Overflow Church: Recent Episodes
Paul Barnard
Noise: Stress Busyness Emotion from circumstanceSolutions: Posture Atmosphere Speak out loud even if its a whisper Time
Sin, Shame and guilt: Been a while Filthy rags We feel like the priest of old Solutions: The Gospel
Hello Life-Line Fam!! This Thursday, October 7th, Melissa Sanders will be sharing her testimony. With 8 years clean time, she is a graduate of and now the director of Dying to Live Recovery ministry in Laurel, MS. Remember~ no child care or food at this time. If you’re unable to attend, have symptoms or been exposed to Covid, watch right here, the OFC app or the Overflow Church, Magee, MS YouTube channel!! See y’all then
Why Prayer Prayer does two things: Engages God Enables People
How Not To: 1. Not for the crowd 2. Not empty Blessing Lord's Prayer
How to: Know the audience (A Holy God) 2. Know His power Power for provision Power for redemption 3. Know your place We are desperate for the power of a Holy God We are not all that and He knows it and loves us Draw Near
Pray with Home Deal with Reality Trust with Faith
The battle moment of breakthrough Stay in it Be transparent Praise in spite of surroundings
Hello Life-Liners!! This Thursday, September 9th, Shanta Fain will be sharing her testimony❣️ She has 3 years clean time and serves as program director for Adult and Teen Challenge of the Greater South! If you’re unable to attend in person, have symptoms, or have been exposed to Covid, please watch right here, the Overflow church app or the OverFlow Church, Magee MS channel on YouTube. God Bless
Hello Life-Liners!! This Thursday, September 9th, Shanta Fain will be sharing her testimony❣️ She has 3 years clean time and serves as program director for Adult and Teen Challenge of the Greater South! If you’re unable to attend in person, have symptoms, or have been exposed to Covid, please watch right here, the Overflow church app or the OverFlow Church, Magee MS channel on YouTube. God Bless
Pro 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
1Pe 3:1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands,
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Eph 5:24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Col 3:18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
1Pe 3:2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. Pro 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
1Pe 3:3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 1Pe 3:4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Pro 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 1Pe 3:5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 1Pe 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 1Pe 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
1Co 16:13 Be watchful,
Eph 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
1Pe 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
Stand firm in the faith,
Reconciliation of the Bible Obedience is the only way to success
Act like men, be strong.
Culture clash Weakness: fear, intimidation, no self control, apathy, comfort Strength: Risky, dangerous, confident
1Ch 28:20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
1Co 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.
God’s image verses our image: Strength according to man vs. strength according to God Love and passion go hand in hand
Standing for your faith in the face of adversity
Every Man’s Question: Do I have what it takes? Every Woman’s Question: Am I valued and worth fighting for?
The hunt for the answer: Men/Women Aggressiveness/Outer beauty Toxic Relationships/Compromise of values Drown it
The found answer: Men/Women Violence/emotional violence Lust/Porn/Ruined life Addiction
The reason: Name Shame
Jdg 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Jdg 6:13 And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.”* Jdg 6:14 And the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” Jdg 6:15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” Jdg 6:16 And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”
World tries to name you: Worthless Failure
Church Names you: Men/Women Nice guy/Prudent women Sensitive/Background Rule keeper/image bearer
Only one can name you
Rev 2:17 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.’*
Who is your creator? Who is your owner? Who can name you? It’s time to have your name changed.
Greetings Life-Line Fam!! This Thursday, August 5th, our own Judy Pearce will be sharing the devotion! Don’t miss it!! Remember no food or childcare at this time. If you’re unable to attend, watch right here, the OFC app or via the Overflow Church, Magee, MS on YouTube. See y’all soon❣️
Intro: The war, the poverty, jezebel, perversion
Distract Act 16:16-17 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” Act 16:18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. Acts 16: 16-18
Focus on the Situation not on the Savior A. An unclean spirits goal is to take your eyes of Jesus and His Kingdom Focus on the World not on the Word A. Hecklers, babies and bathrooms B. Worship Destroy
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Sorcery
and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. Revelation 18:23
Indifference
2 Ways the perversion spirit manifests itself: 1. Sexually a. Sexual immorality b. Gender c. Abuse
- False Doctrine a. Twisting Scripture b. Making God in our own image c. Dismissing scripture
Disabling the spirit: Cease and desist Reconciling with the Word of God Full Devotion
Greetings Life-Line Fam!! This Thursday, August 5th, our own Judy Pearce will be sharing the devotion! Don’t miss it!! Remember no food or childcare at this time. If you’re unable to attend, watch right here, the OFC app or via the Overflow Church, Magee, MS on YouTube. See y’all soon❣️
Rev 2:20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
Attributes of Jezebel-
- Threats
1Ki 19:1 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 1Ki 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.”
- Lies and Accusations
1Ki 21:9 And she wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. 1Ki 21:10 And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”
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Manipulation for control
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Idolatry
1Ki 16:31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him.
- Seduction
2Ki 9:30 When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window.
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Division
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Destruction
Solutions to Jezebel-
- Trust and have faith
1Ki 19:3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 1Ki 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
- Expose
2Ki 9:22 And when Joram saw Jehu, he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” He answered, “What peace can there be, so long as the whorings and the sorceries of your mother Jezebel are so many?”
- Boldly Come Against
2Ki 9:31 And as Jehu entered the gate, she said, “Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?” 2Ki 9:32 And he lifted up his face to the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked out at him.
Hi Life-Line Family!! OFC’s Very own Missions Pastor, Greg Roberts, will be sharing his testimony of God’s Grace and Mercy this Thursday, July, 29th! Don’t miss it. Meeting begins at 6:30. If you’re unable to attend, watch right here on Facebook, the OVERFLOW CHURCH APP or via Overflow Church, Magee, MS on YouTube. ~ No Food or Childcare at this time. See y’all soon❣️
The open door for the poverty spirit:
The misunderstanding of ownership: It was not his property. We sometimes have “Mine” syndrome and it causes us to protect at all cost (dig a hole). But it does not stop there. From there it leads to I want more. And that leads to I deserve more and that leads to you owe me more.
The fear factor: We value security. When our security is not where it should be (wealth), we rely on it and it begins to take over (oppress or possess). Most of the time it starts with a choice. That choice is whether to trust God as our provider or take matters into our own hands.
God does His best work from nothing (creation and feeding the 5000).
Two things to thwart the spirit of poverty:
Appreciation: 1) Putting personal value in what you have creates a sense of contentment 2) Putting personal value into to something naturally causes us to manage or “Take care of it” better.
Generosity: 1) Being Appreciative causes us to be more generous 2) Being more generous puts to death Ownership Misunderstanding and we begin to operate out of faith and not fear. a. Action vs. understanding b. Start at the bottom
Hi Life-Line Fam!! This Thursday, July 22, our own Jason Duncan will be sharing the devotion. He and his wife Towanda are devoted to the Lord and serving others❣️ Don’t miss it!! Remember: No food or Child care at this time. Meeting starts at 6:30. If you’re unable to attend watch right here on Livestream, Overflow church app or Overflow Church, Magee MS on YouTube!
TEST THE SPIRITS - Part 1: An Introduction
Truth: Demons are real and they are known in the Bible as “unclean spirits” Spirits are deceptive and crafty: Serpent, Temptation, father of lies and confusion
Unclean spirits do three things: 1) They are Contrary to the Bible: Develop a world view from the teachings of the Bible vs developing teachings that reflect a world view 2) Thrive on Fear 3) They Mimic*- Counterfeit, cheap knock off
Action: Identify the spirit Rebuke the spirit Invoke the Name of Jesus
Reflection: What part of your life has been influenced by unclean spirits? Do you listen to and know God? Don’t be led astray
TEST THE SPIRITS - Part 1: An Introduction
Truth: Demons are real and they are known in the Bible as “unclean spirits” Spirits are deceptive and crafty: Serpent, Temptation, father of lies and confusion
Unclean spirits do three things: 1) They are Contrary to the Bible: Develop a world view from the teachings of the Bible vs developing teachings that reflect a world view 2) Thrive on Fear 3) They Mimic*- Counterfeit, cheap knock off
Action: Identify the spirit Rebuke the spirit Invoke the Name of Jesus
Reflection: What part of your life has been influenced by unclean spirits? Do you listen to and know God? Don’t be led astray
Hello Life- Liners!! This Thursday, July 15th, Kristian Knight Russell will be sharing her Rescue story of God’s Grace and mercy in her life. With 23 months of clean time, she attends Uturn and Life-Line faithfully! You don’t want to miss this! Remember, no food or child care at this time. If you’re unable to attend, watch right here, the OFC app or Overflow church, Magee, MS on youtube❣️Have an amazing Day!! Jeremiah 17:14
A disciple follows the Holy Spirit Challenge:
The Challenge: * Cut the distraction * Acknowledge, He is calling! * Hear the call * Start the Journey * Break the cycle
A disciple follows the Holy Spirit Challenge:
The Challenge: * Cut the distraction * Acknowledge, He is calling! * Hear the call * Start the Journey * Break the cycle
John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
INTRO: What is discipleship? Teachers/rabbis would take young men whom they thought had the aptitude to understand and further their message. When these men would become their disciple, they would then live life together. Eating, praying, learning, teaching, everything.
The main idea was that the young men would learn by observing how their mentor lived their life and interacted with their family, as well as how they worshiped and lived for the lord. THE MARKS OF THE DISCIPLE
- Groups
Eli and Sammuel Eli was the prophet in Israel at the time of Samuel’s birth. After he was born his mother Hannah dedicated him to the temple because the Lord had blessed her with a son in her barrenness. 1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.
- Samuel grew up in the temple being mentored by Eli until the day that Eli died, after his death Samuel then succeeded him and became Israel’s prophet.
- But again, we see the mentorship taking place through living daily together, eating together, teaching, praying, etc.
John 8:31 Abide - Accept or act in accordance with.
- A disciple feeds on the word (3X a day)
- Imagine walking through place and finding a feast!
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(Jeremiah 15:16)“Your words were found and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart. For I am called by your name, O Lord God of hosts.”
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Buy food but don't eat it
- How do you know if you feed on the word? It's what comes out of you.
- _Abiding in Gods Word is a lifestyle. _
- Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028&version=ESV#fen-ESV-24211b)] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you
- _Discipleship is Obedience _
- _A believer learns the word a disciple learns obedience by staying in the word. _
Challenge: John 8:32 * and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”*
This is how to join the movement We have seen with our own hearts who Jesus is. Things are about to change without Jesus walking the earth.
ONE: In the Word (Jesus) In the Word (Scripture) In the World
This is how to join the movement We have seen with our own hearts who Jesus is. Things are about to change without Jesus walking the earth.
ONE: In the Word (Jesus) In the Word (Scripture) In the World
Joh 11:1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Joh 11:2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. Joh 11:3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” Joh 11:4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Its going to be ok-God has a plan-Have faith and other rejected info
Joh 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Joh 11:6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
Sometimes Jesus will tarry for His fullness to be fully realized
Joh 11:7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” Joh 11:8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” Joh 11:9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. Joh 11:10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
There is always risk when following the will of God. It takes faith
Joh 11:11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” Joh 11:12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Joh 11:13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Joh 11:14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, Joh 11:15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Joh 11:16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Joh 11:17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Joh 11:18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, Joh 11:19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. Joh 11:20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Joh 11:21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died Joh 11:22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Joh 11:23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Joh 11:24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Joh 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, Joh 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Joh 11:27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
The moment of trust
Joh 11:28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” Joh 11:29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Joh 11:30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.
Joh 11:31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. Joh 11:32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Joh 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. Joh 11:34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”Joh 11:35 Jesus wept. Joh 11:36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” Joh 11:37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”
Nay Sayers
Joh 11:38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Joh 11:39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Joh 11:40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” Joh 11:41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. Joh 11:42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” Joh 11:43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” Joh 11:44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Where is your tomb? What is growing in it? When will you emerge? At the right time
Hello Life-Line Family!! This Thursday, May 13th, Jon and Brittany Layton will be sharing the devotion! 🙌🏻 Jon is the director of Voice of Hope recovery center in Raleigh, MS while Brittany is the director of Beauty from Ashes, women’s recovery center In Magee, MS. Don’t miss it!! The meeting begins at 6:30 pm. If you’re unable to attend, jump on our livestream right here or the OFC app. God Bless❣️
3 Things I Wish I Knew Before HIGH SCHOOL: Practice money and time management Money: Learn to save your money for a rainy day. This isn’t the time when you should worry about buying everything with an expensive name brand. Tith! Everything you get is from God. Give a portion back to Him! 10% Time: Make time to study because your grades DO matter Make time to try new things & don't be afraid to fail “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting” (Prov. 31:30). Since outward beauty cannot last, make time for growing a beautiful heart Friendships come and go Worry less about having the right friends and BE the right friend “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Prov. 13:20). Pick wise friends. Since Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, wise friends need to be Jesus-loving friends. Watch what crowd you run with Not everyone is going to like you You can be the prettiest, most sweet peach ever but there will still be someone who hates peaches Anxiety and depression can be overwhelming “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Your heart WILL trick you, especially at this age when your heart is being pulled in many directions Don’t worry about anything that won’t matter in 5 years Your high school years will not define you Do not overwork yourself trying to please others Everything you go through will not matter for long. Think about how long eternity is!
3 Things I Wish I Knew Before COLLEGE:
Change is inevitable You will develop new habits Study and work hard Get involved in your school “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). You can make a plan but there is a 100% chance God will mix it up You will appreciate your parents on a new level “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8) Parents are the first to show us that our love means more to them than any amount of money they have spent on us They will still parent you first and foremost but they will begin to become your friends Their love is unconditional and they will support you A mutual trust will grow stronger and quality time will be better Independence feels good but… overwhelming to the extreme. Guess who will be there to help you? Do not compare yourself to where someone else is at in their life You can do BIG things for the Kingdom where you are now Its okay to not know what you want to do “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2) It’s okay to live a different life than your friends We tend to compare with worst of ourselves to the best of others Comparison leaves us will nothing but envy, which is the same thing that led to the murder of Abel by Cain
(Closing) FOR BOTH:
Girls: boys still have cooties / Guys: girls still have cooties Having a boyfriend or girlfriend isn’t necessary for your success Everyone is created in God’s image be kind Take time away from the illusion that everyone is “perfect” like on social media Not everything is as it seems
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
How are you preparing yourself for high school/college? What is something that stood out to you tonight that you would like to do better at? If you are comfortable sharing, what is your biggest fear about going into high school/college? What are you most excited for?
Breaking unwritten rules 1. Your culture is form by your framework of reference 2. Jail ministry (mace) 3. Trading the culture you have for the culture you have been shown through the WORD
Intentional divide crossing (she tried to put of wall) 1. This is a cultural norm on both sides of a disagreement. 2. Expect skepticism and push back until relationship is formed 3. We have to be the exception to the norm
For the sake of the gospel 1. Cancel culture and partisan ideology 2. Everything we do has a purpose and it is not our comfort 3. For the sake of the gospel swallow your pride, your opinion and your reputation and love like Jesus.
Hello Life-Line Fam!! It’s testimony time! This Thursday, May 6, Kevin Ellingson of Care Center Ministries will be sharing how God saved him and changed his life! He had been in active addiction since age 13! He is now an intern at Care Center where he serves in several different capacities! Don’t Miss it! - Service begins at 6:30. No childcare or food at this time. If you can’t be here, watch on our Live stream! God Bless! Have an amazing week!
Who are you listening to? Peers, Brains, Flesh. The enemy is cunning and feed these three. The Savior died for their defeat.
We are asking each of our staff members to stop by on Wednesday Nights as part of our "Why we do what we do & You" series and share 3 Things: Who they are ... What they do ... Why they do it ...
Tonight Greg asked: 1. What is your GO? 2. What are you sacrificing to accomplish your GO?
We are asking each of our staff members to stop by on Wednesday Nights as part of our "Why we do what we do & You" series and share 3 Things: Who they are ... What they do ... Why they do it ...
Tonight Greg asked: 1. What is your GO? 2. What are you sacrificing to accomplish your GO?
This is just the beginning. God has so much more in store for us when we count the cost and follow.
We are asking each of our staff members to stop by on Wednesday Nights as part of our "Why we do what we do & You" series and share 3 Things: Who they are ... What they do ... Why they do it ...
Tonight Greg asked: 1. What is your GO? 2. What are you sacrificing to accomplish your GO?
Traditional timing: There is a tradition that we must be married by a certain point- not true
Traditional attraction: There is a tradition that says physical attraction is primary- not true
Downfalls of Dating: Distraction: When in a relationship, we have divided devotion - I Corinthians 7
Confusion We become blinded by dopamine and confused when it turns out different
Seduction Physical attraction leads to physical desire
While you wait: Create a profile Find a wingman Be about His kingdom in every decision you make
We are asking each of our staff members to stop by on Wednesday Nights as part of our "Why we do what we do & You" series and share 3 Things: Who they are ... What they do ... Why they do it ...
Tonight Greg asked: 1. What is your GO? 2. What are you sacrificing to accomplish your GO?
A weeks worth of Change in an hour
Joh 12:9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. Joh 12:10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, Joh 12:11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
Joh 12:12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. Joh 12:13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” Psalm 118
Joh 12:14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, Joh 12:15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” Joh 12:16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. Joh 12:17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. Joh 12:18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. Joh 12:19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
Joh 12:20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. Joh 12:21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Joh 12:22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Joh 12:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Joh 12:25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Joh 12:26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Mar 15:6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. Mar 15:7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. Mar 15:8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. Mar 15:9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”
Mar 15:10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. Mar 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.
Mar 15:12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” Mar 15:13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” Mar 15:14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” Mar 15:15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
The worse the world around you gets, the more you crave relief A. The thin line between what we want and what we need B. Emotional change lasts as long as the emotion
Steps to Spiritual Transformation Awareness Why are you here? Relief, religion, or repentance
Belief Commitment So which is it Barrabus or Jesus? The world or the Savior
Prevalent Sexual immorality: Pornography Adultery Disagreement Lust
Solutions: Create impossible situations Guard you mind Guard your eyes Seek accountability Struggle out loud
Prevalent Sexual immorality: Pornography Adultery Disagreement Lust
Solutions: Create impossible situations Guard you mind Guard your eyes Seek accountability Struggle out loud
Gen 1:31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Intimacy is a gift that God gave a man and a woman. Three things that it does:
- Creates closeness in marriage
- Creates protection against outside forces
- Creates exclusivity within a relationship
1Co 7:1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 1Co 7:2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 1Co 7:3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.
Three things it does not:
- Misplace responsibility for purity
a. This letter is written to both men and women b. It is not either’s responsibility for each others sexual sin c. Though not responsibility, it is very helpful in temptation
- Negate Responsibility for attraction
1Co 7:4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. a. The gift is not a given. Have to be attentive to each other’s needs b. Men- Shower, love language c. Women- Put others first, break routine d. Communicate needs!
- Create solutions for underlying problems
a. Examine your marriage and find out where the real problems are that affect intimacy 1Co 7:5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
ONE Part II “Broken People”
Gen 2:7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Gen 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Gen 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, Gen 2:17 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.”
Gen 2:18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Gen 2:21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. Gen 2:22 And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Gen 2:23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Gen 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Gen 2:25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Adam and Eve were living in a way designed by God and a world God designed.
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” Gen 3:2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, Gen 3:3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Gen 3:4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. Gen 3:5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Gen 3:7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
Shame
Gen 3:8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
Avoiding issues
Gen 3:9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” Gen 3:10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” Gen 3:11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Gen 3:12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Gen 3:13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Man shucking responsibility
But working in the harmony of their creation God does amazing things with them
Men began to lead and women rest in the man Men come alive and women get inspired Men start cherishing and women know their value in God and their husband
Men this is a call to arms Women its time to trust
Your faith is about you and God. It is more important what God thinks of you than what others think of you. Do not be a Christian for appearance sake but rather for God’s sake.
Your faith is about you and God. It is more important what God thinks of you than what others think of you. Do not be a Christian for appearance sake but rather for God’s sake.
One of the best ways to find strength in “press on” moments is to focus on others rather than yourself.
If you are waiting for something to end or something to get better before you can enjoy life, you are missing God’s plan for you.
Act 17:16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. Act 17:17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.
Sees something wrong and feels the need to change it
Act 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. Act 17:19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? Act 17:20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” Act 17:21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.
Act 17:22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. Act 17:23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
Identify with people
Act 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, Act 17:25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
Act 17:26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, Act 17:27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, Act 17:28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Act 17:29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, Act 17:31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Act 17:32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” Act 17:33 So Paul went out from their midst. Act 17:34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
The truth about evangelism- Relational Personal Spiritual
The Philippian Jailer Converted Act 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, Act 16:26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. Act 16:27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” Act 16:29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Act 16:30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Act 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Act 16:32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Act 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Act 16:34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. Act 16:35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” Act 16:36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” Act 16:37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” Act 16:38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. Act 16:39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. Act 16:40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
Dealing with injustice: Flesh- Cover ourselves-how will this affect me? Emotion rules us-Anger and fear will cause us to react Cause damage to the kingdom-What will Christians be known for. Spirit- Worship-Vs 25- Learning to thank God for opportunity Watch- Look for the opportunity Work-Take the opportunity
What injustice are you willing to experience for the opportunity to serve?
Luk 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. Luk 10:2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Luk 10:3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Luk 10:4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Luk 10:5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ Luk 10:6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. Luk 10:7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Luk 10:8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Luk 10:9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’*Luk 10:10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, Luk 10:11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ Luk 10:12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
God sets up the plan and gets His people to act on it (Peter and Saul)
Act 13:1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Act 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Act 13:3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Paul’s first missionary Journey
Act 14:21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, Act 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Act 14:23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Act 14:24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. Act 14:25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, Act 14:26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. Act 14:27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
- Holy spirit started a movement. When does it stop?
- Church planting (kingdom concept)
- Movements move
Are you apart of the movement or the problem?
Act 10:17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate Act 10:18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. Act 10:19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. Act 10:20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” Act 10:21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” Act 10:22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” Act 10:23 So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. Act 10:24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
Act 10:25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. Act 10:26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” Act 10:27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. Act 10:28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. Act 10:29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” Act 10:30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing Act 10:31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Act 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ Act 10:33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Act 5:12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico.
Act 5:13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. When God asked something of you there will always be risk. When with risk there is fear. (need boldness) Fear is overpowered by truth and love. Truth- fear is a lie that presents itself as the truth. Truth kills lies. Love- When the love you have for Jesus and others is more than your love of yourself and your security, then and only then will you act through he risk.
Act 5:14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
This is how we love others to Jesus
GO TEAMS G - Gatherings (Churches, New and Old) O - Overflow (Serving within our body of believers) T - Training for jobs (Occupational mentoring and job placement) E - EMS (Emergency services: Fire, Police, Ambulance) A - Action oriented ministries (Ministries within our community and beyond) M - Medical (Mental health, Physical health and their administrations) S - Schools (Students, teachers and their administrations)
In what way will you love others to Jesus?
Act 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul,
Jesus Prayer
and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.
One problem was everyone’s problem NO one needed a ride No one needed money No one needed medicine No one needed someone to listen
Act 4:33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Their purpose was the Gospel They used their influence for the Gospel and the Gospel alone
Act 4:34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold Act 4:35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Proceeds went to the church (prevention giving vs. intervention giving) Church was the pillar of the community of believers not just a meeting place. They didn’t spend big money on buildings, programs, but on meeting the needs of the people
Their vision was similar to ours- Bring hope and change to the hopeless through the gospel
Wouldn’t this be awesome. How? Unity Generosity Christ Centered believers
Matt 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Act 4:23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Act 4:24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, Act 4:25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? Act 4:26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— Act 4:27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, Act 4:28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. Act 4:29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, Act 4:30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
When was the last time you prayed for boldness?
The things they realized were not about the mission. It was about the power.
- The issue was the risk
In a “Go” attitude, there is a relentless passion for furthering the kingdom through serving others and sharing the love of Jesus and His gospel.
The path is set. The power is there. Where are the people?
Acts 4:1-22
Salesman Story. “Confident“ If he didn't believe in what he is selling then more than likely you will not buy it.
*Acts 4:1-4 - Practice it. *
- Peter and John were proclaiming the gospel everywhere they went. They “practiced” their faith to anyone who would hear it.
- Practice make you confident
Acts 4:5-7 - Intimidation - Caiaphas - one of the Jewish leaders that handed Jesus over to pilot.
- Sanhedrin were like the Supreme Court and Congress all rolled into one. They had religious and, to a great degree, civil authority in Jerusalem.
Acts 4:8-12 - Obedience - Peter had practiced his faith by walking it out in the spirt.
- The lame beggar
Acts 4:13 - Boldness Came from:
- They had been with *Jesus *
- The cripple man
- The miracle
- Remember Peter denied Christ three times and ran like a coward to keep from being arrested.
*Uneducated Common Men - *
Unlearned fisherman where the real teachers of that time.
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Acts 4:8 Peter was filled with all he needed
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Luke 12:11-12 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
*Acts 4:19 - We must speak out! *
- Many Christians today have to be reminded to speak.
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Persecution - Mark 13:13 And you will be hated for all by my name sake. But the one who will endure till the end will be saved.
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Matthew 5:10 Blessed.
- Phil 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
Conclusion * Ephesians 6:19-20, the apostle Paul shares a startling prayer request: “Pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Twice he repeats his request, that he might speak boldly. It’s the same Greek word translated “confidence” in Acts 4:13*
Act 3:11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. Act 3:12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?
Wow what if we could do that? Jesus is attractive.
Act 3:13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. Act 3:14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, Act 3:15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. Act 3:16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.
Step one: Trust in Jesus See the sin (We see sin just not our sin) Respond
Act 3:17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. Act 3:18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Act 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
Act 3:20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, Act 3:21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
Act 3:22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. Act 3:23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ Act 3:24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. Act 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’
Step two: Trust the redemption
Act 3:26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
Step Three: Trust in the Power
Acts 3:1-10 Who were the first believers? / Blue collar every day people.
Share the work,
- Buddy System / Team work/Early Church
- Luke 10:1
- No one can do EVERYTHING but EVERYONE can do SOMETHING
See the wound,
- What do you see?
- It’s hard to look suffering in the face, isn’t it? Wouldn’t we rather turn away? Stare in a different direction? Fix our gaze on fairer objects? Wouldn’t we rather live in our own little world? Do you see the begger or do you see what God see’s?
- Luke 7:44 Sinful women forgiven.
- God Changed my view story!
- “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” Matthew 9:36
Serve the weak.
- I don't have silver and gold
- James 2:14-16 /Serving people in need is putting faith in action.
Conclusion
- Share the work. See the wound. Serve the weak. Could this be God’s strategy for human hurt? First, kind eyes meet desperate ones. Next, strong hands help weak ones. Then, the miracle of God. We do our small part, he does his big part, and life at the Beautiful Gate begins to be just that—beautiful.
Act 1:6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Act 1:7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. Act 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Are you going to do something for us? No, you are going to do something for me Focused on us not them. Us not God. Us not kingdom.
Act 1:9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
Act 1:10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, Act 1:11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Go back to the hotel- A movement began
When a person is saved they immediately begin to be about a vision and mission to reach others for Christ.
Act 2:40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” Act 2:41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Act 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
So many of us are stuck at the hotel- We have the resources just not the faith We have the Spirit but operate in the flesh We have a mission just not the motivation
Let God reign in your heart Let the Spirit motivate you to do what you were saved to do
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Stewardship
1Pe 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
Intro: Explain Stewardship (A king and his steward) Things We Steward: Children Money TIme Leadership (influence) Grace and Mercy Creation Resources
Dan 4:25 that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.
Dan 4:28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. Dan 4:29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, Dan 4:30 and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” Dan 4:31 While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, Dan 4:32 and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” Dan 4:33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.
Dan 5:21 He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will. Dan 5:22 And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, Dan 5:23 but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.
Nothing you have is yours. It’s all lended A- Success is a blessing from God B- Talent or skills C. Prosperity Use it wisely or lose it Acknowledge the giver
"Called Out to Speak Out"
Last week, Called Out To Stand Out! Its not just enough to stand out! We must speak out!
What are you doing to influence the life of those around you? Power of Influence John 1:33 - 37
- John had spent a large amount of time with these two men. Building a relationship with them.
- Just by the testimony of John the Baptist, two men followed Christ.
Those we influence through connections and relationships.
- Family
- Friends
- Co-workers
- How are you influencing those that are around you?
Taking the Gospel to others. Speak Truth The story of the Samaritan Women John 4
- Jesus speaks truth to her. John 4:13 Relate to relationships and stand out, speak out.
Speak Truth can be:
- The Gospel
- Accountability John 4:16 (Funny)
All this is so others can have an encounter with Jesus
Encounter with Jesus John 1:42 Encounter with Jesus Just like the woman at the well. Andrew to Peter Changed everything about Peter
!Be Gods mouth piece! You don't have to be a preacher to have a crowd follow you. Look at the woman! John 4:39 - 41 Many Samaritans God has called us to speak out! So others may come to know Him.
*Tangible people! Testimony In both stories the beginning was about the testamony but the end was about the experience. *
Challenge
John 4:42
"Called Out to Stand Out"
Joh 12:41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. Joh 12:42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities, believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; Joh 12:43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
Real Faith (confession of mouth and of life) Transparent Radical living (money, contentment, relationships) Stranger in the world (if you fit in you probably are in)
Impacts- Rejection- People will feel conviction if authentic faith is confessed Relational change (enemy places people in our lives and our best defense is confession)
Results- Confessions furthers the kingdom (John the Baptist) Fruitful relationships Matthew 5 Inheritance of the Kingdom
You have been called out to stand out What has your confession looked like?
Neighbor
Luk 10:25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luk 10:26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
Luk 10:27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
Luk 10:28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” Luk 10:29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luk 10:30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Luk 10:31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. Luk 10:32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Luk 10:33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. Luk 10:34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. Luk 10:35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Luk 10:36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” Luk 10:37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
First dude- Priest- Busy busy busy with church work Second dude- Levite- Judged him- “prolly deserved it, wrong side of town” Third dude- Samaritan- Crossed racial and cultural lines, took time away from business and cared for his neighbor.
We have been given a mandate to be the hands and feet of Jesus
This mandate does not come with exceptions
Mat 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
We have been given the keys to the kingdom not the church
This is why people have become so disillusioned with the church No action to words. 1Jn 3:18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1Jn 3:19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him;
We have to change our posture before people will receive what we proclaim.
WAR IX “The Wisdom Weapon”
Our goal is that everyone become mature in their faith.
Col 1:28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Col 1:29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Maturity affects many areas of life- Handling storms, decision making, direction of convictions.
The gift that God has given in maturity that affects all these areas is wisdom.
Jas 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Pro 2:1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, Pro 2:2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; Pro 2:3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, Pro 2:4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, Pro 2:5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Pro 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Pro 2:7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,Pro 2:8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Pro 2:9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; Pro 2:10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Pro 2:11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, Pro 2:12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, Pro 2:13 who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,
What happens when we lack wisdom?
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Swayed easily (wrong and right becomes subjective outside of absolute truth.)
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We trust no one and Satan is using this to his advantage
We get trapped in the trust cycle (trust no-one and everyone at the same time)
- Identity goes to the highest bidder
a. Opinions are being replaced with convictions without due diligence
- Reactive in partiality
a. This is dividing our country and our people
When you consume the world you starve the spirit.
"The Bump in the Night"
The Season we are in * Things that we are faced with today in the world * -Covid-19 -Home School, on campus, or virtual learning -Flag or no Flag -Mask or no mask -Racial stance
The enemy can NOT harm a hair on our head without the consent of our Father. (Luke 21:18) He has no authority. The tools the enemy tries to use -Fear -Anxiety -Depression -Division -Confusion -Isolation
-Jesus called Peter "The Rock" -Feeding of the 5000
Matthew 14:22-33
(22) Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. (23) And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, (24) but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. (25) And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. (26) But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. (27) But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." (28) And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." (29) He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. (30) But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." (31) Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (32) And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (33) And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God."
-The Bump in the Night (the wind/waves) -Losing focus on who Christ is -Peter walks on water -Peter's focus was shifted from Jesus to the waves and winds
1) Is your focus being shifted? 2) Have you forgotten who God is? 3) Are you losing hope? 3) Are the circumstances of life shifting your focus away from Jesus?
4) Are you walking in obedience to the Lord? 5) Are you pointing others to Him? 6) Let's keep our focus and our eyes on Jesus!
*A Call To all Christians!!!! The scariest / The biggest opportunity
*As Christians our life is on display for the world to see. ( More so now than ever) *
- Social Media today.
What would have happened if Peter would have never lost focus of Jesus!? *How would that have affected the rest of the boat? *
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Through the actions on display by Peter he would be pointing to stay focused on Jesus.
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Before you Tweet, post on instagram or Facebook... ask yourself- Are we pointing people to Christ!?
But God! Grace, Saving Power! Even in the face of doubt Jesus saved! Peter Laid out the perfect repentance for us to follow. 14: 30
WAR VIII “Counterfeit Faith III” WAR VIII “Counterfeit Faith” The Deception
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Mat 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
What causes you to do what you do?
Religion- The art of making it sound like its supposed to. Root- Believing with the core of who you are Relationship- Knowing the will of the father is to know the father.
Inward change leads to outward action
Rom 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Rom 10:11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Rom 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. Rom 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Rom 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
WAR VII “Fruitless: Counterfeit Faith II”
Mat 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Mat 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. Mat 7:18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Mat 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Mat 7:20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Changing fruit Examples: We purge some sin but not all sin.
Changing the fruit without changing the tree: Moralistic- You have to earn your way to heaven. Legalistic- You have to judge to justify
Changing the tree in order to change the fruit: Holistic- Everything changes
How to change the tree: Change seeds with repentance. Mat 3:8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
How to grow the tree: Pruning Joh 15:2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Rev 3:19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
We have to stop the futile attempt of changing fruit. We need to examine and change the tree.
Joh 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
WAR VI “Counterfeit Faith”
_Recognizing Counterfeit Faith_ Loose and easy Mat 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Mat 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. Mat 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Real Faith is hard and you have to constantly fight flesh to see its power
Habitual bad fruit Mat 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Mat 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. Mat 7:18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Mat 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Mat 7:20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Real faith is one of conviction not acceptance
Thinks doing is being Mat 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Mat 7:22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Real Faith is knowing what He did not what you did
Fall away Mat 7:24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Mat 7:25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. Mat 7:26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. Mat 7:27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Real faith, in itself, is the strength to stay strong in trials
-If you find faith to be easy or routine check yourself -If you have accepted the filth of your sin, then you have not accepted the savior of those sins -If you think all that you do is going to get you to Heaven, think again. -If you If you tuck your tail and run when the going gets tough you might be running to your master…the devil.
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved
Our new service times are 9:30am & 11:30am, with livestream during our 11:30am service. We will be live on our app & Facebook and will start our live chat around 11:15am.
We will be exiting the sanctuary by sections and rows. We will instruct everyone after the service on which rows will go first. Our alter will not be open as of right now. However, we will have counselors for anyone that would like prayer or has given their life to Jesus. Thank you all for being patient with us as we navigate this uncertainty we are encountering in our world. We know that things can change on a daily basis and we are doing our best to make you feel safe and comfortable. See you Sunday!
We will be refraining from handshaking and hugging at this time in respect for others that may not be comfortable with it just yet. We will have a new livestream time at 10:30am with live chat at 10:15am. Service times will be 9am/10:30am/12pm.
This will be a no touch service. Our greeters will direct you on what to do, and where to go as well as seat you. We will have masks and hand sanitizer available if you need them. We will also have headphones for your little ones to experience the children's ministry videos during the service. Our back bathrooms will be closed. The front bathrooms will be open for emergency use only. Our service times will be 9am/10:30am/12noon.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of coming back together in a crowd, it's ok to stay home. We will be offering livestream and will still have live chat. We will not be having our children ministry at this time. Our new service times for now are 9am/10:30am/12noon. Please come no earlier than 20 mins prior to the service you will be attending.
War III “Strongholds”
War III “Strongholds” Intro: Strong hold definition -A place of refuge -A place of power -A place of origin
Mat 19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Mat 19:22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Jdg 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Jdg 6:14 And the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” Jdg 6:15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” Some of the symptoms- I am worthless I am an addict I am depressed I have no hope I have a cycle of sin
You have to ask the question…Why?
Mat 12:29 Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
- If you want to take back the stronghold you must first take the one who holds it and know how he got it
_Fighting a Stronghold_ 2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 2Co 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 1. The outer wall (The weapon of your mind) 2Co 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2. Taking the fortress (Weapon of Authority) Mat 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Mat 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
3. Keeping the fortress Mat 12:43 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Mat 12:44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Mat 12:45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”
WAR II “Gear up!”
War II “Gear up”
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
- Lies are coming
- Living the following life (Colossians 3:17)
Eph 6:15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
- Ready for the fight and the peace through it
Eph 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
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Shields are for defending against the enemy
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Our greatest defensive weapon is our faith truth overcomes the lies/if Jesus died for our sins, then what sin still can hold us.
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What condemnation?
Eph 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
- Most of Satans attacks are in our mind. Let your salvation and knowing who you are in Christ protect that.
- Finally, execution of the attack must come from the Word of God.
Its all about Jesus
WAR Part I
WAR I “A call to arms”
Three Heavenly places
2Co 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. G X
-Earthly realm, Angelic realm, Final heaven where God resides
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
-The devil is cunning, sharp, manipulative and virus-like
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
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_Not a flesh, a force_
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_Not empty, powerful_
Luk 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
- _Not a weapon, a NAME: JESUS_
Luk 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” Luk 10:18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Eph 6:13 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 firm.
-Victory does not come through giving though it is a weapon -Victory does not come through reading the Bible though it is a weapon. -Victory only comes through resisting through repentance and faith.
The devil in the details
James 4:1-7 (ESV) * We’ve Got issues:
- We fight amongst ourselves
- We think we are always right
- Our motives are generally corrupted
Submission is the answer
Our sin nature gives Satan a battlefield in which to work
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The devil:
- Beautiful but deadly
- Impersonator
- Havoc reaper
- Liar
John 8:44 (ESV)
The Good News:
- He has no power that is not given
- He will be Cast out
Isaiah 14:12-16 (ESV)
The truth always defeats a lie.
Christian Cardiology
Christian Corediology
“Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.” James Allen
Intro: The heart in the Bible made up of three things (physical, emotional and spirit) The heart is all three in one. The core of who you are.
Who you are directs where you go Pro 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Pro 4:19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. Pro 4:20 My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Pro 4:21 Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. Pro 4:22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Pro 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Corruption of the Core 1Sa 25:37 In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 1Sa 25:38 And about ten days later the LORD struck Nabal, and he died
-Behavior -Apathy -Failed attempts to change -Rule following
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
What is true Condition of your heart (core)? Salvation of the Core or convenience?
Test- Marketing shouldn’t be needed Teaching repeated truths shouldn’t be needed Motivation should be constant and not wavering
Have you quit? Have you given up? Is your heart like stone?
Stirred up
“Stirred up”
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. - I know this is tough - Keep being the church - Wow moments with OFC Living selfishly is evidence of wavering in our faith and hope
Heb 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
Stir up- Get each other excited. Move from stale blah to whoa cool paroxusmos - to incite, to provoke (KJV) Tough to get people excited in crisis and even more about crisis (lemons and Lemonade)
1.Love- “Living for yourself often comes with the cost of not loving others”
- How to connect without being connected
- We long for relationships and this has been undone. We are designed for this. WHY?
- Maybe we have taken for granted the relationships we have in our lives
- Who are you in a Face time group with or family Topics Fear Needs Conversation Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Joh 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
2.Good works - “Living for yourself is eradicated by serving others” 1Jn 3:18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Now is the time to serve -Groceries -Generosity -Maybe you are an encourager b. If you are not serving in some way at this time, check your faith and your priorities c. Serving takes your mind off of you and puts it on others
Heb 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
3. Be the church “An elite group that puts aside personal gain for the benefit of others”
- Its crunch time
- We have a reputation of being a body of servers
- Our temple is not at 222 railroad drive
- The sin of omission (Jesus came as an example, follow it)
- The promise of a DAY
Four tools that will help us move through this crisis:
1: Immerse yourself in God’s Word/pray deeply
2: Guard your thoughts/heart
3: Care for others
4: Sleep / Exercise / Eat Healthy
Contact Becky at 601-721-8086 to schedule an appointment
Hope IV “Hope Killers”
Suffering causes severe things in our life (weakness, faltering and isolation)
1Pe 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
The adversary (Against what is right) is the one is coming against you The devil-author of confusion, deception and fear —a beautiful angel of light, Prowling or roaming in his world (greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world) Like a lion- - Away from the herd - Weak and sick - Young
1Pe 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Resist him -Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
firm in your faith- intervention vs. prevention
Intervention faith is faith born out of crisis (foxhole faith)
Prevention faith is faith born out of discipline and intentional, planned growth (faith before the foxhole)
Conclusion: Satan is coming. When he gets here is not the time to grow faith your faith. Grow your faith before. How is your faith at this moment? Are you planning your faith or hoping your faith? First step is repentance, second is obedience and the third is victory. Connect, Grow and Repent (turn away from sin)
_Questions:_
- How do you picture Satan when you see him in your head? What does he look like? Is this reality?
- How has connecting, growing and repenting protecting you from Satan? (specific instances)
- How does your faith measure up? Is it an intervention faith or prevention faith?
- What are some ways to get prevention faith not intervention?
Hope VIII “The Decisive Moment”
1. 1Pe 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, 1Pe 4:2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
- The more you go through the more you should have a “don’t quit now”
- “Whoever has suffered for doing right, and has still gone on obeying God in spite of the suffering it involved, has made a clear break with sin.” (Grudem)
2. 1Pe 4:3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. MSG
- Suffering always leads to a decisive moment
- Your decisive moment can be your defining moment
3. 1Pe 4:4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 1Pe 4:5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
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There are people all around that do not make it through the suffering and will encourage you to give in as well.
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Once again, the tension rises and a decisive moment is born.
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Example- Marriage suffering and the bad advice from other sufferers.
Conclusion: You have a choice. Live for you or Jesus. Live for them or Jesus. Live for it or Jesus. Its time to make your decisive moment your defining moment
Life Group Questions:
- How does suffering cause you to be stronger in your fight against sin?
- Have you had to decide to move forward in a time of struggle when you did not want to? What caused you to move forward?
- Explain how your decisive moments can be you defining moments in your peronsal life.
- How have people treated you when you abstained from sin? Negative? Positive?
- What could Jesus have done to end His sfuffering on the cross? Did He? Should You?
Hope VI “If you build it they will come…unfortunately.”
1Pe 3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
The challenger represents the challenge.
Mat 10:34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Mat 10:35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law
Church people come against you when you obey the Bible as an example. Christians come against you when you hold them to their faith Organizations come against you when you stand for what you believe Family come against you when you choose God over them
1Pe 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
- When you are weird people will always ask why. (John Litner) But don’t be arrogant or condescending (News reporter)
1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Slander and opposition will come. IF no one is coming against you, you are flowing with the current Conclusion: How you see the world determines how you react to it. It all comes down to who you choose to serve.
Life group Questions: 1. How have you experienced opposition when doing what God called you to do? 2. What do Non-christians think about Christians and why do they think that way? 3. Why do you love people the way you do? 4. What will be the end result of other people’s slander of you when you follow Christ example?
Intro: Do you believe the Bible? Do you trust God? What about when…
1Pe 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
1Pe 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
-This is extremely counter culture, then and now. Injustice. -Retaliation rarely gives what it promises. -Anger satisfies the flesh. Action satisfies the anger. Action in anger creates regret. Don’t do something you are going to regret. -Stop drop and roll
Pro 25:21 - 22 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
1Pe 3:10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 1Pe 3:11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
-Good “loving life” days begin with your mouth. -Speaking deceit is saying things you don’t mean. -Seek peace (cant we all just get along)-but are you pursuing it?
1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
-God is looking on those who are walking in Him. -God’s protection is absent and His wrath is present in those who don’t
1Pe 3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 1Pe 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
-Stepping out in faith causes even good people to come against you. sometimes it is to justify inaction or wrong action.
Mat 10:34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Mat 10:35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-lawWho do you serve? no fear
-When you are weird people will always ask why. -But don’t be arrogant or condescending -Slander and opposition will come.
Conclusion: -How you see the world determines how you react to it. -When you reflect Christ teachings and His spirit of Love in you, then you will not act in anger because you know who has your back,
-watch what you say when you are emotional
-and Seek peace and do what it takes to ensure peace.
_Group Questions:_
- Where does “revenge” thought processes come from and what are the negatives to it?
- How should you react to injustice against you?
- Why do we struggle with injustice?
- What are some practical ways that you can control reaction?
- What are some practical ways that you can be preemptive in controlling actions?
A Living Stone and a Holy People
1 Peter 2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”[a (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A1-12&version=ESV#fen-ESV-30390a)] 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
HOPE IV: Standing Strong in the Face of Opposition
Hope begins with a Relationship with the Rock. (John 10:10)
Mercy - compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
Don’t be surprised when you face opposition.
- Advancement invites opposition.
- The devil doesn’t bother those who are not a threat.
Behind every relational conflict there is one of three causes:
- Power and Control - Who’s priorities matter and who gets to make the decisions. (Christ Centered vs Egocentric - It's all about me/all affects me)
- Closeness and Care - Do we have each other’s back and are we in this together. (LIFE Groups and Family vs Isolated and Alone)
- Respect and Recognition - Do you appreciate me and do you value me? (Grace & Mercy vs Truth & Justice)
I’m not going to be moved by praise or criticism!
- I’m not going to let praise get into my head or criticism get into my heart!
The external opposition will only be as loud as my internal insecurities allow them to be.
- Self Awareness and Accountability
- If you want to change the other, change yourself (System Dynamics)
- It is the way you treat the other that will ultimately tell you who you are
- If you want to join the team and bring Hope and change to the world, share with the world how Hope and change has been brought to you
The greater the opposition, the greater the opportunity for our God to fight for you.
If I’m not ready to face opposition for my obedience to God, I’m not ready to be used by God!
LIFE/Family Group Questions:
- When you face opposition, how do you usually respond?
- Why is it important for us to remember that we answer to God and no one else?
- How have you received God’s Mercy and seen Him fight for you?
- How can you prepare yourself for the opposition you will face as you pursue God’s work?
Hope III “Action time”
1Pe 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,
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Go back to what conformed you and be set free
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Your past doesn’t determine your future
1Pe 1:15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 1Pe 1:16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
- Clean or pure (get the dirt out)
1Pe 1:17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 1Pe 1:18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 1Pe 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
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There are things handed down to you that need to be addressed
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Transformation is a given when we understand what the blood of Jesus did
1Pe 1:20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 1Pe 1:21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
- Leaving the disfunction of hoping in the world and its worth
Life group questions:
Have you identified a weakness? How has it affected you in life? What is the difficulty that we have in searching out the root of our problems? What does our identity in Christ have to do with our weakness? What can we do this week to begin to break chains of our past?
Hope I “Living Hope”
Hope I - Living hope
Life is very difficult. Can you imagine what it must be like for people who do not know Jesus and have no hope? Worry anxiety fear.
Denying the power of God in our lives increases the power of fear in our lives.
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Life is hard, ministry is hard and sometimes you don’t see a way out Lam 3:21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Lam 3:22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; Lam 3:23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Living hope never stops
1Pe 1:4 to an inheritance- We have ownership of this hope it does not depend on circumstances We need to operate with understanding of this ownership It will change the way we view people considered to be lost causes People may say there is no hope. But that is not the case for me.
that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept- in heaven for you,
Imperishable- It doesn’t fade like others forms of hope Undefiled- It is for your good- Rom 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Kept by God
1Pe 1:5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith- for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
The hope is guarded by faith Faith in Christ It is ok if the answer is not revealed to us in our time
Life Group-
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Why does giving up seem to be a viable option for Christians?
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How does “living” hope change our way of seeing a negative situation?
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Give an example of how certain circumstances in our lives present a “no way out” situation. Is there truly no way out?
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How does our faith affect our hope?
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What is something the devil tries to convince you is without hope?
Podcast:
- Explain the new series?
- What have you seen in people whose hope is lacking?
- Is there ever a point when you give up?
- What do you do when it seems hopeless?
Stages V: The Restoration
Joe 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Joe 2:29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
The overwhelming Presence of God
The pouring out of His Spirit
Joe 2:30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. Joe 2:31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. Joe 2:32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.
Joe 3:1 “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
Full restoration of grace and wholeness
Judah’s fortune was found in their contentment with God’s love
Then- He steps in front of us Joe 3:2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, Joe 3:3 and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it. Joe 3:4 “What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily. Joe 3:5 For you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my rich treasures into your temples. Joe 3:6 You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their own border. Joe 3:7 Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head. Joe 3:8 I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a nation far away, for the LORD has spoken.” Joe 3:9 Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. Joe 3:10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” Joe 3:11 Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there. Bring down your warriors, O LORD. Joe 3:12 Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Joe 3:13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great. Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.
Joe 3:16 The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. Joe 3:17 “So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it.
Oh what a Savior!!!!
Joe 3:18 “And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim.
LIFE Group Questions:
- Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt the overwhelming presence of God? What was that like?
- How does materialism affect our view of God’s restoration in our lives?
- How does it change the way you view life knowing God’s protection and provision is or isn’t there?
- If the Lord is saying He will protect us, why do we fear when the world quakes around us?
Stages IV
“Redeeming Love”
Intro: Recap Stages III
Joe 2:18 Then the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people.
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After the action was taken, the Lord fulfilled His faithfulness to His people
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Action is takin by the Lord to move us, once we have moved His presence renters the picture
Joe 2:19 The LORD answered and said to his people, “Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations. Joe 2:20 “I will remove the northerner far from you, and drive him into a parched and desolate land, his vanguard into the eastern sea, and his rear guard into the western sea; the stench and foul smell of him will rise, for he has done great things.
- passive wrath is a real thing
Joe 2:21 “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things! Joe 2:22 Fear not, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and vine give their full yield. Joe 2:23 “Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.
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fear of the future based on the past is a lack of faith
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New direction creates new destination.
Joe 2:24 “The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. Joe 2:25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.
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God’s restoration is as certain as His wrath
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There is a formula.
Joe 2:26 “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
- Your past brings you to your future. How you respond to your past determines that future.
Joe 2:27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
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Glory to God in your life is the ultimate goal
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Who are you glorifying on a daily basis?
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Are the locust coming or is restoration?
_Life Group Questions:_
- Why do you think God’s presence is hindered when we sin and how does it affect us?
- Have you ever experienced passive wrath? Explain
- Explain your version or definition of this statement “Direction determines destination”.
- Why is it we expect restoration from God but act as if we dont expect His wrath?
- Give some examples of ways people respond to the past in negative ways? Positive ways?
- Based on reflection of your life, which one applies more? Locust or restoration? Why?
Stages III “Start Moving”
Joe 2:12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; Joe 2:13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. _Don’t be surface level_
- Too many times we have this ritual understanding of approaching God with guilt. Similar to a child
- God uses broken people.
- The overwhelming nature of our treason against a loving father should break us.
- We placed our hands on the cross and it killed Jesus
Joe 2:14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God? _Don't second guess_
- Between the altar and the door is a critical time
- We are all about hitting action until we til it hits back
- We want to do whats right but on our own terms. Satan uses this
Joe 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; Joe 2:16 gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. _Don't wait_
- God’s desires the true test of our remorse through urgency.
- Pride stops us from moving forward. Fear stops us from moving forward.
- Fiery darts are thrown at us
- Eph 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Joe 2:17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep and say, “Spare your people, O LORD, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” * _Know your God_*
- Joe 2:13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Life Group Questions:
- What are some “surface level” repentence actions that many people attempt?
- What are some things that we can expect after we choose to move toward God that Satan will throw at us?
- Why do these things that Satan throws at us seem to hinder us from making a move?
- Why does procrastination of repentance happen so often in our lives? What excuses so we give?
- What actions that we take in our life that shows that we do not understand God and His grace?
- Do you struggle with the grace and moercy of God?
- Contemplate and (share if willing) something you struggle with that you need to make a move on.
Stage II “Know how you got to point A”
Joe 2:1 Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near, Joe 2:2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains a great and powerful people; their like has never been before, nor will be again after them through the years of all generations. Joe 2:3 Fire devours before them, and behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them, but behind them a desolate wilderness, and nothing escapes them.
Point A is coming and it is dark What was meant for good is now desolate
Joe 2:4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run. Joe 2:5 As with the rumbling of chariots, they leap on the tops of the mountains, like the crackling of a flame of fire devouring the stubble, like a powerful army drawn up for battle. Joe 2:6 Before them peoples are in anguish; all faces grow pale. Joe 2:7 Like warriors they charge; like soldiers they scale the wall. They march each on his way; they do not swerve from their paths. Joe 2:8 They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path; they burst through the weapons and are not halted.
Joe 2:9 They leap upon the city, they run upon the walls, they climb up into the houses, they enter through the windows like a thief.
Subtle Changes
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Gnats and Mosquitoes
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Second Hand vs. Hour hand
Deceptive Promises
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White lies
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ts not affected anyone
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Justification
Brutal Consequences
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All major consequences start with insignificant choices
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“It Happened” (David and Bathsheba)
Jas 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Jas 1:15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Stages I
Stages I “Wake up and see the destruction”
Joe 1:1 The word of the LORD that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel: Joe 1:2 Hear this, you elders; give ear, all inhabitants of the land! Has such a thing happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers? Joe 1:3 Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation. Joe 1:4 What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten. Joe 1:5 Awake, you drunkards, and weep, and wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it is cut off from your mouth.
_-Wake up it is done_ We have a tendency to no see our lives for what it really is. Ask these questions: Is this what I planned? Is this who I wanted to be? What would I change?
Joe 1:6 For a nation has come up against my land, powerful and beyond number; its teeth are lions' teeth, and it has the fangs of a lioness. Joe 1:7 It has laid waste my vine and splintered my fig tree; it has stripped off their bark and thrown it down; their branches are made white. Joe 1:8 Lament like a virgin wearing sackcloth for the bridegroom of her youth.
_Sin came in and took what God had done in their lives_ God has a plan for you. He gives us all the instruction we need to execute this plan. Example (Reaction in sin or in love)- Life is constantly inundated with forks in the path. Every decision we make determines the path we take
Joe 1:9 The grain offering and the drink offering are cut off from the house of the LORD. The priests mourn, the ministers of the LORD. Joe 1:10 The fields are destroyed, the ground mourns, because the grain is destroyed, the wine dries up, the oil languishes. Joe 1:11 Be ashamed, O tillers of the soil; wail, O vinedressers, for the wheat and the barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. Joe 1:12 The vine dries up; the fig tree languishes. Pomegranate, palm, and apple, all the trees of the field are dried up, and gladness dries up from the children of man.
_- Worship and Joy cease to exist_ Our demeanor as a whole is produced by the path we take. Bitterness, cynicism, laziness, addiction. The further we go down a path the it becomes our identity to us and others. Our outlook on life will directly effect our outlook on God. We can no longer effectively worship
Joe 1:13 Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Go in, pass the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God! Because grain offering and drink offering are withheld from the house of your God. Joe 1:14 Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. Joe 1:15 Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.
_-If you want God back into your life you must recognize He is gone_ This passage is God telling His people to look around and see the need for repentance. Has destruction become normal in your life? Have the destructive distractions in your life got you so busy with things of the now you stop looking at things of the future? Did you once have plans for your life? Did you see yourself as a follower of Christ? What happened? Wake up.
1) What does the Bible say about tobacco use?
2) Is it wrong for some of us in the church that have never been addicted to alcohol, to get together and have a drink while we are hanging out?
3) I have a past with alcoholism. I have friends at OFC that occasionally have a drink when they get together. I would love to be able to hang out with them. What should I do?
4) Many people have been divorced and remarried. Isn't that a sin unless adultery has been committed? What does one do, continue to live in sin by the re-marriage or get another divorce? Matthew 19:3-11
Elephant VI
Elephant VI “Slow Fade of the Church”
Rev 2:3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. Rev 2:4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
5 things that kill church growth and the solutions-
Traditions of men Problem- Everyone wants change but nobody wants to change (change creates incompetence- Atlas (Definition of insanity) Solution- marry the mission but date the method
Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
- Avoidance of conflict Problem- Church discipline is avoided, hard conversations are avoided. (some people want to be offended so they will not confront) Solution- Be bold in your obedience and faith as well as follow to the letter the Word
Mat 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. Mat 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. Mat 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Mat 18:18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Mat 18:19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
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Debt Problem- Finances hinder the movement from church and individuals Solution- Live with freedom and generosity Those that manage their money have a better situation in society but debt keeps the poor poor Pro 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender
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Congregational polity Problem- Unspiritual decision makers Solution- Accountable decision makers
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Success Problem- Treadmill of the glory days Solution- constantly stretch and reach further, dream big, pray big and risk (faith)
Conclusion: Are you holding back growth in the church? How are you accelerating it?
Elephant V “Addiction”
Intro: Addiction is no respecter of person. Because we all have addictions, we tend to come against the minority of addictions (Drugs etc.) and embrace the majority (food, money, sports).
Rom 7:15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, Rom 7:23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. - Paul basically says he is an addict. He does things he does not want to do and this is by definition the essence of addiction.
Isa 44:9 All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame. - We agree with this until we put it into context
Isa 44:14 He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. - Addictions starts as a good thing, a normal expected thing.
Isa 44:15 Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it. Isa 44:16 Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” - Notice the shift in a good thing becoming a bad thing.
- 1Co 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
- All things are made for our good until…
Isa 44:17 And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!” - Something becomes an idol when we abuse it and then it becomes something we turn to and obey.
Isa 44:18 They know not, nor do they discern, for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts, so that they cannot understand.
- We think its no big deal- “It’s just a pastime” “It’s just a donut” “It’s just a little something to get me by”, “I don’t have a problem”
Isa 44:19 No one considers, nor is there knowledge or discernment to say, “Half of it I burned in the fire; I also baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and have eaten. And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?”
- From the outside looking in, it would seem foolish that something so simple would control our lives.
Isa 44:20 He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” - Nothing will change until we see the truth and confront it. If not, we will only go lower.
Elephant IV “Sex and Believers”
1Co 7:1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 1Co 7:2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
The Church and Sex Major two stances in the church : worship or evil Worship in that we obsess in an unhealthy way Evil in that even the thought or desire for it is a sin Paul says not to avoid sex but yet embrace it in the right context
It is a gift if used in the right context (exclusivity). a curse if not If we use this gift out of the context in which it was designed it becomes a curse
1Co 7:3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 1Co 7:4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 1Co 7:5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
The wrong approach Its about protection from infidelity This thinking can lead do a feel of duty for the spouse instead of a privilege Sex is for you too, not just your spouse
- Its a weapon Using sex as a negotiating tool is not true connection. It is one sided
1Co 7:6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.1Co 7:7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 1Co 7:8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 1Co 7:9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Elelphant III “Sexual Immorality - Part I"
ELEPHANT III “Sexual Immorality” 1Co 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 1Co 6:13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
1Co 6:14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 1Co 6:15 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 prostitute? Never! 1Co 6:16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 1Co 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
1Co 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 1Co 6:20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Forms Of sexual Immorality Unnatural Against creations design Pre-marital and extra marital Cohabitation- Practicing Divorce Pornography- Rewiring of the brain, fake Lust- Turning thoughts into action of any kind Anything that does not promote oneness in the marriage
Overcoming Sexual Immorality Fasting Exclusivity Impossible situations Draw near to the Word of God.
Elelphant in the church Part I “Can I Drink Alcohol?”
Context: Jews in Rome- Law -Gentiles Your Conviction Framework is brought about through teaching, experiences, and all by Holy Spirit itself
Understanding this greatly impacts your part in the kingdom advancement
Rom 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. You can do this in many ways- Music, Language, Movies, Dress code (church illustration), Order in church, politics
Rom 14:14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. Convictions will vary
Rom 14:15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. Rom 14:16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. Two sides of the coin : Love Legalism
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Rom 14:18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. Missing the point.
Rom 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Rom 14:20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is about love and unity not convictional legalism.
Rom 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. Rom 14:22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
This passage is about love
Conclusion Rom 14:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Listen to you heart- Who are you hurting by your action? 1- You 2- Others 3- Spirit
Podcast: Paul & Brad discus the message
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1KyX8NMu12T8Z9YqYH3MjKalXhyff7rJN
Podcast notes / Questions
What is the context and basis of this scripture? Dig deeper into conviction framework. So what do you think the Bible says about drinking alcohol? Why is this so important for us to understand?
Context: Jews in Rome- Law -Gentiles Your Conviction Framework is brought about through teaching, experiences, and all by Holy Spirit itself
Understanding this greatly impacts your part in the kingdom advancement
Rom 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. You can do this in any ways- Music, Language, Movies, Dress code (church illustration), Order in church, politics
Rom 14:14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. Convictions will vary
Rom 14:15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. Rom 14:16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. Two sides of the coin : Love Legalism
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Rom 14:18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. Missing the point.
Rom 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Rom 14:20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is about love and unity not convictional legalism.
Rom 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. Rom 14:22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
This passage is about love
Conclusion Rom 14:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Listen to you heart- Who are you hurting by your action? 1- You 2- Others 3- Spirit
Intro You may have heard or may have said, “I will pray for you” or “Our thoughts and Prayers are with you”.
Why Do We Pray. Sick, tragedy, death, In the time of a need.
Marks of a true Christian. Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher of the Victorian era said of prayer in the church, "If the spirit of prayer is not with the people, the minister may preach like an angle but cannot expect success. There may be in that church wealth, talent, labor and many outreach efforts, but the Lord is not there. Prayer is as sure evidence of the presence of God as the rising of the thermometer is evidence of an increase in temperature. If God is near a church, it must pray. If he is not, one of the obvious signs of His absence will be lethargy in prayer."
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and to be constant in prayer. Doesn’t matter the season of life stay constant in prayer.
_Jesus lived a life in Prayer. * *_
Jesus knew Gods plan for him. He was patient to walk it out even when it got tough. He relied on prayer. He was constantly in *prayer. * Jesus was faced with many opportunities to choose a different direction from His father’s plan.
Read - Matthew 26:38-39 36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
In this time of a sorrowful season in Jesus life he relied on one of the greatest spiritual disciplines in the Christian Faith, Prayer.
_Our life in prayer_ Dry Seasons and Season that foster Spiritual Growth Dry Seasons
- Lack of self-control,
- Lack of time in communion with the Lord.
- Second discipline – Lack of time in the Word.
Recognize the patterns and Guard your heart. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect. Don’t let circumstances in the season you’re in change your direction.
My season My reset times. / Realign my focus and gain direction. Our Next Step - Direction
- When we gain direction by discernment through prayer, we know that our next step will be in alignment with Gods will.
- The father and son relationship (the Father's Will) Most fathers!
John 5:19 “what ever the father does the son does likewise.”
- This takes spiritual discipline, self-control, and following what Jesus modeled for us.
_Maintaining alignment _ How do we Maintain alignment? Praying and getting distracted! That’s a real struggle! Friendship is contingent on the benefits that a friend brings. Relationships for personal gain. Our prayers reflect this if not put in check. Only going to God when we are in need. Our relationship becomes one sided.
Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your needs know to the lord.
- Don’t be anxious – come to the lord knowing he is in control.
- We are to bring it to him humbly requesting through prayer knowing he delights in our acknowledgement of who He is.
Most importantly after our request He tells us to worship Him with thanksgiving. He longs for our affection. In this we form a “habit” that is lived out in our life, decisions, needs and our relationships with others. This is not based on the outcome of our request its immediate.
_Challenge_ Prayer is fellowship with God and a direct reflection of our relationship with him. If you are in love with Him then your prayer life will reflect it. Prayer is like a marriage. You can not be a growing Christian and not pray just like you can not have a growing marriage with out talking to your spouse.
- Dry season / no new spiritual growth.
- Struggling to see direction
- Men to lead their families in prayer
- Spurgeon - If He is not, one of the obvious signs of His absence will be lethargy in prayer.
- We are all somewhere so let’s start today as a church and come together in prayer but not let it stop after we leave that we all take a piece of this home and lead, grow and live it out in faith.
- *1 Thessalonians 5:16 rejoice always, pray without ceasing. *
LifeGroup Questions
- How healthy is your prayer life?
- In what ways do you struggle with praying? (Distractions, praying in public, with spouse or as a family)
- Do you see that the seasons of life play effect in your prayer life? How? More or less?
- Does our prayer life reflect a relationship that is contingent on our needs or our worship?
- How does Philippians 4:6 change the way we pray and start to see our prayer as worship, acknowledging who he is?
2 to 1 Part V “Roles”
Context vs. Concept Testosterone vs. estrogen
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Eph 5:24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
-Submit in leadership (crown the king) -Allow the tunnel vision to guys ide as God intended -Step up and be a man -Who do you trust? God’s will or yours.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, Eph 5:26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, Eph 5:27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Eph 5:29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, Eph 5:30 because we are members of his body.
-Love your wives was a foreign concept -Christ surrender power for the betterment off the church (allow her peripheral vision) -When a man is put down ( “as himself” ), he will not be an effective leader
Eph 5:31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
- Together is the sweet spot (Mutual Submission)
Eph 5:32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. Eph 5:33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband
Podcast:
Listen to Paul and Brad discuss the sermon https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HlFdrjYIEDKFFBkZ3bDO5D4Y_75t2MT3
*LifeGroup Questions *
- How do you see your “role” in your marriage?
- Wive's, in what way can you crown the king, your husband, even in the tough times?
- Husbands, How can you step up in your marriage/family and love/lead them?
- Is there mutual submission in your marriage?
- As a husband how can we love our wife in a way that represents Christ love for the church? (Sacrifice)
*LifeGroup Leader close by asking the couples in the room to hold hands while you pray over the men and women in the room. Encourage them to pray together as a couple when they get home and to talk openly about anything God brought to their attention while studying this lesson. Please make them aware about the resources that we have OFC for family and marriage counseling. They can call the office @601-849-6407 (tel:6018496407) and ask for Becky Johns if they need any help in that area.
Weekly Communication Plan 05/26/19
Take a look at these items and let's do our best to help people with information whenever we get the opportunity. For events requiring registration jump back to the Events & Registration page.
- Connecting Point! We meet the 1st Sunday of every month at 11:30am during the second service. Interested in learning about our vision, values, beliefs, how to get connected, and partner with us through membership? Join us! No registration needed. It will be held in the marked room in the Big Steps hallway. Look for the “Step Up” signs.
- Are you interested in “LEADING” a Life Group? There is nothing like getting together in a small group setting to study the Bible and do life together. If you are interested and need more information, please contact Matt Temple at the church office at 601-849-6407 or matt (mailto:jacob@overflowchurch.com)t@overflowchurch.com
- June 1st - It's our annual FlowFest at Magee City Park on Saturday, June 1, from 11am-2pm. We will have food, games, live music, kickball tournament, and much more! If you would like to volunteer please contact Michele Warren @ 432-254-0012 (tel:4322540012).
- June 15th Celebrate Recovery Night of Hope Let's worship together on this special night of hope as we give God glory for what He has done in each of our lives. For more information contact Eddie Poole @ 601-849-6407 (tel:6018496407) or email him at Eddie@overflowchurch.com.
- June 24th We will be hosting a Kids Sports Camp here at OFC for kids ages 3-5th grade. Details to come soon.
- We have exciting things happening in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the outermost parts of the world! These are some of the upcoming mission trips in the works for 2019. Kenya, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Peru, India, and some state side mission trips as well. For more information please contact Greg Roberts at 601-282-3639 (tel:6012823639) or email him at GregLRoberts71@gmail.com.
Weekly Schedule: Sundays main gatherings at 9:30a and 11:30a. Mondays join us for Prayer Group at 5:30p. Wednesday Aftershock Student worship & small groups 6th-12th grade at 6p-7:30p Thursdays Celebrate Recovery at 6p.
Weekly Communication Plan 05/12/19
Take a look at these items and let's do our best to help people with information whenever we get the opportunity. For events requiring registration jump back to the Events & Registration page.
- Connecting Point! We meet the 1st Sunday of every month at 11:30am during the second service. Interested in learning about our vision, values, beliefs, how to get connected, and partner with us through membership? Join us! No registration needed. It will be held in the marked room in the Big Steps hallway. Look for the “Step Up” signs.
- Are you interested in “LEADING” a Life Group? There is nothing like getting together in a small group setting to study the Bible and do life together. If you are interested and need more information, please contact Matt Temple at the church office at 601-849-6407 or matt (mailto:jacob@overflowchurch.com)t@overflowchurch.com
- June 1st - It's our annual FlowFest at Magee City Park on Saturday, June 1, from 11am-2pm. We will have food, games, live music, kickball tournament, and much more! If you would like to volunteer please contact Michele Warren @ 432-254-0012 (tel:4322540012).
- June 15th Celebrate Recovery Night of Hope Let's worship together on this special night of hope as we give God glory for what He has done in each of our lives. For more information contact Eddie Poole @ 601-849-6407 (tel:6018496407) or email him at Eddie@overflowchurch.com.
- June 24th We will be hosting a Kids Sports Camp* here at OFC for kids ages 3-5th grade. Details to come soon.
- We have exciting things happening in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the outermost parts of the world! These are some of the upcoming mission trips in the works for 2019. Kenya, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Peru, India, and some state side mission trips as well. For more information please contact Greg Roberts at 601-282-3639 (tel:6012823639) or email him at GregLRoberts71@gmail.com.
Weekly Schedule: Sundays main gatherings at 9:30a and 11:30a. Mondays join us for Prayer Group at 5:30p. Wednesday Aftershock Student worship & small groups 6th-12th grade at 6p-7:30p Thursdays Celebrate Recovery at 6p.
Weekly Communication Plan 05/05/19
Take a look at these items and let's do our best to help people with information whenever we get the opportunity. For events requiring registration jump back to the Events & Registration page.
- Connecting Point! We meet the 1st Sunday of every month at 11:30am during the second service. Interested in learning about our vision, values, beliefs, how to get connected, and partner with us through membership? Join us! No registration needed. It will be held in the marked room in the Big Steps hallway. Look for the “Step Up” signs.
- Are you interested in “LEADING” a Life Group? There is nothing like getting together in a small group setting to study the Bible and do life together. If you are interested and need more information, please contact Matt Temple at the church office at 601-849-6407 or matt (mailto:jacob@overflowchurch.com)t@overflowchurch.com
- May 2-8 2019 * We have a trip to Haiti* coming up in April. Contact Greg Roberts for more information or if you'd like to get involved with this trip. Greg 601-282-3639 (tel:6012823639) or email him at GregLRoberts71@gmail.com.
- June 1st - It's our annual FlowFest at Magee City Park on Saturday, June 1, from 11am-2pm. We will have food, games, live music, kickball tournament, and much more! If you would like to volunteer please contact Michele Warren @ 432-254-0012 (tel:4322540012).
- June 15th Celebrate Recovery Night of Hope Let's worship together on this special night of hope as we give God glory for what He has done in each of our lives. For more information contact Eddie Poole @ 601-849-6407 (tel:6018496407) or email him at Eddie@overflowchurch.com.
- June 24th We will be hosting a Kids Sports Camp* here at OFC for kids ages 3-5th grade. Details to come soon.
- We have exciting things happening in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the outermost parts of the world! These are some of the upcoming mission trips in the works for 2019. Kenya, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Peru, India, and some state side mission trips as well. For more information please contact Greg Roberts at 601-282-3639 (tel:6012823639) or email him at GregLRoberts71@gmail.com.
Weekly Schedule: Sundays main gatherings at 9:30a and 11:30a. Mondays join us for Prayer Group at 5:30p. Wednesday Aftershock Student worship & small groups 6th-12th grade at 6p-7:30p Thursdays Celebrate Recovery at 6p.
Filled II
Filled II “Breaking Through” Intro: Power has arrived, and the first thing it does is reach out to different nationalities
Act 2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. Act 2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Act 2:3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. - The feast of Weeks (celebration of when Moses gave the law) (and the harvest of wheat)
Act 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. Act 2:6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. Act 2:7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? Act 2:8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?
Act 2:9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Act 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, Act 2:11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”
Act 2:12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” Act 2:13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
- The Love of Christ is for all not just some Races, incomes, past or present The persecutor of believers in a foreign country (Paul)
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Not limited to our locale
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God pursues us and makes a way for us to come to Him Divine Appointment You are being setup! God will do whatever it takes to show you His love for you
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Not everyone will get it 1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. There are two camps- Doubter and believer
Conclusion: The movement has started. Are you on mission or are you the mission?
Life Group Questions:
- What stood out to you in the message?
- The love of Christ is for all not just some. How should this effect our ministry and relationships?
- God pursues us despite our mistakes. What does this teach us about His character compared to ours?
- It is the Holy Spirit's job to reveal truth and not everyone will get it. What freedom does this give us as we share the gospel?
- 1 Corinthians 1:8 describes two groups: the doubters and the believers. Which group are you in?
Filled I
Filled I “Spiritual Holding Pattern” Intro: Intro to the series and the movement of our faith- You’ve got to start somewhere if you want movement
Act 1:6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Act 1:7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
Act 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Act 1:9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Act 1:10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, Act 1:11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
_Things that cause a holding pattern:_
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- Thinking in our vicinity Vs 6-7*
-We tend to live in a rut because we don’t think big enough -They expected their world to be changed not “the” world -We too often are about our lives and not the lives of others or the kingdom
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Mat 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
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Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
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Php 2:21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ
-Ways to tell: Sharing only your story when asked what God is doing. Comparing to others -ILLUS- Proud of church stories or disgusted with church stories
2. Underestimating God’s Spirit and its power Vs 8 -God is sending us Himself in the form of a power that changes things -It:
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empowers-Spiritual gifts
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guides-You have to know what His voice sounds like
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convicts-Response ensures obedience
-in the same way prophets of old-Gideon, Isaiah, Jonah -This does not depend on your ability (the difference between humility and condemnation)
3. Being fixed on an event Vs 9-11 -Sometimes we can get stuck on an event that we saw God do. There is so much more!!!!
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Num 21:9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.
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2Ki 18:4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan).
-They worshipped something God had done -It is a temptation to our flesh to worship the manifestations of God instead of God Himself -Sometimes we get stuck in tragedy.
Conclusion- What are you waiting for? The things you fear? The things you question? Unable to move on? Your life starts when you are ready! How to live an empowered life.
Honor V “Sex in Marriage”
HONOR V “God’s Plan for Sex within the Marriage”
1Co 7:1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” Origin would throw himself into thorns with every sexual thought
1Co 7:2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 1Co 7:3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 1Co 7:4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
- Responsible to one another
A. Do your part! i. Men are to nurture and be supportive of their wives a. Are they 1st? b. Are they a priority ii. Women need to recognize the battle that all men face a. Need to be affirmed b. The Bowls B. This does not work if one party is committed an
1Co 7:5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
2. Communication with one another
A. Agree on a time of abstinence
i. Women should not be expected to be constantly sexual (no matter what TV tells you) ii. Men cannot (generally) abstain sexually without the entrance of temptation iii. Schedule sex
B. Agree on likes and dislikes
i. All things are lawful but not all beneficial ii. Pornography and entertainment has skewed our view of sexuality
C. Compromise, compromise, compromise
i. This is not about you, it is about him, her ii. Latin lover
1Co 7:6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 1Co 7:7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 1Co 7:8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 1Co 7:9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.Honor- Sex Inside Marriage - 5:9:18, 4.16 PM.mp3 (https://quip.com/MWLsAnke3B3v#)
3. Submission to God
- Why sex is so important in the context of marriage
- . In this comment, Paul notes that their is the possibility of abstaining throughout a relationship. He also states that the answer is never sin but instead the will and glory of God
Questions: What was something that stood out to you in the sermon this week? Why is it so difficult to compromise ourselves when dealing with sex in the marriage? What are things that need to be communicated about sex in the marriage? What are the dangers of a “non sexual” marraige?
So thankful that you watched today! Our prayer is that God speaks to you through the message. We would love to pray for you! If you have a prayer request or a comment please click on the link above and let us hear from you.
So thankful that you watched today! Our prayer is that God speaks to you through the message. We would love to pray for you! If you have a prayer request or a comment please click on the link above and let us hear from you.
So thankful that you watched today! Our prayer is that God speaks to you through the message. We would love to pray for you! If you have a prayer request or a comment please click on the link above and let us hear from you.
So thankful that you watched today! Our prayer is that God speaks to you through the message. We would love to pray for you! If you have a prayer request or a comment please click on the link above and let us hear from you.
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So thankful that you watched today! Our prayer is that God speaks to you through the message. We would love to pray for you! If you have a prayer request or a comment please click on the link above and let us hear from you.