaches that God decides to whom He will give faith. Taken out of context, Paul’s words can be misinterpreted to mean that. But in the light that he repeatedly emphasizes faith as the basis for salvation, the point he is drawing from the example of Jacob and Esau, is that Jacob wasn’t loved because he led a better life than Esau but because he had a faith Esau did not have. While in the womb neither child had done any works, yet God already loved Jacob because He foreknew he would have faith. And He foreknew Esau would not. God doesn’t pick a person based on the good or bad they might do. That would make righteousness a reward for good works. The concept of “sovereign election” takes it a step too far, by adamantly opposing the idea that an unsaved person has any capacity to repent and believe. This errant teaching does not hear these verses as saying God knew Isaac and Jacob would repent and believe, but that God decided before they were born which would repent and believe and which would not. This violates the clear teachings of Scripture.

Keep in mind Paul’s overall topic.

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Come up the mountainMatthew 15:29-31 READYou cannot stop people who really want Jesus- Jesus tried to get away from these people- he went around the sea, he went up on the mountain- and multitudes came to himNow think about this- they brought the lame, blind, mute, maimed and many others TO HIMUp on the mountain. They came up to the mountain to get their healing.Title- Come up the mountainWhen you come up the mountain-

The Mute will speakCan you imagine not being able to speak? Not being able to connect with your fellow man??In this instance- the friends of those who were mute brought their friends to Jesus to be healed and he healed them! 7.5 million people in America have difficulty using their voice-Being mute or having a speech difficulty can be a medical and or psychological issue.The simplest way to understand it is that those who are ‘mute’ cannot or do not speak for whatever reason- they cannot speak- not just a stutter or a lisp.In my life, I have really only met one mute person I can think of- homeless guy-In our church- I don’t think we have people that are mute in the sense of not being able to speak physically or psychologically- Jesus can heal that if that’s your issue- he canBut here’s the application I want to focus on today- if you’re afraid to speak up for Jesus and the truth- Jesus can heal you of that- come up the mountain and get healed!You can get the courage to speak up- he can heal you of your meeknessProv 31:8 Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.Eph 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—We are living in a time (have been) where there is rampant immorality, falsehood, idolatry and wickedness that many people have been given over to- that people are not speaking upWe’re not speaking up against darkness and we shouldEph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.We’re not speaking up for the poor and needyProverbs 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.But its more than that and the most important one is that we should be speaking up about Jesus- COME UP THE MOUNTAIN- Get healed and talk about how it happened!READ 1 Peter 3:15-16 always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reasonWe need to be the mouthpiece of Jesus- we need to be willing to speak upIts not easy- it takes courage- I’ve failed more times than I have succeeded because I’m fearful of how people will receive me and how they will respond to meThe bible says- Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,And honestly- I think sometimes we are ashamed- we are not bold we don’t speak up when we can- and that doesn’t honor God and we can be healed of thatJesus didn’t heal mute mouths so they could shut up and never talk again about the mountainHave you ever met someone (besides me) who can just talk? I mean talk talk.I always think about how long I’m talking in a conversation- some apparently don’tBut if we’ve been given speech- how do we use that for Jesus? COME UP THE MOUNTAINOne- confess Jesus Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.If you’ve never audibly confessed Jesus- it will change you (Paul getting saved at work)But ALSO- we need to speak truth the darkness we need to speak up.At school, church, work, home, community- you speak against those who speak against God, Jesus, gossip, racism, slander, mistruths. Use your mouth! (watching movie- fornicators)Acts 18:9-10 READ COME UP TO THE MOUNTAIN

The Lame will walkNow on this one- I know there are people here that have physical ailments that prohibit you from doing what you want to do- your skydiving career is over.Some of it is age and neglect- some of it is injury or disease. Some people are born disabledAnd I believe that...

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What does it take to know Christ? Romans 9:1-5 (NLT)

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In Chapter 8-Paul spoke to the Christian Jews on:Being Controlled by the Spirit of GodHe gave them an out, that there is no obligation to live in a sinful natureNothing can separate us from God – Conjoined twinsThere is no condemnation on those who are in ChristPaul starts out by affirming that what he is saying is the truthStatement: Romans 9:1 With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it.Paul is speaking to an audience of Jews that are all about the lawsIt seems like Paul is speaking to a group of people who are choosing what truth to believePretty much like the times we are living in – Where truth was suppressed and made to sound like something that it’s not. His words are not being taken for its valueI remember the good old days when truth was truth ...when Contracts on napkins were a thingStory of Lionel Messi (Argentine professional footballer)-Age 13, first contract with Barcelona in 2000 was on napkin -Worth $3million EuroHave you ever wondered why contracts are getting larger?We Christians need to be honorable, have integrityEphesians 5:15-17 - So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do.The truth is being drowned by liesAnd as Christians let our yes be yes and our no be noWe must uphold our morals higher than the world does

When you say you will do something, please do it because if you don’t, you are just like the world Paul is speaking to an audience that knows Christ and one that is aware of the Holy Spirit Romans 9:2 My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief Paul has great sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart when he thinks of whom they are rejectingIt’s so painful to Paul that he uses the statement of no return “I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ! —if that would save them.This statement is deeper that just the face value – The idea of a Jew being accursed was not something the Jews would even think about – To them this violates Gods WordFrom Paul it’s a statement of hurt – Like a Parent who is willing to bear the sins of his or her kid by trading places with themThis statement doesn’t come lightly - It’s a statement of endearmentPaul speaks of the Christ that he has come to know. The one that had saved his life and corrected the course of his lifeChrist was the best thing that happened to PaulHe would give it all up to have someone get a glimpse of what it is to be fully devoted to the LordPaul is speaking from the Heart of ChristGalatians 2:20 Nkjv- I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.Paul feels what God feels, His Joy, His hurt – Break my heart for what breaks YoursPrayer night- Eva spoke of God being a lover of our soulPraying not because we have to but praying because we need to commune with GodSpending time with Him – That which cost you nothing (We don’t give God our leftovers)Psalms 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.We only think of what we get, but where is the Lord’s heart here?Paul is willing to do whatever it takes to bring this point homeJust like us preachers, we go to a great length to bring you an understanding of God’s Word so you can fall in love with Him He understands the length at which God had to go to rescue the Jews peopleThey are Gods adopted Children by God himself – Us as well*He made a covenant with themHe gave them His Law...

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How can I have great faith- Matthew 15:21-28

Great Faith is spiritual

21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”This lady here- (and we don’t have the back story) has realized that the problem that her daughter is having is a demon possession- she goes so far as to say “severely demon possessed” And some people would argue that back then they didn’t understand mental issues like we do today- That may be true- what is also true is that demon possession is real and you can’t fix a spiritual problem with a physical solution. It doesn’t work that way. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,We see many times in the Gospel that Jesus healed and delivered people from the power of the DevilI was a psych major- I did mental health in the Army. I know the diagnoses and I know the medicationsThere’s many people I know- even in this church who take drugs for mental stuff. No condemnation. I also know that everything isn’t a medical problem. Everything can’t be fixed by medicine. It just cantWhat this woman figured out was her daughter was demon possessed and the only way for her daughter to be delivered was to come to Jesus- Only Jesus could deliver her daughter from this Demon possession- She came to Jesus in Faith, believing that she could be delivered from her possessed situation. This is a woman that understands the spiritual component of life. Many people do notThere has been a push over the past few centuries to minimise the spiritual. To make everything physical. There’s a balance here between pragmatism and spirituality. There’s not a demon on your body when you don’t take care of it. You are not under attack. But also- everything isn’t going to be fixed by a doctor (doctors just make the body work) John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.What does it mean to youAre you discounting the spiritual component of your life and only focusing on the physical?Are there things in your life that you need to have Dr Jesus come in and deliver you from?First step- get saved- 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.If you’re not saved in here this morning- you might think I’m a nutball- its ok. Get saved. 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

I’ve seen people delivered from Demonic influences- minds changed- clear discernmentI’ve prayed demons out of my house- (trouble in 2019 praying over the church) Here’s what I know-Romans 8:5-8 READI know theres a spiritual component to life- I want Jesus in that realm. I know that I have a spirit body1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.I know I have the spirit of God- 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.I know that I’m supposed to live in the spriit Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. GREAT FAITH IS SPIRITUAL and I want GREAT FAITH

Great faith is persistent

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Conjoined (Romans 8:31-39) Verses in NKJV

There are about 4 million babies born per year in the U.S.
About 300,000 are identical twins, about 25% of those are “mirror image” twins like Dan and me.
Example: Twins are rare. My birth story, according to my mom…
Our older brother was a big baby, so Mom’s weight gain and size was similar to before. Our heart beats we in sync, and the doc could only feel one head and one set of feet (mine, because I was on top). 47 years ago… ultrasounds were not widely used back then. There was no reason to expect twins.
Twins are usually side-by-side, but I was wrapped around Dan in the womb, hiding him. It wasn’t until 10 days before the birth that anyone found out my mom was having twins.
Dan would have been the first born naturally, but we were C-section, so I was born first. The doctor said, “what a big baby!” then pulled Dan out and said, “wow, an even bigger baby!” I stole his birthright! My parents had decided to name the first born after our grandfathers, Jason and William, and because that ended up being me, I got those names instead of Dan!
During the x-ray and not knowing yet it was twins, while lying on the table it appeared as if the baby had 2 heads and 4 arms, which noticeably freaked out the x-ray tech. He sat my mom up and tried again, and that’s when he realized we were actually separate twins.
It looked like my mom was having conjoined twins!
Conjoined twins are Extremely rare (Fewer than 1,000 cases per year in U.S.)
Krista and Tatiana Hogan are 15 years old and live in Canada. Like other conjoined twins, they have defied great odds to make it this far. The Hogan twins are joined at the head and their brains are connected by a thalamic bridge. The most fascinating thing about their condition is that they can see out of each other’s eyes, and they say that they can “hear” each other’s thoughts.
Abigail and Brittany Hensel are 31 years old and live in Minnesota. They are one of the rarest conjoined twins, because they share a torso but have two heads side by side. Like any other twins, they each have their own personalities. Both of them graduated from college with a teaching degree, and today work are 5th grade teachers.
Like these four girls, often conjoined twins cannot be separated, because they share the vital things needed for life inside them. One cannot live without the other.
In a spiritual way, as Christians, we are conjoined to Christ. The same Holy Spirit that gave Jesus life, gives us life. It you tried to separate us, we would die a spiritual death.
The good news is that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ!
Read Romans 8:31-39

1. There is NO earthly thing that can defeat the Holy Spirit inside you.

What is Paul referring to when he says, “What shall we say to these things?”
In Romans chapter 8, Paul is encouraging the believers to walk in spirit and not in the flesh. That means to live according to the scriptures, listen to the Holy Spirit in your life, do not give in to sin.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Only if the spirit of God lives in you, will you have life. We are adopted in as God’s children.
The suffering, and drama, and earthly power around you, cannot compare or compete with the power, and grace, and amazing glory that will be reveled through Jesus, IN us, and THROUGH us!
In light of all this, the Apostle Paul proclaims, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Example: 1992, the “Dream Team”, first time pros could play in the Olympics, and they destroyed everyone. No one even had a chance. (Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Carl Malone, John Stockton, Scottie Pippin, Chris Mullin, Christian Laettner…. There was a “Christian” on the team!)
Isaiah 41:10,

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“Hope For What We Do Not See”Romans 8:18-30

Whatever suffering we endure because of Jesus in this present age is nothing when compared to the glory God will give us in the age to come. The sufferings of this life will seem to have no weight at all when we step into our eternal inheritance. Who better to tell us this than the apostle Paul being well acquainted with suffering:

1 Corinthians 4:9-13 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle [a]to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we [b]entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.

2Corinthians 11:24-33From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? 30 If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my [a]infirmity. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

First point: suffering is inevitable. I hate to break this to you, but in this life you will suffer. In fact, we are told that those in Christ are APPOINTED to suffering

Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

You cannot escape suffering. But how do you view it? The problem that I see with suffering, is that most people fear death in their suffering and this fear puts you back into bondage:

Hebrews 2:14-15Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

A lot of people, including Christians have a skewed view of life and death, in fact even to the point of making our lives here on this earth an idol. It is because your roots are in this world and not in heaven that you still fear death

Paul says that the proper way to view suffering and the fear of death is to weigh it in balance to eternity and the glory that we will have one day with Him. These are not equal. The balance falls heavily on the side of glory. Why do you still fear death? Because you have yet to realize the glory that will be revealed

We are not the only ones suffering because of the fall and waiting for God’s full redemption. The entire creation awaits and even groans, the earth, plants and animals are all groaning (think global warming and so-called climate change) The entire system is malfunctioning and miserable, waiting for relief. The prophet Isaiah describes what will happen when this curse is reversed.

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2 sam 30:6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

Distress is going to comeWhat led up to this calling out of David for God to strengthen him?He had been through the proverbial ringer- lets read 1 sam 30Amalakites had invaded, burned the city with fire, taken captive the women and others, then they were emotionally overwhelmed by the whole thing- “wept until they had no more power to weep”Lets recall a little about this guy David- this is the one who slayed the Goliath. He’s also the one who had won against the philistines, AND the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. Earlier- but NOW the Amalekites come BACK and wreck havoc on Ziklag and David- This doesn’t even include that Saul had been pursuing David this whole timeWhat can we get from this quick synopsis- you can slay goliath, you can win battles, but even in the midst of it- There can still be constant attacks, and you don’t always winAnd when you don’t always win- you ‘weep until you have no power to weep”Does any of that resonate with your life? Sure- may not be physical attacks and wars- but life sure does have its challenges doesn’t it?Job 14:1 “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble.That’s pretty much life isn’t it? You’re born, and then there’s trouble. Life is just work- and if you haven’t embraced it, you can get frustrated with the struggles of life.Trouble in school, growing up, parents, dating, jobs, cars, houses, politics, pandemicsIts really enough to “weep until you have no power to weep” abuse, trauma, sicknessAnd as a person that serves God- you wonder sometimes- whats the deal? Where’s that perfect life? Honestly- its enough to get some people to stop serving God-Ecc. My favorite book- so much wisdom- here’s a gem-Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.Swift people lose, strong lose, wise don’t prosper, those of us that have a brain don’t get the money, the skilled people don’t have an advantage- everyone else wins but METhe operative phrase- “time and chance happen to them all”There’s just an element of chance to some of this- stuff just happens. Cant control everythingWhat does it mean to you-Embrace that your life isn’t perfect and never will be- especially if you’re a Christian1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, Acts 5:41 rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,I’m not saying to live with an expectation of destruction and despair in your life but I think that part of what sets people off is an expectation of a perfect life with no issues- life is issues! 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;Embrace the reality of an imperfect life- David’s life wasn’t perfect, neither will yours beMy life hasn’t been perfect and still isn’t without its challenges- its just the way it is.

Strengthened himselfSo David is distressed, he’s overwhelmed, he’s had everything that he ever loved taken from him- wives, kids, land, influence, strength.There’s really no where for him to turn at this point- probably a great time to give upI say if you don’t ever think about giving up you’re not really in the fightBut here’s part of the equation- sometimes- on this side of heaven- you need to wake up to the reality that there’s no earthly person or solution coming to save youYes- God...

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Swim (Revival 2021) Verses in NKJV

It has been great to be here every night this week. It is a special blessing from the Lord that we can publicly meet without fear of imprisonment or financial ruin if caught.
Example: China missionary, persecution through technology and govt tracking, church having multiple meeting places/service times to avoid this. MUST be there to know when the next will be.
What happens in these church walls does not need to stay in the church wall. The world needs this!
While many in the world are dying for this, you get to live in it. Don’t waste this opportunity!
If I asked you how to swim, what would you say? What if I asked you how to NOT drown?
I could describe to you what to do, but something would be missing that you will only truly understand by being in the water. Knowing WHAT to do and knowing HOW to do it aren’t the same.

Example: USMC boot camp swim qual. Your choices are sink or swim, because staying out of the pool is not an option. They had instruction, and motivation, and desire, but some of them didn’t know how to turn that stuff into NOT drowning.

Honestly, they should have taken time to learned how to swim before they got in that position.
In the storms of life, you’ll need to learn how to spiritually swim BEFORE you get in the water.

In our scriptures, David was drowning under the pressure of losing everything. His home, his family, his friends, his victories. All the things he had been relying on to bring him comfort or safety.

1 Samuel 30:6 (NKJV), Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was [a]grieved (literally “bitter” over the loss), every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
You will default to your foundation.
This is David. As a child he killed lions and bears, and the giant Goliath. The mighty warrior and leader, praised for his many victories in battle. The anointed, chosen, future king!
David was described by God as a man after God’s own heart. He was a strong man of God!
He is now in a long season of trials and relentless persecution, and his strength is running out.
King Saul is on a mission to kill him. David won’t kill Saul, he is running out of places to run, and now he feels like he is out of options.
1 Samuel 27:1, And David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand.”
Wouldn’t this have been a great time to “strengthen himself in the Lord”, rather than run to seek comfort in the hands of the enemy? Did he forget that God is the deliverer?
Example: My PTSD.
My default strategy for going through hard times was to “grind”. I didn’t see it at the time. I would tell you to pray, seek God, lean on His strength… I knew what to do, but when the seas raged, I defaulted back to what I’ve always done.
I had always been able to “swim” through it, but you can only hold your breath for so long.
The biggest convicting moment was when my psychologist who is not a Christian, knowing I’m a pastor, asked if I’d prayed and if it had helped.
I realized that I had not be seeking strength in the Lord, I had defaulted to my own.
Whatever you build your foundation on, you will default to in times of trial.
Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
The famous quote says, “We don't rise to the level of our expectations,

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Encouraged in the Lord-Revival week January 3-9

This next season requires spiritual maturity and steadfastness. I will not be moved. God gave me the following Scripture in the late summer of 2019 for the darkness that was coming in 2020

Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise (from your prostrate and depressed position), shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

“Are You a Fair-Weather Warrior?”- Title

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV

2019 was a rough year. I read these words from Scripture and I can relate of having everyone you have loved and taken care of turn on you. I wanted to quit. Ps Matt was attacked, I was attacked, my kids were attacked. We were publicly shamed. The enemy tried to destroy our whole church. This is not new things to us, we have people attack us all the time, but this was a large scale- well orchestrated attack of the enemy and it was probably one of the most hurtful times of my life. Some of you do not realize what this church is to Ps matt and I, it is not just a “church”, it’s not our job or even our ministry, it is our child. We have loved, cared for and sacrificed for her and it was almost destroyed in 2019.

The Holy Spirit spoke a word to me in that season that I have held onto: “Crystal, the enemy doesn’t have to completely destroy you. He just has to do enough to render you ineffective”. And He gave me through another lady one of my life verses (it is an obscure verse that the Lord spoke to me the first year of my salvation)

Proverbs 24:10 “if you faint in the days of adversity, your strength is small”

A fair-weather warrior faints in the day of adversity. God uses adversity to refine us. Give yourself over to the process. David encouraged himself in the Lord

“Encourage” is from the Hebrew châzaq: to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen, to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous (put courage in), be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore

The opposite of encourage is to be discouraged. Discouragement is a tool of the enemy and only leads into more destruction. In this life, you will have to consistently fight against becoming discouraged. How do we fight discouragement?

The first thing David did to put courage in himself was to inquire of the Lord: v. 8

Humility- David did not press on in his own strength and knowledge. He didn’t retaliate out of vengeance. He didn’t quit. He humbled himself to seek God. Pride will cause the Lord to resist you. Before you do ANYTHING, you should inquire of the Lord. And I don’t mean just the big things, but the small. Before you move and before you apply for a job, and even before you plan a vacation. Inquire of the Lord EX: I remember when we wanted to go to Disneyland a few years ago with a group of people and as I prayed about it, I kept hearing, ”do not go”. We canceled. Two days before we were scheduled to go, I had a derm appt. and the dr. wanted to remove a mole

What’s your attitude toward prayer to God? Do you hope He hears? David knew God heard him and he believed the Word of the Lord “you shall recover all”:

Psalm 116:1 I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.

I know God hears my prayers. I don’t just hope that He hears me, I know He hears me. And because I know He hears me, I know He will answer. EX: I was in a prayer meeting and a lady asked for a prayer requests and another lady in the group who knew me very well said, “Get Crystal to pray for you. God always answers her prayers.” I laughed. But that was her perception of me.

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Intro story-encouraging myself in the Lord

I was distraught

The only thing I could do to get through it was to seek God diligently

Knowing that even though I was going through this for a long period of time, God still heard my praise

He heard my prayers

He was with me while I fasted

Saw my tears and eventually they were wiped away

I had to encourage myself in the Lord

He is what got me through

I even came out on the other side as a better pastor and leader

1 Samuel 30:1-6 kjv

30 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; 2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. 3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. 4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

Heres the biblical context of whats happening

David had recently been told he would be king

Because of this David had to flee from king saul because he wanted David killed

David at this time was living in Ziklag

He aligned himself with the philistines

The philistines were preparing to go to battle with king saul

David and his men were going to join them in battle

But they didn’t fully trust David because he could turn on them

David and his men went back to ziklag

Only to find that the entire city was attacked and burned down

Everything they had was now gone including the women and children

Now all of the people that had been with David this whole time began to turn on him

They grumbled and talked about killing him

David lost everything, his wives, his home, and his men turned on him

But David knows where his strength comes from

1 Samuel 30:6

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

In his times of trouble David did what he knows works

He encouraged himself in the Lord

Knowing that he would find his comfort in God

He knew with God he would be able to go through any problem he was facing

We must remember while reading the bible that these people really existed

They were normal people like us

Not super heroes

It gives me comfort to know God chooses broken people to show His glory

They all saw defeats and victories

Lets look at some of the writings from psalm to see how David sought the Lord

While being pursued by Saul, David wrote

Psalm 59:1-4

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;[b]Defend me from those who rise up against me.

2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,And save me from bloodthirsty men.

3 For look, they lie in wait for my life;The mighty gather against me,Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord.4 They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine.

Awake to help me, and behold!

We see here that even though faced with death, David still put his trust in God

Psalm 59:16-17

16 But I will sing of Your power;Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;For You have been my defenseAnd refuge in the day of my trouble.17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;For God is my defense,My God of mercy.

David continuously praised God for what He has done and will do

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Jesus in our contrary winds. Matthew 14:22-33This is another one of the well know stories about Jesus in the Bible- when he walks on water- The disciples get into the boat- Jesus goes to pray- they find themselves, the Bible says “Tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary” Jesus comes out on the sea, walks on the water to them. The disciples see him, and think it’s a ghost, but Jesus reassures them. Tells them to not be afraid. Peter tests Jesus and says “if its you, let me come out on the water” peter gets out, sees the waves, get scared, starts to sink, calls out to Jesus and Jesus saves him.This thing is sermons for days.But I got caught up on the ‘for the wind was contrary’ what does that mean? Antagonistic, opposite- The wind is not going the direction that is it supposed to go.We can all identify with contrary winds can’t we? Trying to get somewhere or do something and it seems like the wind is not going in our direction? It’s ‘contrary’ just not going our waySo when we find ourselves in these situations- the “contrary winds” of our lives- what does Jesus do?

He leads us in our contrary winds.

22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boatIn the beginning of this story- we see that Jesus “made his disciples get into the boat” He knew what he was doing. He knew what the night would bring. He was leading them to a deeper trustOne of the biggest lies that we believe is that God didn’t see it coming.He is sovereign. He is in control. He knows what is happening and how it happens.So when the disciples are told to get in the boat- they don’t realize the lesson they are going to get that night- but Jesus does- because he is leading them.Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way,But the Lord directs his steps.These disciples didn’t realize the full weight of the night- they just thought they were going ahead but Jesus had a plan- he was leading them. They were going to learn a lot about JesusPs 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.That’s what God does- he gently lead us towards his purposes and plans. We may or may not see what the end result will be- but his lead is always evident when the trial is over.See- contrary winds seem like something that keeps us from doing what WE think we should be doing- I’m sure these guys didn’t like the wind- but Jesus KNEW these winds were coming and led them INTO the winds to teach them something about HIM>This is the character of God throughout time- leading us into places to grow us.Deuteronomy 8:2 READWhat does it mean to youYou should pray Deut 8:2 over your life and believe that wherever God needs to lead you to grow you you will embrace. You will trust that God knows what he is doing. For HIS benefitMaking decisions is hard- especially if you want to honor God- so you want to make decisions based on God’s revealed truths- Does this bring God glory, or me, will this grow the kingdom?Here’s some promises that we know from sciptureJohn 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.So if we know these truths we can trust that as our decisions line up with what the word of God says- we can trust that it is the Lord leading us and guiding us. (Military-folding, standing, demanding teaching for our benefit)Proverbs 20:24 A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?Cause here’s the truth- its in the most contrary winds of our life that God leads us that we grow the most and learn to trust him even more.

He comes to us in our contrary winds

So he leads us into these places- into these contrary wind...

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Do not Be afraid- Luke 2:8-12

No one likes being afraid. No one likes being startled. I don’t like to do things that make me scared. I’ve had enough fears in my life I don’t need to go and make up things to be scared about. I don’t like horror movies, or evil themed stuff. I want the Good stuff. I want that Bible Joy.There’s a lot to be afraid or fearful nowadays- And if you don’t pay attention- you can get sucked up into the fear- Fear is a product that the media loves to sell. Let me show you some of their speakThink of the words the media uses- “Possible link” “Officials are worried about” (no link- nothing has happened) “Our nation’s” (large scale story) “shocking new details (when we come back)” “Officials consider the threat to be serious” (which ones aren’t?) “Officials are closely monitoring” (nothing is actually happening) “could perhaps potential might” “an alarming percentage” (who decides what is alarming) “Deadly” (yes, some do die, but not all) “A new study, a new report, experts fear, experts worry” (they seem to do this a lot) “experts say its just a matter of time” (they have been saying that for years) “But Washingtonians feel” (from one guy they talked to on the street) (From Gavin De Becker)One of the greatest reasons I love Christmas is that we get this reminder- Luke 2:10 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.Do NOT be AFRAID- Don’t have fear. Don’t live that way- there’s nothing good in fear- nothingThe bible mentions many times “Do not fear” and “do not be afraid” I think its because fear is something that plagues everyone at sometime in their life- its common among humans.Top ten fears people have Social phobias- excessive self consciousness in social situationsAgoraphobia- fear of specific places or venues- fear of open spaces Acrophobia- fear of heights can give vertigo Pteromerhanophobia- fear of flying Claustraphobia- fear of enclosed spacesEntomophobia- fear of insects Ophidiophobia- fear of snakes Cynophobia- fear of dogsAstraphobia- fear of storms Trypanophobia- fear of needlesPoke around the internet and a large percentage of people worry about: Financial instability, political instability, future pandemics, Global Warming, war, Natural Disaster, and food shortages,What are the 5 primal fears? They are 1) fear of abandonment, 2) loss of identity, 3) loss of meaning, 4) loss of purpose and 5) fear of death, including the fear of sickness and pain.)We are only born with two fears: the fear of falling, and the fear of loud noises.The rest of the fears- we gain through experience, or through our mind. We find stuff to fearBut listen to what the bible says about fear-Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Psalm 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.How do we not fear-One- Control your thoughts-Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.Philippians 4:8 meditate on these things.2 Corinthians 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,Two- Use and know the word of GodMatthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written,

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Is this not the carpenter’s son? Matthew 13:53-58Here we get to the end of chapter 13 and we see Jesus around people, after his parables, a few healings, and he’s telling these people- I’m God- I’m telling you how to live and what to doTheir response- “Isn’t this the carpenters son?”Faced with the reality of Jesus the messiah, in their midst, they don’t embrace him- they reject him. And by rejecting him, they reject everything about him-No different than today- most people don’t have a problem with Jesus and what he does, they have a problem with Jesus and what he requires- Submission- life change- direction changeTotally fine hanging out with the ‘heal me and talk to me Jesus’ not the “submit to me” Jesus

Question his authority “where did this man get his wisdom”In this story- they question his Authority- its documented in the other Gospels as well-To them- they understood the story- that the King of Israel was going to come from within them, but when Jesus came as the king- they rejected what he said because they didn’t like itTo them- after hearing what Jesus had to say- their thoughts went to- “who is he to tell us”Its questioning his authority. What Jesus was saying was transformational- they didn’t like itThey were being oppressed by Rome and wanted Jesus to deliver them from sin.Where did this man get his wisdom?!?!?!The father- Matthew 11:27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.God became flesh through Jesus and so his wisdom came from God because he was God.This idea, of the supreme authority of Jesus must be internalized- its why when people say “I believe in God” It doesn’t sit well with me as a declaration of FaithThere’s something powerful when you say that you believe in Jesus- it changes the conversation. – when you don’t you reduce him to a carpenters son- but he’s MUCH MOREThink about this- only God can grant eternal life- only him- no one else.John 17:2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.So when Jesus says that he has authority over all flesh and that he can give eternal life- that’s hugeJesus said- Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.Ephesians 1:21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.Philippians 2:9-10 Says his name is above every name and that every knee will bow-And we sit here- and we talk about these people- and say “how could they say this”But we say this- we say this when we deny his authority over our lives- his rightful ownership over all we have, do, are and be.There’s a streak of rebellion in all of us that has to be destroyed- it must-And as always- I just assume that if there is rebellion in me, there’s some in you- it’s the “did God really say” mindset- that really- seeks to question Gods authority- we love our free willColossians 2:10 1 Peter 3:22 Matthew 28:17 Psalm 8:6Wouldn’t it be better to submit to his authority?Submission is easy- rebellion is hard- I haven’t had the easiest bosses in my lifeHaving to do 5 cold calls after 5 on Wednesday before thanksgiving is no fun-But he’s the boss- He’s paying my wage- I owe him my time and my hours-What do we owe God? Is Jesus just a carpenters son, or is he MORE- Do we minimize HIMJames 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.People don’t want to submit to God, government, boss, pastors, anyone- So he’s just a Carpenter’s son- Just a normal bearded guy who told some good stories.1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, tRomans 8:7 1 Corinthians 2:14 natural man can’t receive the things of GodThe answer is to submit- don’t say ‘where did...

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The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43With the explanation of Jesus- the simple understanding of this parable is quite simple- Seed sower- Jesus, Field- World, Wheat is good sons of the kingdom Tares are Sons of the wicked one, The Devil sowed the taresGood seed Goes to Heaven-Tares get put in the furnace of fireNow some people have said that this represents the church but it doesn’t- Jesus himself says “represents the world” he didn’t say church- Plus- Matt 18 shows how to deal with sinners in a church- you remove them- you don’t let them grow together. Plus- many other scripturesThis isn’t a message about looking for tares among us- its about looking at your own wheatEveryone knows what wheat is- it’s a grain used for food- Tares are the wheat weeds that grow up with it- early stages it looks like wheat- but its not. When its full grown- you know what it isThey didn’t’ have roundup back then- Jesus uses an agricultural example- separate at the end of harvest. Keep the wheat, burn the weeds. How do we apply this to our lives

Make sure you’re wheat and not a tare

Now- if we know that wheat goes to heaven and weeds go to hell, we’d all want to be wheatI don’t want to minimize this scripture, but I will say- I am glad that weeds are going to hell. Wheat- 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!We want to be wheat. We want to be bread. Carbs. Good healthy crop that can be harvested.We’ve talked about fruit a lot here and over the past few weeks. We want that. We talk a lot about self-examination here- and some would argue that we don’t preach assurance of salvation- but we do- we can rest in the assurance of Jesus and our salvationBut if you’re here today and you’re NOT a Christian- you should be looking at your heart- if you ARE a Christian, you should be examining yourself to continually move towards sanctificationPsalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.And that’s a great verse to start with- My wife had an amazing word couple wed. ago and she asked- how much cancer is an acceptable amount? How much dung you want in your water?The church has 3 ordinances that belong to us, marriage, baptisms, communion. During communion we know1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. And that’s a continual process of our faith- God wants us to live in reflection- he wants us to look at our hearts continually- every comm.2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.And its not out of fear, but of reverence- I still ask my wife “are you ok, what can I do for you?”Lamentations 3:40 Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord;1 Corinthians 9:27READWhats the litmus test for wheat? How do we know we’re there?Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Tares- 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.Tares- the fake wheat that grows among the wheat- we do not want to be that- So if you’re sitting here- wondering- am I wheat or weed?Are you a slave to lawlessness?Romans 6:19 READWho runs your life, your desires or Jesus? We all have desires that are contrary to the BibleMy evil desires come up in my mind all the time, I just take them captive- I don’t want them to rule me- (donuts, pancakes,

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Eph 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.We need to serve Each other. That’s part of what being a Christian is. Here’s the hard part of a “church” There’s really parts of it that feel very transactional. Its one of the weirdest entities that exist and its unlike anything else on this planet. None of us- not one of us who are Christians are supposed to just be consumers- None. Everyone is supposed to play some sort of part in the edification of the body of Christ. In Modern ministry- there’s wires and parking lots and safety and instruments, in the early church maybe it was hummus, donkeys, water and child help. I dunno. But the modern manifestation takes a bit of people to pull it off. I think people like it. It’s rewarding to worship God this way. Currently it takes about 60 people to make a Sunday happen. 60. That’s I rearranged my schedule, went to practice, showed up early, stayed late, went without, so that the Gospel can go forth and Jesus be praised. That’s what its all for- ANY one of those ministries- its for God to be worshipped, and the Gospel to go forth. It takes ALL of those people to make it work. One isn’t there- it messes it up. And that doesn’t include all the OTHER ministries that happen during the week- LRY, Rev, Spot, Women, Men, AND personal ministry- AND deacons, and Pastors and all of that- Its not ALL positional- but there are places where we really need help in this season- It takes us all. 1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

But how do we get to that place?

First- you have to have a high view of your relationship with God-

Its something we talk about a lot here- we make Jesus the number one priority in our lives- And if you don’t- then church might feel somewhat transactional- Parking may frustrate you, or loud Childrens ministry, or snacks being gone, or coffee running out. You might complain about the temp, the time, the teaching and the worship- Why? Possibly because you haven’t transitioned past it being all about you and all for you. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”And I get it- life is rough- You got job, maybe spouse, kids, cars, cleaning, health, ugh ugh ugh. Can there be one place where its just about me and I don’t have to do anything?Yes! Its called an all inclusive resort! I’ve never been to one- but I hear they are awesomeWe did go on a cruise for our 10 year- everytime we left the room come back to towel animalAll you can eat- do nothing- pampered- I once went to spa like that as well- But that aint church! Romans 12:3 Serve God with Spiritual Gifts For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.And that starts with a sober minded understanding of what Jesus did for you and that’s all you need- Then- when you serve- you understand WHO its for and WHY its for it- Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheri...

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God Forbid!

Romans 6

Romans 6 old flesh Adam v. New creation in Jesus, Romans 7- trying to fight against sin by obedience to the law, Romans 8- freedom over sin in the Spirit

These are the chapters that gave me victory over the flesh and sin- victory over our thoughts, anxieties, depression, all fear, any despair, our wicked desire and passions and our past….if you will receive it

What does this mean?

Do we continue to sin so that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. Many put grace and law opposed to one another, they are not in opposition but in apposition. A grace-filled relationship with God and an obedient commandment-keeping relationship with God are both part of a Spirit-filled overcoming, liberated lifestyle. Both are the fruit of love.

Paul tells us the law can never justify us in the site of God because the law lacks the power to overcome sin and our fleshly desires. But, through the new life in the Spirit, we can have complete victory over our sin. Those who have been baptized into Christ were baptized in His death in order to walk in newness of life.

Paul refers to water baptism as a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. We show our kinship to His death by water baptism. My home church always referred to it as a “water grave”. It is a picture of us dying to our old man, old ways, the sinful flesh of Adam and being buried under the water of baptism and raised a new man in Christ.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

There is something magical that happens in the waters of baptism. It is more than just symbolic- it is God’s will and plan as a tangible display of death to self. I remember actually having my eyes opened and seeing clearly. God does something in the waters of baptism. If you have truly been born again of the Spirit of God, water baptism will be more than just a religious activity.

If you have not been baptized, you need to be. It is a command of God- why would you not obey? Now, this does not save you, as many get baptized out of superstition. But are you really saved if you are not baptized? How can you deny this Scripture? God wants us to walk in the new man. (read v.4)

Our old man (the sinful flesh of Adam) was crucified with Christ (through baptism) in order that our body of sin would be done away with, so that we are no longer slaves of sin. A dead man is freed from sin.

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

We are told that whatever nature we give ourselves over to- we become a slave to. If we give ourselves over to our sinful nature, the nature of Adam, we become slaves to our sinful nature. A slave has to obey their master. If you are a slave to sin, then sin is your master. Paul tells us that through our death and burial and resurrection through the waters of baptism- we are freed from sin because our old nature died and was raised a new creation in Christ. We take on a new nature- the nature of Jesus. We are then freed from our old nature- freed from sin. Sin is no longer our master therefore has no more authority over us.

Reckon yourself dead to sin, but alive to Christ. Reckon yourself means to “take an inventory”. Take an inventory of your life. Who is your master? Are you serving your flesh, the old nature of Adam? Or are you walking in newness of life as a new creation- a freed man? Free from sin? Free from anxiety, fear and depression?

THEREFORE- do not let sin reign. DO not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin. Sin no longer has any dominion over you. Why would you go back into its slavery? Become a slave to righteousness.

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Sow what?

What we do with the Word of God matters to us- How we receive it, what we do with it, and how we apply it to our lives matters. The parable of the sower is what we are going to cover today- big portion of scripture- but we must cover it all at once because Jesus himself is going to explain to us what the parable meansJesus said this about this parable-Mark 4:13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?The primacy of understanding and applying this parable cannot be understated- if you are in this room today- you need to lean in, remove distractions, internalize and apply this sermon today-your very soul is as stake- you must understand it! READ Matthew 13:1-8 Now- we’ll get into the meaning of this in a moment- because later in the scripture Jesus explains this to us himself- so just hold on and we’ll get to it but let me give you a sneak peek- The seed is the Word. God’s ONLY tool is the Word of God. Everything He does, He does through the Word!The sower is God. He is scattering seed daily and Satan is trying to pick it up.The ground is you. The ground determines all the results of the sowing.So your job- is make sure you are good ground to receive the word so you don’t end up like the other ground- anyone who has planted will tell you- soil prep is paramount!Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.Matthew 13:10-17Before we get to the explanation- his disciples ask him “why do you speak to us in parables” Fair question- some of these parables are easy- but some are cryptic- but they all MEAN something- Jesus is speaking to his disciples to direct THEM (why unsaved cant ed. Me) There’s 2 parts to that answer- first part is that it is a fulfillment of prophecy- Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9 And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’Which is to say- this prophecy is fulfilled- I’m speaking stuff but there’s some people who aren’t going to understand it- they just aren’t- that’s been the plan all along- Here’s the second part- the use of parables is a judgment upon those who are hearing that are in sin because of their unbelief, so Jesus pronounces judgment on them in that they can’t understand- God’s judgment is upon those who reject the message- One commentary said this- their present moral blindness and deafness are represented as the reason for the use of parables. Parables are themselves the punishment; the people are fit for nothing elseThey have the ABILITY to hear and understand, but they don’t have the WILLINGNESS to apply it to actually grow in their acceptance of Jesus- so Jesus refuses to plainly speak to them- they can just be confused until they are ready to receive it. He says- v14 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’But he has this encouragement to those who are willing to hear- 16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.Here’s what I want to do- right now- bow your head and close your eyes- do you want to know what Jesus is saying? Do you want to understand what he is trying to do in your heart? Its like this- have you ever been in a situation that someone is trying to explain to you how to do something, and its not that easy, so you act dumb so they will just get frustrated and do it themselves? You’re unwilling to learn! Or- Have you ever had someone explain something to you in...

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Adam vs Jesus (Romans 5:12-21) Verses in NKJV, except for one in NLT

Genesis 2:15-16, Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 3:6, So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
God was walking through the garden and asked Adam what happened. Adam blamed the woman, the woman blamed the snake… But who did God give the command to in the first place!? (Adam)
This is the original sin. When death entered the world. “Everything is all Adam’s fault!”
It’s easy for us to throw Adam under the bus for this. Consider his actions…
Adam violated all of the “manhood principles” with a cascading effect! (Sin leads to more sin!)
POP QUIZ, men:
What are the manhood principles as defined by God? (RAL-E)

(Reject passivity, Accept responsibility, Lead courageously, Expect the greater reward)

What are a man’s responsibilities? (A Work to do, a Will to obey, a Woman to love)
Adam first stood passively by while the serpent deceived his wife and got her to do the one thing God told Adam shouldn’t be done.
Adam then hid from God in the bushes like a coward, and when God called him out, he failed to accept responsibility and instead blamed it all on his wife.
He chose the immediate perceived pleasure of the apple, foregoing the great reward God had planned for them in the Garden, thus condemning all of mankind to toil, struggle, and death.
It is easy to say it was Adam’s fault, and want to blame someone else for our sins. IRONICALLY, that would cause us to do the very thing we are condemning him for; not taking responsibility.
Consider your own actions! Being passive in your life, blaming your spouse, instant gratification…
Sin entered the world through Adam, but WE are accountable for our own sins! If you don’t accept and recognize our yown sin, you can never truly accept or understand your need for a Savior.
Romans 12:3, For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
The reality is, that if you were Adam or Eve, you would have eventually done the same thing. And if you don’t believe that, then you still have unrecognized sin in your heart that needs to be dealt with.
Our only hope is Jesus. Through one man sin entered the world. Through one man sin is defeated!
Read Romans 5:12-21 *
Adam vs Jesus. (Flesh vs Spirit)

(This is all setting up the difference between where we stand, with Christ, or without Christ.)

The bible describes these two men in terms of the 1st Adam, and the 2nd Adam or “last Adam”.
“Adam” is both the name of the original man, and also the Hebrew word for “human” or “mankind”.
1 Cor. 15:45-47, And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.
Let’s compare and contrast these two:
Adam: The first man, father of our flesh. This is our natural “first born” state of existence.
Pure biology (Food, Sex, Energy conservation). Our entire culture is focused on these things! (Advertising, sit-coms, technology, Amazon, even our ideas about relationships… self-serving)
“Romans 7” Man, “Nothing good lives in me… I want to do what is good,

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The Family of God Matthew 12:46-50 READPsalm 68:6 says that God sets the solitary in families, and that’s true- I love that I am in the Family of God. I have bro an sis all over the world that I love with a deep abiding love. Most people would say that we should love our families and the Biblical truth is that we should1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.The Bible is clear we should take care of our families.The Bible is clear we are to take care of our children and that we should honor our parents. Our birth families deserve honor. Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. But Jesus also makes it clear here (and in other places) that the will of God trumps the will of the family. That our highest devotion, commitment and love should be for God alone. Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.This is a hard message in a world that idolizes and worships family as the center of everything. Family becomes identity, a thing to worship, and where it becomes a problem is when it gets between you and your relationship with God. I love my family. Love my wife and kids. But I’m not going to let my relationship with them get in the way of my relationship with God and doing his will. No way. Not doing that. Lets talk a bit about the family of God, priorities and doing the will of God.

The family of God

Family was instituted by God. There are actually 4 governments instituted by God, Civil, Ecclesiastical, individual and Family government. There is government established within Families ordained by God. Man and Woman married, procreating, raising kids to know JesusThis family unit was established by God in Genesis and perpetuates throughout the Bible. All throughout the Bible- the lineages of families are part of the process for Global salvation. The Bible, in many places uses the descriptors of a family unit as the descriptor of the family of God- that means that God values family, that he desires families to show his gloryThese people whom you gather with to worship with and spend time with are not merely your fellow attenders at this church. We’re a household of God- he is the Father we are his kids- (this is why I reject that we are all God’s children) – we weep, show joy, live together, live lifeGalatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are the household of faith (my closest friends are Christian- they share the same love) I attended a gym with people. I worked with people. I live on a street with people. But the family of God is much different- the church is much different. The Bible says that we are the Body of Christ- that Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.Which simultaneously gives credence to the value of earthly family to be used as an example of the family of God while also elevating the family of God. It says we’re the children of God 1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in his name. It says we’re adopted- Ephesians 1:5 Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will1 timothy uses these examples of how a church family should operate1 Tim 5:1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers,

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If you really knew! Romans 5:1-11(Esv)

Paul is educating the Christian Jews that, since they have been Justified (Been made right) by Faith (Believing God) they have peace with God through Jesus Christ That our sins that separated us from God are no more because of Jesus ChristHe has forgiven us and remembers them no more – Unlike our human forgiveness The Blood of Jesus has given us access to the Father The curtain was cut, and now we don’t need a priest to go to God for us (Huge deal)This is such a great thing that we need to rejoice and exult (feel or show triumphant elation or jubilation) in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God (Big deal)Not only that but let’s rejoice and exult the same way when we face troubles, rejoice in our suffering Suffering produces endurance (an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way)Endurance produces character (Who we become – we are more like Christ)Character produces hope (a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen)Such hope never disappoints – why because it has already been demonstrated by God giving up His only Son to die for us so that you and I can have a relationship with God!Romans 5:6 While we were yet in weakness (Helpless) at the appointed time, Christ died for us Paul goes on to show that it may be that one can give his/her life for a noble, generous, or lovable person But! Romans 5:8 (ampc) God shows and clearly proves His (own) love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for usNow that He has already saved us while we are still sinners, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation by the Blood of Jesus (assurance)Because while we were enemies, God sent His son to die for us Paul concludes in vs 11 by saying that this should be a great celebration because of what we know, have been set free from and have been guaranteedHead knowledge vs Heart knowledge These are the core Christian believes and it’s easy to say that we know them but do we really? Ask any Christian if they are at peace with God, and that they know God How is the relationship between them and God, and most will have some kind of answer Just like Paul, I am asking as I remind you of God’s love, do you really know what this mean for you and everyone elseDo you really know to what length God has gone to get this relationship right?

If you really knew how much God loves you - Your relationship with Him would be different

Let it sink that while you and I were sinners, Christ died for us He didn’t choose to create a new generation but choose to send His only Son to die for us The story of the prodigal son – Luke 15 Luke 15:21-22 (Nkjv)- And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, [c]‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. (Father I am no longer worthy to be called your son)A new robe, having dragged the old one in the pig’s filth, - not only that but...you are restored, and God chooses to live in you and I What else does He have to do, to show you that you are loved As if restoration is not enough, when we accept Him, He pours the Holy Spirit to be our everythingYou have been given power in the name of Jesus, by the Blood of Jesus

If you really knew the thoughts He had towards you would seek a closer relationship

Matthew 10:29-31 (Nkjv)Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[a] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting. ... For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only So...

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TITLE 7 other Spirits more wicked Today is Reformation Sunday! Today I’m going to use our scripture that we’re in Matthew, to illustrate a point about Martin Luther, the catholic church and why receiving Christ is paramount to livingOur Scripture for Today is Matthew 12:43 -45 READThe explanation of this verse is connected to the context of what Jesus is trying to explain to the l- Jesus says- I am the savior, the chosen one- receive me as Savior and all will be wellHe uses an allegorical example of a Demon as an example- if demon leaves a man, there must be something to replace what has left, or 7 more demons come back and make it even worse. Which- pertaining to Israel- if they reject Christ (in their current sinful state) and Christ leaves them, the only option that is that 7 times the amount of demons will overtake them without receiving Christ.- This is true for Israel- it is true for us- we can’t have an empty house. Do you know what a squatter is? I read a story of a guy who has been in a house since 98- do you know what squatters do? Look for vacant houses- they don’t move into where someone isThose who reject Christ are found in the end, worse of than the beginning- bc of empty house2 Peter 2:21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.The simple answer is- Don’t reject Christ or you’re not going to turn out well. This is what was happening during the time of the protestant reformation (the time when Christians broke off from the Catholic Church) The Catholic church WAS Christianity and it was in disrepair- it had wholly become something that was not doing what it was supposed to do- setting people free from sin- quite opposite- it was freeing people to sin- The pope in the early 1500s was Leo X- a man who history has not regarded well- The supreme leader of the catholic church at the time- used money from the church for his own art, allowed people to buy their way into heaven, he enlisted other cardinals to collect money for his personal use. Many claim he wasn’t even a professing Christian- but pope nonetheless He was quoted as saying “How very profitable this fable of Christ has been to us through the ages.”. And that’s what he did- used Christ for his own Gain- He was- in fact- not a Christian while leading the global Christian church at the timeA man, who rejected Christ, who found himself 7 times worse because he had not ChristThis is an historical example of a man without Christ- all of the outward appearances of godliness- a pope, a leader, the right clothes, words, actions and power- all useless in his pursuit of righteousness- because of his refusal to accept the simple offer of Salvation that Christ offers- he was an empty house that an evil spirit moved into. Its people like this that profane the name of Christ that people use as a reason to not accept Christ- people who are CINA Christians in Name only- Rejection of Christ and reception of evil because the house is found emptyHere’s a truth- there is a no-option option- every- body- house- has a spirit choose to receive Christ- We know we’re spirits- “stinky Stanley” “That isn’t you- you’re matthew be matthew” And so today is the 504th anniversary of Martin Luthers day of ReformationI Think its important that we celebrate it today- it encapsulates why we are not CatholicIts important because it encapsulates who we are as protestants. (People wonder these things) Over 504 years ago on 31 oct 1517 there was a monk named Martin luther who nailed 95 thesis on to the door of a church in GermanyThe church door in those days was like a facebook wall- it invited debate on an issue. Someone printed a bunch of copies (thanks to Gutnebergs new press) and the rest is historyLuthers parents wanted him to be a lawyer, but while in law school he was almost struck by lightening.

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Genesis 28:11-17 - Pastor Allan

Genesis 28:11-17 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it[a] stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.[b] 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” faithandvictory.com/encounters

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Sweet Aroma: Pastor Appreciation Day 2021 (2 Cor. 2:14-17) All verses in NKJV

(Talk about Matt and Crystal)

A little more than 18 yrs ago, I was there when Pastor Matt and Pastor Crystal planted FVC.
I’ve seen it grow from just a few people in an elementary School, to where we are today.
Working 2 jobs, raising kids, full time ministers… making many sacrifices along the way.
They have had other opportunities. Example: Larger church that offered him a job, meaning he would have to close FVC. But he didn’t take it, because God called him to lead us! And he obeyed.
Their hearts are not focused on what they can get from God, but how they can serve him better.
Praise God that they obeyed the Lord, because I have seen it change countless lives here, as they share the unadulterated gospel with anyone who will listen.
They have made FVC a treasure, and because of that, they have become a treasure to us.
Example: I don’t know where I would be without them. They are encouragers, steadfast, loyal, and an example for all of us to follow…
They are a treasure to us because they have made it a priority to preach the whole truth and council of God. People need to hear the hard truth, not to be placated. Above all, that has become a sweet aroma to us who are saved, and a stern warning to those who are not.
It is the smell of death to those who have chosen to live a life of sin, and that has often created friction, which they have gladly endured for the cause of Christ.
This leads me into today’s scripture…

2 Cor. 2:14-17, Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

Jesus uses us to spread his word.
Paul is creating a word picture here that is about more than what smells good or bad. The concept is one of victory or defeat.
In Rome, when a General returned from winning in battle, they would hold a victory parade, or a “Triumph march” to celebrate his victory over the enemy.
This would involve a long processional through large crowds lining the city streets including chariots, soldiers, the spoils of war, and the enemy captives taken during battle. The route would be lined with burning incense that would permeate through the whole city.
2 Cor. 2:14 (NLT), But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
Paul uses a word picture of Christ being the victorious leader, and we are in his triumph march. We are his servants, led by him, with the goal of spreading the gospel everywhere.
It is amazing how the word of God can change a life. You can’t expect people to just figure it out.
Example: That’s why Pastor Matt preaches the way he does. You can’t dance around the truth and try to be PC, and hope someone catches it. You have to be straight forward and honest.
Romans 10:14-15, How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
It is great to serve and love people, but it is important for them to know why you are serving and loving them.

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“As If!” In my best valley girl voice

Romans 4:13-25

13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be [a]sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did-- The dead are not dead to God, and things which be not, are to God alive—The seed of Abraham did not yet exist, nevertheless God said, So shall thy seed be. The multiplication of the seed presupposes the previous existence of the seed. God says to the light, whilst it is not in existence, just as if it already were, Come forth, come into existence.

Genesis 1:3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

This phrase expresses the transitions from non-existence to existence by God’s calling it forth.

Ezekiel 36:29 I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you.

There is a false theology out there that says that we can speak things into existence and we will get what we speak. EX: lady at church I attended while Matt was in Egypt. I do not believe this. We are NOT God, but we are to have a firm faith in the Almighty and Eternal God who speaks things into existence. Our faith is in Him and His Word- not what we want Him to do for us. He is an awesome and mighty God. He is the Creator of all things and He holds the world in its existence by His Word. How can we not trust such a One as He? When HE speaks something, it is AS IF it has already transpired. It is sure

His promises are AS IF they have already happened in our lives because of who HE is and they are sure to those who are unwavering and fully convinced. Because God speaks and it is, we can know:

1 The promise of God is sure. 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be [a]sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us

the Apostle means two different things by the ‘yea’ and the ‘amen’ . The one is God’s voice, the other is man’s. The one has to do with the certainty of the divine revelation, the other has to do with the certitude of our faith in the revelation. When God speaks in Christ, He confirms everything that He has said before,

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Come and SeeI love donuts. Always have- I don’t eat as many as I used to- last week had a bad donut day-I remember the first time I had a Krispy Kreme donut- changed my life- that hot light no jokeTold my grandpa about it- French pastry chef- poo-pooed about it- took him- 7 and he believedIt was something that I loved- that I knew that someone else loved- so I shared it with himHave you ever seen something cool and wanted to share it with someone? A rainbow, a sunset, a funny video? Gone to a great restaurant? “you got to see this video, movie” hear this songYou need to have the same commitment when It comes to sharing JesusPsalm 66:5 Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.On October 31- we are having an invite Sunday- and today that’s what we’re talking about-I want you to come away from this message with a commitment to invite one person- not even get one person to come- just invite one person- if we can get a handful of visitors- it will be great- make a commitment- be about that invite life.From Research- there’s one specific reason that visitors come to church?The friendship factor. They asked more than 50,000 people over the last 10 years why they came to church, and between 75 and 90 percent of respondents say, “I began attending because someone invited me.”Only 2% of church people invite an unchurched person (Thom Ranier, 2003)One study found 37% of Christians linked their conversion to being invited to church (Unbinding the Gospel) showed 40% who joined first came because a friend invited.Don’t invite people that have another church- not the plan- unchurched- non-Christians

why is evangelism importantWe want to give God as much glory as possible- because he is worth it- when we lead more people to Him, it gives him more glory- its more people to worship himSalvation benefits God the most, and us secondly- the truth is that people have better lives when they are Christians- so why would we not want them to experience it?Heaven sounds better than Hell any day of the week. The God life is the best life.Here’s another reason- its mandated by scripture- this is a mandate I’m all for-Mat 28:19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.These words were spoken by Jesus at the end of his earthly ministry before he ascended into heaven- its often said that the last words that someone says before they leave is most important- GO and CONVERT and TEACHWe, as the people of God who have been converted are to go and convert other people- our salvation was never intended for ourselves- it is for God and Others for HIS benefit (mostly him)We should be about our fathers business-I get it- life is hard- and even myself- its easy to get consumed with our own problems and our own issues and the things that are going on with us- Chicken coop- all I think about (food distro)Marriage, kids, finances, work, world, hobbies, etc. It’s a a consuming lifeAnd its east to get so sucked into it- that we forget that as Christians- our life is not our own- we are blessed to be a blessing- saved to save others- dead to help others liveAnd so it takes a lot of mind energy- to stay focused and remember to evangelizeHonestly- I don’t need the rejection and the pain- I don’t need the embarrassmentActs 13:47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”We are that light- we are that varisty team- that’s what we are supposed to be doingRomans 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?This week- talking to someone who invited someone to Chur...

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Intro story-Guys testimony

That man was made righteous the moment he believed God is who He says He is

He knew that God could redeem him

He wasn’t made righteous by the act of placing his drugs on the altar

He believed God, was made righteous then immediately laid down his addiction in an act of faith and has been living for the Lord since that day

Romans 4:1-12

4 What then shall we say that Abraham our father[a] has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was [b]accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted [c]as grace but as debt.

5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,

And whose sins are covered;

8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

Pauls audience were Jews and Gentiles at the moment

Jewish leaders at the time would teach justification by works

That’s why paul is using the reference of Abraham in the old testament

He is showing the jewish rabbis through it, that Abraham was justified by faith in God and not by works

Abraham Is called the father of faith because “he believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness”

Abraham did many good works that men would boast about and commend

Jewish leaders would proudly proclaim the direct lineage of Abraham and boast about being physical descendants

They thought just because they were direct descendants that it gave them special favor and merit with God as if through Abraham they were made righteous

They thought through association they were justified in the eyes of God

They would even teach, even though wrongly, that their offspring was automatically justified and made righteous by default

Paul was letting them know that righteousness is not inherited

It is not gained by good works either

It cant be obtained by keeping the law, religious ceremonies, or passed down from a parent

Righteousness is only obtained by believing God is who He says He is

It is gained through faith by believing Jesus Christ did everything on the cross

We are not justified by any work that we could ever do or by our own merit

But by faith alone

Romans 4:2

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God

Abraham did many good works that gained the favor of man

The works he did gained mans approval

But that’s not what justified him in the eyes of God

Men thought Abraham was justified and made righteous by his works

And in the eyes of men, his works are what justified him

But good works aren’t what justifies us with God, Its our faith

Abraham did many incredible works including almost sacrificing his son

Known as one of the most faithful moments he had with God

But even before those works Abraham was made righteous

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Jesus GoatTalk about Invite Sunday (Oct 31) Matthew 12:38-42 JESUS IS THE G.O.A.T. What is Jesus saying here- He’s saying to these Pharisees that want proof that he’s already given them proof enough and that they shouldn’t need any more proof. He’s done enough. He calls them adulterous for wanting a sign and says- you’ll get the same sign as Jonah- a man who goes into the deep for 3 days and comes out and tells you to start living for God and not your sin. And then he says- I’m greater than Jonah. I’m greater than Solomon. Just watch what happens. I think we all at some point have tested God- Either we tested him with our mouth, our actions. We’ve prayed prayers that we wanted to use as a test to see if God was real or he would movePeople are always enamored with people who are the “Best” at something- consequently, the amount of people who are, is much less than when you could be the best in your town. We follow a savior who is the greatest of all time- he is the man, the one, the one and only. Title of Todays message- Jesus is the G.O.A.T.

Jesus didn’t have to give them proof- he was the GOAT - Jesus Goat

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.On numerous occasions, Jesus did in fact give them many proofs. Water into wine, healing the sick, rasing the dead. Fulfilling prophecy- but it wasn’t enoughLook back at John chapter 9- this man, who was born blind was healed by Jesus- and the response of the pharisees was to challenge his healing, accuse his parents, and then cast him out for testifying the truthTheir reply to him was- john 9:28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”When Jesus says- “an adulterous generation seeks after a sign” he’s using word language here that shows the relationship that Israel had with Jehovah- namely a bride and her husbandSame imagery as the church and Jesus in the new testamentAnd to use this adulterous language is to say- you’re cheating on your spouse- you’re not sticking with the relationshipThe adultery of the Jews before Jesus was that they didn’t trust God- they didn’t keep idols out of their lives and worshipped other gods- God called them adulterers for this- The Jews of the OT had many many signs to show them that God was God- (Manna, parting of the red sea, floating axe head, parting of the Jordan, water from a rock, people healed, destruction of armies, sun standing still, the firey furnace, Daniel in the Lions den etc etc etc) Jesus is saying- How many more signs do you need bro? do you not remember what I’ve already done? Your heart has already turned?1 Corinthians 1:22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;So he says- the only sign you’re going to get is the sign of Jonah- The people of Ninevah repented when Jonah told them to- and they had much less evidence than Jesus had given these pharisees- and they had turned from evil- but why not now?Jesus says- I’ll give you one more sign- but its going to be me dying and raising from the deadWhat does it mean to you?Are you holding Jesus hostage because of something he hasn’t done for you?People do this often- they put a limit on what they will respond to God- until “this” or they will serve him until “This” – they are wanting some sort of “sign” they want more ‘proof’ I’ve seen it more times than I can count- not serving Jesus because of something that happened to them, something wont happen for them, OR even worse- seeing God do something and then not serving him- On facebook seeing people enjoying what they had prayed for Its an adulterous generation- Seen people get married, marriages saved, kids born,

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FAITH OR LAW? YOUR CHOICE

Romans 3:27-31 NLT “Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. 29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course, He is. 30 There is only one God, and He makes people right with Himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do, we truly fulfill the law.”

Can we boast about salvation, that we did anything to be accepted by God? NO!

It is by faith that we are saved not by the works we do. Can you imagine if it was by works that we were saved? First of all, that would be a lot of hard work trying attain eternal life.

I can’t imagine what church would look like…I assume it would look more like corporate offices, some acting better than others because of their achievements, others fighting and backstabbing to get to the top, there would be a lot of competition and comparisons, and others would probably be discouraged and give up because they would probably feel like they can’t keep up with all the craziness.

BUT praise God that it is only by faith that we are saved, we can’t boast that we have done anything to be accepted by God.

“Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Gal 6:14 NKJV “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

According to Galatians 3:19 The purpose of the law was to show people that their sinful actions are offenses against God. It was designed to last only until the promised child, the Messiah.

The Jews we were all about obeying the law, they observed the sabbath, fasted, prayed at required times, followed required rituals, tithed etc.; which there is nothing wrong with the fact that they did these things, the problem was that this to them was just a routine, it wasn’t about their faith in God or a need for a relationship with Him. Jews believed it was all about works.They believed as long as they did what the law required of them, then they were righteous before God. They honored the Mosaic law (which was given by God, yet they rejected Jesus. (Sounds like what is happening today. Many call themselves Christians, yet their lifestyles clearly reject Jesus.) They pick and choose what scriptures they want to follow. The Jews clearly rejected scriptures like Isaiah 53 that talks about the coming Messiah who would be despised and rejected by His very own.

Their faith was not in God but in His laws.

Some current churches – homosexuality

We can fool people, but we can’t food God.

It doesn’t matter how perfectly we try to follow the laws of God, at some point, actually at many points we all fall short of His glory.

Romans 3:10 NKJV “There is none righteous, no, not one.”

Romans 3:23 NKJV “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

It is only by faith and the power of Christ within us that we can live a life pleasing to Him.

28 “So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.”

Are you doing good deeds (obeying the law) instead of following God’s leading?

The Bible has made it clear that it’s not by obeying the law that we are made right with God but through faith.

The pharisees were perfect examples of law keepers. They worked hard to keep the laws and even condemned those that did not do the same. BUT sadly, they had no relationship with God.

God does not look at our outward actions to determine our salvation, He looks at the heart.

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Are you Good? Matthew 12:33-37Jesus is describing here, immediately after going into a few doctrinal statements- is saying to his disciples- if you want to see if you’re where you need to be- check your fruitAnd the fruit is easy to see- it comes from mouth, what you do, and pay attention bc at judgment day you’re going to answer for everything you said and did. YIKES! Did your stomach sink? Mine did! I want to get this right- I want to honor God- I want have fruit. I want to look at the fruit, examine it- and if it aint good- get it RIGHTMy neighbor- tons of grapes- “have all you want” yeah man- seeded grapes- Not great fruit. Still fruit- but not great fruit. I want great fruit. You should want great fruit.

1.Good tree good fruit

33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.Jesus continually used agrarian examples for his disciples because they are immediately known to them, but quickly applicable to anyone for thousands of years- good tree good fruit. Bad tree bad fruit. Years ago- watching one of those go out into wilderness and try not to die shows- they found a tree with pretty fruit- everyone buy like 2 people didn’t eat it- everyone else lost and went home almost dying. Looked good- even tasted good- but it wasn’t a good tree and it wasn’t good fruit. toxicLuke 6: 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.Jesus wants his disciples to have good fruit from a good tree. A tree is going to be known by it fruit- what does it produce?Jesus is the tree- he produces good fruit he wants the same from his dsiciples. Matthew 7:16 JESUS Said- You will know them by their fruits. Everyone in this room knows what Jesus means- it really doesn’t even require an explanation. Good fruit is sweet, flavorful, satisfying, nutritious, easy to pick and reproduce, and everyone loves it. No one wants bad tasting fruit from any tree- no one. You cant give it away. And he says “Make the tree good” you have to get at the root to make this happen. If you are a bad tree you are not going to make good fruit- it has to be a good tree and Jesus says “make the tree good. What does it mean to you?How do we make a tree good? Starts with good ground prep. I like to research stuff. I research stuff that I never do anything with but when I’m bored on the internet that’s what I do. Building a boat etc. I researched how to get a good apple tree and site prep is paramount! Where you plant it, when, how, the soil, all of it- if you want to get good fruit. Whats the root of the Christian? Repentance. Now- people say that isn’t the root of Jesus but repentance is turning to Jesus- its being rooting and grounded in him. Be planted in him. Not yourself. And if you haven’t repented to Jesus- it is impossible to bear good fruit. When Jesus said in Matthew 3:8 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,He was describing it quite aptly- turn towards Jesus be grounded in him, you produce good fruitEzekiel 18:31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?This is an eternal Gospel truth- turn from sin, get a new heart, have good fruit. Many people don’t have this because they haven’t been converted- they are trying to do it alone on their own strength. And like that sickly tree- look good, taste good, but toxic on insideJohn 15:4-7 READ 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.Abide in Jesus- and you produce good fruit! Jeremiah 2:21 Yet I had planted you a noble vine, a seed of highest quality. How then have you turned before Me Into the degenerate plant of an alien vine?You’re a good seed- don’t turn into a degenerate plant. Good soil.

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The greatest interruption (Gospel) Romans 3:21-26

Last week, Pastor Jay spoke about how we are all on a boat/ship – the Titanic (How we choose to be rescued depends on our self-examinationOur reading today, reminds us of the steps that were taken before we were born, in order to rescue you and IGod knew that we were sinner, that He would have to send His only Begotten Son to die for usThat no matter how good, He set us up and provide ways to seek forgiveness, we were still going to depart from the truthHe sent His Son, that ….And whoever (no limit) believes in Him will not loose His life but have eternal lifeWilliam Tyndale – The man who translated the Bible to English: What do we call the Gospel? – it’s a Greek word signifying good, merry, glad, joyful news: that makes man heart glad and makes him sing, dance and leap for joyRomans 3:22- 24 (NLT) - We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 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.God knew that when He created us, we would betray Him, yet He still choose usThe idea that He choose us still puzzles meYet, I believe that His Word is true – Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hopeWe are in a time when the future is dim and hope is diminishing (The Exiled Jews)John 16:20 (Nkjv) Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joyJohn 14:3 - And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be alsoHe interrupted sinNo one likes to be interrupted – However some interruptions are best:Stop the continuous progress of (an activity or process)Break the continuity of (a line or surface)One of my wife’s and I best interruptions – California to WashingtonLiving the way of the worldGoing to churchStaying as good peopleAnd that is what Romans 3:21 (NLT) is talking about that God showed us a way to be made right without keeping the outside rituals – but a true heart changeThe law – outside acts to doing things yet the heart condition is the sameRomans 3:25 ( Ampc) – Whom God put forward [[a]before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishmentIn order to understand forgiveness, we have to remember what we have been saved fromWhat a joy, that my/ our past sins have been passed over by the blood and of Jesus- They have been ignored, without punishment- Hallelujah The Gospel is a mirror: It’s an honest mirrorOne that allows us, if we are willing to examine, to face our short coming, and know that we are not judged if we repent, know that we can come to the mercy seat and cast down our burdensEzekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of fleshThis is the spiritual transformation promised in the new covenant. Instead of the law working from the outside in, God promised a new heart to work from the inside out.One that can feel, and that can enjoy; that can feel love to God and to all men, and be a proper habitation for the living God.We need to look no furtherThe Gospel exposes us – Romans 3:22 (ampc) Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

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Matthew 12:31-32

Have you ever seen in a movie when they say, “under no circumstances do this” and then interrupted?

This is a very contested and often misunderstood scripture in the Bible. You better get this rightIN this verse Jesus says- you can do anything and be forgiven except for one thingNow if I were you- I’d want to know what that one thing is. We serve a God that forgives sin and welcomes us into his kingdom- but there actually is something he wont forgive? Yes. Get this RIGHTWhat does the term blasphemy even mean?Basically “defiant irreverence”- you are rebellious in heart and action have no holy reverence of God or willfully degrading things that are of GodBlasphemy is also attributing evil to God, or denouncing good as not of himThis defiant irreverence is the unique sin of openly mocking God and intentionally speaking evil against God. Defaming him. Mocking him. Your mouth speaking. Your lifestyle speaking. Direct rebelliousness towards God’s holy ways. You don’t want to do this. God does not like itIn a worldly sense it would be like a child who is well cared for saying they aren’t or that their parents acted with impure motives or intent. Speaking against their character and powerIt is when God moves and we say he didn’t. Someone isn’t forgiven, that move wasn’t of the spirit, that God is evil for what he has done, that God doesn’t exist, that God doesn’t saveLev 24:16 had the punishment of death by stoning for blasphemyIn the book of Revelation blasphemy is described as the characteristic of those who are rebellious and oppose God- I’m always surprised when professing Christians blaspheme God- He’s watching. Blasphemy is serious business. Its not something to be toyed with or allowed. God will forgive blasphemy, Jesus said that people would be forgiven of it if it is confessed and repented of. blasphemer who repents can be forgiven- paul was a blasphemer. But there’s one thing NOT forgiven1 Timothy 1:13-14 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.“Christ Jesus came into the world,” the apostle continues, “to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all” (v. 15). Peter blasphemed Christ with curses (Mark 14:71) and was forgiven and restored.Even a believer can blaspheme, since any thought or word that sullies or defames the Lord’s name constitutes blasphemy. To question God’s goodness, wisdom, fairness, truthfulness, love, or faithfulness is a form of blasphemy. All of that is forgivable by grace. IF YOU REPENT1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”).Now to our verse- 31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.Scholars have debated and continue to debate the meaning of this verse. Lets go through them All are bad. Don’t do any of them. I think we can agree what the essence of the sin is

There is a blasphemy that can be forgiven, there is a blasphemy that cannot

The blasphemy that CAN be forgiven is one that you have repented of and asked forgiveness ofGods heart- 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.Those words were written by the Apostle Peter—and if anyone was guilty of denying Christ, it was Peter. Peter denied Christ and sent him to the crossBut Peter repented, and God forgave him—completely and totally.

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We are All in the Same Boat (Romans 3:9-20) All verses in NKJV

In 1912, the RMS Titanic made its maiden voyage from South Hampton England to New York.
The Titanic was the most luxurious and technologically advanced passenger ship in the world, and actively marketed as the world’s first and last “Unsinkable Ship.” Ironically, it hit an iceberg 4 days into the journey and sank, killing 1,517 of the men, women, and children who were on board.
The youngest victim was 13 months, and the oldest was 74 years old.
The Titanic was capable of carrying 48 lifeboats but was only equipped with 20 at the time. This was enough for less than half of the passengers on board, and when the lifeboats were deployed, most ended up only about half full. They had room for 1,100, but only 712 survived the ship sinking.
According to witness accounts, the ship’s orchestra of 8 musicians, continued to play during the whole evacuation, in an attempt to calm the passengers. They played until the very end, and all of them perished. By many reports, the last song they played was, “Nearer, my God, to Thee.”
They were all in the same boat. People from every demographic died. Rich, poor, old, young, passengers, crew members, servants, and officers. The richest man on the boat, and the Captain.
WE are all in the same boat too! The world wants us to focus on our differences, but spiritually speaking, we are the same. We are all just arranging chairs on the deck of the Titanic.
In the Book of Romans, The Apostle Paul is saying the same thing. At the end of the day, whether Jew or Gentile, our fate is the same. Our sin has condemned us all to death!
Our only hope is salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone!

Read Romans 3:9-20

This is what Paul is saying.
In the Book of Romans, The Apostle Paul is speaking to a Jewish audience. He speaks to them with credibility because he is also Jewish and trained in the religious law.
The Jews know they are God’s people, and they are well versed in the law of Moses. They believe they are saved because God chose them, and the law, but Paul is telling them where they are wrong.
Romans 2:1, Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
The Jews should not be condemning the behavior of the Gentiles, all the while thinking that they are safe from the consequences of their own sinful behaviors.
God does not play favorites, and we all will be held to the same standard.
Romans 3:1-2, What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles (scriptures) of God.
If, like Paul says in Chapter 2, The Jews can’t count on their history with God for salvation, and following the law won’t make them righteous, what’s so good about being a Jew?
Paul tells them they have the advantage over the gentiles because they have the Word of God. They know the truth. They just need to start obeying the truth.
So, the Jews might be thinking that if they are God’s chosen, and they have God’s word, and this gives them the advantage, that it makes them better people than the gentiles, but Paul says, “NO!”
I think this is similar to how many Christians act these days. We have the knowledge of God, we have his Bible, and we are His people. We are better than all those sinners out there in the world.
Romans 3:9, What then? Are we (Jews, God’s chosen) better than they (the pagans)? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
We, as believers have an advantage over the non-believer because we know the truth of God and the path to salvation. But, this advantage doesn’t make us “better”, because…

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Matt 12:22-30Abraham Lincoln in the “house divided speech” famously quoted this scripture and said “a house divided cannot stand” in regards to slavery- "A house divided against itself cannot stand."I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved - I do not expect the house to fall - but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other.The 16th President quoted the Bible to describe what we all know- you can’t live in duality. You cant. Something will always overtake the other- you can’t live in a divided state and expect to flourishWe see Jesus addressing the pharisees (not quoting Lincoln) and using the example of a divided kingdom in regards to the deliverance of someone from demons- You cant live a divided lifeToday we live in a divided America- or at least an America that loves divisiveness and a “us v them’ mentality- its not sustainable. You can’t live divided. Not in a nation, home, relationship, work. One side always wins out or the house itself is destroyed and no longer exists.every city or house divided against itself will not stand.In these short momentes, lets see what divides a house and how you can get some unity

What divides a house

Struggles for power Divide a house24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”Pharisees did not want things to change and they did not want Jesus to do what he was doingThe pharisees were the power brokers of the day so when Jesus showed up, they really didn’t care about the truthfulness of his claims, because he was an threat to their structural powerLets drift back to 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.- Judaism was in a rift then and now because of the rejection of Messiah-This is not the mindset of someone who is trying to find out the truth of the matter. These were learned Jews who knew Moses/the prophets and chose to ignore the messianic claims of Jesus.John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.Mark 3:6 Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.I don’t know much, but I know human nature and what I know is that groups that have no importance that suddenly have importance will fight to keep their importance- and will reject attacks on themIf you are at your job and what you do is seemingly insignificant, and all of sudden you’re important- you like that- and you don’t want to lose that- MeHealth in the Army v now- Public Health, CDC, Fire 9/11So when I see the pharisees- they aren’t even listening to the claims of Jesus- they just want to maintain their power.What does it mean to youStruggle for power in your life is between you and Jesus Luke 9:23-24 READThis is THE struggle for all who are not Christians, and those who are-If you’re here and you’re not a Christian- you’re in a power struggle with God- you don’t want to submit because you want to control your own life you don’t want something or someone to control youSo you resist- you fight- you don’t give yourself over to it. Be it from Trust, fear, worry, ignorance- whatever- your ‘house’ is not really divided in this sense- but your heart may beFor the believer- The “house divided” can be a daily, hourly mindset that we all constantly struggle with- How deeply am I going to honor God with my life? Mind, actions, resources etc? whom do I serveAnd the proverbial devil on the shoulder is constantly there- “should I be thinking about this” “how should I respond” and sometimes you give yourself over the flesh- and that becomes a divided houseJesus says- that house will not stand- He used the example of satan driving out satan- he can’t be the ...

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Matthew 12:15-21 Jesus just gets done preaching on the sabbath and then he tries to get away, many follow him, he heals them, and then he warns them to not make him knows to fulfill prophecyThis is beginning to show the turning of the story towards crucifixion. Jesus knew what was going to happen- so he was telling his followers to cover for him. We, as Christian people are going through the hardest time I have seen in my lifeA time where our faith is being tested more than any other time in the past 30 yearsThe fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah towards Jesus is a promise fulfilled that gave those earliest disciples hope, and it should give us hope as well. ”Till He sends forth justice to victory”

God chose Jesus- God chose you for Victory

V18 Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased!It was God’s design and plan that he would choose Jesus, send Jesus, be Jesus, redeem the world. “Till He sends forth justice to victory;”This has been God’s plan since the beginning of time- “let us make man in our own image” Part of making sense of this world is the understanding that God is working out his planPsalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations.Jesus is the plan- God sent his son (himself) to redeem the world- this should give you hopeRomans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.In due time! People went 700 years without hearing from God- and here he is! God chose himWhat does it mean to youIf God chose Jesus, and is running the show- then God chose you! And that means VICTORYYou’ve heard the “before I formed you in the womb I knew you” and “the plans I have for you”And that’s true! It may not be what you expect it to be or what you want it to be- but he chose you! And that should give you a measure of hope in this hopeless world to know he chose you!Ephesians 1:4-5 READ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, That means- before the earth was created- God knew that you would exist- that he would call you and you would live for him- You’re not just some cog in massive wheel- God KNOWS you1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, - Man- I hold on to that- I’m SPECIAL- The God of the universe chose ME- I don’t think I’m better than anyone- but I sure am glad whose I am- I am HIS- He owns me and I LOVE ITI have sat in situations- thought- ‘how did I end up here’ Because he CHOSE ME FOR VICTORYJohn 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; Romans 8:29 John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you Deuteronomy 7:6 SAYS a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.Are you reflecting on that? Are you letting that minister to you? Because its TRUE- VICTORY

Jesus had the spirit of God- you have the spirit of God for Victory

“I will put My Spirit upon Him” is the promise of Isaiah and the fulfillment found in “this is my son in whom I am well pleased’ and ‘ the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove’ John 1:32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.The Trinity- Father, Son, Holy Spirit are 3 in 1. They are the Godhead and work in concertJesus worked through the power of the Holy Spirit while he was on this Earth. How it worked. But Jesus didn’t expect that we would walk through life through our own power- no wayWe needed and need the Holy Spirit to be able to walk on this earth We NEED YOU HOLY SPIRITGalatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”When we cry out to God in faith, we receive the spirit of adoption and his SPIRIT to help usRom 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. 1 Cor 3:16 Says the Spirit of God dwells in you1 Corinthians 6:19 Says ...

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Taking advantage of the advantage Romans 3:1-8

What’s your opinion of God?My old understanding – Strict GodMy new understanding

Recap

Paul anticipated what they were thinking – Read their mailWhat is the advantage of being Jew?Actually, great in many aspectsThey were trusted with the Oracle of the Word of GodPaul stating the fact and not trying to discredit who they are – He does a great jobHe is not against the Jews just like Pastors are not against usYou have advantage, however without Jesus its all a wasteWithout true understanding of the Heart of God, they/we cannot benefit from the knowledgeIf someone did not believe or was unfaithful would that invalidate Gods Word or His FaithfulnessCircumcision – Simply cutting or external sign and no change on the insideLet God be found true (as He will be) though every person be found a liarAs it is written – Psalms 51:4 ( Nkjv) Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight - That You may be found just [a]when You speak, And blameless when You judgeDavid is owning up to his sins and accepting the consequences of themOur unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God – NOTThe unrighteousness man enhances the righteousness of God – WrongThe Black background with a picture in the fore-frontThe darker the sin the more we show God’s gloryLike the people who glorify their past lifeGod is not wrong with inflicting His Wrath on such peopleWrong teaching – If through my lies, God’s truth is magnified and abounded to His Glory – why am I being Judged? Story of JudasSome Jews say – Let do evil so that good may come out of itGods Judgement is on themPeople don’t listen well- They listen to respondWe jump into conclusion based on our selfishnessChallenging to understandToday’s Jews look alike:Great churchGood teachingPeaceful countryBible in our own language – commentariesLittle to no hardship in this countryJews grew up hearing the Word of God, head knowledge vs heart knowledgeIf the Israelites did not make it to the promised land, does that make God not true?God does not lie – Titus 1:2(NLT) This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to[a] those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world beganThis eternal life is not a wish, but a hope. In this sense, hope is an anticipation founded not on wishful thinking, but on a promise from the God who cannot lieMan will not be judged based on what man says, but by what the WORD of God says i.e. – The standard of GodDon’t abuse GracePeople will interpret however they want to suit their wishes and understanding – World around us nowPaul is attempting to make them think but it’s a futile attempt – Trying to debate the mask/vaccine mandatesIt happens all the time, when you preach a Word and people misinterpret itIsaiah 40:8 (Nkjv) The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands foreverThe Word of the Lord abides forever – no debateRomans 9:15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassionThere is never any injustice with the LordSo, if God is not a liar, does not change His standards, is righteous, has compassion of who He chooses, is Just, - He has shown all these characters and proven them over and recorded them in 66 books, what’s the confusion?Here it is – our PerceptionJesus can’t get honor in His townMark 6: 1-6 (NLT) Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?...

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Matthew 12:1-14

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Remember that Jesus just finished talking about taking up His yoke and His burden, then will you find rest for your souls. The safety, security and rest that we search for in only found in being yoked with Jesus- following His way, obeying His Word, staying on that narrow path of affliction

Being in the corn-fields, the disciples began to pluck the ears of corn: the law of God allowed it,

Deuteronomy 23:25 When you come into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain.

The Pharisees did not quarrel with them for taking another man's corn, but for doing it on the sabbath day. Christ came to free his followers, not only from the corruptions of the Pharisees, but from their unscriptural rules, and justified what they did.

The Pharisees distinguished themselves from the Sadducees by their zeal for the traditions of men, which they held to be equal to the Word of God. With the completion of the Mishnah (written compilation of the oral law, rituals, and traditions) in about A.D. 200, and the Talmud (the combination of the Mishnah and the Gemara [three centuries of the rabbis’ commentary on the Mishnah]) in about A.D. 500, the Pharisees’ teaching became virtually synonymous with Judaism. Ironically, it was their zeal for the law that caused the Pharisees to become focused on rituals and externally keeping the law. They abandoned true religion of the heart for mere outward behavior modification and ritual, leading Jesus to scathingly denounce their pseudospirituality: The complex set of man-made rules and regulations was a crushing, unbearable burden.

Matthew 15:9 “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

The word "doctrines," here, means the requirements of religion - things to be believed and practiced in religion. God only has a right to declare what shall be done in His service; but they held their traditions to be superior to the written word of God, and taught them as doctrines to be binding

Jesus meets a group of these Pharisees, most likely spies sent from Jerusalem to find an accusation against Him and Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of man. These words assert that the Sabbath (Hebrew word meaning to repose, desist from exertion) came within the limits of His jurisdiction as the Messiah, just as the power to forgive sins had been claimed by Him under the same title. This title Son of Man asserts the authority of Him who bears it to determine how the Sabbath is to be observed in the Kingdom of God. He had this authority from the beginning:

Daniel 7:13-14 13 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

Thus Jesus declares to these men that as the Son of Man, He has authority over all things- even the Sabbath

Mark 2:27-28 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

The Sabbath is one of the 10 commandments. The first four reveal our duty to God, the last six reveal our duty to man. The command to keep the Sabbath is the 4th, falling under our moral duty to God. The situation concerning Old Testament law [the Ten Commandments] is one of fulfillment in the New Testament and not one of abandonment. Christ Himself was careful to summarize this aspect during the Sermon on the Mount. ‘Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill'” (Matthew 5:17)

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Intro story

You could say, his heart had not been circumcised for the Lord

Now you might be thinking, that’s a weird way to phrase it

Generally speaking it would be, but since we go through the bible verse by verse this is where we are landing in the scriptures today

Romans 2:25-29

25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your [a]written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose [b]praise is not from men but from God.

When I started in ministry about 15 years ago I never once thought that one day I would have to prepare a message about circumcision

But here we are.

In the last month I have learned more about it than I ever thought I would, now you get to hear it too

Circumcision is mentioned about 100 times between the old testament and the new

This discussion about circumcision happens a few times in the new testament

Often when we hear circumcision we just think of a medical practice

But to God and the jewish people it was so much more than that

Circumcision was a direct covenant between God and His people

People probably don’t think of this or even realize, well I didn’t anyway, that this covenant was the beginning of Gods chosen people

This covenant to Abraham created a whole lineage that was set apart by God and for Him

As long as they upheld the covenant God gave to Abraham they would be set apart

Lets look in genesis to see the start of the covenant

It’s a lot of scripture but it is important to understand

Genesis 17:1-22

17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am [a]Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of [b]many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called [c]Abram, but your name shall be [d]Abraham; for I have made you a father of [e]many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in[f] which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has brok...

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Matt 11:25-29Jesus is talking to the multitudes here and his making some pretty bold statements- he’s saying here- he’s been talking to people who can and will hear him, these people know he’s Father God, and that if they would believe in them they’d have a better lifeHere’s the subtext of this passage- The sense of biblical rest is knowing that everything we toil for on this earth is meaningless- You can’t enter into the rest of Jesus if you still have one leg in the world and half of your heart in the worldThis is the struggle of man for thousands of years- My favorite book is Ecclesiasties- because it encapsulates so well the idea that only following God satisfies- everything else is pointless1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.2 “Vanity[a] of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” 3 What profit has a man from all his laborIn which he [b]toils under the sun?4 One generation passes away, and another generation comes; But the earth abides forever.And we, like the writer of Ecc, and these multitudes sitting with Jesus- find ourselves in this same tension at times- will the things of this world satisfy me more than Jesus- And if you’re toiling for the things of this world you may find it to be meaningless as wellHave you ever worked for something, got it and it didn’t satisfy? You still felt empty?That’s the ethos of this world- and if you really boil it down- you either pay for an item, an experience or a necessity. That’s about it. And I hope through this covidness that you’ve learned what to value- I hope you’ve learned what you need and don’t need. Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

Knowing Jesus is the greatest thing

V25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.Much like now- those people who are “educated” and “influential” have a demeanor of “we know better than you religious rubes and yokels” There’s literally a sense from them that if we would just be as smart as them, we wouldn’t need to have the crutch of spirituality and we could really liveIt was the same back then- and bless God- God in his infinite wisdom says- you know what- I’m not going to worry about these self grandiose people who think they don’t need me- I’m going to those who I know will receive it. Ezekiel 12:2 “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house.This is historical normalcy- people who refuse to the simplicity of the call of God- and live in a rebellion they need not live in- Jeremiah 5:21 ‘Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not:Why do people live this way? Mostly rebellion. Selfishness. They don’t want to submit to God and his ways. And they love immorality- they like living contrary to the edicts of God. David prophesies Psalm 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.God has always gone to the underdog. To the outcast. To the fringe people. The brokenPsalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me [a]to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captivesAnd recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;What does it mean to youBless God that you know Jesus! It’s the greatest thing in this world! If you’re here today,

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The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God Romans 2:17-24

Paul is talking to Jews:You who call yourself Jews (NLT), calling them out to the equivalent of “you who call yourself ChristiansYou say you relying on God and are actually tightYou claim that you know Him and simply because you have been taught His lawYou are convinced that you can guide the blind and you are a light on top of the mountainYou think you can instruct the ignorant and teach the young ones about God’s waysYou are certain the God’s law give you some kind of an advantage (Complete knowledge and truth)If you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself?You tell others not to”Steal – but do you stealCommit adultery – But do you?Condemn idolatry – use stolen items from pagan templesYou are proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking itWhat would Paul write about todays Christians? About you and IGod what should I speak about?What happened?What happen to a group that has knowledge, that the Word was not second hand? It was straight from GodAnd now they are a group that bringing dishonor to GodHow do they go from thirsting for the Word and knowledge of God to being oblivious?How do we go from, being a Christian nation to removing God from every part of our lives?A word that is written in their heads and not their heartsHead knowledge but lack wisdom – that comes from the LordProverbs 1:7 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,But fools despise wisdom and instructionProverbs 8:11-12 (NKJV) For wisdom is better than rubies,And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence(carefulness), And find out knowledge and discretionLack of Spiritual growth – if you are not growing, you are dyingWe have to cultivate and allow pruning in our lives to make sure that we are producing fruitsPastor Matt said that you got to show fruits, we have to look for fruits – especially fruits of repentanceWe know the Word; we have the Holy Spirit …yet we ignore the nudging of HimPastor Crystal preached spoke about the Word will Excuse you or accuse youPaul explains that their conscience (Work of the law that is written in their hearts) is enough to condemn them or justify them (us)In this Passage: The Jews in the time of Paul were extremely proud and confident that God gave His Holy law to them as a nationUntouchable – Pride and Spiritual pride is one of the most dangerous form of prideTheir status – How they look, who they associate with/support/ offendThe more they had the law, the further away from the truth they were going – they worshiped the created not the creatorPastor Tim, said some of you don’t need to read another passage /pray more, just need to put in practice what they learntGod applies His law to both our actions and our attitudes. Sometimes we only want our attitudes evaluated, and sometimes only our actions. God will hold us accountable for both motives and actions ~ Enduring words Remember that God is going to Judge “the real you”Homework - Matthew 5:19-48Murder is bad – Angry with someoneSacrifice – Stop and go reconcileAdultery – Don’t look at a woman lustfully

Who is willing to stand for the truth? (The whole truth and nothing but the truth…so help me God) – not todays truthHonor GodDeuteronomy 6:5-7 (NKJV) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise upGod knows our hearts and demands Honor and reverential fearNumbers 16 – Story of Korah (Sacrifice)Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira thought they could deceive God and get away with itAllow Him to search our hearts – That no undiscovered sin would be ignoredTake drastic action?

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Matt 11:20-24 Here's what I want you to get out of this sermon- You need to repent. Right now. What does that mean? It means to turn from your sin and turn towards God. It means to receive forgiveness by faith. Walk in the grace that Jesus provides. Live securely in his GraceOften times I get feedback that I talk about repentance too much or that is all I talk about- We go through the Bible. That’s what we do here. Book by book. Chapter by chapter. Line by line.- and this book talks about repentance a lot because God wants you in rel. with him. This book is intended to draw you to God. It is its purpose. Its why I say it’s a holiness storyEzekiel 14:6 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.Joel 2:12“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”Matthew 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,The reason the sermons always talk about repentance is that the Bible always talks about itThe whole Idea of a sermon is that there is something you don’t know or something that you aren’t doing that needs to change. Unless its just an informational sermon. I don’t do thoseSo at this point in the story- Jesus has just been talking to his disciples and now he begins to rebuke entire cities for rejecting his message- Mark 1:15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”This passage- is contrasting three Jewish towns where he has performed many signs, with three Gentile cities known for such extraordinary wickedness as to deserve God's destruction,on the Day of Judgment the Jewish towns will be judged more harshly, because of their greater unwillingness to repent even though they saw Jesus and his miracles.

If you don’t repent, Jesus will rebuke you

Jesus rebukes those who don’t repent- and he is doing it here in Matthew 11:20Matthew 11:20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in youNow rebuke just means correction- and Jesus spent much of his preaching time correcting wrong thoughts, ideas and motives- he rebuked a lot. But here it’s a whole cityChorazin is part of the “evangelical triangle” with Capernum and BethsaidaJesus rebukes them for their lack of repentance- not for the sins they performedHis rebuke is because they were ones who saw his miracles, saw his power, experienced God in the flesh- but they didn’t repent. They didn’t turn towards God in thankfulnessCan you imagine, Jesus rebuking the whole city? (in formation- all getting smoked after chapel) Remember- Jesus is stern with them and rebukes them in love- sternness does not equal unloving- Sternly rebuking someone can sometimes be the most loving thing you can doProverbs 27:5 Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.This is quite loving because he’s giving them an opportunity to fix it before its too late. Man- he lays it on thick- Tyre and Sidon were cities that OT prophets pronounced God’s judgement on- and Jesus says- “They’ll be better than you” Think of worst city- they’ll be betterWhat does it mean to youHow’s the city of you? Has Jesus done a bunch of miracles in your life but you haven’t turned?Non-believer- right now- turn to him- He’s given you so much. Believer- don’t forget! But also remember- a message about repentance is to root out “if there be any inquity in me” secure. Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.We should be ZEALOUS to repent- why wouldn’t we? Why wouldn’t we want to be with him?

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Written in the Heart

Romans 2:12-16 NKJV

For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Paul’s purpose in writing this letter to those in Rome was two-fold: 1. they had received distorted rumors about Paul’s message and theology, and so he felt it necessary to put into writing the gospel he had been preaching now for 25 years; 2. He sought to correct certain problems in the church occurring of wrong attitudes of Jews towards Gentiles (specific to ch. 2) and Gentiles toward Jews (ch.11). The overall theme of this letter is God’s gift of righteousness is demonstrated in our death with Christ to sin and the power to live a victorious life in and by the Holy Spirit. Paul declares that a transformed life in Christ results in the application of righteousness and love to all areas of our behavior- the body of Christ, social, civil and moral.

What is Paul saying here?

Paul is explaining to these Roman believers that those who live without the Scriptures to guide them will still be found guilty before God because at the judgment it will be shown that they ignored their Creator and violated the warnings of their moral conscience. Each deliberately walked away from God and without a Savior will suffer eternally. People who had the Scriptures (Jews) will also be found guilty because they did not obey them.

To prove to the reader that pleasing and obeying God is not impossible for those who don’t know the Bible, Paul describes a deep change that was taking place in the Gentile converts when they were born again. Even though they had little knowledge of Scripture, their lives began conforming to God’s righteousness. Paul speaks of “the work of the law written in their hearts” and their conscience and thoughts guiding them to obey God and do His will. This is in alignment and fulfillment of OT prophecy:

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, [a]though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their [b]hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Paul continues to persuade Jewish believers, when the time comes for these Gentile converts to stand before God and the hidden, private areas of their lives will be disclosed; there will be no surprises and the record will show that they fulfilled God’s law.

I need to address a few heretical teachings in today’s church

“Charis”- the Greek word for “grace” in the NT does not mean “unmerited favor”, as so many have described. It has one definition. This is taken from the Strong’s exhaustive concordance of Bible: graciousness of manner or act of the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; joy,

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Whenever we think about the purpose of life, (especially when we are young) … we usually boil it down to the 3 basic things we heard and saw growing up:

1. EDUCATION

2. CAREER

3. FAMILY

“You need to get an education!! You need to go to college!! You need to get a job… so you can have a family… so you can live on a cul-de-sac / drive a minivan / and get a 4K TV … that you sit in front of, until you DIE!!”

IE: The reality for most of us is, since Junior High … “LIFE” has been like this TRAIN-RIDE that you’ve been on …and each year, the train gets faster and faster!!

It’s just full-speed head… because again:

“I’ve got to graduate High school, so I can go to college, so I can get a job…

so I can raise a family, so I can live in a cul-de-sac, so I can drive a mini-van, so I can retire;

so I can excel, succeed, and WIN… at this game called ‘life’.”

Yet, the reality is that so many people relate to the poet and great philosopher Henry David Thoreau, who said: “(Most men)… The mass of men, lead lives of quiet desperation.”

Then, there was William Wallace… (who in BRAVEHEART) stood before all his warriors; who in this moment, after years of fighting… Find themselves full of FEAR;

--they find themselves WEARY from war, ready to QUIT and go home.

IE: The battle cry of these men was self-preservation, safety and comfort.

And so, they said to their leader, (they said) - “We want to leave and to run, so that we may live.”

“We want to go home, for the English are too many.”

So, William Wallace gives them that ROUSING SPEECH where he says -- “FIGHT, and you may die.”

“RUN, and you’ll live… for at least a while.”

“But dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all of the days (from this day to that)… FOR ONE CHANCE, just one chance… to come back here and tell our enemies; that:

-- ‘They may take our LIVES, but they will never take our FREEDOM’!!”

IE: He gives them a CAUSE / He gives them PURPOSE!!

And then he summarized his speech, by saying -- “Every man dies, but only a few men really live!”

I remember watching that in High School and going – “Man, that fires me up!!”

“I too want meaning and purpose to my life!!”

“I want to fight for a cause!!”

“I want to live for something greater than myself

But about 10 years later, (in my mid 20’s)… I experienced what I called ‘A Quarter-Life-Crisis’.

I looked around and thought – “Everything I’m chasing and pursuing, ISN’T satisfying my heart.”

And I was like – “I don’t want this. I don’t want to LIVE, and then DIE in this nothingness.”

So, in this midst of this season of sadness and gloominess… I remember that I randomly went and sat-down in my DAD’S office… and he looked up at me, (saw my deflated demeanor) and said:

-- “What’s wrong son?”

And I told him… I said – “Dad, I just don’t really know what I want;”

“…I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do with my life.”

-- And Dad said, “Well son, you’ve got to build your life on something…”

“…and I would recommend you don’t build it on something you’ve made-up.”

-- He said, “Build your life, your ministry, your future ON a biblical truth… and then, build your principles, pursuits and your passions ON and AROUND that biblical precept.”

He was like - “Don't just do stuff. INSTEAD, find out why God put you here …and then walk in that.”

And so, after that impromptu meeting / that divine appointment …I began to ask, pray and deeply consider: Why am I here? What am I here to do?

What is the reason and purpose for my existence and life?

And, (like my dad said) -- I didn’t want to make something up.

I didn’t want some cool sounding, but incorrect answer.

Because listen… I’ve been to too many funerals, where people are there, trying to MAKE-UP some reason why their loved-one’s life was meaningful and worthwhile.

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God Doesn’t Play Favorites (Romans 2:1-11) All verses in NKJV

Romans 2:1-11, Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.

Don’t be a hypocrite.
Hypocrite: A word taken from the Greek word meaning “an actor” or “a stage player”, It then took on an extended meaning to refer to any person who was wearing a figurative mask and pretending to be someone or something they were not.
A hypocrite is someone who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings. A person who is pretending to be someone of virtue but lives a lifestyle of sin.
When you don’t practice what you preach, it completely discredits your message. The message may be biblical truth, but your contradictory behavior tells people it’s a lie.
Example: Several people this month arguing why Christianity is false or harmful, using people’s actions in the name of Jesus as the evidence. (Burning crosses, adulterous TV preachers, We say we are loving but we openly hate on gay people, liberals, and Hilary Clinton…)
I always tell people, “God’s standard is true and consistent, even if his people don’t have the ability to live up to it.” But I haven’t seen it change anyone’s mind about the hypocrisy of Christians.
Matthew 7:1-5, “Judge not (condemn not), that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Don’t be quick to point out the faults of others, or write them off because they have screwed up. Extend forgiveness because you want forgiveness from others when you mess up too.
If you don’t recognize your own sin and failures, why would anyone listen to you about theirs?
Don’t forget, the brother still has a speck in his eye that needs to be dealt with! Just because the messenger is a hypocrite, doesn’t mean his message about your sin is not true!
Romans 2:1-3, Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
Are you “practicing the same things” or similar sins, knowing it’s sin? Rebellion,

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Matthew 11:1-19 Have you ever been misunderstood? Trying to do something, or explain something, and people misconstrue what you say and say you aren’t who you are and try to turn people against you?I’ve had it happen. Here at this church- I’m not mad about it- just saying it happensProbably happened to you in a relationship, or at work, or some other timeIts frustrating for us- not sure if it frustrated Jesus- but this story kind of deals with itLets see what we can get out of this passage-

Waiting doesn’t change who Jesus is

Now you may not know or remember- but John was the forerunner of ChristMalachi 3:1 “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant,In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming, ”Says the Lord of hosts.And John is this messenger. He’s the one fortold to ‘prepare the way” and he goes to prisonJohn the Baptist The Bible indicates in Matthew 14 that John the Baptist was placed in prison by Herod Antipas as a result of John condemning Herod for having divorced his wife and then having married Herodias, the divorced wife of Herod Antipas' half-brother Philip.So John is in prison- the guy who said “Prepare the way of the Lord” and called people to repentAnd two of his disciples come to him and he says to go to Jesus “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”Think about it- John is in prison for being someone who is calling people out on their sins to return to God- he knows that God is/has sent a deliverer and you’re in prison. Not delivered. Here’s the truth- when you have hope in something that you don’t see happening- it can easily turn into despair. It can wreck your heart and you think things and create narrativesJeremiah complained that God had deceived him- Jeremiah 20:7 O Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me.Its human to do this! John is in prison and wondering- are you the guy, or should we look else?He felt deserted in prison. He had to know- Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey A colt, the foal of a donkey,- he knows this but he is in prison (Not a prison like today)- these prisons are dank, dark, stench filled underground torture chambers- “a fate worse than death” to discourage crime. Can you imagine living under that condition- John probably was contemplating denying ChristHenry- The remaining unbelief of good men may sometimes, in an hour of temptation; call in question the most important truthsWhat do you do when the Jesus you expected isn’t the Jesus you see? You’re in prison! If we were honest, many of us identify with this prison experience of JohnFeeling like we’re locked up- sitting in some sort of prison and questioning our faith“This Jesus- is he the one- or should we be looking for some other deliverer” Because when you are WAITING you think and feel like God is never going to SHOW UPI get it- Paul probably felt that way when he was beaten and whipped in prisonBut you don’t get to give up- you are not going to give up- you are not quitting. Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;I don’t care what kind of prison you’re in- don’t look at your circumstance- look at God!Its normal to feel that way- I am just admonishing you TODAY- DON’T GIVE UP DON”TGala 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.I know MANY people who didn’t reap the harvest because they gave up- Show up is 90% of it. Isaiah 40:30-31 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall,31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their stre...

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Romans 1:26-32 (NLT)

1 Corinthians 6:15-19 (NKJV) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?God abandoned when they started to do vile and degrading things with each other’s bodiesThe last thing I want is God to abandon meJohn 15:5(Nkjv) - I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.Women started having sex with other women – turning away from the natural wayMen instead of having desires for women- The natural way – started burning for lust with each otherMen did shameful things with other men, and as a result they suffered within themselves – the penalty they deserveRomans 1:28 (AMPC) And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome, until they were filled (permeated and saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness….God gave them a chance to know Him yet they refused to acknowledge or consider HimRomans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [a]Godhead, so that they are without excuse,The human race refused to acknowledge God – Today we trust science more than God

They sinned against the body that God created; each thing male and female and said it was good, because of these sins which is unnatural (Sex outside marriage between man and woman– we birth:wickedness, [b]covetousness, [c]maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 [d]undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, [e]unforgiving, unmerciful;The writer concludes that:These people knew the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them

God is HolyWe get carried away with details and we forget the reason why Jesus died on the cross for usThat we were separated from God and our sins were cleansed, so that we can be Holy and live with God in eternityI believe that the issue is not necessary the sin, it’s the lack of reverence for God’s Holiness1 Samuel 2:2 (NKJV)- No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our GodExodus 15:11(NKJV)- Who is like You, O Lord, among the [a]gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?Isaiah 6:3 (NKJV) - In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;The whole earth is full of His glory!”Psalm 22:3 (NKJV)- But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.1 Peter 1:16 (NKJV) “because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy”

We are called to be Holy so we can have a relationship with A Holy God

2 Corinthians 7:1-3- (AMPC) Therefore, since these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit,

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Matthew 10:40-4240 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”If you remember the last few weeks, Jesus has been talking to his disciples as he is sending them out to do Gospel workHe empowers them to deliver people from demons, cure diseases, he tells them where to go, and what to do when they get there. Tells them not to take any money or extra clothes. Tells them to not stay where they are not welcome, that they are going to be persecuted as they go on their travels. That they are going to see families fighting because of their message. He encourages them that God goes with them, and they will be taken care of because they are going to out to confess the name of Jesus. Doing this will cause division. And so now- today he ends his pep-talk with a final word- You are going out as my prophets and if they receive you, they are receiving me. Those who receive you will get a reward. Even the smallest act of kindness bestowed upon the disciples will equal a reward.

V40- Receive the FatherReceiving Jesus messengers is receiving the fatherJesus is encouraging these disciples that as they go out to do Gospel work, that they are operating as emissaries of Jesus- If people accept them, they are accepting Jesus, and by proxy, accepting the one who sent HIM- The fatherThat’s really the point of Jesus whole ministry- to get people to come to the FatherIt’s the reason why John the Baptist preached repentance, and why Jesus came- to get people to the Father- God. John says it this way- John 13:20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”Pretty basic- if I tell one of my kids- to tell one of my other kids that “Dad said” Means moreAnd this idea that disciples are operating under the authority of Jesus under the FatherTeach you a bit about Military- NCO v Officer v President- You are following the President. The point is pretty simple- if a disciple is telling someone something it is as if God himself is speaking- and to deny this or agree with this is akin to denying Jesus1 John 2:22-23 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.It really throws up on end this whole “Do not judge” thing- that we can’t say anythingWe, as people of God have a mutual dependence on each other as children of God to help one another hear the voice of the father through each other- The problem is that people are so locked up in their individualism that they don’t want anyone to tell them anything about anything or nothing. Starbucks this week- door locked- hot sun- telling people- still go and pull the handleChristian people- have other Christian people saying things like “I wouldn’t do that if I were you” and people lose their ever loving mindLuke 10:16 He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”Now specifically- this pertains to the Gospel message of repentance unto salvation- but the implication and application that we see further in the Bible is that another Christian disciple trying to square you away is doing you a biblical favor and you should receive it. Here’s what Paul said to the church in Galatia Galatians 4:14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.The Galatian church received him as Jesus himself- that the work that Paul...

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Romans 1:18-25 NKJV

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [a]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is [b]manifest [c]in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [d]Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like [e]corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

A revelation of the wrath of God is needed to understand the righteousness of God. How can you understand grace if you do not even recognize what you have been delivered from? All mankind liable to God's wrath. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold back the truth in unrighteousness. Here Paul begins is argument, the first position to be established is that all mankind without exception is guilty of sin before God, and therefore unable of itself to put in a plea of righteousness. But that’s not fair you say, so said the Israelites before you

Ezekiel 33:12-20

"The wrath of God" is an expression with which we are familiar in the Bible. It denotes his holiness, his antagonism to sin, to which punishment is due. It expresses an idea as essential to our conception of His righteousness as do the words, "love" and "mercy." Wrath means “vengeance”. To Paul, it was indispensable to use words which people used; but when applied to God they do not mean precisely what they do when applied to man. When the Savior is said Mark 3:5 to have looked on his disciples with anger (Greek, "wrath," the same word is here), it is not that he had the feelings of a man seeking vengeance. Wrath is in opposition to His favor, by excluding the offender from the favors which he bestows on the righteous. It is not an unamiable, or an arbitrary principle of conduct. Wrath or indignation is used in the following Scriptures:

Ephesians 2:1-3And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the [a]course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 2:15-16who (speaking of the Jews) killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are [a]contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. This word occurs 35 times in the New Testament.

Paul uses this term as the most powerful means of all for bringing home a conviction of God’s wrath to the consciences of believers, remember he is writing to those in Christ. For the gospel’s first office is to convince of sin and of judgment.

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Matthew 10:34-39 - Jesus Sword

This is a difficult portion of scripture to managePart of what I am constantly doing here- is trying to introduce you and keeping you acquainted with the Jesus of the scriptures, not the Jesus of Social mediaIt is very difficult in this day and age because some of the most ignorant people alive have just as much opportunity to share aberrant theology as the good guysAnd sometimes likes, shares and exposure will lead people to believe things that aren’t trueYou will hear people say things like “Jesus would never do that because he’s loving”Understanding what a loving Biblical God looks like is more important than having good SM So from a cursory look it might appear that Jesus is being contradictory or hypocriticalThat these statements are an affront to a loving God who Claimed that Jesus would come as the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6, luke 2:14)We are supposed to honor father and mother (Mark 7:10, ex 20:12)We are supposed to love people 1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.So we know these things and we come to this scripture and it throws out some pretty big bombs in the textThat he wants to bring war and not peace, to create division between a man and his family so much so that they will actually be his enemyHe Goes to the heart- and says “after I’ve set you as enemies with your family, I’m going to be looking at your hear to make sure you don’t love them more than me” And then he goes to the next- if you wont go be crucified- I’m not for youFinishes with “lose your life- lose it for me and you’re gonna find it”

what can we get out of this text-

Jesus came to divide 34-35 - Jesus Sword

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set[j] a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’This idea that Christ came to divide is a central truth that you must internalizeGenesis 4 cain and abel beginning of familial strifeProphecy of Micah 7:5-6 Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your confidence in a companion; Guard the doors of your mouth From her who lies in your bosom. 6 For son dishonors father, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.This prophecy was true and is true today- put yourself in the sandals of the early Jews who saw Christ as messiah and decided to follow him and become his discipleWe do it somewhat easily today- there are a billion people who believe in JesusIt’s not like you were the first 12 disciples that made the choice to believeBut it still takes a bit of gumption to choose to follow Jesus demonstratively If you understand this and apply it to your beliefs and practices- it will help you as you navigate through the confines of the earth as you attempt to honor God with your life- you can’t otherwise navigate it because when you come to a fork in the road so to speak- you’ll strugglePeople naturally want to conform to the groups around themPeople conform to group pressure because they are dependent on the group for satisfying two important desires: the desire to have an accurate perception of reality and the desire to be accepted by other people.Scientists Asch and Sherif did studies where they had people judge distances of light- how far they were from each other, and how different were the lengths of lines- Here’s what they found- They had confederates with wrong answers to influence and people will go with the group that is wrong more likely than not because of the desire for acceptance and the desire to feel like they have an accurate perception of realityMe? I want whats right- not the group- Hot sun, line, took the whole line- it was RIGHT- but people will just stand roasting in the sun because they want to just be part of the groupTake ...

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Intro story-band I used to like

He had allowed himself to become ashamed of the Gospel of Christ

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel [a]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

This is a powerful scripture

This verse shows pauls convictions and that they lay in the Gospel of Christ

He is someone who demonstratively lives his life for Christ and makes it known to all

This should be a baseline for all Christians today

At the minimum you should not be ashamed of the Gospel that has set you free from sin and death

The gospel that through Jesus Christ we will be resurrected with Him in the end to live out our days glorifying Him

We have no need to be ashamed of what Christ has done, paul surely wasn’t

This gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes

When reading the word I try to put myself in the position to understand why the writers say things the way they do

Of course paul would say hes not ashamed, we all should

To really understand the depth of this scripture we should analyze some other things first, like who was paul before this

The reason why its important to understand who he was is because it puts a whole new meaning and importance on this verse

Paul was born around the same time as christ

His original name was saul of tarsus

He was born to a family of devout Jews

His lineage was from the tribe of Benjamin

His family lineage was very attached to pharisaic tradition

They followed jewish law very closely and strictly and saul even became a pharisee himself

saul was well known for his attack and persecution of the early church

He would hunt Christians down imprison them, flog, them and even execute them

We see this in scripture during the stoning of Stephen

Acts7:57-8:1

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Saul Persecutes the Church

8 Now Saul was consenting to his death.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

saul was someone who would do whatever he thought he needed to do even kill Christians to uphold jewish law

saul denied that Jesus Christ was the messiah and it showed by the persecution he placed on the Church

Until one day on the road to Damascus

Jesus himself appeared to saul

It changed his life forever

His name changed to paul and he began to live for Christ preaching Him crucified everywhere he went

That is why this scripture is important paul went from killing Christians to preaching the same Gospel they did

You also have to keep in mind that people knew who paul was

They knew what he had done to Christians

Romans written about 30 years after the crucifixion so for most people who witnessed this happen was probably still somewhat fresh in their mind

I relate it to something like a tragic family death

Usually people can still remember every detail years later

Think of 9-11

It was tragic and horrible

Most people probably remember where they were and what they were doing that day

That was 20 years ago

In 10 more years it will still seem like the other day

There is no direct biblical scripture stating this but many scholars and historians think its plaus...

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Matthew 10:28-33 (All verses in NKJV)

Matthew 10:28-33, And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
Jesus is sending out his 12 Disciples to all the cities and villages to heal the sick, cast out demons, and preach the gospel. They are to declare to the Jews that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
He has told them they will face persecution and people will betray them. They will be kicked out of the synagogues and may even be arrested, but Jesus says to them…
Matthew 10:22, And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
There is a fate worse than death.
Matthew 10:28, And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Hell: The word being used here is the Greek “Gehenna”, which originally referred to a valley outside of Jerusalem where some of the Kings of Judah worshipped idols, and sacrificed their own children by fire to the Canaanite god Molech.
It was considered cursed, and was renamed “the Valley of Slaughter” before it was eventually destroyed by King Josiah.
Judah was exiled to Babylon for 70 years, and upon their return, the Valley of Slaughter was re-purposed from a place of infanticide to an ever-burning rubbish heap. It became a place where corpses of criminals, dead animals, and all types of waste were thrown to be destroyed.
The Gehenna Valley was now a place of burning sewage, burning flesh, and maggot infested garbage. Utterly filthy, disgusting, the smell was sickening and the smoke burned their eyes.
This is the image Jesus used here as a depiction of hell, and eternal separation from God.
“Do not fear man” because the worst they can do is kill you. Can we even understand a concern like that within the context of our culture? Death!?
Example: When I joined the USMC, I had no reason to fear death on the battlefield. It was possible but seemed highly unlikely. That is a totally different story than post 9/11.
Example: India 2019: Hostile to Christians, describe trip, splitting up the team, preaching in the tea gardens and outskirts, hearing their stories: Pastor kidnapped and hung from rafters of his church, prominent family dragged out of their house and beaten to death…
There are many places your Christian faith can get you killed. Pray for them! 10:40am
Romans 8:31-39, What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,

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Beyond Emotions Romans 1:8-15

Paul starts out in his greeting in Roman 1:1 – A bond-servant A slave of God, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach the Good NewsBut that’s Paul- The heavy weight champion of the Spiritual ringYou too are called to spread the GospelRomans 10:15(Nkjv) - And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who [a]preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good thingsAt workWith you KidsFriends you haveThe Faith of the Roman Christians is being talked about all the world - FVCI Paul pray for you – often so much that day and night I bring you and your needs in prayerHe prays that he may be able to go and visit them, to see what God is doing through them and encourage them as wellHe desires to go and see themSo that he can bring them some spiritual gifts that would encourage themThey get to encourage each otherHe has tried but has been prevented until thenHe is eager to go to Rome and preach the gospelThis evening I want to speak to you about our desires – our emotions that fuels our desiresPaul uses the words, like I desire, eager, opportunity, long, planned many timesEva and I when we first met (2006)Wanting to spend time with each otherFalling asleep talking on the phoneNow, still talking to her to sleep, and calling her when am drivingI long, am eager to spend speak with when I haven’t seen her all day

Paul has a love for Christ which is unmatched, he introduces himself not as Paul the great, but Paul and man that has given up everything to serve the Lord

He has a love for God’s people, to see the gospel spread, to encourage them. His desire is for Christ and Christ people

There is no doubt that Paul’s heart is fully consumed by God, hence the visible fruitsHe is logging to be with the people of God no matter what it costs himHis desire is to please God – Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV) - I beseech[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.What your desire this evening? What do you desire in your life? Where does the desire, longing, eagerness, plans for an intimate relationship with God fall in your life?Proverbs 16:1(NLT) We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answerWhy does He have right (Final) answer?Psalms 139:13-16 (NLT) You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.A path was drawn out for you and for those of us who are Christians, we know what it feels like to stay in the will of God. There is unexplainable freedom – That we can face 2020 and still be joyful and not be fearfulFor those who are yet to know Christ, there is always going to be something missing in your life.You were created for a purpose and a plan – A great plan to give you a hope and a future.A plan where you don’t have to do it on your own, you have the creator of the universe saying:Psalms 139: 18-19 (Nkjv) How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand And when I wake up, you are still with me!We may desire, long for the things of God, but it takes more than desire to keep Paul on his pathGalatians 5:16-24 (NLT)We desire to live a Godly life,

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Matthew 10:24-27 (All verses in NKJV)

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Matthew 10:24-27, 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

We are still in Matthew chapter 10, where Jesus is instructing his newly selected “12 disciples” in the mission for which he is sending them.
Jesus is sending them to the Jews this time, “the lost sheep of the house of Israel”, to tell them the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, and that the Kingdom of God has come.
He has made it clear to them that they will not be well received. They should expect to be attacked.
They were hateful to Jesus, they will be hateful to you too.
Matthew 10:24-25, A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!
Beelzebub: A transliteration of the Hebrew phrase “lord of the flies”. This was a Philistine god, associated with the Canaanite god Baal. The prince of demons, and the opposite of who Jesus was.
This was basically the most demeaning and insulting thing they could have called Jesus.
Mark 3:22, And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.”
Notice that it is not the wicked gentiles shouting insults at Jesus. It is his own Jewish leaders, the scribes and pharisees. They are actually using their arch-enemy’s words to attack one of their own!
Obviously, Jesus was infringing on their turf, and they were becoming defensive. His message was in direct contradiction to their own self-interests, so they need to attack and discredit it, and him.
They were willing to compromise their own integrity to preserve their power. The end justified their means. (Doesn’t all this sound familiar? Do you see this kind of behavior happening today?)
John 16:1-3, “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.
They said intentionally hateful and hurtful things to him, you should expect that you will get the same if you are willing to speak up about what you believe in.
Example: “Christian Ninja”. You can avoid the attacks if you hide in the shadows. Stay quiet and maybe no one will notice you. The Amish are extremely devout, but no one is canceling them. Why do you think that is?
We are called to spread the word, and when we do that, we “skyline” ourselves, and draw fire.
Matt 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Their goal is to shame you and embarrass you. To get you to shut up or give up. Don’t be quiet. Live out loud.
Matt 5:11-12, Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Name calling, labeling, and accusations are the weapons of today. Not a mob with pitchforks and torches, a social media mob that will banish you before they even finish reading the accuser’s tweet.
You cannot control the action of others,

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The Fundamentals (Roman 1:1-7) All verses in NLT version

Basketball story when I was a kid, Dad coaching teaching us the fundamentals, not a flashy one-man game (MJ, Magic, Dr. J), everyone needs to know how to play and have a strong foundation.
To face a strong opponent, you can’t rely on trick plays or franchise players. If you understand the basic fundamentals, you will have tools for every situation. Teamwork makes the dream work.
Tonight, we are starting the book of Romans, where Paul is focusing the listener on the basic fundamentals of the Christian faith. Explaining God’s truth and how it applies to our lives.
Possibly the most useful and all-encompassing book of the bible. It covers our human condition, and how to deal with our worldly problems and failures in the context of our new life in Christ.
Many of the answers you are looking for on social issues, community, grace vs obedience, sin, freewill, new life vs old life, etc… are in the pages of Romans.
Martin Luther once said, “[Romans] is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.”
Romans 1:1-7, This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 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. 6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Paul wrote this letter while in Corinth, towards the end of his third missionary journey, around 57 A.D.. Many seasoned believers and strong house churches had risen up in Rome, likely established by those present at Pentecost (24 years earlier), who returned home with the Good News.
Over that period of time, some contention had grown between two types of believers:
There were the Gentile Christian believers who have now become the majority group. (Because the Jews had previously been persecuted and run out of town by the Roman emperor.)

- They were not concerned with the requirements of the Old Testament Law of Moses.

They kind of looked down on the Jewish Christians for rejecting Jesus at first, and then for being stuck on the religious stuff that Jesus supposedly freed them from.
The Gentiles only knew Jesus, grace, the forgiveness of sin, and eternal life. They weren’t well versed on the history and legacy of the Jews. (Martin Luther? Reformation, protestant…)
There also were the Jewish Christian believers who are in the minority at this point.

- They wanted the Gentiles to be obedient to certain aspects of the OT law.

They looked down on the Gentile believers because they were seen as undisciplined, not respecting the roots of the faith or the rich history and tradition of God’s people.
Jews were the chosen ones, and that is a hard identity to shake when it has been the culture you grew up with. (The Jewish traditions said Jews were saved by being the children of Abraham, the chosen ones, or by following the law to be righteous… Jesus could easily become an addition,

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Matthew 10:16-23

Pastor Jay – Last Sunday, spoke of the disciples who were called, no doubt that they were all from different background We don’t have an excuse, if we are honest with ourselves…we can at least identify with one them They were with Jesus, yet, some did really well, others not so much …He reminded us to self-examine and not be too quick to cast judgement…because we too can fallWe too can fall- Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fallIn Matthew 10:1 – These guys were given power to Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demonsThey were given power to bless or curse, but they had to remember that this power was not of their own They had the independence to give or take away blessings but it had to be in the confines of God’s will- Not outside And all these, was to give God Glory- Show the Power of God and His power in His people

READ MAIN TEXT – Matthew 10:16-23 (Nkjv)

Behold I send you in a dangerous place. Even before you go out, know that there is death out there. Some will return some won’t It’s not like one of those bait and switch thing- I am sending you as sheep in the midst of wolves After all, the mission of sheep to wolves is a hopeful one, since we see in the natural world that the sheep, though so feeble, by far outnumber the wolves who are so fierce.” (Spurgeon)There is might in numbers – We are not alone, if we could all take up our position and stop listening to the worldly noise– we would know that we are mighty in Christ JesusThis is an encouragement Change the way you look at things and the things you look at changeBe wise as serpents Wisdom would keep them from attracting trouble unnecessarily or show them how to avoid it without compromise. Serpents are attacked by everyone, and must use creativity and wisdom to survive.Remaining harmless would keep them from giving in to the temptation of retaliationBe harmless as doves, have a gentle Spirit- Remember the call is to win hearts and not cause problemsYou will be brought before the law; they will ask you to stop having church and not worshipBut don’t worry about what to say…I the LORD will give you what you need to say – at that exact time Almost like the Lord will plant you there, to infiltrate the unjust so that you can deliver the good news for those who want to hear or judgement if they don’t Like in the movies – They put a detective in the Prison system to find corruption (Paul and Silas) Families will betray you- Covid has shown us how that comes around. That the enemy looks for little cracks and widens that gab to bring division among blood relatives We ought to watch out as Christian that this does not continue in the church Mark 3:30-36 - Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers [a]are outside seeking You.” But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”When they persecute you in this city, flee to another…you will not have gone through the city of Israel before the Son of Man comesDo not stall in one city when you are persecuted, keep moving – This was a statement for that time that Judgement would come to Judea before the disciples reached all of Israelites. And it did come through the Roman armies in AD 70 How does this apply to us today, it’s a hope that we shall not be overcome by persecution, that God will rescue us – that this is just for a moment Matthew 24:21-22 -For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the [a]elect’s sa...

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Intro story-shortly after being saved

I had put myself back in a spirit of bondage to fear

There is more to the story but we will get into that later

Romans 8:14-17

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba,[a] Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

I wanted to use this a sermon on how to not let fear stop you from doing what the Lord has asked

I even had a funny story about fear

This is not the fear this scripture is speaking of

It is very important when you study, preach, and read the word to understand the context of the scripture you read. As well as historical context

There are different fears that the bible talks about and we need to understand these fears to deduct what the bible is referencing in this scripture

Here is a list of 5 different fears

There is a natural fear. This is the fear that a person has of its creator. We have this fear because we understand our own insignificance towards our creator. His greatness is far more than we can understand while we walk this earth. Knowing He is holy and the creator of all. This is a fear we wont lose ever. Even when we are made perfect in glory we will still bow down before Him in constant awe.A carnal fear. That is our fear towards man. The fear of what they might say or do to us this is the fear that can cause us to be fearful to do the Lords work. We must pray that the Lord will deliver us from this fear and obey Him.

Psalm 56:3-4

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word),In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

Is a servile fear. This is a fear of a slave towards a master. This is a fear of penalty by the master if the slave offends the master. The slave is in great fear of consequences and is motivated to obey out of fear rather than out of willingness to please. This fear will last until the slave is turned into a child. Once this happens the fear should be gone.If servile fear is not cast out it can lead to a 4th fear. That is a diabolical fear. This is the fear where we finally except our consequences and no longer seek to resolve. This is the type of fear that is in in James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!. It may be hard to believe but it happens (story friend)The fifth fear is a filial fear. This fear is to never be cast out of your mind. This is the fear of the Lord. The same type it talks about in proverbs. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This fear should be cultivated towards God out of reverence and awe.

Romans 8:15

15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba,[a] Father.”

This scripture is talking about servile fear

We can deduct that by the words Paul is using “bondage” or some translations say “slaves”

Also based on the context of previous chapters where Paul is talking about slavery such as we are no longer slaves to sin.

My intro story

I had put myself back into a position of this fear in fact I was almost border line of excepting the fact that I was going to spend eternity apart from God

I was ashamed. No way would the Lord ever accept me back

I came to another crossroads where if I didn’t make the right decision it would have not been good.

I remember being in tears knowing that I blew it. It was over. God didn’t want me

I just so happened to put a sermon on about romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,

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(Matthew 10:1-15) Verses in KNJV

In Matthew Chapter 9, we see Jesus going from town to town, doing miracles and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. Healing sickness and disease, casting out demons, raising the dead, and teaching in the synagogues.
Jesus came for the Jews first, to show them that he is the Messiah that they have been waiting for. He did things only the Messiah could do. Miracles, healings, and his deep knowledge of God.
His message was: the Kingdom of God, God’s power and authority, has arrived. Get your life right!
Mark 1:14-15, Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1:38-39, But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” 39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.
Matthew 9:36-37, But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
There are a lot of lost people out there that need to hear the gospel. Jesus needed to multiply his efforts by empowering the Disciples with his authority, to do the work of the ministry.
Read Matthew 10:1-4. These are the 12 disciples/apostles:
Simon Peter: Peter means “rock”. He was a fisherman from Galilee. He was outspoken and aggressive, and considered the leader of the apostles. He became the Apostle to the Jews.
Andrew, brother of Peter, also a fisherman, and one of the early disciples of John the Baptist.
James the son of Zebedee, (the older brother of John. Not James the brother of Jesus, writer of the book of James). A fisherman, and one of the inner circle of Jesus, along with Peter and John.
John, “the one that Jesus Loved”, writer of the Gospel of John, and several other books of the Bible. One of Jesus’ closest and trusted friends. He died in exile on the Island of Patmos.

5 & 6. Philip (not the same one from Acts), who brought his friend Bartholomew. Philip was stoned and crucified, and Bart was beaten, crucified, and beheaded. Both martyred for Christ.

Matthew, a tax collector, and writer of this Gospel. Tax collectors were hated, and his presence here is a great testimony of the redeeming power of Jesus Christ.

8 & 9. James, the son of Alphaeus (also not Jesus’ brother), and Thomas, known as “doubting Thomas”. Not present when Jesus rose from the grave, he couldn’t believe it until he saw the risen Savior with his own eyes.

Simon the Canaanite, AKA the Zealot. Zealots were Jewish political activists wanting to overthrow the Roman govt. (The fact that Matthew, a roman tax collector, and Simon, an anti-govt activist, could become brothers in Christ shows God’s power of unification over the world’s politics.)
Thaddaeus, AKA Judas son of James (son of Alphaeus), AKA Jude, as in St. Jude Children Research Hospital. He is the patron saint of lost causes. (Not Jude the half-brother of Jesus, the author of the book of Jude in the NT.)
Judas Iscariot, the betrayer. Keeper of the money bag. He was the one who turned Jesus over to the Jews to be crucified. He was one of the original 12, he was given the same authority by Jesus, he walked with Jesus as his teacher for 3 years, yet still betrayed Jesus for money.
Example: Judas didn’t just commit “one big sin”, it was likely the culmination of a lifestyle of sin, loving money more than Jesus. Did he mean for this to happen?
It’s not about your circumstances or position. You must have heart change. Judas didn’t.
Jesus chose a mixed bag of ordinary people. Some brash, some quiet,

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Open the door and run for your life Hebrews 13:18-25

Recap

End of HebrewsThe writer is asking for prayers, that even though he has so much wisdom written in the last 13 chapters, He knows the power of prayerHe declares that they have good conscience (He uses the word Convinced) and that they have conducted their selves honorably in all thingsHe urges them to pray earnestly so that He may be restored to themHe them speaks blessings over themHe urges them to listen to this message of exhortation and encouragement, for I have written to your briefly (Sound like if he had time, he would have said much more)He notes that Timothy has been released from Prison and hope that he joins them soonHe ends with greetings

Today I want to talk to you about doing all things with integrity

Definition: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. The state of being whole and undividedDo you know someone that has questionable integrity? You can’t trust them or depend on themThey say they have something they are selling or hooking you up with and the first question is “is it clean”?When someone lacks integrity, we tune them out before they start talking, you don’t listen to them and when you do, you question everything they are sayingHebrews 12:14 - Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the LordThere is a demand for Holiness and the lack of it will keep us from seeing GodWhen I speak of integrity, it easy to think of them big things, I don’t steal, cheat e.tcBut I believe that integrity is a heart conditionJeremiah 17:10 - I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the [a]mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doingsProverbs 21:12 - Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.We have to be careful that we are honorable in all things: Let’s not compromise our integrityA little bit of cheating on taxes, writing off things that we shouldn’tBuying a car and asking for price on paper to be lower so that you can pay less taxesReporting a little bit more hours on you time cardMaking side deals to benefit ourselvesLittle white lies, when you are late, seeking promotion, save relationship

What causes us to compromise our integrity?

Fear – Abram lies about his wifeGenesis 12:11 -17 11 And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. 12 Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that [a]I may live because of you.”

So it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. 15 The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. 16 He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.

Fear pushes us to do thing that are not honorable. God was the one that had called Abram to leave his home and go to where he was to be blessedFear also put other is jeopardyWhere is it in your life that you have allowed fear to affect your integrity or affect others?Greed - BalaamBalaam was a prophet, Balak king of Moab called him to go and curse the people of Israelites even thought God has instructed Balaam numerous times that he should not go.Numbers 22-24 (homework)Numbers 22:5-6 Nkjv Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near [a]the River in the land of [b]the sons of his people, to call him, saying: “Look, a people has come from Egypt. See,

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Psalm 126:3 The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad.

What has the Lord done for us (Read what he has done) It’s pretty special that we have made it 18 years. Many church plants fail. Many churches don’t make itToday, publicly we say “the Lord has done great things for us and we are glad”I love the God life. I love being in this church. We have a great God- and we have great people. We do great things

He has delivered us

Most importantly- he has delivered us Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and [a]conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,I praise God that we are no longer under the power of darkness but we have been put in his kingdomThe kingdom of darkness is full of hate, discontent, fear, unforgiveness, pain and miseryThe kingdom of God is love, peace patience kindness and joy in the holy GhostPsalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me,And delivered me from all my fears.HE does! He delivers us from all our fears and I praise God for it- There’s lots to be afraid of- I used to fear failure, finances, public scorn, calamity of all sorts- nope. 2 Samuel 22:2 And he said:“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;HE IS- And he wants to be for YOU as well- The strong tower you run to- the deliverer that sets you free!Struggling with sin- overcome with fear and shame- and God DELIVERS- He protectsRomans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.You have been set free from the power of sin- you don’t have to let it have dominion over you- 2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,There’s a power source sitting right there for the taking- one that can set you free- one that you can be set free from temptationI used to have a donut problem- but I prayed and asked the Lord to deliver me- owner had to sellJoel 2:32 And it shall come to passThat whoever calls on the name of the LordShall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be [b]deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.If you are struggling- call on the name of the lord- call on him- ask him to set you free!2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

He has set us

1 Corinthians 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. I feel safe in the house of God-its literally a sanctuary Deployed- tires down in Maryland- I was safe in USA- Now I safe in GodThis house of God- this sanctuary was meant to be a place of refuge- a place to be safeIts why church infighting and Gossip is so damaging- done by unsaved people- If you’re a continual gossip and destroyer- I question your salvation- But here’s the good news- people can’t even destroy God’s church- they can’t do itMatthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not [a]prevail against it.No demon, no politician, no government, no wolf can destroy the church of God- they cant!Ephesians 2:20-22 READWe are a holy temple to the Lord- This isn’t a place for songs and handshakes- we make the Gates of Hell tremble because of the gathering of the saints of God- the demons shudderEphesians 1:22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,The enemies camp- its one of my favorite old school worship songs- “under my feet”Satan aint gonna break me or our church- he aint gonna do it. We have each other- we are the Body of Christ- the visible representation of Jesus- Ro 12:5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.But it takes us all- we all work together- he has placed us- put us together as his churchEphesians 4:16 from whom the whole body,

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Hebrews 13:7-17 NKJV

This portion of the letter starts and ends the same- Remember them who have the rule over you — rather the guides who have spoken unto you the word of God — Remember who they were, and your obligations to them; and do not forget their instructions and their examples. This may refer to James the brother of John, commonly called the first bishop of Jerusalem, both of whom had been put to death before this epistle was written; whose faith follow — Embrace by faith the same doctrines, precepts, and promises of the gospel which these men of faith embraced; and let your faith be assured, alive, and operative as theirs was, purifying your hearts, and rendering your lives fruitful to the glory of God; considering the end of their conversation — consider the manner in which they left this life; and let the remembrance of these things engage you to retain their faith, and courageously to follow their steps in bearing the reproach of Christ. You see, James was the first apostle to be martyred for Christ.

Acts 12:1-2 NKJVIt was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. (cut off his head)

The letter goes on: Jesus Christ the same yesterday. He is unchangeable. The design of this acknowledgement is to encourage these Hebrew believers to persevere by showing that their Savior was always the same. He who had sustained His people in former times, was the same still, and would be the same forever. Perseverance is founded on the "immutability" of our Redeemer. If He were fickle, vacillating, changing in his character and plans; if today He aids his people, and tomorrow will forsake them; if at one time He loves the virtuous, and at another equally loves the vicious; if He formed a plan yesterday which he has abandoned today; or if He is ever to be a different being from what He is now, there would be no encouragement to our effort. Who would know what to depend on? Who would know what to expect tomorrow? For who could have any certainty that he could ever please a capricious or a vacillating being? Who could even know how to shape his conduct if the principles of God were not always the same?

Vs 9. Be not carried away rather than carried about by divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats. From the exhortation to imitate the faith of the departed leaders, the transition is natural to warnings against being carried away from it by new teachings. The faith remains unchanged, as Jesus Christ remains unchanged.

Galatians 1:6-9NKJV I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert[a] the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be [b]accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

1 Timothy 4:1-3 NKJV Now the Spirit [a]expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

These passages refer to Jewish distinctions, still held to by Jewish Christians, between dean and unclean or polluted meats; and further to a new kind of religious self-discipline, not found in the Old Testament, but based on a “new revelation”, which led to abstaining from eating meat and as the above mentions, marriage. The warning is that the true gospel does not consist in any of ...

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Matthew 9:32-38 READWhats going on in this story- a demon possessed man who is mute comes out- the man speaks because Jesus healed him- The pharisees say that Jesus did this by the power of Demons. Jesus goes around and heals even more people. He sees that there are multitudes of people who need a shepherd and implores his disciples to labor for the peopleInto His HarvestJesus loves people. He wants to see them in his kingdom and in the family of God. We should want what Jesus wants- To see people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ- to be healed- to shepherded by Jesus- but he needs laborers. He needs people to be on mission with Jesus

If you’re going to labor for Jesus- Don’t listen to haters

Jesus always had to deal with people who misconstrued what he did, how he did it, why he did it, and what he should be doing34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”In their religious minds, they questioned the tactics and theology of Jesus to the point of calling him a demon, and doing things by the power of a demon- other writers say beelzebul Sidenote- where do we get the name Beelzebul (Belzebub) 1kings 1: 2 Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying to them, “Go and consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury.”He was a canannite god- the “baal’s” of Cananntite- the Lord of the fliesWhen they say this- it’s a total slam on the deity of Jesus, his power, and his messiahship- cant say worseNow- I don’t know if you’ve ever been discouraged by what someone said to you- but it can affect youFrom something small to something big- A bad meal, bad work, production etc. (Worship isn’t for you)You can just shut down- figure- you know what- I’m not going to do that again- But Jesus wasn’t discouraged by this- he didn’t care what they said or how they said it- 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.Jesus moved forward- He continued the work that he was intended to do- for what he was supposed to doDavid said- Psalm 69:4 Those who hate me without a cause Are more than the hairs of my head;about David- while simultaneously prophetic about Jesus- many didn’t like himJohn 15:25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

But people’s hatred was never a discouragement to Jesus- it emboldened him to stay on mission. But Jesus prepared his followers- He told them to be prepared for people to not agreeJohn 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.Those who would attempt to simple things for Jesus aren’t going to be met with grace and mercyWhat does it mean to youAre you letting the haters dictate what you believe and how you live this Christian life? Now- as much as Jesus said we must be prepared to be hated- we are not to hate in returnLuke 6:27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,We are supposed to love and pray for those who hate us because we are Christians- that’s a factBut we can’t stop being who we are and doing what we do because the world doesn’t agree with usJesus didn’t stop- we don’t stop. Haters are going to hate- they are going to what they do- soldier onThey aren’t going to win in the end- just like the pharisees slipped in jabs and slams- Jesus still won. David Psalm 41:11 By this I know that You are well pleased with me, Because my enemy does not triumph over me.David was pursued, and attacked by Saul and his tribe- never gave up. Paul never gave up2 Timothy 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: We have entered into a realm of existence that Just 30 years ago no one would believeChristianity used to be the dominant ...

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6/9/21 • FVC

How many of you remember the first time you experienced turbulence on an airplane? … Was it scary?

Yeah well, if that’s how you felt when a little plane shook for a few seconds, imagine what it will be like when God Shakes the entire earth, and the sun and stars above rattle off track. Even the wildest turbulence is going to feel like a gentle message when the Lord’s shaking comes. Everything that can be destroyed, will be destroyed. That was the topic of last week’s text, and it was designed to stir up your desires for a strong foundation, showing you that Jesus offers a way of escaping destruction, that He offers you an unshakable life, built on Him, or as the text says (Hebrews 12:28) in verse 28, Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.

Tonight’s text follows that up by instructing God’s people how to express their gratitude, or how to offer up acceptable worship. and then it ends with a word of amazing grace, a precious and very potent promise designed to supply the power you need to pour out your praise.

So pay attention. There are riches for you in this text. Listen to it and listen to it again. Wrestle with the text and study it. Think it over and take it to God in prayer until the Word blossoms and yields its fruit. Put in the work, take the word and preach it to yourself.

After all, it’s been said that if you rake the surface, you get leaves. but if you dig down deep, you get diamonds.

ok then, Listen now to the word of the living God as He speaks to you. (Hebrews 13:1-6)

Let brotherly love continue.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,

for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them,

and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

Let marriage be held in honor among all,

and let the marriage bed be undefiled,

for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have,

for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

The church is inheriting a Kingdom which cannot be shaken and that Unshakable kingdom is being built up out of, the very shaky world that you currently live in.

The way that the unshakable and precious is separated from the shaky and worthless is by violently shaking everything and everyone and letting the worthless crumble while all that is of true lasting value remains.

When the author describes the second and last shaking, it’s the sun and the moon and the stars that quiver and tremble. It’s the very foundations of the earth, the depths of the seas and the mighty mountains. These are pictures of the most stable things. They represent the things that you count on the most, the things that provide for you, that guide you and define you.

The author is writing to the Hebrews to prepare them, for God had already started to shake their world. Things were falling apart for them and the Lord was about to send the Romans to execute His Judgment on Israel. Things were about to turn very violent. Because their people had corrupted the pure religion of their fathers. They exchanged the living God for an image… an outward set of practices.

So the Lord looked down on this corruption and it was time to clean house, to get rid of the filth.

For example, when you’ve played the pig by eating chips and cookies in bed like your mother always told you not to do. What do you do? (that’s right, you shake the sheets)

You get up and you take those sheets by the corners and you start shaking them violently. The crumbs fall away and what’s left are clean sheets. If you’re in love with the crumbs and the slothfulness,

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Two Blind Men Healed- Matthew 9:27-30

Matthew 9:27-30. And when Jesus departed thence — from the ruler’s house; two blind men, who probably had heard of His being there, and waited for His coming out; followed him — As he went through the streets, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us — The title which they here give him, shows that they believed him to be the Messiah; for, at this time, it was not only universally understood that the Messiah would be a descendant of David, but Song of Solomon of David was one of the names then ascribed to him by the Jews.

As these men were blind, they could have no evidence of Christ’s miracles from their senses. They believed them, therefore, on the testimony of others who had seen them. Viewed in this light, their persuasion of Christ’s power to cure them was an exercise of faith highly commendable in them, and which reflected great honor upon Jesus.

The blind men came to him - That is, they followed him into the house. They showed a determination to persevere until they obtained what they asked.

Jesus asks, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?”- To work such a miracle. Though they had followed him and cried after him, yet he required of them an open profession of their faith in regard to his power.

They said unto him, Yea, Lord - We have no doubt of this. We came with that assurance: we have followed You with that belief. It was on this simple profession of their faith that the miracle was performed.

Then touched he their eyes.—This is the first recorded instance of the method which our Lord seems always to have adopted in the case of the blind, and, in part also, in that of the deaf.

According to your faith ... - That is, you have "believed" that you could be healed, be healed accordingly. Your faith covered the whole extent of the work respecting my power and the absolute restoration to sight, and that power is exerted accordingly, and your sight is restored.

Jesus straitly charged them, saying, see that no man know it. This was a very strict charge, and according to the signification of the word here used, it was given with great sternness of countenance, and severity of expression, in a very rough manner. The reasons for concealing the miracle are not very obvious nor is it recorded. Perhaps to shun all appearance of vain glory, or seeking popular applause; or He did not choose to be made more known by this miracle, or at this time, or by these men; He might have foreseen bad consequences; or to irritate the resentments of those against Him; or to keep the crowd from setting him up for a temporal king among them.

It would have been better for them to have obeyed His command of silence, their conduct is not to be commended: and yet their conduct is not without affording us means of inferring, how great is the effect which the power of Christ has on those who have experienced it. They spread abroad His fame in all that country. This they did, not in contempt of Christ and his orders; but rather out of gratitude, and through an honest zeal to spread his honor and glory. How could they not? Their eyes were just opened!

We have no such command to keep silent. If we have moved from death to life, and we were blind but now we see; how can we not tell all who will listen? I remember the exact time I was born again. It was literally as if I was blind my whole life and I was given sight. Had a sin conscience and was fully aware that the Holy Spirit had entered my mind and my body, raising up a new creation. How could I not tell everyone? I was dead and now I live! How could I not proclaim His name?

This is a true story from Ps Ong- Nigerian man who was saved

But how could he not spread news of Jesus to give Him honor and praise?

Why are you silent? How can you not?? What has happened to the zeal you had at the beginning? Here might be a few reasons:

You are still blind.

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Matthew 9:18-26

Do you believe Jesus? That he will do for other people? That he will do for you? Have you made room for him?

“She will live” In the beginning of this story- we see a ruler that comes to Jesus and worships himInteresting to note- That Jesus did not stop this ruler from worshipping him- why? Because he was God in the flesh. He accepted people’s worship because he was God. Lets join the story18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciplesThis ruler, whomever he was- saw and heard of Jesus and he put his faith in Jesus that he could heal his daughter- This man- however powerful and influential he may have been- knew- Jesus can do it. My daughter- she will live- all I need is for Jesus to just come and lay a hand on herThe Bible doesn’t say it- but I like to think that people in the OT had to have known a bit of scriptureMaybe- Psalm 42:5-6: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.Somehow- this man knew where he needed to put his faith- and it was in JESUS- and watch this- it wasn’t even for himself- it was for his DAUGHTER. End of his rope- no where to turnHere’s the belief- it wasn’t even for himself- it was for SOMEONE ELSE. He BELIEVED for SOMEONE ELSES Miracle- A dead person who had no life that couldn’t believe for themselvesJob 42:10 And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

What does it mean to youAre you praying for your friends and family in faith? Are you believing that God can heal them?This week- Daneysha surgery- working on this sermon- SHE WILL LIVE- SHE WILL LIVEI was believing God for her this whole week- While she was in surgery- SHE WILL LIVEI’m her pastor- What do you think her husband was believing? SHE WILL LIVE James 5:16 says The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.I’m not exactly sure what fervent prayer looks like- but I’m guessing its powerful. Paul admonished Timothy to pray- to believe and pray for all men- 1 Timothy 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,In ephesians too Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—There are people who either- cant or wont pray for themselves and believe for themselves- believe for them- pray for them- speak SHE WILL LIVE over them- believe Jesus CAN and WILL. Did Jesus not say- John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.I believe that scripture- I believe that Jesus hears my prayer- I put my faith in him- I believe that he can and will move in peoples lives- I know it- I have seen it- There are have been seasons of my life where the Devil has taken up a mission upon my wife- Many years ago- I was plumb tired of it and went into a fast for 3 days for Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

“I shall be made well”

The next part of this story is great- You’ve probably heard it before- Its oft spoken of 20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.Few things from this passage- 1 She had been infirmed for 12 years- long time 2. She had a false superstition that Jesus clothing had power 3.

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Matt 9:14-17 Have you ever had someone try to get you to do something that you don’t want to do? Some activity or hobby that they love that you just don’t? “you’ll love it” no, you love it. Sometimes people try to get people to do Christian disciplines without heart change1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.Serving Jesus shouldn’t be a burden. It shouldn’t feel like a punishment or a push and if it does, you might need to go back to the cross and be renewed. Be born again- find that first loveChristian disciplines are a natural response to a submitted life towards Christ. It’s a response. Its not the way you find God- it’s the response to him finding youToday what you’re going to see is that Jesus is going to return, you need to be born again and you need to fast. Because “The days will come” We may not be in them right now, but they are coming soon.

Christ is going to return

In this scripture, Jesus is questioned about the fasting of his disciples, and we’ll get into the nut and bolts of this- but I think an important distinction is that Jesus prophesied that he would leave- and he did – he also prophesied that he will return and he willJesus was preparing his followers that he would leave- and when he did- they should fast But about his departure he said- Mark 13:32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.they eagerly wait his return- but fasting while he was there wasn’t beneficial, because fasting prepares your heart to receive Christ- but if he was there- there’s no spiritual benefit to itRevelation 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.Make no mistake friend- Jesus is coming soon- people say when, soon. He said he was leaving- he said he was coming back. You can’t separate the two. We are in a in-between periodMatthew 24:37-39 But as the days of Noah were, READ- people think they have time. Just like the days of noah- they don’t. any minute he could returnPeople say “My master delays his coming” and right now he does- but we need to be readyJohn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.Christs return will occur when we least expect it- at a time when we are the least preparedSummers as a kid- mom leave a list- didn’t know when she was coming home- tried to time it1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 readWhat does it mean to youAre you expectantly awaiting Christs return and living as if he could return at any moment?I think many Christians exist and live in the here and now- not thinking of Christs returnWhenever I see people- Lord willing see you Sunday- 1 Thessalonians 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.I don’t know if you’ve ever had your car or house broken into, but its unnervingWent on a walk with some church dudes, window smashed, wallet stole “if only I had” That’s going to be some people spiritually- “If only I had planned” but no second chance2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be [a]burned up.So the only answer is to be prepared at all times for the return of our savior. All dayTitus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

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Choose your Mountain Hebrews 12:18-24

Chapter 12 gives us a list of people (Great crowd of witnesses) who had great faith and that we ought to learn from

Jesus Himself being one of the main examples, that He endured, torture and shame and now at the Right Hand of God, He has His reward

Despite the many trials, these great men of Faith endured

That we can overcome and be victorious if we lay down things that easily fools us and lead us away from Christ, those that lead us away from our goals, the race that is set before us.

We learnt from Pastor Crystal that the suffering we receive is supposed to strengthen us, if we can’t run with the foot man, how can we run with the horses

Pastor Jeremy last Wednesday reminded us that we need to pursue peace with all people and not only that but also pursue Holiness – without Holiness we cannot see God!

This are all encouragement, it is possible to overcome, it’s possible to live a Holy life, it’s possible to worship and praise God in the middle of any circumstance because, He endured, and we too can/will endure

The Hebrew writer continues to encourage us with this:

Hebrews 12:18-24 (NLT) You have not come to a physical mountain,[a] to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. 19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 20 They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[b] 21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”[c]

No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 23 You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.

What is the writer talking about?

The Past (Mt Sinai)

Mt Sinai, represents separation from God

A God who spoke from a distance – They were not allowed to touch the mountain

Exodus 19:10-13 - 10 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. 11 And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.”

The writer is saying, do not forget how it used to be:

On Mt Sinai, you were not allowed to even touch the mountain, animals as wellThe relationship with you and God was very far apart And if they tried to approach God, they wound die There was clear separation between God and man. God only appeared from a distance. No Holy Spirit in the people – No comforter, protector , companion

Exodus 20: 18-19 - 18 Now all the people witnessed the thundering, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19 Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

There was fear, people were afraid, that God would destroy them. Moses was afraid for them

Deuteronomy 9: 18-19 – 18 And I fell[a] down before the Lord,

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Matthew 9:9-13

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As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, [a]to repentance.”

A man, Matthew ( also known as Levi) - A tax collector is sitting at a tax office

Jesus looks at him and say’s to him – Follow me

Of all the people Jesus would ask, He calls a tax collector

They worked for the Roman governmentThey were seen as traitors, they worked for the other side, the foreigners that came to take from the localsThey were charged with a certain amount and anything over, was for their keeps They abused the system and only fed their mouths They were despised – If you ever know or read about colonization you would understand

Let’s paint a picture, you are in America today and another country comes over and takes over America, you are now required to pay taxes to them and they pretty much own you

And some of our people decide to work with these oppressive country to inflict oppression to you

And you see Jesus the one that is supposed to save them from the Romans

And you can’t help but ask, why is Jesus talking to the sinners?

I can see why the Pharisees were asking the question- What is Jesus doing

Jesus is passing by

In Matthews life it another week, Day starts out like any other

The Bible does not tell us if Matthew had heard of Jesus before but knowing that he was powerful, it would be safe to assume so

He has his life set, but there must have been something missing on the inside

We all know that feeling when we are looking great on the outside, yet inside, there is a miss

The “thing” was not strong enough to get him up and go look for Jesus but it was enough to bring awareness that a change is necessary

He had learnt to live in this state – Afterall, he had great job, good friends, many FB friends, his Instagram was popping with luxuries and new this and the lavished life

Jesus comes by and there is a call, Matthew doesn’t know that this is what he needed but there is a stirring in his heart

We don’t know if he has been just going with the motion, if he felt caught up and there was no way out

He hears the call come and for the first time in his life, there is an opportunity to change his life

He has a choice to make, ignore the call and keep on pretending that he is complete

Or, heeds the call and let healing begin

Like some of us- We know deep inside that we are not who we ought to be, who God has called us to be

We have addictions, behaviors, places we frequent, things we look at online or in person, in a relationship that is toxic, things that we are afraid to confront

We feel like we are stuck and there is not a way out

This morning, I want let you know that Jesus is passing by

And He is speaking to you

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

There is a doctor in the room

He rose up and followed Jesus

For Matthew, the rich, influential man following Jesus meant the unknown

He could no longer have unlimited finances

He could not longer have class (status)

I love that Matthew transformation was immediate and he prepared a great feast for Jesus

Luke 5:29 - Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.

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Nullius Filius

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed”

Hebrews‬ 12:5-13‬ NKJV‬‬

In the English law, an illegitimate child is termed "nullius filius." Latin, a son of nobody. The KJV uses the old English word, “bastard”. (tell my story)

Illegitimate children are usually abandoned by their father. The care of them is left to the mother, and the father endeavors to avoid all responsibility, and usually to be concealed and unknown. His own child he does not wish to recognize; he neither provides for him; nor instructs him; nor governs him; nor disciplines him. A father, who is worthy of the name, will do all these things. It is the duty of a father to chasten his children.

So the writer of Hebrews says it is with Christians. God has not cast these persecuted and afflicted believers off. In every way God demonstrates toward us the character of a Father. And if it should be that we went through this life without any occurrence that would indicate the care and attention of a loving Father designed to correct our faults, it would show that we never had been His children, but were cast off and wholly disregarded. This is a beautiful argument; and we should receive every affliction as full proof that we are not forgotten by the Almighty God who condescends to sustain to us good character, and to demonstrate toward us the watchful care of a Father.

The term here “chasten” is translated in the most general sense. It means “to bring forth blood” by whatever means necessary

And scourges every son whom he receives: scourges denotes the highest degree of chastening, even with the sharpest punishment, wherein God proceeds with all and every son or daughter, no exceptions, whom he hath adopted and received.

“And you have forgotten this message of chastening” the writer of Hebrews tells them. This message of chastening and afflictions has been lost in the false love gospel. God is producing obedient and righteous children, not spoiled disobedient and rebellious brats. Affliction is good and pure and has a purpose of refining.

Afflictions, should be regarded as chastening and not as small matters, for these reasons:

(1) The fact that they are sent by God. Whatever He does is of importance, and is worthy of the profound attention of His people.

(2) they are sent for some important purpose, and should be regarded, therefore, with attentive concern.

Psalm 94:12 ESVBlessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law,

Rev 3:19 NKJVAs many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Men "despise" them when:

(1) we treat them with affect or unconcern;

(2) when we fail to receive them as divine admonitions, and regard them as without any intelligent design; and,

(3) when we receive them with "expressions" of contempt,

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Matthew 9:1-8

Bring people to Jesus

. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bedThe beginning of this story shows Jesus going to his own city and some guys bring him a paralyticIts interesting that Jesus saw THEIR faith- not the faith of the one who was to be healed. Its also interesting that Jesus cared more about this man sins than he cared about his situationBenson- By this Jesus intimated, both to the paralytic and to those who brought him, 1st, that sin is the source of all our evils; 2dly, that, sin being forgiven, bodily distempers can do us no real or lasting harm; 3dly, that the primary end of his coming into the world was to save his people from their sins; Did you catch that? 1. Sin is the source of all of our evils 2. Being forgiven of sin is more important that body problems. 3. Jesus came to save sins, not to fix all of our worldly problems. Therefore- if sin is the source of all of our problems, shouldn’t we make it a focus to bring people to be set free from the law of sin and death? Shouldn’t we help people to be set free from sin?Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.Matthew 28:19 Go [a]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,What is the Gospel? Its very simple- Jesus came to save people from the penalty of their sinsThat’s why in this story he says that healing is easy- but only God can forgive sin- Theres two parts you can get from this first part- One- your faith can bring someone to Jesus to be set free 2. Jesus came to forgive sin- healing is secondary- he can do that too, but not primaryWhat does it mean to you? Are you bringing people to Jesus? Are you helping them be healed and set free?Jesus is a healer! Matt 8:16 Healed all who were ill Matt 12:15 He healed them all Matt 14:14 Healed their sick Luke 4:40 He was healing them Luke 9:11 Curing those who had need of healing Mark 3:10 He had healed many Matt 8:7 “I will come and heal him” Jesus can and will heal people- that is true- but his PRIMARY mission was to forgive SINSo when we read in the Bible- we see that the earliest disciples went and preached this2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.In this story we see people with Faith, bringing people to Jesus- we should bring people to Jesus- it should be what we think about and what we are about- bringing people to Jesus1 Corinthians 9:22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.We’re not going to save them all, but we can save some- we can lead some- have FAITH2 Timothy 4:5b do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.Whens the last time you shared your testimony with someone? Whens the last time you invited someone to church? Whens the last time you lead someone to Christ? There are hurting people all around- look for them- bring them to Jesus!Luke 14:23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 1 Corinthians 1:17 Romans 10:1

Forgive people

So Jesus comes and he heals this guy and forgives him as well- what do the scribes do?3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”Why did they say this? They didn’t think Jesus was God- and only God can forgive sinTo them- they didn’t believe in Jesus, so it was blasphemy to forgive- which, ok, somewhat understandable somewhat- but they didn’t even rejoice that this guy was healed- They wanted him to stay in his sin? They wanted him to be a paralytic? Infirmed?What kind of evil minded person do you need to be to not want to see someone healed?Even the Jews and the system of the law was centered around satisfying the need for forgiveness- ...

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Intro story- homeless

Hebrews 12:14-17

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or [a]profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

I didn’t pursue peace with that man

It ended up ruining the rest of my night

I had an unsettling feeling late into the night

I could’ve helped that man and instead I was lead by emotion and not peace

The scripture says pursue peace with all people and holiness without which no one will see the Lord

I had an opportunity to represent Christ to this man and I failed. What if this was the only time or last time someone could represent Christ to him

It was a few days later that Pj gave me this scripture to preach and immediately prayed Lord what do you want me to know about peace

Its funny how the Lord works because he started showing me areas of my life that I don’t pursue peace

I was like that’s not what I mean show me other people not me

So what does it mean to pursue peace

The word pursue is a verb, and to pursue something means to actively chase after it, to follow it , or seek it out

Psalm 34:14

14 Depart from evil and do good;Seek peace and pursue it.

We need to be people that relentlessly chase after peace with people

Jesus tells us we should be peacemakers

Matthew 5:9

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God.

Story-man

Here are some areas that we can strive to chase after peace with people in our lives

Some places we can start are grocery stores, work, school, or any other interactions you have with people

We should actively be peaceful with people at our jobs

Don’t be the person that as bad interactions with people at work and then end up not being at peace

Don’t let the bad experience get to a point where you leave work then complain about your coworkers to anyone that will listen

That’s not pursing peace. Its better to talk with people and resolve the situation

If you allow it to build up overtime you will start to hold a grudge and become bitter

Allow the Holy Spirit to calm you down and make peace with them

It would also do some people well to just stop talking on social media

That is a very easy place to allow frustration to set in and not be peaceful

Stop saying whatever you want whenever you want then have on your Profile “Christian”

Some arguments I see on facebook are just ridiculous. Word of advice, you know people can see stuff you are commenting even if we aren’t friends with the same people.

Don’t let social media keep you from pursing peace if you have to delete it then do it

Remember we are held accountable for every idle word we speak.

Another place to seek peace, and this one should be easy but sometimes its not is within the church

Don’t hold grudges or be bitter with people in the Church

If you have a problem with a brother or sister you need to address it immediately

There should be no discord among believers… ever you need to work it out

If we cant have peace with each other how do you expect to have peace with anyone else..

Also you are going to spend eternity with them so its best to work it out now.

Pursue peace within your home

Children pursue peace with your parents…

The best way to do that is to be obedient and do what they ask of you

Exodus 20:12

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Colossians 3:20

20 Children, obey your parents in all things,

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Matthew 8:28-33 As always- interesting story- (Explain story)It's no different today- whole cities of people reject Jesus every day. Seattle police chief recently rescinded an invite from a National Christian organization because they were ‘filled with hate’ Leave- we don’t want you here Jesus-. It's happening more often. Schools, TV, Movies, workplaces, they don’t want Christians there. We’re labeled. We’re ostracized. Not invited. We look at them and we say “how could they beg Jesus to depart”? And we may not say it without mouths- but many of us beg Jesus to depart from us every single day. Why did they beg him to depart?

They begged him because demons had become the norm

READ v 28-29Demon possession is real - Job 2:2the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”in this town- its clear that the people had gotten used to the demons and just avoided themIt says “exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.”To me- that says- you know, we know that there is a place in the city that is overcome with demons- but we’re not going to go there and do some spiritual warfare and fix it- we’re just going to go around it. Eph 4:27 nor give place to the devil.- and these people had given place to the devil. Forwhatever reason- they thought it better to just avoid the problem instead of facing the problemTo them- just let the demons demon- let them have their way- we’ll just learn to live with themvisit this old lady when I was kid- house had cockroaches- she’d name them- better to clean?So in part- when these people come to Jesus at the edge of the city and beg him to leave- its because Jesus had upset their norm. what they were used to- how they did businessIts like when an addict gets clean and goes back to the house- they house knew how to deal with addiction- don’t know how to deal with healthy- it can create problems. So they beg him- Just leave Jesus- we didn’t want you to deal with this possession- we didn’t ask you to fix our issues- just leave- we liked our pet demons- Maybe it created a distraction so they wouldn’t have to deal with their own issues- liked having issues to blame their problems on? Who knowsWhat does it mean to youAre you begging Jesus to leave because you like your demons? Have you let them take up residence and now they are so much a part of the family you’re naming them like cockroaches?Matthew 12:43-45 READ when the unclean spirit has gone out of personDemons are real- possession and oppression - if you don’t deal with it- it just comes backBut people think they can play with this withcraft and it wont bother them- that everything okYou can’t camp in Sodom and expect that you wont come out smelling like smoke- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.ever had a kid go spend the night with a bad kid and come back with their spirit on them?You got to cast that thing out- you cant let that spirit take up with your kid- thinking its okthey accustomed to the demon possession and had adjusted their lives to avoid itWhat you should do when it comes to demons? Put on the whole armor of God. Get prayed upEphesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil.Demon possession is real folks. Everything isn’t a demon, but there are principalities involved in this world that you have to be aware of. If you don’t you can find yourself in a bad placeYou must James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.Submit to God- put up a fight- pray over yourself, your family, your house, where you go- Watch what you watch, who you associate with, and what you take part in- 2 Cor 2:11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

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Praying Like Jesus Part 1 – Luke 22:39-45

Lords Prayer

Before we begin today’s sermon would you join me in praying the words our Lord taught us to pray?

Introduction

Please stand for the reading of God’s Word.

Luke 22:39-46 ESV And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. (40) And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (41) And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, (42) saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (43) And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. (44) And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (45) And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, (46) and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

You may be seated

Last week we talked about preparing for the coming battle, a battle that would take spiritual preparation and physical preparation.We spent a good deal of time talking about the spiritual preparation of putting on the full Armor of God.And we spent a good deal of time talking about the physical preparation and how Jesus told His disciples they needed to bring physical swords for the coming battle.This week we begin talking about exactly what battle was being prepared for… the coming battle is about to begin, and the stage is set in a garden, with the disciples sleeping and the Savior crying out to God with such passion that He sweats blood!I want to spend two weeks covering this passage, because there is a lot to unpack, and I spent an hour and a half preaching last week and I don’t want to do that to you again!

Show Title Slide

Praying like Jesus… that’s what we are going to be talking about for the next two weeks…Because here in this passage we see one of the most powerful examples of what Jesus’ prayer life looked like…And there could not be a more pressing, dire, righteous, loving, and passionate prayer to study then that of our Lord’s the night of His betrayal.

This message has Four Parts:

To Pray Like Jesus: Have a Prayer Custom.To Pray Like Jesus: Pray that You May Not Enter Into TemptationTo Pray Like Jesus: Pray the Fathers WillTo Pray Like Jesus: Pray with Passion

We are going to go over the first two points this morning, and then the next two points next week.

Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray

Our first point this morning: to pray like Jesus: Have a Prayer Custom

Part One – To Pray Like Jesus: Have a Prayer Custom

Luke 22:39 ESV And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.

“As was His custom”… that means this was something that Jesus did a lot!He did it so often that it was described as His custom, more than a habit, more than a plan with good intentions… more than an every once an a while… Not just when needed or when the situation was dire… no, this was a custom of Jesus!Jesus went down to the garden on the Mount of Olives to pray… something He had done many times before… it was His custom.So my first question to you church, as we are talking about praying like Jesus, my first question to you is this: Do you even have a prayer custom?Or do you only pray when you feel like you need to?Or do you only pray when you feel the occasion calls for it?Or do you only pray when the mood to pray strikes you?DO YOU HAVE A PRAYER CUSTOM?

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You may have had small faith in the past, but you can change that! You must be saved, believe the scriptures, and love and obey the Lord, and your faith will grow. Jesus, take the wheel (Matthew 8:23-27) Verses in NKJV

Matthew 8:23-27, Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

1. The storms of life will come.

According to a study done in 1960, people are born with only two innate fears: falling and loud noises. The rest of our fears are “learned” as we grow up, as defense mechanisms to avoid danger.
Surveys say the top fears include: Public speaking, going to the dentist, snakes, spiders, and mice, and enclosed spaces. These fears focus on perceived danger, despite not actually being harmed.
In our story, the disciples, most of whom were fishermen, knew firsthand the dangers of storms.
A fierce squall or storm was not uncommon in the Sea of Galilee. It may have been unexpected, but it was not uncommon… the disciples knew they could lose everything in the open sea.
The first thing that stood out to me in these verses was verse 23, “Now when (Jesus) got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.” (The potential for danger didn’t stop them from following Jesus.)
It is difficult for our brains to recognize the difference between real danger and perceived danger. Example: Physical reactions from a GoPro video, or feeling pain when someone else falls hard.
Intellectually you know it isn’t real, but your brain stills triggers your body’s fight or flight mechanism, your heart races, hands get sweaty, adrenaline dumps, and you’re ready for action!
Example, PTSD: September 2012, first in on a 12 y/o accidental hanging. My kids were 13 and 10.
Traumatic scene, triggered hypervigilance, stress, isolation and avoidance.
Constantly wanting to quit my job (flight), and always aggressively looking for danger (fight).
Constant worry and bracing for next trauma didn’t help! It only made me weaker to resist.
I can’t control the emergency calls I will be sent to, but I can control my thoughts and mind.
Phil. 4:6-8, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
2 Cor. 10:5b, …bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Fear will come. Work at controlling your thoughts, and eventually your body will follow.
Example, PTSD continued: I struggled for many years, and it was a difficult season for all of us.
I saw doctors, therapists, made job adjustments… I was told I should leave my job and that the pain and scares may never go away.
I sincerely prayed for years and tried to lay it down on the alter a dozen times, to no avail.
Then finally, at The Men’s Advance a couple years ago, after 6 years, I laid it at the feet of Jesus and I was healed! (Men’s Advance 2021 coming August 12-14, sign up on the App!)
I know the danger, and the very real potential to get hurt again, but just like the disciples I will continue to follow Jesus on to the boat.
2 Tim 1:7,

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Gold, Silver or Bronze Hebrew 12:1-4

In chapter 11 we see the super heroes of our faith, how they endured and stayed steadfast no matter what they faced Let not call them Hero’s in a sense that they had super powers, unattainable super powers Peter and John – Crippled from BirthJames 5:17(nkjv) - Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.Ethan preached on Faith last week – That our faith should not change depending on the situationOur God is the same yesterday, today and forever That even though we walk through the shadow of death, we will fear no evil for He is with usWhether He is walking us through it Or shielding us while we are in it Or allowing us to suffer for His cause, He will not leave us or forsake usPastor Matt on Sunday spoke on the cost for salvationLearn to endure, you have been called to a life of enduranceAnd be of good cheer, that others may desire GodThere is no disclaimer in the Christian walk, #allinHebrews 12:1-4 (Nkjv) (Our Main Text)

Drop the extra weight

Vs 1 is saying, you have seen/read and heard about those that have gone before you, you need to lay down any weight that easily trips you upWe carry lots of things with us, and it’s all good until we have to runThe Bible use the word “run” because it’s easy to walk carrying stuff Let us run with endurance – This is not a splint, it’s a marathon Videos of someone being chased by a dog or an animal, they drop what they are carrying

The examples we get, they left everything behindWe all feel like we have left everything back until we have to run.A great example is the young ruler

Matthew 19:18-22(nkjv) -He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [a]from my youth.( all this I need in my journey) What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.Let’s us lay aside every weight that entangles us – Something that makes it difficult for us to move, we get caught up We are aware of the bad things (Poison Ivy, blackberry bushes,) it’s the things that we don’t see coming that really do ties us upI am reminded of David, when he was about to fight Goliath, only to realize that Saul’s comfortable gear was too much to bearStop going to places others do – you will be entangled Stop trying pray the way you see others pray, seek God first and his righteousness and everything else will be added to you Be yourself – the best version of who God has created you to be

Run with enduranceNumbers 22 Baraam, -Balak sends for Balaam to come and curse the Israelites Numbers 22:12 (Nkjv)- And God said, to Balaam, you shall not go with them, you shall not curse the people for they are blessedHe kept going back to the Lord even though God has said noAnd God eventually allowed him to have his way and almost killed him if it wasn’t for the donkeyExtra weight will stop us from hearing God and being obedient We have to aim higher, allow God to search our hearts and reveal those areas where we are not aware of This is a race and we have to train on high elevation – Here we only bring the necessary stuff There is a cost of endurance Kenyan’s training on High elevation, allows for large lung capacity Thinner air, more endurance, when you come to the lower level, the battle – running is not as badThis evening, my question for all of us, is where are we training In the middle of the Chaos (pop in the Bible App while working) Consecrate ourselves and set ...

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Matthew 8:18-22Many things in life you agree to before you know what it really means and what it will costMarriage is one. A new job. A house. A car. My first car I owned for a year and didn’t do nothing to it- no oil, rotations, anything. No one taught me. I didn’t know nothing. It was work had no $When I became a Christian- I didn’t really know what it meant. There have been times I wanted to turn back because I didn’t realize what it was going to cost me in this lifeTelling Jesus you are going to follow him and then turning back isn’t what he wantsYou must make a decision to let the dead bury their own dead- and follow Jesus

Let the dead bury their own dead- learn to endure

19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”Jesus is talking to this scribe who sees in Jesus the messiahship, but Jesus is letting him know the tangible realities of both being the son of man and what it would be like to follow himBeing the son of man isn’t glorious- but to be a son of man in the biblical sense is understanding that Jesus identifies with all of who we are as human- he is a son of man- but he is THE son of man as wellEllicott describes it this way- It was accordingly, with these ideas attached to it—involving at once fellowship with the lowest of the heirs of our humanity, and yet also participation in the eternal glory of the Highest—that our Lord claimed the title, and used it with such marvelous frequencySo whatever Jesus asks of us- he identifies with and experiences with us. We don’t serve a Savior that asks us to endure with him, who didn’t endure himself. He suffered for us and continues to intercede for us before the father on our behalf. And so when this scribe comes and says “ I will follow you wherever you go” Jesus says, “but will you”? because I’m you and I’m God but I don’t even get a place to live. This Jesus life is the real deal, if its that way for me- its going to be that way for you- so are you willing to live a life of endurance following me? Do you really know what it means to follow me?John 16:33 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.”Jesus knew and told his disciples- in this world you will have tribulation. It will not be easyThis guy wants to follow Jesus but Jesus makes it clear- its not a cake walk- it wont be easyLuke 9:23 then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.does that sound like a party you want to be invited to? Its going to take some endurance. Its going to take some grit. Its not going to be easyCan I be honest with you? I think many have done a disservice to Christianity by trying to sell it as love, peace and blessings. People say “you’ll feel so much peace” “you’ll fill a God sized whole in your heart” “The benefits are out of this world” I think its why many fall away and don’t come back- They are not told what it really means to follow Jesus- Their life is already hard, they want a reprieve and someone sells it to themBut it either gets hard, or it lacks any teeth because they weren’t really convertedThis Christian life takes ENDURANCE if you are really try to live for Jesus- everything is at youGalatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.What does it mean to youHave you embraced the suck of following Jesus? That’s a military term- embrace the suckIts just a way to describe a horrible situation- you either fight it and complain or endureRomans 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations,

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Watch Jesus Move Matt 8:1-17

2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”There’s a few parts of this story that I find interesting- One- there were mutitudes following him, but only one came out of the crowd to be healed and he worshipped himNow if you don’t know anything about leprosy- this was a debilitating condition. It would create open sores, scabs and lesions on a person. They would bleed and be filled with pus. They might lose hands, fingers or feet and then only get around by crawling. A complete outcastIn bible times- it was thought to be highly contagious- so many people avoided these types and because of the lack of healthcare- the priests were the one who determined if the person who had or was exposed to leprosy was able to be be in society or if they needed to be quarantined.You have to put yourself in this mans situation- an outcast- labeled -quarantined- unable to take part in society- and he comes out the crowd- and Goes to Jesus and says “If you are willing” This was a man of faith. A man who was surrounded by other people, but had a need and humbled himself and put himself before the one he knew could heal himHow many relationships were broken. How many people distanced themselves from himBut he goes “If you you are willing” if you can do it. I want to be healed. Now I don’t know anything about this guy. If he was Jew or a gentile. I don’t know. But the word of God was there during that time. Maybe he went to synagogue. Maybe he had faithMaybe Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

Jeremiah 33:6 Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.Those are faith scriptures! Those are healing scriptures! And then Jesus tells him ‘go and show the priest’ a few reasons- 1 Jesus wanted to honor the law of God in regards to leprosy- he wasn’t anti-law he came to fulfill it- so he sends him to the priest as was required by the law. 2 He wanted the priests and religious leaders to see that this man was healed because healing was a promise of the arrival of the messiah. Isaiah 35:5-6 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.This healing is yet another proof of Jesus ability to heal the sick and his messiahshipAnd why was he healed? Because Jesus can heal- and he was humble enough to askHe could have stayed in his condition- he could have stayed with the crowd- lived in his painBut he walked in humbleness and faith and believed! Psalm 41:3 The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will [a]sustain him on his sickbed.

What does it mean to you?What do you need Jesus to do for you in your life and what haven’t you seen happen because you refuse to leave the crowd and bow before Jesus and say “If you are willing” and see what he does!We live in a different time- we don’t walk around in groups and follow itinerant preachers claiming to be messiah. We know the truth- we know who Jesus is- we just lack humblenessNow some would say courage- but I think we’re overrun with courage- we need humbleness we need to learn how to bow the knee and go before the Lord and put it in his hands- not control itProverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.Are you humble- do you fear the lord? Do you see him as your source and healer? Or are you on your own doing it your way on your terms? God wants you to come to him and trust himPsalm 103:2-3 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,All of them! I believe God is a healer- I believe that he can and he will heal all disease- see the problem is that nowadays people don’t ...

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Moses v Rahab (Hebrews 11:20-31) Verses in NLT

Hebrews 11:20-23, It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings for the future to his sons, Jacob and Esau. 21 It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff. 22 It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left. 23 It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.
Hebrews Chapter 11 is known as the “faith chapter”. Right now, these believers are struggling with persecution and ridicule, and the author is encouraging them to hold fast and to live by faith.
Hebrews 11:1-2, Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
Faith is not wishing, it’s not blind, not a formula for blessings, not a secret key to unlocking the favor of God. (Example: Like those commercials, “Do this one thing every day to torch belly fat…”)
Faith is an active certainty, a confidence that the God of the Universe will fulfill His promises, even if we don’t see it now, and may not see it in our lifetime. Faith is an action word.
Out of thousands of years of the history of God’s people, the author chose these specific examples of faith to highlight. He must have chosen these people as examples for a reason.
Hebrews 11:23-28, It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. 27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. 28 It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.
Moses, founder of the nation of Israel, writer of the holy scriptures, delivered the nation out of slavery, a man who spoke with God face to face. A great super hero of the faith!
In verse 23, the word “unusual”, means or attractive or beautiful. This word refers to something of superior quality. His parents could already tell that Moses was extraordinary from birth.
As an example of faith, I have trouble identifying with Moses and his accomplishments. I look at him and say, “How can I match up to that?” He is like the Superman of the saints.
Hebrews 11:29-30, It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned. 30 It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.
Although the Israelites are not great examples of faith as individuals, as a group, through their obedience, they displayed great faith in doing the ridiculous to see the miraculous.
Crossing the Red Sea would take faith that God could protect them through the walls of water.
Jericho had an impenetrable wall, but God said, “I have given you Jericho.” By faith they did exactly what God told them to do. Walk around it and shout at it, and God delivered on His promise.

2. But there is still one more verse…

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Today is Easter (and Pastor Aubrey Birthday) Do you know himThe day we gather as Christians, all over the globe to celebrate the resurrection of our SaviorThousands of years we’ve been celebrating. I would say millions if not billions of people who make it a point to come to church on Easter and never let it get past the dayI welcome you- I welcome you to celebrate with us the resurrection of our lord. Great dayBut this wasn’t just a day for celebration- This was the beginning of the changing of the worldChristians have influenced society in many ways, education, healthcare, slavery, civil rights, medicine, science, orphans. Christians have been the greatest source of good planet earth has ever seenNone of that would have happened if Jesus didn’t resurrect from the dead. None of it. So today we celebrate it. We get excited about it. It’s the source of our hope. The reason for our strength. The passion in our lungs. Our hope for eternal lifeSo people come to church on Easter- They sing the songs. Maybe see a play or something. They understand they should be here, but they don’t understand why they should be hereAnd so you listen, maybe half heartedly, maybe a funny joke or story. A warm fuzzy to satisfyBut then you just leave- go back to your life and continue to live the way that you have been living. You come to church on Easter and it doesn’t leave the parking lotWe use the Bible here. Its what we do. Its what guides us. We go through it every week1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.If Jesus didn’t raise from the dead- our own bible says to pity us- but he did! No need to pity us!And so today we find ourselves here on Easter- In the book of Matthew. Going through itIf you’re here wondering who we are- we worship God, we learn the Bible, fellowship, serveMatt 7:21-29READHow is this an Easter scripture?Because none of it makes sense or matters if Jesus didn’t raise from the deadBut your eternity rests on this- this is a very important thing to grasp. If Jesus is raised from the dead- and if he didn’t you cant know him, and you shouldn’t follow him- but he DID

You need to know him - Easter

Like I said, we go through the Bible here and this is where we’re at in the scriptures today, so we’re going to go with it- it says-21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’What is Jesus saying here? Just because you call Jesus Lord, but don’t do what God wants, Jesus says you’re a law breaker and he is going to tell you that he doesn’t know you and send you away from him- and you don’t want to be sent away from him. Its not goodNow some would say that this is harsh- but its not really- its just honest- Its Jesus saying- I don’t want you to give me lip service- I want you to actually know me and do what I say. Who actually likes lip service? Does it work in marriage? Parenting? Careers? Friendship?No one likes lip service- “come visit- we’ll take care of ya’ll- ‘yalll wanna get dinner stuff”No- it doesn’t. and it doesn’t work in a spiritual sense either- God doesn’t want lip serviceWhy would God want followers that didn’t follow him that he didn’t know? He wouldntJeremiah 9:23-24 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.The prophet Jeremiah, speaking on behalf of God says,

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Supersized Faith Hebrews 11: 8-19

Last Wednesday Pastor Crystal started Hebrews 11

What does God say about Faith?Abel’s sacrifice of FaithEnoch who walked with God by FaithNoah – Who had referential fear of the Lord which caused obedience

Today I want us look at our faith and use 3 people to help us do that

When I think of Faith, I realize that we all have Faith

The interesting part about our lives is that we all have Faith, we do and its strong Faith for thatYou woke up and trusted without thinking that if you hit the light switch, lights would come on Our day-to-day activities

How is the rest of you night going to play out? – We all have a choice to trust in ourselves or Trust God

This season and the seasons ahead, God requires us to understand Faith because we will need it;

In its purest form

Hebrews 11: 1 Faith is a confirmation of things hoped for (Divinely Guaranteed) and the evidence of things not seen (Faith cannot be measured in a lab)It’s something that we will have to work hard forWe have to have an active Faith – Faith without works is dead

(READ CHAPTER – Hebrews 11:8-19 NKJV

-By Faith Abraham – This right here was the fuel, the power behind obedience, the driving force to get Abraham going and to keep him going when things were challenging

By Faith Sarah received the ability to conceive
By Faith, Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice and Isaac got to see the redemption power of God

We will look at three different situations of Faith

Super Natural Experienced Learnt

Father Abraham

Super natural - attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.

Abraham is called to go to a place where he didn’t know and by Faith, he did

Genesis 15:4 -6 (NKJV) And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Abraham believed the Lord and the Lord counted him righteous because of his Faith

Abraham went without seeing, faith is the evidence of things unseen

He had super natural faith, one that comes with a walking with God.

We see this in Enoch, that he walked with God especially in a time when there was so much lawlessness (2020 and beyond)

Super natural Faith doesn’t hunt you, it only possible when you are at the right place

We clearly see this in the upper room:

Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Side note, that is why you should not miss Monday night prayerThey were in one place, praying and seeking the face of God, uninterrupted When is the last time you spent praying without your gadget aide?When is the last time you put everything aside and went into an “upper room to pray and wait on the Lord”?

They waited and saw God move

This season requires us to wait on God more than ever before, the Bible says that in the last days deception will be great, even the elite will be deceived

The concept of going to the unknown is not new to us, but it is if you have no

-Maps, cell phone, GPS or even a plan

It wasn’t just him but he went with his family and possession – We don’t think much about this

Today we are called to change our behaviors, our dreams, loose control and allow God to take over

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Matthew 7:15-20 - Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

False prophets have been an issue within the church since before it began. The leader of the Local church is Jesus. It belongs to him, is for him, through him and because of himInevitably even when Jesus was on this earth, he warned his followers that there would be people that would come into the fold of the sheep that would present themselves as fellow sheep, but in reality they are wolvesThis is another colloquialism that the world has stolen and made its own with no reference to Christ- this was a term meant to protect God’s people from people who’s aim is destroy us

Beware of False Prophets

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. The problem is that we’re loving and trusting instead of testing- 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.The problem is people don’t trust the pastor of their churchJeremiah 3:15 And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.People assume pastors are self serving- but the best of us protect the sheep. With God’s heartThe problem is that people don’t pay attentionJude 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation,The problem is that people want to love peopleJohn 15:12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.We’ve all seen it- people we assumed had good motives, and after time, it comes to light that they are in fact a wolf. A person bent on unholy destruction of Christians and christ’s church We must be careful- we must be diligent. We will never stop all false prophets and wolves, but we must beware of them. We must prepare and expel them from our midst. I’ve never seen a wolf get saved or change its fur. I just haven’t. Maybe you have- but in my years of ministry- I’ve seen lots of wolves- and as far as I know- they are still wolves from what I’ve seen and heardFour types of false prophets in the NTItinerant false prophets- These are the floaters. Their resume looks a lot like a jr high dating record. Typically they have been around Christianity for a while. They have been to many churches. They name drop. They share their ministerial resume as a cover for spirituality. They usually only stick around the church as long as they have Acts 20:30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.Apocalyptic false prophets these are the ones who are always claiming dates and times of Christ’s return. I’ve seen dozens of these predictors in my lifetime. Surprise, they’ve all been wrong. They claim to know when, how and why Christ is returning. Or even worse, they claim to be the return of Christ- matt 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.Don’t listen to anyone who gives you a timeline of Christ’s return. Don’t Mark 13:32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.Even Jesus doesn’t know the time of his own return- but wolf so and so does?Pagan false prophets- These are the ones who usually easy to spot- but without discernment you’ll miss it- 2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.These false prophets deny the diety, lordship and primacy of Christ. They bring Jesus down instead of lifting him up. Example- Mormons- they do not believe Jesus is God. JWs as wellThey introduce pagan teachings and spirituality- eastern meditation, universalism, yoga, Buddhism,

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I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing

Hebrews 11:1-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 Now faith is the [a]substance of things hoped for, the [b]evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

3 By faith we understand that the [c]worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

The essence of faith- the writer defines for us what saving faith entails:

Back up to v. 38 “the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws back my soul shall have no pleasure in him”

This fundamental principle is affirmed four times in Scripture: it is an OT principle spoken by Habakkuk in 2:4; Romans 1:17; Gal 3:11 and again in Hebrews. FAITH is not a new principle but what has always drawn men into relationship with God. Faith governs our relationship to God and our participation in the salvation provided through Jesus. “By grace are you saved THROUGH faith.” It is our faith that participates with God’s grace to bring salvation. The person who perseveres in faith will receive what God promises; the person who shrinks back does so to his own destruction.

Greek pistis- moral conviction of religious truth or truthfulness; from the root word peitho (pi-tho) to assent to evidence or authority by reliance on, have confidence in, trust, yield, obey.

By this definition, faith is an active and ongoing, present force, it is not a passive past belief. This chapter on faith demonstrates that faith is trust in God through all circumstances, which enables the believer to persevere and remain steadfastly loyal to God and His Word at all times.

Faith believes in spiritual realities: read v.1 “the evidence of things not seen”

Romans 8:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Faith is trusting in God’s Word, when we cannot see the outcome. “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.” It does not take faith to believe that pine trees are green. I can see that pine trees are green. It takes faith to believe the words of Scripture that proclaim God to be my Healer, even when I do not experience healing; He is my Provider, even when I do not have an income, He is my Deliverer, even when I am sitting behind bars.

Faith was the distinguishing characteristic of the OT saints: read v.2

This quality of faith was it by which the Old Testament saints were distinguished, and on that account became objects of God’s favor and witnesses to Him as being accepted by Him.

It is by faith in God and His Word that we please God. NOT a NT principle

Through faith we have understanding: read v.3 we were not there when the world was formed, but by faith we understand that it was void and God spoke the world into existence from nothing

We understand or obtain knowledge in two basic ways: 1. physical senses and natural reasoning; 2. Knowledge about God and the spiritual realm that happens first at the spiritual level through revelation of God’s Word...

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Which road are you on? Matt 7:13-1413 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.They say “every road leads to somewhere” and that’s true. Every road is going to somewhereWe use our GPS a lot- many people are too dependent on it- we’ve been lead astray by itWe spend a lot of time planning our trips, staying away from traffic, cops, etc. First road trip- friend gave me a paper map-ended up needing it in the middle of nevadado you think about the spiritual road you’re on? How often are you calibrating that?Jesus is using a road analogy here with his disciples and honestly- it couldn’t be more clearTake the narrow road- not the wide road. Wide road leads to destruction- difficult is the wayThere’s a video that I’d like to show that encapsulates this idea of the narrow road v the wide road and that difficult is the way.PLEASE PLAY VIDEO Thank you for coming today- that concludes our sermon.

The narrow road

Jesus starts out and says “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction,”The word picture he’s saying here is obvious- there’s a small area in which you will find salvation and if you take the wide area- its destructionWhich gate he was referring to is irrelevant- what is relevant is he is speaking directly about the following of himself as leading to eternal life and salvation- and he says “it’s a narrow road”The video showed this- not biblical- but cool image- only one little hole to go through!Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.If you asked any random person if they wanted to go to heaven- without clarifying- most would say yes- obviously- who wants hell? Many people will seek to enter- but will not be ableWhy? 1. They don’t believe in Jesus as the only way to heaven. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.Christianity is an exclusive proposition- its an all or nothing endeavor- (its not being ‘good’)People say Christians are narrow minded people- and we are! Exclusively and demonstrativelyJesus is THE only way – all other ways are wrong this is not A way it is THE wayJohn 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ONE MEDIATOR- Belief in the blood of Jesus is all that saves from SIN ONLYThese are Jesus words. Islam wont get you to heaven, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoist, wiccan etc consequently statism or secular humanism wont get you there either. ONLY JESUSJohn 3:3636 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”Ezekiel 18:27-32 READ The ways of God are not fair- this is God’s historic way- repentance!The Bible give some very clear ways to stay on the narrow road- believe in Jesus live different

They trust in themselves-Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man,But its end is the way of death.- This is the real pandemic- people trust they can get themselves to heaven3. They refuse to separate from the world- 2 Cor 6:17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”To be narrow- Separate yourself from wickedness, the ways of the world, desires of the fleshRomans 16:17 watch out for those who cause divisions Titus 3:10 have nothing more to do with him,2 Thes 3:6 keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition 2 John 1:10 do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,

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Do You Want to Be Healed?

John 5:2-15

New King James Version

2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, [a]Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, [b]paralyzed, [c]waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”

12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Mark 8:36 New King James Version

36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

Romans 10:9-11New King James Version

9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

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Matthew 7:7-10 God is so good to us. I am living a life that I don’t deserve and I’m not living the life that I deserve. God has been so gracious. Can you say that God has been gracious?Key verse- 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 good things to those who ask Him!“how much more” is what the heart of God is- he’s not a somewhat God- he’s a I will do it GodHe can, he will, he wants to . how much more.

How much more should we Stay dependent on God“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.Jesus is getting to the end of the sermon on the mount and using this time once again to encourage people to become people of prayerThe point that Jesus is making, and has made is that the disciples of Jesus should be completely dependent on God for everything that they want spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally, and for any and all wants and needs they aspire to haveMatthew 21:22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”Individualism, self reliance, self aggrandizing is not the ethos of the kingdom- the ethos of the kingdom is dependence on God. We don’t save ourselves, forgive ourselves, praise ourselves, accomplish our own Goals outside the help of God’s sovereign hand. Psalm 10:4 The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.I get it- America is a ‘up by your boots straps get it done make it happen” kind of placeBut that’s a American thought not a Godly thought- Kingdom thoughts are without God I can accomplish nothing- I can do nothing- its all on him- not on meThere’s a balance here- bible says if a man doesn’t work he wont eat- but it also says we can’t trust in our own fleshJeremiah 17:5-9 READSelf accomplishment and glory gives God no glory which is the point of our life. 5 Thus says the Lord:“Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength,Whose heart departs from the Lord.This is very important distinction- Miss Ranger- food, walk, sleep, run- this what we’re doing?That’s how we should be- God- can I, should I, will I, can we, im not moving until you doWhens the last time you prayed and asked God about something that you could do?We must ABIDE- we must rest in HIM and HIS power and purpose and HE will do it if we ASKJohn 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.Now some have taken this to mean that whatever I ask for God has to give me and if he doesn’t its because I’m not having enough faith, praying right, remembering the right scriptures etc. like it some cosmic spell we must cast to get God to move- its not- The decision and the outcome are in GOD’s hands- not ours- we just keep asking- Forgiveness is always assured- Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.Don’t get it twisted- don’t think that you’re not forgiven if you’ve asked- forgiveness is instantaneous- you don’t have to work for it at all- its assured1 John 1:9 if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Connection to God is always assured- Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon Me and go 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.James 4:8 draw near to God and he will draw near to you- It’s the OTHER stuff that we’re like- is this going to happen? Healing, promotion, moves, stuff, cars, house, relationships, we ask- cause we want- but its in God’s hands if we get itWe can’t get discouraged tho- that’s where God’s sovereignty comes into play- his decisionJohn 16:23-24 “And in that day you will ask Me...

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Matt 7:1-6 READ This is a contentious group of scriptures! Grab someone on the street and say “do not judge” they’d probably know “lest ye be judged” or some form of itNestled in the sermon on the mount- we get Jesus showing his disciples- and us- where our heart should be, where our mind should be, and what actions we should takeA rapper from the 90s named Tupac had a song “only God can judge me” and it's become a statement that many have made- let's make sense of it this morningOnly God can judge me

Judge not, that you be not judged

“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you What Jesus is saying here is -When you judge others, you’ll be judged the same wayREAD Mat 18:21-35 Matthew 18: 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’Meaning and application would be- if you give others a lot of grace- you’ll get a lot of gracedistinction here- this is being directed at those who are judging- it’s a caution to those who judge- not an excuse verse for people to use to keep sinningLuke 6:37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.I think this is the misunderstanding part- people wil use this to defend sin instead of using it to test their hearts in regards to judging others sin. This should be used towards a brother who is judging- from someone who is not- not from a person who is caught in sin as a rebuke to be left to their own devicesCalling someone out on their sin is not judging them-claiming destruction, hell and finality isSpeaking in general sense about sin is acceptable- telling someone ‘ god will never forgive you’ is judging them- you’re putting them in Hel by your standarGreek- kree-no Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish: - avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.This is not universal acceptance of someone’s lifestyle and inability to call out wrongWe are called to unconditional love, not unconditional approvalYears ago- knew a guy who fell into grevious sin- went and met him in a parking lot- hugged him deeply and told him I loved him- all I could think about was my own sinsYears ago I also met with a guy who was in grevious sin who had no remorse, and no intention of stopping the sin- I told him flat out he was on a path of destruction and sinThat’s the measure that I give- and that’s the measure that I want- grace to the humble, rebuke to the unrepentant- One guy was asking forgiveness, the other was rebelliousBoth can be forgiven- but in the moment- its not unbiblical to call our or love you just have to know the difference To pass judgement is a rash harsh unforgiving judgmentThis judgment is holding people to a standard that we don’t hold ourselves to and in turn becoming hypocrites its More grace for ourselves than for othersOnly seeing others as their faults, judging by motives, putting ourselves in the circumstance, not remembering that we are going to be judged as wellThe measure YOU use will be used against you as well What ever you want more of from God- give that to other peopleRomans 2:1-2 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.James 4:12Who[b] are you to judge [c]another?Romans 14:10-13 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother?

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Christianos ad leones! Made to be a Spectacle

Hebrews 10:26-35

“For” is a connecting word and directly links v.25 with the following. The connecting verses are the thought of the consequences to which neglect of the corporate gathering may lead, and the awful revelation of judgment which the final day will bring. Another warning similar to:

Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 [a]if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”

The state described is one of willful and continued sin, which is the result and the expression of apostasy from Christ. It is not, “If we fall under temptation and commit sin;” but, “If we are sinning willfully.” The descriptive words are few as compared with those of Chapter 6, but they teach the same lesson. The full knowledge of the truth has been received by those to whom the writer here makes reference; they have been “sanctified in the blood of the covenant” v. 29 For such “there remains no longer a sacrifice for sins:” that offering of Jesus which they deliberately reject has abolished all the earlier sacrifices. The observances and ceremonies of Judaism, which had been full of meaning whilst they foreshadowed Him that was to come, have lost all their power through His coming. These Hebrew believers having lived under the sacrificial system, where sinning willfully was common place, as they could experience the sacrificial lamb once a year. The writer of Hebrews tells them they cannot treat Christ’s blood as that of a common animal. For such sin as this, the sin of knowing and willful rejection of the only Sin offering, God thus provides no other sacrifice.

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” - Hebrews 3:12

Pastor Joe Kelly of GOSPELTELL an organization that seeks to maintain the authority of Scripture writes, “CNN reported that professing Christian recording artist, Toby Mac’s son, died of an “accidental overdose of fentanyl and amphetamines.” While not trying to be insensitive to his family, there is no such thing as an accidental overdose of that combination of drugs. The risk is clear, that to submit ones life to be medicated by the agents of Satan is to invite spiritual and physical death. It may be slow and years into the future, or quick. There was a time when such incidents only occurred in the hopeless and sin-bound people of the World System. Now that the Great and Final Apostasy has occurred, the majority of professing “Christians” are apostates. The younger generations are with the blessing of leadership accepting the influence of the kingdom of darkness. They are dying of sin-caused maladies.

Everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect, but true Christians do not commit flagrant and willful wickedness and rebellion against God. To do so would require rejecting the indwelling Holy Spirit and defiling His temple. It is to depart from God. It is a great mistake, and extremely dangerous to young and impressionable professing Christians, to project dying from a combination of illegal drugs as a mere Christian mistake. Instead, it should be identified for what it is—the consequence of departing from God. It should be a warning to the ones who are on the verge of doing the same thing. No one wishes to injure the grieving friends and family members. But they will grieve no matter what. So why marginalize the rebellious and dangerous behavior, leading more young people to take the same risk. Why make certain that more parents will be awakened in the night with the tragic news that their son or daughter is in eternity? Maybe if the true path of discipleship,

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Matt 6:16-3431 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.The world we live in has become more complex than I’ve seen in my entire life. If you were a worrier before- you might be on overdrive during this season- lots to focus onI am a man, that if you knew the intricacies of my heart, I lean more towards worrying than not worrying- but I’ve grown a lot in the past 10 years. I grew A LOT in the past year. I’ve actually worried less in the past year than I would have expected toIve worried about the church, people of the church, my leadership, people’s perceptions of me, my kids, my wife, my career, my future, food, ammo, heat seeking incendiary rounds- normal But I’ve noticed that the more I seek after God- the less I worry about stuff. The more I focus on him and others, and the less I focus on myself, the less worry I haveTITLE- don’t be a worrywart- warts grow- and the more you worry the more it growsMany times we worry about stuff that never happens and needlessly worryJesus said “27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature”Let me explain to you the end at the beginning- The reason you worry is because you don’t seek after Jesus and his righteousness realizing everything you worry about will be given to youJesus goes through points to his sermon, serve others, pray, fast, store treasures in heaven, be generous, don’t serve two masters, don’t worry, seek after me, get your heart right

You worry when You don’t Serve others

V2 do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. (This a theme- Don’t be a hypocrite- God will reward you)Like many points in Jesus’ sermon- the precursor to “do not worry” is get your heart right with serving others- we covered this last week- but you can’t hear it enoughThe connection we didn’t make last week is there is a correlation between your worry and the actions you are doing in your life- namely- serving others. V25 he says “therefore I say to you” which is a connection to what he just got done sayingServe others and you’ll worry less- look for ways to serve people. Church, home, work, commLuke 6:38 READGiving people worry less- what they realize when they are helping others might be a few things- You forget what you’re worrying about, you get perspective, you get broken of selfish desiresLet me say this- not only the destitute have needs- you can serve people who seem to have it together- sometimes they are the ones who need your help even more- time, love, emotionsPr 11:25 The generous soul will be made rich,And he who waters will also be watered himself.Mark 9:35 “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”Look for ways to serve others and you’ll worry less- be COMMITTED Matt 20:28, 1 peter 4:10,

You worry when don’t pray

V5And when you pray, not be like the hypocrites. Father will reward you openly

Again-the things you worry about- Food, shelter, clothing, life, living- PRAY ABOUT IT

Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,You lose heart when you don’t pray- Go before God asking him to provide, protect, give peaceLast week we talked a bit about praying- I want to encourage you to pray- 1 Thes5:17 pray without ceasingPh 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;Ephe6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, When I was in Egypt- either by air or by bus- choose your death- I chose bus- 7 hours of prayerIt took away the worry- I just focused on my relationship with God- thought about eternity

You worry when you don’t fast

V16when you fast,

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Hold Fast (Hebrews 10:19-25) Verses in NKJV

The last few chapters of Hebrews have been explaining the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and the connection between Christ’s death, and the old sacrificial system for forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 10:19-21, Therefore, brethren, having boldness (confidence) to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near…
Now, because we know and understand what the death of Jesus means for us, and the forgiveness of sin that it brings to us, we can boldly and confidently enter into God’s presence personally.
Now that we have access to God Himself, through Christ Jesus, “What are we waiting for?”
You don’t need to “wait outside” or stand at a distance. You can draw near!
Rest assured, through Christ you are made worthy.
Example: My father led my grandfather to Christ. (My dad in his 40s, Grandpa in his 60s.)
He invited him to some church events, then when grandpa wanted to know more, my dad walked him thru a study for understanding salvation. (My dad had a process for bringing others to Jesus.)
My dad would always end these studies with this question, “Considering what we have been talking about, is there any reason that you can’t believe, repent, and be saved right now?”
After my dad asked “the question”, my grandfather looked up at my dad with tears in his eyes and said to him, “I am not worthy”.
My dad chuckled at him and said, “That is exactly the point”. Then he showed grandpa his favorite bible verse.
Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Verse 6 says, “While we were utterly helpless…”)
Grandpa was right, he was not worthy, but Jesus has made us worthy through his sacrifice!
Draw near to God in confidence that you will be accepted into His presence, because you have been saved and forgiven by the blood of Jesus.
Hebrews 10:22, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
My father walked in full assurance of his salvation, until the day he died.
He wasn’t saved my whole life, but that’s the only version of my dad I remember. There is hope for you and your kids. You can still turn everything around!
Hebrews 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
If you have been forgiven, start believing it. Walk in it with confidence, assured by your faith.
Don’t let anyone talk you out of your assurance in your salvation. If you have, with a “true heart”, accepted you are a sinner, repented and were forgiven, and received the Holy Spirit, you are saved!
Don’t listen to a Non-believer who wants to poke holes in it, or plant seeds of doubt.
Don’t listen to a believer that wants to add a yoke of bondage, and create fear and doubt.
Psalms 118:8, It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
HOLD FAST, so you won’t be swept out to sea in the storm.
Example: “Hold Fast” is a traditional sailor tattoo, basically a tribal tattoo. A tribal tattoo, at its core, is one that is specific to a culture and has deep meaning, and usually represents life’s journey.
Tattoos have been around for 1,000’s of years and found in cultures around the world.
Each tribe has their own patterns and meanings… even the Yakusa, prison, gangs, military…
Sailor tattoos:
swallow on chest = 5,000 nautical miles, one on each side = 10,000 miles.
fully rigged ship = travelled around deadly Cape Horn (South America).
a rooster and a pig on feet = a talisman against drowning.

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You are not a superhero Matthew 6:1-15We’ve been watching a lot of superhero movies during this year. They are entertaining. Many superheros have alter-egos. Batman/ Bruce Wayne. Superman/Clark Kent. Spiderman/Peter Parker. Iron Man/Tony Stark. They are two different people. One in public- one in privateIt makes for interesting cinema- it just doesn’t make for a good example of Christian lifeGod never intended for duplicity in the Christian walk. Becoming a Christian is supposed to be an all encompassing endeavor- public and private are supposed to match upI have seen a ton of double lives in Christianity in my life as a pastor except its not superherosAbusers, drunkards, pornographers, cheaters, liars, gossipers, thiefs, druggers, gamblers, etcFaking it through- and then years later- it all comes out- divorce, jail, destruction, pain LIESWalking through it alone needlessly instead of just being honest and repenting and growingThey talk a great talk and are PROS at putting on the superhero cape on Sunday, but that person is no where to be found the rest of the week- and it all eventually comes to lightNone of us should want to be that person- we should want congruency in everythingTodays scripture speaks to private and public life congruency- its very important

Who are you when no one is watching

READ 1-7 “do not sound a trumpet -do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, will Himself reward you openly.”” your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly”“ And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do.”Jesus is talking to this disciples and talking about acts of service- is it to be seen?Again- hyperbole- obviously your right hand knows what your left hand is doing- but it’s the HEART- why are you doing what you are doing and does it match up to your private life?Anyone can do something publicly to be seen- but the true test is the heart in private past SUNJames 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?Conversely What does it profit a man if he has works but no faith? No sense of commitmentPeople say personal relationship with Jesus- but they have no personal relationship with JesusThey Hide behind these words as a barrier to accountability or reality “look what im doing” Your wife is sad, angry, and neglected- but you have a personal relationship with your wife?Many people hide behind no works and claim faith- but many claim their works are their faithTrue faith is private faith that you hold and exercise when no one is watching- this isn’t a gameMatthew 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 7:21-23 ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’God wants to know you and you to know him intimately- but outward acts isn’t the ticketGod wants a robust private relationship with you- not one where you come into a group of believers and try to act like you got it all together on a Sunday and then go to HellThis is a safe place- find someone to be honest about whats holding you back and lets work on it- Don’t live a private destructive existence- it wont get better on its own. 2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,Diligence in your Christian walk requires a measure of work and commitment- and HONESTYI’ll take the “I can’t stop drinking and cussing guy” over the “Yeah man, I’m good” guy any day. Wrestling- run over break- every day- show up get on the scale- clear who was diligentTitus 1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.That’s a demanding scripture! That’s a Scripture that should scare you! If your private life isn’t matching up to your public life- its time to set them in ...

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Are You Willing to Pay the Price Hebrew 10:1-18

Read Scripture**You can't have your cake and eat it (too) The proverb literally means "you cannot simultaneously retain your cake and eat it".Once the cake is eaten, it is goneThe proverb's meaning is similar to the phrases "you can't have it both ways" and "you can't have the best of both worlds."There is always a price to everything, it doesn’t matter what it is. And when I talk about the Price, I am not only talking about money, I am referring to that thing that you have to give up in order to get something else- Those things that really matter to youWhen you say yes to one thing, you are saying no to another.Tonight – you are here The alarm tomorrow morning When you starting dating / Getting Married/ Having children the list goes on and on Our text tonight talks exactly about this conceptHebrews 10:5-7(NLT) That is why, when Christ[a] came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God (as is written about me in the Scriptures)

Jesus knew what was happening to the animals – How the animal sacrifice worked (Literally) The killing, the blood poured out, the attorning of sins He knew as this text tells us; He knew that His Body was given to Him as an offering He was going to pay the price for our sins and He agreed

We read the Luke 22:41-42 (AMPC) - And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.”We assume that reality hit for Him then, No sir- He knew what awaited Him- Yet He was willing to pay the price

Hebrews 10:8-9(NLT) First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). 9 Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect.The tainted offering, whether is was the animals blood or the human sins- was not pleasing to God Yet in our culture today, we feel like it’s possible to literally have our cake and order Uber eat and continue to have one more This has spilled over to the Christian walk; we want to be part of the Jesus culture and not pay the price that it takes to be a member This Christianity is a costly journey and for a minute in our time, the price was low (Show up to Church e.t.c) but moving forward much MORE is requiredI was talking to one of my brother in Christ and he said “I am changing how I invite people to Church, before I just wanted to get them in the house of God and then they would hear the Word and be converted but what COVID-19 has taught me that some of these people never got saved, they came here and made it about friendship, leadership and never really got a heart change.They played to part, and looked the part but not willing to pay the price by giving up the old life ~ He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all timeThese paid a small price and ripped no benefits when those things they held on to were taken awayHe continues to remind me that in the story of the young ruler, Mark 10:17-27 (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?” “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.

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Matt 5:38-48 Go the second mile- love your enemies

Living the Christ life requires we live and respond a certain way. Its more than just belief. This whole sermon on the mount is a list of dos and donts and hows and whys

We want to get it right because we want to honor God- These are some contentious verses!

Don’t be a person bent on retributionREAD 38-40This is not a statement on pacifism. This is not a scripture intended to direct the affairs of nations and police departments. This is not a constitutional edict or military planRemember- Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. Jesus was directing the war time affairs of Israel bent on holy destruction of adversaries. Bloody destructive wars in the OT all passing through the loving hands of JesusGod clearly does not advocate lawlessness nor he want evil unchecked- he would never tell an abused woman or child to ‘turn the other cheek’. He didn’t let them stone the adulterous ladyObserve Luke 3:14 allows military service. John the Baptist didn’t tell them to quit the service

John 18:36 shows that Jesus acknowledges that the sword of violence is used by the worldRomans 13:3-4 allows the Government of man to punish evil and force. Paul even calls them a “minister of God”Now we’re not going to take a side step to talk about righteous and unrighteous govt. lets just agree that God allow Government and force to enforce municipal law. Lawlessness never OKseparation of Church and state is good. The church does notuse violence, but the state is and a person in the military or police is acting as an agent of the state, not of their churchA police officer is just a citizen who has sworn to uphold the law and is afforded certain benefits from that oath and is an agent of the state used to quell evil and enforce the law. (biblical)lets come back to the hyperbolic nature of parts of the sermon on the mount Jesus is speakingHyperbole- exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.We don’t pluck out our eyes, cut off our hands, we don’t always pray alone, Jesus is stating what our primary character traits of life must be- don’t rush to retaliationLater we’ll talk about loving your enemies- this is the crux- the best response is no responseVengeance is mine saith the Lord- it is mine to avenge. He will take care of itIf someone hurts you emotionally, or attacks you relationally, gossips about you, just let it go and the best way to get back at them- is give them the other side of your cheek to show them how disinterested you are in fighting them- Let God take care of you- IN a world that everyone wants to assert their dominance, give it up- let them win. These times were an honor-shame society-someone would gain or lose in every interaction Common for a person who was of a higher status to backhand a person as an insult- Jesus is preparing his followers- if they do this- show them how much you don’t care about your social standing in this world- let them smack you on the other check as well- hopefully those around you will see the pointless parts of this society where people work so hard to maintain their image. Just allow yourself to be embarrassed. (basketball game- just sit down- wouldn’t let him beat my daughter encourage her to take it)

1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.1 Peter 3:9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.1 peter 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.Augustine- War should we waged without love of violence, cruelty, or enmity.There’s no love of violence. Or love of war. Augustine claimed that if you can justify any sort o...

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“There’s Wonder Working Power in the Blood”

Hebrews 9:1-28

Let’s recap: Heb 8-10 describes numerous aspects of the Old covenant, such as worship regulations and sacrificial ritual in the tabernacle, it discusses various rooms and furniture of the OT worship center. The author’s purpose is two-fold: 1) contrast the high priest’s service in the earthly sanctuary under the old covenant with Christ’s ministry as high priest in the heavenly sanctuary under the new. AND 2) to show how these various aspects in the old covenant foreshadow the ministry of Christ. If you want to know what God is going to do, look at what He has done.

Under the old covenant, salvation and a right relationship with God came through faith expressed by obedience to His laws and sacrificial system. These had three main purposes: 1) they taught God’s people the gravity of sin. Sin separated sinners from a holy God, and they could only be reconciled to God and find forgiveness only through the shedding of blood; 2) the covenant provided a way for Israel to come to God through faith, obedience and love; 3) this system foreshadowed Christ’s perfect sacrifice for sins.

Hebrews reveals that the first covenant was imperfect and incomplete, “for finding fault with them” (the people), it was a temporary provision until such a time that God’s perfect provision in His Son would be given. The new covenant was not an afterthought in God’s mind, rather it was always necessary and in God’s plan from the beginning until a perfect time and season in history.

The purpose of Jesus’ death is to put away sin, removing it entirely, not just covering over sin as did the blood of animal sacrifices. He entered once into the Holiest place in heaven to sprinkle His blood on the mercy seat v.21 “He (Moses) sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry” as I mentioned the OT sacrificial system foreshadowed Christ’s work in the heavens, v.23 “Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these” Chris blood being poured out on the altar in the heavenly tabernacle once and for all settled in heaven.

The blood of Jesus is central to the NT concept of redemption. On the cross He shed His innocent blood in order to remove our sins and reconcile us with God. Jesus’ position as mediator and high priest of the new covenant is based on His sacrificial death and shed blood. There can be no mention of the love of God apart from the shed blood of our Savior.

Scripture tells us, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge”, when we are ignorant of God’s ways, His Word, His precepts, His plans; we are destroyed. I want to give you knowledge of the power of His blood. His blood accomplished the following:

His blood forgives the sins of all who repent and believe.

Hebrews 9:22 New King James Version (NKJV)

22 And according to the law almost all things are [a]purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no [b]remission.

Matthew 26:28 New King James Version (NKJV)

28 For this is My blood of the [a]new covenant, which is shed for many for the [b]remission of sins.

This is not a universal thing- in which some teach that there is no need to repent, there is no need to do anything; it is a fact that He died and because He sacrificed Himself for humanity; we are all good. Scripture does not teach that. Jesus is not all-inclusive. The CALL is universal. It is true that ALL are invited, but it is the few that find the way and will take the narrow path. For whosoever will, yet only some will.

Those who REPENT and believe will receive His sacrifice. As it was during the days of the Passover; only those who applied the blood of the lamb according to God’s directions were passed over by the angel of death. Salvation is God’s plan,

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Super Bowl Sunday- Feb 7, 2021

In this year of football, I saw a lot of weird things. Players on the sidelines wearing masks, when there’s no one else around but their teammates, but not on the field with all the other players they have been around. OK weird.

Games on a Tuesday night played in a stadium with card board people and recorded noise pumped in. Even the “boos” were pumped in. TD dances in front of no one. The Cleveland Browns made it to the playoffs, when they were winless in 2017. They last made the playoffs in 2002. Same year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Superbowl, and are now returning.

Players were allowed to Opt-Out-not every player has returned for the new NFL season. Several made the decision to sit out. After 77 years, the Redskins became the “Washington Football team”. Jim Kelly finally has a replacement, just 19 QB’s later. The Raiders are officially in Las Vegas, but their $2 million stadium cannot be used. The Jets shut down because they had two false positive test results. Cam Newton as the Patriots QB. Which leads me to the weirdest thing this year- Tom Brady in a Buccaneers uniform. I remember when Drew Bledsoe was the Pats QB, he got injured, Tom took over and never sat back down. He played 20 seasons with the Patriots- an NFL record for the longest playing QB for one franchise.

You may not like him, you may have harsh opinions about him, you may believe he is a cheater, or maybe you do not care one way or another- but Tom Brady is the GOAT. Tom Brady has a record 6 Super Bowl rings, more than any other NFL player, and equal to any franchise as a whole. Brady has been to the Super Bowl 9 times in his career and won it 6 times. What a LOSER! Compared to other great QB’s: Montana has been to the Super Bowl 4 times and won 4 times, a perfect record. Peyton Manning has been to the Super Bowl 4 times, winning twice. John Elway went to the Super Bowl 5 times and won twice. Drew Brees has only made it to the Super Bowl once, winning once. Dan Marino only went to the Super Bowl once, losing to Joe Montana after throwing only one touchdown and two interceptions.

During the regular season, Brady wins 77.3% of games; the closest QB was Montana at 71.3%. In playoffs, he wins 73.1%and still the closest behind him is Montana at 69.5%. He has won 49 more games than Manning (and counting)

He’s back in this year’s Superbowl at the ripe old age of 43. He is the oldest active player in the NFL currently- this role typically goes to a kicker, but not in this crazy year. I am not a “Tom fanboy”, but I have mass respect for his work ethics and discipline. I do not know him personally, so I have no comment on who he is as a person- just as an NFL QB. Just like MJ, people love him and people hate him; at least he is who he is and we can still learn from his football career.

Lessons we can learn from the GOAT

You can go from nothing to a something: Brady was the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft. Drew Bledsoe said of him, “I really liked Tom. He was a great guy and fun to be around. But I never thought he would be a starter in the NFL. He would always be a back-up QB”. What if Tom believed these words??

At some point, you have to see yourself as a conqueror in Christ. We do not look at ourselves more highly than we ought, but we also do not think of ourselves more lowly than we ought.

Romans 12:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

This means that you are going to have to just take God at His Word. The victim mindset that is so prevalent, especially with this younger generation is an acquired mindset. This means it can unlearned. I have every reason to live as a victim, but I choose to believe God’s Word.

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Matt 5:33-37 Yes be Yes

Here’s what was going on- at the time- Jews were making oaths based on certain things- the temple, the earth, gold, God, Jerusalem, a body part etc. They would take oaths based on something that was less valuable, so they could go against their oathsIf you took an oath towards God, you had to keep it- if it was for Jerusalem, however so valuable- you didn’t have to keep it- or at least there was an expectation that you didn’t have to keep it or change itJesus says- just say yes or no. Don’t be a liar, and don’t allow lying- just say what you mean and mean what you say37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.. FROM THE EVIL ONE. For clarification- some Christians use this as a defense to say that we shouldn’t take oaths for anything- but that’s not the point. This isn’t a scripture about not taking an oath to do something, its about being a man of your word and not making promises that you try to get out of because of how you made the promise- Its about being a person of truthCan you imagine living in a time when telling the truth had to be explained? A time where people would say one thing and do another? What a weird time to live in for sureAs I was preparing this sermon- I was drawn to Jeremiah chapter 9In chapter nine- Jeremiah is lamenting about the exile of Judah- they are no longer occupying their land they are no longer prospering- their society is in ruins. Why? Many reasons- but one of the major ones is that they had become a bunch of liars.

READ Jeremiah 9:3-6they have bent their tongues for lies, They are not valiant for the truth, every neighbor will walk with slanderers. Everyone will deceive his neighbor, And will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves to commit iniquity.Here’s what is true- is that our God does not change. We are not Israel- but we are a nation. how God dealt with any nation in the past can give us indication of how he deals with nations. America was founded on the principles of Christianity. We have prospered as a nation because we held to Christian ideals.. We are no longer a Christian nation or society- we just arentEven when I was in Egypt in 2001 talking to Muslims they perceived us a Christian nation- then they would see our movies and tv shows and call us infidels based on how they saw us live when they considered us ChristiansThat was 20 years ago- gallup1938-98 70% attendance. Now 50%. 20% decline in past 20 yearsSo what is God going to do? READ Jeremiah 9:7-9 Behold, I will refine them and try them; 9 Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the Lord. “Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?”Again- we’re not Israel- but God doesn’t bless any nation that doesn’t bless him. don’t see itNations and persons cannot live lives against the truth and expect that God will bless themLiving a life of lies- being a liar- not keeping your word- changing your words- not speaking truthHow did they becoming a bunch of liars under judgement? Jeremiah 9:13-14Forsaken my law- walked according to the [f]dictates of their own heartTurned away from God and followed whatever their heart wantedWe are, as Americans living under God’s judgment. We have leaders who tell lies- Presidents, Governors, mayors. All of them. Local officials, federal officials, lies after liesWe have forsaken his law and turned away. Evil is celebrated. Lies are accepted. Now some would say “Pastor matt- seems like you’ve been talking a lot more about politics than you have in the past” things have changed. Society at large, not just politicians are trying to fundamentally change how you think about life and I’m trying to empower you to stayAnd I’m not being conspiratorial. Something that’s simple that doesn’t need to be lie is lied about and they want us to go along with their lies. Bush, Obama, Trump,

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Y’all Need Jesus (Hebrews 7:26-28) All verses in NKJV

In Hebrews Chapter 7, the author is building the case for why Jesus is the ultimate high priest and spiritual leader, by comparing Him to the examples of priesthood that they understood already.
They are all familiar with the Law of Moses and the Levitical Priesthood. They know about Father Abraham, of whom they are all his children. These are the most honored and revered men in history.
There is a priest even greater than the priests and leaders they already know and give great honor.
He tells them of Melchizedek, the “king of justice” and “king of peace”, and high priest of God Most High. There is no record of the beginning or end of his life, so his priesthood remains forever.
Abraham paid a tithe to him, and received a blessing from him. The one who has the power to bless is greater than the one being blessed.
The Jews paid tithes to the Levites, but the Levites paid tithes to someone with even more spiritual authority, Melchizedek, by proxy through Father Abraham, who pre-dates the law.
Now Jesus is described as being a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. The illustration meaning to show that Jesus too, is greater than all others that came before him. He is worthy of all honor.
Jesus is the King of justice and peace, no beginning and no end, and because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood remains forever.
Hebrews 6:19-20, This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus is greater than the Levite Priesthood. Even though they were chosen by God, they couldn’t really fulfill the requirements of the sacrificial systems because they were only human.
Humans are inherently sinful and flawed. The high priest needed to offer a sacrifice for himself as well as for the people. It was never enough to truly pay the price for sin.

Hebrews 7:26-28, For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless (innocent), undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests, men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

Jesus is our perfect high priest.

Hebrews 7:26, For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless (innocent), undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens…

The High Priest was the top spiritual authority to all of the people, even the rulers and kings.
His job included being responsible for all of the subordinate priests, overseeing ceremonies and sacrificial offerings, and interceding, on behalf of the people, with God.
The High Priest was the connection point between a holy God and sinful man.
His most important responsibility was to conduct the service, once a year, on the Day of Atonement. Only he was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place behind the veil to stand before God.
Having made a sacrifice of an unblemished animal, for himself and for the people, he then brought the blood into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled it on the mercy seat, or God’s “throne”.
He did this to make atonement and gain forgiveness for himself and the people for all their sins committed, knowingly and unknowingly, during the year that just ended.
The High Priest could only enter the holy of holies once a year, and only with the blood.
Jesus is our perfect High Priest, undefiled, innocent, and deserving even more respect and honor.
Because he is sinless,

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Divorce31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except [l]sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.I preached a sermon called “God hates divorce” I encourage you to listen to it It goes through a much deeper explanation on the justification and allowance for divorce in the scripturesIt’s a very deep well thought out message that I would encourage you to listen toI am not the decider of divorces. That’s not my role. Its God’s role and his scriptures describe itStay married is the Biblical advice. There is such a thing as a biblical divorce. Go and listen to the message. If you haven’t heard it or listened to it, go and refresh your mind with it.Mal 2:16 “For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.”I really didn’t get from the Lord that he wanted me to do another teaching on the hows and why’s of divorce. I really encourage you to go and listen to the other messageHere’s the gist of it- God hates divorce. Staying married is the standard. There are minute biblical exceptions that allow but do not require divorce. If you’ve unbiblically remarried- ask for forgiveness and stay married. Quit looking for loopholes on how and why you can get divorced. Stay married.I typically don’t like to focus on an area that doesn’t apply to everyone in the roomIf you’re single- God can bless you in your singleness. You can love and support marriage without being married. I support kids and mine are grown, same with adoption, fostering etc.1 cor 7: 8-9 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.You can support and defend marriage without being married and you should want to see marriages flourish. If you’re burning with passion- get married.Can we walk through this together as adults? The standard is the standard. Don’t listen to this with the ‘ya-buts’ and the ‘whuddabouts’. Obviously there are biblical exceptions, but lets focus on the rule, not the exception. Yes there are single people here- not singling them out.

Why should marriage be so important to the Christian? Why do we fight for the institution and defend it and hold it in high regard?

It was God’s design

God was the one who invented marriage- It was his idea. He was the one who came up with it. We live it and see it- but God could have made us all anamorphic beings who could live and procreate on our own- but he chose not to do things that way-Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”From the beginning, God looked at Adam and said that it wasn’t good for him to be alone- and that we were created for relationship with other people. Specifically a spouseSince God designed marriage- we should defend marriage. God knew what he was doing.Studies have shown what God knew all along- Marriages make people happy and make them live longer. Men have better health when they are married and have more health consequences if they are divorced. Married mothers have lower rates of depression. Married couples have more wealth. They earn more money. Children raised by their own mom and dad are less likely to be poor, more likely to stay in school. Have less behavioral issues and earn four year degrees. Less depression, suicide, boys raised by single moms are more likely to engage in criminal activity and go to prison. Married women are less likely to be victims of violent crime and married men are less likely to commit them. https://www.foryourmarriage.

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Metamorphosis Hebrew 7:11-25 (NLT)

What does this mean?

The writer of Hebrew starts with the Question on vs 11- If there was an orderly way of priesthood that was established by God- That priests should only come from the order of Levi and Aaron- why would God establish another order of priesthood?Jesus could not be priest according to the Mosaic law because He was from the tribe of JudahThe answer – Jesus came to be the High Priest not by the meeting the physical requirement but by a life that would last foreverHebrew 7:16 (NLT)- Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed.If perfection would come through Levitical priesthood, there would be no need for another priest Because its inability to justify the sinner before GodThe law does a great job of setting God’s perfect standard, but it doesn’t give the power to keep that standard It didn’t allow man to walk with God – God was only reachable via a priest

The old law shows us Gods standard, the new law draws us close to GodAlthough the law performed a valuable function, its essential weakness was that it could not give life and vitality even to those who kept it, let alone to those who did not. In fact, its function was not to provide strength, but to provide a standard by which man could measure his own moral status. Its uselessness must not be regarded in the sense of being totally worthless, but in the sense of being ineffective in providing a constant means of approach to God based on a totally adequate sacrifice.” (Guthrie)The law provides expert diagnosis of our sin problem which is absolutely necessary, But the law does not provide the cure for our sin problem- Only Jesus can save us from our sin problemWe can’t go back and build laws of old things because we now have a relationship with JesusLaw is not the dominating principle in our lifeNew covenant is based on What Jesus did and not what we do – Even though you have a part to playA way was established where we didn’t have to go through priests and we could go through Christ to Jesus In order for us to understand this we have to go back and look at our nature

We don’t talk about death & hell enough

Revelation 21:8 (NLT) – All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”Everlasting separation from GodRevelation 20:13-15 - The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave[a] gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fireJudgement is coming

Our ultimate goal here in Church and a Christian is to make sure that you finish the race wellBeing a good Christian does not keep you out of hellWe see in the old testament – many priests that started well but didn’t end up well Church has become a live you best life now – Lets love everyone – But the goal is to love them enough to say, bro--- this path is leading you to hellAll these political, social, changes and lack of therefore are not to make you miserable – They are geared to lead you to hell If the devil to find knock out opportunity – he will take it – Stop taking these sermons as self-improvement message Time is short and your life is at stake – Let paint the real picture – hell is real people and God would not sacrifice His only Son to get you to have a better life here!

We don’t talk about Jesus enough John 19:1-3 (NLT) Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip.

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Pluck your eye out Matt 5:27-30Was supposed to do a wedding in Texas in March- I cancelled- didn’t want to get sick or stuckIve seen a lot of people take a lot of precautions with covid over this past year. Distancing. Covering. Washing. Planning. Changing their plans. Doing everything they can to make sure they they don’t get infected and they don’t die. Wearing masks in cars. Not shopping, travel work etcPublic service announcements, tv, web, radio, announcements in parking lots. EVERYWHEREAnything and everything at whatever cost necessary to live and not die. Road signs- maskup!I wonder if we took that drastic of measure to stay away from sin. Just as much protectionIn these verses Jesus uses the example of lust to expose a heart condition and then uses hyperbole to describe the drastic measures we should take to keep ourselves from sinThe stakes couldn’t be higher. Hell is the destination for those who don’t take it seriously.

Jesus says sin Starts with Intent

Intent is shown in our first verse 27 “You have heard that it was said [i]to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.To Jesus this sin of lust starts with intent “to lust for her” it’s a plan to sin. Not just lust all sinJames 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. DESIRE+ACTION = Sin = DeathThe desire to lust is a desire to sin and is equal with actually committing the sin of adulteryJesus is drawing attention to the fact that adultery is listed as the 7th commandment “thou shalt not commit adultery” which the jews were apparently using as an excuse to justify lustThe whole “I didn’t do it, just thought about it” defense, that in their minds they thought OKIt’s the moral equivalent of my brother not touching me in the back of the car as a kidWithout spending a ton of time going into every scenario lets make it simple- Sex is only for married people who are man and a woman and intimate thoughts are to be reserved for themPictures, moving or stationary. Random people etc. the sin of the eyes and the lust of the flesh

ANYTHING outside of that is sin according to Jesus. A longing look. An extended thought. Anything. Very very high bar. Many people probably have or do struggle with this. Not just guys. I was in the Army with females. They are just as bad. But I don’t want to spend our time together just limiting to the sin of lust- all sin is equally as grievous. The non-lusters are not off the hook this morning. You’re just as vile. Sin is sin. And it all starts with intent. And intent and desire are just as bad as action. Must be rooted outPeople have too long lived in a world where they think its ok to think something they don’t act on- Murderous thoughts, lust, greed, anger, envy, covetousness, sexual deviancy etcGod judges the intents of our hearts. He looks deep into our hearts and sees what we valuePsalm 44:21 Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart.Man. This is scary. I need more time to work on my heart. Its far from perfect. Jeremiah 17:10 10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.Yikes- not just the heart- but the mind too- God looks at what I’m thinking about and what I desire and he wants it to be pure. Lord Jesus help us! Fill us with your Holy Spirit! Enable us to live for you! We need you father!We need the Holy spirit to help our hearts! We can’t meet this standard on our own strength!

How do we fix the intent of our hearts?Be born again- Become a new creation in Christ- It changes- but the flesh still wars! SooooBible reading and bible preaching Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,

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Hebrews 7:1-10 “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; v.6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.”

Derived from the Genesis account

Genesis 14:18-20 NKJV 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him [a]a tithe of all.

Only three books of the Bible mention Melchizedek: Genesis, Psalms, and Hebrews.

Melchizedek lived during Abraham’s time--After God called Abram from Ur of the Chaldeans, he finds himself in an interesting situation: his nephew Lot has been kidnapped. Chedorlaomer, the king who had been controlling the city-states of the region was off conquering the nearby world. While he’s away, five of the vassal kings back home rebel—including the king of Lot’s town. Chedorlaomer drives the five rebel kings into hiding, then takes the spoils from Lot’s city. Unfortunately for Lot, his family and herds are part of the king’s spoils of war. The king makes Lot his prisoner and moves on.

Abram takes 318 trained warriors, beats the king in battle, and takes Lot (and the spoils) back to Canaan with him. It’s at this time that Melchizedek meets Abram and blesses him. (before the name change)

Melchizedek has no recorded family. The Jews were all about genealogies— yet Melchizedek has none. The author of Hebrews contrasts the lineage-based priesthood of Aaron with Melchizedek, who has no recorded birth or death.

This is where the discussion on Melchizedek gets really interesting, and goes in many different directions. Was he just a righteous man? An apparition of Jesus before he was born in the flesh (called a “theophany”)? An angel sent to govern the city of Salem?

That’s not really the author’s point. The author of Hebrews is more interested in showing off Jesus’ superior priesthood to these Hebrew Christian converts who knew the history of Abraham, Aaron’s preisthood and Melchizedek (remember they were in a time of hard persecution and were warned in several passages to not go back to what God delivered them from)

This Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High- Melchizedek is the king of Salem. “Salem” means “full, complete, safe, whole, peaceful.”1 The author of Hebrews calls attention to this when likening Melchizedek to Jesus—Melchizedek was the king of “Peace,” the ancient town of Salem later becomes known as Jerusalem.

Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness”- The order of Melchizedek is royal and everlasting- The 110th Psalm is a Messianic prophecy that tells us two things God promised to do for Jesus: make Jesus the king in Zion and make Jesus a priest.

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Deuteronomy 20:2-4We are in a culture war in America that has been going on for decades but has been heating up over the past few years. We’re moving from One nation under God to one nation under Govt. We used to allow to each his own, but now there is a convert or be destroyed ethosIt’s a moving target with no defined structure, leadership or clear goal but its clearly anti-God. Its propagated through the media, facebook, twitter, google, amazon, apple, governmental powers, institutions of education, books, blogs, videos and validated by multinational corporations of influence that now are an economic enforcement arm of complianceIts hypocritical, nonsensical, unscientific, coearcive, demanding and demonic. Its forceful. It’s a war that wants to control what you can say, where you can go, tells you who you are and what you can be, wants to change the way you think, and what you’re allowed to think. How to act, live, and worship. What you can and cant eat and drink. Demonizes what you hold sacred. It wants to destroy the nuclear family. It normalizes and accepts criminal behavior and enables addiction and vagrancy. It blames. It distorts. It withholds truth. It wants to control what you watch and see. It wants to fundamentally change the way you view the world and encourage you to abandon the things of God as antiquated. It redefines words. It demonizes some groups and elevates others. It identifies you by your external qualities. It restricts freedom. It’s a form of totalitarianism that seeks to control every aspect of your life. Its illogical and forces you call something that is clearly what it is, clearly what it is not. Its veiled in promises of personal pleasure and utopian ideals and progress. It changes God to a theistic pleasure giver instead of creator who must be submitted to. It has infiltrated churches to teach that God wants you to have pleasure more than truth, action as salvation with no requirement for conversion It changes scriptures, destroys orthodoxy, and wants you to reject the truth of your eyes and ears. It wants you to accept without protest falsehoods and propaganda and to just acquiesce to its demands of submission. It has been happening in plain sight for decades and as the proverbial frog in the boiling water can attest- many haven’t been paying attention to what has been going on. Its cultural Marxism, secular humanism, worship of the State and destruction of the Holy. It is churches that refuse to preach the Gospel of repentance and succumbs to the ideals of the world and offers a hedonistic licentious self serving Gospel that turns Jesus into a long haired genderconfused weed smoking hippie who walks around and approves of sin And it is coming for and in the Church. Call me tin foil black helicopter guy but the Bible promises it.

You are going to engage in battle

You have to wake up to the reality that we are engaged in a battle- we’re not in the same worldWe are in an idealogical fight that can simply be defined as reverential and deconstructivistOne side reveres God, his structures, institutions and freedoms and the other seeks to destroy them at any cost and elevate the desires of the individual at the cost of any institution. Reverentialism admits that God is great and I am not while the deconstructivist declares I am great and God is not. I am my own God. I answer to no one. I can do what I want to whom. This is the battle and you are either Going to be engaged or you are not. You must as they did in acts- Acts 5:41 count it worthy to suffer shame for His name.Mat 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.Matthew 10:16( Persecutions Are Coming ] “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.This battle is not a physical take up arms get ready to get physical battle but a spiritual one.

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Preparing for battle

Text: Deut 20:2-4, Joshua 1:1-3; 5-9

Introduction: God want us to have great courage in 2021!

Meaning of courage: "to show oneself strong."

The promised land

the life of victory, a life of living in the fruit of the spirit- the gifts of the spirit

-a life of the promises of God and going into the new things that God has for us—

God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous. Joshua 3:1-4 Moses also had commanded Joshua. Deut 31:5-8Whatever God has for us this year will demands courage!

We need to obey and walk in His word. Joshua 1:9We are to obey His word.We are to confess His word. We are to meditate His word.

How we are to be walking in courage.Consecrate yourself Joshua 3:5

Consecrate: The act of setting apart; To sanctify; Dedicating for God’s use.

1 Peter 2:9 Deut 14:2 Be holy as He is Holy – 1 Peter 1:15, Titus 2:11-12Romans 12:1-2

Consecration means, "I will set aside the typical and put my spirit on ready to see where God is working around me so that I can join Him.

Listen to the words of the Lord (instructions). Joshua 3:9

John 8:47Prov 2:1-5

Walk in obedience to all HE asks of us. Joshua 3:13,15

Faith moves you forward in God's way, in God's timing. And there will come a moment when you must act on what God has said. If you don't, you'll never cross the Jordan.Not in fear or doubt. Vs. 17 Remember and testify of what God has done. Joshua 4:5-7 Psalm 77:11, Rev 12:11

Conclusion:

Tomorrow you will see GREAT and MIGHTY things!!

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Deuteronomy 20:3-4 - God Fights

Intro: The enemy—has not changed – As we start this new year—be aware that the enemy is there- to kill, steal and destroy- BUT CHRIST HAS ALREADY COME TO GIVE US LIFE AND LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!!!

Instructions:

I. Do not be afraid

FEAR NOT—365 times

WHY—verse 4—because God is with us- HE will never leave us nor forsake us

What can man do to us?

The fear mentioned in this verse is an absolute fear- of people / of situations/ of things/ of what people say or think/ of the future

Perfect love casts out ALL fear—I John 4:18 God has NOT given us a spirit of fear but of a sound mind!!II Timothy 1:7

FEAR makes us become ‘small’—shrink back—build walls—fear of getting hurt by others we build walls around ourselves—fear of what others may say—keeps us silent

Fear of what MAY happen- makes us refuse to go forward in life

Fear of loss – makes us try to cling onto what we have

The Lord says- LOOK the enemy is out there- there is no doubt about that—BUT I have conquered the enemy- IT IS FINISHED- and you have to walk in that VICTORY- you have the power and the authority- to cast out demons- to bring good news to transform lives- to see people delivered from their chains of darkness SO THERE IS NO REASON TO BE AFRAID!

II. Do not be Fainthearted

A. the word for Fainthearted means weary- giving up- going soft

B. Our God has given us ALL we need- all the resources we need- tap into those resources—EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING – Ephesians 1:3

Have you grown weary of loss= tap into His abundance and supply

Have you grown weary of betrayal- tap into His acceptance and approval

Have you grown weary of sickness and disease- tap into His healing power

Have you grown weary of drama- tap into His peace

Have you grown weary of temptation – tap into His Victory

Have you grown weary of the battle – tap into His Courage and Strength

Have you grown weary of sadness – tap into His Joy

III. Do not tremble or be terrified

A. the word TREMBLE- actually means to panic to -the actual word means to be in a hurry—when we allow the enemy to intimidate us often we make wrong decisions because we HURRY- we aren’t PATIENT—

B. God says “WAIT ON ME—BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD…”

Ps. 46:10; Isaiah 41:10

C. panic and anxiety cause us to grow weary within. Rushing around like chickens without a head causing us to become confused….Philippians 4:6, 7 --BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING

D. HE GIVES US REST in our minds- those anxious thoughts or panicked ideas are NOT from God they are from the enemy

E. The word here for TERRIFIED- also means tremble but it has a deeper meaning of being oppressed—it says DO NOT be oppressed- terrified- ‘allow’ the enemy to push you down.

What have you allowed the enemy to ‘push you down’ with? Other people’s opinions? Your past? Your mistakes- past or present?

NO weapon formed against us shall prosper—the enemy loves to use our mind- remember he loves to twist God’s Word and the Truth to keep us in oppression. Whose report are we going to believe- are we going to believe the twists of the enemy or are we going to believe the straightforward Word of God?

Conclusion:

We walk in FAITH- in FREEDOM- feeding on the WORD OF GOD and standing on HIS Word so that we can knowingly walk in victory day in and day out- NO MATTER what we are going through or what comes against us.

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Bayonet, or Butter Knife? Verses in Holman Christian Standard Bible version

Deut. 20:2-4 (HCSB), When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. 3 He is to say to them: ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. 4 For the Lord your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’

I stood on those yellow footprints at Marine Corps Bootcamp 24 years ago, but I can still remember so much of what they taught me. They gave me my “book of knowledge” (green monster?)
Marines are taught extensively about their history and traditions, legendary warriors and battles. It is our responsibility to carry on this legacy and risk our lives to uphold it.
There is no “exit strategy.” You will fight to the death. You are a Marine forever.
In the same way, as a Christian, you have access to your extensive history and traditions. You have a responsibility to carry on that legacy. You have your own “book of knowledge”, the Bible!
You must be an example to the next generation and be a spiritual warrior for Jesus.
When you are engaged in the battle, you must do these 3 things:

Point #1: You must change your perspective.

Deut. 20:1, “When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award, given to those who show extraordinary heroism, risking their lives going above and beyond the call of duty. Risking life, as in a situation when no one would fault you if you didn’t take on the task.
There have been a total of 3,520 Medal of Honor recipients. 69 are still living currently.
300 Marines have received the MOH, 110 of those have been the rank of Private or PFC.
There have been 19 veterans who have received it twice, 2 Marines. (Technically 7 Marines total.) (Can anyone name one?)
Example: Dan Daly, said to be the greatest Leatherneck and most outstanding Marine of all time.
Smedley Butler (the other 2x awarded MOH) described Daly as the fighting’est Marine he ever knew, and said it was an object lesson to have served with him.
He stood just 5-foot-6 and weighed 132 pounds, and got his 1st MOH as a Private.
During the Boxer Rebellion in China, Daly personally positioned himself alone along the Tarter Wall despite being exposed to sniper fire and other attacks. His small contingent of Marines helped protect the diplomatic personnel from being overrun.
Against all odds, ready to pay the highest price, these 3,519 men (and one woman) had the perspective of facing a ferocious enemy, believing they could gain the victory.
From our biblical history we find a man with that same perspective, Jonathan.
In 1 Samuel, King Saul has just had his army routed by the Philistines, but his son Jonathan is not ready to give up the fight.
1 Samuel 13:5-7, The Philistines also gathered to fight against Israel: 3,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. 6 The men of Israel saw that they were in trouble because the troops were in a difficult situation. They hid in caves, thickets, among rocks, and in holes and cisterns. 7 Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, was still at Gilgal, and all his troops were gripped with fear.
1 Samuel 14:6, Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”
1 Samuel 14:11-14,

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Are you all in? Deuteronomy 20:2-4

(CSB)When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. He is to say to them, ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’

This is the theme for us this year and more so now – When you are “about” to engage Preparation matters – Let’s look at two stories in the bible.

Two stories in the Bible

The story of the 300 men – Judges 6&7

Israelites are given over to their sin and are oppressed by Medians for 7 yearsThey cry out to God and God sends an angel to Gideon and assures him of victoryHe tore the Baal altar and the Asherah pole – And he built an altar and offered a sacrifice to GodThe people want to kill him but Gideon’s dad convinced them that they should let baal handle his businessAll this happening as the Medianites and the Amalekites and the people of the east assemble to fight the Israelites Gideon asks for confirmation that God is going with them by putting out the fleece – which God doesGideon gets up early and assembles his team (32,000 men) – only to have God tell him that they are too many menGod cuts the number down to 300. This is the number that he uses to win.

The fighting last night...

Judges 6:25- 27 (ampc)– That night the Lord said to Gideon, Take your father’s bull, the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that your father has and cut down the Asherah that is beside it; And build an altar to the Lord your God on top of this stronghold with stones laid in proper order. Then take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the Asherah which you shall cut down. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had told him, but because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night.This Battle didn’t start when Gideon went to fight with 300 men- It started when he RESOLVED that even though afraid that he was going to do the will of God This battle has to start from your bedrooms- Our most private room in your lives It starts with us– We can’t lead an arm or be part of one unless you work on US firstBoldness – If it is of the Lord, if it should be complicated – because you are just following directionsAll in – He tore down the altar and burnt the Asherah pole and build a new altar and sacrificed- and used the pole as firewood!He didn’t just wound – A wounded enemy is dangerous – (Wildlife stories) Yet, in our prayer life, we are quitting after only scratching the enemy Boxing – Gloves go down with every hit. We have to keep up our hands until we win Let us not let Lack of Cardio, Lack of building muscles (Strength) & Laziness – Keep us away from being ready for battle The battle starts before we get to the battle ground – Prepare

Get rid of excuses

Judges 6:31-32(Ampc) - But Joash said to all who stood against him, Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? He who will contend for Baal, let him be put to death while it is still morning. If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself because one has pulled down his altar. Therefore, on that day he called Gideon Jerubbaal, meaning, Let Baal contend against him, because he had pulled down his altar.

-His name is changed to reflect death by baal – A curse

Judges 7: 1 (Ampc)- Then Jerubbaal, that is, Gideon, and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod; and the camp of Midian was north of them by the hill of Moreh in the valley.

Gideon – Jerubbaal – He went to war against a mighty force bearing the name he was “cursed” with

How many of us are being helld back by people’s words? What others think of you or label you as?

Oh,

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Tuesday night- “Engage the Battle” week - consecration

“But First, Consecration”

Deuteronomy 20:2-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

2 When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. 3 He is to say to them: ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. 4 For the Lord your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’

Let’s talk about this battle. If it were in the days of Braveheart, we would sharpen our bows, put on our war paint and go to fight. We would know what we were fighting for. But this is a different kind of battle and quite frankly, one that American Christians have not had to fight in a few generations.

We are living in a post-Christian society. We are no longer a Christian nation. What does this mean? Our society, our morals, our laws are no longer governed and dictated by the statutes of the Word of God. They are dictated by our surrounding society and its morals, values and the world’s philosophies. God’s hand is removed off America and we are a nation under judgment- God is giving us over to our own ways and the church has been sick and lifeless to restrain what needed to be restrained.

Keep this in mind as we talk this week about engaging the battle. What does it mean to “engage the battle”? First, to engage means that we are involved, we are participants in the battle that is raging on around us. We cannot sit by idly, we cannot hibernate into self-preservation mode. WE must engage. The Christian way of life is under attack and we will be more and more persecuted for our beliefs. If you do nothing, say nothing and do not engage; you may be fine before men. But you will not be able to stand before God AND, If you are looking for easy ministry in a post-Christian culture, you are unrealistic in your outlook.

Jude 3-4 3 Dear friends, although I was eager to write you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write and exhort you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. 4 For some men, who were designated for this judgment long ago, have come in by stealth; they are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into promiscuity and denying Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord.

Good works are not under attack- the Word of God is under attack. THE Christian way of living is under attack. The way we gather, the things we believe and hold dear, the Word of God and the deity of Jesus.

And so Jude tells us, “Contend for the faith!” Not “your faith or my faith”, not “my ministry” but THE faith. The words of Scripture and doctrines, tenets, ways and precepts that have been around for 2000 years—and suddenly this generation is the one that knows better and is self-aware. On the basis of the Word of God, there is such a thing as apostasy and when we see a real turning away from God, we are not faithful to the Word of God unless we call it what it is. We must call apostasy, apostasy. If we do not speak out against sin and unrighteousness, we are not ready for revival. WE are cowardly mice and God will not revive mice.

The world and many Christians have made a Frankenstein Jesus, “my personal relationship with Jesus”. Christianity is individual in that each man must be converted and born again, but it is not individualistic. Grace flows sideways. Salvation is of A PEOPLE and our relationship to the Body is of the utmost importance.

The world is telling us how, when, where, under what conditions we can worship, and the rebellious, individualistic Christians are getting on board. I was so grieved at how many were excited when the government closed down churches, “The church has left the building” and said things like, “The NT church only met in houses”. Most Americans would never had made it under the Roman Emp...

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Danger of Hellfire Matthew 5:21-26We all know people we think should go to Hell. The problem is that we don’t think we shouldHave you ever been angry with someone? I have. Many times. In my heart and in my actionsWife, kids, church people, neighbors, politicians, famous people, random people on the road, in the store etc etc. I hope that this morning I am not alone- Who else gets angry?It aint right, but its true. I am far from perfect in this area. Even if its not manifest externallyJesus is setting a very high bar for all of us this morning in regards to our angry hearts and actions

Anger with someone is akin to murder - Hellfire

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgmentWhat Jesus is doing here in great Jesus fashion is setting an unbelievably high bar for righteousness- its not just not murdering- its not getting angry- its whats in your heartThis is what Jesus does- all throughout Matthew and the NT- takes the OT principle and sets the bar even higher- its not enough that you don’t murder someone- don’t be angry with anyoneNow I will say this- it is possible to be angry and not sin- and there is biblical angerEphesians 4:26-27 6 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give [a]place to the devil.Jesus got angry- Mark 3:5 And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their heartsThere is such a thing as righteous indignation and emotional frustration- different types of anger- angry at electrical, traffic, poor leadership, politics- but In this scrip. Its relational emotional anger that affects you and personal relationships. It affects YOU and others. 1 John 4:20-21 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, [a]how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.This is the standard- this is how we must live. We must not hate- we must love

Most especially those who are in the Faith- those who are in the Faith1 John 3:14-15 4 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.And it starts in the HEART- Jesus says- not in the actions- even inside thoughts are damnableWhat does it mean to you - HellfireYou better check yourself before you wreck yourself. Don’t lie to yourself and pretend you don’t have it in your heart. 1 John 2:9 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.And here’s the scary thing about anger and hatred- you can hide it so very well- well most people can- a lot of people are so loose lipped with it that I know who many people hateI don’t care who has wronged you and what has been done to you- Jesus says- no angerThere are a host of people you can find to be angry at and frustrated with- and Jesus says noFor me- my relationship with my father- lots of reasons- is what it is- gonna go see himNow that’s almost easier because I can file that and think about it- but the flippant social media comment, cut off in traffic, disobedient child, accusing person doesn’t always get the same treatment- ALL emotional anger internal or external is murderous and Jesus says stop itPr 4:19 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.

Do you know what makes us stumble? Anger- do you know what the remedy is? Love1 cor 13:1-3The way to combat anger is to love people. Deeply. Spend time thinking about how you can love people more- not in action- in your heart- truly love someone from...

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Resolve to be Anchored Hebrew 6:13-20

As we go through the text, I want you to keep in mind a few things from this passage:

God made a promise to Abraham and he swore by Himself because no one was greater by whom to swear In the same way, in His desire to show to the heirs (US) of the promise, he has a promise and oath that is unchangeable- And He is God, He does not lieThis a hope for all Christians – a confident assurance, an anchor of our soul that cannot slip or break under ANY pressure Safe and steadfast hope that enters within the vail -The vail was torn and now because of Jesus we can go directly to GodEva praying in the morning - God showed the contrastJesus had entered as a forerunner – We get to follow

Today I want us to talk about the word Resolve

Settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter)Decide firmly on a course of actionFirm determination to do something

There is a war for your soul and a time has come to make a choice. The choice has to be made yesterday- but the next best day is today

Everything in life is a choice – Even the things that we have no control over, we have a choice of how to react More so when it comes to our spiritual walk. The vail was torn giving you and I access to the Father, no more excuses of going through someone else or waiting for someone to get their life together so they can intercede for you. We all have a choice and we have to resolve – Make a firm determination to stay anchored within the veilWhen it comes to Christian walk, we don’t make a resolve of where we stand based on our own justification, its only because of where we are planted /anchored and who is the anchor That does not give us an out because - Proverbs 16:1 – The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.Man has to exercise his own reason in making his decisions but that he is dependent on the LordWe resolve to stay anchored and the Lord will give you the way to stay anchoredWhere are you anchored? – Truly if I may ask you to check your line to see where its tied to, what would you say- what if I asked your friends, family, Pastor, co-workers?I am sure if I took the time to hang out with you 24-7, I would know where your anchor rests

How are we anchored? In Christ alone, through Christ, and by Christ John 3:16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we are justified ([a]acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to [b]enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).Acts 4:12 - And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.We have an anchor that is Strong and immovable – God is the same yesterday today and foreverWhen I think of Anchor, I think of a chain- I am tied to the end and other end is tied in inside the altar and no matter what happens, am not movable beyond a certain perimeter. I also have a choice to where my chain is anchored Galatians 6:8 - For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.When we are anchored in Christ,We are steady in our walk - Bible – All other ground is sinking sandWe are safe – Doesn’t matter how strong the wind blows – vs.19 – This confident assurance cannot slip and it cannot break under whatever pressure bears upon it.We are prepared – The issue with most of us is that we are scattered and th...

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READ Matthew 5:17-20 Thank God for Bacon

Lets start by saying Gods word is always true and it is never contradictory- Our inability to explain or understand does not nullify it. God meant what he said when he said itWhy is it important to fully understand this scripture and its doctrinal importanceOne- people want to separate the Old Testament from the new- Put more weight on the NT than the OT- they want to be ‘red letter christians’ and discount the OTWe want to be biblical and give equal weight and influence on the entirety of the canon

Two- people want to separate Jesus from the OT and say that the “God of the OT is different than the God of the NT”

We believe that the God of Genesis is the God of Revelation- we walked through 3 years of teaching from the OT showing the NT connection and influence you cannot separate the twoThree- people want to allow and teach people to break God’s moral laws as outlined in the OT because they do not want to be held accountable to them. They want to sin and keep their salvation and have no limits to how they live and label anyone who does as ‘legalism’These people have a limited understanding of the term “law” and want to use it for their benefit. Everytime the English language says “law” in the Bible it doesn’t fully explain the context of which law it is referring- we just read it as ‘law’ and we place it where we thing. They will say phrases like “you wear mixed clothing” and “you eat pork” as justification why homosexuality is acceptable Christian practice. Justify no fault divorce and abortion. Let me be clear- Justification (right standing before God) brings obedience- Obedience does not bring Justification. James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.- We are, guilty sinners who needed a savior and cannot save ourselvesThere are few terms I need you to understand as we walk through this- because these aberrant beliefs are rampant in the church today. Not labeled as such, but still here-memorize themAntinomianism- Antinomianism (Ancient Greek: ἀντί, "against" and νόμος, "law") is any view which rejects laws or legalism and argues against moral, religious or social norms (Wikipedia) Its anti-law- these people believe there should be no laws in Christianity- They will quote youRom 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.They say that’s the law- Just love. If you do that- you’re being a Good Christian

Marcionism- the doctrinal system of a sect of the second and third centuries a.d. accepting some parts of the New Testament but denying Christ's corporality and humanity and condemning the Creator God of the Old Testament. (Webster) This is the idea that The God of the OT was a retributive diety that was misunderstood- and Jesus came to set the record straight- to show us the true loving nature of God. Marcion of Sinope was an actual guy who taught this- and was labeled as a heretic in the early church- but his horrible theology carries on today- They would exclusively use Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”Gnosticism - a prominent heretical movement of the 2nd-century Christian Church, partly of pre-Christian origin. Gnostic doctrine taught that the world was created and ruled by a lesser divinity, the demiurge, and that Christ was an emissary of the remote supreme divine being, esoteric knowledge (gnosis) of whom enabled the redemption of the human spirit. (Oxford) There is ‘special’ knowledge that only a few are meant to know- mysteries that only some can fathom- Everything is spiritually- reject everything physical. Similar in that Marcion and Gnostics both rejected the OT- believed in different gods, that a different god did creationDifferent- Marcionism believed in salvation through faith where as Gnosticism believed in salvation through knowledge...

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The Shining (Matthew 5:13-16) Verses in NKJV

Matthew 5:13-16, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

What does it mean to be Salt?
My dad had a heart attack at 39 years old. For most of my childhood I remember having “heart healthy dinners”. We never had salt on the table! Salt/sodium is bad for you, and bad for your heart and kidneys.
At 36 I decided I needed to get healthy, so I wouldn’t have a heart attack too. I told my brother that, “I was cutting all sodium/salt out of my diet!” Dan told me that you really can’t do that.
I was worried about “the white death”, and talked to my nephrologist about my concerns. I asked if I should be worried about the salt in ketchup. He said, “How much ketchup are you eating?!”
You need salt to live. “Not enough” is actually worse than “too much.” It is an essential element.
Salt is very valuable, and used for many reasons:
It is a great preservative and keeps meat and foods from spoiling, especially before there was refrigeration. (Prosciutto is nothing but pork, salt, and time! It’s not even cooked.)
Salt makes EVERYTHING taste better and brings out the flavor of foods. From BBQ to salted caramel... (Ever tried chocolate covered bacon?!)
Salt is used to kill weeds on roads, kills poison ivy, can smother grease fires, sooth bee stings, clean tarnished copper, and 14,000 other uses…
In the Old Testament we see it also used for ceremonial offerings.
Roman soldiers were sometimes paid in salt. Their monthly allowance was called “salarium”, (“sal” being Latin for salt). This is the root of the English word, “salary”. (Like the expression, “He’s not worth his salt.”)
I could turn each one of these examples into some spiritually deep and symbolic message, but what is most important here is the point that Jesus was trying to make when he said these words.

Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

The exact meaning of this statement is widely disputed, but I honestly don’t understand why. It’s not a riddle or a trick question. Jesus’ overall point is actually pretty basic.
What good would salt be if it wasn’t salty? No good. What good would Jesus’ disciples be if they ceased to be a blessing and an example for Christ? Not good to the Kingdom of God.
Just before this Jesus told his disciples that they are blessed when they are being persecuted for His sake. “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad!” Don’t use hardship as an excuse to act like a spoiled brat.
Example: When Christians use being cheated or wronged as an excuse to behave badly…
In Luke, Jesus concludes his teaching on discipleship, and bearing one’s cross, and forsaking all to follow Him, with this verse:
Luke 14:34-35, “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Again, Jesus used the example of salt having flavor in reference to being a proper disciple.
In Mark, Jesus was teaching how we should go to great lengths to avoid sin, and ends with this:
Mark 9:50, Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
Jesus is using the example of “salt” to be an instruction on Christia...

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“Even Though I Speak in This Way….” - Calvanism

Hebrews 6:4-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

ANDDDD, here we are again. The third time in the letter to the scattered Hebrew believers, the writer mentions apostasy. Greek “aphistemi” a departing from God and abandoning what one once believed and experienced in Christ. It involves a disowning of Christ, departure from the Body of Christ and the Christian faith. Scripture, especially here in Hebrews issues real and urgent warnings about this grave possibility, designed both to alert us to the deadly danger of apostasy and its consequences and to motivate us to persevere in faith and obedience.

Why was the writer warning these things? A few reasons, they were scattered and not gathering regularly. (Heb 10:25-26) They were persecuted by the Roman government and other Jews, and as seen from last week they were not maturing in their faith.

The divine purpose of these warning passages must not be weakened by the view that states, “The warnings are real, but the possibility of actual apostasy is not”.

An examination of the above phrases will show that the writer refers to those who are sincere believers. The phrase "it is impossible" denotes absolute impossibility. It has been contended, that it denotes only great difficulty. But the meaning is that "the thing could not be done;" that it was not merely very difficult, but absolutely impossible. The word – “impossible” occurs only in the New Testament in the following places, in all which it denotes that the thing could not be done; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27, "With men this is impossible;" that is, men could not save one who was rich, implying that the thing was wholly beyond human power. Luke 18:27, "the things which are impossible with men are possible with God" - referring to the same case; Acts 14:8, "A man of Lystra, impotent in his feet;" that is, who was wholly "unable" to walk; Romans 8:3, "For what the law could not do;" what was absolutely "impossible" for the Law to accomplish; that is, to save people; Hebrews 6:18, "In which it was impossible for God to lie;" Hebrews 10:4, "It is not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sin;" and Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God;" in all of these instances denoting absolute impossibility.

These passages show that it is not merely a great difficulty to which the apostle refers, but that he meant to say that the thing was wholly unfeasible; that it could not be done. And if this be the meaning, then it proves that if those referred to should fall away, they could never be renewed. Their case was hopeless, and they must perish: that is, if a true Christian should apostatize, or fall from grace, "he never could be renewed again," and could not be saved.

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Why you be attitude? Matt 5:1-12 - attitudeThis is the beginning of the sermon on the mount. Some people elevate this sermon above other teachings of Jesus, but that’s not what Jesus did. While this was his longest most expansive treatise, its our elevation of it, not Him who gives it so much importance. Its all important, but its not exhaustive. People want to focus on a small part instead of being responsible for the whole parts. In this sermon, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, and those who are following him. In the beatitudes- he’s showing his disciples the character of those who are in his kingdom and those who are going to inherit his kingdomIt’s a line of delineation for the disciples- if you’re going to be my disciples, if you’re going to be in my kingdom- this is who you must be. This must be your character.These are people who have been rejected or excluded from the power of Roman life, and the corrupt life of the Sadducees and PhariseesThese attributes, and why they are so timeless, is because they were the antithesis of the world’s ethos back then- and the antithesis of the worlds ethos nowTrue Christianity is not like the world, love the world or imitate the world. What is meant by blessed? Blessed in the simplest of terms means prosperous. Doing well. Fortunate. Well off. Doing better than most. Blessed. The kingdom of Heaven- who will receive it? Next week we talk about salt and light. This character precedes the ability to be salt and light to a loss and dying world. These characteristics display what we should be, who we are not, who we could be and who we can be

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Those who feel an overwhelming sense of spiritual emptiness and insignificance in their life apart From GodA poor in spirit person feels empty. They are not self sufficient and strong- They admit weakIsaiah 66:2 “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My wordThis is in contrast to the pharisaicial spirit of self righteousness, support, and pleasureThe Pharisee has no emptiness because they are their own God- They are actually filled to the point they don’t need God and don’t desire after them. I admit I need people. I need their help, support, encouragement, affirmation. I do. I also admit I need God- Nothing the world gives satisfies- James 4:6 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”Are you poor in spirit, or do you depend on yourself? Do you long for God and his touch?We, as a society pride ourselves on self-sufficiency- but that’s not Godly. Never arrivingNo amount of personal righteousness can satisfy- only the Lord. Luke 18:13 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’Hebrew for poor- meek- abase self, afflict (-ion, self), answer [by mistake for H6030], chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble

Blessed are those who mourn,For they shall be comforted. attitude

This isn’t upon all who mourn- its for those who mourn over their sin. They will be blessed, because when they mourn over what they have done, they find comfort with God’s pardon. I get no pleasure from listening to people talk about their past sins in a joking, positive lightIf you had killed someone, and got out of Jail and then laughed about it- is that Good/Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as [a]have a contrite spirit.Yes, you’re forgiven, you’re set free- but that doesn’t mean you can’t hate your pastIsaiah 57:15 b“I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.And its not this self-loathing I’m not forgiven I am no good spirit- It’s the “...

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Grow Up! (Hebrews 5:11-6:3) Verses in NLT

The Book of Hebrews is written to, among others, the Christians in Rome, about the early 60s.
The Christian community and house churches began there when those who were at Pentecost returned home around the 30s. That means 30 years of the gospel being preached in that area.
Apostle Paul has be preaching and teaching for two decades by this time, and the word about Jesus has travelled all over the area, but those in Rome have been there from the beginning.
After all this time, some witnessing the move of the Holy Spirit, or possibly even hearing firsthand accounts of meeting Jesus himself, what would you expect their spiritual maturity to be?
So far in Hebrews, the author has been talking about:
Jesus is superior to all things. Hebrews 1:3, The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.
How important it is to know and understand the truth. Hebrews 2:1, So we must listen carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.
Hebrews has talked about:
All things were created through Jesus… He brings us eternal life… The concept of Jesus being 100% God and 100% man…
Jesus being the perfect sacrifice for sin, fulfilling the old testament sacrificial system…
Many connections were made between Old Testament events and people, and how it relates to Jesus and today…
Jesus is our perfect high priest, in the order of Melchizedek, deserving even more glory than Moses…
This is the stuff that many of them have been taught about for years, week in and week out. It is complex, but the believers should have gained some mature understanding by now.

Hebrews 5:11-6:3 (NLT), There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

6 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

Point #1. Babies eat milk. Adults eat meat.

Food is a fun and easy spiritual metaphor. We all have a lifetime of experience with food.
Many of us also have a solid base knowledge of nutrition: (These are not trick questions!)
What foods are bad for you? (Sugar). …and why?
Sugar example: According to Florida, the average sugar cane stalk (6’ by 2” and 3lbs) is 85% juice, of which is 11% sugar by weight. One stock produces 132g or refined sugar.
a 20oz bottle of Coke has 65g of sugar in it. The same as eating a 3ft stalk sugar cane!
When you strip out all the fibrous, hard to chew stuff, and are left with only the sweet stuff, it actually makes you sickly and weak. Same applies to the word of God!
What foods are good for you? (Vegetables.) …and why?
Example: The Gorilla Diet. A 400lb gorilla can eat 40lbs of plant life a day. That is the human equivalent of 18lbs of fruits and vegetables a day. I don’t think anyone could do it!
A Costco bag of spinach is 2.5lbs, 104 cal per lb, 260 calories per bag.

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The Gospel of the Kingdom Matthew 4:23-25

Jesus is about his fathers business

The biggest theme that Jesus talked about was kingdom. He talked about it more than anything. And as Jesus is going out to do his ministry- we see him walking out being about that lifeLuke 2:49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”And that was what he was about- His father’s business. Nothing more- nothing less. Jesus’ push, was to please the father- and be about what he was to be about- The KingdomJohn 8:29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”Jesus was not a political revolutionary that worked within the worlds systems. That’s not what he came to do. IT wasn’t his mission, or his intention to do so. He was only about what the Father was going to have him be about. They crucified him bc he would be their king. Today, there are many people who want to hijack the mission of Jesus and the church and turn him and it into their own political movement to accomplish their own polical meansPolitics are rife with sin and discord, and as Christians- we should be involved- but not see them as our savior. I am going to vote for whoever is going to help the church. If someone said I had to pay 20% tax, but protected the church- I would vote for them. But people want to turn Jesus into something unscriptural- tell him what he should be doing

John 6:38 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.If Jesus did what some of these people wanted they’d have him running for political office, changing laws, redistributing wealth, getting universal health care, fighting corporations, unionizing, marching for women, BLM, Anti-Guns, pro-guns, housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, doing a toy drive, building a house, or a whole host of other things. John 4:34 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.As a pastor- I can’t begin to describe to you the amount of people I have dealt with over the past 17 years that want me to get behind their missionI protect you, and the church- literally hundreds of people with all kinds of causes that want me to endorse them, put them in front of you, and have you champion their cause. Its almost weekly. But that’s not my mission. My mission is to pastor this flock. I need to shepherd our Church to be here in good repair when the Lord returns. I cannot allow someone to hijack our missionWorship, discipleship, giving, serving, fellowship. That’s the mission of the church. To the church, in the church, for the churchAnd the people that say that its church centric- don’t know their bibles- because the Bible is church centric. The mission is church centric. It all flows in and about and through and to the churchWhat does it mean to youDo not allow yourself to be pulled away from the fathers business and don’t feel bad about itYou cannot do all things for all people and be all things for all people. Please GodGalatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.You have to settle in your heart that pleasing God and being about his business is the only thing that matters to you. No matter what relationships it costs you. People struggle with being about the fathers business because they want for the things of this world. They find the Christian life restrictive and boring. 2 Corinthians 5:9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.Psalm 40:8 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

And what was the business of the father?

23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease am...

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Law and order Hebrew 5:1-10

What comes to mind when I say, Law and Order?

The show – Crime fighting Developed country (Rights) developing country (Survival) Depending on where you are spiritually- these terms might mean something totally different thing to you based on a variety of things. If you have listened to Deacon Tiffany, then you might be thinking about what the Government is doing or not doingToday I want us to look at the part we play when it comes to God’s law and orderDon’t talking about others not doing – Let self-examine

Law- a set rules that regulates the actions of people and there are consequences when you don’t follow them.Order – Directions and instructionThe Bible is full of laws and an orderly way to do them.An order is established to be a guideline, In order to build a home- you need count the cost and start by laying the foundation For you to enjoy the benefit of a marriage bed, you need to be married For you to be considered a child of God, you have to die to self

READ THE SCRIPTURE – HEBREW 5:1-10Verses 1-4 gives the definition of and the criteria (Law) for being a priest and verse 5-10 (Order) show how Christ meets these criteria Law:High priest is taken among manAppointed for men, for your benefit – our benefits No one chooses himself – He is chosen by God just like Aaron was Jesus Himself was chosen as well- By GodHebrews 5:5 So too Christ (the Messiah) did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed and exalted by Him Who said to Him, You are My Son; today I have begotten You;The office of the Priest is nothing to campaign for- It is a chosen position by God There is no microwave ranking upThere are laws and order that govern what we are all called to doThere are dire consequences for trying to do it outside Gods law and order This is what happens to people that played Priest:Korah thought he could do it better than Moses – Swallowed by the ground (Numbers 16:20-35)Saul was impatient – Rejected by God (I Samuel 13:8-14)Uzziah appointed himself as a priest because he was strong– Leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16)OrderThe Priest offer both Gifts and sacrifices for our sins He is compassion on those who are going astray (gentleness and forbearance towards the ignorant and erring – but he is also subject to weaknessHe offers sacrifices for his people- himself included as wellCarrying them in their thoughts - On the breast plate of the high priest, there is 12 stones of Israelites and the shoulder straps were engraved with the names of the tribes – They were all in the heart and shoulder of the priest Make it easier for your pastors – Hebrew 13:17 - Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either].Obedience This is the glue what brings everything togetherHebrew 5:8 - Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He sufferedThe joy of suffering Though He was God…… (If Jesus can be obedient – there is no excuse of us not being to Him)He was human – He cried out Father remove this from me Having been perfected – He won the right to be the author of internal salvation for all who obey Hebrew 5:9 - And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey HimHe listened to authority set before him- so He could inherit that title – High Priest Obedience at the garden Matthew 26:38-39 Then He said to them, My soul is very sad and deeply grieved, so that [a]I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and keep awake and keep watch with Me. And going a little farther,

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Leave the boat Matt 4:18-22

I watch a couple youtube channels about sailing- it’s a fantasy. Go and live on the seaThe truth is, its never going to happen- One- I don’t don’t know how 2. I don’t have a boat 3. It would be scary 4. God hasn’t called me to that. We must do what God has called us to- and we have all been called to leave the boat and followJesus calls the disciples. He goes and he finds Peter and Andrew, he calls, and they immediately follow. He sees two other brothers, and he calls them as well.

What can we get from this scripture?

When Jesus calls, Respond

I was always taught as a child that when an adults asks you do to something, you do it, without commentary. You just do it. You’re a child. You can dissent when you’re an adult.Some people were never taught that way, so when it comes to the things of God, they seem to always want to discuss, and prolong the decision process- this wasn’t the case with these guysThey immediately v20 They immediately v22Jesus shows up, seemingly out of no where- and calls these guys according to the book of Luke, they may have heard Jesus preach before this time, but they were still willing to get moving“Immediately” there’s certainty to that word. There’s a powerful response to that word. It’s a right now- I’m doing it type of word. I know I talk about Military a lot- you probably get tired of it- but most of you didn’t serve. You don’t understand what its like to take military orders- you’ve never been broken- immediate compliance- Yes sergeant- moving sergeant. There’s no dissentMatthew 7:26-2726 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”It’s foolish. Why would you argue with Mr Jesus? What benefit is there to that? None. But people do it all the time- they know the truth, they hear the truth but they don’t respondIt’s the “I think my way is better “ version of Christianity. Some of you have been going to church for years, know what God has asked, and don’t moveThe Bible is a record where the obedient are praised and the disobedient are scornedWe all know this- its not a new revelation- but we all, at times will operate in delayed obedienceWhat does it mean to youAre you dragging your feet on Jesus? Has he come by, and spoken to you, but you have been taking your time, and not responding to him? Here’s where the “faith and not works” crowd always chimes in- the “Jesus paid it all” crowd. Jesus did pay it all, but he doesn’t do it all. James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?Those are challenging words for people that struggle with action and responsivenessThis following Jesus is a right now- get to work- lets go- endeavorMatthew 7:21 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.Years ago the Lord had laid on my heart to perform an action- and I was reluctant- the HS spoke to C to get to me- called that person right then and there on the phone- could take you intersection- you have to act immediately or else it wont happen. Get movingJames describes the people who refuse to answer the call of God on their life- James 1: 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.We must be diligent in our callings- we must give it our full attention- we can’t let up2 Peter 1:55 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,There was a time I was in great shape- I’m not anymore- Eating on T-day- bu...

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Matthew 4:12-17 Don’t give up the fightJesus is beginning his ministry- and John has been put in prison for preaching. Jesus leaves for Galilee, and ends up in Capernaum, which was a fulfillment of Isaiah 9. Then Jesus starts his ministry preaching repentance. We preach repentance almost every week. We’ll do it again. Not this week- This week I want to look at this beginning of Jesus mission as a means for us to be encourage to stay on missionWe’re on mission here at FVC. God has placed each and every one of us strategically to be here for such a time as this. I’ve complained about being in the PNW in the pulpit and online I apologize. I’m not going to complain about it anymore, and if I do, please correct meThere are people here that need Jesus and we are not going to give up the fight. If all the Christian churches leave Washington- its not just that the state will fail, but many people will not make it to heaven, and that should concern all of us. God needs more gloryThink about Jesus- he had to do what he came to do to benefit all of us- and we cant give up

Stay in the fight- Stay on mission - Fight

Folks- we are on mission- We must live out Matt 28:19. We cannot be pulled in another direction based on what the world is doing, or what is happening around us. Mission must goIn the beginning of this story- we see what happens- John goes to prison ostensibly for preaching repentance. It doesn’t say- but we can assume- Jesus continues his missionWhat happened to John wasn’t going to keep Jesus from doing his mission. He wasn’t givin upJesus is demonstrating here- Just because someone goes to prison for what you’re about to do- doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it. John preaches repentance- prison- Jesus- goes out and preaches repentance. We, as people of God- cannot be crippled by fear, because something bad happened to someone- and use that as an excuse or reason, why we cant do what we are supposed to doWho remembers 911? Devastating. I was on mission in Egypt- It continued- 2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.This is a true scripture! This is part of why Jesus came- to Heb2:15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.When Jesus came, he walked without fear, to empower us to walk without fear- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Do you believe that? Or have you given yourself over to fear? - FightI get it- this is a interesting time to live in- and I gave myself over to fear for a while back in the spring- but then I came to my senses- even if It means that I die, I’m not going to let a virus keep me from performing my mission- I’m just not. If Covid kills me- it will be because God wants to bring me home, and I can’t hide from it in my home. The savior I served said things to the men who were sent out to preach things like- Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.I get it! Fear is REAL- Fear of death is REAL. We’ve all probably feared at times- EVEN DAVID- Ps 55:4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.But just because you are afraid, and death is real- doesn’t mean you give up. it just doesntThe psalmist- Psalm 89:48 What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? SelahHebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,We’re all going to die at somepoint- but people have become this life worshippers to the point of giving up every last right and giving up the mission under the guise of protection of life- Its life worship- its idolatry disguised as Christian virtue wrapped in false humility Let me paint a ...

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Date: 11/18/20

Pastor Kaiya Butcher

Title: What’s in your wallet?

Scripture: 1Peter 1:7 NLT

Jeremiah 3:15 NLT1PETER 1:7 NLTJeremiah 17:9 AMPGalatians 2:20 AMPJohn 13:37-38 AMPLuke 20:60-62 NKJVPsalms 51:17 AMPJohn 21:15-17 NKJVPsalms 139:23 NLTLuke 21:26

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Jeremiah 3:15 says… appreciation

“I will give you (PASTORS) according My heart that will feed you with knowledge & understanding.”

Ephesians 4:11 (NKJ)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

Exodus 17:12 (KJV)

12 But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

Hebrews 13:17 (NKJ)

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

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appreciation

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The Lord Is The Maker Of Them All

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Second Amendment A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
“Prefatory Phrase”A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State. - State has right to ensure a well regulated militia (civilians) to defend against Federal Government.
U.S. v Miller (Supreme Court, 1939)In the absence of any evidence tending to show that possession or use of a [sewed-off shotgun]…has some reasonable relationship to the preservation or efficiency of a well-regulated militia, we cannot say the Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear such an instrument.
“Operative Phrase”The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.- The right belongs to the individual for self-defense, not just for the State to have a militia
District of Columbia v. Heller (Supreme Court, 2008)The right to bear arms has always been the distinctive privilege of freemen...The inherent right of self-defense has been central to the Second Amendment right…[and] the home [is] where the need for defense of self, family, and property is most acute.
14th Amendment - ratified in 1868All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any Sate deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Due Process Clause - State cannot deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law- Due process is “fundamental fairness” in the judicial process
Griswold v. Connecticut (Supreme Court, 1965)The concept of liberty protects those personal rights that are fundamental, and is not confined to the specific terms of the Bill of Rights. My conclusion that the concept of liberty [embraces] the right of marital privacy though that right is not mentioned explicitly in the Constitution is supported by a number of decisions of this Court.
Dissent in GriswoldI think this is an uncommonly silly law. But we are not asked in this case to say whether we think this law is unwise, or even asinine. We are asked to hold that it violates the United States Constitution. And that I cannot do. I can find no such general right of privacy in the Bill of Rights, in any other part of the Constitution, or in any case ever before decided by this Court.
Justice Scalia on Abortion/Privacy as a 14th Amendment RightBut some of the liberties the Supreme Court has found to be protected by that word - liberty - nobody thought constituted a liberty when the 14th Amendment was adopted. Abortion? It was criminal in all the states.
Equal Protection ClauseNo State shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Classifications for Level of ScrutinyRational Basis - lowest level of scrutiny, government only needs to show “rational reason” for denying equal protection to particular groupe.g. Business closures
Classifications for Level of Scrutiny (cont’d)Intermediate Scrutiny - middle level of scrutiny, government needs to show “compelling reason” for denying equal protection to particular group e.g. Laws based on age classifications
Classifications for Level of Scrutiny (cont’d)Strict Scrutiny - most heightened level of scrutiny, government needs to show denial is “necessary to advance government interest”e.g. Laws based on race and gender classifications
Civil Rights Act of 1964Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

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Matthew 4:1-11 - breadI love bread. All of it. Donuts. Pretzels. White bread. Rolls. Cinnamon rolls. Bread sticks.I never met a carb I didn’t like. I could make fresh bread all day every day and be fineHere’s the problem- Jesus says- you can’ t live on that. You might be able to live, but you cantYou can’t live on Bread- you need the word of God. You need to feast on it. You need to know it

We live by the word of God4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”You hear me and us talk a lot about the Bible here- Its something that we believe in and that we preach and stake our lives onFor some people, that’s a struggle because they have never lived by any restraints ever. But even your job has some sort of guiding principles, no matter how weird they may beWe put full trust in the Bible. We believe we’re going to heaven based on the Bible. That we’re forgiven from our sins. That God speaks to us, and we can listen and communicate. We believe in all the stories. It literally directs every affair of my life. Wife, kids, finances, health, relationships, what I watch, where I go, who I am friends with. I am directed in all aspects of my life by this book. – When I first got saved- Go get a bible- read it- do what it says. Still have itBut why? Why is the Bible central to our faith? Some will say that I don’t have to read my Bible to believe in Jesus. But this is the best selling, most studied, translated, distributed book in the world. It’s one of the few books that people are actually afraid of. Governments fear it.But why?? Why does it direct our lives? Why a book? Easy- Verbal Plenary InspirationEasy for you to say- 2 Ti 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.What does that mean? Verbal- Every word. Plenary- All parts are divinely authorative . Inspiration God guided the ProcessVerbal Plenary Inspiration means that Every word in the bible, all parts of it, in its entirety is authorative by God and because of God who guided the process of it being written and recorded in history 2 Peter 1:21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but [a]holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

means- men didn’t sit down to write the book to do anything more than what God told them.40 authors over 1500 years wrote the Bible and it all fits together. Because God directed themJesus said this about the OT- Luke 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.The Apostle Paul said this- Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.Paul, the former Christian killing Jew, says, everything that was written was for usAnd who can testify this morning that Bible has changed their life? Redirected your path, comforted you, loved you, spoke to you, inspired you, helped you, healed you, changed you!Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.Every last part of this Bible- every jot and tittle- meaning every small part. Every word. If its plural or not. If its included or not. Its all there for a reason to teach us something and shouldn’t be discounted for any reasonThis is why we defend this thing so deeply. It doesn’t change because God doesn’t change.Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is [a]pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.6 Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.Now, the words themselves have no power. They are just words. It’s the grouping of words. The direction of the sentences and how them come together. The order. The timing.

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Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land

Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses in First AmendmentCongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
Samuel Adams, The Rights of Colonists as Christians, 1772[Our rights] may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institutes of the great Law-giver and head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament…there shall be liberty of conscience allowed in the worship of God to all Christians.
James Madison, Delivery to House of Representatives in 1789 and First Inaugural Address in 1809I will state my reasons why I think it proper to propose amendments…the civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established, nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext, infringed.

In these my confidence will under every difficulty be placed…in the guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations…and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future.

Courts have ruled that in public school, the Christians’ free speech and free exercise of religion infringes upon Establishment Clause and the students’ right to undue religious influence. - teacher silently reading Bible in classroom prohibited - voluntary prayer in school prohibited- student writing paper about Jesus’ life prohibited
Rulings with regard to other government employees - Knight v. Connecticut Dept. of Public Health, 2nd Circuit (2001)

At a minimum, the Establishment Clause prohibits government from appearing to take a position on questions of religious belief. Thus, the interest of the State in avoiding an Establishment Clause violation may be a compelling one justifying an abridgment of free speech/free exercise otherwise protected by First Amendment.

Constitution Annotated

The Free Exercise clause’s purpose is to secure religious liberty in the individual by prohibiting any invasions there by civil authority…But when it comes to protecting conduct…it has long been held that the Free Exercise Clause does not necessarily prevent the government from requiring or forbidding an act.

Smoking peyote and animal sacrifice cases

The test is whether the restriction of conduct is “neutral and generally applicable” and the “time, place, and manner restriction is reasonable”

Youngstown v. Sawyer, U.S. Supreme Court (1952) “Steel Seizure Case”

The example of such unlimited power that must have most impressed the forefathers was the prerogative exercised by George III, and the description of its evils in the Declaration of Independence leads me to doubt that they were creating the new Executive in his image.

Young v. State, WA Supreme Court (1985)

Governor lacks inherent power except as delegated by the Constitution or statute.

Washington Governor derives power from statute - RCW 43.06.220

(1) The governor after proclaiming a state of emergency and prior to terminating such, may, in the area described by the proclamation, issue an order prohibiting:

(b) Any number of persons, as designated by the governor, from assembling or gathering on the public streets, parks, or other open areas of this state, either public or private.

(h) Such other activities as he or she reasonably believes be prohibited to help preserve and maintain life, health, property, or the public peace.

(5) Any person willfully violating any provision of an order issued by the governor under this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

COVID Mandates Are Unconstitutional
No longer an emergency- RCW unconstitutional because no checks and balance or time limit- Restricti...

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One in three - oneinthree

Gotta know to defend Jehovah witness and mormonism

Matt 3:13-15 Go Back and listen to https://faithandvictory.com/baptism/ for the explanationDon’t want you thinking that we are passing over stuff.16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”Today we are going to talk about the Trinity.Most confusing doctrine in Christianity- Do we believe in 3 Gods? No One God in 3 personsThis verse right here is the central verse to the trinity to me- V 16-17 see all three in operationFather from Above- Jesus bodily form. HS Descending like a DovePeople have difficulty fathoming the reality but to dismiss it is to dismiss Christianity.People say “the word trinity is not in the Bible” well, actually theres not one English word in itElohim is actually a pluralistic word’ Jews said “The OT- The Lord our God is ONE GodJohn Wesley “In preaching on the Trinity, it is our duty to believe according to the word of God, but we are not called to comprehend. That is impossible. Bring me a worm that can comprehend a man, and I will show you a man that can comprehend God. If three candles were burning in a room, the light is but one”how can finite human beings with limited brain capacity understand an infinite God with unlimited capability. We can’t. Its outsideIsaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

The ImportanceThe concept of the Triune God, or Trinity, is one of the foundational teachings of Christianity and is considered bedrock of the Christian faith, because it shows the person and deity of Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully human.Why is it important?First, if the doctrine of the Trinity isn’t believed, then a person’s salvation is at stake.If Jesus was just a human being, he inherited the sin nature of Adam. He must be GodFurther, if Jesus isn’t fully God, if Jesus is a created being, then He couldn’t be perfect sacrifice.John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!If Jesus isn’t fully God and didn’t die as that perfect sinless sacrifice, we are dead in our sinsSecond, if the doctrine of the Trinity isn’t believed, then salvation wouldn’t be by faith;it would be by works, which would make Jesus a liar when He used God’s holy name saying,John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”Many many I AM statements in John Signifying and connecting with the I AM of the OTJesus also said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)If Jesus isn’t God as He said, then how can we trust Him when He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

The Meaningthe Bible is the word “Trinity” found, but that shouldn’t rule out its teaching or its reality.The Word Bible isn’t found in the Bible either, but you’ve said it, believed it and defend it.There’s more scriptures to defend the Trinity than to defend the Bible.Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the GodheadbodilyThe word, “Trinity,” is derived from the Latin word, “Trinitas,” which means the number three. It has come to stand for “three in the unity of one,” or “Tri-Unity.” The word is used to express the unity of God existing in three distinct persons, also known as the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. NWayne Grudem “God eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and each person is fully God, and there is one God.

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One Nation Under God

Purpose of Constitution- to recognize that all men are created equal - to acknowledge that we have God-given unalienable rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)- to protect these rights by declaring that the government derives its power from the people - to limit the government’s authority and power
First Amendment to the U.S. ConstitutionCongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
What is NOT protected speech?- inciting immediate violence (“fighting words”)- obscenity - defamation (libel or slander)- harassment
Free Speech ForumsQuintessential Public Forum: side walks, parks, etc.- can regulate time, place, and manner- speech restrictions given strict scrutiny

Limited or Designated Public Forum: municipal auditoriums, public university student centers, etc. - can regulate time, place, and manner- may impose restrictions if there is a “compelling state interest”

Nonpublic Forum: courthouses, municipal building lobbies, etc.- may restrict contents of speech as long as restrictions are reasonable and do not discriminate

Texas v. Johnson - Supreme Court 1989If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the Government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.
Settle v. Dickson - 6th Circuit 1995Free speech rights of students in the classroom must be limited because effective education depends…on maintaining the focus of the class on the assignment…learning is more vital in the classroom than free speech…it is not for [The Court] to overrule the teacher’s view that the student should learn to write research papers by beginning with a topic other than her own theology.
Gilles v. Davis - 3rd Circuit 2005Gilles’ speech was rude, mocking, confrontational, and insulting…many in the crowd were upset and angry with Gilles.
Please have a slide with Texas v. Johnson (#5) and Gilles v. Davis (#7) side by side.
Future of Free Speech in Social Media EraPrager U v. Google - YouTube is private and First Amendment free speech rights are NOT protected Knight First Amendment Inst. at Columbia Univ. v. Trump - Twitter is designated public forum, therefore First Amendment free speech rights ARE protected

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one nation

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Matt 3:1-12 Bear Fruits

I talk about repentance a lot because I believe its central to the Gospel- I want you to be able to understand it and explain itThis is what happens when you go through a book of the Bible and if its repetitive- good- we should be able to articulate it, appreciate it and defend it.Some of the greatest problems in the church are because there are tons of people who have never repented- they have just agreed to a set of beliefs.People think that joining a church or getting baptized is what makes someone saved- its not- Jesus saves through repentance. No repentance- no salvation.What is repentanceHebrew word nacham which means to turn around or change the mind and sub which return, seek, restoreMetanio- to change the mind to think differently about something- changing your mind. Thinking one way then thinking the other way- I hate vegetables to I like vegetablesRepent simply means to turn around- to change your direction- you are going one way- and you go a different wayAway from God towards God- direction change- this is tied to belief- You didn’t believe in Christ- and then you did believe in Christ- you have repented- you have turned- from no to YesFrom in sin- to forgiveness- turnaroundYou need to change direction in your mind and actions- belief and repent are sides of the same coin you cant have one without the other- you cant believe without turning and you can’t turn unless you believeRepenting is not cleaning yourself up. Its not changing your habits, improving yourself, it’s a simultaneous change of belief and direction at the same time

Repentance is central to the GospelIf you don’t understand the repentance- you don’t understand the Gospel because repentance is central to the Gospel- You must turn towards God. You must turn from your sinYou can’t be in New York and say you are on your way to LA. It doesn’t work that wayYou can’t be living in your sin- and consider it repentance- (Guy at JCNW saved by TV)He repented- he took a life change- He did something different.The first word of John the Baptist was Repent Matt 3:2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”The first word of Jesus Gospel was Repent Mark 1:15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”The first word of the Disciples was Repent Mark 6:12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.The first word of instruction that jesus gave after his resurrection Luke 24: 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations,The first word of the first Christian sermon was repent Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.The first word of the Apostle paul was repent Acts 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.To repent is simply to change your mind towards the things of God- Turn from Sin to GraceAnd its central to our faith- When you talk to people who say they are “good” or say “I’m a Christian” or “I was raised in the church” that’s often code for “I never repented”The gift of repentance is that you know there has been a direction change- you knowDon’t be prideful- repentance is a way of living- I repent on the daily. Keep on the path

Repentance has fruitREAD v 4- 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,We know that based on the Bible and our own experience- that you can see fruitAnd when you see no fruit- you got to check the root- because the root of fruit is repentanceActs 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God,

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Hold Fast

Hebrews 4:14-16

New King James Version

Our Compassionate High Priest

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In this passage the Word of God is calling for us as Christians to

Hold fast to our ConfessionAnd to come boldly to the throne of grace

We’re going to cover both tonight as they go together…

How can could we come boldly before the throne of grace if we don’t first old fast to our confession

We need to have confidence in the Lord, that is that boldness to go before the throne of grace completely trusting in Him

We can’t be wavering in our faith and at the same time go boldly before the throne of grace

James 1:5-8

New King James Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

We need to HOLD FAST TO OUR CONFESSION

(That is Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and that we put all our hope and trust in Him)

When I hear hold fast, it reminds me of being on a ride at the fair –

Story about Jayda

Our family goes annually to the fair; however our daughter Jayda is not a fan of the rides… And honestly neither am I.

Jeremy, Jarrett, and Nevaeh all LOVE THEM

Because Jeremy loves rides so much, he had convinced Jayda to get on the tilt a whirl with us…

Before the ride even started, she was yelling out, “I’m going to Die… “

The ride starts…”I’m really going to Die”

Jarrett Could hear her crying out from where he was standing and watching

She was holding so tight to me that she was making it spin faster.

She Clung tight to us till the very end, she was literally holding on for dear life. (Mom, I almost died!)

In life we will experience ups and downs temptation and persecution

Like Pastor Matt said Sunday, Persecution will come

It might even at times feel just like Jayda did on that ride…

Are you clinging to your Father?

Are you HOLDING FAST to your confession?

The term to HOLD FAST comes from the word Krat-eh’-o (Krateô)

Its to lay hold of and cling tightly

It’s to use strength to seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

Hold fast to your confession, your faith and belief in Jesus Christ

take hold of it with all your strength and cling to it!

Get in your Word and dig deeper and continue to strengthen and grow your relationship and faith in the Lord!

Stay in fellowship with other believers, strengthen and build one another up in the faith!

Because you have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens!

Jesus came down an lived a life here on earth and like us was tried and tempted, and yet remained sinless

15 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

He lived life here on earth just like us

He walked through trials and temptation beyond what we have even experienced

He was tempted by Satan when he fasted 40 days and nights in the wilderness…

He was tempted with food when He was hungry from fasting

He was tempted to test God

He was tempted to gain all the kingdoms of the world if He would bow down to Satan

And each time He came against those temptations with the Word of God!

He was persecuted, betrayed by friends, beaten, and crucified.

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Matt 2:16-23 Attempted Murder of JesusDo not expect to be honored in a world where your master was crucified- CH SpurgeonThis portion begins the persecution of Jesus. From the time he was born, he hadn’t even done anything, the Governmental powers were out to Kill him.We talked before about Herod propensity for Sin- and here we see the fulfillment of itPeople have always had a problem with Jesus. The world will never fully accept himWe can, and should do whatever we can to lead people to him, but to think that somehow, the world is going to fully accept him and his ways, is a false theology- JESUS was rejected- HE was crucified- we aren’t more powerful than he was-Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess eventually- but persecution is our inheritanceI want to talk to you about persecution today. What it is, how to prepare, what to doYou will hear many people today say that Christians are not persecuted-

David Guzik came up with - 10 Myths about Persecution that I want to share briefly

It’s only persecution when people are getting killed. No Joseph and Mary were persecuted when they needed to flee- when Paul was beaten. When you lose a job, or are ostracized.
As long as someone else is persecuted worse, we shouldn’t complain. No persecution is persecution. Is Racism in your apartment complex ok because you weren’t killed?

3. Persecution has to be violent to be real persecution. Bullying is persecution. Words. laws

4. Persecution has to directly impact everyone before it is real persecution. Not all Christians in the world are treated the same- and it’s the same in America- Right now we are treated different than other states in the union

5. Persecutors openly hate Jesus Christ and Christianity. Not always- sometimes they seem friendly- but they don’t agree with what we believe silently. Some churches help the persecution

6. Christians are persecuted without reason. No we are- we are against what they believe

Christians should always silently accept persecution. No- Paul spoke up- we can speak up
Persecution always unites the Church. Not always- some Christians stand by in silence

9. Persecution never “Works.” Sure it does- Christians are afraid to speak up!

Persecution is the worst thing that can happen to Christians. No- we’ll live through it

What does persecution look like

People think its being burned at the stake- but its bullying on social media. Its ostracizing by people at work and in community. Often at the hands of professing Christians who have abdicated their role in society under the banner of tolerance, acceptance and love. Infiltration in public schools/unisLaws that directly affect Christians and the Institution of the church-zoning, gathering, taxesRhetoric that is pervasively attacking Christian institutions and beliefs on media and TVChristians believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven- exclusive claim to truthBelieve that marriage and sex should only be between a married man and womanMale headship patriarchy- ACB too- finagled herself out of the kitchen to a Supreme court seat.The nuclear family as God’s ideal for the world- I’m a child of divorce- but its not the IDEALWe don’t believe in abortion- We don’t believe in evolution- We believe that Sexual immorality is wrong- drunkenness and drug abuse is wrong. We hate pornography and lawlessnessThe people who are the actual power brokers in this world say that Christians are oppressive, but ABC, NBC,CBS, FOX, CNN, Every city newspaper, Facebook, Twitter, MSN, Magazines, Movies, TV, Music, Public School and Public university have the influence over the nation. Not us. At all.It’s not us. At all. And our beliefs and positions are shouted down, threatened with violenceWe are labled bigots. Racists. Predjudiced. “Phobic” backwards people who are not in touch with the times. Christian universities take bible and Christian off their names so kids c...

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“Are You Legit?”

Hebrews 4:12-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

The above Scripture speaks directly to the disobedient generation of Israelites, connecting verse 11 “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” v. 12-13 are a warning demonstration of the necessity for compliance with the exhortation uttered Hebrews 4:11. Many have used this as a stand alone verse speaking to the power of the Word of God, but this is speaking directly to the power of God’s Word to CORRECT and bring forth legitimate sons and daughters of the Lord, those who have all the rights and authority of sonship, unlike that disobedient and rebellious generation.

The Scripture says that we then are to be “diligent to enter that rest”. How? Not by the disobedience of that rebellious generation, but by obeying the Word of God. His Word is a double-edged sword, sharp and precise as a surgeon’s scalpel- cutting away that which offends God and has potential to do us harm.

For the word of God – It is NOT a ref to Jesus as the “Logos”. “The Word made flesh”, but rather the translation is “the Word that God speaks.” The "Word of God" is "what God speaks" - whether it be a promise or a threatening; whether it be Law or gospel; whether it be a simple declaration or a statement of a doctrine. The idea here is, that what "God has said" is suited to detect hypocrisy and to lay open the true nature of the feelings of the soul, so that there can be no escape for the guilty. His "truth" is adapted to bring out our real feelings, and to show man exactly what he is. I LOVE His Word- it is the power to transform

James 1:22 New King James Version (NKJV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Truth always has this power - whether preached, or read, or communicated by conversation, or impressed upon the memory and conscience by the Holy Spirit. There can be no escape from the penetrating, searching application of the Word of God. The truth has power to show what man is, and is like a penetrating sword that lays open the whole man

We cannot escape the notice of God; all insincerity, unbelief, hypocrisy, will be detected by Him; and since our hearts are perfectly open before him, we should be sincere and should not attempt to deceive Him. The truth of God is all-penetrating and searching, and the real thoughts and intents of the heart will be brought to light, and if there is insincerity and self-deception there can be no hope of escape.

The Word is quick - Greek ζῶν zōn - "living." It is not dead and powerless. It has a "living" power, and is energetic and active. It is "adapted" to produce this very effect.

And powerful - Mighty. Its power is seen in awakening the conscience; alarming the fears; laying bare the secret feelings of the heart, and causing the sinner to tremble with the apprehension of the coming judgment.

Sharper than any two-edged sword - Literally, "two-mouthed" sword - The word "mouth" was given to the sword because it seemed to "devour" all before it. It consumed or destroyed as a lion consumes its prey. The comparison of the Word of God to a sword, is designed to show its power of penetrating the heart;

Revelation 1:16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

The idea is that of piercing, or penetrating; and that the Word of God reaches the "heart" - the very center of action,

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Matt 2:13-15Everybody wants to belong. People that say they don’t typically have just been rejected and are being self preservating. We were made to be in community. We were made to belong 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.Today we are talking little nugget of scripture today- a prophecy- but has deep meaningI’ve been a part of a lot of things- sports teams, army, but the most important thing to me is the church. Nothing more cosmically important than being a member of a local churchWhen I was a kid- at nordstroms- trying to share gospel with old man- he says- nothing matters more to me than my churchAt the time I thought- why didn’t you say Jesus? He’s most important- but Church is his body. And from this scripture- we see- the Church is the nation of God- an Israel.

Matthew continues to draw to prophecyMatthew, more than any gospel writer, wants to show that Jesus’ birth, life, and death, are rooted firmly in the Old Testament.Jesus was born of a virgin (fulfilling Isaiah 7:14). He was born in Bethlehem (fulfilling Micah 5:1-2). He was sought out to be killed by Herod (fulfilling Jeremiah 31:15). He was preceded by John preparing the way (fulfilling Isaiah 40:3). He healed diseases (fulfilling Isaiah 53:4). He spoke through parables (fulfilling Psalm 78:2). He came to Jerusalem riding on a donkey (fulfilling Zechariah 9:9).Therefore- His using and quoting of Hosea 11 is more than just a simple reference to EgyptThis is an important distinction and understanding of scripture that will help us robustly understand the meaning of “out of Egypt I called my son”

Jesus is Israel and God’s sonRemember- Matthew is speaking to Jewish audience- Chapter one starts with the genealogy of Jesus. The very first words, in Greek, are “biblos geneseos Iesou Christou”– The book of the Genesis of JesusSame parallel to Genesis being the beginning of Gods work on this earth with IsraelJesus is the new Exodus- Jewish people celebrate Passover- remembering the exodus of IsraelSoon after his birth he Goes back into Israel to “come out of Egypt” in the same was as IsraelRight after the exodus Jesus is baptized in the same way that Israel was baptized in the Red Sea after their exodus 1 cor 10:1-5 READ (Drawing OT and NT together) Israel comes through Red Sea Baptism, 40 years in desert, after Jesus baptism 40 days in desertWhich brings us to the Hosea 11 passage READ Hosea 11:1-4God’s redemptive plan began soon after Adam and Eve’s failure- Promises to Abraham in Genesis, Isaac, Jacob. David etc. God will redeem. There will be a king. Israel will reign.This idea is rooted in son-ship offspring- Chosen people and nation of Israel connectednessFrom the beginning- God had a redemptive plan that would be executed through Jesus- because Israel was not sinless, they could never be the perfect means by which God could eradicate sin- it was inevitable that a Savior would come- to Save from sin and deathJesus is the seed of Abraham- Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.But God would call a Israel a “son” Exodus 422 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. 23 So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” ’ ”“Israel is my Son” is directly connected to Hosea 11:1“When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.

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Some, must enter Hebrew 4: 1-11

The idea of rest is very appealing – TGIF2019 Americans 1.1 Trillion on vacations$1,979 per vacation 17- 20 days a year We value our rest so much that we will work hard looking forward to a weekend or vacationThe only issue is that, these vacations have an end date Folks, we can and I know we will continue to strive for that time that we can get a way, However, the Writer of Hebrews is talking about a promise of a rest like no other

*READ THE VERSE *Hebrew 4: 1 - Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still remains and is freely offered today, let us fear, in case any one of you may seem to come short of reaching it or think he has come too late.And it likens to the Israelites, having been enslave for 400 years and a moment comes when they are supposed to rest, but through disobedience they don’t enter that rest.Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.This is not just for now, but it’s a preparation for the future to comeThere is a promise to enter rest – That is a guarantee that some will enter, but also some will notThink about that walk up the airport and you have you ticket in hand, you board and off you go on vacation – but this time round its PermanentThe opposite of that is like, working so hard and when it’s the day of vacation, you walk up to the cruise line and your ticket is no good

The promise (good news)Vs 6: It remains that some must enter!This is a great reassurance, because we as a world don’t deserve it Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.Roman 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GodYet, there is a standing promise that, you and I have an opportunity by the blood of Jesus It’s a promiseJoshua 21:45 - Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to passIn that good news, are some not so good news – In fact the worst news every- that only some will inherit that promiseSome must enter!! – When you look at your life ...Does that bring you joy or sorrow /Why?

Profit Vs. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.Hearing is an opportunity – But profit is when we mix it with faith Two people will hear the same Word of God, one will be in tears while the other will be playing with their coffee cup One is filtering the Word through Faith …while the other, its just words.Lots of people have ideas, I do as well, but action is required to bring those ideas to life Same concept here, you have to allow the Word to take root and have Faith that it willWithout Faith we cannot please GodWhere is your faith anchor in? Reveal that to me Lord Ephesian 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.We have to work hard to attain what is set before us. Its freely given but we have to get up and get it

Disobedience Vs 6: Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience,There was great joy, when the Israelites left Egypt and great sorrow when they couldn’t make it to the promise landImagine the tragedy – Joy as they got ready only to bury everyone who had left Egypt except 2 peopleHe swore that they shall not enter The Israelites would not enter the promised Land Disobedience bring wrath Today, if you hear His voice do not harden your heart God swore they would not enter His rest- and the same is today John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.

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“Will You Profit from Others Experience?”

“Learn from the Mistakes of Others. You Can’t Live Long Enough to Make Them All Yourself”

Quote from Eleanor Roosevelt

WE can learn from the mistakes of others or we can learn from making our own mistakes; regardless what is important is not where we learn but whether we learn at all. Ask most younger siblings- they learned what to do and what not do based on how their older siblings were encouraged and disciplined.

Hebrews 3:7-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ 11 So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ” 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but [a]exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

The Holy Spirit says- Along with other NT writers, the writer of Hebrews regards Scripture in the ultimate and truest sense as the words of the Holy Spirit rather than the words of a mere human.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration (breathed) of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

When we read the Bible, we should not think we are reading merely the opinions of Matthew, Paul, Peter, John; we are reading the very words of the Holy Spirit revealing who God is, the nature of His salvation and what His will is for the church and for our lives.

Today if you will hear His voice- the writer refers to the disobedience of Israel in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt as a warning for believers under the new covenant. The Hebrew believers would know only all too well the tragedy of the Exodus generation.

Psalm 95:7-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep [a]of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: 8 “Do not harden your hearts, as in the [b]rebellion, As in the day of [c]trial in the wilderness, 9 When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work.10 For forty years I was [d]grieved with that generation, And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.’ 11 So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”

Because of Israel’s unbelief in the promises of God, their constant disobedience, failure to resist sin and hardness of heart, they were barred from entering the promised land. Likewise, the Spirit says, “TODAY” while there is still breath in you, this is a RIGHT NOW word; you must realize that you too may fail to enter God’s rest in heaven because of unbelief, disobedience and allowing your heart to grow cold and hard. This is an active and present word- not a one-time confession from a past belief.

Do not harden your hearts- The Holy Spirit speaks to us concerning the rebellion and disobedient gene...

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Matt 1:18-25 - celebrateMerry Christmas! Man- who else is done with 2020? I am! That’s why I’m celebrating Christmas earlyIm Purist- no Christmas before thanksgiving but based on this year- I need some Christmas joyI need it in my spirit- I also need some Christmas cookies- so I’m doing that as wellThis is the birth announcement of Jesus- the arrival of the king- the reception of the saviorWe all know the story- heard it many times- but just like a friends good story- its always good to hear it again- my kids will say, Dad, tell that story again- there’s some stories that never get oldWhats going on- Matthew is recounting the birth story. Mary is bethrothed to joseph, she’s a virgin, but she’s pregnant by the HS. Joseph was going to pull her away, but an Angel speaks to him in a dream and tells him to not be afraid, its God, call him Jesus and he’s going to change the world. Matthew shares once again- this is a fulfillment of prophecy. (Connection to Jewish audience) and then Joseph is obedient to what the angel of the Lord told him (insert sermon on obedience)Before we get into the sermon- I need to talk a moment about the virgin birth- because its so vitally important and the backdrop to this story- fully human without a taint of sin, fully God and fully man, and because God himself comes to us, able to save us from our sinTitle- Lets celebrate Christmas!

Lets celebrate Christmas- God speaks20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream,The Lord speaks in a dream to Joseph through an angel- and its two fold- Don’t be afraid, here’s whats going to happen and heres what you do v20-21Can you imagine if you hadn’t been with your betrothed and she came up pregnant and you’re wondering what you’re going to do? Full of despair, not sure what to do next?God- knew- and God sent a prophetic angel to speak directly to Joseph at the exact right time to comfort him, explain to him, and direct himThis is God’s ways- when he moves he tells the people who need to knowBeen this way- Dt 18:18-22 READ- will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.God spoke in the OT, the NT and now. God speaks- That’s a theme of Christmas to celebrateLuke 1:70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,Why? Because in this backwards make no sense world, we need God to speak to us- we need him to speak and he does.Amos 3:7 7 Surely the Lord God does nothing,Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.Prophecy is a huge part of living for God- it comforts his people, explains to them, and directs them.This is the verse that Matthew was waiting for- Isaiah 7:14 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.What does it mean to you?Do you believe in prophecy? Do you seek after the prophetic?1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.Now- I’m all about flowing in the prophetic- but not the pathetic- If you can’t hear from God what you need to do to manage the simple details of your life- he’s probably not speaking through you to arrange the affairs of others lives.Prophecy first starts with you- what is God speaking to you, and about you- this is a step many skip-This prophecy to Joseph was for HIM not what he was going to tell othersMany people want to be the prophet without responding to direction from the HS1 Cor 14:3 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.Discern that which comforts men- you don’t have to speak everything the HS tells you- some of it is just for you- but its not about YOU and you can’t push it- no school of prophets2 Peter 1:21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but [a]holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

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Honor the Builder, Not the House (Hebrews 3:1-6) Verses in NKJV

“For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.”
Do you know what the tallest building in the world is? (Ask them what else they know about it.)

- The tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

- 2,717 ft tall, twice as tall as the Empire State building.

- 163 floors, 58 elevators with a top speed of 33 ft per second, or 22 mph.

Originally named Burj Dubai (Dubai Tower), but they ran short on money, Sheikh Khalifa, the ruler of the United Arab Emirates, stepped in with the rest of the money (Total of 1.5B).
Who was the architect? An American named Adrian D. Smith. (Have you heard of him??)

- The most important fact: It took 22 million man-hours over 6 years, to complete.

(From an article) “Critical reception to Burj Khalifa has been generally positive, and the building has received many awards. However, there were numerous complaints concerning migrant workers from South Asia who were the primary building labor force. These centered on low wages and the practice of confiscating passports until duties were complete. Several suicides were reported.”
This building was named after the “money man”, but was built by the blood of unnamed men.
This building is really just metal, concrete, and glass. Without the Builder, the building doesn’t exist.
The building is just a visible representation of the skill and care of the one who created it.
Jesus is the builder of our house. By His blood we have a hope to rejoice in, and a firm rock to stand on.

- Hebrews 3:1-6, Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. 3 For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. 5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, 6 but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

Point #1: Consider Christ!

Hebrews 3:1-2, Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His (Jesus’s) house.
The author is speaking directly to believers, new converts, not to non-believers although they were certainly listening. This is import because your growth and knowledge doesn’t end at conversion, it is only beginning.
Consider Christ, using the filter of our knowledge of his authority and superiority, and reflecting on the fact that he is our confessed Savior. Not just AN example to consider, THE example.
“Jesus who was faithful to Him who appointed him…” Jesus came, in the flesh, to do the work of the Father.
John 6:38, For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
Hebrews 5:7-10, who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”
Hebrews 12:2-3, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,

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Today we start a new book of the Bible- Matthew- Its got the best name in the BibleThe book of Matthew is at the beginning of the NT because at the time they believed it to be the first Gospel written. This Gospel is the most concerned with Judaism as it relates to Christ. It transitions from OT to NT. It contains everything that was needed for the Early Church.Jesus miraculous birth, liturgy, discipleship law, teaching and Jesus life and death, spread wordChurch tradition holds that the former tax collector Matthew is the Author, the former tax collector turned disciple, who was an eye witness of the life of JesusArranged in 7 parts it outlines the life of Jesus well- it’s a ride- we’ll walk through it together!Matthew wants to teach people what it means to be part of Jesus’ kingdom and spread the good newsWritten to a Jewish audience. Jesus is presented as Messiah and the promised descendant of King David and the promise of a time of peace and JusticeLots of quotes from the OT and big emphasis on fulfillment of OT propheciesMain points- Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus is the King, Jesus is the SaviorOpens with who Jesus is- The Messiah. Closes with what we should do Make disciples for Him.READ Matthew 1:1-17- What does all this lineage mean?Establishing Jesus lineage, very important to Jewish audience, connecting to Abraham and David, showing that he is the rightful king- Kingship and kingdom are very important in MatthewWhat do we get out of this lineage?

God is ok with you waitingScrip- Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.Before we get into the text- I want to give you a bit of background on where we’re at with Matthew. Malachi 4 READ and then READ Matthew 1:1About 400 years between those two scriptures- called the intertestamental periodGod spoke to his people in the OT through many prophets- they were used to it400 years changes a lot of things- under Persian rule in Exile- now under Roman rule as they have returned. Political, religious, cultural, and civil matters had changedGod speaks through Malachi and then is silent through his prophets for 400 years. His silence was his plan. He was setting up the strongest statement he could ever make- through JEsusGod is a God of order. Generally speaking- God typically allows a desperate situation to carry on for a while before he brings deliverance. Clear pattern- Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Judges, Esther, etc. Man must be frustrated before God intervenes.It wasn’t until man was at the end of himself that God would show up and save the day!During these 400 years there was 6 different eras the Jews lived under- Persian era, Greek era, Egyptian era, Syrian era, Maccabean era, Roman eraI don’t have time to cover all the eras, but the most important one to understand is the Roman era, in that it is the era immediately preceding the arrival of Jesus- its not by accidentThe Romans were ruthless people. They killed and conquered.They brought law and order (often brutally) but it bought “peace” and a stable governmentRomans brought systems, government processes, specific ways of doing things, taxes, slaveryit is estimated that in the Roman Empire, five out of every seven people were slavesRome made roads. All over the Roman empire. Connected the empire so Rome could spreadYou may notice how this is a great set up for Messiah and the church- to spread the Gospel

Why is the background so important?One- it shows that waiting seems pointless until fulfillmentTwo- it shows that God knows what he’s doingThree- it should give you context as to why Matthew says what he does and people receive itThere’s no words from the Lord for 400 years and then John the Baptist shows up as a prophet saying Repent and prepare ye the way for the Lord- huge statementGod may have been silent but he wasn’t inactive.

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Oh man, so that was some great worship. man, it’s so good to be together with the family of God, singing his praise! - nofear

So let’s keep it up! Let us continue to worship through the preaching of the Word. OK? Preaching isn’t a solitary sport. It’s not time to sit back and spectate. this isn’t a concert and you are not an audience. Right? This is worship! Preaching the Word of God is Worship that the body of Christ engages in together. As the preacher opens up the Word, the body seeks to understand and accept and treasure that Word. amongst other things that should include praying God would consume the preacher, would accompany the preaching with power and give faith to the hearers and it should include each you taking that word and preaching it to your own soul. Alright? So let’s do this! I’m pumped.

Tonight’s text and likewise tonight’s sermon has a specific goal in mind. And that Goal is to Embolden you… to fill you with courage to face life’s battles, to calm your trembling heart and fill it with cheerful expectation. It is to find in Jesus a mighty and spectacular and humble and brave Savior. A savior who would go to any lengths… would pay any price… would face any giant, in order to set His people free from sin and the fear of death.

So are you ready? Are you ready to find boldness? Are you ready to go to Jesus and receive from Him courage and strength to fight and take the victory?

Good. Listen to the Words of God…

(Hebrews 2:14-18) Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood He himself likewise shared in the same. This first part of verse 14 matches up with the first part of verse 17. that says Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren.

That Jesus, (God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, by whom all things were made) would share in your same nature, to be subject to the same constrictions, to have a limiting body, to suffer pain and change, to feel betrayal, to feel hunger, to be exhausted and sleep, to be confronted with the unknown, to grow and fall ill, to be spat on and killed. How could that be? It’s an incredible mystery, but to say that Jesus wasn’t a man but only put on human form like an overcoat to cover up his divine nature for a time, is to strip Jesus of the human nature that he stooped down at great cost to inhabit. And to do that, is to strip yourself of the forgiveness of sins and hand yourself over, completely defenseless, to your accuser.

But there’s another question, one that has an immediate and liberating impact. Why? Why would He do such a thing? The text explains why, like this…

that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death that is the devil.

He took on your nature so that He could die.

but, Why is it necessary for the devil to be vanquished through death and through the death of a man? Surely, if the devil could have been destroyed by any other means the Almighty would not have subjected himself to such shame and ridicule as taking on the nature of a lowly creature to suffer and die by the hands of evil men.

Well the parallel verse to this one sheds more light on the matter. It says, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God,

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Chapter 24, recounts the census David undertakes and God's judgment for him doing it - 1557

People differ why God was angered by the census. Pride? Self-reliance? Precursor to taxes etc

Whatever reason- the David the king does it and overreaches God as the true king of Israel

David realizes that he has sinned and confesses it to God and wants to make it rightGod uses this prophet Gad, tells David, 3 choices for your sin- 7 years of Famine, 3 months of running from your enemies, or 3 days plagues? V 13David chooses plague and v15 The Angel goes to work killing 70k of IsraelThe Killing stops, David realizes that he sinned, and then he proceeds to go and offer a sacrifice at the threshing floor of Araunah.

There’s a few key verses I want to cover with you today - costs nothingHere’s the one that Sticks out to me- David goes to this Araunah Guy- and is going to do an offering to God and Araunah says “ Hey man, I’ve got some oxen, some threshing instruments, use mine for free, you don’t need to pay me for them”But David doesn’t want the free road- he doesn’t want to take the free stuff.David says- I’ll buy it from you. Why does he say this? “Nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing”David has sinned. David has done God wrong. David wants to make it right- now in his mind, he says, if I’m going to offer something to God, its going to be costly not for freeNow lets not miss this here- I don’t want you to make a connection between this story and your sin and the means by which you have to work to get your forgivenessHave you ever seen an advertisement for a free and find out its not?Arby’s- donate a dollar- free slider- NEXT TIME you come! I was bamboozledSalvation is great and its FREE- we don’t make things right with God by moneyEph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.The Grace of God is FREE- Salvation is FREE you don’t do anything to earn it- you just believe iPeople will say that is “cheap grace” and honestly, I don’t know how else you could have itI want to show you a cool part about this storyDavid is disobedient, David sins, David chooses the plagues. (I think this is the worst one)He chooses the plagues because he knows that Gods mercy will prevail over the mercy of his enemies.V 14 Do not let me fall into the hands of manV 16 And when the angel stretched out his hand over Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the destruction, and said to the angle who was destroying the people “It is enough; now restrain your hand”In the midst of the destruction, BEFORE the sacrifice BEFORE David admitted his sin, the Lord had MERCY upon Israel

Why? Its his nature to show mercy - costs nothingDeuteronomy 4:31 (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.Deuteronomy 7:9 “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;Psalm 25:10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.David comes to God and says “Sure I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, whay have they done? Let your hand be against me and against my fathers house”God shows mercy, and David steps up and says strike me. Put it on me. Don’t put it on others.Folks- this is a contrite heart. This is a heart that shows that he has been broken by his sin and wants to make it right with God. Same as prodigal- “whatever- I’ll take the pig slop”Can you imagine if your sin killed 70k people? Can you imagine what that would feel like?

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I am not ashamed Hebrews 2:5-13

Shame - a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behaviorShame lies to us and makes us not address the issues at handShame brings guiltMost people have felt ashamed of one thing or anotherThat has impacted how you behave, interact, - we are self-preserving peopleHebrew 2:5-13 (Read) ESVGod cares about man that he made his a little lower than angels, yet crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feetAnd given him full control of everythingThat due to sin, when Adam was kicked out – we no longer see everything that is subjected to us, but we see JESUSVs;9: But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.That through Jesus suffering, there is restoration of God original plan for man- a relationshipJesus is the foundation of salvation- the sanctificationJesus is not ASHAMED to call those who are sanctified (Who are made Holy through the blood of Jesus) brother and sisters

Who am I?

Who is man that you are mindful of him (Psalms 8:4)Have you ever taken a moment to think of that?That though God knows our heart, our desires and intention, He still loves us?Hebrew 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.Yet He still calls us His friendsJohn 15:15 No longer do I call you servants,[a] for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.That He sent His son for us that He may restore relationshipJesus is not ashamed to call you brother or sister.John 1:12 - But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, - (Brothers and sisters of Jesus)Shame has kept lots of people from their true identity and hence has robed them on their inheritance

The prodigal sonThere was a man with two sons. Youngest – demands to be independentHe parties and just when he was about to be broke- There was a famine in the landHe has to eat so he looked for a job and go the worst job as a JewCleaning swine is unacceptable in the Jewish countySometime we go to such low places that we find ourselves in such placesYou have seen others do it and disgusted you- now you find yourself right thereYou try to get out and just when you think its may get better, it gets worseThat a big issue, but I think the biggest issue is when we let shame keep us prisoner in such areas.My friend there is hopeThe prodigal son came to his senses and wondered, how many of my fathers servant are eating well and have all they needHe said, I am going back home to be a servantI love that he made a speechBut Jesus giving the parable said;Vs 20:24 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.I want to believe that everyone wants to come home but fear stops themWhat is my dad going to say/ friends/co-workers?What about my friendsI feel like I need to keep it together, so that my friends can think I got it all togetherThough He knows us “He is not ashamed of us” Why are you still carryi...

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You Want to Be Mighty! 2 sam 23:8-39We’re coming to the end of our travels through 1-2 Samuel, and here we find a list of David’s mighty men. There are 4 that are listed as most mighty, and then we get the list of 30To make the 30 is great, but to be listed as the mightiest, is a great accomplishmentIn the Christian life, we want to work towards holiness and rewards in heavenGod cares about how we live our lives, and we should have a mindset- that says- “I want to be known as mighty” We should want our lives to matter- We should want to live a life pleasing to God- And no one may notice, but God- and that’s ok- That our name is written in the book of life

The Mighty are miraculousThe first mighty man listed is-Josheb- Killed 800 men at one time v 8Now Josheb- Adino the enzite- the description of this act mirrors 1 Chron 11- mighty manThe act is- he kills 800 men at one time. Now, I’m not sure if you know how battle works- but this is quite the accomplishmentWe’re not going to get into the morality of this act- as much as we can all agree- it would be next to impossible to kill 800 people at once without a bomb- it would be a miracleGod was with Israel- He was a God of war- moving Israel forward- It took war and this was a miracle- and that’s a point I want to you get in your spirit- the mighty are miraculousWe sometimes drift away from the miraculous- we don’t desire it- but it changes thingsExodus 14:31Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.What miracles do- is make people take notice of God- when you can testify of a miracle- inevitably- it draws people into wonder of who is God and what is he able to doActs 14:33 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.This is all through the book of Acts- Acts 28:8 Acts 3:6 Acts 4:30 Acts 3:16These miracles of the Old and new testament were never meant to bring US glory but GODMiracles only for us are not the Goal- its to draw people to HIM

What does it mean to youAre you walking in the miraculous? Do you even think about it or ask God for it?Perhaps your life isn’t mighty because you aren’t asking God to move miraculously1 Corinthians 12:10-12 It’s a promise of Scripture! We can walk in it TODAYJust few weeks ago- Ps John- Covid and Stroke- Talk this week- Almost normal. Should have diedJohn 14:1212 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.I’m just smart enough to believe that- There are 800 man armies that are and will come against you- and you need to believe and pray for the miraculous- for God to move through youAnd that takes COURAGE- You got to have some pluck-grit- whatever- let God move through you2When God moves- it will bring HIM glory and draw people to HIM2 Ti1:6says to to stir up the gift of God which is in you ARE YOU STIRRING IT UP?Matthew 17:20Mark 16:17Romans 15:19

The mighty are fighters

Eleazar- Defied the philistines, attacked until his had was weary and stuck to the sword v10Now that’s a fighter! Fighting so hard that his hand stuck to the sword- now I’ve never fought with a sword- but I’ve held onto something- sledge hammer- waterski- pull up- you can hold it for so long- or so hard that you actually have to pry your fingers off the handle-That’s the picture here- a man who fought so hard for David his hand stuck to his swordZechariah 10:55 They shall be like mighty men, Who tread down their enemies In the mire of the streets in the battle. They shall fight because the Lord is with them, And the riders on horses shall be put to shame.Fighting is an ethos of the Christian walk- it is.1 Timothy 6:1212 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life,

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Drifting

Hebrews 2:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

Therefore we must give [a]the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just [b]reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts[c] of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

One reason the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Jesus and His revelation is to stress that those who have experienced salvation in Him must not be careless about their commitment to Him that it requires. The word here “drift” (Gk parerreo) has nautical overtones, as when a ship drifts past the harbor to shipwreck. Therefore, we must pay closer attention to the things that Scripture warns about. Neglect and apathy can be fatal.

The apostolic gospel was and still is confirmed to us by the Lord Himself, then the testimony of those who had heard and known Jesus first hand, and then its proclamation of salvation by “signs and wonders”. There was not just a testimony of words, but a testimony of the Spirit working and living among the people of God.

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? - drifting

Neglect is visited with penalty. The unrepentant murderer does not inherit eternal life, “For no murderer has eternal life abiding in him”. But, the writer of Hebrews tells us that “neglect” is enough to ruin us. A man who owns a business does not need to commit tax fraud to ruin himself, he need only to neglect his business. Sin does not have to ruin you, neglect will do it good enough. Most of the calamities of life are caused by simple neglect. By neglect, children grow up rebellious and disobedient. By neglect, a field of crops is overrun with weeds. By neglect, a house will fall prey to the environment and rot. There is nothing in earthly affairs that is valuable that will not be ruined if not attended to—how much more to the neglect of our soul? Neglect so great a salvation, not just by never believing in Christ and repenting from an old fleshly man; but by the neglect of your spiritual walk.

EX: I spent summers with my grandmother in California and she lived about 17 miles from the beach. My cousin Al and I would spend hours in the water. I remember this one time we were playing in the water as we do, with all the other kids on the beach, not paying attention to our surroundings and before you knew it, we had drifted about ½ mile down the coast. We looked up and there was no one in sight. We got out of the water and it took us 20 min to walk down the beach. We had been gone for hours and my grandmother had alerted the beach patrol to look for us.

Drift- be carried slowly by a current of air or water.

Are you aware that there is a current that is pulling us in a certain direction? It’s rarely the waves you have to worry about because those you can see, you should be concerned with the undercurrent. There is a spirit of deception strong at work, it is the spirit of the antichrist and it is unyielding and forceful, requiring that you obey it. Are you aware of this current or are you too busy playing in the water, not paying attention and drifting away from safety?

How to avoid drifting:

Make a covenant with your eyes to not lust.

Job 31:1 New King James Version 31 “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I [a]look upon a young woman?

Be content with where God has you and what He is doing in you. Drifters desire things that are not meant for them. They are not content to stay within the parameters that He has set for their lives. They refuse to operate within the field God has given them, always wanting and desiring more.

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David’s Last Words (2 Samuel 23:1-7) Verses in NKJV - Last Words

Read 2 Samuel 23:1-7
Last week, Pastor Matt preached from Chapter 22 about “worshipping through the battle”, as David sang psalms of thanksgiving to the Lord for delivering him from the hands of his enemies.
This week in Chapter 23, David is at the end of his reign, and reflects back on his kingship.
These are not literally the last words David ever spoke out loud, but more like the final public expression of what he thinks is important for others to know and remember about him.
Example: Like, “You got any last words?!” It’s what the cowboy in the old western movies would ask before they shoot the guy. It’s the moment to tell everyone listening what is important to you.
The Lord spoke to David, and now David is speaking to you. You should listen!

Point #1: Rule your kingdom justly, and fear the Lord. - Last Words

2 Samuel 23:2-4, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. 4 And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, Like the tender grass springing out of the earth, By clear shining after rain.’
“Justly” means: According to what is morally right or fair. We get that standard from God’s word.
Proverbs 28:5, Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all.
Psalms 106:3, Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!
Proverbs 21:3, To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
When the Bible refers to “the fear of God,” it means having a deep respect, reverence and awe for God’s power and authority. This leads to commitment and love, not to be scared and ashamed.
Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
David was the leader of his kingdom, but YOU are a leader of your own little kingdom too!
You have a sphere of influence, and area you must step up and be godly. Even if it’s just you.
Example: I have many to lead, in different ways, as a father to a daughter and a son, husband, pastor, Captain, brother and friend.
Each requires something purposeful from me, but ALL require me to act justly, and lead godly.
YOU are an employee, friend, boss, roommate, and a child of God. Whatever role you play, you must always act justly, and live godly in your dealings with others. That is God’s will for you!
Proverbs 3:27, Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.
God created you for this work, and this is what Godly leaders do, no matter the size of the territory.
We should be ruling over our sphere of influence justly and with the fear of God.
It is not enough to simply “do no wrong”. We must actively and purposely “do right”.
If you live like this you will be a blessing to others, like the sunrise, and a morning without clouds. Halleluiah!

Point #2: Your rebellion is worse that sticker bushes! - Last Words

2 Samuel 23:6-7, But the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands. 7 But the man who touches them Must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.”
This says that rebellious people are like sticker bushes, and you can’t pull them out by hand or they will tear you up. You have to metaphorically cut them off and burn the branches that are left.
Example: Sin and rebellious people are both like blackberry bushes:
They grow quickly and get out of hand fast, wrecking everything else around them.
They look like they will have fruit but often only offer painful thorns,

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JESUS; He is a BIG deal! Hebrew 1:1-14 - Jesus Big Deal

The writer of Hebrew wants to make sure that we know that Jesus is God and that He is a Big Deal!Jesus reconciled all the ways that God spoke to the prophets in the pastOne way to Heaven and that’s through Jesus ChristJohn 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (Thomas’s question)We have Jesus come and literally change what they have been doing for years and tell them that now there is a new wayThis has people react differently – no one like changeThough we were offered a more excellent wayLike the times we in, we doing Church differently – No more check the box churchAnd that is what the writer of Hebrew is stating:The entire book is about Jesus and how He guarantee a new and better covenant

Hebrews 1 is about the supremacy of Christ Jesus. It paints a wonderful picture of how He is superior to the angels because of His redemptive work on the cross.Jesus is the exact representation of the Father and was sent to communicate to us the true nature of God. By understanding who Jesus is and what He said, we can know the fullness of God's nature and character

Unpack chapter 1

In the past God spoke through prophets to our FathersBurning BushAnimalsCloud of fireIn the last days, God is speaking to us through His SonThis are those Last days – We have an example of JesusWe have the Holy Spirit which Jesus left us as a helper – No excuseJesus has been appointed as heir of all thingsDeuteronomy 10:14 Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it.God made all things through Jesus – In the beginning there was the Word and Word was with GodJesus is the brightness of His glory – Gods Glory, the image (Exact copy)Jesus beams the Glory of God – nature of God, look at JesusAnd He is an exact likeness of GodJesus upholds (Maintains) all things by the Word of His PowerJesus purged our sins – He did it for us, no one else could do it and we couldn’t do it for ourselvesHe now resides on the right hand of God – a position of Majesty, of honor, of glory and of a finished workJesus become much more than angelsIn the early Church there was a tendency to worship and the writer of Hebrews shows that Jesus is greater than theyColossians 2:18 (NLT) Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels,[a] saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than theyGod said to Jesus, I will be to you a Father and you will be a sonGod said, lets all the angels worship JesusGod said, sit at my right side, till I make your enemies my foot stepNo angel has God ever said that to themAngels are ministering Spirits to minister to those who will inherit SalvationYou too – If you inherit Salvation

So why is the writer of Hebrew going to this extent and what does this all mean to us today?

Jesus is Supreme – Better than angels - Jesus Big DealDispels ignorance of Who Jesus isProves that He is greater than angels (Super natural beings)And if He is greater, that means, He is greater than all your earthly comfort, issues, joys, Jesus is a BIG DEAL!We can’t understand the price that was paid unless we understand who paid it – Jesus is a BIG dealThis Jesus that is greater than angels and was there in the beginning and owns everything, died for you and ILet that sink in2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

When we understand who He is,We sacrifice, like He did – Our resources, time, - because He did it for us,

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Worship through the Battle. 2 Sam 22 - worship battleYour life is hard- You are going to go through struggles- If you wrote a psalm after going through it what would it say? I trusted myself, I was scared, I was lonely, God did nothing, I lived for myself broke busted and disgusted.This psalm is a summation of the struggles of David- He’s recollecting the wins and losses to the point of his life through the lens of song. He’s singing a song as he’s coming through the battle.Its not exceptional- This is common in the Bible- Song of Israel by the sea (Exodus 15:1-18) Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1-43) Song of Deborah (Judges 5) Song of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:1-19)Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10) Song of David (2 Samuel 22; Psalm 18)2 Sam 22 is very close to Psalm 18 and speaks to how David got through his struggles and wars.It spoke volumes to the people at the time-and speaks to us today as well.There’s a lot to cover- but what I’d like to do is just cover the main themes of the psalm, because the overall themes are the framework by which we understand the entirety of the Psalm. Lets walk through it together and see what David shares with us through this Psalm

I praise God He keeps me safe. Read V 1-3 - worship battle

He is my fortress, deliverer, strength, I trust him, he’s my shield, my refuge, savior from violence,God protected David in many ways- A friend in Jonathan who gave him wise counsel, A wife Michal, a wife who protected him, Samuel who was a great mentor and the Spirit of GodGod kept him safe from Saul, his enemies, distracted people and stopped armies.Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,When you’re the apple of God’s eye he is going to watch over you. He will protect youThis idea of God’s protection is all throughout the OT because God had big plans for Israel to go and conquer nations and even when they had problems- God promised they would endureIsaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.What does it mean to youDo you see how God has kept you safe? How he has watched out for you- looked over you?Do you see the hand of God upon your life? You are still here. He has looked over youDeployed- Psalm 91:7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand;But it shall not come near you. GOD DID THAT FOR ME- HE PROTECTED MEAnd If you don’t feel safe- you need to appropriate the scriptures to get some FAITH-God protects his own- he watched out for David and he will watch out for YOU.Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!Psalm 121:7-8

I was in trouble, I called on him, He rescues me, he hears me, and saved me READ V 4-20 - worship battle

When I call I’m saved from my enemies- surrounded by death Floods of ungodliness Sorrows of Hell and snares of death HE HEARD ME- why? Because those things make him angry! And he did something about it and delivered me!When we see sin and it upsets us, it upsets God even more. He hates wickedness Psalm 11:5 The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.When we are upset about ungodly behavior, God is even more upsetDavid Called out to God when he was in distress and God heard him. God saved him from it.Psalm 143:9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; [a]In You I take shelter.

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“Which Archippus Are You?”

Colossians 4:15-18 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and [a]Nymphas and the church that is in [b]his house.

16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

“Say to Archippus”- the church is entrusted with the duty of exhorting one of its ministers. It is generally supposed that the Archippus mentioned here is the same in Paul’s letter to Philemon

Philemon 2 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 to [a]the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

Archippus is Paul’s fellow-soldier and laborer in the faith. According to church tradition and the Apostolic Constitution, Archippus was the first bishop (overseer) of the church in Laodicea and Paul exhorts the church to give him a message from the imprisoned apostle. It seems odd that Paul would write a letter to Colossae and ask them to read it in Laodicea, but the church was only 12 miles away and a very common practice among the early churches.

“Take heed to the ministry” This word “ministry” in the Greek means a “laborious and painful work”; an obligation to do and suffer all things, to be the least and the servant of all.

“In the Lord”- Archippus had been appointed by the Lord, called and anointed by the Holy Spirit for this work and gifted with various gifts.

“That you may fulfill it”- That Archippus faithfully discharge all the duties of his calling with diligence and care, as the consequences for neglecting them will be infinitely dangerous and fatal, after having solemnly undertaken to fulfill them.

Little else is known about Archippus and his ministry. There are four possible scenarios:

Archippus knew his ministry, was faithful, but needed encouragement to keep going.Archippus knew his ministry, was faithful once, but had slackened and stopped.Archippus knew his ministry, but did nothing about it.Archippus did not know his ministry, and had to be prompted by Paul.

We all fall into one of the above scenarios. The question then, which scenario applies to you? The times are urgent and there is work to be done. WE have received an assignment from the Lord, but will we be faithful to complete it?

Proverbs 20:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Most men will proclaim each his own [a]goodness, But who can find a faithful man?

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

WE want to be found faithful! I am coming from the position that Paul was encouraging Archippus to be diligent in his work and calling.

There are four characteristics of a faithful Archippus:

Almost Anonymous- The beautiful thing about Archippus is that he is only mentioned twice in the entire Bible. He is almost anonymous and yet mentioned by name. This is the season for nameless saints to arise and to take up their positions in the kingdom.

Quote “Preach the Gospel, die and be forgotten.”

Are you willing to be forgotten for the cause of Christ? A faithful ambassador does not care who gets the credit and honor, because an ambassador knows he is working on behalf of another, that is Jesus Christ.

If its about you, then it must be for you. But if it’s for Jesus, then it’s about Jesus. Period.

This boils down to your pride. The call of the Christian is humility.

Philippians 2:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Human nature tells us to use the cover of anonymity to avoid taking the blame for the bad we do; but He wants us to use anonymity to ...

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You thought you killed Goliath- 2 Sam 21:15-24As always- Great Bible Story- Probably not one that you hear about in Sunday SchoolWe’re getting close to finishing David in the Bible- Remember 1 sam 17 ? Everyone knows itDavid beats Goliath with a stone- It’s a story that is used all the time to build faithThe little Guy can beat the big guy. Slay the Giants of your life. Faith in God- All of itHere’s the problem tho- If you go and read that story- They chased the other giants awayAnd NOW we see that the one giant that David slayed- hasn’t ended the fight with the giantsAgain- Not a story that gets much play- but that’s what’s happening here-The philistines are once again at war with Israel and the son of the Giant that David killed shows up with 300 shekel weight spear to kill david- Avenge his father. They get into a fight, one of the sons of the Giant is killed, theres another war, a dude with 12 finges and 12 toes shoes up, davids brother kills him and eventually all 4 sons of the giant are killed by David and his servants.If I’m david- I’m in this thing thinking “I thought I Killed Goliath” I thought this thing was done.So much time had passed, you have to assume that David assumed that dealing with the giants was over- but apparently not. Goliath, Saul, Abasalom battle after battle and then MORE GIANTS

You thought goliath was dead? The enemy never gives up!

Enemies are enemies and they rarely change- they will not give up. David may have killed Goliath, but his 4 sons want to avenge the death of their father. They are not giving up.V 15 “David grew faint” V 16 The son Thought He could kill DavidV 18 “there was again a battle” V20 “Yet again there was a war”Do you see this? David had killed ONE Giant- and chased the others away- but that didn’t end itThe philistines are the enemies of Israel and they are not going to give up their attacksThey want Israel destroyed- they want their land and they want them destroyedMind you- Israel had been warring with the philistines since Saul- This enemy never gives upDavid wrote when he was captured by the philistines- Psalm 56:2 My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High.And that’s the truth isn’t it? HOUND ME ALL DAYPsalm 25:1 Plead[a] my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me.Read your psalms- you’ll see how many attacks David had to endure- Because enemies never stop- they are relentless to destroy you.1 Peter 5:8 Be ]sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.What does it mean to youBro- you got to wake up to the reality that the enemy doesn’t not take a day offHe wants and will do whatever he needs to do to discourage you, depress you and destroy youHe does not want you to win. To serve God. To prosper. To be happy. He wants destructionSo you better stay prepared! You may have slayed a giant- but he got 4 sons who didn’t forget

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil.You know that scripture- but you have to live it on a daily basis- if you don’t- one day you’ll wake up and you’ll realize that the 4 sons of the giant you slayed are at the foot of your bedYou don’t have to be fearful or afraid- you have to be PREPARED- you cant let your guard down1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.David won- the giants were destroyed- Israel went forward- but wouldn’t no war be better?John 10:10 says The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.That’s what he DOES that’s all he doesJesus said in John 16:33 in the world you [a]will have tribulationAnd so you can’t live with this “I thought I killed Goliath mindset” No way- Its not over its never overNothing is- This life is a grind- you make money ...

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Beloved Brothers Verses in NKJV

We are almost to the end of the letter that Paul wrote from prison, to the Colossians church.
Paul writes from prison in Rome, and has never visited this church in person, but leads them through the help of the strong men serving in the ministry with him.
In this part of his letter, he makes note of those men, his team serving the Lord with him in chains.
No one can do ministry alone.

Read Colossians 4:7-14

POINT #1: You can’t do it alone. You need a team.

Tychicus, longstanding partner of Paul in ministry.
Onesimus, relatively new recruit and former slave.
Aristarchus, seized by the rioting crowds on Paul’s behalf in Ephesus. Then travelled on the ship to Rome to see the Caesar, and was shipwrecked with Paul on Malta. (Acts 19, Acts 27)
Mark (cousin of Barnabas), said to be one of the 70 Jesus sent out in Luke chapter 10.
Luke 10:1-3, After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
Epaphras, the one who first brought the Good News to the Colossians.
Luke, the doctor, author of the gospel of Luke, and the book of Acts.
Paul wasn’t working alone. There are many others listed in scripture that served with him in his ministry.
Example: I’m a firefighter. When there is a possibility of danger, people always say, “We’ll be okay, Jay is with us.” As if I can save the day by myself. I know what to do… call 911!
At the warehouse, the time there was a T-bone at the intersection, “Who were you calling?!”
Firefighters work in teams. We have special roles…. Just like in ministry.
Eph. 4:11-12, And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
There are many roles in the church that make ministry happen:
“Equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.” That means you! Not a spectator sport.
“Edifying of the body of Christ.” Building up their character and knowledge in the word.
Eccles. 4:9-10, Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.
Proverbs 27:17, As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Even the amazing Paul couldn’t do ministry alone:
He was in chains much of the time. There were many cities needing the Good News.
Paul had many faithful and beloved brothers and sisters serving by his side.

POINT #2: It’s not how you started; it’s how you’ll finish.

Tychicus is the first person Paul mentions in today’s scriptures:
He is spoken of in many books of the New Testament as one of Paul’s faithful ministers.
He has served in Asia and many places, has a great track record, and is clearly trusted.
He appears also in 2 Timothy 4:12, still by Paul’s side 10 years later.
He is described by Paul as a “beloved brother”.
Onesimus is the second person Paul mentions:
A fugitive slave from the town of Colossae, and possibly also a thief.
He met Paul in a Roman prison, possibly serving time there too, and got saved, and became Paul’s spiritual son.
Philemon 1:10-11, I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable (useless) to you, but now is profitable (useful) to you and to me.
Philemon 1:15-16, For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose,

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2 sam 21:1-14 Interesting story here- There is a famine in the land, and David asks why to God and its because Saul was not nice to the Gibeonites. David wants to make it right with them, they say they don’t want gold and sliver- they want to kill 7 of Sauls descendants. David offers up 7, they kill them and then David takes all their bones, with Saul and Jonathans bones and buries them in the family grave of Kish. And then God lifts the famine from the land.What? What do we make of this? Where does this story come from and where does it Go?There’s a part of this story that really stuck out to me- And it was this idea of burying the bonesThe justification and explanation of the murder of 7 people as a means to appease the Gibeonites and God is not something I want to get into this morning- Honestly, parts of it make sense, and some doesn’tThe truth is that Saul was wrong and there was a blood penalty that needed to be executed to be made right- There was a covenant that Saul was supposed to keep that he didn’t and years after his death it still needed to be made right

here’s where I got caught up- The bones. Why bury the bones? Why honor the dead? Why?David wasn’t going to let circumstances change who he was- he was going to Honor GodSaul had done wrong- and the Gibeonites had been slighted- but David was going to be DavidHe had already decided way back in 1 Samuel 26:24 And indeed, as your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued much in the eyes of the Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.”That he wasn’t going to Kill or dishonor Saul- God had chosen Saul, who had chosen David and David was going to come along side what God was doing- he wasn’t going to live for himself.And years after Saul was decapitated, burned and buried with his sons at Jabesh, David went and Got his bones and took them to the family plot of Kish in Benjamin Zelah.It takes a special type of person to have the grit to bury the bones- make it right

David wanted to do what was right

It was right to bury the bones because it would bring peace in Israel- The fighting needed to stop. The nation needed to move on. Things needed to be made right.It was right because it honored Saul- It brought him to his rightful resting place with his father.David- No one else will, I will. Everyone will think something bout me- that’s fine. I’ll bury the bones. Ill do the right thing because no one else will- but I will. I will bury the bones.It is the right and honorable thing to bury the bones- and even if those around me don’t understand it- I will do it because I am a man who follows YHWH. I will do it for himYou will notice- no one told David to bury the bones- He did it himself.James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.Often times when you do the right thing its to an audience of one- Sure this made it into scripture- but there wasn’t any fanfare of adulation from the masses- It was unto God..What does it mean to you?Do you desire righteousness in your life only when others are watching, or do you live unto the lord? What “bones” do you need to bury to move on in your life?Sure, David had to bury literal bones- think about this- 1 sam 31 talks about Sauls death- and he was decapitated, burned and buried and David had to go dig up those bones- by himselfIt was the right thing to do, but it wasn’t easy- we gloss over- but he was diggin it up!But if you’re going to do the right thing- its going to be messy and you wont want to do itDo it anyway. Go dig up the rotting bones and bury them in their rightful place. Its right.I get it- Its hard being a Christian. Its hard doing the right thing all the time.2 Peter 2:21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.Sometimes I think it would have been better to not have known- “ca...

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Tonight, the finishing touches are being put on the section of this letter that has to do with practical teaching and commands for daily living. But before closing the door on that section and moving on, it's important to zoom out and see the wider picture.

Otherwise it’s so easy to take those commands for godly living out of context. And when they’re taken out of context they have a way of becoming burdensome pretty quickly.

Be honest now. Remember the word of God spoken to you a few weeks ago from chapter 3. Do not lie to one another. (3:9) and don’t lie to yourself. It’s ok. You can admit it, you find some of the commands here in Colossians to be burdensome. They don’t all come easily. you want to rebel against some of them. Some of them you may want to do but can’t seem to find the strength to actually do them. … Ask me how I know.

People need more than pure authority, more than baseless dictates. The functional, if not explicit motto of the average man is “It’s my life, I’ll do what I want.”

And that’s just it, people do what they want. You are ruled by your desires. Insincere obedience, never lasts. Just look at all these governors and their dictates. It’s a recipe for lawlessness. The people won’t comply, at least not for long. It’s sad to watch. That’s why the church reminds you every week that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Someone who gives out of compulsion or guilt is just going to end up disillusioned and bitter. It’s no different when your king tells you, you must forgive one another. If your hearts not in it, you’re going to end up disillusioned and bitter. and its going to be a sad sight to see.

Your heart must be motivated to obedience. Self manufactured will-power is the worst, most ineffectual, shortest lasting fuel for godly living. That’s like putting diesel in a Tesla. The results aren’t going to get you far. And you’re going to ruin a beautiful creation.

That’s why when God commands right living, he also supplies the proper fuel so you can do it joyfully and endure hardships along the way. The Lord desires you to be happy in your faithfulness. And He Himself is more than happy to give your heart reasons to rejoice and obey. They are the context of God’s story and your part in it. And Paul is determined that you know and understand that context and not separate your goals for godly living from it.

He is sure that knowing and understanding the context of your lives within God's story will powerfully cause you to grow and produce Godly, glorious, joyful living. Hence the title of tonight’s sermon: The Truth Sets You Free

Paul is so concerned for the church, that you would know the will of God and knowing him, have strength and security. Look back through this letter and see the importance of knowing and understanding God’s will (that is to say, who God is, what he does and why he does it.)

That's what he's talking about when he says know the will of God, not whether or not you should live in this city or another or whether you should major in mechanical engineering or philosophy. It's about knowing the character of God.

He starts off by giving thanks to God for the fruit that is accompanying the gospel throughout the world.

“as it is also among you” he writes, “since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth” knowing the grace of God in truth sets you free to grow great big tasty fruit.

Chapter 1, verse 9: for this reason we also since the day we heard it do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding

Why? because the more the knowledge of God’s grace fills you, the bigger the bounty of fruit it produces in your life.

He’s not saying you need to go get a PHD. the aim is not full knowledge but being filled with knowledge, that the simple knowledge of God would fill you up, would saturate your mind,

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Every Man to His Tent 2 Samuel 20

Summary

David is returning from a long-fought battle with his own son Absalom who is killed in the battleA trouble maker names Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin incites people to leave DavidBrew the horn and said “Every man to His tent “- Lets do what we want.Men of Israel desert David and Men of Judah stay with DavidDavid asks Amasa (an old general from Absalom’s army) to gather an army in 3 days but he takes his timeDavid sends Abishai and Joab to hunt Sheba who was trying to run to a fortified city for safetyJoab meets Amasa on his way back and kills himAbishai, Joab and their army arrive at the city Sheba is hiding and they start attacking the fortified cityA wise woman asks to speak to Joab and offers to redeem the city by handing over ShebaAnd so they do, they cut off Sheba’s head and throws it over the wall.Joab blows the horn and called his troop back and they “Every man to His tent”

This morning I want to talk to us about the call from and to our Tent’s – our homes, our dwellings.

Before this am, I am almost sure that, you don’t think much about the call you hearEvery Morning before you rise up, there is a call to your tentIt’s a call to leave your tent and be part of somethingYou can’t ignore it because its loud and a response is requiredAt the end of the day as we return to our tents, a question arises, what actions did you do and did they build your family, your church, your community?Our actions have a lasting implication to the things that we answer toIt could be a call from a friend to pray for something, listen to something, or do somethingHere we see two calls – one from Sheba to desert and another from Joab to regroupThis morning I am challenging you to rethink about the calls you hear and the respond to them and the implication of each one of them.We are going to look at 3 characters involved and see what kind of response they hadDon’t be mistaken, all of them heard their call and choose to leave their tent to a certain direction and that shaped the rest of their day

Sheba – A rebel

2 Samuel 20:1-2 - And there happened to be there a [a]rebel, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. And he blew a trumpet, and said:

“We have no share in David,Nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse;Every man to his tents, O Israel!”

2 So every man of Israel deserted David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem, remained loyal to their king.

A RebelThere happen to be a worthless manA base and ContemptibleA wicked manA trouble MakerThat is not how I want to be introduced in the Bible

The Sad part is that he was a Benjamite –

Deuteronomy 33:12 (Of Benjamin he said:

“The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him,Who shelters him all the day long;And he shall dwell between His shoulders.”)

A man from a tribe beloved by God and unfortunately, he heads a call from the enemy and leads others to desert a man of God.A man who would have lived a life pleasing to God, a warrior of GodIt’s crazy that God has a plan for us and given us names – Yet we follow our own desires to go against that which we are naturally called to beWhere have you pitched your tent?Your location matters because it influences the voices you hearJust like Sheba, this season I see many people, take up their trumpet and go against the Church, against the leaders and folks as we read this chapter, we realized that a rebels will not prevailSpoil alert, you can’t be a rebel with you head is cut and thrown over the wallSuch a wasted talentWe are not immune, the call we answer is our hearts – the places we choose to rest, the voices we choose to listen to, the battles we choose will determine how we rest in our tents at the end of the dayIts when we let our hearts rule us that we become the judge and JuryEven though God is sayingThe battle belongs to meOur hearts are deceptiv...

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Instructions for Christian Households

Colossians 3:18-25 New International Version (NKJV)

18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Ephesians 5:22 “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”

The apostle proceeds from those duties which related to them as church members one towards another, for their mutual good and edification, and the glory of God, to such as concerned them in their own houses and families, as in a natural relation to each other; as husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants; showing hereby, that the Gospel of Christ establishes the duties of common and civil life, contrary to popular belief.

Wives submit to your husbands---as it is fit in the Lord; Subjection of wives to their own husbands is "fit" and proper in its own nature, by reason of the original creation of man, and of the woman from him: man was made first, and then the woman; and the woman was made out of the man, out of one of his ribs; and so, though not to be trampled under his feet, but to be by his side, and an help meet to him, yet not to be head, or to rule over him. Moreover, the woman was made for the man, and not the man for the woman; add to this, that the woman was in the transgression, and the means of the fall of man, which made the obligation to subjection to him the stronger: and it is also a "decent" and becoming thing for wives to be subject to their husbands; for as it is giving honor to them.

There are three governments that are Biblical on this earth: civil government, church government and family government.

In every family there should be a head - someone who is to be looked up to as the counselor and the ruler; someone to whom all should be subordinate. God has given that prerogative to man; and no family prospers where that arrangement is violated.

The Gospel on the one hand recognizes and secures woman’s perfect spiritual equality with man, on the other hand recognizes and secures man’s responsible leadership.

Ladies, we are equals under the Lord, in our spiritual gifts and anointings, in salvation, in our work for Him; but in the house we are subject to our husbands as unto the Lord. God sees our submission to our husband as an obedience to Christ. Submission is yielding to my husband’s authority in love.

Proverbs 14:1 14 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

Proverbs 21:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Proverbs 12:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

4 An[a] excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

What does submission look like? It is obeying when you do not want to. EX: I want red hair. A lady told me she would never allow her husband to tell her what hair color she could have. I guess that’s why she has been married twice and headed for a third. What does it matter?

Submission is kind and meek. It doesn’t fight back or bite back. It is never disrespectful. EX: Bible study, Moses’ sister Marian (Num 12) Why didn’t Aaron get leprosy? Marian did!

Submission is BEAUTY! “As is fitting in the Lord” Above all, submission is unto the Lord,

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Start a Civil War- 2 Sam 19:40-43

We are still dealing with King David returning to Jerusalem- Now we have the Kingdom of Judah and Israel arguing about who has more influence with the King- Who is the king here for and who has the rights to David as KingThere are two factions arguing- The 10 tribes of Israel with the men of Judah. They bothThey are grumbling against each other. Israel is mad at Judah for leading David. Jealousy and Envy are in their hearts. Israel is like “Who does Judah think they are? Why are they leading?Judah’s answer is simple- “we are his kin- and you’re not- so shut it” We’re related but we didn’t benefit from itIsrael - We represent 10 tribes- you only represent one- so we have 10 times as much of a claimApparently it goes from bad to worse with the mouth talk- so bad the author simply says- the men of Judah’s words were fiercer- ‘sharper’ harsherHere’s the issue- eventually, after david dies and Solomon takes over- there will be an embattled civil war between these two groups and this is the root of it.All division has a root somewhere- relationships, businesses, churches, families, countriesWe’re seeing a lot of division in the country right now- lots of it- even in this churchRacial division, disease division, masks, politics, schools, sports, there really isn’t any nuance anymore its only all or nothing. People are looking for a reason to be divisive.So the title of this message is “How to start a civil war” now no war is ever civil- but that’s the term you use when people who are supposed to be on the same team fight each otherYour marriage- family- church- business- country. All supposed to be on the same teamHere’s how you start one- its futile- and you shouldn’t do it- Start with yourself and look outward

How to start a civil war

Forgetting who’s team you’re on

41 Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, “Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king, his household, and all David’s men with him across the Jordan?”These are their countrymen and blood realtives of Israel- it shouldn’t matter- the king is backBut people want what they want for their own benefitThe foundation of this war is forgetting “our brethren” and focusing on “stolen you away”Israel, Judah- they are both Israel. They are on the same team. There is no reason for their fighting. THEY HAVE FORGOT THE TEAM THEY ARE ON.Team Israel is God’s team. They are supposed to be fighting the enemy- not each other.Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it isFor brethren to dwell together in unity!“who will be the greatest in your kingdom”Deuteronomy 20:1-4 READ. How have they forgot this is who they are and who’s team they onNo different in your life- People forget who they married, who is their family, who is their work, their church, their countrymen, their country. Somehow- they get sucked into it.What does it mean to you?Have you forgot who’s team you’re on? Have you been battling with your spouse when you are one flesh? Family? Church? Neighbors? Countrymen? We’re all on the same team here folksSome people frankly love to argue and cause division. I’ve seen it. No convincing them.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all [a]speak the same thing, and that there be no [b]divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.1 Peter 3:8 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; Phil 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Eph 4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

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A Puddle of Water Colossians 3:16-17

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.

17 And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.

What are these Words?Matthew 6:33-34 -33 But seek ([a]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([b]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [c]taken together will be given you besides.34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.John 14:16 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [a]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [b]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.Mark 11:24-25 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and [a]let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.Matthew 22:37-39 - And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect -the capacity for understanding, thinking, and reasoning, as distinct from feeling or wishing). This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.

Have a home in your heart and mindLet ‘the Word Spoken by Christ have its home, prepare you heart as a:A place of safety, thriving, rest. (Home is a sanctuary …A place of refuge and safety), a place of rest- Don’t grieve the Holy SpiritPrepare your heart...John the Baptist...prepare the way for the KingDo whatever you can to prepare your heart – Even if it takes eating locust and wearing sheep skinPrepare your heart and Mind - Like a guest is coming to stay for a whileLet your actions be invitingGet rid of clutterRenew your mind- Consecrate yourself to ChristRomans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Dwell in you in all its richnessRichness is a product of growthLet these Words that have found refuge in your Heart and mind Produce FruitJeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not [a]fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.(Corona season)You become a fountain – That is full and water flows all around you. If you don’t have a pool of water – puddle of water around you, then you either not filled or there is an obstructionThe tree that doesn’t produce is cut – Matthew 7:19 - Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.And the byproduct of this is:…….and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.Gods wisdom, His insight and intelligenceAnd your heart natural signs praises to G...

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Outbreak 2020 – Sermon One – We Flattened the Curve, and That’s Not a Good Thing.

Introduction - flatten

Acts 2:46-47 ESV And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 5:14 ESV And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,

Acts 6:7 ESV And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 9:31 ESV So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Acts 11:21 ESV And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

Acts 11:24 ESV for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Acts 16:5 ESV So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

The churches increased in number daily…Can you imagine what would happen if CWO grew in numbers daily? How long until this beautiful building wouldn’t be big enough? A couple weeks? A month?And not just CWO, but what if every Bible believing Gospel teaching church grew in numbers daily? How long until the everyone in the world had a chance to hear and receive the Gospel?This is what happened directly after the ascension of Christ.The helper came, the Holy Spirit, came and there was a major outbreak of Christianity.There was a GLOBAL outbreak, it was spreading and spreading fast!Now the question the modern church should be asking itself is this: if the churches of God where adding to their numbers daily and the gospel was spreading quickly and globally… and this all started some 2000 years ago… then why isn’t the whole of earth saved by now?!Why is sin just as present and prevalent now as it was back then?Why are there still unreached tribes and people groups?WHAT HAPPENED?I will tell you what happened… the Enemy “flattened the curve”.That’s right, I will say it again… there was a global outbreak of faith across the world, and the devil didn’t want it to happen, the world didn’t want it to happen, our flesh didn’t want it to happen… so they flattened the curve.How? Well all the enemy had to do was convince the church to follow some very simple guidelines in the name of “Loving your neighbor”. Maybe these guidelines sound familiar…

Cover your mouth!Social Distance!Self-Quarantine!And whatever you do, don’t travel, especially not internationally!Do these talking points sound familiar to y’all? This is, at least according to the world, how you stop the spread of a global outbreak.This year the theme of the youth conference is Outbreak 2020, and it is my goal to make this youth as contagious as possible, amen?!I want them to spread the gospel faster than Menards sold out to the left!I want them to spread the gospel more often then Dr. Fauci changes his medical advice.I want them to spread the gospel more effectively then the media spreads fear and anger.I want these youth to be the ones that change society so much that the world has to prepare itself for a “new-normal”.A normal where abortion clinics are bankrupt.A normal where youth group means waring for Christ not just playing games and meeting girls.A normal where high school cafeterias look more like a church gathering than an eating hall.A normal where Christ is first, and everything is last.And don’t get me wrong youth, we are going to play some games this week… and there might even be some girls… but listen, your not allowed to date till you are married anyway, so let’s make this week about Christ, amen?!

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How to Not Be a Selfie Church

Excessive self-love is defined in several fields of study as narcissism. It is a generalized personality trait characterized by egotism, vanity, conceit, or selfishness. It is having an excessive self-focus in interpersonal exchanges or being excessively selfishness and self-absorbed. It is one who has a grandiose sense of self-importance, requires excessive admiration, and has a very strong sense of entitlement. The word comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a handsome Greek youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and would spend hour after hour gazing into the pool at himself.

This is the opposite of the Christ-like nature within a true disciple who demonstrates their love for others by their faithful attendance, serving, giving, and sharing of their life. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends John 15:13.” Some count their life too dear unto themselves, too valuable, too precious to lay it down for others. This is unlike the Apostle Paul’s example and messages to the church. Paul’s letter to Colosse had three purposes: to combat false teaching, to make clear the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and to stress the true nature of life in Christ and its fruit in the believer.

Colossians 3:5-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

I want to talk about “self”. Self is the mark of the lukewarm church.

Another word for lukewarm would be complacent- showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements. Synonyms include- smug, self-satisfied, self-approving, self-regarding, triumphant, proud, pleased, content, careless, lazy, slack

Seven churches are mentioned in Revelation. The number 7 being the number of completion these were 7 churches all about 30-40 miles away from each other in the Asian province. They not only represented the whole churches at that time, but also are representatives of the entire church throughout the church age. There were many other churches at this time in history, but these represented the spectrum of churches that existed in the first century, but also the spectrum of churches that exist now. There were more well known churches- such as the church of Colosse, but the Lord chose these seven because they represented conditions that have prevailed throughout church history. In other words, there are 7 basic types of churches that exist in any time period of church history. Every church that truly knows Jesus as Lord can be recognized as fitting one of these 7 models at some particular point in history. These letters also serve as a preview of the entire church history, from beginning to consummation- they represent 7 stages or key periods...

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Barzillai the generous 2 sam 19:31-19Here we find barzillai the Gileadite who comes to escort david across the Jordan. He was 80, rich and was the one who provided for David in Mahanaim (he was rich lol) The king says that if he comes with him to jerusalem david will take care of him. But Barzillai declines. He says, man, Im so old I’d be a burden. I’ll come with you a little way, but I want to die in the city Im from. But I will give you my Chimham. He’ll serve you. David says- If you ever need any thing- You can count on me. He kisses him and sends him home

What you do for the kingdom matters v32

In the beginning of this story- we see Barzillai coming to David and he is willing to help him cross the Jordan to get to Jerusalem. Barzillai has proved that he is willing to help DavidV 32Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man2 sam 17:27-29 Outlines when David is retreating from Absalom and Barzillai provides him with food and beds and such to help him while he was in need. Divine provision through BarzillaiHere’s a point- Barzillai didn’t fight with or for David but he provided what he had- and what he had was material support and it mattered. You have to help when and where you canProverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.I believe that Barzillai helped david because he loved God and believed in Israel and DavidWhy else would he have helped? Its clear he didn’t want anything but to help-And this loving man- his contribution to the Kingdom of David helped David greatlyIt must be why david wanted to bring him to Jerusalem and kissed and blessed himHebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and [a]labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.The kindness of Barzillai mattered greatly and David didn’t forget.What does it mean to youWhatever you are doing for the Lord matters and has an impact on the kingdom of God

If you serve, give, love, if you help. The things that you do for the kingdom matterYou read a story like this and it should encourage you- God is watching and God knows.Matthew 10:42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”That’s a huge promise! Jesus was talking about his disciples- but its for anything.Col 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.If what you are doing is for Jesus- you can know that you are going to be rewarded eventuallyGal 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. DON’T LOSE HEART- If you’re losing heart its because you lost perspective1 Corinthians 15:58 8 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.Listen- I’ve been dumped on more times than I can count- Its not about me- but discouragement happens- it really does- and I have to constantly remind myself who its forEphesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.1 Kings 2:7“But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.David didn’t forget what kindness he gave at mahanaimBarzillai is brought up to Solomon by David at his death- remembered in ezra 2:61 and Neh 7:63

You reap what you sow v33

David was going to take care of Barzillai bc Barzillai had taken care of david. Period33 And the king said to Barzillai,

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Col 3:1-4 READ Saved-Seek-Set-See

Make sure you’re saved

V 1 If then you were raised with Christ, IF THEN- IF IF IFWere you raised with Christ? Were you saved? This is a constant theme- its not because I want the saved questioning their salvation- its because I want the unsaved- to be saved-2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;These are not the times for going back! They are the times for going forward- we need to know that we know down in our know-know who we are and whose we are-Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;Its not about walking around in fear- its about getting so close to Jesus that when things are rotten all around you- you can rest assured in your salvation-People say that- rest assured- but REST- ASSURED- you stop striving- you stop wondering

I know I’m saved- I know I’m going- I know Jesus and he knows me- we love each otherHebrews 4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.Some people say that any sort of striving is works based salvation- I don’t gather that at all- I just don’t want to miss out on the things of God- I don’t want to take it for grantedWhat relationship flourishes when you take it for granted? We say we have a relationship with Jesus- but then we want to have a double standard and say it doesn’t require what a relationship requires- time, investment, vulnerability, honesty. Relationships are RELATINGFriend MF- Didn’t talk since 6th grade- hunted him down- didn’t reciprocate- over- Not friendsAre you saved? Have you made your calling and election sure?Matthew 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.I’m not sure what the broad gate is- but that’s not the one I want- I want the narrow gate!Romans 6:4b says “ we also should walk in newness of life.” Are you walking that way?2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new- Have the old things of your life passed away?Colossians 3:10 0 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, THE NEW MAN DOESN’T DO WHAT THE OLD MAN DOESEphesians 4:22-24 READIF you’ve been raised with Christ- Do it- Working to get Cintas job- and then not showing up?

IF you are saved- THEN Seek the things of GOD

V2 seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.What are the things that you seek? What are the things that work for?Are you working for the accolades of the world and their possessions or the things of God?I’ve been pastoring long enough to see the ones who seek after the things that are aboveCan tell you the story lines of the latest shows, but no stories of the bible. Can tell you the stock price but not the scripture address. Work hard to get money but not work hard to gain righteousness. They aren’t seeking after God- They are seeking- but not after GodI don’t have hobbies- When church is shut down- I’m lost- because I love the things of the LordNothing against hobbies- unless you know and work on that perfection more than ChristPhil 3:12 12 Not that I have already attained,[c] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.I’m pressing on! I want to more of Jesus- I want to experience more of his grace and mercyRomans 8:6 For to be [a]carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.Do you have more desire to work for the things of this world than the things of GodSeek after the world. Love the world.

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Let him take it all 2 Sam 19:24-30

That mephibosheth didn’t care for himself shows that he was truly mourning the loss of the king- Says a lot- The king asks, since he was so supportive, why didn’t he go with him? Mephibosheth says that he was deceived- someone tricked him- and left him behind. The dude was Ziba. So now- Mephibosheth honors the king- Says you didn’t kill all my fathers house (Jonathan) so what can I say? You were kind to me- So David says- you and Ziba divide the land- and Mephibosheth basically says- that fact that you are back as my king is back- that’s enough for me- Ziba can have it all. It means nothing to me- because I have what I need- My kingIt’s a great heart- A heart that says- I’ve got my king- you take everything else30 Then Mephibosheth said to the king, “Rather, let him take it all, inasmuch as my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house.”Mephibosheth just wanted his king Nothing else- Needed nothing elseThere’s an song that says Just give me Jesus- Nothing else-needed or desiredBut for many people they want Jesus plus something- or someone- It aint enoughOur hearts should be “let him take it all” but that Him- Is King Jesus- and he can have it all

Jesus can Take my Desires

Mephibosheth was a man- He was the son of Jonathan- he probably wanted stuff- land- influence etc. He was lame- but he was still a man. But in that moment- He didn’t want itLand meant wealth. It meant influence. It meant prestige. He gave it up- Let Ziba have it-I have my king- I need nothing else.Now David wasn’t God but the parallel I’m drawing here should be clear- Our desire should be for our king more than any earthly posessionPsalm 37:4-5 Delight yourself also in the Lord,And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.Most people struggle with this- They want Jesus plus something- Jesus is not enoughPsalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. Is that your heart? Is Jesus enough? Or do you have a list of what it will take?Mephibosheth didn’t desire the possession of land- or what Ziba had- he had been in mourning- not cutting hair-caring for feet- I don’t care about myself- I want my king! Let him have it ALLIsaiah 26:9 With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; For when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.What does it mean to you?Is that where your heart is at? Jesus you can have it all? You’re my king? Or is it more?

Because if there is something you value more than him in your heart- he’ll ask you to lay it down before him before you can pick it up again- he wants your full allegiance.Paul said this- Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.To paul- death was a gain- to die was counted as a win- the ultimate gain- to dieWe get upset if we don’t get invited to a bbq and end friendships over itSo completely emotionally fragile to the point of personal destruction and relationship painBecause we don’t want Jesus more than anything- we’re ruled by our desires of our flesh!Philippians 3:8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain ChristHave you counted it all loss? Your relationships, jobs, stuff, houses, cars, toys etc. Its ok to have that stuff- you just can have the stuff have you- count it as LOSS compared to ChristSay “Lord- even if never, I’ll still serve you” Even if I get treated poorly- have you said to Jesus “Let him take it all” including your desires- to only have a desire for Jesus- nothing else.Because if your desire is for Jesus- you’ll never be thirsty- you will always have what you needLet him take it all- all my desires- I onl...

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Why are you doing that? Verses in New Living Translation

Read Colossians 2:18-23

1. Why are you insisting on pious self-denial?

Col. 2:18-19, Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.
The real issue here is pride and false humility. The motives for their actions have become disconnected for Jesus Christ, and from their brothers and sisters in Christ.
EXAMPLE: Marine corps grooming standards: Being the best means looking the best, daily haircuts, shaving twice a day, “inspection ready” uniforms, ironing at lunch, no seatbelts, etc…
Started as “attention to detail” and “discipline”, but turned into a competition between us, each trying to “humbly” report for formation, secretly desiring to be seen as the best Marine.
We had lost sight of the intent of the standards, and used it to honor ourselves instead of honoring the Corps. To create separation rather than unity.
Pride and false humility are symptoms of a legalistic mind set:
A legalist behaves as if they can earn God’s forgiveness through personal performance.
C.J. Mahaney put it like this: “Legalism is seeking to achieve forgiveness from God and acceptance by God through obedience to God.”
The subtle implication is that the death of Jesus on the cross wasn’t enough, and more is needed or required for salvation and to merit God’s grace.
Thomas Schreiner writes: “Legalism has its origin in self-worship. If people are justified through their obedience to the law, then they merit praise, honor, and glory. Legalism, in other words, means the glory goes to people rather than God.”
No Christian would ever openly say that the cross wasn’t enough, but living a legalistic life secretly shifts our focus away from the cross, and over to what we can accomplish on our own strength.

*Are you the type of Christian who puts God first and asks, “How can I fulfill His desires?” Or the type of Christian that puts yourself first and asks, “How can He fulfill my desires?”

This is a question that will expose exactly how you view this Christian life, and God’s saving grace.
Gal. 2:21,I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

2. Why are you following the rules of this world?

Col. 2:20-22,You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them.
“So don’t let anyone condemn you…” …because Christ is all sufficient:
1 Peter 1:3-4,By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
Man’s rules and the culture’s expectations can’t make you more holy or more loved by God.
EXAMPLE: We see different expectations in church denominations. In the past it was animal sacrifices and special ceremonies, offerings, etc… Today it’s church clothes, political views, you offer too much grace, or demand too much works. We commonly shame each other over these things.
We live in a “self-help” society, advertisers convincing us that if we eat the right thing, buy their product,

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3 hearts 2 sam 19:18-23

Coming out of the return of the King- Shimei comes before David and begs for forgiveness and greets him. He realizes what he has done and what he did wrong. Abishai steps in and wants to kill him. David gives him grace.

Who will you be in this story?

Heart to Repent

Shimei says “know I have sinned” he comes to the realization that he was a contributor to the demise of the kingdom and of David- This is the guy who came along David in 2 sam 16

2 sam 16:5-8 This dude was tossing stones, cussing, yelling at David-

His heart has changed quite drastically- hasn’t it?

2 Sam 19:19-20 “Do not let my lord impute iniquity to me, or remember what wrong your servant did

What a heart change! It was God that did it- Not David You’ll remember that David didn’t engage with Shimei- He left him to himself and let God handle his heart- and he repented!

God bless Shimei and his heart change- Praise God- This is the heart of repentance! He realized that he had done wrong- and that he needed the forgiveness of David

Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

Shimei is walking this out- He was in a sea of people from Israel- he didn’t have to come forward and repent to David- but he wanted to- he wanted to make it right! Repent

David was a man of repentance as well Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

This is the heart of someone who loves God- they want to turn from their sins- they want to make it right with God and with others- admit their sins and re-establish the relationship

There truly can be no reunion of the relationship without repentance- Sorrow, admittance, turning away- Shimei didn’t keep tossing stones and cussing asking for forgiveness- he changed

Matthew 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

And that’s for us as well- if we’ve truly repented- it will show in our words and actions-

What does it mean to you?

What relationships do you have in your life that are strained because you have not repented?

If you’re not a Christian- the most important repent is from sin towards Christ-

But even professing Christians can get caught up in selfish pride and be ruining relationships because they refuse to repent to those whom they have hurt

Repentance is “I know what I did, please forgive me, I wont do it again”

2 Cor7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Shimei didn’t go back to his old ways- he went forward away from his sins- towards David

Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

If you find that your relationships are strained with God or others, you may not be living a life of repentance- there is a one time- but there is a continual living in repentance-

Realising wrong, admitting it, asking for forgiveness and moving forward away from the sin

I have people in my life I have never heard ask for forgiveness or admit fault once

I’m not saying you need to walk around saying “im sorry” to everything- but if you never hear anyone admit fault for anything- its hard to believe they are living repentance

Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

Repentance is the beginning of the Christian walk and it’s a life we all should be living

Luke 13:3 Revelation 3:19

Heart for Revenge-

Abashai “Shall not Shimei be put to death” Oh Abashai- You can’t help it can you- Old habits die hard

If anything- Abashai is consistent- He’s always down to defend David at whatever cost

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Spiritual, not physical Verses in New Living Translation

Read Colossians 2:11-17

1. Your spiritual flesh being cut away, not physical.

Col. 2:11, When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.
“Sinful nature” Literally: “cutting away of the body of the flesh”, believers have metaphorical flesh cut away.
This was the symbol of the covenant that God made with Abraham in Genesis chapter 17, to make him father of many nations. All boys from then on would wear this symbol. This symbolizes removing the old identity, and now being identified as one of God’s children.
But even for then, this physical act was not intended to be all God required.
Deuteronomy 10:12-16, 12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. 13 And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good. 14 “Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the Lord your God. 15 Yet the Lord chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident today. 16 Therefore, change your hearts[c] and stop being stubborn.
Literally: “Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”
Even from the beginning, this ritual was not about the ritual; it’s about what it represents.
Romans 2:25-29,The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. 26 And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? 27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it. 28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praisefrom God, not from people.
You must “cut out” all of the old flesh, giving it no chance to grow back:
EXAMPLE: YouTube, Dr. Pimple Popper, you have to remove the whole cyst sack or it will return, and fill up with puss again.
Romans 6:2, Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
When you are “saved”, it means you are New, and your life should change. You resist sin, and fight against the old sick and sinful flesh!
2 Corinthians 5:17, This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2. Spiritual death and burial, not physical.

Col. 2:12-15, For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 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. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmedthe spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
These are the foundational concepts of our Christian beliefs:
You were spiritually dead in your sin. Jesus physically died on the cross to become the all sufficient blood sacrifice for you, and all sin of the world.
Jesus’ blood forgave your sin, and cancelled our debt, and Him rising from the dead brings you eternal ...

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Welcome the King 2 sam 19:8-19

People are arguing about David v Absalom. David was good, but Absalom was good too they say. David talks to his priests and ask them to talk to the elders and ask- why aren’t you supporting me? Remind Amasa that we’re family. David gets into their hearts- and they say “Return” So he returns. Judah comes to escort, 1000 men from Benjamin, David comes across the Jordan into Jerusalem.The king was gone- but now he’s been welcomed back.Like many OT stories and scriptures, you can gain a lot from looking at these stories Christologically- That is- to see the stories of Christ in them and to apply them to your lifeThe people of Israel knew David was their king, but they were the ones who installed Absalom and followed him instead of David and pushed David out. They chose their own king-Not DavidMuch like many people today.. Jesus is the rightful king in their lives, but they choose their own king- their “Absalom” the one who they think they can manipulate and control- not submitIts rebellion- Its literally American politics- I’ll vote this person in so they can do what I want- usually so they don’t have to submit to the Lord- regardless of political party. Self- ruleMany people can’t receive King Jesus in the same way these couldn’t receive David

1.They were fighting

9 Now all the people were in a dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel,What were they arguing about? David v Absalom. Who was the better king. Who served us better- AND- should we let David back? He didn’t kill Absalom- He failed us. Do we want himThis isn’t good- Israel shouldn’t be in this type of discussion or in this type of fight.David- Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! BUT THEY AREN’T DWELLING IN UNITY- They are created STRIFE- DIVISIONPr 17:14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.I’m always surprised at what the Bible doesn’t say- where’s the guy calling for unity?I’ll tell you where- in the back not speaking up for unity- Just joining in.Here’s where the fighting came from- and it always comes from- Selfish desiresJames 4:1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?Ancient Israel is no different than modern day America- people are deeply selfishIsrael wanted their king their way- It will be the same heart that will crucify JesusThis isn’t what God desired- never desired Absalom to reign- only David but PEOPLE

What does it mean to youConstant fighting will always keep you from experiencing God’s best for you in your lifeWhether its fighting God or others- Strife, quarreling, division, will never bring Peace1 Th 5:9 God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,You’re fighting God- God did not create you to be argumentative, divisive and contentious.Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!That’s the end result of fighting- It happened to Israel when Judah split and same for us-God doesn’t approve of it- and we need to resist it and keep it from infiltrating our lives.When I was in the military- we never had long standing fights- they always got squashed that day- What was truthful was told, you sucked it up and drove on-Why? The mission- What you cared about was insignificant- Field- Driving- SSG to SGTWe don’t do it that way here- but the heart is there- this is a mission for God1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;It all comes back to selfish desires- you can never get along when you put yourself first and you can never welcome the king if you are consumed with yourself instead of the King-Ephesians 4:3 1 Corinthians 1:10 Philippians 2:2

They were longing for false kingdom

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Marching Together Colossians 2:8-10

Small Group Questions

What traditions have you put before God? What traditions has your family put before God? Do you have someone that will correct you if your values become "off".

How are you guarding yourself from the "nonsense" of man? Must you do things YOUR way? Are you fighting your battles alone? Are you willing to March Together even when you disagree or it's weird? Are you willing to March together on social media?

Is your walk with Christ part of a philosophy or is it a lifestyle? Give an example of Christ being a philosophy or a lifestyle in your life.

Additional Homework: Talk to someone this week not from church or your family and ask them what they see when they look at the way you live.

Read AMPC

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Paul is telling the Colossian church not to be deceived – Deceived by Philosophy and deceits according to the tradition of menThese deceits or misrepresentation of the truth were aimed at corrupting the core believe of ChristianityTo erode the Truth and replace it with the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ -– fill in the gap –That no one carries you off as spoils – Diminish or destroy the value- your valuePlain nonsense – that are man madeFollowing the elementary teaching of the worldWe have to be careful that we do not put our traditions before God. We are Christians firstMatthew 15:2 -Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?There is nothing wrong with Philosophy – the issue comes in when we are not truly planted in Christ that we end up swaying in any direction that the wind blows.Philosophies outside of Christ, leads you to slaveryDon’t let anyone capture you with empty Philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that comes from human thinkingSimple Gospel – don’t complicate it – Jesus crucified and His blood set us free

I Timothy 6:20 - O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledgePaul in writing to Timothy and though he trusts him, he is challenging Timothy to distinguish between what comes from God and that which is from manWhat are some of the basic principles of the world were they being warned about?God was a pure spirit and could not come close to human beings, they promoted the use of mediumsBelieved that the story of creation found in the Bible was a lie and that God wasn't actually the one responsible for the creation of our world, at least not directly - Possession of knowledge was the way of SalvationBody of Christ was material and not Spiritual. They ignored the responsibilities done by the body- leading to immoral lifeUnfortunately, we can see most of this, if not all in our current culturePeople have become lovers of themselves -giving ear to new doctrines that are of the worldLooking at the next Church experienceNeglected the command of God and holding on to the tradition on manMark 7:7-10 – We wash the cup on the outside but refuse the power of Christ to transform us on the insideWhat does the world see and what do you see? What does the World seek and what do you seek?Is your walk with Christ part of a philosophy or is it a lifestyle?Vs 2-3 – Understand the mysterious plan, which is Christ himself, in him lies hidden “all treasures of wisdom and knowledge”Let your roots grow deep into HimYour Faith will grow strong in the “Truth” and you will over follow with thankfulnessHe uses the week to confound the strong–1 Corinthians 1:27 - But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise,

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2 sam 19:1-8 Love your enemies and hate your friends

Pleasing God is never a disgrace

5 Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines,Joab comes in and is upset with David- Why? David was weeping over his son Absalom. Upset that he was killed and that his people didn’t meet his demand to treat him kindly.He’s also probably lamenting over the fact that he was the one who caused all of it- with Bath.But Joab attacks him- Why? Because Joab doesn’t have David’s heart. He has a heart of war.He says “You have disgraced all your servants” In his mind, the payment his servants should have got was to see David Kill AbsalomWe’ve been re-watching Star Wars- Its kind of like the Emperor in Jedi- Wanted Vader to Kill Luke, but in the End, Vader still had love for Luke because he was his son. Not exactly- kind ofDavid’s heart- Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.David wanted to please God- He showed it through his whole life- Remember This is the shepherd boy who would fight bears, sings songs, fought Goliath, ran from Saul, Lead Israel. He’s full grown man now- but don’t forget his heart- And Joab comes and questions his heart because David didn’t respond how HE thought he should have?Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

David wanted to please God- Not Joab. Its clear- Remember when he could have killed Saul?2 Cor 5:9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.What does it mean to you?Do you feel like serving God and living for Him is a disgrace? Do you feel disgraced? Are you afraid? Do you worry more about what people think than God thinks? GOD IS WATCHINGMatthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.We are to live to please God- and inevitably when we do so- it will not make sense to the worldSome people worship the opinions of men. They care too much what people think-John 12:43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.and when you DO do whats right- they call you a disgrace- and its not true! If God is pleased, that’s all ! You don’t have to worry if the Joab’s of your life agree with you or understand-Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare,But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.If you are living worry about what the Joabs of your life think, you’re never going to make itJoab’s look through the eyes of the World- not through the eyes of the truth of the GospelWhen you live an Gospel-centered existence- you’re not going to please the world.And those small and large decisions you make that no one sees but God- He’ll bless itAnd I want to encourage you- No one else may appreciate it or see it- but God does!Society will be moving into a realm where God followers are chastised- don’t give up!Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

We don’t live like the world

6 in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well.That’s what happens when you live according to God’s word- People will misunderstand you because you do not think, believe or act like the world- They will never understand.Psa 1:1-6 Its interesting this is the beginning of the Psalms- David is establishing immediately what he and his psalms are about- I’m not going to be doing what you think I should be doingRetribution,

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Give an example when an authority in your life decided something you disagreed. Did you support that decision or work against it? How do you feel about that now?

How often do you attend church (or stream at the moment) in a one month period? Would you classify yourself as "not forsaking the gathering of the brethren"? How has attending church regularly changed your life?

Do you strive to maintain peace within the body of Faith and Victory Church? Do your Facebook posts need to be edited? Is your social activism or politics more important than the relationships in your church? (not that social activism or politics isn't important)

Are you a member of Faith and Victory Church (rooted)? Describe a time where you had an argument, disagreement or negative experience at FVC. How were you able to move forward?

Are you "abounding" in Christ, having a general attitude of thankfulness? Name 5 things you are thankful for.

Order! Order I say!

Colossians 2:1-7

2 For I want you to know what a great conflict[a] I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, [b]both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing [c]to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding [d]in it with thanksgiving.

Paul may never have visited Colosse but kept close tabs on it through Epaphras, one of his converts and associates, most likely the church’s founder and a leader. Paul saw a church of Christ walking together in Gospel order, steady in their faith in Christ, abiding by the doctrine of faith, and maintaining an honorable profession and warning and admonishing them to stay connected to each other and to continue to be rooted in Christ and built up in the faith.

“joying and beholding your order” or as the Greek renders it, Paul declares "I rejoice that I can see your order"

The Colossian church stood fast in one spirit, contended and strove together for the faith of the Gospel, fought the good fight of faith, no hardship moved them from their station; so that they were attached to the Gospel, and to one another; they were united to, and abode by each other; they served the Lord with one consent, and kept the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace,

Ephesians 4:1-3 I, therefore, the prisoner [a]of the Lord, [b]beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The church in Colosse was infiltrated by false teachers and they stood steadfast in the faith, opposing the false teachers and professing faith in Christ without wavering in the face of intense persecution and opposition from the surrounding society

To this outward condition Paul then subjoins the inner one, by which the former is conditioned: and the solid hold of your faith in Christ. That which has been made firm, represents the steadfastness and immoveable of faith in such a way, that their faith was protected by a strong work from injury—the outward order and unity of the Body provided a great fortress for the inner development and strengthening of the faith

Ezekiel 13:5 You have not gone up into the [a]gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord. (said of the prophets who refused to speak God’s word...

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If only I had died in your place- 2 sam 18- 19-33

Most people enjoy a good revenge movie. We love a story of someone getting what they deserve- Mean Girls, John Wick, The Equalizer, Get Carter, Death Wish. In most movies with a villain- we love the pay off of them “Getting what they deserve” and relish in their destruction. Its satisfying! We love when the evil get punished! Feel better about ourselves- JUSTICEIn our minds, guilty must pay- there must be retribution and payment for evil- destructionOther end- We all love a sacrificial hero story- Harry Stamper in Independence Day, Spock in Star Trek 2, Tony Stark in End Game- Avengers, Obi Wan in Star Wars,When someone is able to sacrifice themselves for others, it touches our heart stringsBehind these stories is the idea of- We can’t always save ourselves- we need the help of othersWe pride our selves on self-sufficiency- but in the end- we know it’s a lie- Doctors, Police, Fire, friends. At the minimum, we need the intellect of others- you don’t discover anything no oneThere are stories where revenge happens, where the hero dies, but what about a story where the Hero dies for the villain on whom there is supposed to be revenge?In todays story, we see Absalom is dead and the news gets to his father- DavidDavid isn’t perfect, and he isn’t God- but we see in this story a preview of the heart of JesusV 33 “My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!Absalom was David’s son- who had stole his kingdom from him. Rebellious, angry, thieving, deceitful Absalom. We talked of his death- and the righteous penalty of it- Deserved it.This is a guy who was Willing to kill his own father so that he could rule his own kingdom and not be under the rule of his father- to kill the king to be the king- No matter what the cost.Sound familiar? Absalom is the villain of this story, David is the hero- and the Hero wants to die for the villain- He is willing to take the place of the Villian (Absalom) when he is the hero (david)This is the story of our faith. We are the villain. We are all Absalom. We wanted our own way, we wanted to rule ourselves. We didn’t want a king to rule us, so we took whatever steps we needed to take to ensure our kingdom reigned and we killed the king so we could rule.And the cry of Jesus came to us and saved us but instead of ‘If I had only died instead of you”Jesus actually came and died for us. We deserved Death, and the Hero came and died in the place of the villain. The greatest sacrifice ever for anyone.Theologians call this Penal Substitutionary Atonement- Penalty, In place of, Payment. Penalty of of sin (death), by someone (Jeusus) instead of the offender (us) , to pay for our sin2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.This is the bedrock truth of the entire Christian experience- To reject it is to reject ChristYou must understand and internalize this doctrine. It will change your lifeIf you find that you lack purpose, joy, direction, peace, identity, passion, love, etc. It may be because you have not adequately reflected on this truthRomans 5: 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.This is the Gospel. This is salvation. We were sinners- who needed a savior- and Jesus CamePicture this- Officer that Killed George Floyd- Guilty- but you go and take his place so he can walk free. Seems scandalous! He deserves to die! Revenge! I know its visceral but its trueAll the benefits, emotional, spiritual, tangible etc. Flow from this truth. The Penal Sub. Atone.But why does it have to be that way? Why does someone have to die? Why does Christianity have to be such a bloody endeavor? No other religion requires this.

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aColossians 1:24-29 Christ in You: the Hope of Glory

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

It’s so easy to read this text and then realize .. you haven’t understood a thing about it. Theres this huge run-on sentence right at the beginning and its full of weird phrases and its not clear how they’re connected. It’s a real doozy of a text.

but for all it’s difficulty and strangeness, the real doozy of it all, is it’s profoundly radical summons to live out the Hero’s story.

This word is not for the faint of heart. It’s not for those who aren’t all in, not for the fence sitters, for the lukewarm, for the wishy-washy. The message of this text, in the power and spirit of God-Almighty, beckons you come and disregard your own life that you might participate in a far greater one.

It’s an incredible thing.

so get ready.

Paul says, I now rejoice in my sufferings for you.

You suffer. You struggle. You know pain. But why do you suffer? Is it just because you’re in this cursed world? because you are sinful and your neighbors are sinful?

You have aches and pains and you make stupid decisions and hurt people and people hurt you. That’s life, and in Jesus, praise God, you’re able to find peace and happiness despite your pain.

But what if you could, not just patiently bear your sufferings, but actually embrace them with gladness? What if you could join Paul in saying, I now rejoice in my sufferings for you. That’s a whole other question. That sounds so strange, so foreign. It’s probably not what your parents hoped for you. it’s not what you learned in school. It doesn’t sound like the life you aspired to.

Paul goes on to say, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ for the sake of his body which is the church.

Did he just say that he fills up in his flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ?

yeah, Theres definitely something going on here that we don’t quite get. … and we need to get it.

If it sounds strange, that something would be lacking in Jesus’ afflictions, that's a good thing. It should sound strange. If your pastor started teaching that somehow, Jesus didn’t suffer enough for you, that his humiliation and punishment didn’t quite pay the full price, didn’t actually satisfy God’s holy justice, the red flags should be going off all of the place.

Your Jesus suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, (1 peter 3:18)

being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3)

The work is over. its ended. it’s completed. its the most glorious thing in the whole universe. that jesus christ is completely pleased with his own work. and the father is pleased and the spirit rejoices in it . and the angels in glory, look and they can’t believe their eyes! it’s absolutely perfect. On the cross in agony, there he is soaking up your sins, your sins that defile you and make you filthy. There he hung to wash you and make you spotless. there he humbled himself to the point of shame and brutal death and he did a good job. He did a complete work,

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Racism2 Sam 18:1-18 “he was left hanging between heaven and earth”See, the bulk of this story is about Absalom, David’s son who has taken over David’s kingdom.Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, sent and told- “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.”David loved his son! He wanted his kingdom back, but didn’t want to lose his son in the processThis ISNT what happens!They go out to battle Absalom gets caught up in a tree- “Hanging between heaven and earth” Unable to free himself- unable to defend himself. Unable to fight. CaughtAt the whim of men. A man- who had done wrong- but the King- “Deal Gently” and is in a treeA man comes to Joab- says “I found Absalom” Joab says “ I would have paid you to kill him” the man says “I would never do that” V 12-13David made it clear “Deal gently for my sake” to Joab but he ignored it- He wanted HIS JUSTICE14 And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree. (Kills a defenseless man because he thought it right)To add insult to injury- 15 And ten young men who bore Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, and struck and killed him.- They didn’t defend Absalom- While a criminal- wasn’t to dieAnd where’s Abishai and Ittai? And the thousands of others? No where to be found!Only one man stood up and said- You are wrong Joab- I’m not taking part in this.

There’s huge problems with this story- and today it speaks specifically to what is going on around usToday I am going to use this scripture to show you how you can’t sit idly by and allow injustice to happen in your midst and to remain silent is to be complicit in the actionWhy do we need to talk about racism? I’m not racist- Church not full of homo- but still talk aboutHere are some hard truths that need to be said- Racism still exists in America. By and large White people are either ignorant or apathetic about it. Maybe not you- But its real. It’s a sin against GodI get it! I’m white- And white people say “What am I supposed to do about it”- starts in the churchYou can start by admitting that racism still exists. You may not be, you may not have experienced it, but if you had black or brown friends, you would know- Its still out thereThe church talks about sin- Homosexuality, fornication, envy, covetedness, anger, etc. Racism is a sin. It needs to be talked about. One of my first sermons at 18 was on Racism- Near to meWe’re not blaming anyone- Its like a Sermon about tithing- You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about a sermon about tithing unless you don’t tithe, and you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about a sermon about racism unless its in your heart. And that goes for everyone- regardless of raceGal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Ro 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. Ro 2:11 For there is no partiality with God. Acts 17:26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,We are all equal in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of the Lord-The image of God- Gen 1:26 but we can’t sit here in Church and pretend that our Black brothers and Sisters aren’t struggling- Educate yourself- Learn the struggle- Don’t pretend it doesn’t exist. – be the one who STANDS UPBut the POC have a opportunity in the church as well not to fix it- but to help others understandMake new friends- Pastor John and Pastor Raymond are my safe black friends- I can ask anythingYou can’t get angry at ignorance- Help us understand- Mikey Crack v Heroin epidemic

So let me Show you how this scripture speaks to our current situation in AmericaRight now- IN the middle of this- “he was left hanging between heaven and earth”To me- it connects to the ...

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Small Group Questions

How do you maintain your faith?

Would you describe yourself as growing closer to God or departing (getting farther away) from God during this time? Why?

How have you defended the faith?

Do you have sin you aren't dealing with right now? Has it caused you to be farther away from God? How can you being to address that sin?

Grounded and Steadfast- (If You Continue in the Faith)

Colossians 1:19-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

The occasion for this letter was the appearance of false teaching that threatened the spiritual future of the Colossian church. The exact heresy is unknown, but it is apparent that it was a strange mixture of Christian teaching, certain extrabiblical Jewish traditions and pagan philosophy, similar to today. There is nothing new under the sun.

Paul wrote his letter to the Church in Collosse for a few different reasons: 1. To combat the dangerous false teaching that was supplanting Christ’s centrality and supremacy in creation, revelation, redemption and the church; 2. Make clear the apostolic revelation of Christ as the Son of God and 3. Stress the true nature of life in Christ and its fruit in the believer.

So, how do we stay “grounded and steadfast” according to this Scripture?

“IF you continue in the faith”- notice the ongoing human response that Paul states is necessary before we appear before Him blameless. The Lord has done His part and we must do ours. Like Paul, we have a race to run with endurance and perseverance. EX: MJ documentary, he is to basketball what Paul is to the faith. This is the same mindset and determination that we must have about our Christian walk.

Now more than ever we need to be grounded and steadfast in the faith! The enemy is fast at work among us and he is a master at deception:

1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV “Now the Spirit [a]expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons”

Let me break this down, “To depart” is the Greek translation meaning to “distance oneself from, step away, withdraw from, shrink away from”. It is where we get the word “apostate or apostasy”.

This departing depicts a departure that takes place slowly, over a period of time, and it pictures a person who changes his position and withdraws from what he once believed. This process occurs so gradually that those who are in the process of departing may not even realize they are in transition. But little by little, they are backing away from what they once believed and adhered to, and moving toward something very different.

The verse goes on to say, “some shall depart from the faith” as we near the end of the age. This is important to understand, in the Greek the words “the faith” has a definite article, which tells us that it is not talking about raw faith, such as “by faith are you saved”, but these words together “THE faith” refer to doctrine or to the long-held, time-tested teaching of Scripture. This verse categorically means that at the end of the age, there will be a departure from the clear teaching of the Scripture, little by little distancing themselves from God’s truth, embracing something different.

It does not say “people will reject the faith” (although this is true as well),

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27 Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, 29 honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

We serve a God that provides

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

2 cor 9:8 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

Nehemiah 9:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger,

And brought them water out of the rock for their thirst,

And told them to go in to possess the land

Which You had [a]sworn to give them.

Ps 78:20 Behold, He struck the rock,

So that the waters gushed out,

And the streams overflowed.

Can He give bread also?

Can He provide meat for His people?”

John 6:35 New King James Version (NKJV)

35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Psalm 65:9You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, For so You have prepared it.

Matt6: 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

It doesn’t mean you wont struggle

Deuteronomy 8:3-4 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years.

Matthew 5:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

Nehemiah 9:21 New King James Version (NKJV)

21 Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness;

They lacked nothing;

Their clothes did not wear out

And their feet did not swell.

Phil 4: 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [d]be abased, and I know how to [e]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Rom 8: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Luke 21: 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost.

Be Generous

Proverbs 3:9-10 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Proverbs 11:24-25 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.

25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. Seek the lord-

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends ...

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Small Group Questions

What's the weirdest thing that you have seen?

What is the most supernatural part of your faith?

Describe a time where you were deceived? How did you deal with it once you found out? How do you think you could have prevented being deceived?

What is your relationship with the Holy Spirit?

The Super Natural (Weird) Colossians 1: 15-18 (NLT)\

Last week Pastor Jay spoke about:

This is a young church which is in the middle of a gentile environmentLot of pagan and mystical influencesPaul is writing to get them rooted in the true Gospel

Acknowledgement of the Super natural world

Trash can story – Everyone has a moment that you have seen or heard something weird, you ignored it because you could not get any logic from itWeird - unnatural, preternatural. weird, eerie, unearthly, uncanny refer to that which is mysterious and apparently outside natural law. Weird refers to that which is suggestive of the fateful intervention of supernatural influences in human affairsAnd for this young Church Paul is wanting them to be aware of the power of the super naturalColossians 1:16 (AMP) For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.What I love about it, is that unlike the world, the super natural is not an addition to being a Christian, it’s part of being a Christian.Matthew 6:33(Ampc) - But seek ([a]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([b]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [c]taken together will be given you besidesYou want knowledge on what is going on around you physically – Seek God first and His righteousnessYou want to be aware of the Spiritual – supernatural power of God– Seek God first and His righteousnessYou want to have a good life – Seek God first and His righteousnessFind Jesus and have your eyes openned to power of Christ – the seen and the unseenJust like Paul, I am trying to let you be spiritually aware (awake) so you don’t miss what God is doing in this season and the season to come.Isaiah 55:8-9For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.Understand this – We have very limited knowledge when it comes to the things of GodThe difference and distance between God and man is revealed, not to discourage us from seeking Him, but to keep us humble as we seek. “You may conclude that it is not intended that you should understand the infinite, for you are told that His thoughts and ways are far above you; but you are required to seek Him while he may be found, and call upon Him while He is near.” (Spurgeon)

Examples in the bible

All throughout the bible you will see how God works in the super natural. Here are some things that we know but can’t explain (not in a particular order)

God Spoke and the world become – Genesis 1:2-3 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness [a]was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.Jesus is conceived by a virgin girl - Matthew 1:23Philip appears and instantly is teleported – Acts 8:26-40Philip is sent by an angel to a deserted roadHe meets a Eunuch from EthiopiaHoly Spirit tells him to and speak to him as he tries to read the scripture that he was not understandingPhilip offers explanationEunuch gets baptized and didn’t see Philip anymoreImmediately he finds himself 21 miles away from Jerusalem to Azotus (Auburn to New Castle, Graham)Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac and a lamb shows up – Genesis 22:1390 years old Sarah gives birth – Genesis 21:2Paul is stones to death,

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2 sam 16:15- 2 sam 17:14 On Purpose!, back in Jerusalem, Hushai david’s spy goes and praises Absalom who is concerned, and asks why he’s betrayed David and came to him. Hushai says he’s following the man Israel chose to follow- Absalom asks Ahithophel what he should do, he tells him to go into davids concubines he left behind. Absalom does it before all Israel fulfilling the prophecy of NathanAhithophel gives more advice, says he’ll ride out with 12k men and surprise David- and kill him and all of davids followers will come and follow Absalom. Absalom thinks it sounds good, but asks Hushai for a second opinion. Hushai says- bad advice- David is going to fight back. Instead- gather all Isreal to fight david- Absalom decided Hushai’s advice is better-

Prayer Changes things- But not God’s purpose

The first part of this story is that Ahithophel goes to Absalom to give him some advice- its weird advice- Go in to the concubines of David in the sight of Israel- Doesn’t realize that he is fulfilling a prophecy- but he is advising what Kings do that take over other kings- Show who is king.Here’s the thing tho- David prayed Athithophels counsel to be foolishness- 2 Samuel 15:31 Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”it was foolish advice- It insured the demise of Absalom. How could he and David reconcile after such a thing? Absalom sexually assaults his fathers concubines as a show of powerHere’s the nugget of this part of the story tho- David’s prayer worked! He prayed that Athitophels counsel would be foolishness- and it was! This was horrible advice- PLUS- Later in the story- Absalom doesn’t take Ahithophels advice to let him go and attack- more foolishness.God answered David’s prayer and made Ahithophel look foolish- v17:23 says he committed suicideGod moves when people of God pray! Not the suicide but the foolish advice!Moses prayed to change God’s mind and it did “Ex 32:14 So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.Joshua prayed to stop the sun from Going down Josh 10:12-13Hannah prayed for a child- 1 Samuel 1:27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.What does it mean to you?Are you praying for things that God can move on? Have you given yourself over to doubt?We serve a God that can do above and beyond all we can ask or imagine- We need to PRAYElijah prayed that it wouldn’t rain and it didn’t. james 5:17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

That’s an answer to prayer!Tons of scriptures on prayer in the NT-Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Matt 21:22If there are things in your life that you want to see God move- PRAY- watch what he does-1 John 5:14-15 READ He will answer!John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.Pray big bold- prayers that will change the course of your life- Watch what Does doesMatt 7:7 “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 openedPeople will say- what if God doesn’t answer- who cares! PRAY!Pray for a wife, kids, building, provision, protection, etc. Why me? Idk- But he answered!

Take wise counsel- Understand God’s purpose

Now in this part of the story- we see that Absalom took part of athithophels advice- the concubines, but didn’t take the advice that Athithophel was going to take 12k men and go kill david Read V 16:21-23Instead- he Took the advice of Hushai- Don’t attack david right now- but wait- he’s a man of war- ...

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Small Group Questions

Give some examples of good fruit that you have because of your faith?

Do you have a Christian mentor? Are you mentoring another Christian?

Give an example of when you yielded to someone else that was to your benefit.

What are you praying for and why? Does that need to change after listening to this sermon?

Describe a time where you used God's strength to get through a trial.

Now that’s a prayer! (Colossians 1:9-14) Verses in New Living Translation (NLT)

Recently we finished the Book of Acts, and it ended with Paul imprisoned in Rome.
We are now going through Colossians. A “prison letter” written by Paul during that time.
This letter is written to the Church in Colosse, a young and faithful church of mostly Gentiles.
Paul is really trying to encourage them to stay rooted in the true gospel, and he begins this letter with a powerful prayer:

Part #1

Colossians 1:9-10, So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
This is the “good fruit” your life in Christ should produce:
Galatians 5:22-23, But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
I think for the new-ish believer, one of the biggest challenges is transitioning to living a life that pleases God, because you know it on paper, but what does it look like to put it in to action?
Example: I was a new firefighter with no experience, started copying the bad example around me, until a guy from another shift/station corrected me. I was so thankful!
There are rules, and guidelines, and procedures on paper, but putting that into practice takes and example to follow. (What does “being patient” look like? What is “long suffering”?)
Like in the movie A Few Good Men, “If it’s not in the book, how did you know where the chow hall was?” “I just followed the crowd at chow time, Sir.”
You can be easily affected by the Christian culture around you, whether legalistic and judgmental, or compromising and accepting of sin.
James 3:15-18, For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
This is an excellent example of what it should look like and what it shouldn’t look like. When you see the believer’s around you setting THIS example, you will know you are in the right place.
John 15:4, (Jesus said), 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.
This is the knowledge that Paul is talking about! To be the Christian you need to be, stay connected to Jesus himself, “…the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Paul’s prayer also shows a perspective shift from the materialistic prayers that our American culture models for us. Our prayers should be focused on spiritual things, not material things.
Our culture creates a negative influence focused on “having things” instead of “being things”.
Having a bigger house, better job, and good looks; instead of being loving,

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Dealing with difficult people 2 sam 16:1-14

First difficult person- Ziba

In this story- Ziba is the servant of Mephiboseth- You may remember him from earlier sermonsMephibosheth was son of Jonathan, Grandson of King Saul- Ziba comes to David to bring him provisions for him and his men. David has no reason to think anything is awryZiba has shown up with provisions to help David- so david gives him what belongs to mephibosheth3 Then the king said, “And where is your master’s son?” And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.’ ”Here’s the problem tho- Ziba was lying. We’ll find that out in 2 sam 19. Mephibosheth says in v 26 “O king, my servant deceived me.”Ziba told Mephibosheth and lie and then told David a lie to cover up his lie. He was a liarMephibosheth assumed his servant was honorable, and so did David- Why wouldn’t he?But he wasn’t He was a self-serving miscreant. Most agree he wanted to be seen as the last heir to Saul so he could claim land and influence.That’s why liars typically lie- they want influence, valuables, or notoriety to get the former.You probably already know this- but God doesn’t like liars or lies.Proverbs 19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.Psalm 101:7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.Jesus even went so far to say in John 8:44 that Satan is the father of lies.

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.What does it mean to you?First off- Don’t be a liar. No one likes a liar. There’s no need to lie, but people do it for many reasons- Protect their image, denigrate another (to increase their image), Deflect attention to someone else, And just like Ziba- be trying to influence you so they can get what they wantDon’t be that person. Don’t be a liar. The problem with a liar, is that you can never trust them.But what should you do to the liar? Expose them? Always be distrustful? No- Be you.Love the liar- Liars are people too- God will deal with them- You don’t have to work it so hard4 So the king said to Ziba, “Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.”And Ziba said, “I humbly bow before you, that I may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king!”David took Ziba at his word- He gets found out in 2 sam 19- but David can’t worry about itWho Ziba is will be found out eventually- and so will every liar in your life- And if you’re a liar, you will be found out as well. It just takes time. Liars can never keep their stories straightLove em- 1 Cor 13:7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.If your heart is in the right place- you probably get lied to all the time- because you are not cunning Titus 1:15 To the pure all things are pure,Now- some will say- what if I KNOW they are lying- deal with it accordingly- I’m just saying-

you cant live your life thinking everyone is lying to you- being a sleuth- let God deal w them

If you find out someone is lying- love em anyway- Don’t trust em- but love em,1 Pet 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”Prov 25 21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.

Second difficult person- Shimei the son of Gera

Read v 5-8- Comes out cursing- throwing stones at David- obviously upset about somethingWhen people curse and accuse youBut anyway- Back to Shimei- he’s upset- He thinks David did Saul wrong and that he deserves to have his son take over his kingdom- He’s cursing David and David is h...

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Prison pen pal (Colossians 1:1-8) Verses in New Living Translation (NLT)

Small Group Quesitons

Who are you encouraging to be a better Christian?

Do you support and encourage missions? Do you have a relationship with a missionary?

What missionaries do you pray for?

What are you doing to bring the gospel to the world?

Context/history:

Last week we finished the Book of Acts, and it ended with Paul as a prisoner in Rome.
This week we start the Book of Colossians. A “prison letter” written by Paul during that time.
This letter is written to the Church in Colosse, a young and faithful church of mostly Gentiles. They were dealing with the influences of false teachings detracting from the all-sufficiency of Christ.
Paul has actually never met them in person, but he knows them through Epaphras, who learned the Good News through Paul, and brought it home to Colosse, basically “planting” that church.
The theme of this letter is that Christ is all sufficient, and above all things. Christians are made complete in Him alone, needing nothing else for salvation.
Read Colossians 1:1-8

1. Paul’s letter brings encouragement.

Paul says things like, “May God give you grace and peace… We always pray for you… We have heard of your faith in Christ and love for God’s people.” and mentions their confident hope in heaven.
This must have been so encouraging to here! Relatively new believers, still figuring out this church thing, faithful but also enduring constant pressure from the culture to compromise their beliefs.
It’s like Paul is saying, “I see you, you have a great foundation, so don’t give up on doing good!”
Example: I need this in my life! I thrive off of genuine positive encouragement. That’s why BOOT CAMP was so hard. Nothing but a constant threat of punishment for failure.

- Only motivated to avoid punishment, not to obtain the reward.

- Fear produces a short-term gain, but a long-term loss. (Negative bias, not wanting to try…)

I learned the hard way what NOT to do, but I was never confident if I was doing the right things correctly. (Like learning how to march. “I AM leaning back and strutting!!”)
The discipline I learned has been supremely valuable, but the method of delivery was damaging… but it didn’t have to be.
(Could have been worse: Korean war vet who got butt stroked for messing up…)
In today’s scriptures, Paul focuses them on the hope of heaven, not the fear of hell.
Paul says, “…just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.”
1 Thess. 5:9-11, For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourageeach other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Romans 15:13, 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.
This is in no way saying that godly discipline is not necessary or important. In fact, I’m saying it is, but the delivery is important too. Consider the outcome you are looking for.

Example: Father bragging about punishment of daughter, took everything she owned away and she had to earn it back one by one. She never spoke to him again. (was that the goal?)

- Eph. 4:29, Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Hebrews 12:5, And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.

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A Beautiful Pattern

Small Group Questions

Does your walk with Christ present itself as a “pattern of faithfulness”? Do you worship God in the good and bad times? Give some examples. If you have been faithful what things helped keep you there? If not what things do you think drew you away?Do you fact check the sermons you listen to? How much time do you spend? What resources do you use?What have you done with the gifts and resources God has given you?

A Beautiful Pattern

Acts 28:16-31

Luke’s history of the early church is brought to an end here. What happened to Paul is generally thought to be the following. Paul remained in confinement for 2 years under house arrest. He was able to receive visitors and preach the gospel. During this time, he wrote the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and to Philemon. In app. AD 63 Paul was acquitted and released. For the next two years he continued his missionary endeavors. During this period he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. Paul was again arrested in AD 67, taken back to Rome. He wrote 2 Timothy during his second imprisonment in Rome. His imprisonment ended with his martyrdom under the Roman Emperor Nero, tradition says by beheading.

The book of Acts breaks off suddenly, with no formal conclusion to what God continued to do through the Holy Spirit and the apostles. Yet, God intends that the acts of the Spirit and the preaching of the gospel continue in the lives of Christ’s people until the end of the age.

The book of Acts then reveals God’s beautiful pattern of what the church should do and be. He has given us examples of the faithfulness of believers, the triumph of the gospel against the opposition of the enemy and the power of the Holy Spirit operating in the church and among God’s people.

This is God’s pattern for present and future churches, and we must faithfully proclaim it and live it.

Acts records:

A pattern for the faithfulness of the believer

What is said of Jesus should be said of His people. Jesus life was marked by His faithfulness to the will of the Father, and so should ours.

Paul arrived in Rome in chains and only after setbacks, storms, shipwreck and many trials. Paul remained faithful, even though God did not make his way easy or trouble free.

Book titled, “Not a Fan”- are you a fan or a follower? The difference between those who dabble around Christianity and those who have died to self and are born again; those who are a fan of the Savior and follow His miracles until they get what they want and those who follow Him to the cross.

The call of the faithful is to die to self. It’s the common theme of our church. We cannot have His resurrection power, unless we are crucified with Him. If you are to identify yourself with Jesus, you must first identify with His suffering and death.

Galatians 2:20 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Paul was a faithful follower until he departed from this world and he left us with a beautiful pattern that we can follow. His prison letters to the churches in Phillipi, Ephesus and Colosse reveal a victorious man who surrendered all in order to be found faithful in Christ.

Philippians 3:7-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ,

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the Conspiracy grew strong 2 sam 15:1-12

We live in the age of the conspiracy theory- Conspiracy theories have been around for a long time- JFK Assassination, 9/11, Viet Nam, Global War on Terror, Presidential race, and now Covid5g, Bill Gates, Came from Chinese Lab, created as Bio weapon, US Military imported it into China, GMOs, Covid-19 doesn’t exist, Deep State is manipulating it, Big plot by big pharma, death ratesWhere do conspiracy theories come from? Feeling powerless, need to explain unlikely events, dispute mainstream politics, Coping mechanismLots of this going on- Here’s the reality- Covid is real. May not being managed well, and we’re all suffering the effects of it with little to no large control over it. We’ll get through it- Hold on to GodIts not a conspiracy. Its real. Today we read a story that is real as well.- Its not a conspiracyAbsalom want to take down his father David as King- He wants the power and wants every to love and serve him. He wants to be in control, subvert David’s leadership, be the KingIts not a theory. It’s a fact. “and the conspiracy grew strong” The difference between a theory and an actual conspiracy is that its clear from the evidence that there are conspirators causing harm and its clear on this one!Absalom wants to steal the hearts of the men of Israel- He set out to do it and accomplished itAbsalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel: Absalom's cunning campaign worked. He became more popular and more trusted than David.

Let me say this first- We’re to lift up Jesus- not ourselves- John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”We’re to protect ourselves from deception: Romans 16:18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.Take Heed Mt24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.Beware Mt 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.What we’re talking about today is the spirit of Absalom- You may have not heard this before, but people will say things like “He’s got an Absalom spirit” and use this as an example of what it isYou want to NOT be an Absalom, but you ALSO don’t want to fall prey to the spirit of Absalom- so there’s things I want you to think about today-1- Where is the spirit of Absalom in my heart and 2. how can I protect myself from not being sucked into the depravity of an Absalom spiritYou will find the Absalom spirit in family relationships- kids turning on kids, parents working against each other subverting each otherAt work with the boss or leadership. At CHURCH with the pastor or other leadersWhen I say “the spirit of Absalom” its not some demonic force sense- its just giving this mindset a name- Don’t get all weird about it- You know it when you see it- This just puts a name to itThe spirit is a divisive, controlling, self worshipping spirit that desires satisfaction of the flesh, destruction of God’s holy order, self rule and self promotion.It is very selfish spirit and mindset because it focuses on the self more than God and others They seek their own- 1 Cor 10:24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.They don’t seek after Jesus Ph 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.1 cor 13:5 says love does not self-seeking- and that’s what this spirit is- self- seeking

Here’s what you have to understand- The Absalom Spirit Is attractive- It looks goodThe idea that the Absalom spirit is attractive isn’t to say that everyone who has this spirit is attractive, but you’re attracted to it- It makes you feel desired, and you are drawn to the person who has it- they make it look good and offer the lusts of the flesh- power, influence, etc.Remember- Absalom was good looking 2 sam 14: Now in all Israel there was no one who was...

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Small Group Questions

1. What’s the biggest life interruption you’ve had in the last 10 years? How did you handle it?

2. What is your emotional response to interruptions?#3. Have you ever used an interruption to share the gospel? Describe that situation. #4. How can you better allow God to interrupt your life with His plan?

Interrupted… Acts 28:7-15

Recap:

Paul has already been promised that he will make it RomeOn the ship, he warns them that they should not set sail- they don’t listen – “Men, I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on – Shipwreck, loss of Cargo and danger” – But they didn’t listenShip gets into some crazy weatherPaul reassures them that it will be ok, however as promised there will be loss of stuff and even the shipShip crashes, soldiers want to kill all prisoners but the leader says no since he wanted to spare Paul – Remember, God has said Paul was going to make it RomeThe native received them well – Unusually kindPaul is bitten by a poisonous snake, and doesn’t die – they now think he is godThe island chief welcomes them and for 3 day threw a party for themPaul heals Publius’s dad – God’s power is seenSick people in the Island are healedPaul and the crew are treated very well for 3 months and are sent out with Everything they neededPaul sails to Rome and he is welcomed by some believers

When I read this and look at the things that Paul and the crew had to go through, I can’t help but see interruptions everywhere

I think we can all identify by saying that there has never been a time in our lives that we have been so interruptedGod has spoken His promises “ a thousand may fall on at my side, ten thousand a the right hand, but it will not come near me” – But the storm looks really bad right now LordTrying to hold on to your promisesYet, we see jobs been lost, and even though we know we will get to the shore, just like Paul, the question is what is going to be left?Are we going to lose everything and how do we get started?This is such an interruption in our livesI am here to give you hope!The setupFolks, God is in the business of setup – “ Psalms 37:23 -The steps of a good man are [a]ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.Paul gets there, he is not lost in the sea despite the turmoil that they faced (1st setup)Gods Word that He gave Paul is held true- Ship is wrecked, and they lost stuffPaul is bitten by a snake immediately when he gets there; timing is everything (2nd Setup)This was a door way to having the natives listen to him“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change”

The Island Chief dad gets ill and he is healed (3rd Setup)The people are healed (Boom! - he gets to people’s hearts)What has God setup for you in this Covid-19 season?Do we see it as an opportunity or an interruption?Is this Covid -19 a setup? How are you looking at it?David was out doing what his father had asked him toHe doing the right thing day in day outBut there was an interruption – Bears and Lions would attack the sheep1 Samuel 17:34-36 ~But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.”David did not think ...oh man, I am practicing how to kill a giant and that will project me to be a favorite KingSome of you are being prepared in this season to fight a future GoliathGod will go to any extent to make sure that none be lost – He will use any situation because as His child, you are loved!!He will change the course of the wind to direct you or someone to get to you

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2 Sam 14:25-34

What is a Barley fieldSimply put- a distraction. Something that is becoming your focus and keeping you from hearing the voice of the Lord.A barley field is anything that you value above hearing and responding to the voice of the LordCalling you to anything- When God calls- we answer-Abasalom had every right to call on Joab, but Joab refused t o listen so Abasalom burned his field to get his attentionJeremiah dealt with this in Jer 25:3-11Not Listening- 3 “From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, this is the twenty-third year in which the word of the Lord has come to me; and I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, but you have not listened.Jeremiah 6:10 To whom shall I speak and give warning, That they may hear? Indeed their ear is uncircumcised, And they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the Lord is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.Jeremiah 13:10 This evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who follow[a] the dictates of their hearts, and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing.The First commandment was “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me”We read this stuff and we think of golden calves and asheroth poles. Serving a false savior or GodBut People serve many false Gods- A false God is anything that you 1. Love more than God 2. Trust more than God 3. Worship more than God 4. Give more attention than God 5. Desire more than God 6. Give allegiance more to than God Look at the idols of America:

1.Americanism- the identity and protection of our national identity. Not bad to be proud of your country- its bad to love your country more than Jesus and have your loyalty to it than HIM

2.Materialism- The amassing of stuff- needless trinkets and consumer purchases- Nothing wrong with having or liking nice stuff, but to what end? An expense that you don’t need?

Think about this- what new clothes have you bought specifically during this time to be able to show someone at work, school, or church if you’ve been on lockdown?

3.Money and wealth- The innate focus on how much you do or don’t have, worry about future purchases. Trust in the stock market, gas prices, real estate market, business trends etc- what about our national economy? What will we do?

Who do you trust? God can make deserts in the wilderness?

4.Family- The love of and protection of family or the love and support at the expense of the truth of the Gospel- deep desire for intimate love relationships

5.Sports. Professional and kids sports. The idea that a person who is good at a sport has some inherent spiritual value higher than a person in your life. Deep desire for kids to excel

6.Education- Learning is key- more knowledge- more influence- more power- more money

7.Fantasy- being stuck in a fantasy world in your mind fueled by social media and TV

Careers- What is my job, identity, to get materialism, money, family, education, and fantasies!

Those are just a few- I could go on and on- Those are IDOLS- Things that people LOVE above the LORDAll of them are barley fields- Something that needs to be burned down to get our attentionGod will do it. He’ll burn down anything he needs to get our attention-31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom’s house, and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?”Some people are saying that right now? Why Has God set my field on fire? What did I do wrong?

Why Does God burn barley fields?

He desires complete allegiance and demands submission- he wants our whole hearts and devotion in every area of our life. As we have submitted to him, we are submitted to his power, sovereignty and influence.Hebrews 12:5-6 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom th...

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Small Group Questions

Describe a time when your faith was tested?

Describe a time when God answered your prayers? Was it the answer you wanted? How did it turn out?

Have you ever felt there was a time that God protected you? Describe that situation.

Is your faith strong enough to face the big trials of this life? If not what things could you do the strengthen your faith?

“Tested, but not defeated” - Sermon, Marcus Ford

Speak about context

At this point of scripture, Paul and others escaped the ship they were sailing to Rome on, that crashed into Malta. This ship had 276 people on it, there were soldiers, a Roman centurion, the helmsman, an owner, and Paul (who is a prisoner) with others.

The ship became stuck, hitting land or rocks of the island and was torn apart by the waves of the storm. All 276 men had to escape and swim to shore, on different objects and broken parts of the ship.

Reaching the shore, they noticed that the people of Malta were showing unusual kindness. It says, the natives saw the rain, knew it was cold, saw the ship wreck, so they started a fire for them to keep warm. On shore, and as the fire is going, Paul goes to add more wood to the fire… and a viper bites his hand. The people said, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom though he escaped the sea, but justice does not allow him to live”. But Paul shook the snake off and suffered no harm.

They expected Paul to die. As time passed, they were all watching… Like any moment now… this man, this prisoner will soon be dead. But Paul didn’t die. Then after, the people of Malta concluded, that Paul was a god.

These are the versus we are covering tonight, of his voyage to Rome. But I also, want to include some details of the back story, to why, and how he gets here.

Paul is sailing to Rome to appeal his case matter to Caesar, because he was arrested back in Jerusalem, in Acts 21. He was arrested because, Jews of Asia, stirred up an entire crowd in a temple, with cries and false allegations against Paul… to have him arrested.

From that arrest, before getting to this point of scripture, he faces roman guards, faced a board of council members with pharisees and Sadducees, he faced governor Felix…and governor Felix sided with the Jews and wanted to do them a favor, and left Paul in prison for 2 years! During that time, Felix tried to get money from Paul for early release, but Paul wouldn’t be bribed. Then Felix was replaced by governor Porcius Festus, Then Paul faced Festus. Then soon after, he faced Herod Agrippa 2nd, (This is SON of Herod Agrippa 1st) the one who killed James, and arrested Peter Back in Acts 12. After facing Herod, Paul then sets sail to Rome, through a messy storm, spending days on the water, with others that thought they were going to die, but they made to this point, of ship wrecking in Malta.

That is the quick back story of why he is a prisoner, who he has faced so far, where he is going and how he got to this point. But the plan is to reach Rome.

All these series of events going on in Paul’s life, is God’s will and plan for him.

If you read through the chapters of Acts, you notice that, throughout Paul’s journey and mission he shares his testimony and preaches the gospel…all while continuously facing trials! Trials with Jews, Gentiles, Seduces, Pharisees, Council members, Governor Felix & Festus, Herod and many others. But only because of his faith in Jesus… being led by the spirit, he endures this journey.

This bring me to my first point – Your faith will be tested

We’ve read that Paul was arrested for his faith, stoned for his faith, jailed for his faith, beaten, faced death many times, received lashes, spent days and nights at sea… was often in pain, weary, hungry, thirsty…. facing anything satan threw at him... for his faith in Jesus!

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Today is Easter- The day we set aside to commemorate the day that Jesus rose from the deadIf you don’t know the Easter story- let me give you a quick synopsisJesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, had about a 3 year ministry in which he performed Signs and Miracles to draw people to hear the good news- That was- God was reconciling himself to man through his son, Jesus Christ- Jesus spent most of his ministry preaching to people that the Kingdom of God was here and that they should turn to GodThe Jewish religious leaders at the time brought legal charges against him because he claimed to be God and broke Jewish law- He had committed no crime because he was God in the flesh. They crucified him even tho he was innocent of all charges.Jesus crucifixion was the blood penalty paid to God on our behalf for all the sins of mankind.How do we know this? Upon his death, they put Jesus in a tomb and 3 days later he came back from the dead and proved he was God and that we could live forever with him.Jesus declared it, the prophets declared it, the word of God declares it.Today for Easter- I want to focus on one scripture that to me encapsulates the promise of todayMany a Easter has been spent saying WHAT happened and WHY it happened, but we do we do NOW? What do we do the day after Easter?We talk about the tomb, the resurrection, the players. Most if not all of you know the story of the death burial and resurrection of our savior- its central to our faith- but not central to our experience. Jesus commanded us to remember him during communion- but his promises went far past the cross, tomb, and the resurrection.That resurrection power of Jesus was there on that first easter and its still here for us TODAYHow do we live in Jesus the day after Easter? Now that the tomb is empty- now what?(We as Americans are very goal, graduate, get the job, spouse etc, but then what?)John 14:19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.- BUT HOW DO WE LIVE? we’ll get to it in a minute

THAT’S A PROMISE- BECAUSE HE LIVES WE WILL LIVE ALSO- A GREAT LIVING LIFE IN HIM

Jesus wants you to LIVE after the resurrection- not just exist but to LIVE

There were a lot of statements Jesus made prior to this in John 14He promises mansions in heaven v2 In My Father’s house are many mansions;He promises that he is preparing a place for us I go to prepare a place for you.He promised that he would come back 3 I will come again and receive you to Myself;He Promises that we will go with him to heaven that where I am, there you may be also.He declares he is the only way to heaven- v6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.He declares that he is God in v7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”v9 He who has seen Me has seen the Father;He declares the disciples will do greater works than him v12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do,He declares that HE will answer prayer- 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you [c]ask anything in My name, I will do it.He promises the Holy Spirit- 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—He promises that he will come to us- 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.And then the greatest promise- “Because I live, you will live also”What a promise! That we will LIVE because of HIM!He loves us and we love HIM by keeping his commandments- 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”He will manifest himself to us- He will become real to us.

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1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,When Paul says “First of all” he says “this is the most important”This is the most important message for the Christian and the world to hearGOOD FRIDAY- The BEST DAY EVER-What happened this day changed the course of humanitySome people don’t believe this day- they don’t believe in God, the Bible, or JesusThis is one of the most accurate events in human history. This and the resurrection.We can have full faith and assurance in this story.Rom 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.Christ died at the exact time that God wanted him to. Thousands of years before for US

Today is the day we commemorate “Good Friday” the day that Jesus Christ was crucified for our sinsIt has been called “Good Friday” For hundreds of years. Some say it’s a change from “God’s Friday” some sources see its origins in the term "God's Friday" or Gottes Freitag, while others maintain that it is from the German Gute FreitagMy Favorite is that Greek liturgy "the Holy and Great Friday"We come into Good Friday knowing that Sunday is coming- Knowing that our Savior will rise from the dead, proving that he is God and that he has overcome death for our benefitIn the back of our mind, we see and reflect on the cross but we see it through the lens of the empty tombIt wasn’t the case for the early disciples. Put yourself in their shoes. Here’s a man they gave up everything to follow, who promised them eternal life, and a place with him in paradiseNow he’s arrested, flogged and beaten before their eyes. If I’m them, my hopes and dreams are crushedJesus had spoke to them cryptically Mark 14:58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’ ”I don’t think the Disciples were the quickest group of men. They struggled with a lot of what Jesus said- this was probably no different- They didn’t understand that Jesus was going to come back from the deadI’m guessing on Friday that they thought it was the end of the story. Their rabbi and teacher put in a tombBut that’s not us. Today is GOOD. Its GREAT. Its hard to celebrate someone’s death, but we CAN celebrate it- We can rejoice in it. We SING about it and LIVE because of it. THE CROSS.Thousands of songs written about the power of the Cross, but it wasn’t the CROSS that had the powerIt was the BLOOD shed on the cross that was the power. We celebrate and rejoice in the GOOD of that day

Its Good because we receive the blood of covering

Romans 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,The blood that Jesus bled on the cross was payment for our sins.Romans 5: 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.This covering covers all of our, your sins. Everything wrong you’ve ever done and everything you ever will doThat’s GOOD. Its GOOD that your past sins are paid for. Every bad action thought or deed. PAID FORThat’s forgiveness. When you hear things like “Student loan forgiveness” or car or house note forgiven you’d get pretty excited.You’d JUMP UP AND SHOUT- You’d TELL YOUR FRIENDS. Some people don’t realize the guilt and shame they have escaped through the crossThat you’re not going to have to pay what you OWE. I OWE on my house. I OWED on my cars.Weight LIFTEDIts good because of justificationRomans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.How good it is that we have been justified before God and we can live righteously

It is the blood of cleansing 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the ligh...

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“No weapon formed”

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Small Group Questions

Describe a time when you went through a horrible situation but still had the joy of the Lord?

What actions do you take to combat fear, depression, sickness, the feeling of abandonment, disappointment, and affliction?

In what ways have you died to yourself as a Christian?

What is an area of your life you need to be less selfish in and give over to God?

Acts 27:39-44

Lots of studies on this portion of Scripture and all agree that the length of this narrative seems out of proportion to its value.

What then is the lesson we can learn from it?

First, it illustrates the providence of God

In bringing Paul safely to Rome circumstances seemed to make this impossible.

Acts 23:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, [a]“Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

Paul expresses his intention to head straight to Rome from Jerusalem, yet he was arrested in Jerusalem, subjected to endless trials, imprisoned in Caesarea, threatened with assassination, nearly drowned in the Mediterranean, nearly killed by soldiers and bitten by a snake (as we shall soon see). Each incident seemed to be designed to keep him from his God-planned destination. Since Luke concentrates on the storm, remember that the sea in OT represents evil powers in opposition to God. It was not the forces of nature, (water, wind and snake) or the schemes and plans of man which were arrayed against Paul, but the demonic forces at work through them.

Scripture is full of examples of the devil seeking to thwart God’s saving purpose through his people and His Christ. He tried through Pharaoh to drown baby Moses, through Haman to annihilate the Jews, through Herod the Great to destroy the infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and through the Sanhedrin to stifle the Apostolic witness and smother the church at its birth. And now the storm at sea attempted to stop Paul bringing his gospel to Rome, “Paul, you must stand trial before Caesar”

But God obstructed the enemy’s plan and kept him from his purpose. Luke lets us in on the excitement of his story by letting us into his secret, mainly that Paul in advance would reach Rome. We know from the beginning that he will get there. But as the narrative proceeds and the storm becomes more violent, until all hope is lost, we wonder how on earth he will be rescued. Will he make it? Yes, God said He would and no weapon of the enemy would or could stop him.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.

What does this mean to you?

Security and final victory are the heritage of each faithful servant of the Lord. The righteousness by which we are justified, and the grace by which we are sanctified, are the gift of God, and the effect of his special love.

There will be weapons formed- Scripture declares it, we have a common enemy that seeks to devour you, deceive you, lie to you, twist God’s Word. The enemy comes to steal kill and destroy, and we are not immune to his tactics—look at the life of Job, everything gone in a day. He can destroy everything you own, kill every person you love, slander your good name and lie about you; but he cannot touch your faith in God. His weapons cannot steal your salvation. They cannot rob you of your joy and peace.

A weapon only has as much power as you allow it in your life. It cannot stop me from obeying God’s Word. It can’t stop me from reading and studying the Word of God. That weapon has no power over my prayers, for at anytime I can drop on my knees and bow down before His throne.

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2 sam 14:1-24 Joab can see the king is distraught bc of Absalom. A wise woman from Tekoa Goes to King David to pretend that she is mourning. Joab tells her what to say and she does. I’m a widow, I had 2 sons who fought and killed one another. She tells him that the people wanted (demanded) Justice- They want the remaining son to be killed. Obviously upset, she says this is her one and only son the heir to his dead father. David tells her to go back to her house and he’ll send orders on what will happen. She says she’ll live under the guilt of not keeping david alive, but her son. David promises that she and her only son will be safe. She asks to privately speak with david. The woman from Tekoa is honest and says that she is honestly asking why david wont forgive Absalom and let him return to his home. She preaches to David and says, look, we’re all going to die, but God doesn’t want people to die, makes it possible for them to live. He loves and accepts the outcasts. David wants to know if Joab was involved- and she says yes. He tells Joab to bring back Absalom, but not into his presence. Joab thanks him and goes for abaslom. This is a great story- Joab and the woman from Tekoa work together to bring reconciliation between David and Absalom. There’s one verse that sits in the middle of this story of reconciliation that shows so much about GodSome say it’s the most Gospel centric scripture in the whole Old testament. It shows the reality of our spiritual and physical death, but how God wants to give life and is will to do whatever it takes so people would come to him

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.That’s the heart of this verse- and the heart of this message- God wants all to come to him in Faith14:14 For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him.I don’t want to take this farther than it needs to go- but the woman from Tekoa along with Joab are the mediators of this reconciliation between David the father and Absalom the son. Much like Jesus was the mediator of the new covenant between Us (Absalom who had committed sin) and God (The king who we have done wrong) Hebrews 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Physical death and spiritual death are realIts going to happen to all of usFor we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.The woman from Tekoa uses a word picture of death to bring to King David’s mind that his heart to not forgive Absalom and allow him to come home is so limiting- We all die- You should think of that13 So the woman said: “Why then have you schemed such a thing against the people of God? For the king speaks this thing as one who is guilty, in that the king does not bring his banished one home again.You should bring your son home David, life is short. We all die- You’ve already lost 2 sons, the son of Bathsheba and your son Amnon- isn’t that enough? Isn’t that enough death for one guy? We all die. Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”We all came from the dust of Adam, and unless raptured, we will all die a natural death one day. Death is real- We all die- I think its one of the reasons this virus thing is so daunting for many- We avoid thinking about death as much as possible and the thought of it for many people is far too much to handle- This COVID is staring death an...

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Virtual Sermon Discussion Questions

1. What is your biggest struggle with waiting?#2. Are you getting enough spiritual nourishment during this time? What things are comforting you?#3. What are you doing (specific acts) to spend your time wisely during this time?#4. Given that God is our comfort, who are you reaching out to comfort who may not know God?

14 Days of Waiting (Acts 27:27-38) Verses in NKJV

14 days of waiting…
The scripture today reminds of our current season, and the “15 days to slow the spread”. The first few days felt like “snow days”. But the last 2 weeks have turned into a time of anxiously waiting.
Anxious, hypervigilant, trouble sleeping, watching for updates daily wondering when life will be predictable and normal again. Just riding out the “storm”, waiting for it to pass.
Anxiety and Hypervigilance are basically what happens when there is a constant triggering of the body’s fight or flight mechanism. (When it lasts weeks or months, instead of just minutes.)
Example: I remember when Thad was in the hospital with pneumonia last year. I just stood there in his room for 24 hours staring at his sleeping body, watching his vital signs on the monitor, waiting for them to return to normal. Not sleeping, not eating, not playing with my phone… just waiting.
Maybe you have become familiar with this hypervigilant feeling over the last 14 days.
It’s actually a biological defense mechanism. When threatened, and animal doesn’t sleep or eat or drink. It’s focused on the threat until it passes. (Should only last seconds or minutes…)
Drinking water and taking slow breaths actually causes the brain to feel safe. Your body tells your brain that the threat must be gone, or you wouldn’t stop to drink water or eat food.
God has designed you in such a way, that if you will eat of the “bread of life” and drink of the “living water” you will have peace in the midst of the storm.
Acts 27:33-34a, And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival…
Right now, we need spiritual nourishment for OUR survival.
Continuing in the Book of Acts…
The Apostle Paul is still a prisoner, now on a ship headed to Rome so he can plead his case before Caesar. The ship is now caught in a fierce storm that has lasted 2 weeks. People are afraid!
Acts 27:20, Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
Today’s verses are a continuation of the story.
Read Acts 27:27-38
Ethan preached last week, and you should go back and listen to it. 2 things spoke to me:
“Paul believed God!” and, “Are you living like you believe God and the promise of His word?”
Paul believed God!
God has given us His word and promise, and that is our foundation and hope during the storm.
God didn’t calm their storm, he calmed their hearts. The words of God will bring us peace.
Our storm right now is COVID-19:

- 2 weeks ago: The U.S. totals were 3,100 positive cases and 60 deaths.

Right now: 175,000 positive cases, and 3,400 deaths.
Best case scenario prediction: over 1,000,000 cases, and over 100,000 deaths!
With this going on in our country, the only place we will find peace and rest is in the arms of Jesus, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are se...

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Davids first born Amnon falls in lust with his half sister Tamar. His confides in his cousin Jonadab who gives him the great idea to act sick to get his sister to bring him food. He does it. David orders Tamar to go to Amnon to feed him. She brings cakes, but amnon removes the other people in the room so they can be left alone. Amnon propositions her, she refuses based on Israel’s laws and basic moral decency. She tells him to ask the King instead, he doesn’t listen and forces himself on her. Immediately after, he begins to loathe her, kicks her out, she then gets even more upset, so he has his servants kick her out. She covers herself with ashes, tears her robe, and leaves crying. She goes to her brother Absalom, he tells her to not tell anyone, but comforts her. David hears, doesn’t want to hurt his first born Amnon, but now Abasalom hates his half brother Amnon. Absalom waits 2 years for his revenge. He invites David and Davids servants to go and be with some sheep shearers in Ephraim. David doesn’t want to go, so he asks instead for Amnon to go. David is reluctant, but he says yes. Amnon goes with Absalom. They start to feast, Amnon gets drunk, Absalom tells his servants to kill him while he’s drunk. The other sons run away. A rumor goes to David that Absalom killed all of his sons. David weeps, but Jonadab tells him that abasalom just killed Amnon for the thing with Tamar. The other sons show up to mourn Amnons death. Absalom runs away to hide , David gets over Amnons death and wants Absalom to return.

Why is this story in the Bible? It’s a disgusting shameful story. Sadly, its not exceptional, stuff like this happens in families to this day because people don’t destroy sin in their lives. Clearly Tamar is the victim. 100%. Amnon is a predator. Jonadab is a contributor. Absalom- The definition of going Old Testament on someone. Leviticus 18 lays out all the commands for sexual purity of Israel and Amnon violated them. Deuteronomy 22 talks about a man who does this and how it is deserving of deathGod hates all sin. This one is exceptionally heinous. It says a lot- but we’re just going to touch on few things- we’re taking this whole chapter today because I don’t want to camp out in it longer than neededHere’s the short version of the story- when you go against God’s stated commands and follow your own desires, it results in bad things.

Don’t follow your desires

The beginning of this story is found in the heart of Amnon v2 2 Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her.He knew it was wrong. He worked his way to get his way and enlisted his cousin to help him. Sexual immorality pre-dates the law- this dude was wrong and he knew it- caught up in desire- wantsAnd it started in his mind and his heart. He went against what he knew was right and followed his desireJames 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.That’s where it starts- desire- and then enticed. Thoughts, feelings, desires, they come- from the fleshAnd when they come- you have a decision- am I going to follow this instinct, or the word of God?You can’t trust the heart! Just because you have a desire doesn’t mean God wants you to act on itJeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?This is why our savior said that mens hearts were wicked- that’s where sin comes from- insideMark 7:21-22 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.What does it mean to you?Are you more inclined to follow your heart than the word of God?

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Take Heart, For I Believe God

Acts 27:1-25

Tonight’s sermon originally had a different beginning. But much like in the story that you’ll hear tonight, circumstances have changed. That’s what they do, right? Things can go from good to bad in a heart beat and from bad to worse, from cautious to drastic and believe it or not even from horrible to great in a moment. Such is life. But our God is a Rock! and his word never wavers.

the governor’s state-wide, mandatory quarantine is going into effect as you watch this. Friends, That doesn’t change God’s word in the slightest and it doesn’t change tonight’s sermon. This passage, Acts 27:1-25 was chosen long ago . Before anyone around here was worried about the coronavirus and before businesses were closing their doors and people started storming costco, God spoke this word and put it in your leaders’ heart to preach on it this very night.

Although what Paul and hs companions went through on their frightful voyage was a hundred times worse, than what we’re facing, the parallel are eerie. So as you listen to the story, be impressed and be encouraged and feel blessed that your Heavenly father would send you such a timely and powerful word, in your time of need,

As the psalmist sings, (Psalm 46:1,2) God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…

(read passage)

So you have Paul and his companions entering a ship and being put under the charge of Julius, a Roman officer who treats Paul kindly.

But before long, things start to take a turn for the worse. The weather turns. Sailing becomes rough. They have to take precautions and abandon the open sea in favor of the slower but safer coastal routs. In verse 6 they switch to a great big wheat ship sailing from Egypt to Italy but the winds relentlessly blow against them and their progress is very slow and difilcult. After many days, they finally reach a half-decent harbor where they can take a break. Their break turns into a long stay because the weather is just too bad to sail. Things aren't looking very good. They're on a journey. They got a plan. They're going somewhere. But it's not working out. A storms arises on the sea, the winds are howling in their face. They just can't make progress.

in verse 9 it says the sailing was now dangerous. It’s the time of year when sailing stops for the winter. it's no longer safe to be on the water.

At this point in the story the guys in charge hold a meeting to decide what to do. Paul speaks up and advises them to winter where they’re at and not risk going any further. He says guys, if we set sail now, it’s not going to be pretty. We’re going to lose the cargo and ship and probably our lives as well.

Now, it’s quite out of the ordinary to have a prisoner advising his guards what to do on their travel plans. Naturally, they don't listen to him. The word of the captain, the word of the owner and the word of the Centurion outweighs Paul's warning. Its written that the majority advised to set sail.

The majority. the majority is not always right. The majority is against Christ. This is something every Christian must be aware of. Constantly, the world is contrary to the mind of Jesus. His followers aren’t taken seriously. the world does not highly regard their opinion. This idea that the majority is always right and that just because it’s the law means that it must be just, is absurd. The majority can be fickle and wrong and downright dangerous. Don’t look for safety or affirmation in “the majority”.

Regardless of the views of the majority, truth needs to be heard and truth lovers need to stand and speak it. You are called To Be A Witness of Christ, to give God-honoring warnings to your neighbors, to your co-workers, and family. Every Christian is called to be a light on a hill. it matters not how they will treat you for it. The church is to be a faithful witness to God’s glory,

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2 Sam 12: In last weeks sermon, we see david being rebuked by Nathan and his repentant attitudeHe admitted his sins with no qualifiers or demands. He simply repents (turns from sin- admits)In our human relationships, often times people ask someone else for forgiveness, but they don’t experience the restoration of the relationship- Repentance with God always equal the reestablishment of the relationship. We repent- God forgives- That’s how it works. What we see immediately after this is what happens in his life- Great things. A few things we want grab out of this story this morning- 3 things that repentance brings

Repentance brings mercyWe serve a God of mercy- he desires to show mercy- he loves to show mercy. Its in his nature to do so. HE is loving caring, merciful God- time and time again in the OT we see his mercy. Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the [a]wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.God abundantly pardons sin- He doesn’t hold grudges or offenses. He forgives the repentantThis is see in the beginning of our verse this am- 12:24 Then David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her. So she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Now the Lord loved him, The lord LOVED him. Last part of scripture David suffered deeply for his sin. Son was killed, he was rebuked, told he caused others to blaspheme God. Just punishment for his sinBut NOW- God isn’t holding it against him because he REPENTED- God isn’t like “well, the past” No- “The Lord loved him” God loved Solomon, the son of David- Because of his MERCYThose of you who are at home today- I’m sure you’ve had the experience of having something bad happen to you- Someone did you wrong, and you spent far too much time in your mind planning their demise in your mind. OR- you hold a grudge- you wont move past itYou feel justified in your anger and frustration and hold onto it like a warm blanketYou understand that about yourself- but you need to not put that on God- he aint like that. 2 Chronicles 7:14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

That’s the nature and character of God- he forgives sin. He restores relationshipProverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.What does it mean to you?Are holding yourself in a grudge that God is not holding you to? Have you repented and walked away from your sins? Jesus forgives you and LOVES you- He isn’t holding anything against youAs much as God forgave David and loved Solomon- he love you as well. Since God has forgive you, maybe its about time you forgave yourself and moved on?James 4:9-10 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.God desires to forgive you and show you mercy and when you REPENT it brings MERCY. Ezekiel 33:11 READEzekiel 18:27-30 READ “its not fair”Yeah man- favor aint fair! There’s many of us in the church that don’t deserve what we have and didn’t get half of what we deserved but that’s the nature of OUR GODSales job- best territory- best sales. Best promotion- Over guys who had been there longerI didn’t DESERVE IT- But favor aint fair-

Repentance brings victoryThis is an interesting part of the story- if you remember back in 2 sam 10- the Israelites went to war with the ammonites and the Syrians. They beat the Syrians, but didn’t destroy the ammonites- They were unable to be fully victorious until after david dealt with his sinNOW- after repentance- Victory- He was able to be victorious over the ammonite...

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Crazy Talk (Acts 26:19-32) New King James Version

Read Acts 26:19-32

Previously, in the Book of Acts…

The Apostle Paul had been a Jewish Pharisees, and led the charge of persecuting Christians. He became radically saved, and given the mission by Jesus to preach the Gospel to the Jews/Gentiles.
Not long ago, when in Jerusalem, Paul was seized by an angry Jewish mob that wanted to kill him, accusing him of teaching against the Laws of Moses.
The Pharisees were mad that he taught salvation was also for the Gentiles, and the Sadducees were mad that he taught Jesus was resurrected from the dead. Both are key truths of the Gospel!
Paul was arrested and taken into custody by the Roman soldiers, mostly for his own protection. Even though they couldn’t find a Roman law he had broken, he remained captive for over 2 years.
He now finds himself sharing his testimony in front of the King of Judea, King Agrippa, and a room full of the most influential people in Caesarea and the surrounding areas.

1: Fear did not stop Paul from being obedient.

Acts 26:15-19, So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

- Paul was obedient, but look where it has gotten him. He’s standing trial, falsely accused, before Gentiles with the power to kill him, and Jews lying in wait to kill him if he is released.

Example: My fear of leadership, bootcamp story, setting up tents and getting punished for no reason. Avoided those with power over me ever since. Then invited Chiefs to church.

- I got burned before, but needed to get over that hurt, and move forward with ministry.

- Paul dealt with significant hardship before this day, but he held onto the words of Jesus, “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,”

YOU have a word from the Lord too! Luke 12:4, (Jesus said) “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.”
Just like for Paul, Jesus has given YOU the ability to share the gospel and your testimony “with both small and great.” Don’t be afraid to be committed to your Christian faith in public.
Psalm 56:11, In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

2: Paul’s “crazy talk” almost worked!

Verse 24, Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” (crazy)
Agrippa insulted Paul about his persistence in the faith, but Paul wasn’t offended or deterred.
Christianity is counter cultural. It’s common to get push back from people when you make life decisions based on your beliefs, especially when they conflict with the cultural norms.
Example: Vegan, many were antagonistic even almost offended by it, I couldn’t understand why people cared so much about what I ate. I felt great, healthy, and getting good results…
Isn’t this what happens with your Christian faith also? Healthy, good results, but people want to criticize it, and tell you what you’re missing out on. (Instead of meat, cut out sin.)
The reason is, that you changing your life takes away their excuse for NOT changing theirs. You show it’s possible to live for Jesus,

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2 sam 12:15-23 Walk in Faith and Victory

Life is uncertain. We don’t know what tomorrow holds or what will happen. I wouldn’t have expected a month ago that I’d be livestreaming churchWhat we take for granted in times like this- I look forward to our church coming together physically soon- don’t know when but we’re assessing daily. I don’t like it- pray pray prayThe value of the gathered church cannot be overstated- What a treasure and gift to be able to gather! Maybe finally we understand the heart of the persecuted church- those who cantJesus said- Matt 6:25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?We can’t worry in this hour. We can’t be afraid. This is nothing compared to what the early church endured. This is the moment for us to walk in Faith and not in fear. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.Keep checking on your neighbors. Don’t just think about yourself. Think of others in this timeBeen going through 2 sam- and today it plays- 2 Sam 12:15-23This is the judgment that God promised David for his adulterous affair with BathshebaIf you knew that you had done God wrong and he said he was going to kill your son because of your unfaithfulness, you would have a choice- fear or faith- They can’t co-existIn this story we see David. We see how he responds when calamity is coming- what will he do?

Faith fasts and Prays- or live in fearWhat to do when you have a need- David went and fasted unto the Lord. He knew that the Lord was the only one who was going to be able to fix the problem. NO ONE ELSEWhen you come to this point in your life- you have a choice- go to God- or yourself16 David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.David went straight to fasting and prayer- humbled before God- GOD ONLY YOU CAN DO ITFasting prepares you not God- Nehemiah, Ezra, Isaiah, Jeremiah, stories of fasting ACTSFasting can move the hand of God- but it changes YOU Matt 6 says to do in SECRETIn that secret place- God does something to your heart- prepares you for what is to comeLearning to lean on God- to say “Lord, I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow” Joel 2:12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?What does it mean to you?We’re in Washington state- Unprecedented times- School closures, NBA, NCAA, Church, travel, jobs, etc etc. Never seen something like this in my lifetime- Crystal and I were at Costco a couple weeks ago- and everyone was losing their mind- I’m like- just doing my shopping- but its clear online and in person who is leaning into God-

This isn’t the first time you’ve heard this message, but it may be the first time you’ve applied itI’ve been preaching for years- FULLY SUBMIT TO JESUS- HE IS YOUR PORTION- ONLY JESUSAnd you may have agreed in thought- but not in action- but TODAY is your dayYou are either going to choose to lean into God- or yourself- WHERE WILL YOU TURN???We’re in a storm right now- I think Jesus would say “where’s your faith”- NO MATTER WHATMark 4:40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”Matthew 8:26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.That doesn’t mean to go around licking doorknobs, but it does mean that you can trust God during this time. Are you sick? Are you fed? Are your bills paid? Psalm 9:10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in...

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Lights Camera Action Acts 26:9-18

Recap

Paul is still being held under false accusation He is now before King Agrippa who will hear him (again)Pastor Crystal spoke about the hope Paul spoke about even in chainsHe gives an account of how he persecuted Christians and how as he Journeyed to Damascus, and how he met Jesus Christ This was the beginning of him receiving the assignment to carry the Gospel to the Jews and the Gentile

Gods Plans:

Every kid has a dream and growing up in Kenya was no different.I wanted to be successful, I wanted a castle like every some of you kid, didn’t even think about how much the electric bill would be ...leave alone the maintenance cost I wanted to be a lot of things – some really good, like be responsible, have a wife and kids, own a business, own a farm and have lots of animals – Some not so good like being a movie producer in Hollywood e.t.cEven today, there are things that I wanted to do – Most of those plans are about me and my desires, my comfort, my drive But God usually has a different planI have come to a point in my life, where I have realized that the moment that I gave my life to Christ, my say – my plans, my desires are only secondary to what God’s will is for my family and IAnd that’s what’s Paul is saying:

Acts 26:9 (AMPC) - I myself indeed was [once] persuaded that it was my duty to do many things contrary to and in defiance of the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Translated – I had a plan for my life and that plan was a great plan, a plan that was against Jesus and his peopleBut **Proverbs 16:9 - A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.Paul, educated in the best school, had a great mentor, had high ranking career. He was devoted to his job, regardless of the moral implication, he was dedicated. In todays standard- Paul was successful Paul was already obedient, hardworking – though in the wrong endeavors, the fact is that, he put his all in the things that he did And when that moment came, all that was required was a redirection It’s easier to redirect a moving train Are you moving …? or you stagnant. Waiting to be moved Moses – Came to the red see and God “Exodus 14 - And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. Same case with David, Anointed King as a teenager – Yet he didn’t just sit around and wait. He was a shepherd and a good on that would defend his dad’s flocksGod is looking for a willing heart, a hard-working person whom He can useProverbs 16:1 - The preparations[a] of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word.Matthew 12:35-37 - A good man out of the good treasure [a]of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”Even though God has the final answer, we are still accountable to the plans we make Our lives are being recorded – every moment and we will be accountable to for those decisionsI got good news though, we have a God that loves us, who is willing to redirect us from our foolishness. From death.There comes a time in one’s life when you see the Light, and once you have, you can’t be the same Paul was transformed. All his plans were tabled and found useless and at the moment, the past was just that, a picture of the Past.I love photography- I love to look at old pictures – Q missions’ headquarters was a bookstore Pictures capture a moment in time …and truly a picture is worth a thousand words. (I love to guess- what was going on in their lives at that time?

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YOU ARE THE MAN 2 Sam 12:1-15

Nathan comes to David- tells him a parable- Rich man had a lot, poor man had nothing but one lamb. Rich man took this poor mans one lamb. David is upset! What kind of guy does this? He should be punished! You david- You’re this kind of Guy. Then Nathan give him a prophetic word- why did you kill Uriah after I had given you everything? You messed up now. I still love you- but you’re going to be aking of war. Your own son is going to be a problem for you. David admits his fault- but there is going to be consequence. Special window- we have psalm 51 so we can see David’s response and heart in thisThis is a story of redemption- From sinner to forgiven- It’s the story of our faith- How do we get there? The bible and its stories are meant for US not others- Its to change US

Step one- You Have to see yourself

David hears the parable and assumes its about someone else- The parable is quite simple- the rich man takes what the poor man has and pays him no mindDavid’s initial response- someone shows deeds of someone else- they scorn that person,shame them (Its like- why is the Prez on SM- just causes problems- let it go-but they dont)5 So David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this [a]shall surely die! 6 And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.”Typical for people- they can see the problems with other people easier than they can see them in themselves. (Notice what people complain in others is usually what they struggle with)David even goes so far to decide a judgment against the man- Death, and 4 fold payback. AND how his heart SHOULD have been- with pity for the one who didn’t have enoughDavid could easily see what was wrong with this other man- but missed the point completely- 7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! THIS STORY IS ABOUT YOUHe couldn’t see himself because he assumed that he was good-THIS HAPPENS IN CHURCH- YOU’RE thinking about who should hear this instead of LISTENING In his eyes he was perfect, had nothing to work on- even AFTER murder against Uriah- How do you murder someone and see no problem with it? (People murder people with their tongues, hearts and actions and have no problem with it, so I can understand it)He eventually saw himself- Psalm 51:5-6 READ Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.David eventually saw himself- but here- he didn’t immediately- thought it was someone else

What does it mean to you?Where is the first place you look when you’re having a problem? Others? Or do you start with yourself? If the list of the problems in your life are all connected with everyone else- wrongUsing your parents, past job, pastor, church, friend, etc etc as scapegoat is a recipe for disasterLamentations 3:40 Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord;Its easy to sit up here and say “every problem in your life is yours” but that’s not true- But only YOU can choose how you are going to respond and deal with it- The TRUTH is that often times- the problem IS you- For me- My thoughts, feelings, how I feel about myself. What I want, think I deserve. How I slept, my weight, what I’m doing. But the path to repentance and spiritual discovery lies in HONEST assessment of yourself. Gal 6:3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.1 Cor 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.Romans 12:3 READThe path to redemption- First or continually is to always start with yourself- HONESTLYLuke 18:9-14 READ Favorite parable- ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—Pr 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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The Incredible Hope

Acts 25:23-27; 26:1-8

Paul before King Agrippa is the longest and most elaborate of the five trials that Paul endures.

King Agrippa- the son of Herod Agrippa, or “King Herod” who persecuted the Jerusalem church, having James killed and Peter imprisoned. Agrippa was well acquainted with Christianity.

Paul defends his Jewish roots as a Pharisee and he was on trial of the hope in God’s promise to all of Israel, which he and they shared, namely that God would sent the promised Messiah (foretold and foreshadowed in the OT) to rescue and redeem His people. Israel was still eagerly expecting the fulfillment of this promise.

To which Paul proclaims, this hope has been fulfilled in Jesus, whose resurrection was the proof of His Messiahship and the pledge of our resurrection too.

Why should anybody think resurrection to be incredible?

This is our incredible hope- the resurrection. The greatest event in the history of the world

“Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Romans 8:23-25 NKJV

When we have hope we can expect and confidently anticipate the good things in the Word of God to become a reality in our lives. The amount of hope working in our heart determines how we view the circumstances around us as well as our view of the future.

That is the difference between faith and hope. Hope is a future reality or experience. It is something to look forward to that we desire, expect, or anticipate happening at some time in the future.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Presently, in the now of our life, we are not experiencing it or have not received it. It hasn’t manifested or become a physical reality yet. The things we hope for we are not seeing them physically in our possession or having happened. Faith gives us the confidence, the assurance, the full persuasion, that what we hope for will happen.

The resurrection gives us incredible hope for this life and in the life to come. Jesus said, “If you will only believe, you will see the glory of God!” What hope does the resurrection give us?

Incredible hope for a changed life

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.

Those who have this hope in them (the hope of the resurrection) are to purify themselves and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

A Resurrected life looks different- we are not the “walking dead”, but dead men revived and made new

They didn’t recognize Jesus after He was resurrected. (Luke 24:13-35 ref for me only) Walk to Emmaus

v.32 “Did our heart not burn within us, while He talked with us by the way?” Mark records, “After this, He appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking into the country”

If you do not look different after having proclaimed Christ- have you truly been converted?

Jesus gave parables about incomplete conversions- some seed fell among the wayside….

John 12:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

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2 Sam 11 And someone said

Someone should have said Guard YourselfDavid has come off of some really big victories. Quite the trajectory- Shepherd boy to Goliath slayer to being pursued to being King. From nothing-Charge of Israel- Many have conjectured what led up to this point in David’s lifeMost commentators agree- it was pride behind this escapade- Thinking of himself more highly than he ought- believing his own press clippings- Pride can bring anyone to think they are invincible- we see it in leaders all the time- Start believing they are something they are not- feeling like they can get away with anything- so they try to- give themselves over to the desires of the flesh (not just sex) No one is immune to them-

David would not have ended up in this predicament if he had guarded himself. Had he realized the pressures of life, the success of life, and the dangers- he would have guarded himself and set guardrails around himself and his life to keep him from Murder/SexDeuteronomy 22:8 “When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring guilt of bloodshed on your household if anyone falls from it. Parapet- Cover- Defend- is the root KJV- A “battlement” If you don’t protect the roof- someone falls off- and its on you-But ALSO Protect yourselfEx 21:28-29 and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not kept it confined, There is an accountability to lack of preparation- You KNOW what is going to happenYou have violent dog that bites- Get rid of it. David didn’t put guard rails around his lifeHe was untouchable at this point and decides to touch whatever he wantsProverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.Isaiah 2:11-12 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, READ

What does it mean to youAre you setting up guardrails and parapets in your life? Are you watching your success?Sometimes success is scarier than failure and people will self-destruct out of fearBut we KNOW the weak areas of our life but we pretend we don’t need the guardrail Obadiah 3-4 The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ 4 Though you ascend as high as the eagle, And though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down,” says the Lord.Pride can come in many forms- but when it comes to the sins that entangle- we think we are stronger than we are- God can save, deliver, set free, change, but wrong place, wrong time etc. Ive seen marriages destroyed, kids in jail, total and complete destruction- NO GUARDRAILSDon’t go to stupid places with stupid people doing stupid things at stupid times (No downtown)1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.RUN- Have NOTHING to do with it- Don’t dabble in it- No one falls in Grand Canyon from TexasEphesians 5:3

Someone should have said Stay in the fight (he should have been at war) 11:1 READ It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle,Not only did David not Guard himself, he took himself out of the fightHe never should have been there- if had been doing what he was supposed to be doing it never would have been an issue- He was supposed to be at war- but chose to stay homeEcclesiastes 3:8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.This part of the Bible says that war was commonplace- “We war in the spring” lol- WARMust have just been what they did- men went to war- that was their jobWas he scared ? Was he lazy? Its not night time- couldn’t have seen her- Sleeping in the middle of the day, gets off his bed and starts looking around and sees a beautiful womanSTOP- Right there is a decision point- he gave up on the physical war- but there’s a war for his eyes ri...

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The Terminator! Acts 25:1-22

Time line:

New governor FestusJews appeal to Festus against Paul They wanted Paul to be taken to Jerusalem – but not really, they just want to kill him on the way thereFestus refuses to send Paul to Jerusalem He requests the Jews (accusers) to come with him and state their casePaul makes his defense and is not afraid to diePaul appeals to Caesar King Agrippa and his sister Bernice request to hear him

This evening, I want to speak to you about Sin and the nature of Sin.

Acts 23 – we saw the Jews plotting to kill Paul …but their plan was frustrated by a small boy – Paul nephewIt’s been 2 years and the Jews still want to Kill Paul. With the new King, they are not using a new line,

Acts 25:1-3 Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 2 Then the [a]high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, 3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him.”

The enemy does not create – but uses the same trick over and over. he just gets better at it as we fall prey to his schemes. I know that in my life, the struggles I have are the same, they are just dressed in a different way.I think I have overcome them and as soon as I let my guard down, boom! There it is again.We ought to be aware how our enemy -sin - works in order to guard ourselves

Who here has ever seen the movies sequels – The Terminator?

Dark future – an AI has destroyed the earth but in 2029 the humans lead by John Connor destroys Skynet (brain) and wins but the machines have a secret plan – the machine send a lone robot agent to kill John Connors mother before he is even born.Disguised as a human, to fit in (Sin)Look normal (Sin)To the outside it looks really good but on the inside it’s a soulless metal The enemy knows what you are capable of, and just like the terminator, he will try and destroy your dreams before you can even get started. (Steal, Kill and destroy)John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.The terminator does not give up, no matter how much you think you have killed or destroyed it, it will find a way to regroup and come after you. Folks, that is how sin is.

Sin is relentlessoppressively constant; incessant ((of something regarded as unpleasant) continuing without pause or interruption)

We see it clearly here, that no matter what Paul does, how long he stays away from the Jews, they still want to destroy him. They want to kill him.

Acts 25:4 -5 - But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”

Gills commentary:

Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, Who are at leisure, can spare time, and to whom it will be convenient, without interrupting other business, to take such a journey; ( 24hr by foot – 110Km) and who are able to bear the expenses of it, without hurting their families, and whose health and age will admit of it; and above all, who are masters of this affair, and are capable of forming charges, and of supporting them with proper proofs and evidences: let such go down with me; from Jerusalem to Caesarea: and accuse this man: in proper form, according to the rules of law, of what he is guilty, and can be proved upon him: if there is any wickedness in him; or committed by him, anything that is absurd and unreasonable, notoriously flagitious and criminal; that is, contrary to the rules of reason, the common sense of mankind,

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2 Sam 10 Shaved Off half their beards

One time in Jr High, my older brother skipped school for 8 days before the school called. Turns out every day my mom was dropping him off at this kids house before school they were not going- After that- My brother wasn’t allowed to hang out with him anymore. Hard no. There are some people you shouldn’t help and associate with.1 David is still showing Kindnessv-1-2 2 people misinterpreted his kindness and attacked him v 3-4 3. David covers their humiliation V5- lets them go to Jericho to grow their beards back out 4. The dudes realize they ruined the relationship V6 They became a stench to david- 5. David sends his whole armyV7-8 sends in Joab and Abishai 6. Joab and Abishai split up to win V 9-12 They have each others back- 7. The arameans and the ammonites lose 13-16 Both of them lose. No match for Israel- 8. The Arameans decide to fight and lose even worse show up with 40 lots die V17-19 9. The Arameans learn their lesson submit to Israel v 19V19 So the Syrians were afraid to help the people of Ammon anymore.Why was that? Why were they afraid to help the People of Ammon Anymore? I would think its because they realized it was a fools errand- No hope of success. They got sucked into a battle that wasn’t theirs, lost people, chariots and commanders. Never should have got involved. Never took on someones offense. Should have stayed away

Don’t get involved in someone elses business The beginning of this story is that David wanted to continue to show Kindness, so he seeks out the Ammorites to bless their king. Some of the mid level guys assume it’s a spy game- not trueBecause David had been enemies with the Ammonites, they assumed the worst- So they humiliate these Guys by cutting beards and chopping clothes off- This is a local beefBut the Ammonites are about to get it from David- so they hire the Syrians to get involved This has NOTHING to do with the Syrians. They are mercenaries to the cause only. My dad was SPD- Told me as a kid- Never get involved in a fight you come upon- They turn on uPr 26:17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.If you know anything about dogs- You take them by the ears you are getting bit- Bad plan. Proverbs 20:3b any fool can start a quarrel. It takes little to nothing to get people worked upBut the Bible is clear- strife is bad. Fights are bad. Division is bad. God don’t like it. Had the Syrians backed out- Maybe the Ammonites would have clarified the intent (Motives) Prov 26: 20-21 Where there is no wood the fire goes outWhen you don’t add to the fight- get involved in the fight- it ceases to be a fight. (I’ve never been in a fistfight except with my brother and Jay at the northgate mall- I ran)

What does it mean to youStay out of other peoples business. Its none of your business. It has nothing to do with you. Its amazing what people make their business. Paul wrote. 1 Thes 4:11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,You are not in a reality show, detective show, sleuth show, or investigative reporterA lot of the news is “who did what” and people translate that into their own lives, and in churchLets follow you around all day, get in your checkbook, look up your past, find who hates you1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.Story about Dad and the Union leader- Mom crossing the picket line. Bible puts murder in the same verse as a busybody- Every knows one- no one thinks they are one. Want to know everything about everyone but keep their life private. 1 Tim 5:13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.Its sin. Pure and simple.

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Motives Matter (Acts 24:24-27) Scriptures in NKJV

Quick recap of Paul:

The Apostle Paul was in Jerusalem, in the Temple, taking part in a Jewish purification ritual, when some Jews seized him. With false accusations they stirred up a mob, caused a riot, and attempted to kill him. The Roman authorities stepped in to save him.
The Jews want him killed, but the Roman rulers couldn’t find a crime that he has committed. Certainly nothing worth imprisonment or death.
To save him from the rioting mob and a murder plot in Jerusalem, Claudius Lysias sent Paul to Governor Felix in Caesarea. Although he hadn’t committed a crime, the Jews could bring their accusations before Felix if they wanted.
The High Priest showed up to condemn Paul (but the original accusers didn’t show up.) Paul made his defense, no real evidence presented, but Felix wanted to wait a few days to decide, and talk to the Roman Commander who rescued Paul from the mob at first, so Paul was still held as a prisoner.

Read Acts 24:24-27

Motives vs Actions:

Actions are what you did, motives are why you did it.
We are “meaning making machines”, and determining motives is usually the first thing we do.
We will automatically assign negative motives to people’s action, but excuse the motives of dogs.

- When a person lashes out, we say they are just mean, jealous, spiteful, and malicious.

When a dog bites, we say it’s the owner’s fault, it was abused, it feels threatened or scared, that’s just what dogs do. We don’t see that people hurt people for the same reasons?

Example: The time a yelled and berated family member on the phone, with dad in the hospital dying, untreated PTSD, and brother diagnosed with kidney failure.

- My motives were good, but my actions were very wrong!

I apologized immediately. I knew instantly my actions were wrong. It was not accepted. The motives of everything I had ever done were now being questioned.
I had to tell them about my PTSD. Then all of a sudden, I was forgiven, and showed care and concern. I only received the sympathy that a wounded animal gets, not that of a beloved family member.
Wounded people will “bite” you too. It’s worth considering their possible motives for why.
Is that all it takes? Someone wrongs you and you’re done? What if Jesus did that to you?!
Tonight, reflect on your own motives and subsequent actions. Consider your response to the actions of other, despite their motives. WHY do you do WHAT you do?

Point #1: Consider Felix’s motives.

Proverbs 21:2, Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.

Read Verse 25:
Felix, “…had a more accurate knowledge of The Way…” (Verse 22), so he already understood what Paul was talking about. Felix was also notably corrupt.
Felix wife, Drusilla, was Jewish. She understood God’s laws also. She abandoned her husband to marry Felix. She knew what she did was against God’s commands.
The Bible says he was afraid (of what?) so he sent Paul away. Hearing Paul’s message, Felix and Drusilla clearly felt convicted. The possible judgment of God is scary for the unrepentant.
He is avoiding biblical truth, because the truth can hurt, and REQUIRE life change.
Read Verse 26:

- Felix wants a bribe to release Paul. (Remember, Paul did nothing wrong to be locked up.)

- “…he sent for him more often...”, every week to hear Paul’s message about Christ.

- He wanted to be in Paul’s presence, not for the gospel, but to get something for himself.

Read Verse 27:
Felix left Paul bound to please the Jews. He wasn’t Jewish. He didn’t believe they were right, but he left Paul in captivity anyways, presumably to maintain favor in their eyes.
His motives were to please the people around him. His actions were to be unfair to Paul.

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2 sam 9 Be Kind- Rewind

Back in the day- rented VHS tapes- Be kind- rewind- Premise- someone else was kind

Since David received God’s kindness, he wanted to share it with someone elseNow David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”After David had experienced victory, established himself as king- his response was to find someone else to bless. It was a natural response to the protection and grace he had receivedAttacked by Saul- pursued by Saul. Protected and delivered- made king- Huge blessingsHe wanted to bless someone else because he was blessed- You should do this to! David and Jonathan had entered into covenant with each other- and David wasn’t going to forget the covenant that he had made- The blessings extended past the death of JonathanThe commitments that Bible people made mattered- They didn’t enter into them lightly

Where was Mephibosheth? He may have thought that because there was a new king- that he would be executed- Chances are that Mephibosheth was in hiding- afraid for his life4 So the king said to him, “Where is he?” What kindness did David show him? Khesed- From the root- to bow- to be equal with. When you show someone kindness- you are operating on an equal plane with them- either going down to where they are, or bringing them up to where you are. It’s a submission of yourself and an elevation of the other person- This is a huge deal in Biblical society- Not something to be taken lightly- for a king to associate with the lowly- The only answer is he actually meant it when he said the vow and intended to keep it- marriage, debts, oaths, vows. Words mean something- They do. Mephibosheth may have been scared- it must be why David assured him such as this- 7 So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”But he made him big promises- you’ll be at my table- you’ll be taken care of. Kindness upon Kindness simply because he was the son of his best friend Jonathan1 Sam 20: 42 READ the covenant between David and Jonathan.

We are MephiboshethMephibosheth did nothing to receive this blessing other than he was related to JonathanIt was because of the kindness of DAVID not of Mephibosheth that he received the blessingIt was ALL David- HIS Kindness. HIS holding to his oaths. HE keeping his covenants. God came looking for you before you were looking for him, God extends us kindness because of HIS goodness, not ours. It is because of HIS covenant promises, David knew these promises- Psalm 106:45 And for their sake He remembered His covenant, And relented according to the multitude of His mercies.All through the OT we see a God who keeps his covenant to his people- He doesn’t give up- he shows kindness to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob etc because of who HE ISDavid shows us the heart of God in this instance- that HE shows kindness to MEphibosethBut we are Mephibosheth here- we’re lame, broken, worthless, with nothing to offerBut GOD in HIS Kindness- comes and rescues US from OUR pain- our Misery- Our bad decisionsRomans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.God didn’t look down on us and save us because of our worthiness- but because of his greatness1 John 4:9-10 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.But we serve a God of Forgiveness- he always has been!That’s the love of God- that he would come to US and love US. We weren’t loving HIM-

ITS HIS NATURE TO FORGIVE 1 Kings 8:50 and forgive Your people who have sinned against You,...

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No Honor in His Own Country

43 Now after the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast. 46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you [people] see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." 49 The nobleman said to Him, "Sir, come down before my child dies!" 50 Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your son lives." So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told [him], saying, "Your son lives!" 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." 53 So the father knew that [it was] at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives." And he himself believed, and his whole household. 54 This again the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee. - John 4:43-54 NKJV

Have you ever heard the phrase “seeing is believing”? A lot of people in the modern world are convinced that this is the only way that they can be certain of something.

Especially when it comes to accepting the claims of Jesus or the Gospels. They have to see it to believe it and, no doubt, seeing something can help you accept something but is seeing always believing?

And is there a difference between accepting a fact or having mental ascent regarding something and having Biblical faith? I want to demonstrate to you that you can have belief in one sense and yet not have what the Bible calls “faith”.

Charles Blondin, who some of you may have heard of, was a French tightrope walker who lived in the 19th century. He grew up in the circus and he is considered one of the greatest tightrope walkers of all time.

In the mid-1800s he was enamored with Niagara Falls and he concocted a scheme. He was going to stretch a tight rope the length of Niagara Falls over 1000 feet and then walk across it.

Once the planned stunt was known, an enormous crowd showed up to watch him cross the gorge which he did with no trouble.

Now he crossed Niagara Falls a number of times promising that each performance would be more daring than the last and he never used any nets to catch himself

He crossed it blindfolded. He crossed it backwards. He ran across. He did somersaults and backflips across. He carried His manager on his back across.

He crossed on stilts. He crossed while shackled. He crossed while tied up in a sack.

Once he carried a stove and utensils on his back, walked to the center of the cable, started a fire and cooked an omelet. When it was ready, he lowered the breakfast to passengers on a passing ship

One time he asked the crowd if they believed he could cross the falls with a wheelbarrow and he got mixed answers. He then proceeded to walk across with the wheelbarrow.

Next, the wheelbarrow was filled with rocks and he asked again if they thought he could do it. He then did it. Finally, he asked if they thought he could cart a man over the falls in that wheelbarrow.

Of course, the crowd was fully convinced by now that he could, so they said yes. He then asked if anyone would volunteer to get into the wheelbarrow and … no one from the crowd could muster the courage. Finally, with no volunteer from the crowd to be had, he carted his manager over the falls without incident.

You see, they had seen wonders with there very eyes and they

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Count the Cost – Luke 14:28-33

Introduction

Please stand for the reading of God’s Word.

Luke 14:28-33 ESV For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? (29) Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, (30) saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ (31) Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? (32) And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. (33) So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

You may be seated

Last week we had a hard hitting sermon about hating yourself and loving Jesus SO MUCH that in comparison it looks as though you hate your family.Now scripture is clear that you should absolutely love your family, in fact scripture talks about that a lot.But you should love JESUS so much that He is your only consideration.Knowing that true love comes only from God in the first place. So if your family is to be loved it has to be a love that comes from Christ.Nonetheless, last weeks sermon was a punch in the spiritual gut for some of us. That was the warm up for this message this morning:

Show Title Slide

If the thought of hating yourself and dying to yourself seems rough… then listen closely to this message.If the thought of putting your God before your family seems ridiculous, then listen closely to this message.This message is all about this: Do you really want to be a Christian? Are you really wanting to sign up for what God has for you?Jesus gives us two examples of counting the cost, and they cover two major areas of living the Christian Life, He talks about building and warfare, so let’s see what Christ has for us this morning… let’s pray.

Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray Pray

Count the Cost of Building Your Life on Christ

Count the cost of Building your Life on Christ, that’s point one this morning…

Luke 14:28-30 ESV For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? (29) Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, (30) saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

Count the cost of building your life on Christ.If you are going to be a Christian, if you are going to follow Jesus Christ as Lord, then you are building your life on Him.Life, in this sense, can be looked at as a tower that you build. From the moment you are born the foundation is being poured.The way your parents raise you.The external influences on you as a child.Who you grow up with and hang out with.What you learn and how you behave as a child…This builds your foundation, this is what the rest of your life is going to be built on.Then as you grow into a teenager and a young adult your foundation influences how you build your life, doesn’t it.If you were taught to lie and steal, you build a life of lying and stealing.If you were neglected, you build a life of trying to do things on your own.If you were spoiled, you build a life of selfishness.All of these things that happened to you as a kid, whether good or bad, they influence how you build your life.Everyone has a life story, how they became who they are today.And some people spend lots of money, time, and effort trying to reform that foundation that was destroyed for them as a kid… they go to theory, read self help books, try to retrain their mind and their ways…But for Christians we get a second chance at our life story, we get a second chance at that foundation…Because the Christian Life Starts with being BORN AGAIN!

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A Pesky Fellow

Acts 24:1-23

Paul is tried before the procurator Felix, a representative of Rome, but it was the Jews who were prosecuting him. The crowd was part Roman and part Jewish. The charges are political as well as religious.

Ananias the high priest responds to a summons to go down to Caeserea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, to bring their charges against Paul before the governor.

Tertullus presents his case before Felix with an endeavor to capture the judge’s good will- complimenting to the point of nauseating flattery. (v.2-4)

Tertullus calls Paul a “pestilent fellow, a perfect pest”, stirring up riots, expressing political overtones; a Nazarene ringleader, accusing him of a religious sect; and of desecrating the temple, a particularly damaging and dangerous accusation because the Romans had given the Jews wide powers in dealing with offenses against their temple.

Paul launches into his defense.

Here was Paul’s confession of faith (v.14), “I confess”. It consisted for four affirmations:

I worship the God of our fathers- we worship the same God
I believe everything written in the law and prophets- believed the same truths

3. I have the same hope of God as these men- shared the same hope

I strive always as much as they to keep a clear conscious- cherished the same ambition

Paul purpose was not to make a personal declaration, but to insist that he shared it with the people of God. He was not an innovator, but loyal to the ancestral faith, nor was he a heretical deviant but stood squarely in the mainstream Judaism. His worship, faith, hope and goal were no different than theirs.

“The Way” enjoyed direct continuity with the OT, for the Scriptures bore witness to Jesus Christ as the one in whom God’s promises had been fulfilled.

What does this mean to you?

The OT is still God’s Word and relevant for today’s world.

Paul proclaims that the same God of the “law and the prophets” is the same God he preached about.

Jesus expounded on the OT, preaching passages and explaining them to the crowds in their original intent and purpose because the people made them a means of legalism instead of a loving God who was watching over His people with care and concern.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Paul tells Timothy “all Scripture”, which at the time was only the law and the prophets

It’s a shame that we have to tell people this now-a-days, but there is so much heretical preaching out there about “unhitching” from the OT

The Old Testament is profitable for Christians today.

We cannot fully understand the New Testament apart from knowing the Old Testament.

The Old Testament drips with symbolism and realities of Christ. Jesus is present from the very first chapter of the Bible.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. There is no such thing as a "God of the Old Testament" that is different from the "God of the New Testament."

The Old Testament was written that we might have hope.

Paul says that

"whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4).

--Prophecy. Over 25% of the Bible is prophetic in nature! That 25% of God's word is profitable for us. When we read prophecies in the Old Testament that have already been fulfilled (i.e., prophecies fulfilled during the 70 year captivity, or fulfilled at Jesus' first coming, etc.), our faith and confidence grows that ALL the promises of God are yes! He will fulfill every single one, and so we read prophecy and rest in His sovereignty over the future

--The Law.

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Super bowl Sunday--The Second Half

Today’s Superbowl—who you got? How many of you are just glad the Patriots are not in it?

Everybody loves a comeback story.

SCORE: San Francisco 49ers 38, New Orleans Saints 35

DATE: Dec. 7, 1980

BIGGEST DEFICIT: 28 points

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Saints were winning 35-7 at halftime. Game over, right? Wrong. A quarterback named Joe Montana — in just his second NFL season — led the 49ers to the greatest comeback in NFL regular-season history. During 16 NFL seasons, Montana would lead his team to 31 fourth-quarter comebacks.

SCORE: St. Louis Cardinals 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28

DATE: Nov. 8, 1987

BIGGEST DEFICIT: 25 points

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Cardinals’ comeback from a 28-3 deficit wasn’t the biggest in NFL history, but it was the latest in NFL history. St. Louis scored an incredible 28 points … in the fourth quarter.

1992 wild card round: Bills 41, Oilers 38 -- 32 points

The Bills trailed 35-3 at the half. Though the Oilers rallied to tie, the Bills prevailed on a Steve Christie field goal.

2013 wild card round: Colts 45, Chiefs 44 -- 28 points

The Colts trailed 31-10 at halftime and 38-10 with 13:39 remaining in the third quarter. Indianapolis outscored Kansas City 35-6 the rest of the way for a 45-44 victory. The 28-point comeback the second-largest in NFL postseason history.

Super Bowl LI: Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT) -- 25 points

The Patriots trailed 28-3 with 8 minutes, 31 seconds left in the third quarter, but pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, if not sports championship history. They outscored the Falcons 31-0 the rest of the way.

2002 wild card round: 49ers 39, Giants 38 -- 24 points

The 49ers trailed 38-14 at home in the second half vs the Giants. The 49ers scored 25 unanswered points and won when the Giants botched the snap on a 40-yard field goal attempt as time ran out.

Job 42:12a New Living Translation (NLT)

12 So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning.

Whatever condition you are in today, whatever you are going through, whatever pain or affliction you are experiencing; I want to encourage you that it’s not over and God is not done! The second half can be better than the first.

In the meantime, while you are praying and waiting on God, here’s my half time speech to motivate you.

Don’t get stuck

Every great QB has the ability to overcome their last play. They don’t get stuck in the mindset of, “this is it. I’ll never make the next down”. They remain positive and confident that they will get out of the deficit they are in.

Vince Lombardi was a renowned football coach who led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships and two Super Bowl championships over a nine year period. Before Lombardi took over the coaching position, the Packers were a losing team, so he gained fame as a talented motivator.

The Super Bowl trophy was named in his honor.

“confidence is contagious, so is a lack of confidence”-- Lombardi

“there is only one way to succeed in anything and that is to give it everything”

“The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.”

You can get stuck in your thinking and become a prisoner of your mind and thoughts.

Proverbs 23:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

“Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.” – Lombardi

You have to have a revelation knowledge that this season of difficulty is not for forever. The way you think will either spur you to success or cause you stay stuck. How BIG is your God? Is Jesus lifted up in your life?

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Do you believe?

Acts 23:11-35

Recap:

*Paul is in Jail

Paul’s nephew hears about the assassination plot between the assassins and the Chief priest
The assassins take an oath not to eat until they kill Paul – Serious business
Nephew tell Paul, Paul tell the centurion, Centurion takes Paul’s nephew to the commander
Commander set things in motion for 200-foot soldiers, 70 horse man and 200 spearmen to take Paul to the governor

*He sends a letter with Paul and asks for him to get a horse to mount on

Paul is taken to governor and he puts Paul under his guard and protection

Promised

“Acts 23:11 - But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, [a]“Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome”

The word that God uses is MUST – Its not a suggestion. God promises are Yes and Amen - God told Paul he would testify in Rome God’s plans will prevail. Stop doing His workStop helping God, The story of Abraham with Isaac and IshmaelSaul sacrificed to the Lord instead of waiting for Samuel

James 5:7-8 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord [a]is at hand

God is not a liar, His word is true Spoke to Paul and said, you will testify in Rome …. you will not die under the 40 assassinsGods plans are different, higher than our ways He uses a boy – a young man to initiate a powerful response to the devil’s planGod’s plans are GOD’s Plan…not human plans

Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

God’s plans will always trump the enemy’s plotThe enemy had a plot, got the best of the best – they would kill even on an empty stomach…But God had said it – You MUST also bear witness in RomeYet, Gods ways are mighty “He uses a small boy to frustrate these great plan” “ He uses the weak to shame the strong!

Luke 24:6-7 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”

The enemy created hatred, lies, deception and fear – thought that it was over for Jesus; only to find out that “what was meant for evil God turned it all round and it became the greatest win for Christians, He is Alive -greatest sign of Grace and overcoming Do you believe what He has promised will come to be?

Trusted I love how God works. Of all the people He could have used, he uses a little boy to set everything in motion The kingdom of God is for those who are like kids in their heartsThere is danger, kids report, no qualifying- just do itHe heard, and went and told PaulThe real question is – are you trust worthy? Can God use you in such a situation? Or are you: Self-serving – having concern for one's own welfare and interests before those of othersSelf-promoting – (Acts 23:22) - So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.

Can you be trusted to stay quiet or are you always wanting to be the news originator – Sometime its life and death

Self-preservation – Do you care only about your safety – This young man, put himself in Danger… yet he did the right thing. Fear – Will fear stop you from being used by God? Can you be trusted to be a servant of God?Do you believe that He is able to use you?

Urgent

Acts 23: 16-18 So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said,

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2 sam 8- String Up The Chariots- Why? Couldn’t think of a better name- Lets walk through it

God’s Victory and protectionV6So the Lord preserved David wherever he wentThis word preserved is more than protection. The protection was victory- It was the victory that David Got as he went and established himself in the A-O. He was rooting out the enemies of Israel and setting up his kingdomAnd God Blessed him! David attacked the Philistines and subdued them. David took Metheg Ammah ,he defeated Moab. the Moabites became David’s servants, and brought tribute.3 David also defeated Hadadezer,. 4 David took from him,David killed twenty-two thousand, David put garrisons, Syrians became David’s servants, and brought tribute.David was making it happen! He was ruling his kingdom and subduing his enemies- This is a story that is repeated throughout the OT- When Israel honored God- they experienced Victory over their enemies, but when they didn’t, they experienced defeatJudges 3:30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years.Numbers 14: 45 Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelt in that mountain came down and attacked them, and drove them back as far as Hormah.Judges 3:7-11 READ Shows this cycle- live for the Lord- experience his best. Don’t you wont. Israel went through a lot of war in the OT- and most of the battles they won they walked with God- and those they lost- they didn’t They lived in a cycle of war and had civil wars as well. Won- 40 Lost- 18 Cycle- 8 Civil- 8 And in this story- David is blessed by God v6 The Lord preserved (gave victory) wherever he went. God Blessed the work of David’s hands-v 1-6because he was faithful to God- he was submitted and committed to him and Israel About King Hezikiah- 2 Chronicles 31:21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered.

What does it mean to you? We don’t go and kill and fight in armies, but we can experience the blessings of God in this life, as we submit to his Lordship- we will experience victoryYes- the scriptures speak of suffering- calamity. You will not live an unscathed lifeBut why would you want to walk through calamity without the LORD? No way! Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.But the scriptures promise blessings and victory over the child of God who walks according to the scriptures- You will eat the good of the land, blessed are you, pray blessings etc. None of you have ever asked me to pray that you would experience more pain and sufferingNotice the name on the sign- Faith and VICTORY- I believe God wants you to be victorious!It may not be what you look at for Victory- but It’s a God type of Victory- God promises protection- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.Psa 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;I’ve seen it in my own life- walk with God- life is good. Take it into my own hands. Not so good. 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.You wont be fighting invading armies- you’ll be fighting evil forces and the world- but with JESUS- you’ll experience the VICTORY1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

David’s response

David’s response to God’s provision and protection is that he brought the spoils to Jerusalem and dedicated them to the Lord-

His response-v 7-12 V7 Brought them to Jerusalem V11 Dedicated them to the Lord

Here’s what David knew- It was THE LORD who had did it- Not him.

Psa 20:6-7 Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right...

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2 Sam 7- For Himself a NameThe main point is found in v 23 And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name—and to do for Yourself great and awesome deeds for Your land—before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods?That’s really the crux of the whole story and the crux of The whole Bible and the experience of being a Christian- “to make himself a name” God chose Abram, to Abraham, to David to Jesus for one purpose- to make for himself a nameHIMSELF a NAME- I call myself a Christian. I want to make HIM a name!What can we do to Make HIM a name?

You have to want to honor GodThis is what David was trying to do- He had a plan- I want to build you this great hosueThis was a great plan- why would it not be a great plan? It was for the Lord?“See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.”3 Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you. 4 But it happened that night that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, 5 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?David’s plan was a solid Godly plan- build a house for the Lord- Why wouldn’t make sense- IT was to honor God- It was bring glory to his name. It was a RESPONSE to who God was and what God had done for him- To give him a place. To HONOR HIM. David wanted to Spread the NAME of YHWH and that was honorable. This was always Davids heart- Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.Psalm 69:9 Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.Again- this is why david is called a man after Gods heart- He wasn’t about promoting himselfYou can’t simultaneously promote God and yourself at the same time. Its HIS NAME

What does it mean to youDoes honoring and blessing God come into your mind? Do you want to make HIM a NAMEI was with some pastors this week- they asked me- Why do you do what you doFor people to fully follow the Lord every day. To never forget whose they are and who they are. If you do that- you’ll honor him. All day every day. You’ll start your day with- Psalm 143: 8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.You’ll start your day with “how can I make a name for you today”? Do something! (david did)The question is- who’s life is it and who are you living it for? If its for HIM you’ll honor himJobs- Making pizzas, cleaning bathrooms, Army, Sales- what did you DO today- production1 Cor 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.This should be our mindset all day every day. We should want to bring Glory to our GodIts not just worship, giving and service. It’s the day in and day out. Its how we love people. Its how we serve people. And doing it for HIM- Stuff that no one knows about that’s for HIMAnd you should have a plan to do so- With your life, family, career, decisions- its for HIMColossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

God has a plan to make his nameYou have to realize that its HIS plan, not your plan. David had a plan to honor God by building him a house- but God had a different plan God- My Plan I want to build YOU a house- It will be better. Your son will build it- David may not have understood it- but it was a better plan God said no to David’s planDavid’s heart was in right place- but God saw the plan differently- Longer range planeREAD V 8-11 Solomon the son of David to build a templeR...

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“In All Good Conscience”

Acts 22:23-23:11

Twice in this brief section Roman law comes to Paul’s aid. Paul declares his Roman citizenship sparing him from a Roman flogging. The flogging consisted of a scourge- a fearful instrument of torture consisting of leather throngs, weighted with rough pieces of metal or bone and attached to a stout wooden handle. If a man did not die under the scourge (which frequently happened), he would certainly be crippled for life.

Paul is then taken before the Sanhedrin- the ruling court of the Jews where he begins to explain his position and is struck by the high priest for claiming his “good conscience before God”, which seems to Annias the height of arrogance, even blasphemy.

Paul calls the high priest a “whitewashed tomb”, basically saying he is a hypocrite. As soon as it is revealed to Paul that he spoke harshly to the high priest, he repents quoting Exodus 22:28, “do not speak evil about the ruler of your people”

Paul then spies the room and sets the Pharisees against the Saducees stating the reason for which he is called into question- the resurrection

This triggers further arguing and becomes so violent for the third time the commander had to rescue him.

The violence of the last two days and the enmity of the Jews must have made Paul wonder anxiously about the future. There seemed little prospect of him leaving Jerusalem alive, let alone traveling on to Rome. In his moment of discouragement Jesus comforts him with a straightforward promise that as he had borne witness to Him in Jerusalem, he must also bear witness to Him in Rome.

What can we learn from this?

Paul had a good conscience before God.

“conscience”- Greek moral consciousness, moral awareness

A good conscience involves an inner freedom of spirit that comes when we know God is not offended by our thoughts and actions.

A good conscience is listed in Scripture as one of our essential weapons for a successful spiritual life and ministry

2 Corinthians 1:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in [a]simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

1 Timothy 1:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 This [a]charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,

A good conscience operates in repentance

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Repentance is not only one time thing- we are to maintain a repentant heart, routinely acknowledging sin and seeking God’s grace and mercy in the midst of our daily mistakes. This is not meant as a means to secure our salvation, but to keep our heart clean and pure daily before Him.

The Bible teaches the need for Repentance, referring to the repentance from dead works and a life lived apart from God. This is what is referred to as cleansing. “the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin”. It acknowledges we are sinners and in need of God’s mercy to avoid the penalty of sin, which is eternal death and separation. This is a unique kind of repentance that only the Holy Spirit can produce in the heart of an unbeliever

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Then, there’s a daily repenting, referring to regret or sorrow over when we are convicted of a sinful behavior. This is also a work of the Holy Spirit to produce a sanctifying process in our lives in order that we might become more and more Christ-like. This is the process of sanctification which for our lifetime.

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2 Sam 6- Indiana Jones was right- you shouldn’t touch the ark. Don’t look at it - Worship

This is a story about right and wrong worship. We don’t sing songs here- we worship

Songs TO God- Not songs TO us. Its for HIM. You have to get worship right.

Don’t give God convenient worshipThe beginning of this story, and the context of it, is that the Ark of the covenant has been moving around for a while- with the Philistines, in Bet Shemesh, Ekron, and most recently in the house of Avinidav for 20 years and now David is bringing it into JerusalemThe ark represented the presence of God- where it went- he went. And he had standards of how the ark was to be dealt with. Our God is a God of standards. He has demands. 3 So they set the ark of God on a new cart.Why? Convenience. Probably wanted to be innovative. Maybe the priests were AWOL or didn’t want to carry it. Or maybe some guy said “Lets make a cart, that would be easier”Either way- It was wrong. They weren’t supposed to be doing it. It was improper. Ex 25: 14 You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, that the ark may be carried by them1 chron chronicles it- David realized it- There’s a right and a wrong way to worship God and however he wants to be worshipped is up to him. Carry it? Ok. That’s what the Lord wants1 Chron 15: 2 Then David said, “No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever.”Then he says in 1 Chron 15:11-13 PROPER Order

What does it mean to youHave you put your worship on a cart instead of carrying it like the Lord told you to?We want our worship the way we want it. We want to to sound like we want it to sound, and we want to be the way we want it to be. Leviticus 10:1-2 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.Some people literally have a profane fire before the Lord. They want songs about them, to them and for them. Their style. Their sound. The songs they like. Some people refuse to worship all together. Its why they show up late to worship and don’t get involved. 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.Worship isn’t supposed to be easy for you- we create worship experiences that benefit usWheeling the ark is easier than carrying it- so we make a cart to help us worshipGod never desires convenient worship. We shouldn’t dumb-down worship for attraction1 Chr 21:24 Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.”Mal 1:6-14 READ

Don’t treat God as a common thing6 Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of GodIn this story- They put the ark on a cart, have animals pull it, the animal stumbles, and then Uzzah grabs it to keep it from stumbling and he gets struck dead for touching it. No one to touch it. He violated it. Dead. Somewhere he lost sight of God’s holiness1 sam 6:19 over 50 thousand people died for looking into the arkYou guys remember Raiders of the Lost ark? Melting face dude? Profaned God’s holinessThe opposite of holy isn’t unholy- its common. Treating it as a common thing1 sam 13:11-14 Samuel chastises saul for offering a wrong sacrifice1 cor 11 Paul chastises the Corinthian church for making common the Lord’s supperCommon- When you dated your spouse you got dressed up- now- “I showered” Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,God is HOLY- He’s PRECIOUS- The ungodly recognize the holiness of God more than the believer. Respect the church, the pastor, the Lord. Believers? Eh- Its just God- we’re buddiesIsaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord...

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SERIES Who’s in Control – a study through 1 Peter 4,5

1 PETER 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

Title: God’s Will is Joy; God has a will for your life – one that is a benefit to you – it involves joy.

GOD’S WILL is Joy. The public perception of God is RARELY accurate; HE’S either portrayed as boring or mean. TV shows speculate about God, songs speculate about heaven. All humans speculate about God – but rarely accurately. Our culture generally diminishes the existence of God’s will yet hopes for an afterlife that is good.

Essentially all humans are asking the same question: A) Is there a God? B) If so, is he good? It’s in vogue right now to write songs with heaven or church in them: Kane Brown – Heaven, Marren Morris – My Church, Florida Georgia Line – H.O.L.Y., Andrew Hozier – Take Me to Church I want to CONTEND today that God is not just real, not just good, but he has A WILL & HIS WILL = JOY!

I want to CONTEND today that God is not just real, not just good, but he has A WILL & HIS WILL = JOY!

You know I have a WILL for my kids? (STORY; expound on the tension). It’s not robotic though, it’s not an equation of earning my love. IT’S BUILT ON ACCEPTANCE! I truly love them not dependent on what they do.

Recently my older kids were retelling an early childhood memory. Graham said: “Oh yea, I remember that!” Judson said: “No Graham, you weren’t alive yet!” o Graham responds: “Yep, I was dead!” Megan’s like: “No, you weren’t dead, just not made yet.” Graham’s like: “Yea, whatever, that makes no sense to me.” The love I have for my kids isn’t because they’re all knowing; I have grace for their maturing.

GOD WANTS HUMANS, his prized creation, to understand HIS WILL for them has grace for maturing. His will isn’t robotic, it’s not an equation. He did something miraculous to enter into relationship with us.

Verse 1 says: Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, able to live no longer for human passions. This text introduces us to sin. Sin is living solely and predominantly for your human passions. Sin is walking by sight. Sin is doing what “looks good” to the human eye; ignoring God’s desires.

Verse 2 uniquely says, Christ suffered in the flesh (referring to his crucifixion), [similarly] we too, if we suffer in the flesh can cease from sin. This is good news. It’s an opportunity to cease from sin! But it involves us DENYING our SIN. Vs 2 says if we arm ourselves with this thinking, we can live no longer for our passions but for God’s will! This is a juxtaposition that every human is given – live for human passions or for the will of God. One option gives eternal separation from God, one gives an intimate connection to God. I quoted last week, ISAIAH 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way. We’re all, deep down, tempted to live for human passions.

ROMANS 7:15 contends that we’re unable to avoid sin on our own! It says, I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, 2 that is, in my flesh. I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.

Translation: denying our flesh and ceasing from sin is very, VERY hard! Recently I was doing a timed, 15-minute really heavy work out. I had like 2 mins left and only a few movements. The movements themselves were easy for me to do. o I remember holding my knees thinking, “man I can do these sooo easy, I got this!

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2 sam 5:17-25READ David becomes King, and right after the philistines come and try to go to war with him. He inquires of the lord, Lord says go- he defeats them, and then they come back again and he has to fight them again. He waits for the sound and then he goes after them again. Why does it seem that we have repeated battles that we have to face? Why does it seem that David, even tho repeatedly victorious, repeatedly faces battlesHe’s never done fighting. Hes never not dealing with something. Challenging and encouraging2 Cor 12:7 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to [b]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.So what Gives? What encouragement can we get from David as we deal with battles?

Satan comes immediately17 Now when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David.Now the philistines were not Satan, but enigmatic of him in that as Satan is a relentless attacker, the Philistines are a constant enemy of the Israelites in the Bible. All throughout the OT we see Satan attacking and chastising his people. Job, Joshua the High priest, David. Satan wants to thwart the plans and purposes of God. HE’s a power hungry entity. He’s the father of lies. The author of rebellion and selfishness. He never relents in his attacks. So when David experiences victory in Jerusalem, and then with the philistines, boom- he comesWhat does it mean to you?Do you realize that Satan wants to destroy the plans of God in yoru life? 1 Peter 5:8 Be

sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

It happens every time you come to church- you’ll hear a word- get excited about it and it starts to come out of your heart before you ever leave the parking Lot. Luke 8:12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.That’s his purpose- to get you to not believe the word of God- so that you would not be savedHe hates saved people. He hates worship of God, love, forgiveness, service, sacrifice. 2 Corinthians 2:11 says you shouldn’t be ignorant of his plans and devices. I heard someone once say that Satan never attacks him- Id be concerned- Only attacks enemiesHow do you combat him? How do you fight him? (armor of God- but lets stick in this script)

Learn the voice of the LordAnd the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 19 So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?”Part of what gave David the strength to withstand the attacks of the devil was that he was dependent on God and knew what his voice sounded like- He won when he sought GodPsalm 32:8-9 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. 9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you.Notice- The disobedient will not hear from God- Stubbornness stops the voice of the Lord. One of the great things about following the life of David- is that we see a man who heard and talked with God. The psalms declare it. Its not an exceptional experience. I believe that any human that is fully submitted to God can hear from God and experience hearing from him. Jer 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and [a]mighty things, which you do not know.’But if you’re not fully submitted to God- you will struggle to discern his voice.

What does it mean to you?Do you know the voice of the Lord? Do you know what it sounds like?Many people think they know the voice of the Lord, but when the only time you hear his voice is getting validati...

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Matthew 25:1-13 – Are you ready?

Pray

We are going to go through the parable of the Ten Virgins in the book of Matthew. This parable is being told by Jesus to the disciples.

Read Scripture – Bible

Matthew 25:1-13

The reason Jesus is telling this parable is because at the beginning of Chapter 24 it tells us He was sitting on the Mount of Olives and the disciples came to Him privately and asked 2 questions:

Matthew 24:3

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

The disciples want to know when & how all of this is going to happen. My best guess in them asking these questions is because they want to be READY & prepared for it!

Verses 24:1- 9

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom [a]is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’

In this parable there are 10 virgins/bridesmaids - They are all there for the same reason.

All 10 showed up to await the bridegroom (which is Jesus!)

All 10 of these ladies had Lamps.

From the outside looking in – ALL of these ladies looked ready to meet the Bridegroom…. They knew enough to know where to be and what to bring. From the outside looking in, they all appeared to be READY.

The only thing the Lord said to describe how these 10 virgins were different, was 5 were wise (wise enough) and 5 were foolish.

So what was the factor made them wise and what made them foolish.

The Wise brought oil the foolish did not.

So when it was announced that the bridegroom was coming and it was time to prepare their lamps- 5 Virgins got right to work and prepare themselves for Jesus and 5 didn’t. It was at that moment where each bridesmaid was determined to be wise or foolish. my guess is there was a bit of chaos & panic among the 5 foolish (if this was a real story)

All this time the unwise virgins either thought they were ready, or that they would have another day to get oil/to get ready. So imagine the panic of thinking that all this time you thought you were going to with the bridegroom to the wedding, and you just realized your not. Or the chaos of thinking, I was going to get ready tomorrow and now the realization that there are no tomorrows just sunk in. I’m sure there were lots of feelings and emotions going on at that moment!

Now before I truly understood what it meant to be READY for the Bridegroom, I always thought that it was pretty selfish that the “wise” virgins didn’t share their oil with the “foolish” - like how hard is it to put a little oil in someone’s lamp? I was thinking literally, not spiritually.

Because the reality is what the foolish virgins asked for was impossible. In this part of scripture – the word oil is referring to the The Spirit of God Himself. The wise virgins knew that there was no way they could give what they needed. People can’t give God’s spirit to another. We can be a light and example, but only God Himself can place His spirit in people. The wise knew this. So they weren’t being selfish – they wise were telling them you have to go get if for yourself.

Matthew 25:9

Verse 9:

But the wise answered,

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Win the conquest 2 Sam 5:6-15

Don’t listen to the lies “The blind and lame will repel you” Read V 5:6-8Now that David is King, he is going to go and take Jerusalem. Its been in the hands of the Jebusites and now he’s taking it. This is DAVID! Mighty warrior- He’s not giving into them!Psalm 2:1-6 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.They mock him- You don’t have what it takes- we’re going to put our blind and lame on defenseDavid and his men aren’t phased- They take the city. David goes so far as to say he hates themDavid hated them because they followed false Gods- they mock David who mocks themPsalm 115:3-8 READDeut 4:28 And there you will serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell.David isn’t having their mockery and false words spoken against him- He’s taking the city. He even gives a challenge- who ever can kill them- I’ll make them a captain! LETS GOPsalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?Here’s what David knew- what someone says against you isn’t the determining factor of your success or failure- What God has said about you and your situation is what mattersJerusalem belongs to Israel- they are taking it- plain and simple.

What does it mean to you?Who are you listening to as you’re moving towards victory? The unlawful inhabitants of you city that are saying lies and accusations against you that are idolaters? WHO?Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.Promise upon promised declares that those are servants of the most high will be victoriousRomans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?Now- victory may not look like you think that it may look- but victory is assured in Christ JesusBut if you’re trying to live a life for Jesus- you’re going to have moments that you give yourself over to the lies and accusations of the Devil and his minions. You believe the lies- it breaks youRevelation 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.You want to win? Don’t listen to the lies! Jeremiah 1:19 , Jer 20:11,

Maintain a relationship with the Lord “and the Lord of hosts was with him”READ V-9-10 So David went on and became great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.The key to David’s success, albeit through his determination- was that “the Lord of hosts was with him”. The spirit had departed from Saul, and David had seen it, and through this battle, it is clear that God is with him as he went through the battle.sPsa 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.David didn’t act on his own. This was the problem with Saul- he acted on his own. Not David. David was a worshipper who loved God’s word- its clear from the psalms. I would assume that David worshipped his way through this battle as well. Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.David knew scripture! He knew that God was a protector and a guide- a DEFENDER!What made david different in many instances is that when he experienced Victory- he didn’t distance himself from God- he drew closer to him- He called out to him and depended on him9 Then David dwelt in the stronghold, and called it the City of David.

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Will you Wait? 2 Sam 5:1-5 (people can read more at 1 Chron 11)I’m great with waiting. As long as its right now. As I grow- my patience is improving. But there’s so much that people wait for. Jobs, relationships, sickness, spiritual growth, promotion, living situation, all of those things are real and part of living this life. And then we live like Christians, and sometimes it feels like giving up would be easier. Somedays I ask the Holy Spirit if I can have one day off a year. Up for 24 hours and he says no. Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.Why are we talking about waiting today? David knew how to wait. He knew what had been spoken over him, but that was it. 2 sam 5: 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.We read this stuff in a matter of minutes and years have passed over time. Today is the day!

HE didn’t know the timelinethis right here is the culmination of the past 15 years of Davids life. This was at 15 years old- 1 Sam 16: 12-13 READCan you imagine being 15 years old knowing that you were going to be king, and in your teen years being chased by the current King? Saul died when David was 23 and he was king of Judah for 7 years during a civil war. Here today we see the culmination of the prophecies and plans of God to make David King. It took a long time for everyone to believe in him, It took a long time to become king (he was anointed at 15), It took a long time to go through the split of the kingdom (It was7 years)4000 years since creation, 4000 years from original sin, 2500 years from the great flood, 2085 since abram was promised descendants, 2081 since God’s covenant with Abraham, 1525 since the birth of Moses, 1446 since the exodus and the commandments, and the law, 1406 since Joshua, 1100 since birth of Samuel, 1024 David Kills Goliath, 1003 David is Made King. Solomon is made king, Kingdom is divided at 931, 730 Isaiah says a child is born, 594 Jeremiah prophesies, 593 Ezekiel prophesies, 586 Jerusalem falls, 539 Daniel prophesies, 430 Word of the Lord by Malachi…. And then 400 years of waiting. Sarah was promised a child in Genesis 18, it took a while but she had a child. The woman with the issue of Blood had suffered from 12 years in Mark 5. Lazarus had been dead for 4 days before he was healed in John 11. The man at the pool in John 5 had been there for 38 years. Joseph got sold as a slave by his brothers and had to wait in Gen 37. Job had patience. Simeon in luke 2 was told he wouldn’t see death until he saw the messiah Luke 2:26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.God makes it clear that he has no problem with his people waiting. Joseph was in for 10 years!

What does it mean to you?Are you overly concerned with the timeline? This is the Christmas season. The season of ArrivalOur people waited thousands of years to see the promise of King David and then Messiah, and we can’t seem to handle a long week because we’re weak. We want everything right nowWe live in great times, but because we never have to wait for anything- we want everything right now. Back in my day we used to have to waste a whole Saturday to watch Thriller on MTVDeployed- I’d send a letter- it would take a week and another week to get it back. Now? TEXTHas God spoken things to you that haven’t come to pass that you’re waiting to see happen?Psa 40:1-3 READ I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.God hears your prayers! He knowsLeviticus 26:4 then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.Grow some patience! Forget about the timeline- be faithful NOW- WAIT TO BE KING- It will come!

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A Changed Heart Acts 21:37-22:22

Recap:

At this point Paul is grabbed by the people and they are beating him and accusing him of going against what they believeNews get the commander and he ran down with soldiers and rescues Paul from the people who are trying to kill himThe commander arrests Paul and put him in chains- Remember Paul had been shown by the Spirit that this was going to happen-Yet he chose to still goPaul is carried by the soldiers because the crowd kept following him shouting “Kill him”Paul speaks to the commander “May I say something to you” – Note his tone of voiceThe commander is astonished “You know Greek? – I thought you are a rebel that lead 400 men of assassinsPaul says – no sir, I beg you, allow me to speak to the people He gets permission and he gesture to the people, and when the people were quiet, he spoke to them in HebrewAm a Jew born and educated under the Gamaliel – one of the most prestigious rabbis He persecuted Christians – to chain and deathHe was on his way to Damascus to prosecute Christians but a great light hit him and he became blind This was the great transformation moment – He is rendered blind and lead to a man name Ananias Ananias prays for Him and there Saul is transformed to Paul Paul returned to Jerusalem and he has a vision that tell him to get our Jerusalem because they would not accept himPaul is sent out of Jerusalem because his time to preach to the Jews was not yetThe crowd raised their voice even more so, could not have any of what Paul was trying to tell them

What compels a man who had everything to loose take what would be an opportunity to defend himself and give a testimony of a life changed.

A changed Heart!

A changed heart:

Not Demanding

Acts 21:37 – “Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I speak to you?””

Here is a man who just faced death in the hands of a crowd, yet he has the composure to use kind words

I wonder, what our attitude looks like when we have been going through stuff?

What happens when we are squeezed?

He doesn’t stop there but when given the opportunity to speak to the crowd here what he says

Acts 22: 1-2 – Brothers and Fathers, listen to my defense before you

Paul calls these guys brothers and Fathers – WHAT???

These are the same word that Stephen used before he was stoned to death

Acts 7:2 And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

Paul also uses the word “Defense” – which in Greek is apologia, - apology- a formal defense of the one’s past life or action

He also speaks as Jew to the Jews – to gain a common ground

Pastor Crystal preaching on how Paul did the customary thing, in order to be able to reach people

Do we do everything we can to lay a common ground so that maybe there can be a softening of the heart, that others may receive Christ

I fail at that in my home, I fight to win- even though I am not been sentenced to death…

How am I going to overcome what’s out there if in my own safety I can’t speak or behave in humility?

James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

One group is going to put him in chains while the other ones tried to kill him

Its only a changed heart that looks at a such a situation and allows God to “Work all things good for those who are call to His purpose”

Paul did not demand an audience or have choice words for the crowd

Some of us cannot even take ownership of a speeding ticket when caught speeding (One thing translates to another)

Do you have a changed heart?

Remembers

Its one thing to remember when you are in a situation that favors you, what about when people are trying to kill you?

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As the Lord Lives- 2 Sam 4

Ishbosheth loses heart because he knows his end is near even Israel is worried. 2 captains are now going to try and step up as next in command. His own guys end up turning on him. Hearing about Mephibosheth, and will hear of him again. These guys go into Ish house and kill him. Bring the head to David hoping to receive a place in the admin. Surprise. David executes those guys and publicly humiliates them and then buries Ish with AbnerAgain- politically expedient for David to do this, but there’s a deeper meaning here- David refuses to go against God. Refuses to go against the house of Saul. Shows love and forgiveness in the face of a murderous plot. This was an honor-shame society. Honor was everything, and as a soon to be King, David wasn’t going to trouble his chances of honor. To get honor you have to give honor. We see the actions of David and we must ask- What makes a guy do that? Most would be excited to have their enemies head on platter. Most would rejoice at the calamity of their adversary. But not David, he honors God, honors his enemy, and executes Judgment on the lawless. Here’s the nugget. Here’s the secret- he says “ “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from all adversity,” That’s what gives you insight into his heart- That’s what drives him. David never forgot who is was and where he came from. He knew the Lord had redeemed him- saved him- separated him and it CHANGED him- It affected him. He lived differentlyWas he perfect? Of course not. But his heart was good. He’s a Christ figure in many stories, but simultaneously he shows us our propensity for sin, and the ability to RepentWhat did David remember to declare “who has redeemed my life from all adversity”

1.as the Lord lives- David never forgot It was God who saved him (Saul had tried to kill him)In this story, we see these two guys that come and try to make it seem as though they are doing David a favor by killing ish, but once again, self seeking behavior (They were next in line) Had they not heard about David? Did they not know his level of character? 1 Sam 23:26-29 One of many times that God rescued David from SaulSaul repeatedly tried to kill david and was never successful. God saved him from SaulHe also saved him from his Army. He protected him. Plus the lions, bears and GoliathDavid had seen God’s saving power, and it CHANGED HIS ACTIONS because he couldn’t pretend that it wasn’t God that had saved him and made him KingPsalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,David’s heart was to always remember the redemptive power of God. He wrote most of the psalms. Worship in and of itself is a heart that remembers what God has done. All of his psalms are songs. Psalm 111:9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.David knew that God had saved him- so what did he do? He refused to support the sins of the brothers- Rechab and Baanah. Given the choice- he continues to put God first10 when someone told me, saying, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ thinking to have brought good news, I arrested him and had him executed in Ziklag—the one who thought I would give him a reward for his news.That’s the measure of his resolve- he acts this way because he KNOWS who redeemed him. Because David knew it was God who sustained him and saved him- it changed how he lived. THESE guys were wrong. They deserved punishment- but David still wanted to honor Saul

What does it mean to you?Do you forget that Jesus saved you? Do you forget what he has delivered you from?For the life of me, I’ll never understand how we go from “glad to be saved” to “list of demands” IF we remember “as sure as the Lord lives he has redeemed me” it should change how we live!Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His graceThrough the grace o...

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“The Debt I Owe”

Acts 21:15-36 NKJV

James was the recognized leader of the Jerusalem church. Paul is coming under his authority giving him a detail account of his missionary efforts.

We find out in ch. 24 that Paul had brought a collection for the Jerusalem church, as a sign of unity

James tells Paul of the rumors of him and how it has produced hostility in the Jewish people, and so he offers a solution- purify himself according to Jewish custom

Paul, submitting to James’ authority, thought it a good thing to become like the Jewish believers in order to bring unity among the gentile and the Jewish converts.

What exactly was James concern?

1.It was not a salvation issue, both men agreed that salvation was in Jesus alone and not in the keeping of the law, but for matters that were not sin; it was a means of unity

It was not about Paul teaching that circumcision was not necessary for salvation, but about what Paul was teaching the Jews who live among the gentiles
it was not about the moral law, but about Jewish customs

In a word, should Jewish believers continue to observe Jewish cultural practices? Cultural practices were a nonissue if one believes they are saved by grace.

EX: There is a long history of church tradition. It is a nonissue to say the Lord’s prayer or recite the Apostles Creed, as long as one does not believe that those things are what saves you. Advent, etc. these are customs and traditions

Paul agrees to shaving his head, as a Nazirite vow and purify himself in the temple:

join four others in purification rites
Paul should pay their expenses

Paul submitted to James authority- there was an agreement in doctrine and ethically, but a concession in the area of practice.

The purification ritual fell under “matters indifferent” and a truly emancipated spirit such as Paul’s is not in bondage to its own emancipation.

It was not a quid pro quo, but a sensitive mutual Christian forbearance for the sake of unity

Paul then is accused falsely by the Jews ironically, that this should be the charge against Paul at a time when he himself is undergoing purification so that he would not defile the temple.

The question then is: why would Paul put himself through all this agony?

Paul was a debtor.

Romans 1:14 “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

What does it mean to you?

It is God who works in you.

v.19 Paul reported what God had done through his ministry to the gentiles- not what Paul had done with God’s help.

Did you know that the apostle Paul changed his own name? (Paul being the Roman counter part for Saul) Saul was a regal name meaning “asked for”; Paul means “little one”

Paul never wanted to get the glory for himself, but all glory was for Jesus.

Galatians 2:20 New King James Version (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Can you say this? Can you say that Christ has taken over and He lives in and through you? That you have been crucified and died to all your own ways, thoughts and desires? Have you given up your right to your own self will and independence?

Whether or not you have died to your self, will show who you give credit to-

It begs the question, do you take credit for things? Or do you give credit to the Lord? It is the difference of “look what I have done” v.

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2 Sam 3- Now then do it. Sauls house getting weaker- Davids house stronger, The kingdom is divided north and south. In this time- who your king was is everything- provides protection. Abner is 2nd to ishbosheth, but ish is losing- must make a move. So Abner makes a big move- sleeps with the concubine- power move to get over on him- Goes to david- make a covenant with me- I’ll help you be king- I’ll bring isreal. David says- if you bring me back my wife. Goes to the elders of Israel- go to david- tells them the prophetic words. So he goes to David- says- I talked to Benjamin- its all good. Abner goes with his 20 men- They make him a feast- Abner says Ill go gather isreal- . Joab comes back from a raid and the men tell him that abner was there (Abner killed his brother Asahel) . Joab disrespects David- and says that you had your chance to kill him, but you didn’t. Joab meets him at the gate to kill him. David hears about it- distances himself from Joab. He mourns over abner- follows the coffin- they weep- they realize that it was joab that killed abner and not davidLet me walk you through this story- Explain it all and then go back (explain story)

So what do we focus on? 2 sam 3:17 Now Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, “In time past you were seeking for David to be king over you. 18 Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David, I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the hand of all their enemies.’ ”Now do it. Abner speaking words he should have spoken to himself, but also to Joab, EldersNow then do it- Quit living for yourself Micah 2:1-2 READ This is the heart of AbnerAbner was completely self seeking in this story- He sleeps with Rizpah to pull a power move on Ishbosheth- He’s the one who installed him! Why? V1 Sauls house was weaker and Davids stronger- He knew that he had a limited time to act to secure his place within the new administration- he gets so incensed that Ish. Is afraid of him! (This is narcissistic behavior- its meant to push it on Ish. As the perpetrator- not that Abner did this unrighteous act)He had been talking to the elders, he knew the truth- david was to be king, not ishFrom 10k feet, it appears that Abner has a change of heart- he goes to David- BUT- “make a covenant with ME”…. “I will bring Israel” Abner doenst make kings, GOD does!Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. (He should have just repented and helped David with no return)Not going to be talking a lot about David today- but he makes the feast- Honorable to do 4 enemy. Shows again- his heart- But he HAD to because of the unification of N/S KingdomAbner goes to the Elders and says ‘Now then do it” for them to make David King

Take that advice yourself Abner! You make David King! Quit with your negotiations and self-seeking behavior. Quit vying for influence and position. SUBMIT TO HIS LEADERSHIPSame as the disciples in NT- Whats in it for ME? (Luke 9, mk 9, mt 18- Least- Like a Child)Posturing, scheming, conniving, are not what God intends for his people. David is a Christ figure (Son of David). Ultimate king and authority and Abner REFUSES to submitWhat does it mean to you?You cant live for Jesus and yourself at the same time. This is a constant theme in preaching because it’s a constant theme in the Bible. OT stories of Baal worship, idol worship, Its all self seeking- because they wanted to control their Gods, not be controlled by GodsPeople set limits in their relationship with God. “I’ll serve you until this____) and then they stop serving God, because there is a demand they don’t want to meet. Death to self is keyPhilippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.Abner was not doing this. He was not esteeming David.

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Spiritually Fit

Romans 12:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV) Living Sacrifices to God 12 I beseech[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

You’ve probably read this scripture or even heard it before in sermons This is a powerful scripture if we take the time to analyze what it is actually saying Although often times scriptures like these can be overlooked but Christians need to cling to scriptures like this It says to present our bodies a living sacrifice. (like a gift, we want it to be perfect for God) Not just the parts we want to offer It is not just referring to our physical bodies but our whole body, mind, soul, and spirit as well Jesus sacrificed himself that we may be saved He doesn’t ask much, well except lay your life down and die daily for Him That means you lay everything at the feet of Jesus Your goals, plans, desires, dreams, and relationships That’s how we continue to renew our minds By constantly seeking Him, because that is all our life should be about We should be yearning to honor God with our whole lives not just the parts we want to give him. By the end of this sermon hopefully I will have given you practical ways that you can present your body a living sacrifice and renewing your mind

Story about working out The main thing I realized through this was that these things nutrition, the workout, and rest can be applied to our spiritual lives as well

Nutrition Where are you getting your nutrition from? Is it from the things of God, like the word, worship, prayer, church, sermons and godly relationships Or does most of it come from the world. Movies, music, social media, or ungodly relationships If we want to honor God with our whole lives, we must make Him the priority over everything Everything we say or do should be filtered through His word Joshua 1:8 New King James Version (NKJV) 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[a] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. His word should be the primary source of our spiritual nutrition It shows us the character of God and what he expects from us It encourages us when we’ve become weak Its inspiring to see the way He loves us and the extent that He goes to show us how loved we are by Him It also shows us the uncomfortable things, the stuff in our lives that need to be changed The word teaches us how to die to self through the examples that God has laid out from the people in the bible If the word isn’t a priority in your spiritual life then you are off the mark Believe me its easy to let the word fall to the wayside. In past I’ve allowed that to happen in my own life What I do is make it the first thing I do Reading in Nehemiah Theses people listened to the word for half of the day For some people the only scripture they see is when they see a scripture someone else posts on facebook If you let the word fall by the wayside then where does your nutrition come from. Is it the people around you? I want to be very clear on this because the bible is very specific There are people that you do not need to associate with

Psalm 1:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV) 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he [b]meditates day and night. If the people you spend the most time with have a negative influence on you more than you can influence them for good, then stay away from them Story about union work I’m not saying t...

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Four D’s of Blood 2 sam12-32 READ-

The Blood of Defiance (Defiance starts in the heart- it’s the desire of the individual)

Abner’s disobedience cost others their lives 31 But the servants of David had struck down, of Benjamin and Abner’s men, three hundred and sixty men who died.This never would have happened- but the collateral damage of Abner was that his defiance caused other people’s problems in their lives. His rebellion produces bloody deathPeople died because of Abner- the 12 and the 360- because he took over God’s planHe wanted Ishbosheth to be king instead of David- and in the end- hundreds of people diedPro 17:11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them.The Bible is clear- you reap what you sow- blood on the hands of abner because of his defianceYou would think after 12 died that Abner and ishbosheth would have relented and repented- nThis spirit of rebellion and defiance of Saul carried on into his son and leader- abner

1 Sam15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”It has seeds of rebellion at its foundation and core- it can never be blessedGod never blesses rebellion- A rebellious child can never receive the blessing of their parentsThe story of the Prodigal is not that his father blessed his rebellion- it was that the rebellious son came to himself and begged for mercy- there could be no blessing any other way. What does it mean to you?

Where’s the rebellion in your life? The problem with rebellion is that its easy to see in others and hard to see in ourselvesIf I asked you to think of someone you know who is rebellious- you could think of oneBut what area of rebellion is in your heart? Not in your actions. Your heart-thoughts-desiresThe seeds of the mind get planted in the heart and produce crops of bloody rebellionPsalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.It’s a bad place- we don’t want to live there- we get nothing good there- College- library to bathrooms promoted to stairways- sportscenter- Another guy did it, so I followed suit- and the main guy watching us didn’t even care- once over- REBELLIONDeuteronomy 9:7 “Remember! Do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day that you departed from the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.That’s brooms- How much more when our heart is rebellious towards the Lord?The OT is full of stories of rebellion and the fruit of it- we should destroy it in our lives!

The blood of Division (Division is the fruit of defiance- rebellion breeds division with others)

Abner and joab are watching these 12 by 12 go at it- 16 And each one grasped his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side; so they fell down together. BLOODSHEDIshbosheth was never intended to be king- Saul in 1 sam lost the right to kingship and upon his death- Abner took it upon himself to make Ishbosheth (Sauls son) king- 2 sam 2:8 READThe men of Judah made David King because they knew he was the rightful king- but the line of Saul (Israel) was not seeing it that waySaul was told he would not be king- 1 Samuel 13:14 READ2 sam 2:4 Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul.”It caused a riff in the Nation of Israel- some followed Israel and some followed David in the Kingdom of Judah as the rightful king- It causes a 7 year civil war with ishbosheth that will end with his assisination Isreal will actually split again, but it will be after King solomonIts division. Its self seeking. Its going against God’s plan.

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We have been talking about and are finishing up our messages this month about the “Reach More” campaign and today is the day that we make our commitments to the Lord for 2020At the end of Service I will ask you to write your commitment on a card, and Kasey will gather them in a basket in the back- He is the only one who knows who tithes what. I don’t know how much people tithe. I don’t even know what Jay, Kevin, Todd tithe. I do know they tithe. I wont know who is committed and who gave how much. I know that the Leaders have committed to ________ but I don’t know how much each one did. Between God and themWe have been talking about the value of the local church- and our desire to pay off this building to the Glory of God. So more will worship him and serve him. So we can establish this church as an ark of safety as we await Christs return. So we can preach the Gospel with no restraints. This message is titled- 7 Churches and 5 Crowns. 7 Churches of revelation- most of them were rebuked, but one was praised. We want to be a church that is praised when Christ returns. We want to earn our Crowns and lay them at the feet of Jesus in heaven. Through the Church

Christians don’t talk about rewards much- but they are there. The Local church is the greatest vehicle to be a Biblical Church and earn the rewards and crowns the Bible promisesThis is why we want to build and defend our local church- not at the expense of othersBook of Revelation 7 churches IN Rev 2-3Ephesus, The Loveless Church: Hardworking, hated evil, looked good, but their hearts were wrong. Missing LovePergamum, The Worldly Compromising Church: This was the church of tolerance- sins like immorality, idols, cults and heresies Thyatira, The Wrong Doctrine Church: had faith love and good works. Patient, but doctrine allowed sexual sin, idolatry and paganism They were corrupt Sardis The Spiritually Dead Church: asleep spiritually except for a remnant. Encouraged to revive themselves by faithLaodicea, The Lukewarm Church: This church only received rebuke. Neither hot nor cold. Relied on things of this world and riches- they were a half-way church. Smyrna, The Persecuted Church: No rebuke, but under physical hardship, promised to not get second death- encouraged to stay faithful unto deathPhiladelphia the faithful churchThe Spiritually Alive Church: Philadelphia did well. No rebuke. Never denied Jesus. Huge promise for them in Heaven. All these churches Jesus said- “ I know your works” Jesus knows what Churches are what and what they are doing- as he’s watching OUR CHURCH we want to have the LONG VIEW- I don’t know when Christ is going to return, but we are here today because 2000 years of Christians have maintained Churches. They have passed the torch to us for this timeI hope he comes back NOW but our job is to pass this torch to the next generation!Our Children’s Children may be the ones who are running this church when Christ returns

SO AS A CHURCH- We don’t want to be loveless- we want to operate in love in everything. Love is the heart of God. Good biblical love- not false agape love 2 Cor 8:24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.We don’t want to be tolerant of Sin- “it is reported among you” We don’t want to tolerate sin in ourselves or others. 1 cor 5: 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.We don’t want to have wrong doctrine- We want to preach correct doctrine that is biblical 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth,

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“Follow Me”

Hello FVC, it’s good to be here again, praise God. We will be in Acts tonight, chapter 21:1-14. In this portion of scripture, we will read about Paul’s journey, Following Jesus, being led by the spirit, to Jerusalem.

1st, I want to make sure we don’t take what the Lord has to speak tonight for granted. God is good right! Prepare to Listen to what God has to say to you. Pray, open your hearts and be ready to receive.

Remember, just as the Pharisees with hardened hearts, they didn’t receive Christ. Let’s not do the same and reject what the Lord has to say. Let’s prepare to receive this message.

My wife always quotes this one particular scripture, around the house, or in the car or wherever…

Proverbs 14:12… There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end, is the way of death. I’m like babe, I know… then I always feel convicted after.

Let’s all Pray and get ready for the sermon.

--Let’s Pray--

Let’s READ -- Acts 21:1-14

Paul travels past many places, Cos – Rhodes – Patara - Tyre – stayed with disciples, hears a prophecy- went to Ptolemais – stayed at Philip the evangelist house. A man named Agabus came down from Judea, and gave Paul’s 2nd prophecy) saying, so shall the Jews in Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the gentiles. BUT… in verse 13 (Here it is) listen to what Paul says… “For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Paul was adamant, persistent and absolutely sure about dying to self, taking up his cross, following Jesus Christ.

Paul knows what awaits him in Jerusalem…the spirit told him long ago… He knew the cost, of taking up his cross. The two accounts of them prophesying to him was not news. This was just confirmation of what was to come, He knew what he was bound to. The Holy spirit already told him.

How are you listening to the Spirit?

Inthe previous chapter, says…in Acts 20:22-24

22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Also…. In Acts 19:21… It says..

“When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

We see that it’s a purposeful act on Paul, to do God’s will and follow Jesus Christ, no matter the cost!

Paul walked out, the great commission Jesus gave us all, that we read in… Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus said, 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, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

And we see in…Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Paul walks out his faith, runs towards following Christ, towards his calling, regardless of circumstances, situations, fears, what others say, how he feels, or what he sees. He still Follows Christ.

Why? because he committed to Christ, decided in his heart and his mind, to follow Jesus!

Jesus says…Follow Me!

We read about Paul, in Acts 9, when he was named Saul - before his name was changed to Paul… he was traveling to Damascus to jail and persecute more Christians. This was Saul’s mission, to jail and persecute Christians. Where he followed his heart, and decide to follow his own plans (Again - Proverbs 14:12: There is a way th...

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Luke 8:3 From Their Substance

ASK- Leave this week and pray and ask God what he would have you sacrifice for 36mosNow becomes the day when we talk about money because money is the means by which we are going to pay down the building to reach more for God’s glory- because it costs money. You would think when a church says “lets pay off the building for God” that it wouldn’t create so many questions, but man- it sure does. It shouldn’t. But it does. THIS WILL GROW USIf I said- “we’re having an old sock drive to rid our house of socks” some people would lose itThis is what this message is about- I want you to realize that any money you give to God is something you should want to do because its for His Glory and the furtherance of His kingdom. Zech 7: 5 “Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? 6 When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves?That was about Israel, the messianic kingdom, the new Jerusalem, but the heart behind it is this- why do you do what you do? Why do we even have church? Do you give money to get money? Go to church to have friends? Is it for YOU or HIMI never want to start a message with an apology- but I need your grace this morning- This is a fair biblical message- but because of the relentless grumbling and complaining from people in churches forever about money- anytime a pastor talks about money its uncomfortable-It shouldn’t be- but people go from the nice people to something completely different when it comes to money- Leave churches, attack pastors, churches, ministries over money.My kids always ask for money- I still love them. So do their sports teams, college high school, hospitals, political campaigns, missionaries, non-profits etc But I don’t get upset about itAn advertiser can change your heart to make you want to buy their junk, but you give in to gain the adoration of men- and a preacher talks about your money and you want to attack the man of God who is trying to get you to do big things for Jesus and his church. You still watch TV?

And if a preacher is taking advantage of you- He’ll go to Hell for it. Phil 1 I’m not sure you know how a non-profit works. The profits go to Jesus- not to individuals “I totally trusted him until he started talking about my money” Who’s money is it exactly?I don’t own this building. No person owns the building. The organization does. 1 Chron 29 16 “O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own. 17 I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.I’m not trying to coerce you- I want you to get it down in your spirit so you can give willinglyNot trying to Guilt you, shame you, manipulate you, You’ll notice- every week I challenge youIt is actually not even a huge number- if everyone would tithe and sacrifice- One year. ONEEveryone is in a different financial situation- but God’s word gives no provision for those who manage their money inefficiently to be exempt from the support of the Lords houseTalking about money is only uncomfortable for people who Love their money more than God. Don’t tithe. Aren’t generous. Are ruled by Money. Aren’t saved. Want stuff they don’t needMatthew 6:24 [ You Cannot Serve God and Riches ] “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Last week I asked you if you were saved. If you wanted to give God glory. Doing big things for God gives him Glory. Sacrifice, giving,

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A baby’s wet diaper Acts 20:13-38

This evening I want to talk to you about comfort and change

Mark Twain once said, “The only person who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper.”

Comfort does not allow for change -unless that change enhances our comfort or increases it.

Getting out of our comfort, physically, mentally, and spiritually requires change!

In 1927 two brothers in Monroe Michigan gave us a right to be comfortable.

The introduced the Lazy boy- you have worked so hard all day or all week, grab a drink, put your legs up, watch tv and stay comfortable – and from there it went down hill

Today, our society is doing everything to make sure that we preserve our comfort

Convenience (comfort) has become our number on desire.Drive through coffee and food Microwaves Tesla – self driving carsAlexa

There is no issue with these services (I use them) The real issue is that one discipline translates to another.

When it comes to our spiritual growth, we seek comfort

Comfort

a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint.
the easing or alleviation of a person's feelings of grief or distress.

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [a]daily, and follow Me.

God is asking us to die to self

John 12:24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much [a]grain.

How are we to do this if in every other area of our lives, we are trying to do the bare minimum

It’s impossible!!!

In the Bible, we have promises of comfort – but its only after an affliction or when we are about to go through one.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Psalms 23:4 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.

Psalms 119:76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word to Your servant.

Psalms 119:50 - This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.

Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

No one is comforted for their own gain. Its all about suffering, serving etc

Isaiah 49:13 - Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted.

To get rid of spiritual comfort and welcome Godly change: we MUST do the following – we learn this from Paul

There MUST be an urgency to do the will of God

Acts 20:13 -Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had [a]given orders, intending himself to go on foot

Acts 20:16 (AMP) - For Paul had determined to sail on past Ephesus, lest he might have to spend time

in [the province of] Asia; for he was hastening on so that he might reach Jerusalem, if at all possible, by the day of Pentecost

Paul knew that he was going into hardship, imprisonment and such, but did not shy away from what God was calling Him to do

I wonder today is I asked you to head out to San Francisco, where you will be imprisoned, persecuted and possibly killed- how fast would you be willing to get there

For me – I would fry to New York- London – Kenya -Asia – back to Seattle and then take the train to San Francisco

If we avoided our comfortable situation, we would be willing to do what God called us to do immediately

It not

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Donuts for Jesus 1 cor 10:31

Let me cover this again- The reach more campaign is for us to pay off our building to Reach more with having more, Save money, Ensure legacy, Move forward. Solid Place to WORSHIPWe can save 400k if we pay off- build churches, plant churches, missions, solid place hereWe want to be a Church that honors God, that multiplies. All the Elders are in agreement. Church has no money problems- This is what the Lord asked us to do. (They are coming for us)Asking you to pray this month-24 NOV Mo sacrifice Jan for 36 mos, don’t have to. May change for you if things change. No pressure. Just what the Lord is asking us to do- Come 24nov readyI am going to preaching messages this month to get you to see why we should do thisThe short answer is- We’re doing it for God so others will come to praise him in His ChurchLast week we talked about the benefit of Churches and church buildings. This week- I want you to understand why Bringing God Glory is the only thing that matters on this Earth

Are You Saved?

You can’t die to yourself unless you’re saved. And you have no desire to Give God glory if you’re not saved- You can’t do everything for Jesus if you haven’t been saved. The American Church is filled with unsaved people. People who haven’t been converted. Born again, made new, new life, Christians, saved, redeemed, delivered, but CHANGED2 Cor 7: 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.1 vigilanceWalking worthy to please God- 2. Separating yourself from sin and looking internally for more sin 3. Holy indignation against sin Do you hate sin? Both in yourself and others? 4. reverential fear of God. Fear of his wrath and retribution 5. Strong desire to honour God in the future (looking ahead) 6. godly sorrow produces zeal for the glory of God and Christ 7. revenge on sin. Punishment on the self and others for their sin 8. Trying to make restitution 9. reparation trying to stop all mischief 10. diligence in the spiritual performance of all our duties If you don’t have any of that, you have to ask, are you saved? Did you come to God in sorrow for your sin, and ask him to forgive you and receive you, and when he did- were you elated that he accepted you? Did it change your life? When I got saved I went and Got a bible and read it. No one followed up with me. No one drug me to church. No one called me out and discipled me. No one told me how to live. I had Got SAVEDI knew I had offended God with my life and I needed to be forgiven and live for him. The false conversions are the ‘asked for forgiveness, but nothing changes”, fresh start, new beginning, feel different, find peace, find meaning, repair a relationship, purpose, influence, I am not the same I was when I was 15- because of sanctification- but the moment has sustained me

Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). your sins have caused a separation between you and God (Isaiah 59:2), and the wages is death (Rom. 6:23 And that you’re under wrath of God (Eph. 2:3). The only way is through Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 5:1). You must turn from your sins towards Christ- but you need to have SORROWHave you been cut to the heart? Have you received forgiveness and newness?Acts 2:36-38 “Cut to the heart” READHave you had that cut to the heart moment? Sorrow over your sin? Why the AMC? Thankfulness for helping make who I am- least I can doIF there is no evidences of ...

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That sermon was a Snoozer!

Acts 20:1-12

Matt’s snoozer story

Luke narrates how Paul left Ephesus, having spent the best part of three years there during his 3rd missionary expedition, and then traveled place to place until his final destination, Jerusalem.

Paul now traveled through that area. He spent several months revisiting the Macedonian churches he founded on his second missionary journey, speaking many words of encouragement to them.

Paul arrives in Greece, were he stayed three months- where he pays the Corinthian church a painful visit recorded in 2 Corinthians 2:1.

It was during this visit to the Corinthian church that Paul wrote his letter to the Romans. (Isn’t the history of the Bible beautiful? How it’s all woven together)

Paul continues his travels and is accompanied by several men from different regions, Luke joins them perhaps in Phillipi- these men being the fruit of his missionary efforts to various regions.

They spend a week in Troas where only one incident is recorded- the dramatic sleep, fall, death and resuscitation of a young man named Eutychus.

“On the first day of the week” v.7

Luke is following the Roman calendar- this day is Sunday and is the earliest evidence we have for the Christian practice of gathering together for worship

The purpose of their assembly was to “break bread”, which was understood as the Lord’s supper in the context of a fellowship meal, as in the upper room in Jerusalem

Paul spoke to the people, and because he intended to leave the following day, kept talking (prolonged his address) until midnight. The meeting began at sunset, at the conclusion of their day’s work.

The meeting was held in a private house, upstairs, so that the atmosphere became stuffy and oily from the many lamps.

Eutychus was seated on the window ledge- he is called a young man, but in verse 12 the word is rendered “lad” or “boy” making him between the age of 8-14, and he was gradually sinking into a deep sleep- Greek renders it, “he was completely overcome by sleep” and so he falls from the 3rd story and dies.

Paul suspends his sermon and rushes downstairs and like Elijah with the son of the widow at Zarephath and Elisha with the son of the Shunammite woman, Paul throws himself on the boy and brings him to life as if this is no small thing…..

the crowd goes back upstairs, partakes of the Lord’s supper and Paul continues his sermon until daylight.

What can we take away from this story?

Luke is describing to us what was going on- what the Bible describes is not always what it prescribes

We do not have liberty to copy what took place- assembling in a house on the 3rd story, meeting in the evening, using oil lamps for light or listening to a lengthy sermon nor do we omit what this story omits- speaking in tongues, prophecy, singing songs of praise or Scripture reading.

People want a NT church- “they met in houses”, well then sell all that you have and give to the church and we will divide it as we see necessary.

But it does seem to appear that they met on the Lord’s day for the Lord’s Supper and that this was a regularly schedule meeting and practice in Troas.

In addition to the communion meal, there was a sermon that lasted from sunset to midnight and then from midnight to sunrise.

Eutychus sat on the window ledge, perhaps because it was extremely crowded and there were no other seating, or he was relegated to the farthest seat because he was only a boy. Luke uses medical language when describing Eutychus falling into sleep, it’s clear that he is not condemning the young lad. Because he was young, and perhaps the oil from the lamps aided him in his sleepiness.

I read some sermons about falling asleep in church- my grandma used to do that

But that’s not what struck me in this story.

Paul stops his sermon. Goes down and heals the boy. And continues to minister.

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Eph 5:27 A Glorious Church

Let me cover this again- The reach more campaign is for us to pay off our building to Reach more with having more, Save money, Ensure legacy, Move forward. Solid Place to WORSHIPChurch has no money problems- This is what the Lord asked us to do. (They are coming for us)Asking you to pray this month-24 NOV Mo sacrifice Jan for 36 mos, don’t have to. May change for you if things change. No pressure. Just what the Lord is asking us to do in this seasonI am going to preaching messages this month to get you to see why we should do thisThe short answer is- We’re doing it for God so others will come to praise him in His Church

First I feel like I need to convince you of the value of church and church buildings. You see the value because you’re here. People will denigrate it while actually sitting in it. These two attacks are common place in today’s America :They come out as “I don’t need to be a Christian to go to church” and “Churches don’t need buildings” I want you to see value in what we do, where we do it. Defend Church and its places. This doesn’t get talked about because its not ‘me centered’ churches afraid to talk about itThe reality is that people of God have met in Buildings since before Christ and The Gathering place of Christians has been, and continues to be the greatest evangelistic tool In America

What are we supposed to be doing as a churchFirst- Worshipping together in the Church Building- repeatedly gathering togetherHebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Acts 2:42Psalm 111:1 Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.We see in the book of acts- The church gathering together in the synagogueActs: 13: 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.” (and then they let them have it)Acts 13: 42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Two- Making disciples in the church. to join us in Worship- fellowshipping with the saints- awaiting Christ’s returnSalvation is sustained through discipleship. Jesus: If you love me obey my commandmentsMatt 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples.

Christianity is not a spectator sport. It never has been Christians become the Body of ChristCol 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,ekklēsia ek-klay-see'-ah From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.1 Cor 12:12-13, Rom 12:4-5, Eph 4:16, col 1:18, Eph 3:6, 1 cor 1:10, eph 4:4-7,Eph 4:112 Tim 2:1-2 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.Three- Awaiting Christ’s returnEph 5:27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.We live with an expectation of Christs return. We know he is coming back soon. LIVE LIKE ITRev 22:12,1 Thes 5:2, 1 Thes, 4:16, Heb 9:28, Matt 24:36, 2 Peter 3:10, Romans 2:6-8

Four- Conducting Church BusinessThe Bible is clear that there are Elders, Overseers, Apostles, prophets,

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Turf War Acts 19:21-41

When we last left Paul, he was in Ephesus, God was doing unusual miracles through him, like handkerchiefs that could heal and cast out demons. (Confirming the message about Christ.)
The 7 sons of Sceva (“high priest”?) travelled around using incantations to heal and exorcise evil spirits. They attempt to use the authority of the Jesus name in their “spells” and paid the price.
The news of this encounter spread through Ephesus, and the Lord’s name was magnified.
Acts 19:19-20, Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. ($364,000)

- With that kind of value in books alone, the magic industry must have taken a hit.

- What is the impact on those who made money from the sale of these books?

Paul’s spread of the gospel is negatively affecting day to day business in “sin city.”
Example: What if Christians stopped going to R rated movies? U.S. 50% protestant, that’s 150 million people. 43 R rated movies in theaters 2018, at $42 million avg. take per film.
That’s 1.8 billion in sales, cut in half equals a $900 million dollar hit! (The industry might take notice of that!)
Other industries in Ephesus have taken notice of how Paul’s message is turning people away.
How hard are you fighting to hold on to the idols in your life?

Read Acts 19:21-28

Paul’s ministry is infringing on Demetrius’s turf. He saw what happened with the magic books, and his silver shrines are sure to be next.
Demetrious listed his top 3 concerns: He makes a lot of money in this job, he’s worried about the reputation/respect of the business, and their goddess will be discredited (whom currently “all the world” worships).
This is a literal story that actually happened, and often our actions reveal our heart condition.
Demetrious is defending his idol making business but revealing that it is an idol to him unto itself.
This reminded me of the sermon Pastor Butcher preached at the mini-men’s advance this summer about 4 idols we worship in our lives. It really convicted me!
Comfort: This is the hardest one for me!
Example: I know God has placed me in my job, but I struggle with fear of losing it. He has been growing my faith, season to season, and showing me that He is my hope for the future.
Demetrious has a good job with great pay. This is an idol because it represents his safety and security, his future. No need to trust God if all your needs are met by your job.
The answer: Deny your flesh, choose faith not fear. Understand, who is your provider?!
Matthew 6:31-34, “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Significance: I especially see this in men. Their need to be viewed as important.
Looking for our identity from what we do, our job title, not whose we are.
Demetrious worried that he and his work will be viewed negatively. His job is his identity.
1 John 3:1, Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Approval: If your goal is to be liked and accepted, it can stop you from following God’s calling.
If you are uncomfortable knowing that someone isn’t pleased with you. You agree with the group to keep the peace, even when you don’t agree.

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TITLE- Who We Are Col 1:18

I got saved when I was 15 years old. God told me I was going to be a pastor. This is why I never did drugs, alcohol, partying, or had sex with anyone before marriage. God told me to pioneer a church. I love his church. I love him. I love him more than I love you. I love you so that you will love him, not so you will love me. Jesus changed me. I need to preach a message that lets you know what this church is about- Handful of people have left- I don’t want there to be any questions about what this church is aboutThis will be online. There are extra scriptures. PLEASE go study them. REFER BACK TO THISIf ANY of this changes- I will let you know- There are OTHER things- but these are BIG THINGS

This is a church that Jesus is the supreme leaderI am not the supreme leader Jesus is. his church. His wants are our wants. We do what he wantsColossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminenceEph 5:23b Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body..I am the Senior pastor- Senior earthly leader, but I am an undershepherd to the great shepherd. I do what he says. I follow his lead. We go by the WORD and the SPIRIT- What HE wants1 Cor 11:3-10, Eph 4:15, Eph 1:22-23, Romans 12:4-5, 1 Cor 12:12-31,

This is a church that Believes in the whole Word of God2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,If its in there- we believe it- even if the world calls it hate speech and we look weird. Rom 15:4, Heb 4:12, 1 Peter 1:19-21, Mark 12:24, Psa 119:19, 21 Tim 4:2

This is a church that will preach the whole counsel of GodActs 20: 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent[e] of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Grace, mercy, love, unity, wrath, damnation, service, history, money, sin, doctrine, etc1 thes 2:4, Galatians 1:7-10, 2 cor 4:2, 2 tim 2:15, 1 Thes 2:4,

This is a church that believes in PastorsHebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.Pastors are biblical. Giving a pastor a wage is biblical. Authority and respect is biblical. I’m not above correction. But RESPECT I am available. You have my phone, email, address, I am submitted to other pastors, Burch, Butcher, Ong etc. I listen to those men (Honor)Jer 3:15, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-5, James 3:1, Eph 4:11, 1 Cor 9:14, Acts 20:28, 1 Tim 3:1-7,

This is a church that believes in GraceEphesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.Grace means- Jesus died on the cross for your sins- you accept it, you don’t earn it through your actions. We do not believe that we work FOR our salvation. We work OUT our salvationRom 3:23. Eph 2:5, John 1:12, Acts 15:11, Isa 64:6, Romans 7:18, Romans 10:9,

This is a Church that is part of the Global Body of Christ of those who are in truthRomans 12:5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.Faith and Victory Isn’t the only church- we are part of the Global church. This is why I pour into pastors, run the auburn meeting, help other pastors. I BELIEVE1 Cor 10:16, 1 Cor 12:12, 27, Eph 3:6, Eph 4:12, Col 1:24

This is a church that believes in Church1 Tim 3:15 if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God,

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Pastor Chris is old school and had hand written sermon notes. So I won't have them available online. Sorry folks :). Pastor Todd

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“Go Up” 2 Samuel 2:1-11

Recap

David is still in the land of the Philistines, before this point he had experienced discouragement and despair, running away from King Saul, hanging out with the enemy and now Saul is dead

This is the moment he has been waiting for. Since he was anointed by Samuel as a little boy – a shepherd, the time he has been waiting for has finally come and he can be King

Lion King “I just can’t wait to be King”

He does what every good bible loving, Christ serving Christian would do. He enquires of the Lord

“Shall I go to any cities of Judah?” – God answers him and says GO UP!

And like a good Christian (described above) he sets out with God’s blessing – NO

He asks a for further direction “Where shall I go up to?”

Man, do we miss the mark on this part – We take over/ argue/ ignore etc.

Story - California Trip – (the moment we have been waiting for)

Down 101 Eureka CA – 9hrs GPS trying to get me back to I-57 or 8hrs later (we were still 7hrs away from our destination) – we were 2.5hr away from home

It’s sad that we have Him who knows our destiny/ journey path – yet we tell God, I got it from here Lord (GPS – keep me on 101)

I believe that half the time intentions are good- but we are not diligent to adhere to the steps that are laid out in the Bible, that guides us in order to end up in the city that God wants us in.

This morning I want to talk to you about Going up.

A time has to come when we have to put effort to leave where we are and move closer to where God is callings us or called us. This Christian walk is not an easy one. The enemy will bring, disappointment, deception, distraction - he will try and get you off goal. Watch out!

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

How can we overcome this – How can we successfully run our race? How can we go up to where God is sending us?

Get up

For the longest I can remember was not a morning person. I prided in telling people how productive I was at night. That changed

I realized that in order to accomplish all that I needed to do in a day I had to “get up” earlier every day.

I acknowledged where I was, and that I need to do something different

Today God is asking you to acknowledge where you because it’s time to GET UP

David had spent this period of his life running and watching his back and now, it was time for him to go and in order to do that he had to get up!

Today I am asking somebody to GET UP spiritually.

Let us have a spiritual awareness – Ask yourself where are you and where do you need to go?

David had spent a lot of time running, hiding, fighting to be relevant ….and a time had come when that was now the past and now he had a choice to make.

What had sustained him in the past, would not be sufficient to for the journey ahead.

He enquired of the Lord!!

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope

Spurgeon – God does not only think of you, but towards you. His thoughts are all drifting towards you (as one in love, thinking of their loved one (me add)

The devils work is to keep us down, keep those plans in check- David was in a battle for a long time…and if he wasn’t in a close relationship with God, that could have easily become his identity.

We are not immune to staying down and not “getting up” – “Things will never change”” This is who I am” “This always happens” “That’s my luck”

You see this in the Story of Elijah

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I am the Bread of Life

John 6:22-59

25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

what unique words!

No one has ever spoken to you about themselves saying, “I am the bread of life”

People tend to think of themselves more highly than they ought to. In fact, every person, even those poor unfortunate souls who’s existence is summed up by guilt and shame, think of themselves as better than they are in reality.

Some people throughout history have gone so far in their arrogance, as to declare themselves kings, emperors, and even demi-gods, sent to mankind as some sort of gift from heaven. They claim some sort of divine liniage. and they lead people astray from the living God. They gather for themselves great influence and speak of themselves in the grandest language. Kim Jung Il once boasted of nailing 11 hole-in-ones … in a single round of golf. Kanye West claimed to be a god. and many sect leaders have claimed to be the Christ and led their followers to their death.

But even among those delusional crazies out there, which of them has ever said something like, “I am the bread of life?” which of them has claimed that without them, no one would go on living, or in fact that no one could ever live without them?

I am the bread of life!

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. (51)

But what does bread of life mean?

How about bread from heaven? … what does that mean?

and if Jesus is this bread, then what in the world does it mean to eat this bread?

Jesus said “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (35) But many of you have come to Him, and if you haven’t already had dinner, you’re sitting there hungry right now and you’re going to go home tonight and make yourself a snack before bed. So what's that mean exactly? whoever comes to me shall not hunger. what sort of truth is found in the statement, “I am the bread of life”?

First of all, you should remember the context of these profound words.

Just the day before, Jesus had taken the five loaves and two fish, and giving thanks, broke them and handed them out to his disciples who dispersed them to 5000 men and each of them ate as much as he wanted until they were all full.

So that was yesterday. not exactly your typical tuesday right? Yeah, well, your Jesus is anything but typical!

What he did was truly amazing. They saw it with thier own eyes and held the bread in their own hands and ate it and were filled and nonetheless, none of them could understand how it happened. or what it all meant. No one could explain it. And so of course, they're looking for Jesus

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TITLE- I Love My Wife. Eph 5:28 Today is pastor appreciation! Thank you for appreciating us. Acts 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent[e] of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church [g]of God which He purchased with His own blood. Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.Since Its pastor Appreciation—I want to preach what I want to preach. I want to talk about my brideEph 5:28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.I love my bride. She has been there for me. We talked about this for YEARS before anyone shows upQuickly how we met- totally tan- loving Jesus- brick by brick

I love my bride because I’ve given myself to her v25 I can’t lie- I’m here to tell the truth- I’m a catch! Used to have a body like a greek god- no moreOur whole marriage- I have taken care of my wife. Protected, supported,and provided for her.My wife has never had to work- now works for the church- but I have provided- Every monthMy whole adult life has been consumed with providing for my family- Its hard! First job out of the Army- the reality of having to be a provider- all my energy goes to my brideThis scripture applies to marriage- Jn 12:25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.Marriage only works when you die to self! You can’t live for yourself and love your brideGalatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

I love my bride with the word of God because I want her to grow spiritually v26 My marriage has always been based on the Bible- and we have grown over the years- But we had to keep the bible in the forefront of our life! We talk about scripture all the time2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.My bride would not be the woman that she is without the WORD- She LOVES ITIf you come to our house you’ll see her raggety bible- no one wears out Bibles but My wife!2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,The Bible is KEY to ANY Marriage relationship- No bible- No growth. No LOVE nothing! My Bride is all bible all day. NO bible, no growth. When we no use Bible- we go sideways. Do things the Bible way- get the Bible results. (gabe telling a lie- getting told about hell)Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

I love my bride because I want her to make heaven v271 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”Heaven is the goal! I want to go to heaven- I want my bride to Go to heaven! Because I love her, I don’t try to create problems in marriage. I don’t gossip about my wife. I don’t fight with my wife. I don’t want to be the reason to incite anger in her. My bride and I rarely fight, and if we do, we make amends QUICKLY-don’t let the sun go down Why would I fight with my bride? Why would I hurt her? I could ruin her and not make heavenMatthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

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Magnify the LORD!

Acts 19:8-20

What’s happening?

Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was similar to that in Corinth. Paul entered the synagogue where he was already known (18:19) and spoke boldly for 3 months about the kingdom of God. But as in Corinth, so in Ephesus, the Jewish people rejected the good news: some became obstinate, refusing to believe “the Way”. As a direct result of the stubborn opposition of the synagogue, Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and went and had discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. Not much is known about him, other than he was a gentile, philosopher or lecturer of some kind and rented out his hall to Paul where he stayed for 2 years.

God did unique miracles through Paul- not just ordinary, but these were “extraordinary” or “special”. v.11 “God wrought special miracles”. These were not typical, even for a miracle. Paul used the handkerchiefs and aprons he used in tentmaking, these were just rags he used to tie around his head as a sweatband or his waste as an apron, prayed over them and people were healed and demonic spirits left.

A group of Jewish exorcist, thought it well to use Jesus’ name to cast out demons, and the result was disastrous.

Fear fell on all at the power of the Holy Spirit and deliverance came from the occult practices of that region.

What does it mean to you?

When you magnify the Lord, there will always be scoffers. v. 9

A scoffer- one who speaks to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way.

2 Peter 3:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

Jude 17-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are [a]sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

Paul had no time for scoffers. He had dealt time and time again with rebellious and hard-hearted people. He had no time to argue with people, he had a job to do. “You do not want my message?” I will take it to those who do. He just moved on.

To us: You cannot change anyone. Stop thinking that you can save people, you cannot save anyone. ONLY JESUS saves and only HE delivers. You are not the savior. Stop getting into needless arguments that are futile.

Sometimes, you just have to move on. People will reject the message of the cross. They are not rejecting you, they are rejecting Him. Just move on.

I don’t have time to argue with you about God’s Word. If you do not believe, I have to move on. I have a job to do.

A scoffer does not hear rebuke and does not like to be reproved- move on

A scoffer follows there own desires and interests- move on

Scoffer is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride

“Whoever corrects a scoffer, gets to himself abuse”

A scoffer is divisive

MOVE ON

Proverbs 22:10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

There is a meme that says, “pay attention to who claps for you”, I say, I do not care if you clap for me. I do not live for you. I do not answer to you. I answer to ONE and I live for the audience of One.

Get thee behind me scoffer! I’m moving on.

When you magnify the Lord, there is power- saving and healing power- in the name of Jesus, but its effectiveness is not mechanical, nor can people use it second hand. v.15

The name of Jesus is not mechanical. It’s not an automatic mechanism that is to be lightly used. His name is not a magical charm that you use in order to get what you want.

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I Pledge Allegiance

2 Samuel 1

What’s happening- an Amalekite comes to David and gives him a story about Saul’s death and how he witnessed it and was actually the one to kill him. David mourns for Saul and his best friend Jonathan in a lament

We know the true witness of Saul’s death from 1 Sam 31 so we know this guy is lying, for what reason- maybe to gain favor from David, a place in his kingdom as Israel’s next king; nevertheless David is intent on the man’s story, his tone changes in v.13 “who are you?” in more of a judicial line of questioning. The young man continues to tell David that he killed Saul.

So that’s your story?

David has staked his whole life on “touch not God’s anointed”, and because of his allegiance to the Lord and His king, David had been through many years of affliction and peril. And this Amalekite thinks he’s going to win favor with David by killing Saul? The one whom David protected even to the point of his own detriment?

That would be like trying to speak bad about my husband to pastor Jay, trying to win his approval. Ain’t gonna happen.

What kind of delusion is this guy living under? David swore his allegiance to God and God’s anointed

It begs the question: to whom are you pledging allegiance?

Allegiance defined as- loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause

David was loyal to God and to God’s man for the job. A very rare thing these days.

It is important to declare one’s allegiance-

“I pledge allegiance to the flag”...the US is not needy in making its citizens say the pledge. We have nuclear bombs. It reminds us of our loyalty to defend America and her way of life.

The ancient understanding of faith includes an issue of a response.

“pistis” the Greek word for “believe” as in John 3:36, has to do with loyalty or allegiance. To keep faith, you must be loyal.

John 3:36 English Standard Version (ESV)

36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

ESV has a more correct translation

Our marriage vows are linked with allegiance- do not flippantly enter into marriage vows, otherwise to get a divorce you should have to call everyone back that was at your wedding to tell them that you lied

Christianity in America has become a flippant declaration at the altar, forgetting that you actually made a vow to God. You cannot say “I am loyal to America and collude with other nations”

We have been given such a great gift in the atoning blood of Jesus, He was a better sacrifice and gave us a greater covenant with greater promises.

Hebrews 8:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

A gift given requires a response. My response demonstrates the magnitude of my allegiance.

Four elements of allegiance:

Faithful- allegiance is faithful until the end. David was faithful to Saul as long as Saul lived.

Even though David had been anointed king, he would let God sort out the details.

He would not usurp authority.

God has been faithful to us and He demands the same from His children

Faithful- loyal, constant and steadfast

Show me your calendar and your bank statement and I’ll show you who and what you have allegiance

to.

People say they are committed to the Lord, but their actions prove they are committed to their job, or having fun, a football team, kids’ sports or living a nice life…..

Paul was faithful to Jesus

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

The indictment to the CHURCH in Laodicea was that they were lukewarm, but that was just a symptom of a deeper issue- their allegiance was to themselves. Rev 3:17 “You say,” They were

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Salvation1 samuel 31 READ Israel flees from the Phlistines because they are losing. Philistines follow after Saul and his sons, Saul is severely wounded. He asks his armor bearer to kill him to save him from being tortured. They wouldn’t do it, so Saul falls on his sword to save himself from the torture. Saul, the armorbearer and his sons all died that day including Jonathan. Israel leaves the cities, the philistines take over the cities. They come and find Saul, cut off his head, strip him and use him as a trophy to warn people to not mess with them. The men of Israel heard what had happened to Saul, so they go down and retrieve his body and burned them there and then buried their bones under the tamarisk tree and then they fast. This is the end of Sauls life. The culmination of his reign as king of Israel. He started out strong, but ended bad. David is supposed to be King, and he resisted it the whole time. Through this book we see that God demands obedience. Jesus will be a perfect KingIf you are a Christian this morning, you should want to end well. If you’re not, you’re probably sitting here wondering where you’re at with God and if you want to follow him. Here’s the problem with Many Christians- they have a goal identity instead of grow identityWe should want to grow in our relationship with Christ every day all day. You never arriveNFL- Trying for touchdown even when behind- why? You can’t regain momentum. FORWARDWe cannot become complacent in our relationship with God- Relationships fade with no growth 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.If you’re not transforming into the image of Christ- you’re going backward. You can’t stay same

Did Saul improve over his life, or did he Fall into disrepair and destruction?

Lets put some stuff in the positive column of Sauls lifeGod chose him to lead Israel, 1 sam 9:17 “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people.”God Changed him 1 sam 10: 6 Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.God Gave him another heart 1 Sam 10:9 So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day.God spoke through him 1 Sam 10: 11 And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, So God chooses him, God Changes him, God Gives him a New heart, God speaks through himThose are some pretty spiritual things- God moved mightily through Sauls life- These are the same promises of any believer in Jesus Christ- that God would save us, change us, give us a new heart- that he would use us and change us and live in us and speak through usWhen you live for Jesus the promises of God are yea and amen- He promises to forgive us of sin, make us new, give us new life, peace with him, joy, love2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.We are NEW creations in Christ Jesus- MADE NEW- OLD IS GONEWe just got rid of the trees in the parking lot (reasons) Just like sin, gone- Cant ever put it backEzekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Now lets look at some of the negative aspects of Sauls Life

He started to believe he was above correction, rebuke, or destruction. Forgot who made him kingSaul is utterly destroyed and made an cautionary tale of what happens when Pride comesWhat leads up to this level of destruction? How do you go from King to destruction?Saul was chosen as king, but he gave himself over to hatred, jealousy and murder. Most of what he did as king was characterized b...

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How do you receive correction? (Acts 18:18-28)

Read all of Acts 18:18-28
We are in Acts Chapter 18, and Paul has been in Corinth for 6 months, ruffling the feathers of the Jews. He was almost beaten up a few times, but generally just kept doing what Paul always does.
In Corinth, Paul makes friends with a married couple, Pricilla and Aquila, and they become quick friends and partners in ministry.

- They were tent makers by trade, as was Paul. They had full time jobs, but were still heavily invested in ministry with Paul. It was a lifestyle for them.

- Romans 16:3-5, Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

- Humble, hardworking and dedicated people, with a firm grasp on the gospel of Christ.

- Being Paul’s friend, they were probably marginalized and disrespected by the Jews also.

-Read Acts 18:18-23

Paul continues on his missionary journey, visiting churches, and doing what he does…
2 Tim. 4:1-2, I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Pricilla and Aquila no doubt learned this approach from Paul and their time together in ministry.
Pricilla and Aquila stay in Ephesus, and that’s where we first meet Apollos.
Acts 18:24-25, Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.
Apollos was a powerful preacher. His speaking was highly valued and respected, and he was favored in the synagogue. He had credibility, skill, and respect. The Jews loved him.
He knew the scriptures inside and out, not just the words, but also what it means, and could expound on themes and subjects, and connect life application on all levels.
He knew all about the Messiah, and the teachings of John the Baptist. He could see the Savior coming in the scriptures, and knew how it connected to John’s baptism of repentance.
Apollos was missing a very important part… He didn’t know the Holy Spirit.

- Matt. 3:1-3, In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ”

- Matt. 3:11,I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Apollos’ incomplete gospel produced incomplete disciples:

- Kevin will preach on Acts Chapter 19 next week, so I don’t want to go too far into it but…

- Paul passed through Ephesus and ran into several disciples who had believed in Jesus, and had the baptism of John, but didn’t know anything about the Holy Spirit.

- Who do you think taught them that gospel? (Apollos)

Giving correction takes courage.

- Acts 18:26, So he (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Pricilla and Aquila are blue collar tentmakers with dirt under their finger nails. They aren’t thought of well by the Jews,

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Destroy The Enemy 1 sam 30:9-31

David and his 600 men set out to battle, 200 stay behind. They find an Egyptian in a field. Give him food and water and he helps them find the amalakites (remember these are the guys who kidnapped all their families) So David and his men wail a tune on these dudes all night long. Get their families back. Take their stuff. They come back from battle, the 200 are there who didn’t fight- they share the spoils with them. David goes to all the people he’s been against and shares the spoils with them. Life is good. Strengthen yourself in the Lord -Inquire of the Lord and do what he saysThere’s an old song we used to sing at FVC- “the Enemies Camp” my kids loved that song- Seems like a really fun song- but Its actually connected to this scripture- David Goes back John 10:10 says that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroyThat’s his economy- that’s all he knows how to do- he operates in destruction- and as a child of God- you have a choice- Fight the enemy or take his destructionI’m not giving up. I’m not giving him ground. I’m not letting him steal my faith, family, lifeIf we’re going to go to the Enemies camp- how are we going to win? How do we beat him?

1.To Destroy the Enemy- Don’t Get discouraged

Dis-couragement is simply a lack of courage- If you are dis-couraged you have lost courageYou cannot fight the enemy if you are discouraged- you need courage10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so weary that they could not cross the Brook Besor.These 200 men for whatever reason didn’t have the courage to go to war. Stayed backThey lacked courage- they had lost belief. They forgot the promises of God- Deuteronomy 31:8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”Courage is lost when you forget the promises of God and the power that goes with youDiscouragement happens- Its why people quit relationships, marriages, jobs, militaryI saw many people quit the military when I was in and it wasn’t even at war- dirtbagsAnd in this world- its very easy to get discouraged- to fall into a trap of mental destructionBut if you’re going to go into the enemies camp and take it back- you need COURAGE

What does it mean to you?Have you forgot who you are and whose you are and who is fighting for you and through you?Have you forgot the promises of God? Have you lost the courage of the Lord to fight?Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.Read Psa 144 Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers The Creator of the Universe is a mighty God that GOES WITH YOU into the Battles of LIFEYou are not ALONE- You are not a rouge fighter trying to find your way- he is WITH YOUI get discouraged whenever I think its on me and my strength- encouraged with HIMRomans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?How do you find courage when you’ve lost it? Quote scripture and remember his faithfulnessJeremiah 1:8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.Get prayed up- worship- Remember his deliverance. Quote scripture. Go in the power of the Holy Spirit- Acts 1:8 You shall receive POWER.Psalm 91:7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.

To Destroy the enemy fight with all you got

The enemy does not fight fair. He doesn’t deal in kind ofs- its an all out assault. 17 Then David attacked them from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled. 18-20David had heard from God to go and attack and he would win- so David fought with everythingHe didn’t go in half hearted- trying to negotiate- negotiate time is over- YO...

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1 Sam 30 1-8 Strengthen Yourself

David Goes down to Ziklag, which achish had given to him back in chp 27. The Amalekites had invaded it, burned it with fire, and took all the women and children captive. David and the men show up and they begin to cry and weep over what had happened. David is distressed because the people were talking of stoning him, all his people were grieved. But David strengthens himself in the Lord. And then he goes to inquire of God of what he should- should he go and attack?

You will reap what you sow6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters.David is the Author of this destruction. Back in Chapter 27 he had aligned himself with the enemy (philistines) and made nice with Achish1 sam 27:8-12 READJust a short time ago- David is raiding the Amalekites, submitting to the enemy, being less than honorable. Amalekites come back with a vengeance. They come back harder- I think the people are mad at David for what he had done previously- Remember- He went with the enemy- had had taken up residence with the enemies of IsraelDavid is reaping what he has sown

Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, Those who plow iniquity And sow trouble reap the same.You can’t expect that David takes it upon himself to align with the enemy, go and attack and they are just going to sit there and do nothing. David is sowing destruction he will reap itProverbs 22:8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail.But this is like many people- They go with the enemy- They support the enemy- they do evil and expect that its been a minute, so nothing is going to happen V 2-3 and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. 3 So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. (This was the Amalekites returning the favor- David reaping what he sowedSpeak to Israel but still applies- Hosea 10:13 You have plowed wickedness; You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, Because you trusted in your own way, In the multitude of your mighty men.

What does it mean to you?Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.Don’t pretend to yourself that you can continually sow sin and reap righteousness. wont workIf you see that you are reaping destruction in your life, you have to ask yourself what you are sowing- I know a man whos pastor was asking for sin on his death bed- I have seen people who are living in constant unrepentant sin be sick, lose jobs, die, lose marriages, live in anger, frustration, depression, cant get traction in their lifeWhy? They’ve been sowing destruction! Planting seeds of sin and destruction in their lifeRomans 2:1-10 READYou can’t sow thorns and expect fruit. Doesn’t workAnd the worst part? We reap what we sow based on our actions and then find ourselves in a pit of despair, wondering how we can get out of it? Often times we’re unwilling to admit the contribution to our own destruction, but sometimes our actions affect others, and then they turn on us. You end up in the place like…now what?So all these guys are coming to destroy David, his wife is taken captive, so what does he do?

Strengthens himself in the Lord6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.This is Biblical- Eph 6:10 my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

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Are you committed? Acts 18: 1-8

Paul leaves Athens and goes to Corinth

Aquila with wife Priscilla are kicked out Rome by the emperor

Paul goes to see these guys and since they were both tent makers, they stayed and worked together

Paul is doing the usual – reasoning and debating in the synagogue every Sabbath day - Persuade Jews to turn to Christ

Silas and Timothy come down – takes over and now Paul can devote himself 100% to preaching

Someone stepped in to be a supporting role

The Jews kept on rejecting God, and so Paul is done

I have spoken the truth and if any of you get lost it’s not my fault

From there on, he went to the Gentiles

A man named Titus Justus – A worshipper of God

People come to Christ when they heard him. There was change!

My attitude (selfishness or empathy)

Here we see Aquila and Priscilla having been kicked out of Rome have to start a new life

They have to find a new “normal”

Have you ever moved from one country to another? Was it out of will or were you forced to move?

Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Interesting Paul did not go to the native, someone who lived there a long time

Sometime, the best place to be is with the people that have already experienced what you have, they know where you have been

Are you committed?

We have to watch out for our brothers and sisters

In the last days- we will have to resolve in our hearts that it’s not an individual survival but that we are willing to stand together, and that starts today

2 Timothy 3:1-5- But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, [b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Are you committed to your Christian brothers and sisters so that we can endure?

Don’t ignore what Aquila and Priscilla did, they didn’t preach the message like Paul did, but they did their part

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

We all have an assignment. It may look different but it does matter in order to advance the kingdom

Are you committed to where God has called you or are you a cry baby, Do you whine about your life so much that you can’t realize that a city is about to be taken over for Christ through your household?

God has allowed your situation and now He is using it for good - He turns all things good for those who love Him.

Stand in place

Vs 5: When Silas and Timothy arrived, Paul devoted himself to preaching full time

They guys took over and started to support Paul financially

We see Silas and Timothy being consistent in assisting Paul, it’s not something they have started today. They are committed to supporting Paul always for the sake of the Kingdom

We have to be committed to advance the Kingdom of God

The story of Nehemiah,

He is cup bearer, but he is faithful in what he does

He hears the story about the ruin of Jerusalem – and because of the love for God and God’s people, a door is open

He has favor

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Philistines come together at Aphek, Israel is there, There is a military review, Philistines ask what they are doing there. Achish wonders, ‘isn’t this David’? defends him. Princes get angry and say that chances are David is going to turn on them in battle, so he aint going. Achish tries to make it right with David and says that he cant go to battle. David defends like “what? Ive been so good since I turned on my own people”. Achish says sorry- but you got to go bro. David says Ok and leaves.

“But what have I done”? v8You camped with the enemy v1, You wanted their approval v2, You defected to the enemy v3, You were willing to fight against your own people v4, You treated the enemy well v 6 “I have not found evil in you” , You wanted to please the enemy leader v7 “that you may not please the lords of the philistines”What have you done? Just about everything wrong possible. You used to say “touch not God’s anointed” and now you’re willing to fight your own people. You’re blaming the people for the indiscretions of a man and refusing to go to God. David should have just repented and went off to a cave again, but instead, he goes and camps up with the enemy again. What the heck David?But maybe you find yourself in the same cycle. You find yourself in the same rut. You wake up and find you’re in the enemies camp and you don’t know how you got there or how to get outSo what do you do? Don’t Ask “what have I done?” “Ask what have I done!”

What have you done? Have you Examined yourself?

David hadn’t been looking at his actions and desiresPsalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.That’s the correct heart- it just wasn’t the heart that David had right at this momentNo, camp w the enemy, want their approval, defected, willing to fight against Israel, etcHad David examined himself in this moment- he would have found that there were some things that he needed to work on- Many people struggle with this- People overestimate their abilities and they think they are better than they are They lack self awareness- They can’t see their blind-spots- think they are farther alongAnd that’s not even their spiritual walk- No one else I know goes to church- I do!Instead of laying bare before the Lord asking him to reveal anything in you that needs changeLamentations 3:40 Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord;But David isn’t doing this. He’s resisting- “what have I done”- but not reflective

Missing the opportunity to grow from his failures. What does it mean to you?Are you reflecting? Are examining who you are and what you are doing?Many people struggle with this- they can’t face the reality of who they are and what they doBroken relationships, haughty attitudes, inconsistencies, hypocrisy, destruction, doubt2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.A Christian should be spending time before God asking- Lord, what is it in me that you do no like that you want to change about me?Attitude. Disposition. Actions. Thoughts. Desires. Intentions. Thoughts. Actions.Lord, why do I do this and what can you do in me to fix it? How am I contributing to it?1 Cor 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.We’re supposed to be doing this before communion! It’s the opportunity to reflectPeople will not go to the doctor because they are afraid to know what is up- heart even worseI am inconsistent with my habits. I sometimes think evil thoughts. Lack empathy, cut people off to protect my heart, explode in anger. Expect from others what I don’t expect of myself. Lack of faith. Lazy at times. Hide from conflict. Purposefully pretend I didn’t see or hear something.

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The Amazing and Amazed Jesus Hebrews 3 • Mark 6:1-6

Guard your heart... that’s pretty much the whole sermon tonight. # words. write them down. repeat them back to yourself. guard your heart... You shouldn’t go home tonight wondering what the whole point of the message was. Here it is. Guard your hearts! a couple weeks ago Pastor Matt was up here pleading with us, commending us in the name of Jesus to guard our hearts. He passionately went scripture by scripture showing us how it’s, “out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.”

When you do something bad, when you sin, when you lash out in anger on your fellow man, when you covet your neighbors wife, when you provoke you children to anger, when you fudge your timecard at work or call in pretending to be sick - whenever you show contempt for your parents or defile the Lord’s day by treating it like any other day, that’s evil. When you murmer and complain. When you bring forth into the world evil, it’s not just something that happens spontaneously, out of nowhere, without cause, out of your control.

No, you give birth to your evil deeds, they come from your heart when you’re not diligent to guard it and nurture it in the faith.

For the love of God! for the sake of all that is good and lovely, for the sake of your own soul and the very lives of your spouse and children, will you not Guard your heart?!

Now, that begs the question, From what, do you need to guard your heart? well, if i remember correctly, Pastor Matt admonished the church to guard our hearts by throwing ourselves on the promises of God. .. Oh the great and wonderful promises of God. How true they are! how mighty they are to guide and lead and sustain you, to lift you up, to empower you, to give you hope and joy in suffering, to keep you on the path of life and blessing. to make you wise.

So if you guard your heart by trusting Him. What you’re guarding your heart from, and what gives birth to all your sin, what defiles you, is unbelief. When you sin, it’s because you don’t believe, - because you don’t trust. Now, that’s a harsh truth. it stings. But if you can humble yourself enough o accept it and not fight against it, it will free you to actually deal with your sin and understand it and get at it’s root cause and have victory over it by the grace of God. When you sin, it’s because you don’t believe, it’s because you’ve allowed sin to deceive you. Remember, a deception, a lie, only has power when it’s believed in. You can strip the devil of his power if only you would stop believing his wicked, murderous lies. You defend yourself from him by picking up the shield of Faith and trusting in your brave young savior and all the promises of God.

Open your bibles to Hebrews 3:7 And test for yourself whether what you’re hearing is true or not. Listen for the connection between unbelief and hard hearts that give birth to sin. (Hebrews 3:7-19) ... the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’” of 1 9

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled?

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1 Sam 28 3-25 Zombies and Witches

Samuel dies, Israel buries him, Saul kicks all the witches out of the land. Israel sets up for war with the Philistines, but when he sees the battle, he is afraid, Inquires of God, God doesn’t answer, so Saul Goes to a Medium (sorcerer). Find one at Endor. He goes in Disguise to her, and she even tells Saul that she shouldn’t be doing this. Saul says she’ll be fine. Saul asks for her to bring up Samuel. Samuel shows up ,she screams and realizes that the man in disguise is Saul and the Spirit is Samuel. Samuel is upset that he’s been brought back from the Dead. Saul says he’s afraid because of the war, God isn’t talking, so he brought him up. He tells him him and his sons are going to die in battle tomorrow because of his disobedience, and Israel is going to lose the battle. The woman offers some bread, Saul reluctantly eats it and him and his companions leave.

I want to focus on the medium and Saul because it’s the most important part of the story

This is a very difficult passage of scripture for two reasons

It brings up a dead spirit ( I thought dead people were dead)Was it Samuel or the devil? Was it an apparition or was it real?Remember- Moses and Elijah were at the resurrection - Luke 9:29-30, Mt 17:1-3, Mark 9:3-4 Mk9:3-4His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow,such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.And Elijah appeared to them with Moses,and they were talking with Jesus.Saints came out of their graves at the resurrection- READ Matt 27:51-53This isnt the only story of someone appearing after death. It is very rare in the Bible- but it has happened- we cannot discount this story just because its exceptional- Dead come alive! And of course- Jesus himself came back from the grave- A real bodily form- not a spiritIn Luke 24:36-43 Jesus appeared to the disciples and ate honeycomb and fish! We can’t discount this as weirdness- People come back from the grave! It’s a promise!John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.Coming back from the dead shouldn’t surprise you- it should encourage you! Its Real!

It deals with the occultMany Scriptures talk about the evils of sorcery- so why does it seem sorcery was used?1 sam 15: 22-23 READ Deuteronomy 18:10-12 READ Leviticus 19:31 ‘Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God. And Leviticus 20:7So to some readers, it may appear that God uses a sorcerer and sorcery to accomplish thisBut God is not Using the Occult in this instance- HE brings up Samuel IN SPITE of the medium, not BECAUSE of the Medium- God will use whatever means he needs to accomplish his willGod had stopped talking to Saul because Saul had turned from God- he was DONE with himWhat is REALLY going on here? One- Saul is under JUDGMENT by GOD- and this is the culmination of his judgment1 Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”That’s from SAMUEL and now Saul has fulfilled his Rebellion- but GOING to a WITCHThe use of the witch by God to Pronounce the final judgment upon Saul is HUGEGod will give people over to their sin- Rom 1:28 even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;The judgment of God isn’t always immediate destruction- but giving you what you wantSaul wanted witchcraft? God used witchcraft and the spirit of Samuel to pronounce it!Two- The witch wasn’t even used- she was probably a fake- 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice.

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To The Unknown God

Acts 17:22-34

Paul begins to explain to the Athenians who God is, who Jesus is, what is expected from men and their response to God’s plan of salvation, and judgment to come. They had false ideas of God and of salvation. Paul begins to relate to them the full gospel of Jesus, not a quip phrase to lure them into serving dumbed down definition of God. Paul wanted them to know the fullness of truth, so that they would not mingle their ideas/philosophy with Christianity. They did anyway. As we see, immediately, false teachers entered the church preaching another Jesus and another gospel

2 Corinthians 11:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Better, the adverb being emphatic, and intensely ironical, “you put up with it!” Paul means, of course, that they have done much more than tolerate the preachers of the false gospel, but have paid them an extravagant respect.

The gospel is not John 3:16 This is a portion of the gospel, as is Acts 2:38 or John 3:5. The gospel is not, “Good news! You do not have to live under Jewish law because the OT was really really bad!”

These Scriptures are all key ingredients, but they are incomplete. Say I was to give you two ingredients in a recipe:

2 eggs

1 stick of butter

What am I making? You have no idea.

The gospel is not just “Good news, God loves you, believe in Jesus”. It is much more than that. The gospel includes all of the teachings of Jesus and the apostles recorded in Scripture. If you don't share the full truth, the full gospel then you are skipping steps and only giving others a part of what they need-

If you do that then you are considered to be a thief and a robber keeping part of what they need back from them. It'd be like attempting to give someone a gift but you only give half of it- what if I said I was going to give you a car? You would be super excited until the car I gave you had no tires and no engine. But hey, the brakes work great! What good is it? It is incomplete. So they have part of what they need but not the whole thing. Don't give partial truths and don't give just part of the gospel. Give the full gospel and the full truth.

Why do I tell you this? Because you must become acquainted with the genuine so that you can immediately recognize a fake

There are a bunch of “gospels” mentioned in the Bible:

Doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:15)

the doctrine of Jezebel (Rev 2:20)

doctrine of demons (1 Tim 4:1)

doctrine of Balaam (2:14)

These are perverted gospels- which all stemmed from Christians who mingled with worldly ideas and concepts and entered the church in the first and second century. The perversion of Christianity started immediately.

Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert[a]the gospel of Christ.

Many these above so called “gospels” have their origin in Gnosticism- Note they did not see themselves as “anti Christian”, they saw themselves as inspired, charismatic teachers with a “new revelation”. They taught a progressive doctrine of accommodation to the surrounding culture mixing in Greek, Roman and other pagan belief ideas about God and His plan of salvation

Gnosticism "developed in the same places as dawning Christianity and the Judaic religions. Gnostic teachers claimed to have secret knowledge about the creation of the world and the purpose of life and competed with the Apostles on the same ground. Gnostic groups seized on bits of Christianity, but tended to cut it off from its historical source (challenging or redefining Scripture)

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BEFORE DESTRUCTION 1 Sam 27-1 sam 28:1-2 There has been times in my life where I have mad bad decisions- and the things that went bad were embarrassing. I always wondered how I got there- and how to not go back to them- How to not have any regrets- prevent bad decisions

Things that went bad for David Went to the enemy- v 2 to Acish King of Gath (of the philistines), Dwelt with the enemy- V3 so david dwelt, Brought others with him- six hundred men, his two wives, Made a deal with the enemy and God Ziklag v5, Went and raided towns v8 Geshurites, Girzites, Amalekites, Killed all the men women and took their livestock, Lied To achish- v10 Against the southern area of Judah, Telling the enemy that he was attacking his own people?, Tells Achish he’s his servant 1 sam 28:1, Joins with the Enemy to fight Israel 1-2

Where did it all Go wrong? What could David had done BEFORE DESTRUCTION READ V 27

He internalized destructionThe Heart is the core of our being its importance can’t be understatedAnd David “said in his heart” He spoke to himself- thought it- believed it- internalized itAnd spoke some pretty bad stuff to himself we’ll get into in a moment- but lets just focus on the heart part to start- He didn’t say it to God- others- Outloud- Just himself- (heart and mind)Disclaimer- Don’t get twisted- We’re not talking self esteem self talk here- we’re talking Bible-David was speaking a certain kind of way to himself and its important to note? Why? THE HEART IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO A BELIEVER IN JESUS CHRIST- The Bible SAYS- Proverbs 4:23 keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Mark 7:21-23 READ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts etcThe HEART is vitally important- what David was doing was creating a situation where what he was speaking to his heart was going to create destructionAll of this bad stuff has a starting point- and the starting point was when he started speaking to himself a certain kind of way- destruction. Lies. Despair. Negativity. Bad stuff all aroundTo his heart- what did it do? Produce bad actions in his life because he didn’t guard his heartStory of a young man who didn’t keep his heart- His dad told him to listen to him, that if he did, it would keep him from sin. There was a female who wanted his son in a bad way. How did the dad know this? In their town- he had saw other men who had been destroyed by this woman- she sexually seduced men all time- but many a man had fallen prey because guys didn’t realize what was going on- She used her speech, her sexuality to destroy men. The father said to his son: READ Proverbs 7:24-25 v25 “Do not let your heart turn”Guarding of the heart is SO SO important to keep you from DESTRUCTIONIts where it STARTS- Thoughts turn into desires, that turn into actions!What does it mean to you? GUARD YOUR HEART! What you put in it, speak to it, think about it affects your spiritual life!Been a principle of God for a long time- Dt 4:9 Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,This takes practice and focus! YOU choose what you dwell on, think on, focus on, speak onPhil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.I heard a story of a guy who had something that the Lord had told him to sell and give all the money to help spread the Gospel. He listened- sold, but in the end, kept some for himself. I think he sold it for more than he expected- what happened?

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“Can you hear me now”

I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak to you all and I want to be sure God is glorified and not myself. I’m very grateful to be speaking to you all this evening. And I have to admit, I’m a little nervous, but whatever God calls us to do we must do it…Amen? Now that I’m standing here, It makes me think of a few months back, pastor Matt shared in a sermon “Do it afraid”...So here I am.

Let me share how I got to this point. I think it was March right around the men’s advance. I was doing a bible study with my wife, and God spoke to me…He said, you will preach my word! My first thought was, ok, amen, whatever you want Lord, then I thought well how much time do I have? Then he says 11/19/19, then I’m like, ugh, ok, I will prepare for this Lord. Let’s do this. So fast forward a few weeks at Monday night prayer, God tells me to ask Pastor Steve about mentoring and educating me about preaching. General stuff! so I ask him and (Impersonate Pastor Steve wooo wi, hallelujah, amen brotha). This must be from God. Get this, Not even a week later, I haven’t met pastor Steve or text him. Pastor Jay contacts me on FB messenger, with a question. Hey Marcus, if the opportunity presents itself, would you like to preach on a Wednesday? So his next questions is…will you do this summer? I’m like its basically already summer we are 1 month away, So I’m blown away at this point, and all I hear in my head is, Rafiki voice saying…. “It is time”. So, here I am August 21, 2019 giving my first sermon! Praise God

Why do I share that story? Let me tell you why … when God tells you something, if you stay obedient to his word, following his process….it will happen. Don’t wait to get stuck in a while for 3 days before you decide to do what he says.

---Let’s Pray---

Today’s message is titled (Can you hear me now?), it took me a few days to come up with this title. because I had to change it last week, because Many don’t know, I was supposed to present last week and guess what my title was going to be….. yes, you guessed it, “Are you listening?”. True story. Praise God, But pastor Butcher gave an amazing word last week. Amen.

We’re going to be in Matthew 22:1-14, the parable of the wedding feast and I truly pray that this message will speak to someone tonight. There is so much in the Gospels, I love them, because it lays down the eyewitness account of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior. It gives us details of His life, explains His work, miracles, why He came, His obedience to the Father and Him fulfilling all prophecies of the Old testament. It explains the New covenant that is provided to us through His life, death and resurrection. And the gift God provides us, in exchange for His life, the gift of the Holy spirit, who is our Helper.

Here we Read the parable of the wedding feast, Matthew 22:1-14 I want to give you the back story to explain Christ’s teachings and why the parable was given.We know Jesus traveled many places by foot and by boat, teaching, preaching, touching lives and healing many people. He did this in many places, Capernaum, Jerusalem, Jericho, all round the sea Galilee and in many other villages and cities.Christ teachings were powerful and spoke directly to the hearts, minds & souls of men.Before the parable is given, He’s teaching inside a temple in Jerusalem and is questioned by the Chiefs priest and Elders of the people.Jesus was questioned because He, like always, was teaching Truth with authority, and what God permitted him to teach.We don’t know exactly what he was teaching during this time…But whatever it was, we know it was the TRUTH. We could image, maybe He was teaching the Mosaic law with His new law…challenging old ways, preaching to their hearts, preparing what’s to come…we don’t know. Can only assume. Whatever it was, this truth made the Chief priest and elders, mad, upset and offended.

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1 Sam 26 Are you Down? - committed

6 David then asked Ahimelek the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?” “I’ll go with you,” said Abishai.This is a very interesting story- Saul is chasing after David to kill him. David is with these guy Abishai. Saul is getting close to David and one night they go down into the camp and everyone is asleep. David and Abishai stand over Saul and Abishai has the chance to kill Saul but instead they just take his Spear and water Jug. Next day they chastise Abner from across the valley who was supposed to be protecting King Saul- King Saul hears Davids voice and realizes that he could have been killed and realizes that David loves God and him and Saul relents and forgives David and promises he’s going to stop trying to kill him.

The committed steps up

I’ll go with you 6 David then asked Ahimelek the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?” “I’ll go with you,” said Abishai. in the story- this guy Abishai has no idea exactly what David is going to do down thereWe find out later, but Abishai may think that this is going to be the time when he will get to whack King Saul- Kill the guy who has been attacking his leader- DavidBut here’s what I love about his heart- He didn’t ask any questions. He didn’t show any reluctance. He didn’t hesitate. It was time to do something and he was down for it 100%. “I’ll go with you” David- I trust you. I believe in you. I’ve seen you. If you’re going- I’m goingOne of the hardest things you’ll do in your life is step up and make a commitment to somethingPeople used be committed- Job, Mortgage, Marriage, Friends, Small towns- Couldn’t go other stores- you had to figure it out- You were committed to each other. People would have a sense of pride of ownership and involvement- My neighborhood, school

Now? Totally comfortable with someone else doing it while we sit back and watchThis should not be the case for the church. Not at all. A Christ followers steps up when the Lord asks them to do so- But it doesn’t happen- Turn a deaf ear. Why do people enjoy challenging sermons that they have no intention to respond to? Church is one of the few places we tolerate this- Gun club- Commit- Work- Show up- NopeAbishai was DOWN. He was like- Whatever it is. I’m good with it. Its valorious to step up for God. Its spiritually dangerous. Its Heroic what we do for JesusSome people don’t see it that way- but it truly is. Nothing more importantEphesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.It shouldn’t matter what the word of God, or a pastor or member in the church asks you do to. “I’ll go with you” should be your answer. Cause here’s the deal- its never going to be detrimental to your spiritual walk. What do we ask? Kids? Clean? Show up? Tithe? Serve ForgiveIn war- Balloon in Civil war, wwi etc, Goes up- Run the other way? No- run towards! Will you be an Abishai? Will you step up? Will you commit to it? Will you step up?

2. The Committed takes correction

Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.”READ v 9-11 9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him!Abishai was down to do what he was asked to do. “I’ll go with you”But when they got down to do what they were going to do- Abishai had his own ideas of what he thought they should do- Lets kill King Saul!But David rebuked him- He’s like “nah man- HE’s still God’s man- lets not do this” Interestingly enough- Abishai doesn’t push back against the man he agreed to go down withDavid tells him what they are doing and why they are doing it and that’s enoughIf only it was that easy in the ministry!So many people are so headstrong they can’t even allo...

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Mark 7:32-35 (NLT) 32 A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. 33 Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. 34 Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” 35 Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

James 3:8-10

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit

“If you love life you will speak life And when you love life you love the Lord, because Jesus said, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.”

Deaf 1.partially or wholly lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing; unable to hear

Deaf

Refusing to listen, heed, or be persuaded; unreasonable or unyielding:

Proverbs 13:3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

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Peace Pride or Penitence

1 Sam 25 Samuel Dies, Rich guy named Nabal wife Abigail. Smart and Beautiful. Nabal- Harsh and evil. David goes to where Nabal is shearing the sheep and sends his guys to ask for some provisions. Nabal says no. They go back to David and David says to get ready to go to war with Nabal. Abigail finds out about this through one of Davids men. Abigail quickly brings a bunch of food to David and his men but didn’t tell her Husband. David is on the warpath. She goes to David and pleads- please- Don’t go to war- You’re going to be King and this will ruin you. David responds to her and says I’m not going to do it because you said I shouldn’t. Abigail goes back to find her husband drunk- so she waits til morning to talk to him, and she does and then nabal dies ten days later. David rejoices that Nabal is dead. So then David decides to take Abigail as a wife. He’s so happy he takes another wife.

There’s three main characters in this story- Nabal, Abigail and DavidThey all have a role to play- and in the story we can look and decide which person we want to be in this story- No one is perfect- but when we read a story like this- what do we get from it?

PeacemakerAbigail is the peace maker in this story- The young men of David come to her and share what’s going on- and try to influence Nabal through AbigailAbigail has a choice here- She can double down with her Husband and Destroy David- but she has awareness of a larger plan for David and Israel- Her allegiance is to God not her husbandProverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.Theres always a point in an interaction or relationship where a person has to decide- will I bring peace in this or will I stoke the fires of discontent and resentment? She becomes a Peacemaker READ 23-26As a kid- huge wooden structure to play on- years of fun- someone lit it on fire- hate othersSo what does Abigail do? She pleads with David- begs him- goes so far to put the offense on herself ““On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be!”She wants what is right- not what is self-serving or beneficial for herself- She wants PEACE She understands that conflict helps no one. Destruction helps no one. Peace is betterShe could have easily gone back to her husband and got him in a tiffy and watched the fightPsalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

What does it mean to?The story of our faith is that we are at peace with God through Jesus- how can we not be?Isa 9:6 Jesus is the Prince of Peace- Rom 15:33 our God is a God of peaceYou were a vile sinner at war with God- and God brought you close to Jesus and forgave youAnd NOW- you have the audacity to create strife and division instead of creating peace?This isn’t a call to pacifism there is a time to engage and stand- this is more in the churchHeb 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:Everyone- Family, neighbors, friends, strangers, who ever. You don’t have to be friends- but you have to make it right- you have to try and make peace with them- Back in apartment days- fighting over parking spot. Wife bought a jacket- will this make peace?Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.What are you doing to be a peace maker? What are the conversations you’re having at work, home and at church? A coarse word is said- do you stop it, or pile on and watch the flames? Stop it before it stopsAbigail saw the big picture- the future of Israel and Davids life- she sought peace

Prideful- 10 Then Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, “Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his masterHere’s whats going on- Nabal- whos name means “fool” is showing his foolishness here. I’m not sure if he actually knows who David is- or if he’s just being snarky- but he demea...

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Blood is Thicker Than Water (Acts 2:42-47) Verses in NKJV

Acts 2:42-47, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

This is the “Acts Church”. The prototype. Our example. THE local church.
If we are going to experience the church, in the way that the first Spirit-filled Christians experienced church, then we are going to have to root our values in the same things that they valued.
This is a literal story of what the local church did. They broke bread together, had all things in common, continued daily in the temple and from house to house, and they praised God… AND they, verse 45, “…sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”
The question becomes, why? Is that what we should be doing today?
Some scholars say that the local church was short sighted, believing that Jesus was returning in days, weeks, or months. Some say they were overwhelmed with emotion and acted irrationally.

- My answer is: Don’t try to rationalize away the amazing work of the Holy Spirit!

- These actions were HUGE, and the Lord blessed them mightily for their generosity.

If “giving all your money to the poor” was the proper expression of discipleship, the Apostles would have preached it in every town they went to. They didn’t. (only spoke of in the Jerusalem church)
So… why’d they do it? The church was meeting the new believer’s most pressing needs.
How can we as the local church, follow their example today? How can we be like them?
The Acts Church was welcoming.
Acts 2:44-45, Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
DO NOT sell your houses and stuff and give it to our church!
In America, we don’t typically become destitute and ostracized, losing jobs, and all our money and financial opportunity because we choose Jesus. We lose friends and family.
The new believer’s most pressing need is relationships! They need new friends and family!
This is our American ethos: “Time is more valuable than money, because you can make more money, but you can never make more time.” TIME is the new currency!
It is common to say things like, “I just don’t have time to....” The truth is, you don’t find time to!
You will find the time to do the things that are really important to you. (Hobbies, vacations, OT)
When you welcome someone to church, you are giving them your time and attention, and they know intrinsically how valuable that is, and it is a meaningful gift!

- Ranking among the top reasons visitors stay in our church is because YOU are welcoming, and authentic. Not the preaching, the worship, the building, or the coffee. YOU!

- Every week I have a conversation that starts with, “I don’t think I have met you yet.” Maybe I’ve seen them and not said Hi, maybe forgot their name. I have to get over my discomfort.

Is it hard for you to speak to people you don’t know? GOOD! We get lots of visitors here, so you will get lots of chances to practice and get more comfortable doing it!
We have to be more intentional about including people and building genuine relationships.
Example: When I was first married, I did a terrible job of meeting my wife’s needs.

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From Passover to Communion (Sunday, July 28th) Verses in NKJV

(Only 30 minutes! Alter call and Communion after sermon.)

Some refer to the Bible as “basic instructions”, or as a collection of inspiring quotes, or as reference guide for living a Christian life. (Kind of, but not really.)
The Bible is actually one continuous story, written by many authors over thousands of years. From Genesis to Revelation, it is all true, and it does not contradict itself.
It is the story about God’s relationship with man, and ultimately, His plan for redemption.
God makes several covenants with His people, serious binding agreements, sealed in blood.
Today, we don’t understand the significance, because we don’t take our covenants seriously.
Example: Marriage. We make vows, “To death do us part”… before many witnesses… but it only lasts until one of them changes their mind, or it becomes inconvenient, etc…
Eccles. 5:5, Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.
We don’t expect others to keep their word, so then we have an excuse for not keeping ours.
When God makes a covenant with us, He will keep it!
Today we are talking about communion. My hope is that you never look at it the same way again.
Passover: God saves His people from death by the blood of the lamb.
1500 years before Jesus, the Hebrews had been slaves in Egypt for over 400 years.
Moses has now come to set God’s people free, and brought 9 plagues upon the land already, but Pharaoh will not let his people go. Then came the 10th and final plague.
Exodus 11:4-6, Then Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt; 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the animals. 6 Then there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as was not like it before, nor shall be like it again.
God’s people had been protected from all the other plagues, with no action required, but this time God required them to participate in the process of their own salvation.
Exodus 12:3-7, Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. 4 And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. 7 And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.
Israel’s actions did not save them. But by listening and obeying the word of the Lord, and taking action showing they believed it by faith, they were saved from death.
Exodus 12:12-14, 12 ‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. 13 Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.
This is a big day, and God wants them to remember forever that he saved them from death.
Exodus 12:25-28,

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THE KING IS COMING

Acts 17:1-9 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

5 But the Jews [a]who were not persuaded, [b]becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has [c]harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

There is a new movie coming up – The Lion King (Who hasn’t watched Lion King before)The idea that the King is coming is something that has somewhat lost its urgency these daysWe have moved from a place where disciples who were with Jesus, heard His words and preached a message like Jesus was coming back anytime, to a time when we think man it’s been too long Paul’s goal is to let people know that the Jesus had died for their sins so that when the king came back, they would be with Him. He is preaching to get them saved- We preach to get you saved so you can be ready for the King!I like the lion King movie not because it has a ton of Swahili songs – which I speak...hakuna matata, Simba, Rafiki e.t.c but because it’s a word picture of how evil has overtaken the land because the King and His son are not here anymore, not knowing that the ‘King is Coming”Matthew 24:36-39 - But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of[a]heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man beHe will return when we least expect it – Revelation 16:15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” (garment – reference of Adam and Eve when they sinned)Are you ready? The ‘King is coming”Luke 21:7-17, Luke 21: 28 - Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Three days or 3 weeks

Paul spend 3 sabbath days reasoning with the people ‘explaining to them that Jesus had to die for their sinsVs:4 - And some of them [accordingly] were induced to believe and associated themselves with Paul and Silas, as did a great number of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.Others were offended – Christ did not come to serve our self-interest – He had a mission and that mission is not our comfort or having our way…it saving our soul. Preparing a way for the Kings return.“The bait of Satan”, Talks about John the Baptist2 Peter 3:8-9 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [a]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance3 days or 3 weeks? Do we need 3,

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You Hunt My life to Take IT 1 sam 24This is very interesting story- David is hiding in a cave, Saul and his men are trying to find him and kill him. Saul, by chance, ends up going into a cave to relieve himself and David is in there! David ends up cutting the edge of Sauls robe, Saul leaves, and David runs out to tell him- Hey! I could have killed you but I didn’t! Saul repents- he has sorrow and tells David that he will become king and be blessed and appears to stop pursuing David. This is a picture of the Gospel. Saul is a sinner deserving death, David has the capacity and opportunity to kill him, but David gives him grace even tho he doesn’t deserve it and Saul is spared. Saul deserved DeathSo Saul and 3000 men are on the hunt for David- and Saul Goes into a cave to relieve himself-V 3 So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs.- David cuts a corner of his robe while he’s doing this and friends tell him to Kill the KingIn that Moment- David could have easily justified Killing Saul to protect himself and his menNo one would have said anything if David would have Killed- His own men are encouraging him!Saul deserved death for his actions. He was wicked. He was evil. He was attempting murder. Is 3:11Woe to the wicked It shall be ill with him, For the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Saul would be getting his just reward- a murderous plot rewarded with death- you get deathPsalm 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.This is justice- You get what you deserve- You try evil- you get evil. You kill you die. This is that moment in the movie where the bad guy dies and everyone likes it- YEEESSSHere’s where the Gospel comes in tho- We are all Sauls- We deserve death17 Then he said to David: “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.We look at Saul and say “Kill that guy” and “he deserves it” and then Jesus saysMatthew 5: 21-22 READ- None of us are better than Saul- Not one of us! Brown bear- I made a mistake- Yelling at them to their face “I MADE A MISTAKE” (why c drives)Rom6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Ephesians 2:3 READTitus 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.You are saul- I am Saul. We are Saul. We desire destruction for others in our mind. But what Happens to Saul?

David gave him Grace- because of who HE was- not because of who SAUL wasREAD 8-1313 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be against youEzekiel 18:20 The soul who sins shall die……the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.David has is described as “a Man after God’s own heart” and right here he’s showing HIS heart and the heart of God- Lam 3:22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.David could say- Psalm 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.People talk about the God of the NT v the God of OT- But God has not changed- God is a God of mercy in the OT and a God of Mercy in the NT. He’s a God of Wrath in the OT and the NTMicah 7:18-19 READ He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. Ezra 9:13-15 13 READ have punished us less than our iniquities deserveSaul was deserving of Death, but David didn’t kill him- not because Saul was deserving of mercy- but because David’s nature was one of mercy- Such as it is with the Heart of God-

David said- Psalm 103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.David is going to understand the mercy of God later in this story when he sends a man into batt...

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1 sam 23:19-29 Title of Sermon- Three Hearts

The heart of A Ziphite-The Ziphites were descendants of Judah, just like David. They were supposed to be his brothers They were King Saul’s spies and they alerted Saul every time David took refuge in their land. Three things characterize a ZIPHITE. One- A Ziphite betrays his own tribe (they were of the tribe of Judah)The Ziphites were of the tribe of Judah- but when the chips were down- they turned on David and took up with Saul- and were willing to sell out DavidREAD- V 19-20 and our part shall be to deliver him into the king’s hand.Why were they even involved? They had no beef with David- They just wanted the adoration of Saul- They wanted to be a part of his plan and his power to destroy David- No love for TruthProverbs 16:28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.This spirit is so prevalent in the world and church today- people love to create problemsTwo- A Ziphite is selfish at the expense of others Selfishness is the heart of the ziphite- Turning on others for their own benefit- 24 So they arose and went to Ziph before Saul.- No care who was hurt- self serving- David is our tribe- but we have much to GAIN from turningNinth Commandment- Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.Three- A ziphite Cares nothing about God or his plansEven tho the ziphites were of Judah- they were not of YHWH- Who turns on David? What had David done? No seeking after God- to see what the heart of God was for the matter- What does it mean to you?Do you have a heart of Ziphite? Do you sow discord and betray your own tribe? Self serving?READ Proverbs 6:16-19 And sows discord among the brethrenThis is a very subtle approach of the Devil to split relationships and churches and familiesPersonally frustrated people either fix their issues or use hatred of others as a diversion to their problems- its easier to destroy others than face the realities of your brokennessThey unify in their disdain for others, form alliances to hide from their sinful heartIf that’s your heart- you need to change- you’re hurting yourself, others and God’s peopleRomans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. These are the people described in Romans 2:8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,Heart check time- Am I unifier or divider? Do I love and gather or do I hate and disperse? What do I talk about and whom do I talk about? Talk about yourself! Talk about Your Sins! I get it- Families raised this way- hard to break- Infighting, despair, alliances- Not in Church!It’s the spirit of the Ziphite? Why destroy your own tribe? Defend them! (Man with wife in door)

The heart of Saul As if the heart of the Ziphite was enough- the heart of Saul was even WORSE than the Ziphites- The Ziphites are the antagonist in this story- against David- But SAUL says they are of GOD1 Sam 23:21 And Saul said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, for you have compassion on me. 22 Please go and find out for sure, and see the place where his hideout is, and who has seen him there. For I am told he is very crafty.WHAT? How do you go from King of Israel to now looking at others sins and saying “you are blessed of God”- What level of spiritual depravity would you be at to now be praising evil?Wouldn’t it be interesting if we lived in a time where Kings celebrated pride of Sin in streets?Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!This is not of God! The people of God- even more a King should NEVER celebrate EVIL EVER-Pro 17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

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Civis Romanus sum

Acts 16:35-40

Paul and Silas have been beaten and thrown into prison publicly and now are being released privately. Paul does not like this- “civis Romanus sum!” he cries out.

The right of a Roman citizen- a Roman citizen may not be beaten or bound by magistrate, or by any other person in any circumstance, let alone untried and uncondemned. He would cry “Civis Romanus sum” and he would be immune to punishment; heavy penalties were prescribed for those who violated these citizenship privileges. v. 37

Therefore, the jailers feared and publicly escorted them out of prison.

Paul said unto them, the officers who were sent to the prison with the message about their liberty. Paul was a citizen by birth his father having probably been wealthy enough to buy this right, which brought with it commercial as well as personal privileges.

They have beaten us; the magistrates, who commanded them to be beaten, are justly charged with the beating of them, as if they had themselves done it. Openly; they had openly scourged them.

Uncondemned; for they were not tried, or permitted to speak for themselves.

Being Romans; having the privilege of Roman citizens, which was sometimes given to whole communities. Now such by their laws might not be bound, much less beaten, (and least of all uncondemned), without the consent of the Romans.

Let them come themselves and fetch us out; this the apostle stands upon, not so much for his own, as for the gospel’s sake, that it might not be spread abroad, that these preachers were wicked and vile men, and did deserve such punishment.

The fact that the public disgrace to which they had been subjected would seriously impede the acceptance of the Gospel message, and perhaps raise a prejudice to the injury of his new Philippian converts- (remember the household of Lydia, the jailer and all his family)

In the region which he now for the first time visited, it might have created the opinion that he was one of a wicked life, and this would have been a reproach to Christianity and raise a prejudice in the way of the spreading of the Gospel

At first glance, it appears as if Paul is concerned with his honor. But, this is not the character or actions of Paul.

Philippians 3:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

1 Thes 2:1-12 (news travels fast)

Paul’s name, character, and influence belong solely to Jesus and His church.

What does it mean to you?

1.You are among wolves

Matthew 10:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless[a] as doves.

Paul is experiencing the fulfillment of Jesus’ words to his disciples: “I send you forth as sheep among wolves”

I am not sure if you realize this yet or not, but this world always has been and is increasingly hostile to those who follow Jesus.

John 15:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

1 John 3:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.

And it is going to get worse. I am fearful for lukewarm Christians- you will not make it. If you won’t stand for Jesus now, you will not stand when it gets hard and you are persecuted and afflicted. If you barely make it to church now, you will not make it when we are persecuted and afflicted.

I have seen the persecution that’s coming- boats sinking. We are a battleship church and you better be on board. Dave Wilkerson was asked,

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1 Sam 23:14-18 I shall be next you - Discouraged

We all get discouraged. It just happens. Hit after hit comes- and we just feel down

If you feel that way- how many other people do you think feel that way?

I have had extended amounts of times in my life- even in the past 5 where I’m discouraged

God wants you to be an encourager- you to be the means of how he strengthens others

Encouragement requires caring- I shall be next to youREAD V 14-15 Jonathan had to see that David was missing- they were friends- and because his friend was missing- he wanted to help him. – he had to actually CARE about his friend- Not selfishPro 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?Can you imagine how hard it would be to be David? Running for his life? VERY discouraged He knows that he is called of God- that God has big plans for him- but he is on the run! Trying to escape Saul and live out his kingship. – but day after day- someone trying to kill him Jonathan couldn’t be a friend to David if he was consumed with his own issues and problemsHe didn’t go out into the woods and say “hey bro my relationship w dad is destroyed let me tell you about it”. If Jonathan was going to encourage him- had to make it about DAVID not himProverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.This is what Jonathan is doing- being sweet friend- he’s putting him firstHe was in despair over his friends missing that he went to seek him out. He CARED about HIM

What does it mean to you?

Who is your life about? about you, or about others? The Christian life is about others, not you

Phil 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.You can look out for your interests- but not at the expense of others- you have to think of them also- constantly thinking about the needs of others- who can I encourage? Lift? Love? Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.Esteem others better than HIMSELF. This is very hard in a self-centered society. Its about USGalatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. This specifically needs to happen in the church- We have an obligation to bear with each others burdens- we are not merely attenders of the same church- we are family. Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,IF we’re going to be the church that God wants us to be- we have to care about each other- not just the pastors and deacons caring about people- you should be caring about people

Do you come to church looking and loving? During the week? Reaching out? Who is your2?

Encouragement requires investment- I shall be next to youFirst Jonathan had to actually be paying attention- to see that there was a need- but then Jonathan had to go to his friend- Seek him out- Go to him- 16 Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.Very easily Jonathan could have claimed that he was busy- that he wanted to please his dad- not have to get involved- because getting involved is costly- pouring out of selfPro 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.His purpose was simple- to encourage David- to “strengthen his hand in God”He knew David was to be king- so he wanted to make sure he wouldn’t give up- Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.How wonderful it must have been for David to look up, out in the wilderness and see his friend out of nowhere- showing up to encourage himPastor Jay- Showing up at my basic training graduation- 7...

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“Good.” (Acts 16:25-34) All verses in NKJV

Sometimes I ask myself, “What would I do if it was me, in someone else’s challenging situation?” (School shooting, car accident, cancer, war… temptation, persecution)

- Sometimes it reveals a good lesson that prepares me for things that could come my way.

- Sometimes it’s an exercise in humility, realizing I likely would have done far worse things.

Sometimes you really don’t know what you would do until you find yourself in that situation.
As we continue through the Book of Acts, here is the situation Paul and Silas found themselves in:
read Acts 16:22-24
It’s easy to say what we would do in this situation, I mean, we all know the good Christian answer.
BUT, when YOU were confronted with unjust and terrible circumstances in the past, what did you ACTAULLY do? Virtue untested is no virtue at all.
Our verses for today are (read) Acts 16:25-34

3 things really stood out to me when I read this story:

I noticed the attitude in which Paul and Silas dealt with difficulty.
Acts 16:25, But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Example: “Good.” Video, Another fire officer showed me this video featuring Jocko Willink, co-author of leadership books Extreme Ownership, and The Dichotomy of Leadership. He was Commander of SEAL team “Task Unit Bruiser”, during the battle of Ramadi. He said this:
“This is something one of my direct subordinates pointed out. He would pull me aside with some major problem, and I would look at him and say, “Good.” And finally, one day, he was telling me about something that was going off the rails, and as soon as he finished explaining it to me, he said, “I already know what you’re going to say.”

“What am I going to say?”

“You’re going to say, Good. That’s what you always say with something is going wrong.”

“So, I explained to him that when things are going bad, there’s going to be some good that will come from it: Didn’t get the job you wanted? Good. More time to gain experience and build your resume. Got tapped out, got beat? Good. You learned. Got injured? Good. Now you can get some rest and regroup. Unexpected problems? Good. You get the opportunity to come up with new solutions.

“I don’t mean to say something trite. I’m not saying a positive attitude will solve your problems, but neither will focusing on the problem. Accept reality, but focus on the solution, and turn it into something good. This attitude will spread throughout the team. Finally, if you can say the word ‘Good’, then you are still alive.”

This reminded me exactly of the attitude that Paul and Silas had! Attitude check!!
Beaten up and thrown in jail for teaching about Jesus? Good. You have the opportunity to grow in your character.
Romans 5:3-5, …but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Stuck in the inner dungeon with hardened criminals? Good. You can shine your light before a whole group of people that would never here the gospel, at all possibly, before their death.
Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

- Unfair and undeserved circumstances? Good. You get grow in your patience.

James 1:2-4, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Paul and Silas accepted the reality of their situation, and turned to God in prayer and song during it.

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1 Samuel 23:1-13

Do you make good decisions? One time we bought a van and traded in a car $50 less spiral

One of the worst financial decisions of my life

Philistines fight against Keilah, robbing the threshing floors. David asks God- Should I attack? God says yes. Davids men come- hey- we’re afraid, and we’re not even in the fight. David asks God again- God says yes. You will win. They fight. They win. Keilah is saved. There is one surviving priest from the massacre- and he has an Ephod. Saul finds out David went to Keilah. Saul says “he has delivered him into my hand” Calls people for war against David. David realizes Saul is coming for him- Tells the priest to bring the ephod. Asks if Saul is coming and going to destroy him. God says “he’s coming” David asks “ Will the men deliver me into his hands” God says yes. David takes his band of brothers and leaves Keilah, Saul finds out and stops the assault against David.

David made good decisions- we can see how we can make good decisions- they affect your life

TITLE of Sermon- How to Make Good decisions

Always Ask God FirstDavid finds out about what is happening in Keilah and wants to get involved- so David inquires of God: 2 Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” 4 Then David inquired of the Lord once again.What David knew and what you should know- is if you’re going to move you should be going to God before you go to anyone else. If God isn’t in it- it aint worth doingThere’s a reason he could write- Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.David Called upon God because he knew that with his few hundred men he couldn’t win on his own- he needed God’s help and provision to make it happen- what happens?Victory- 5 And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’The only times that Israel was able to beat the philistines was with GODS HELP. God- If you’re not in this- I’m not going- I’m not moving forward I NEED YOUR HELP.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermoreWhat does it mean to you? In your decision making- what is your first step- prayer or planning? Is God the first?Your desires? Comfort? Plan? Wants? Vindication? Alleviate pain? Or are you asking What does God want? Require? Line up with the word? Witness?1 thes 5:17 Pray without ceasingWe have Good kids- They are obedient- We taught them to ask as children to LEARNWe wanted our kids to learn right and depend on us. Safety breeds confidence. 1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. As adults- we need to be completely dependent on God in everything- the decisions that go wrong in your life are because you aren’t going to God- buying houseColossians 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Never step out on your ownDavid asks God- should I go and Fight- asks twice in fact. Here we see Saul Doesn’t inquire of God- he just decides to go to Keilah to fight DavidSo Saul said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.” 8 Then Saul called all the people together for war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.He lie to his troops and say “God has delivered him” but never inquired to the Lord what he should do and how he should do it. (ROE-came from higher- guard duty-cant just shoot farmer)Obviously- IF Saul had asked IF Saul had inquired he w...

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Give Cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:6-8) Tithing sermon All verses in NKJV

2 Corinthians 9:6-8, But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity (or compulsion); for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Tithing is a spiritual discipline and it is biblical, so we should talk about it.
A church talking about money doesn’t make it “the prosperity gospel”. There may be some televangelists who want you to pay for their Leer jet or million-dollar home, but “THE church” and the bible don’t support that!
Before you “check out” thinking this is another self-serving “the church wants my money” type of sermons, I should let you know:

1. It was MY idea to preach on tithing, not Pastor Matt’s.

Shelly and I don’t get paid by the church, but we do tithe, so I believe in its purpose, and I have seen the fruit in my life.
Faith and Victory Church doesn’t “need” your money. God is our provider. The church finances are just fine. The benefit of tithing is for your life more than anything else.
We already took up the tithes. We aren’t taking up a 2nd offering.
Let’s take a look at tithing in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, and for today:
Tithing in the Old Testament. Give Cheerfully
Malachi 3:10, Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
The prophet Malachi is writing to confront a once great nation that has been struggling with its identity as Children of God for the last several generations.
The people have been neglecting God’s requirements and have been doing the bare minimum.
The priests and leaders have become lazy in their duties, and they don’t hold the people accountable to God’s word. Everyone is just going through the religious motions out of obligation.
They are NOT giving God their best, they are giving God their rest.
God’s people want His blessings, but don’t want to walk in His commandments.
The prophet Malachi is trying to motivate God’s people to return to a place of giving cheerfully and with right motives. God wants to bless his people, but first they need to be bless-able!

- Tithe: Literally means 1/10. Always used in context of an offering unto the Lord of some kind.

The Law of Moses required it, “1/10 belongs to the Lord and is holy.” (Leviticus 27:30)
The tithe was to support the ministry and honor God:
Numbers 18:26, “Speak thus to the Levites, and say to them: ‘When you take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it to the Lord, a tenth of the tithe.”
Levites were the people chosen by God to dedicate their lives to ministry. They had no other inheritance, and had their needs taken care of through the tithe.
Levites even “tithed off of the tithe”. That was THEIR first fruits of their increase.
Typically, a tithe of produce and livestock was given once a year, so there would be food in the temple for the servants of the Lord, and enough to sustain the ministry until the next year.
Why? Farmers and ranchers only see the “fruits of their labor” once a year.
This was more valuable than money, because food would sustain them in the present, and the best of the young livestock would sustain them into the future.
Not just 1/10 of the total, but also the “first fruits” implying their best, the top 10%.

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Mistaken Identity

Acts 16:11-15 - Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the [a]foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us

Paul, Silas and Luke are led by the Spirit to Philippi

They stayed there a few days and on Sunday, they went to find a church to go into

There was no church but there was a meeting place where they found women who meet there

One of the Woman they met was names Lydia. She listened to them and was baptized as well as her household.

She was very grateful that she asked them to stay at her home

Where can I find ten men?

. Vs 13 – They went to a place “where prayer was customarily made” (in a way which follows customs or usual practices)

. They only found women, and if any men were there, it doesn’t seem like they were involved

. There wasn’t a synagogue in the area because, they couldn’t get 10 male lead families to start a church

. We have a city that is very prosperous, one of the most traded cities, yet there is no focus of God

. “Success is not an indication that you are in God’s will”

. I named this message, “mistaken identity” because most of the time we identify something, somewhere, or someone in a certain way but you end up getting closer, to see that they are totally a different person, place or thing

. Hence people have fences, we want people at arm length, because when they come close, we can smell the stench that’s coming from their hidden sin

. From far this city is a desirable place. Color purple sold here was a sign of loyalty, yet Paul and the crew had to go find a place to offer up their prayers

. Where can I find 10 men? Men who are willing to break free of trying to display a certain image on Facebook, twitter, church, Homes, work place ..name it?

. The interesting thing is Synagogues were a place of worship and teaching the word of God. The place was going to help the community; it wasn’t about just these required families

. We tell our girls, everything you do has an effect on everyone else…not just you.

. Our work for God is not just for us. We are just a conduit to further His kingdom, but until you ignore the shiny things around up. Stop chasing things that Solomon calls Vanity or Vanity…a generation will be lost in our account.

. Where can I find ten Men? To lead their wives and Children to God. Where can I find 10 men and women who are willing to change a community – Push the enemy lines back?

Genesis 18: 22-26 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? 25 Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”

26 So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”

Genesis 18:32-33 - Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And

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1 sam 22:6-23 Lots going on in this story- I want to focus on one part of this story- Doeg the edomite Killing the 85 priests. It’s a bloody massacre of a story. Why is it in here? What does it have to do with who we are as Christians in 2019 in Auburn Washington. Why does it matter and what does it mean?Lets establish some things hereDoeg is an edomite, possibly a high official . part of an ethnic tribe that hates Israel. Why was Doeg with Saul? Possibly to convert to Israel, maybe because God wanted him there. Chp 21 makes it clear that he was in charge of Sauls animals. He was a man of influenceThe scripture 22:7-10 makes it clear. Doeg an enemy of Israel, possible convert, high ranking official, zealously executes 85 of God’s priests and an entire city of innocents. Two parts of the plot- Doeg was in chp 21 when David was on the run and in chp 22 when Saul orders the massacre. Doeg agrees- destroys on command. Doeg bridges David sin and Saul SinBut is he the real culprit of this story? David is just trying to save himself- priests go down

Saul? He ordered it. Jonathan? If he had given bread to David he wouldn’t have to have eaten the consecrated bread. Is it David? He lied to the priests in 21 and Doeg was there and told Saul. The easy answer is that its Doeg- He killed the priests- he’s the bad guy(Insert sermon about not Killing God’s priests here)For people who want easy formulas to live by (God is good- tragic events are bad) this story creates a dilemmaFirst- not just simply priests. They are descendants of wicked Eil and Phineas. They hold the ephod. They talk directly to God. Doegs massacre is not a random act of evil. It is the fulfillment of 1 Samuel 2:31 Behold, the days are coming that I will cut off your arm and the arm of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. READ 1 Sam 2:27-36

This massacre of the priests is the fulfillment of the prophecy from the man of God. This massacre is the means by which God uses to raise up a righteous line of priestsSecondly- Doegs actions are influential to begin the demise of Saul. Saul orders it. Doeg does it. Saul failed as a shepherd, and has now failed in his leadership. Saul goes sideways after thisDoeg makes it happen. He destroys everything. Saul was supposed to destroy the Amelikites and he failed at it- so God pronounced judgement against him earlier- and now he’s doneskiThirdly- Doegs massacre signals the end of Saul. Saul rejected Samuel as priest and placed Ahijah, a descendant of Eli. The priests don’t even support Saul- They protect David- Saul turns from God, His word and has Doeg kill the very priests who could bring him back to God. This massace is a major turn in the story. Saul is completely spiritually and morally bankrupt. Yahweh has removed his protection from Saul and we will see more of his demise in future chpsIts very complex- The Priests are still of God, even tho they are under a curse. They can speak to Saul even tho they are under a curse. Doeg Kills the means of Saul redemption while being the judgement upon the priests. The Edomite- Understand this- the Edomites are from the line of Esau (Gen 36:1) not the chose line of JacobThere is an eternal cosmic conflict between Jacob and Esau and this is part of the conflict of it

What do we do with this story? Is God the author of Evil? The Devil? Man? Who is the author

There is real evil in the worldThere are enemies of God that are at war with God’s people until the final summation of all thingsRomans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

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1 sam 22:1-5

Who is your captain?

Everyone has a leader. Someone or something is leading you. I want Jesus to lead you. I want Jesus to be your leader and the focus of your life. Every decision through the hands of JesusGreat story - David is on the run from Saul, just did the crazy dance, and now he is hiding in a cave, while he is hiding in the cave- he writes some psalms, he cries out to God, and then some 400 people who need help show up. David becomes their leader. David trusts God for direction. God gives him Direction. We’ve talked about this- David is not the eternal King- Jesus is. Interesting parallels here- David in a cave, Jesus in a tomb. Weary come to David. Weary come to Jesus. David will of the Father. Jesus will of the Father. Salvation in David. Salvation in JCThey are looking for a leader. They need help. distressed, in Debt, and Discontented. Distress- Compressed, Lying in pain. Life is overwhelming, too much. Cant seem to get thereDebt- Owe everyone. Can’t manage your life. Day late and a dollar short. Slave to lenderDiscontented- Unable to be satisfied. Nothing tastes good. Nothing fills up or takes away Does this resonate with Anyone? Does this sound familiar? WHO WILL LED ME FROM PAIN?Who Is your captain? Its either you, someone else, or Jesus. Who is it? Easy to find out- who tells you what to do and how to do it? Who is running the show?

Many people who are not Christians- and many who proclaim to be Christian FOLLOW:

Outside influence is their captain- Not JESUSFor many people outside the church (sadly those inside the church as well) They are led by influences on TV, Movies, News organizations, Books, magazines. Celebrities and online1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. (But people don’t test-consume)IF this person has some sort of national following- they must be correct. Numbers equal truth. Dr Phil. Judge Judy. The View. Jimmy Kimmel. Jon Stewart. Dr. Oz. Trevor Noah. Rachel Maddow. Rush Limbaugh. Steven Crowder. Sean Hannity. Kelly Ripa. Oprah. Etc etc. People watch these shows and take what they say as truth, because- famous! People watch award shows and Television dramas and movies. Netflix and Prime and Youtube. Filling their minds with ideas from the world teaching them to be like the world1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ( This is everything that the world offers)Typically- these influences are filled with anti-Christ rhetoric. Mockery of Christians. Promotion of Sexual immorality. Racial division. Celebration of Abortion. Celebration of Sin. Accumulation of wealth and stuff- if you find yourself saying “I was watching this program” Or “this movie” The message is clear- You don’t need God. You don’t need restraint. We will tell you what to believe and destroy you if you don’t agree. Sex. Drugs. Indulgence. Destruction. SELFISHSadly- Many so called followers of Christ spend more time ingesting these influences than the word of God and these influencers are their leader. The world is their god and their captain.

Their own ideas are their captain- Not JESUSYou can read a lot of books. Millions of them. You can go to school and get an education. There’s two types of education- quantifiable and non-quantifiable. If you’re getting training on math and medical care, there’s not a lot of room for discussionBut what happens is- people go to a school, or read a book and take on ideas from them they think that their ideas are true because they believe them. Your belief doesn’t equal truth.Col 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.Education is- I went to learn from someone else what they believed and they awarded me a degree to prove that I learned what they w...

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It’s a Holy Ghost Thing

Acts 16:6-10 New King James Version (NKJV

6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in [a]Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the [b]Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

The gospel is for the first time being preached on European soil. During this time, there were no lines between Asia and Europe and the missionaries sailing across the Aegean Sea were only conscious of traveling from one Roman province to another.

We know that from history, Europe became the first Christian continent and was until recently the main base for missionary efforts to the rest of the world. It was from Europe that the gospel fanned out to Africa, Asia, North America and Latin America.

Paul was only conscious of establishing new churches- here his mission to Macedonia involved visits to three principal cities: Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.

In this Paul’s second trip, he visited his churches in Phyrgia and the regions of Galatia- these already having been established, Paul is concerned with pastoral oversight and nurturing and strengthening believers growing and maturing in the faith.

But, as they try to enter Asia (which was the natural way of their travels) they are hindered to evangelize by the Holy Spirit. Whatever way God wanted to, whether by a physical ban, uneasiness in the Spirit or prophetic word, Paul was to go a different way. v.7 “the Spirit did not permit them”

They “passed by” Mysia- they neglected it and went straight to Troas, whose harbor faced west to Macedonia.

So, coming from the east, the only way to go now was north-west---these traveled a great distance literally the farthest route southeast to northwest extremities of Asia Minor.

They must have been in a state of considerable perplexity, wondering what God’s plan was, so far their guidance had only been negative.

God sends a vision of a man in Macedonia standing and begging, “Come over to Macedonia (across the Aegean Sea) and help us”. Here we see the guidance of the Holy Spirit-

They are forbidden in one direction, invited in another, one way the HS says, “Go not”; the other He calls “Come”

Early evangelicals can attest to this: David Livingstone tried to go to China, but God sent him to Africa instead William Carey planned to go to Polynesia in the South Seas, but God guided him to India. Adoniram Judson went to India, but was driven to Burma.

We need to trust Him for guidance and rejoice equally in His restraints and constraints. Those who do not know the Lord will not understand. It’s a Holy Ghost Thing. What does it mean to you:

You cannot go without the Holy Spirit to guide you.

EVERY initiative in evangelism recorded in Acts, is the result of the leading of the HS. Either through prophetic revelation, inward prompting, external circumstances or visions. Moses understood this principle.

Exodus 33:15 Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.

Moses was convinced that without God's presence in his life, it was useless for him to attempt anything. When he spoke face to face with the Lord, he was saying, "Lord, if your presence is not with me, then I'm not going anywhere. I won't take a single step unless I'm assured you're with me!"

Moses knew it was God's presence in Israel that set the people apart from all other nations. And the same is true of the church of Jesus Christ today. The only thing that sets us apart from nonbelievers is God's being ...

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Insane Man with Saliva On His beard - 1st Samuel 1:21 There’s some pretty big things that David does here that are really really bad.

David lies to the priestThis is a big deal Prov 17:20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, the priest asks- here by yourself? You’re the King?- What are you doing here? HE LIESThe priest more than likely has heard that David is on the lam- he’s trying to see whats upDavid should have told him the truth- Saul is trying to kill me! I need to be hidden- I need help!This is the Priest! This is the guy who is in a position to help him- a guy who can protect himBut no- for whatever reason- David chooses to lie to protect himself. Leviticus 19:11 ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.Henry- David had great faith and courage, yet both failed him; he fell thus foully through fear and cowardice, and owing to the weakness of his faith.

David eats the consecrated breadOnly Levites were allowed to eat this bread. Proverbs 20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.12 loves, 12 tribes, fresh every week, eaten by the priests only. Showed Israel dependence Exodus 25:30 And you shall set the showbread on the table before Me always. Leviticus 24:8–9 Makes it clear- Only the priests are allowed to eat it (feasting- JC Bread of Life)God showed him mercy in this instance- but he wasn’t supposed to eat it in the first placeIt was wrong. It was not for him. It was for the Priests. God forgave it- but its not his ideal.

David takes Goliaths swordHow do you go from fully trusting God, killing Goliath with a sling shot to now, trying to find a way to defend yourself from Saul?Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord.Who is he trusting? Is he trusting in God, or trusting in his own strength? He eventually learned- Psalm 3:3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.But that’s not happening now- Its an act of unbelief that he takes the sword- an act of unbelief.

David hides with the enemySo the lying, bread stealing, unfaithful man goes a step further. Looking for protection? You can go and set up shop with the enemy- The ones who worship false gods, hurt Israel, pagansHelp me understand- how do you go from defeating the enemy to sleeping with the enemy?You don’t go and find comfort with the Nation of Israel, but with the enemy? What the heck?The King of Gath is a sworn enemy of Israel- and now David is going to find protection there?

David acts like a foolSo david is there- he is with the Enemy- He’s made some bad decisions- This guy Doeg is there watching David- probably going to report back to Saul where he’s atDavid loses his marbles here- He goes from the triumphant soon King that defeated Goliath to a faking madman- Scratching on the walls and drooling on himself- No fight. No confrontation- Just- I’m going to act crazy- that will get me out of this bind. I’m crazy- that’s why I did that!

What do we do with that? What’s the message?

The “don’ts” are pretty obvious- Don’t lie. Don’t be unholy. Don’t trust in your own strength. Don’t go to the enemy. Don’t be a fool- This is not a “be like David” moment. It’s the oppositeDavid has failed God, himself, Israel, his family, He has, in this instance ruined his good nameHow can a man like this be trusted to lead God’s people? How can he be used by God now? The truth is that some of the most powerful influential men of God in the Bible fell into some of the most grevious sins.

This passage of Scripture tells us a few things

The Bible is realMany people who argue with the Bible argue against its authenticity based on the stories of the failures in the Bible. Moses the murderer. Tamar the woman who prostituted herself to her father in law. The Apostle Paul killed Christians. Peter denied Christ. Jonah was disobedient.

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Jonathans Arrows - 1 Sam 20 Will you listen to the arrows

Here we go- Jonathan and David are trying to figure out what is going on with Saul. David and Jonathan make a plan. Jonathan will go and see if Dad is still mad. Jonathan goes to find out- and Dad is clearly mad. So much so he tries to kill his own son. The plan they have is this- Jonathan will go and see if Saul is mad, if he is, at an appointed time, Jonathan will shoot arrows in a direction where David will be waiting. If Jonathan cries out that the arrows are near him, it means to come back. If he cries out they are beyond him, then run. The arrows are beyond him. David fleees. They meet. David is saved!

Jonathan is doing a wonderful thing for his friend- He’s going into danger, and then reporting back to him what he should do.

David has a choice here- listen to the arrows or listen to himself. They’ve had the conversation, and when David is sitting out there in the field waiting, he is going to have to choose what he is going to do

Jonathans Arrows say- I have knowledgeThe arrows fly- 37 When the lad had come to the place where the arrow was which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried out after the lad and said, “Is not the arrow beyond you?”This is the moment that David has been waiting for. He’s hiding in the field, and wondering- am I safe? Can I go back, or must I flee- Jonathan shoots the and says “I know more than you”Obviously he does- He’s the one who went and talked to Saul. This was the planI’m going to go and see what is going on and let you know32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, “Why should he be killed? What has he done?” 33 Then Saul cast a spear at him to kill him, by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to kill David.That’s what happened- and you can’t write that on a side of an arrow- you got to TRUSTPro 10:14 Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.Its at this moment that David has to ask himself- am I going to trust the arrow or not be very easy to change his mind here- Sitting for a long time waiting for a sign can lead to your mind telling you different things- ehhh maybe its ok, shot wrong, forgot what we talked aboutEcclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.If David wants life- he better choose to listen to the arrow and J and receive it. Pr 18:15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

What does it mean to youWhat arrows are being shot to tell you something that you are refusing to respond to?Arrows of correction that are trying to tell you what to do and how to live?See Jonathan knew better than David and was doing what he could to help himDavid could have ignored it and said “whatever- who does he think he is” But Jonathan was the one in the possession of the knowledge- NOT David- David’s ONLY option was to TRUST the arrow and TRUST the one with the KnowledgeJn 8:43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.Do you know why people wont listen to instruction? Pride. Selfishness. Arrogance.People want to own the process instead of just winning- it destroys many people. Pro 19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.Why would you not listen to someone who knows better? (doing lunges on Friday)People who are successful in an area are people you should listen to- Youtube- IF videos DO ITRev 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” We better listen to what God tells us to do. We better not ignore his arrows of knowledge.

Jonathans Arrows say- I am trying to protect youThink about- Jonathan could have not followed thr...

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Exposed

Acts 15:36-41 - Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas [a]was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being [b]commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Recap Paul came up with the idea to go back to the cities they had preached Barnabas was “determined” – (having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it)Paul “insisted” (demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal)There was “contention” (heated disagreement.)They “parted” (move away from each other, separate)

Here Paul is saying, John Mark is no good because of what He did

Paul is justified – he is dude that go stoned, killed and has no room for deserters

But what happened to extending the same grace that was extended to Paul

Acts 9:26-27 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

See, its easy to receive grace, to think that we got it all together, to come to a place where life throws us a test and our inner most parts are exposed

Its easy to point fingers at Paul, but I wonder when testing comes in our lives and we are exposed, what is seen in us

No one is immune – Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

If Paul could follow his fresh – I believe we too are not immune

Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

It is easy for us to be doing great things for God, yet we are not intentional about relationship that we have with each other. We push our own desires and this brings division.

Galatians 5:9 A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church]

Division does not come screaming, “I am division”

It’s different when we are attacking a common enemy, we are all in, but what happens when division creeps inside the church, with our brothers and sisters

We have to learn quick to identify those things that make us walk away from what God is calling us. That make us interfere with God’s plan- that leads us to not get used by God.

Are you ready to be Tested?

Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The heart is deceitful above all things, And [a]desperately wicked; Who can know it?I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the [a]mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings

Testing has to occur at some point

John 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be [b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The bible says that the works will be put under fire and if – that is testing

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 - According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

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Have Great Relationships

1 sam 20 1-4

This is the beginning of a great story between jonathan and david. David is trying to determine if Saul is still after him and this is the beginning of the storyIts interesting because it shows the foundations of J and D relationship. In it, we can see the benefits of good solid relationshipThis applies to your friendships, marriages, church relationships, parents, kids, anyoneIf you want to have rich meaningful relationships- you have to have some basic principlesApply these to your life and what what happens- spoiler alert- jonathan helps DavidHow to have better relationships

Good relationships are Self reflective “is there any iniquity in me”1 sam 20; Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and went and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity, and what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?”Last week we were watching David flee from King Saul- Saul wanted to kill him- So now- David is trying to determine- Is he still trying to kill me?Here’s what I love- David starts with “whats wrong with me” not “why is Saul so evil”The TRUTH is that Saul is Evil- David has done nothing wrong- but he so desperately wants to honor God with his life- that the beginning of his process is “let me look at myself” Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.You can get a lot done in your spiritual life when you spend time reflecting before God asking him to reveal things to you that you need to work on- He will tell you- (start with yourself)David takes it even farther- he asks his friend- give me some feedback- let me knowWhat David knew what trust is built in relationships that are truthful- no truth- no loveJob 13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.What does it mean to youDo you lead a reflective life? Do you ask God and others if there are areas of your life that need help? Are you laying your life before God to reveal things that need to be changed?Or do you only look for the fault in others? Jesus saidMatt 7:3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?Self reflection is one of the greatest needs of good relationships and leadership. You have to take a personal inventory of yourself. (I have a hard time being in the moment)If you never look at your own sin, communication style, appearance, attitude, its not goodAnd when you do? BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF- Be brutal assume its you. Luke 18:9-14 “God I thank you that I am not like other men” Romans 12:3 READPeople who think really highly of themselves have a hard time looking at their faults (I could run GM- bro- you can’t even run your LIFE)

Good relationships are Encouraging “you shall not die” So David has been being attacked by Saul- He’s been faithful> he’s been serving GodBy all appearances he is doing the right thing living the right way. But still under attackDoes anyone else identify with that? Going through the worst- J didn’t go “let me tell you”NO- Jonathan picks up that he is doing bad- and what does he do? ENCOURAGES HIMProverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,But a good word makes it glad.Jonathan realizes that his friend is hurting and encourages himYou shall not die! You’re going to be king- God is going to do big stuff in your life HOLD ONPro 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.I’m sure that David was encouraged after this- Sadly- people are so self-centered they can’t think about someone elses struggles because they are so involved with themselvesJonathan had some daddy issues. He should be the heir- he looks past it and blesses DavidRomans 15:2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

What does it mean to you?

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A Letter of Encouragement (Acts 15:22-35)

In the Book of Acts, chapter 15, we’ve seen that some of the Jewish Christian believers have gone out to the Gentile churches teaching them that they have to be circumcised to really be saved.
This distressed and confused the new believers who were taught that salvation is thru Jesus alone.
Paul and Barnabas disputed this new claim, and took it to the Apostles in Jerusalem for a ruling.
Peter and the rest of the Apostles agree that the gentile believers have been saved as evident through receiving the Holy Spirit, and Paul and Barnabas testified to this.
God, having saved them by grace through faith, the Apostles saw no reason to add to the gentile’s burden, and only required them to:
Acts 15:20, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.
The Apostles wrote a letter to the churches to straighten out this issue for the Gentile believers.

- Read Acts 15:22-35

1. Who is your truth source?

I had a boss who used to say, when people began getting upset about a rumor, go talk to your “truth source”, the person you know can be trusted to tell you the accurate story. (It wasn’t him!)
Verse 24, “Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying (that) you must be circumcised…”
These Jewish believers, at minimum, misled the gentiles into thinking they spoke a message with the authority of the elders/apostles, which they did not. Every good lie has a measure of truth!
Example: 10 years ago, Rush and NPR reporting same story with different “facts” and conclusions. The conclusions they drew were to influence my opinions and actions.
So much CLICK BAIT, and seemingly credible articles on social media, that are designed to get you to freak out, and fear that if you don’t listen, bad things will happen to you.
How do you know who is really telling the truth?
With the gentile’s salvation seemingly on the line, no wonder they were unsettled.
The truth: circumcision WAS the symbol given through Moses for God’s chosen people. So, if the gentiles were now grafted into God’s people, then they should have this symbol too, right? WRONG!
Gal. 6:11-15, 11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by [b]whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
The Jews tried to elevate their own customs and beliefs above the cross of Christ, to make themselves more holy, more important, more valuable to God. (like Star-bellied Sneetches)
Legalism rules their lives. The sacrifice of Jesus was not enough for them, they needed to earn it.
Titus 1:10-11, For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
If your good behavior and self-control was enough to save you, the Jesus died for nothing.
The Apostles send their most trusted men so that the gentile believers can trust the “source”.
Read verses 22 and verses 25-27
Hebrews 13:7-8, Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today,

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Be a good King 1 Sam 19 - Sermon Humility

I don’t think its too much to ask your leader to possess some basic human decency. We should have leaders that are pretty nice people- live by some basic standards problem is when we hold them to a standard we don’t hold to ourselves. What good is that?Interesting story here- Jonathan is Sauls son, but hears his dad wants to kill his friend, so he warns him. Convinces dad to not kill David, he agrees, but it doesn’t last long. David starts winning with the philistines, more popular and Saul don’t like it. Saul tries to kill him. Saul sends hitmen to his house. Davids wife Michal (sauls daughter) tries to stall them. Saul seems upset his own daughter isn’t on his side. She even says David tried to kill her! David goes to hideout in Ramah with Samuel- Saul sends hitmen again and they run into prophets every time. Saul goes to investigate and he gets hit with the spirit. He falls out in the spirit and gets humbled by God. Saul is not being a good King here. He’s actually being a bad King and a bad person. Today- lets look at What Saul did and think how we can do better than Saul- Be a good King

If you are going to be King- Keep your wordSaul didn’t keep his word to not Kill david- It was lip serviceNow Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David;Jonathan talks to him- says hold on pop- don’t do it6 So Saul heeded the voice of Jonathan, and Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.” 11 Saul also sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and to kill him in the morning. 15 Then Saul sent the messengers back to see David, saying, “Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may kill him.” 20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David.Come on Saul! This guy is supposed to be King. Can’t we expect that at the least he is a man of his word?Numbers 30:2 If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.Saul had the Pentateuch! He had to know that lying was a sin- and making oaths was badThere was swift OT punishment for those in Israel who didn’t keep their wordSaul should have known this- He is the King of Israel-Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed— 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.It is always amazing to me when people don’t keep their word. Don’t show up. Don’t pay their debts. Don’t follow up. Say they are going to be there and they aren’t. Saul says- I wont kill David and then shortly after- Let me kill that guy! How can you trust him?David knew what it meant to keep his vows! He was a man of his word!Psalm 116:14 I will pay my vows to the Lord, Now in the presence of all His people.

What Does it mean to you? - Sermon Humility Are you any better than Saul? Are you someone who keeps your word? can you be counted on? I tell you who can be- Jay- this dude doesn’t know how to fail. Never let me down oncePro 20:25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows.Its hard to be a man of your word! Orders for Egypt, marriage vows, Mortgage, etcLev 5:4 4 ‘Or if a person swears, speaking thoughtlessly with his lips to do evil or to do good, whatever it is that a man may pronounce by an oath, and he is unaware of it—when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty in any of these matters.You don’t have much more than your word. Its all you have. You should keep it! Even the membership vows that people make to the church- I don’t know why people make them just to break them. Just slither away into obscurity. No commitment. Volunteers?You would never go to church where the pastors weren’t committed. Shouldn’t you be?God keeps his word! He is a good who always keeps his word. Lamentations 2:17 The Lord has done what He purposed;...

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The Highway of Holiness

Acts 15:1-21

Certain Jewish believers have come in and are requiring the Gentile converts to be circumcised. This was the covenant seal of the Jewish people that they belonged to God.

Paul’s rebuke of Peter was due to these Jewish believers requiring circumcision for salvation.

Galatians 2:11-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 Now when [a]Peter had come to Antioch, I [b]withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing [c]those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.

14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, [d]why do you compel Gentiles to live as [e]Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not [f]justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

And so the Jewish council, with the Apostle James as its leader comes up with satisfactory requirements:

19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from [f]sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.

Abstain from these things: things offered to idols, eating of animals that have been strangled, tasting or eating blood— three ceremonial laws and one moral law- sexual immorality.

Although the not eating of blood goes all the way back to Genesis- the life is in the blood. Paul had told the Corinthian church they could eat meat offered to idols, but that demons were associated with those festivals were they sacrificed the meat.

“Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.” I Corinthians‬ ‭10:18-21‬ ‭NKJV

These new converts in Christ were to look and act different then their surrounding society.

Ceremonial laws- the Jews saw these things as extremely nasty and unholy. The apostles wanted the Gentile converts and Jewish converts to be a new religion- Christianity. Not a modified Jewish religion, a new called out and consecrated church, of which Jews and Gentiles would become brethren and love one another.

The Tabernacle of David (Amos 9:11-15, just a reference)

The Jewish remnant that survives God’s judgment would become one Body along with born again Gentiles to make up ONE church.

Why the moral law?? Sexual immorality was so a part of the Gentiles culture, they would need help in separating from it.

Why not murder? Because even in the most deprived societies, murder was still seen as wrong.

Sexual immorality was so embedded in their culture, so much a part of them as a people, from idol prostitution to pedastry, sexually immorality was upheld as a moral and standard of the Roman Empire life.

Born again of the Spirit- but the mind needs to be renewed daily.

“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in ...

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Christian Marching Orders 1 Kings 2:1-4

We- as the Christian church must endure until the return of Christ. That’s our main mission. David is wanting to impart into Solomon some solid truths to sustain him as he takes over Kingship and ensure that the throne is filled while they wait for messiah. Solomon wasn’t a perfect king. He did some good- wealth, land, influence Some bad- Making deals with Egypt and not fully trusting GodBut I don’t want to point to Solomons life as the example this morning- I want to focus in on What David challenged Solomon with- Maintain Israel until messiah comes The main point is this- do the right things and good things will happen and kings will reign in Israel. Keep your eye on the prize. Don’t lose focus. Don’t be a dirtbag. David told Solomon what to do- it was good and righteous and God glorifying. The outcome of Solomons life is irrelevant to our message this morning. The question is on you- will YOU be obedient to what you know that God has told YOU to do.

Get saved- You have to be part of the family of God- few types of people in this church this morning- the saved- the lost and the I think I’m saved. If not repented and turned from your sins and received Christ’s forgiveness you’re not saved. Quit lying to yourself thinking that you’re going to heaven for any reason other than JesusNow John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”If you’re not a believer in Jesus- and haven’t repented from your sins- the Bible says that God’s wrath is on you. He’s not pleased with you. He is upset with how you’re living. You need to turnIn every Church in America there are people who ‘play church’. Love the songs. The people. Right now- be honest with God and yourself- If you haven’t repented- TURN TO GODRomans 10:13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”Admit that you’re a sinner that needs a savior- Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,Confess- Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.Repent! Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord

Be a part of the church- Keep his statuesWhen David told Solomon to ‘keep his statutes’ theres a message there- Christian people have statutes of God that we need to keep- Gathering together for worship- fellowship- discipleship-giving-serving-But if you’re saved- if you call yourself a Christian- you need to make being at church a priorityHebrews 10:24-25 READ not forsake the gatheringWe are living in perilous times- if we’re not part of the church- we’re not going to make it. Watching people get involved in other stuff- you can find love at a bar- do what they doIf church is a ‘have to’ I question your salvation. I wonder if you truly love Jesus or if its something else. You shouldn’t have to convince someone to come to church. Make a commitment to make this your last church. Quit shopping. Be committed!How can you walk out this verse if you aren’t a part of a local church? You cant! 1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.God has given you gifts that he wants to use in your life to lead other people to HIM Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.Be in church every week. Tithe- It’s the way that God supports his church. Invite people to church. Serve at church. Help out. Invite people. Protect her. Defend her. Hold her in high regard. She is Christs bride. Christian Marching Orders

Trust your pastor- don’t worship him- trust himThe life of David is shown that even tho Saul wasn’t

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What’s the Deal? (1 Samuel 18:17-30 NKJV)

King Saul was anointed king through the Prophet Samuel, but has since turned into a selfish, fearful, and cowardly man, who no longer served God, but only himself.
The Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and a young boy named David was chosen by Samuel to be the next king. He stayed humble about it, and continued in his job shepherding the flocks in the fields.
When Israel’s army was confronted by their enemy Goliath and the Philistines, everyone including Saul was greatly afraid, and Saul made a deal for anyone who would be brave enough to kill Goliath.
1 Samuel 17:25, So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel.”

- David, of course, is the one who killed Goliath, but the promise wasn’t fulfilled right away.

Cowardly Saul continued to send courageous David out to win his battles for him, but when he saw that the people loved and respected David more than him, he turned on David and wanted him dead.

* Have YOU ever had a boss or family member, or someone you trusted treat you unfairly? Someone that no matter what you did it, it was never enough, and you could never win with them?

Let’s look in today scriptures to see how David deals with this situation…

Read 1 Samuel 18:17-30

What’s the deal?
Example: This made me think of, Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown, but always pulling it away right as he was about to kick it. Every time! I thought she was supposed to be his friend?

- She would promise him that she wouldn’t trick him this time, and would finally trust her.

- She wanted Charlie to fail, but I think because she was his friend, he always tried it again.

Saul kept holding out the prize for David, then pulling it away like that football.
Verse 17, Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight the Lord’s battles.” For Saul thought, “Let my hand not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”

- She was already supposed to be his from Goliath, now Saul wants to make him do more?

- He had been fighting all of Saul’s battles already? What more does Saul expect?

Saul just wanted David to get killed, and he gave the oldest daughter to someone else.
Verse 21, So Saul said, “I will give her to him, that she maybe a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall be my son-in-law today.”

- Again, Saul it trying to bait David into trusting him, only so he can betray him!

Now Saul wants David to kill 100 Philistines and bring back trophies of his kills as a price to marry Saul’s other daughter. “But Saul thought to make David fall by the hands of the Philistines.”
GOOD GRIEF! David finally got a wife, but only after doing twice as much as was asked of him.
David’s reaction to this unfair treatment is the real message coming out of today scriptures.

- David stayed humble:

Verse 18, So David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?”
Verse 23 David says, “I am a poor and lightly esteemed man”. This after he had been prophesied the future king, fought all of the king’s battles as the women sang, danced, and praised his victories.
Psalm 25:9 (in David’s own words), “The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.”
1 peter 5:6-7, Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

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The Power of The Cross

Have you ever been offended by what someone said or did?? Upset at what was said?Maybe they made fun of you- or spoke against something you believed in- double crossed youAn offense is something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Often- its offensive because its true- One time I walked into my grandmas house and she said I was portly. I was offended, but it was true. What do we celebrate on Easter 1 cor 15:3-8 READChrist rising from the Dead is not just why we celebrate Easter- its why we celebrate every Sunday and every other day of the yearIF this isn’t true. Its all a waste. We are still in our sin. We’re stupid and we’re wasting our lives1 Cor 15:12-19I’m not going to argue with you whether or not the resurrection of Jesus is true or not today. I know its true. Volumes of books have been written proving this fact. Its futile to argue. Its true. It demands a response. You’ve responded. You’re here today. You are living for Jesus, or you are not. Make a decision to Either to Live for Jesus or reject his claims that he was God, but you need to respondThe dividing line between living for Christ isn’t the truthfulness of the claim, but the Cross of ChristWhy? Because the Cross is an offense. Most people have an opinion about the Cross. 1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,If you don’t believe in the cross of Christ you think that those who do are fools and it’s an offense to you that they do- What is the cross? The cross is the short description of Jesus Christ of Nazereth being crucified on a wooden structure in the shape of T- a cross- usually a 100lb beam on their backIn ancient Rome- Crucifixion was the most publicly excruciating (ex-cruciating- crucified) humiliating way that a person could dieThe goal was simple- make a public display of the person so bloody and humiliating that it would punish the wrongdoer and at the same time discourage anyone from committing the same crimeThey would strip them naked in the public square, beat them to the edge of death, nail them to the cross by their hands and feet. Often times they would put a small shelf at the feet or legs to help support the body weight to extend the pain. Legs would be broken and they would try to stay alive by holding themselves up and usually eventually bleed out or asphyxiate. If that didn’t happen Crucifiers would accelerate the process by stabbing them in the side or genitals and leave them on the cross to die eventually from dehydration or animal attacksHere’s the kick tho- Jesus hadnt done anything deserving of the death he died. He was sinlessJohn 19:4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”Why is this Cross is an offense? Why is it that people get so upset about our Jesus?

It says that we are filled with sinThe bloody horrible public death that Jesus died was because of the sin of you and IWe hadn’t yet even been born, but the penalty of our sin was what sent Jesus to the CrossThis is an offense! If I took someone out in the parking lot and crucified them for your wrong doing, you would have some sort of an emotional response- or at least I hope you wouldAnd none of that would have happened if we had lived perfect lives- but we haven’tLying, stealing, cheating, lusting, greed, envy, worship of false idols, disobedience, all of itThe Story of Easter is that we were born sinners and needed our sin forgiven before GodRomans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.God loves you when you are sinner. He loved you when you were a sinner. He loves you now. Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

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Consider staying a little longer

Acts 14:1-7 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and [a]poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

Paul and Barnabas have just been pushed out of Antioch and the same thing happens in Iconium

This is because, they command great presence, God is moving and lives are being changed,

How many people know that no matter the good you are doing, someone somewhere will be offended

What is keeping you here?

I ask that question because Paul & Barnabas stayed there because they had an assignment from the Lord – To go and spread the good news

The Jew on the other hand, stayed as well, to cause trouble – the poisoning didn’t take a day

They were both listening to the Word of God. But their motives were different.

What are you doing here? What’s keeping you here?

When the politics begin, you are too serious about this Jesus, you are judging, you are not with the times, and soon...the unbelievers…start poisoning the minds of everyone else

I wonder if there was a time like that where people who have heard the Word of God would allow those who don’t believe, to poison their minds?

But no matter what ……Vs.3 – Therefore they stayed there for a long time.

These guys were not faced by threats, the circumstance changed but their Faith didn’t

They spoke boldly in the Lord because they knew, just as David wrote in the

Psalms 123:4 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.

~ We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. One can rightly say that we face only the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality of death in our place. - Enduring Words

~ Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. Someone has said that when there is a shadow there must be light somewhere, and so there is. Death stands by the side of the highway in which we have to travel, and the light of heaven shining upon him throws a shadow across our path; let us then rejoice that there is a light beyond. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a man’s pathway even for a moment. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us.” (Spurgeon)

Let is not give in to fear. God was backing them up, they stayed and He showed up.

They didn’t stay to be seen, but they stayed so that the healing, deliverance, life changes could glorify God “granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands

They plotted to stone them but they were alerted- This is for someone who want to do the work of God but you are scared - God will provide a way out

He will use His resources to alert you out or move you. “is there something so great that our God cannot do”?

They fled to Lystra and Derbe – 20 miles away -That’s from Auburn to Redmond

What happens when you are hedging you hope on security, provision, healing, deliverance and it takes a little longer? Are you still going to hang on?

Isaiah 40:31- But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall

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1 Sam 18:1-16 How To Live Right

We have been talking about David as a “man after God’s own heart” He’s a man who is living right before God.Hard to live righteously- its difficult- if you’re trying to live right you’re going to get pushbackThis is for CHRISTIANS- people who are trying to live for GOD- This isn’t a message for Jerks who wont submit to God in his righteousness- you need to get saved- change your attitudeIf you’re not a follower of Jesus- I want you to be- It’s the right thing to do- be saved2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Ephesians 4:27 nor give place to the devil.Titus 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,Its not easy to live this way. This world wants to convince you to live for Satan and not for God

Once you’re saved from your sin- you should want to live for God and not for your sin

But at every turn- you’re going to find resistance- Satan doesn’t want you to live righteouslySo we read this story of David and King Saul who wants nothing more than see David FallSaul had promised riches and blessings for the one who slayed Goliath, but its not happeningSo what do we do? How then must we live? How can you be a David in a land of Sauls?

Expect attack

Read V 8-9 V8 Saul was very angry V 9 so Saul eyed David from that day forwardJumping to half way through the story and then we’ll circle back- but it was how David was living that really began to anger Saul. David was righteous, victorious, honorableSaul couldn’t stand it- so what does he do? He attacks him.Here’s whats hard with sociopathic individuals- They feel justified in their anger- IM KINGDavid was fully aware that living a righteous life comes at a pricePsalm 54:3 For strangers have risen up against me, And oppressors have sought after my life; They have not set God before them. SelahThat’s the key right there- “they have not set God before them” That’s the heart of attackers- Saul never would have attacked if he wasn’t filled with hate and jealousy- he would have rejoiced that Goliath had been destroyed and that Israel was great again- Heart for GodWhat does it mean to you?The reward for living righteously is that others who aren’t will attack you. Expect itJohn 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.Jesus warned his disciples that living for him would not make everyone like you

Interestingly enough- the most pushback I get living for Christ is those who claim him!

Living for Jesus is COSTLY. Living righteously is COSTLY. This is one of the reasons I preach how I do- I do not want to sell you this idea that choosing to follow Christ will be easyIts easy to be like the world, live like the world, do what the world doesRequires no thinking or critical thought- Just absorb their media and do what they sayBut you should count it WORTHY that you come under attack for being CHRISTIANMatthew 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Luke 6:22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake.

What do we do? Expect attack. Expect that people wont agree with you.Folks- we live in an age that agrees with sexual immorality, murder of children, mental disorders, all religions but Christianity, denigration of God and his holy word.Media, public education, literature, movies, music, all do not agree with the Christian way1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;And this isn’t suffering for your bad decisions- this is for living righteousl...

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Heaven is NOT a Right. It is a Privilege.

Acts 13:44-52 New King James Version (NKJV)

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (all who were disposed (inclined or willing) to eternal life believed, in light of v. 46)

49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Paul continues to try to reach the Jews with the gospel. The Gentiles must not have the gospel brought them until the Jews have refused it. This restraint on the apostles was only on their first mission.

Wherever they went, they proclaimed the kingdom of heaven is at hand. They preached to establish faith and that men must prepare for that kingdom.

They preached repentance and forgiveness of sins, to the Jew first and then to the Gentile- for the Jews were God’s chosen people from all the people of the earth.

But now, they have rejected the gospel and Paul has been directed how to act toward them who refuse his words.

Matthew 10:14 (NKJV) And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

As a sign of indignation, the very dust of a heathen land brought defilement with it- treat that place as a heathen land that has been polluted, possibly like grave dust.

To the Jews- theirs is no longer the kingdom of God. It has been given to those who will receive the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The Jews thought that heaven was their right. A RIGHT is an inherent, irrevocable entitlement held by citizens or all humans from the moment of birth. As Americans, we have unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that cannot be alienated by government.

But heaven is not a right. It is a privilege. A privilege is a certain entitlement to immunity granted by an authority to a restricted group, on a conditional basis.

Heaven is a kingdom to a restricted group, ONLY those IN CHRIST, on the condition of love and obedience to Him- this is the foundation of Christianity.

Acts 4:12 (NKJV)Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The servant of Christ is an ambassador to where ever he is sent our message is to the vilest of sinners and to the most upright and seemingly moral person. We do not get to decide heaven’s citizens. All lives are at sake.

We are to pray for all and to conduct ourselves courteously to all. The whole counsel of God must be declared, and to those who will not receive this gracious message, must be shown that their state is dangerous. This should be seriously laid to the heart by all that hear the gospel.

Hebrews 2:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Therefore we must give [a]the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just [b]rew...

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1 sam 17:38-58- End of story with fight of David and Goliath. With God- you can win

Battles come when you least expect it- job, finances, health, family, work, spiritual

But if you’re going to win these battles- you have to operate on some spiritual principles

If you want to win the battle- Do not go into battle with someone elses armor

Read v 38-39Saul does David a solid here and tries to help him out with his armor- wants him to winGives him his armor- David can’t make it work- never used the armor before- has to take off.

David is battle tested for the Lord- knows what it takes- you got to be ready on your own

Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. (Make me ready)Interesting that Saul wants to help David by giving him his armor- and not actually stepping inDavid can’t use Sauls armor for this fight- He has to depend on God and HIS experience to winDavid is a strong man of faith- He trusts in God- he is willing to fight- but he is someone who trusts God- he is going into this fight on the back of his personal relationship with the creatorPsalm 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle 2 My loving kindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.Remember- he was trained by Fighting the bears and the lions from the sheep. He didn’t have this armor last time he fought- he aint gonna need it this timeWhat David understands- you can’t go into battle with someone elses armor and defense you need your own- you must know and trust God on your own if you are entering into battle

What does it mean to you

you can’t go into battle on someone elses armor – you can’t ride on someone else’s faithWhen push comes to shove- you can’t rest on ‘someone else will pray for me’ you got to fight your own- your parents faith, your spouse, your pastor, your friend will not be enoughYou- like David- trying to put on someone else’s Armor will find yourself unable to do so

You better grow in your relationship with God on your own terms- you can’t expect to go into battle and win if you’re not training yourself in righteousness building some spiritual muscle

Galatians 6:4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.You got to look at yourself and constantly upgrading your approach- what else can I learn?Acts 19:11-16 15 “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”Its not about earning your salvation- you’re saved- but you need to grow in your OWN faith1 Timothy 4:7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.Prayer life- Word life- Fellowship life-Ps Ong- Daughter dying- in St Louis- he is supposed to go to Ghana- he trusted that God will save- she was fine- he had his own armor- he’s a battle tested soldier- he’s got his own armorAre you setting your own life up to win? How to do that?

If you want to win the battle You have to Arm Yourself

Read v 40-44Davids Choice to fight the Goliath was 5 stones- lots of speculation on why he did thisSome people think that this shows he lacked faith- but God didn’t promise one stone would doI think that 2 sam 21-15-22 is a more likely answer that Goliath had 4 brothers whom David eventually takes out as wellBut he was PREPARED- he didn’t go into this battle just on Faith alone- he was going to be used by God- he wasn’t going to just stand back and watch God move- he was going to be USED by him- and needed to arm himself for what it was that he was going to be involved in-Sometimes God fights your battles- and sometimes he gives you the strength for the battlePsalm 18:39 For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.Yes- God can and will deliver us- but often times- like this story- God works ...

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– 2 weeks ago I preached the beginning of Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas were “separated and sent out” by the Holy Spirit, and “preach the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.”

– In the verses today, that is exactly what Paul is doing.

– Often when we think of being “sent out” to share the gospel, we picture some far off mission field, but we’re also called to share the gospel in our own backyard. All people need the truth about Jesus.

– You may have heard it said, “The greatest mission field is inside the local church.” Maybe not the “greatest”, but it is vitally important to evangelize those who think they already know the truth too!

– Paul is sharing the Good News about Jesus the Messiah in a Jewish church during their worship service. All of these people know God, and know the scriptures, still Paul is trying to show them what they are not seeing.

This is what effective evangelism looks like.

– Paul knows his audience. He knows their culture and beliefs, and can speak their language.

– Example: Preaching in Cambodia, Matt 6:26 sermon, used freezing hummingbirds as my example. I should have learned their struggles for provision, their birds, etc… BEFORE I spoke!

– Read Acts 13:14-16. “…Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.”

– “Synagogue on the Sabbath” is like church on Sunday for us. They read from “the law and prophets” just like we would read scripture from the bible. These are “church people.”

– Paul was trained as a Jewish Pharisee. He knows their traditions and speaks with credibility.

– To establish common ground, Paul shows them how their own history, all points to Jesus.

– Read Acts 13:17-37 (This is long, but listen to his purposeful progression.)

– He starts with Moses, their hero, freeing their ancestors from Egypt, and God sustaining them in the desert. This is a key moment of God saving His people from slavery and death.

– He talks about King David, another hero of theirs, from whom the Messiah would come.

– Verse 23, From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior, Jesus.

– Verse 32-33, And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. 33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus.

– Many people witnessed his death on the cross, and him raised to life, walking among them.

– By the words of their own prophets, Isaiah and the Psalms, Jesus fulfills the promise of the coming Messiah and Savior of God’s children. They should have seen this coming.

This is what they are not seeing.

– Acts 13:38-39, Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

– From the outside they see the Law, but the Law could not save them. Jesus is the life saver inside!

– Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

EXAMPLE: MCIWS, waterproofing your pack, the key to surviving in the water in full gear.

– You cannot see the difference by looking at the outside of the pack. You must know what is inside. Done wrong and it will drown you (WW2 beach landing). Done correctly and you can float on it like a life preserver.

– They are not seeing that inside that “ruck sack” full of survival supplies, Jesus is the “waterproofing” that makes it life-saving, and keeps it from being a weight that will drown them.

– Matthew 5:20, Jesus also said, “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

– You are going to have to do more than look like a Christian on the outside. You must have Jesus on the inside!

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“I will strike you and take your head from you” 1 sam 17:31-47

Serving God isn’t for the faint of heart- if you want to serve God- Got to have right mind

I’ve seen people that say that they want to serve God- but heart and mind is wrong

To serve God- Think of others32 Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”One of the greatest things that is missed in the story of David and Goliath is that the courage and passion that David had wasn’t for himself it was for others“Let no man’s heart fail” is much different than “Let me show you how awesome I am”many Christian ministers and people who are clearly for themselves and not for others and GodPhil 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.David was concerned with Israel and God “he has defied the armies of the living God”David wanted to beat Goliath for the Glory of God and Israel- not because he wanted recognitionMany people want to serve God but it comes from a position of selfishness and self recognitionWho will see me? What can I get? Can I get on TV or get a webpage? Who will know me?Rom 15:1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

What does it mean to you?Firstly- you should want to serve God by serving others- This should be your heart- but if it IS- you should be checking your heart on what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.1 Corinthians 10:33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.Today- it works out- I promise I didn’t plan this- we’re signing up for the Easter outreach. We wont be slaying any Goliaths that day- but the work is worthy. Loving and serving people in our community.It doesn’t matter what you do- serve God in any capacity and you should always be thinking of others1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.When you serve others with the mindset of doing it for others- God can get the glory and not you.You must check your heart- what am I doing? Remember what Christ did for you-Matt 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”Its always a sacrifice to serve others- but it’s a loving thing that we do and it pleases the heart of God.Mark 9:35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

To serve God- Don’t get easily discouraged

33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”It is easy to become discouraged when people are resistant to your attempts to serve GodIt doesn’t matter what you do- take a step towards serving God and someone will come along and discourage you- it will become difficult and they’ll try to dissuade youDavid had the right heart- he knew that He could beat this Goliath- he wanted toBut the King looks at him like “Come on now- not you- someone else” can’t see it.Psalm 27:1 A Psalm of David. ] The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?David is not going to allow anyone- not even Saul from discouraging him. He’s killing Goliath.2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.Discouragement can come in many forms- typically and usually through a PERSONS MOUTH

What does it mean to you?Can you move past being easily discouraged? Can you grow some grit and skin?Its normal to get discouraged- I get discouraged often I just don’t stay there more than a dayEphesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.What if David would have just gave up right then...

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Read Acts 13:1-5

They prepared in advance to be sent out.

– “The separation is in the preparation.” Russell Wilson said during the Seahawks championship run. They weren’t surprised to win the Superbowl, even if everyone else was. They said, “Why NOT us?!”

– Paul and Barnabas positioned themselves to be selected and sent out. (Read verses 2 and 3 again) They were preparing in advance for the work that they have been called.

– Because they had already prepared, they didn’t have to decide. Their decision was already made.

– The bible doesn’t describe them saying, “I need to pray about it.” Or “Let me see if I can afford it.” Or “Maybe after I get out of debt I will be ready to answer the call…”

– They were prepared, and were separated and sent out.

– FF example: I never liked training on low frequency stuff. Tech rescue, etc… but you have to be prepared if it ever happens… 2 perspectives on being ready:

FF said, “I guess I’m just confident that we will figure out something. We always have.” LT used to come up with outlandish scenarios and spend an hour coming up with a plan…

– But then… plane crash onto a soccer field during a tourney, train derailed over rush hour traffic, 3 houses on fire at once, “Snowmagedon” so only 2 P/M make it to CPR call…

– You can’t wait until the “call comes out” to try to figure out what you will do!

– Proverbs 20:4, The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. (Don’t make excuses for not getting to work now, or you will starve later.)

– Read 1 Peter 5:6-10, because this is excellent instructions for being spiritually prepared.

– The enemy will attack you. Do you know his schemes, and how to resist them?

– You will need encouragement. Do you know where to find it in the scriptures?

– Example: Sheryl, floor of hallway needing a verse and I couldn’t think of even one!

– You must be prepared in advance, because you know these things will come!

You should expect hardship.

– Up until this point the followers of Christ had been beaten, disowned, and even killed. Peter had been imprisoned, and James was just murdered by King Herod. They all knew the cost.

– Practice fasting, denying your fleshly desires, praying for those who persecute you, forgiving immediately… these kinds of things will prepare you to endure the hardship to come.

– “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis

– God will allow fiery trials to refine you like gold. You must learn from them, or they are wasted.

– 2 Cor. 12:10, (Paul’s words) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

– Example: Missionaries I met in India… 50 years of ministry to the spiritually dark territories. Just jungle and forests back then, 8 years before the first native convert, miracle of the cup of water…

– Right out of the Bible Institute in 1966, he headed straight to northern India, “in search of that land where the name of Jesus was unknown.”

– A hostile country full of black magic and superstition, fear and idolatry. Very hard soil!

– “On a cold Saturday evening, two men twisting my arms behind my back and another on trashing me, shouting, abusing and warning me never to come back to the remote village where we had gone to conduct an evening service with a few brethren who had recently accepted the Lord, I was reminded of Paul saying, “and again I say rejoice”.

– Now training native people to be sent out to minister to their own people groups!

– No funding or support, threatened with death, 8 years before the first fruits… but constantly encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul, because Paul knew what it was like to struggle.

– 2 Tim 4:5, But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions,

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Acts 12:20-25 AMP – Now Herod [Agrippa I] was [a]extremely angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and their delegates came to him in a united group, and after persuading Blastus, [b]the king’s chamberlain [to support their cause], they asked for peace, because their country was fed by [imports of grain and other goods from] the king’s country. 21 On an appointed day Herod dressed himself in his [c]royal robes, sat on his throne (tribunal, rostrum) and began delivering a speech to the people. 22 The assembled people kept shouting, “It is the voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 And at once an angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give God the glory [and instead permitted himself to be worshiped], and [d]he was eaten by worms and died [five days later].

People are saying that Herod is a God, they are praising him as a GodThe guy gets stuck down by an angel and for 5 days, he is eaten by worms and dieMoral lesson, don’t call yourself God, otherwise you will die- Painfully

In order to really understand what’s happening here, lets look at the story of King David

II Samuel 6:12-15 – 12 Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness. 13 And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep. 14 Then David danced[a] before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.

In this verse, the Israelites have received the ark after it had been taken by the Philistines. It’s a great story and all can be found is 1 Samuel. I encourage you read it.

Today we are going to take just a part of that experience where David is dancing for the Lord with all his might to a point of taking off his loyal clothes and dancing in his Ephod which was his inner clothes.

This is such a contrast because David would have been praised by the people because of getting the Ark back. We are not immune …. (2nd sermon ever)

Every Israelite was on the streets and saw him give God glory but some were not so pleased, like his wife Michal who thought that it was degrading.

However, David did not care what people thought, all he wanted to was to give God the glory he deserved.

This begs for an explanation, why David would go to the extent of dancing this way knowing that his position requested otherwise.

He has already sacrificed many oxen’s and sheep. Was that not enough? And why choose to dance with all his might to a point of laying his loyal robes down?

How many of you know that God’s heart is not necessary turned by sacrifice? That a sacrifice of praise has to come from deep inside and that our outside expressions is a confirmed of what is on the inside.

Proverbs 21:2 – Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the heart.

God looks deeper in our hearts and knows those things that you and I are doing, those things that ARE for His glory but He also sees those things that we WANT to be for his Glory

So what moved David to dance with all his might to a point of undressing?

If you may, making sure that nothing was holding his back from giving God the glory.

In order to understand David, we have to examine David’s life. Coz even though the moment was an energetic one, the Israelites getting back Ark, which we can easily say that everyone was excited…. Like when you into a football game, it’s hard not to join in the cheers regardless of what going on in your life.

But David praise was not momentarily.

See – David was born in the house of Jesse. He had 7 other brothers but his job was not glamorous. He had to tend sheep.

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Goliath shows up in this story and challenges Israel to a fight once again. This story describes what he says, how he looks, and what the challenge is- Win and we’ll be come your servants- lose and you become ours. Goliath becomes a large taunting enemy before Israel getting in their faceA formidable foe- a destroyer. Israel loses this one- they lose it all. They must winSome of you understand what it means to be in the fight of your life- Such it is with the Goliaths in our own lives. This is a literal historical story from the Bible. We don’t fight Goliaths anymore- but we do have fights we need to fight. Fight the good fight of faith. Fight the flesh. Fight the Devil. You gotta fight. “everyone fights- no one quits” As your pastor- you must know- I’m fighting for you. I’m fighting for this churchPast few months- cult trying to infiltrate our church- moonies- rebuke them HARSHLY

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1 tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnessesIt not to say that its not difficult or dangerous, but its worth it. We must FIGHT1 cor 9:26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.Col 1:29 “for this I toil” Eph 6:12 “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” WE are all usually in some sort of fight in our lives. Some sort of sin. Something we need to start doing. Something we need to stop doing. Here’s the problem tho- Goliaths are bad.

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1.Here’s what Goliaths do in your life- the figurative ones- Goliaths take your territory- v1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle, and were gathered at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah; they encamped between Sochoh and Azekah, in Ephes Dammim.When a Goliath comes into your life- they take more than you thought and stay longer than you intended- You think “its not a big deal’ and next thing you know, you’ve changedYou’re less loving. Less disciplined. Less controlled. Less spiritual. You’re differentMatt 4: 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”That’s what satan does! Jesus already had the land- Satan wanted to take it!Goliaths scheme against you 3 The Philistines stood on a mountain on one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.Psalm 26:9-10 Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 10 In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes.

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The Goal of Goliath was simple- Destroy the Israelites- and they had a plan- WAR

Those things in your life are coming after you have a plan to destroy you- strategic

Goliaths look big 4 And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

Whenever you’re going through something- it always looks bigger than you thought it would be

A proverbial hill that seems to big to climb. Too much debt, weight, sin, addiction, pain

Goliaths protect themselves at all costs- Read v 5-7

Theres always protection for themselves built within a Goliath- self preservation

Addiction to something brings you back to IT not away from it- It WANT YOU

Goliaths Taunt you 8 Then he stood and cried out to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to line up for battle?

Why does it seem that as soon as you start to move away from that Goliath they come at you

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James, the brother of John (sons of Thunder) has been killed and Peter thrown into prison- Jesus inner circle of guys

Herod Agrippa- not the same Herod that beheaded John the Baptist- from Acts 2 until now is about 14 years. The church prays for Peter. An angel comes to deliver Peter and leads him out

King Herod is vexing the church, coming after her members and ultimately the apostles. Herod began with fining them, afflicting them, imprisoning them, spoiling their houses and goods and afterwards proceeded to greater instances of cruelty.

It is important to recognize, that Peter had no idea what was going to happen to him. James had been recently killed and Peter possibly faced the same outcome. He did not assume that God would deliver Him from prison, in fact he had no way to expect that he would be delivered. That James should die and Peter continue is the mysterious way of God and well within His rights.

So Peter lay down to sleep in peace. v.6

He was not terrified with his danger, and there was no visible way of escape. There was but a step between him and death, and yet he fell fast asleep in the midst of his enemies. The old Peter, the Romans 7 Peter, the unregenerated Peter, might have denied Jesus as he did before, but now he has been baptized with the HS from on high and his life has been so drastically changed, he is at peace in prison waiting to be slaughtered.

Faith in God v.3-4

Faith is not in what we want God to do- Faith is in God.

Hebrews 11:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Our greatest reward is finding Him and enjoying His presence

Psalms 16:8 “I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Note the steadfastness that God brings when we put Him always before us

The Psalmists claim is a modest one:

‘Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be’ What? Be triumphant? NO.

Escape sorrows and tribulations? NO. Have my life filled with serenity? NO

I SHALL NOT BE MOVED.

To be able to stand on the spot, with steadfast convictions, with steadfast purposes, with steadfast actions, continuously in one direction; “Having done all, to stand”

Ephesians 6:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

This idea that we will never go through anything, that life will be “easy” when we serve God, is a lie

2 Corinthians 11:22-33

Ex: I am no Paul, but in the last 16 years since we started the church, I have dealt with a panic disorder, been in and out of the ER and doctors offices, have a gastrointestinal disorder, saw a therapist, deal with an ongoing heart arythmia and had to have my heart zapped back into rhythm, had 3 surgeries, lost a toe nail, have had 5 stitches where I bit through my lip, had 7 precancerous moles removed and stitches to follow, had chemotherapy on my skin, I have an ongoing connective tissue disorder, buldging discs in my lower back that flare up from time to time, I have been lied about and talked about, persecuted for being a religious zealot by my own family, AND on top of all this, my daily concern for my family and the church.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Like Paul we should be able to say, “but none of these things move, nor do I count my life dear to myself” His grace is enough.

2 Corinthians 12:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 And He said to me,

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Get Your Hands Up to Worship

Saul is distressed by a spirit and has someone else play worship for him. This is a common misconception with worship in the modern day churchInteresting story- we’re continuing the story of Saul with the distressing spirit. What we find in this story is that Saul sends for a worshipper, and his servants find David, back with the sheep- and bring him before Saul. Saul doesn’t do the worshipping, David does. And when David plays and worships, the bad spirit upon Saul leaves him. V23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.Many church focus on having a ‘worship experience’ or having a ‘worship band’. The décor of the room lends itself to a concert setting in which the congregants become spectators of performanceMany worship bands are hirelings that are playing for money- some of who aren’t savedMusic is great to have in church- but attempting perfection to ‘draw people in’ at the expense of God isn’t good. Met hirelings, seen theatrics, watched dance routines and lighting shows. Wrong spirit.Some with argue with me that its possible to have a polished performance and a correct heart, but I’ve yet to see it. To me its either “coming back to a heart of worship” or it’s a show

Worship starts with you

In v 16 its again, the servants to propose to Saul that they bring in a worshipper to ease the pain of the evil spirit that is upon Saul. Notice- Not that Saul should turn from his wicked ways, repent and worship God, but lets go and get someone to worship for youv 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.” – Saul Agrees! Yes- I don’t want to worship- I want someone ELSE to! Nice!contrast between the heart of Saul and David begins to take clear shape at this pointPsalm 5:7 But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.David’s heart is “I will worship” Sauls heart is “find someone to worship for me”This begins to show the contrast between someone who expects others to do the job of worshipping for you- it sounds like “I want a church with a great worship team”The size, skill and cool factor of worship team will not be the key to Saul or your victorySaul needed to worship on his own. He needed to worship God and get HIS heart right

What does it mean to you

You have to stop judging worship by what it sounds and looks like and who is doing itGalatians 6:5 For each one shall bear his own load. 2 Cor 5:10 as wellWe are a collective body of Christ that is redeemed as whole who are indv. acountableYou have to begin to realize that YOU need to become a worshipper. YOU need to do it

Hebrews 13:15 by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. WORSHIP IS MOVING YOUR LIPS

Its not about what YOU sound like. Or if YOU like it. Or if YOU feel comfortable.Romans 12:1 SAYS present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,If you’ve been saved from your sin- have a mindset of your thankfulness

Live a life of worship

it looks like Saul wasn’t living much a life of Worship. You know who was? Read V18David’s life was such that when the Servants were looking for one who could fit the bill they found David. He apparently was known for being a worshipper.He must have been living a life of worship or they wouldn’t have chosen him.Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord,

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1 sam 16:1-13 the anointing of David as king

As a kid- everyone wanted to ‘be the leader’ they think that adult leadership is the same

You get to tell everyone what to do- but no- being the leader is RESPONSBILITY- are u ready?

So you’re going to be king and a queen! It may not feel like it- but you’re going to be!2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.1 Corinthians 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?GENESIS 1:26 says have dominion Revelation 22:5 says “And they shall reign forever and ever”Revelation 3:21 says “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne”Luke 22:29-30 “ 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”Deuteronomy 17:18-20 READ 20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brethrenDaniel 7:18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”As you’re preparing to be a king- there’s a few things we can get from this story that I want you to focus on . You may not feel like you’re a king or queen- but you are- God is preparing you

LETS GET INTO THIS STORY-

You are not forgotten

They are looking for the new king- 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?”Samuel had looked at all the other brothers and was like- this al you got? Jesse the dad is like- oh yea- the young ruddy one- he’s out in the field with the sheep- but you wouldn’t want himForgotten even by his own father. His Father hadn’t even considered him for the job of kingLiving out with the sheep- its very easy to think that you have been forgottenVery easy to think that you are just going through the motions when you’re tending sheepHow many days did David wake up to go out to the field with the sheep and thought “what are my other brothers doing? This is a servants job, and here I am out there with the sheep”David may had been forgotten by his family- but he was not forgotten by God- God knew where he was, what he was doing. God knew exactly where he was. Preparing him to be KINGI don’t care who you are- but you want to feel validated and supported by your familyYou want them to be proud of you- you want them to support what you do and how you liveDavid said later in life Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me.David understood- that the love of God from him and to him is the greatest satisfaction- God hasn’t forgot him. God remembered him when his own family forgot himMoses said to Joshua- Deut 31: 8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”1 Kings 15:5 because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

What does it mean to you?You may be tending the sheep in, and feel forgotten- but God has not forgot about youHe sees what you’re doing and knows where you are. It might FEEL like you’re forgotten but noMatt 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.You are valuable. You were valuable enough for Jesus to come and die for you- and now- that you’re in Christ- God loves you and values you. He has not forgot about you!While you were still a sinner, God loved you, how much more so now that you are his child?Psa 56:8 You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they no...

FVC Sermons: Recent Episodes

Faith and Victory Church

1: This is your reasonable act of service.

1. Airway and Acceptance. ABC

2. Breathing and Believing. ABC

1. There is NO earthly thing that can defeat the Holy Spirit inside you.

1 The promise of God is sure. 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be [a]sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

1. The storms of life will come.

2. But there is still one more verse…

1. Why are you insisting on pious self-denial?

2. Why are you following the rules of this world?

1. Your spiritual flesh being cut away, not physical.

2. Spiritual death and burial, not physical.

1. Paul’s letter brings encouragement.

1. What’s the biggest life interruption you’ve had in the last 10 years? How did you handle it?

2. What is your emotional response to interruptions?#3. Have you ever used an interruption to share the gospel? Describe that situation. #4. How can you better allow God to interrupt your life with His plan?

1: Fear did not stop Paul from being obedient.

2: Paul’s “crazy talk” almost worked!