New Lisbon Christian Church: Recent Episodes
New Lisbon Christian Church
I. SILENCE makes room to HEAR God.
II. To RECEIVE power from God, we must first SPEND TIME with God.
III. Every great act of OBEDIENCE begins with SURRENDER.
The ANTIDOTE to HURRY is TRUST in the Lord
Psalm 46:1-3 NET
Also see 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37
- Hurry REVEALS a DISORDERED soul.
Psalm 46:4-7
- Hurry is LYING about who REIGNS.
Psalm 46:8-11
- Hurry REFUSES rest in God’s REIGN.
“Isaiah 43:16-17 NET”
Exodus 34:6-7 NET
- God’s FAITHFULNESS isn’t rooted in our TRADITIONS but in his CHARACTER.
“Isaiah 43:18 NET”
- Sometimes the greatest OBSTACLE to God’s next work is our ATTACHMENT to God’s PREVIOUS work.
“Isaiah 43:19 NET”
Isaiah 42:1-7
- Receive God’s NEW WORK with humble FAITH.
I. Adapting is not ASSIMILATING.
II. Adapting is not COMPROMISING.
III. Adapting is not FAILURE.
Main Idea:
We should never stop learning how best to be servants of God.
When in unfamiliar territory:
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RESIDE rather than DISPAIR.
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REMEMBER rather than RETURN
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REDEEM rather than RESENT
"How is God calling us to live faithfully in this new reality?"
- The way of Jesus SEES PEOPLE others WALK PAST.
- The way of Jesus MOVES TOWARD pain when others MOVE AWAY.
- The way of Jesus turns HEALED PEOPLE into WITNESSES.
Main Idea:
What you CULTIVATE determines what GROWS
Galatians 5:16 NET
Galatians 5:19-21NET
Takeaway
- The flesh ROTS whatever it RULES
Galatians 5:22-26 NET
Galatians 5:24 NET
Takeaway
- The Spirit TRANSFORMS whatever we SURRENDER
Application
- The fruit of the Spirit CREATES a new COMMUNITY
Application
- Spiritual Fruit nourishes Spiritual Values.
NEW NLCC VALUES
- We will submit to God’s Word
- We will love strangers
- We will seek justice and love mercy
- We will follow the Spirit’s leading
- We will value every generation
Application
- The Spirit moves us from Rot to Fruitfulness.
- But I'd rather GO with GOD than ANYWHERE else
- God may not show you the WHOLE ROAD, but He will not ABANDON YOU on the road.
- The Spirit did not send us to POLICE grace, but to PROCLAIM grace.
Main Idea: Those who WORSHIP God hear GOD.
Competing Voices
- We cannot hear God clearly when FEAR NARRATES.
- We cannot hear God clearly when RESENTMENT is SHOUTING in our souls.
- We cannot hear God clearly when the voice of ACCUSATION forces us into HIDING.
Holy Listening
- We can hear God in spiritual FRIENDSHIPS
- We can hear God in spiritual DIRECTION.
- We can hear God in spiritual GROUPS.
Takeaway
- QUIET the noise, WORSHIP deeply, and stop WALKING alone.
The problems in Acts 6:
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ADMINISTRATIVE problems
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CULTURAL problems
The Apostles' solution:
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Seek JUSTICE
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Love MERCY
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Walk HUMBLY
For us today:
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Pursue UNITY through HOSPITALITY
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FORGIVE the CHURCH when it FAILS at being the CHURCH
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Love GOD by loving OTHERS
The main idea:
When the church follows the SPIRIT TOGETHER, the church moves FORWARD TOGETHER.
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He is our advocate
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The Spirit CONVICTS us through LOVE.
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He is our teacher
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The Spirit GUIDES us in FAITH.
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He is our comforter
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The Spirit TRANSFORMS us with HOPE.
We are not alone!
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We remain FAITHFUL to the FATHER by TRUSTING the SPIRIT.
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Life in the Wilderness exposes how we
A. Use POWER to SATISFY APPETITE apart from trust.
B. Grasp PREMATURELY what God has PROMISED in his TIMING.
C. Try to SEIZE AUTHORITY rather than RECEIVE it.
- What the spirit FORGES in the WILDERNESS, he launches into MISSION.
Are we settling for “better” or are we desperate for life?
Wandering into…
Waiting in…
Walking out…
Ezekiel 36:16-21 NET
The path to sin is a four-phase journey:
- Acquainted with sin
- Abandoning God to hide from him
- Anger over your position because of your sin
- Apathy, no longer caring about sin.
- Sin goes farther than you INTEND, stays longer than you ALLOW, and costs more than you EXPECT.
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Philippians 1:6
- The valley is not God’s ABSENCE: it is often God’s PREPARATION
Ezekiel 37:1-3
- Where we see an ENDING, God sees a BEGINNING. Even death is not final in his hands.
“If we aren’t connected to the Spirit, we just walk in circles.”
1 Samuel 3:10 NET
- The Spirit Speaks more than we hear. Spiritual leaders desire to listen.
1 Samuel 10:6-10 NET
1 Samuel 16:14 NET
1 Samuel 15:28 NET
- Spiritual listening not only leads us to light, it guards us from darkness.
1 Samuel 16:13 NET
2 Samuel 12:13 NET
Psalm 51:4 NET
- It's not about who fails. It's about who follows the Spirit home.
I. The Spirit doesn't just EMPOWER YOU to defeat enemies OUT THERE - He confronts the IDOLS IN HERE.
II. The Spirit is not waiting on you to become STRONG ENOUGH - He is waiting on you to become SURRENDERED ENOUGH.
III. The Spirit's RULE looks like PEACE in your LIFE.
Luke 6:46 NET
You were CREATED for a RELATIONSHIP with God.
Where the Spirit is MOVING, change is COMING.
Here is the takeaway: If God gave you His BREATH, then your life CARRIES His PURPOSE.
The question is not WHETHER THE SPIRIT IS MOVING in your life. The Question is ARE YOU MOVING with him?
Ephesians 5:14
“Have you ever been saved by the bell?”
Mark 16:1-8 NET
“Easter is the moment the bell rang over the grave.”
Mark 16:6 NET
2 Tiomthy 1:7 NET
1 Peter 5:7 NET
1 John 4:4 NET
1. Fear is not overcome by fearlessness. It is overcome by courage in Jesus
Mark 16:6b NET
2 Timothy 2:8 NET
2 Corinthians 5:17 NET
Ephesians 6:12 NET
2. Freedom declared must become freedom lived
Mark 16:7 NET
Romans 8:15-17 NET
3. You are not being invited to visit; you are being invited to belong.
Mark 16:8 NET
Mark 16:15-16 NET
Ephesians 5:14 NET
I. The cross is not the HUMILIATION of Jesus. It is His ENTHRONEMENT as King.
II. The WEIGHT that Jesus carried had YOUR NAME on it.
III. The glory of the cross is not only that Christ died for us, but that Christ NOW LIVES in US.
JESUS IS KING!
"Missions exist because worship doesn't" - John Piper
"How are you making God famous?"
Truths
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Generosity reveals what we believe Jesus is worth.
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Jesus' sacrifice deserves our devotion.
Application
A. What has Jesus done for you?
B. What is Jesus worth to you?
Main Idea:
The greatest life you can live is the one spent making Jesus famous instead of yourself.
What rattles your peace?
Signposts for navigating Mark 13:
I. This prophecy is primarily about the TEMPLE.
II. This prophecy is for DISCERNING the TIMES.
III. This prophecy is meant to provide HOPE.
IV. This prophecy includes TEACHING on Jesus' RETURN.
Three commands from Jesus to survive the storms of life:
I. Respond CALMLY.
II. Respond CAUTIOUSLY.
III. Respond CONSCIOUSLY.
“What you look for you will find.”
What are you looking for in life?
Jesus says, “seek first the Kingdom of God” (Mt. 6:33). But how?
Mark 12:28 NET
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NET
- Loving God = COVENANT LOYALTY
Galatians 5:14 NET
Romans 13:9 NET
James 2:8 NET
1 John 4:20-21 NET
- Loving Others = WORSHIP to God through SERVICE
How do we seek the Kingdom of God?
- LOVE GOD the way God loves God
2 Peter 1:4 NET
- LOVE OTHERS the way God loves others
Seek the Kingdom - and let love take you the rest of the way.
Who are you in the streets of Jerusalem?
- Jesus is the King we NEED, not the one we always WANT.
a. The Good news is that JESUS is LIVING, and if he is living, then he is KING over ALL.
- Jesus CLAIMS what is HIS.
a. You BELONG to God.
b. You are His RESPONSIBILITY.
- Jesus + SELF
A. GRACE ends the GRIND
- Jesus + SOMETHING
B. Whatever RIVALS Jesus will RULE you.
- Jesus + SOMEONE
C. SURRENDER to RECEIVE
Mark 10:1-10
TRUTH ABOUT DIVORCE:
- Mark 10:3-5 NET – When hearts harden, COVENANT becomes control, and people become COLLATERAL
- Mark 10:6-9 NET – God’s design isn’t about trapping people; it’s about protecting HEARTS , creating , and helping two people FLOURISH as one.
Deuteronomy 24:1-2 NET
Malachi 2:15 NET
APPLICATION:
- Marriage is not a CONSUMER RELATIONSHIP
- Strive for the IDEAL , leave room for GRACE
- Biblical reasons for DIVORCE. – if all attempts at restoration have failed.
- ADULTRY
- See Matthew 5:32 NET.
- “Two people faithfully walking with Jesus and prioritizing
the relationship have no need for divorce.”
- ABANDONMENT
- See 1 Corinthians 7:15 NET.
- Scholars speculate that Paul was likely abandoned by his wife. When one person in the marriage is an unbeliever and the faith/mission of Christ is not something they want to be part of and request a divorce.
- ABUSE
- See the entirety of Scripture. God defends the weak. Malachi 5:2 NET. Also see Isaiah 1:17, Jeremiah 22:3, Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:7.
- Abuse does destruction to the shared structure of the marriage. It betrays the vows.
- ADULTRY
Title: The King’s REBUKE
Series: Hail to the King
Text: Mark 9:14-29
Preacher: Jonathan
Ever felt like you are running on empty and worried about not making it?
Mark 9:14-18, 28-29 NET
How do we slow down?
First, prayer
Second, patience
- Overwhelmed lives lead to overwhelmed souls
Choose presence over pace.
Mark 9:19-22 NET
Switch to the true power source
Throw yourself before Jesus
Stop trying to run your spiritual life on discipline alone.
- Our spiritual depression will end when dependence replaces performance.
Mark 9:23-27 NET
Hebrews 12:1-3 NET
Bring your fragile faith
Bring your tired soul
Bring your surrendered heart
- God writes Resurrection into stories we’ve already buried.
Your tired soul is not a problem to fix - its an invitation to return.
"God's Mission has a church"
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The Glory of Jesus reshapes our priorities.
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The Glory of Jesus calls us into deeper obedience.
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The Glory of Jesus forms us to send us.
What choices are forming you?
Where does fear of death come from?
What happens and where do we go when we die?
John 13:33 NET
John 13:36 NET
John 16:5 NET
“John 14:1-6” NET
- Heaven is PRELIMINARY Justice
Acts 4:12 NET
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Heaven is PREPARATORY for Eternity
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Heaven is PERSONAL
2 Cor. 5:8 NET
- Heaven is PERFECT
Phil 1:23 NET
- Heaven gives us PURPOSE
Romans 15:20 NET
- Heaven is a PROMISE
Revelation 21:1-2 NET
How will we be a church that is hospitable to their search & introduce them to Jesus?
- Belief is OBEYING Jesus
God - Loved - Gave - World - Son - Everyone - Believes - Life
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A. ACCEPTING before UNDERSTANDING.
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Belief is PURSING Jesus
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A. FIDELITY before FRUIT
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Belief is TRUSTING Jesus.
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A. SURRENDING before SEEING
O-P-T Obey, Pursue, Trust
"Opting in on Jesus means choosing to live with Him, for Him, and like Him"
PEACE OVER PRESSURE.
Peace isn't found in a CALMER WORLD - it's found in a CLOSER WALK with Jesus.
PEACE OVER POWERS.
When God gives us peace, He gives us PRESENCE and COURAGE.
PEACE OVER PAIN.
Peace isn't the absence of TROUBLE; it's the REIGN of God.
How does the hope you have change the way you live?
Romans 15:13 NET
“I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.”
Hope = living TODAY as if TOMORROW is here
Romans 8:24-25
“Psalm 130:1”
Galatians 4:4-7
Christian Hope = IS LIVING in the VICTORY of Christ NOW.
“Psalm 130:4-5”
HANDS - FOR RECEIVING FORGIVENESS
HANDS - FOR PRAYING
“Psalm 130:7-8”
I. If you want to KNOW who Jesus is, BE WITH Him.
II. If you want to FOLLOW God's will, then you MUST BECOME LIKE Him.
III. If you want to ANSWER Jesus' call, DO AS HE DID.
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Outside effort can't hide inward emptiness.
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The Gospel resurrects the inside , not redecorates the outside.
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What once defiled us no longer defines us because Christ's heart beats within us.
Challenge: Don't fear contamination, spread transformation.
Is Compassion hard for you?
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Compassion INTERRUPTS so God can SAVE.
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Compassion SACRIFICES so God can MULTIPLY.
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Compassion DIRECTS you so God can ENCOUNTER others.
*Do not rush pass the anxious, hurting, caught in the waves of life. Let compassion move you to step onto the water.
Welcome to NLCC Sermon Notes
“Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.”
Agree or Disagree?
“Mark 6:7”
- If you’re not GOING, you’re not GROWING.
Ephesians 4:11-12
Hebrews 13:20
Matthew 28:20
“Mark 6:7”
- God never SENDS you ALONE.
1 Peter 5:8
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Mark 6:7-13, 30”
Acts 14:27
Romans 15:18-19
- There is no SUCCESS without GOD.
Main Ideo:
Shine BRIGHT, not to stay SAFE, but to give HOPE
Main Idea:
Fear can FREEZE us, but faith can FREE us.
The Story:
Truth 1: We cannot HIDE from JESUS.
Truth 2: Grace is DELIVERED through FAITH.
Application:
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Faith leads to the FEET of JESUS.
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Faith leads us to OVERCOMING FEARS.
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Faith leads to a FUNERAL.
Challenge:
Will I TRUST him enough to DIE, so I can truly LIVE?
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When Jesus SHOWS UP, the darkness SHUDDERS.
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When Jesus SPEAKS, chains SHATTER
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When Jesus SAVES, he also SENDS
When God REIGNS, storms BREAK.
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Jesus is WITH us in STORMS.
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The PROBLEMS around you might be revealing the PROBLEMS within you.
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Jesus is DANGEROUS.
"Is He Safe?" "Of Course HE Isn't Safe, But HE IS GOOD!"
A. SOWER went out to SOW.
- The trampled path represents a HEART that's HARDENED.
- The rocky ground represents a HEART with no ROOT system.
- The thorny ground represents a HEART consumed with earthy DISTRACTIONS.
- The good ground represents a HEART that wants to produce FRUIT.
TAKE AWAYS:
- We are all SOWERS.
- We have to understand our own HEARTS.
- God will give us His WORD to sow.
- You can't sow GOD'S seed without the HOLY SPIRIT.
Main Idea: Kingdom Family is Genuine Family.
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Life at God's table Invites Ridicule.
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Life at God's table Robs satan's People.
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Life at God's table Makes you Family.
When was the last time you felt seen?
Phileo + Xenia = Love of Stranger
“Mark 2:13-17 (NET)”
What hospitality does. . .
- Kingdom Hospitality sees strangers
John 4:35 (NET)
What hospitality does. . .
- Kingdom Hospitality Blesses
Matthew 25:34-40 (NET)
What hospitality is . . .
Hospitality is RESISTANCE
What hospitality is . . .
Hospitality is RISKY
What hospitality is . . .
Hospitality is REQUIRED
Hebrews 13:1-3
Challenge:
Hospitality is not just a nice idea; it’s God’s strategy to bring his kingdom on earth to heaven.
When was the last time something or someone amazed you?
Show photo of Charles and I on coaster
Show photo of Hannah and I on coaster
Show close up on hannah
“Mark 1:21-22”
Big Idea today:
Jesus has the authority to bring heaven to earth through you.
In Mark 1:1-20 Jesus DECLARES his purpose
In Mark 1:21-41 Jesus DEMONSTRATES his purpose
“Mark 1:23-27”
“People tend to fall into one of two extremes regarding the devil and demons: either they dismiss them entirely, or they become overly fascinated and obsessed.” - C.S. Lewis
I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you to open their eyes so that they turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Acts 26:17-18
Be a liberator in a captive world
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm, therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).
Ephesians 6:12-17
“Mark 1:29-31”
Be a healing presence in a hurting world.
Incarnational living
You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death —even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8
“Mark 1:44-45”
Be a there you are person in a here I am world
Challenge:
Fill others with the hope of heaven
How do Jesus' followers respond to Him?
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Jesus is CHALLENGING you.
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Jesus is WORTH the RISK.
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Jesus is your HOPE.
- Your God reigns!
a. Trust God's timing.
b. Jesus is human enough to meet your moment but is God enough to redeem it.
- Stop doing life on your own terms.
Unashamed of the Gospel | Gospel Launch
What does Jesus’ BAPTISM LAUNCH for you and me?
1. We are part of a LARGER STORY
2. God wants to RECONCILE with YOU
3. New LIFE is AVAILABLE
God LOVES you and takes GREAT DELIGHT in you
Who is this Jesus, what is his Gospel?
Roman - Jesus is Greater than Caesar.
Jewish - Jesus is the Fulfillment of God's Promises.
Christian - Jesus is a New Humanity.
Main Idea:
Be Unashamed that Jesus is Lord.
Main Idea:
Bold prayers lead to bold lives.
Lessons:
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Pray sacrificially.
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Pray for new life.
How to pray boldly:
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With presence.
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With honesty.
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With frequency.
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With understanding.
Challenge:
Labor with God in prayer to bear a better world.
Main Idea: Prayer orders our soul with God's mission. But how?
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Prayer explores God's mission.
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Prayer is an encounter with God.
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Prayer is an evangelistic tool.
Title: Ordering With God
Series: Prayer: Order a Disordered Soul
Text: 1 Kings 18:1-15
Main Idea:
Payer orders our hearts with God’s presence. - But how?
Prayer together:
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Priority
1 Kings 16:30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the sight of the Lord than all who were before him. 31 As if following in the sinful footsteps of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not bad enough, he married Jezebel the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians. Then he worshiped and bowed to Baal. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal he had built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole; he did more to anger the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.
1 Kings 17:1 Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As certainly as the Lord God of Israel lives (whom I serve), there will be no dew or rain in the years ahead unless I give the command.”
- By becoming UNFAMILIAR with what is FAMILIAR
Perspective
1 Kings 18: 7 As Obadiah was traveling along, Elijah met him. When he recognized him, he fell facedown to the ground and said, “Is it really you, my master, Elijah?” 8 He replied, “Yes, go and say to your master [AHAB], ‘Elijah is back.’” 9Obadiah said, “What sin have I committed that you are ready to hand your servant over to Ahab for execution? 10 As certainly as the Lord your God lives, my master has sent to every nation and kingdom in an effort to find you. When they say, ‘He’s not here,’ he makes them swear an oath that they could not find you. 11 Now you say, ‘Go and say to your master, “Elijah is back.”’ 12 But when I leave you, the Lord’s Spirit will carry you away so I can’t find you. If I go tell Ahab I’ve seen you, he won’t be able to find you and he will kill me. That would not be fair, because your servant has been a loyal follower of the Lord from my youth.
- By SEEING more than DOING
Power
1 Kings 18:15 But Elijah said, “As certainly as the Lord of Heaven’s Armies lives (whom I serve), I will make an appearance before him today.”
- By being RIGHTEOUSLY CONFRONTATIONAL
Challenge
TRUST God with Your PRAYERS
1 Where were Peter's eyes focused when he was walking on the water?
A. Jesus
2 Who is the perfector of the faith?
A. Jesus
3 What do all three of this passages have in common?
A. It's not Jesus
B. is "spiritual eyes
Seen/Temporary vs Unseen/Eternal
Fix our eyes on eternal things = Think Eternal
How big a space does your earthly existence take up?
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ENCOURAGEMENT is a powerful thing.
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Who is in the CLOUD OF WITNESSES?
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What can we say about these PEOPLE IN THE CLOUD?
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Who is the AUTHOR WRITING to and why?
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So why all the CONCERN?
The "Scary Call" always requires more FAITH.
The "Scary Call" always leads to WHERE JESUS IS.
The "Scary Call" is a gift FROM GOD.
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The Father forgives before the children repent.
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Let go of what controls you.
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You decide how the parable ends.
Main Idea:
Forgiveness frees us to become the image of God.
John 19:11
Welcome to NLCC Sermon Notes
Series: Jesus In All Things
“You would have no POWER over me at all, unless it was given to you from above.”
John 19:11
Luke 19:11-27
What are the politics of the Kingdom? How do they intersect with our world?
Know the Past, Present, and Future Context
- Kingdom Borders
Luke 19:11-12
A. is
B.Therefore: Flood the world with the of heaven.
- Kingdom Citizens
Luke 19:13-14
A. Either of the Kingdom or of the world.
B. Therefore: Your belongs to the.
- Kingdom Economy
A. of God’s
B. Therefore: in the
Luke 19:17
Main Idea: to Christ Enemies
Main Idea: Hospitality HEALS
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How to be a good guest: HUMBLE hospitality RECONCILES.
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How to be a good host: ELABORATE hospitality UNLEASHES resurrection POWER.
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How to be a good party planner: PREPARED hospitality REACHES the BROKEN.
Challenge: RADICAL hospitality starts where CONVENIENCE ends and LOVE begins.
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God's compassions never fail.
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His compassions are new every morning.
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The Lord is my portion, and I will wait for him.
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Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
- I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (Lamentations 3:24)
What Say You
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Givethanksinallcircumstances; forthisisGod’swillforyouin ChristJesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Isitjustpoliteness, ordoesthatgratitudedosomethingforus?”
TheproblemofIFandWHEN.
“SoIsay…”
My splendor—it’s gone. And all that I had hoped from the Lord. I remember my affliction. And my wandering—and it’s just bitter and it’s just gall.
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
Lamentations 3:18-20
“Yet, … I call this to mind and therefore I have hope.”
Lamentations 3:21
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
ThesolutionofREMEMBRANCE … evenIFandevenWHEN.
Big Idea:
God wants your FAVORITE FOOD to be His WORDS.
Here is why:
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MATURE wisdom is LOVING the Holy Spirit.
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Righteousness is CONFRONTING your BROKENNESS.
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Usefulness is OVERFLOWING with God's LOVE.
Challenge:
TASTE and SEE that the LORD is GOOD.
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Mary Magdalene's response was, "Feeling is believing."
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The disciple's response was, "Seeing is believing."
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Thomas' response was, "Proving is believing."
- Christ's Death was DIVINELY PLANNED.
JOHN 10:18
- Christ Death was EXTREMELY PAINFUL.
MATTHEW 27:32-40, 45
- Christ Death had an ETERNAL PURPOSE.
- Introduction
- Amos 5:21-24
- Inevitable Justice of God
- Martin Luther King's I have a dream speech
- Hook: Who is Jesus?
- Amos 5:21-24
- The Story
- Is Jesus a Liar?
- Story: The Jewish Trials
- Text: John 18:28
- The Guilty Posture Piety to make the innocent look like liars.
- Is Jesus a Lunatic?
- Story: The Roman trials
- Text: John 18:33, 36-38
- The Guilty obscure the truth by making the innocent look like lunatics.
- Is Jesus Lord?
- Story: The Mocking and Flogging.
- Text: John 19:1, 15-16
- The Guilty desperately preserve the status quo to keep the innocent in line. But Jesus changes everything.
- Is Jesus a Liar?
- Application
- Righteousness is Obedience
- Sacrifice is Powerful
- Love is Painful
- Closing
- Why do we struggle so much with injustice?
- Mother Pollard, "My feets is tired but my Soul is rested."
- Challenge: Be the inevitable justice of God rolling down like a mighty stream on this earth and see how it transforms into something beautiful
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Jesus was sensitive to his DISCIPLE'S TROUBLES
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Jesus provided SOUND REASON FOR THEIR HOPE
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Jesus prepared A WAY FOR THEIR VICTORY
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Jesus was PATIENT with his disciples' DOUBTS
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Jesus promised the COUNSELOR FOR THEIR SUPPORT
Jesus washed the feet of Judas.
Jesus washed the feet of Peter.
Jesus saw a NEED and he RESPONDED to it.
SERVANTHOOD leads to BLESSEDNESS.
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The PREPARATION for the Lord's Supper
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The PARTICIPANTS of the Lord's Supper
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The PURPOSE of the Lord's Supper
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The critics QUESTION.
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Person doing the criticizing
- Timing of the criticism
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Nature of the criticism
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Jesus' ANSWER to the critics.
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Lessons for LIFE:
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Expect occasional criticism
- Evaluate criticism honestly
- If the criticism is unfair or untrue, ignore it
- When it's appropriate, answer the critics directly
Mark 11:15-18
- Jesus knew where to ASSERT HIS AUTHORITY.
- Jesus knew how to DISPLAY HIS AUTHORITY.
- Jesus knew why he needed to AFFIRM HIS AUTHORITY.
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The PATH before hime was PAINFUL, but he WALKED it anyway.
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The crowds PRAISED him, but he still maintained his BALANCE.
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He planned the parade during the Passover Week.
-He deliberately fulfilled prophecy.
-He accepted the praise of these people.
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Jesus was attacked by his ENEMIES, but he still moved forward with his MISSION.
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He was motivated by LOVE, but he was still realistic in his UNDERSTANDING OF PEOPLE.
Series: Extreme Faith
Text: Hebrews 11:35; 1 Kings 17:1-24
Hebrews 11:35
The Story you __________ shapes the person you _____________ .
Encountering Suffering Forces us to ask God some tough questions.
QUESTION 1: How do we trust God when His story leads to seasons of _____________ ?
1 Kings 17:1b “As certainly as the Lord God of Israel lives (whom I serve), there will be no dew or rain in the years ahead unless I give the command.”
ANSWER 1.1: _____________ our _____________
Ephesians 6:12
Picture of autosterogram: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autostereogram#/media/File:Stereogram_Tut_Random_Dot_Shark.png
1 Kings 17:3-4
ANSWER 1.2: Do not _____________
QUESTION 2: How do we trust God when his story _____________ the _____________ ?
1 Kings 17:12
Answer 2: God uses the _____________ for his _____________
1 Kings 17:13-14
QUESTION 3: How do we trust God when His story leads to _____________ ?
1 Kings 17-20
Answer 3: Anchor ourselves to _____________
Extreme Faith moves us from “Why , God?” to “Why me, God?”
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All people are IMPERFECT ...so expect some DISAPPOINTMENT.
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Have a HIGH ADVERSITY QUOTIENT in your relationships.
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Have a TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ.
The STORY you believe...
...shapes the PERSON you become!
1. God has a reason for EVERY COMMAND.
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You won't always understand what GOD'S PURPOSE IS.
-
But we OBEY ANYWAY.
Abraham demonstrated Extreme Fatih by. . .
- Responding to God's Invitation
- Waiting for his Inheritance
- Expecting the Impossible
"It's God's job to provide...
It's our job to trust"
The episode explores how the stories we believe in shape our identities and actions, focusing specifically on Abraham from Hebrews 11. It reflects on the importance of obedience, waiting for God’s promises, and living a faith-filled life that impacts others.
• The power of story shapes identity and actions
• Coca-Cola versus Pepsi as a metaphor for compelling narratives
• Abraham's radical obedience to God's invitation
• The significance of waiting for God's promises
• Yielding to God's will and its implications for others
• The story of Abraham and Isaac as a foundation of faith
• Trusting in God’s character and provision
• Encouragement to align with faith-filled narratives for transformation
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
He answered, "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, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.""
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied.
"Do this and you will live."
Luke 10:25-28
Love God
Love People
"Well then, who is my neighbor?"
God wanted to IDENTIFY with us in our STRUGGLES.
God wanted to set an EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY for us to follow.
God wanted to DEMONSTRATE HIS POWER.
God wanted to make a statement of INCREDIBLE LOVE FOR YOU.
- Indications of the wise men's HUMILITY.
They were INTELLIGENT and yet, TEACHABLE.
They were WEALTHY and yet, SPIRITUALLY SENSITIVE.
They were from an advanced CULTURE, but they were still interested in FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
They were MEN and yet they STOPPED AND ASKED FOR DIRECTIONS.
They were GROWN ADULTS and yet they worshipped a LITTLE CHILD. - Indications of the ARROGANCE PRIDE of Herod.
Pride is always COMPETITIVE.
Pride is often DECEPTIVE.
Pride is ultimately VINDICTIVE. - The take-home lesson of this event is to HUMBLE YOURSELF.
Put OTHERS AHEAD OF YOURSELF.
Seek EARNESTLY TO HAVE AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD.
Walk IN OBEDIENCE NO MATTER WHERE GOD LEADS.
-
Happiness is RECEIVED, not ACHIEVED.
-
Happiness is FOUNDATIONAL, not PROVISIONAL.
-
Happiness is CONTROLLING your ALLEGIANCE, not your ENVIRONMENT.
-
Paul was Deeply Devoted to Jesus.
A. Jesus gave Paul Strength.
B. Jesus Considered Paul Faithful.
C. Jesus Appointed Paul to Serve.
D. Jesus extended to Paul his Grace and Mercy.
E. Jesus displayed Unlimited Patience. -
Pauls RESPONSE.
A. Prase
B. Faithfulness
SOME suffering is INEVITABLE - EXPECT IT.
ALL suffering is PURPOSEFUL - REJOICE IN IT.
PATIENT suffering is COMMENDABLE - TRUST GOD'S JUSTICE.
To Experience LIFE the way God Intends
To experience ETERNITY the way that GOD intends
To experience COMMUNITY the way that GOD intends
-
The ATTITUDE Needed for WITNESSING.
-
BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS.
- BE PREPARED
-
MUST BE RESPECTFUL AND TACTFUL
-
The REASONS for WITNESSING.
-
SALVATION FROM SIN
- VICTORY OVER SATAN
- HOPE OF HEAVEN
The RESULTS for WITNESSING.
- SALVATION FROM SIN
- VICTORY OVER SATAN
- HOPE OF HEAVEN
- A difficult COMMAND.
-Submit Yourselves
-Its Unnatural
-Its Unforced
-It requires a willing Spirit.
-
A compelling MOTIVATOR.
-
A practical APPLICATION TO GOVERNMENT.
-Remember the Limited Influence of Government.
-Remember that you stand in the shadow of the Cross.
-Remember the one exception: We must obey GOD rather than man.
We are GOD'S PEOPLE and are a part of HIS VICTORIOUS KINGDOM.
We have been BORN AGAIN and are guaranteed ETERNAL LIFE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
We are PROTECTED and are exempt from UNNECESSARY PAIN.
We have meaning in SUFFERING and are thankful THAT IT IS TEMPORARY.
We have knowledge GOSPEL of the and understand GOD'S OVERAL PLAN.
-
Listen to the Holy Spirit
-
Accept what it is that Jesus has to offer.
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You are not alone.
"If you love Me..."
"...keep my commands."
"Listen, before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you're going to see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day..." John 14:19
ANOTHER ADVOCATE
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The Spirit HELP'S us through __________.
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The Spirit ________.us in __________.
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The Spirit TRANSFORMS us with HOPE.
Myth # 1: All religions are basically the same.
Myth #2: Christianity is just one philosophy among many, and it's not any more valid than any other religion.
Myth #3: Christians are being narrow-minded when they claim that Jesus is the only way to God.
JESUS SAYS,
"A NEW COMMAND I GIVE YOU: LOVE ONE ANOTHER."
"AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER."
"BY THIS EVERYONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES."
"DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED."
"BELIEVE IN GOD; BELIVE ALSO IN ME."
The Holy Spirit empowers us to:
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See PEOPLE the way God sees PEOPLE.
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Move out of our COMFORT ZONES.
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UNDERSTAND the Lord's WILL.
https://sermons.church/archived?church=NewLisbon&sermonid=61621
Series: The Holy Spirit Empowers
Acts 9
…………….
“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”
Acts 9:1-2
…………….
“And Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”
Acts 9:8-9
…………….
- The obstacles to influencing others.
………..
“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
Acts 9:10-12
…………….
“Lord,” Ananias answered; “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
Acts 9:13-14
…………..
“But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go!” This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Acts 9:15-16
…………..
2. The characteristics the Holy Spirit uses to influence others.
…………..
“He (Ananias) stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. “Then he said: ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.”
Acts 22:13-15
…………..
“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.”
Acts 9:18-19
……..
3. Four lessons for life.
………….
God is always working in people’s lives.
……………….
God will use you if you’re willing.
……………..
The potential and possibilities for impact are more than we expect.
…………
Be ready when He says, “Go!”
The more we understand and follow God's REVEALED WILL, the clearer his SPECIFIC WILL becomes and the stronger the SIGNAL of the Holy Spirit within us.
God has chosen to PARTNER WITH US to change the lives of other people.
The more you OBEY GOD'S LEADING, the more clearly you will be able to DISCERN IT in the future.
If you follow God's LEADING, God will lead you out of your COMFORT ZONE.
If you are following God's LEADING then close proximity to NON-CHRISTIANS is required.
If we're following JESUS, we will be a safe place for SEEKERS to come.
As you follow God's REVEALED WILL, the Holy Spirit will specifically lead you into DIVINE APPOINTMENTS to share your faith.
Picture #1: Stephen is that OF A DEACON - WHO WAS EMPOWERED WITH A HEART TO SERVE WISELY. Acts 6:3-5
Picture #2: Stephen the PREACHER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERED HIM THE COURAGE TO WITNESS BOLDY. Acts 6:8-10
Picture #3: Stephen the MARTYR - THE HOLY SPIRT EMPOWERED HIM TO DIE CONFIDENTLY. Acts 6:11-15
Picture #4: Stephen the VICTIM - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERED HIM WITH GRACE TO FORGIVE IMMEDIATELY. Acts 7:60
How do we build generation faith?
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By pursuing Humility before God.
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By pursuing Wisdom to serve God.
3.By pursuing PEACE for others.
Main Idea: JESUS IS THE KING WHO NEVER FAILS US.
Giving is a Privilege, not just an Obligation
Giving Yourself precedes giving Your Money.
Giving Generously is a sign of Spiritual Maturity.
Giving is always returned by GOD.
Giving should be done with The Right Spirit.
"Christ dependency" 1. Contentment can be learned; because you're not born with it.
2. Contentment is an attitude you embrace today; it's not a place that you arrive at in the future.
3. Contentment is a choice; it's not based on circumstances.
-Do you want to overcome anxiety?
-Pray with Thanksgiving
-Memorize Scripture
-Face the worst and trust God
- Live in the moment
Christlike __________ are ___________ our salvation not _______ our salvation.
Christlike __________ should be __________ in our _________.
Christlike __________ may bring ________ circumstances, but ________ joy.
Your struggle is an opportunity For God to Grow Something Valuable and Powerful.
Your struggle in an opportunity For Others to See God Clearly.
Your struggle is an opportunity To Fuel Others Faith.
God FORMS our HEARTS to the SHAPE of his PLANS.
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God EMPOWERS when we DEPOWER.
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God's PRESENCE through God's PEOPLE transforms LONELINESS into PRAISE.
Main Idea :
We live in his PLAN, by his POWER, and in his PRESENCE.
Luke 23:26-56
Stop 1: The Road
Luke 23:26
Luke 23:27-28
Luke 23:29-31
Stop 2: The Cross
1 Corinthians 1:18
Luke 23:32-34
Luke 23:35
Luke 23:38-43
Miracle # 1: The Darkness
Luke 23:44
Miracle # 2: Temple curtain
Luke 23:45
Miracle # 3: Earthquake
Matthew 27:51
Miracle # 4: The resurrection of the saints
Matthew 27:52-54
Isaiah 53:5
Lesson # 1:
Do not weep, trust in his sacrifice for it opens the door to God.
Hebrews 10:19-22
Lesson # 2:
Do not weep, trust that his sacrifice removes the sting of death.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Seek and pray for the PEACE of our LAND.
Develop INCARNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
Invite others to EXPLORE the STORY of Jesus.
Main Idea: Let's be a church that EXPECTS REVIVAL here.
Series: Trail Guide to Glory - "Do Not Worry" Luke 12:1-12
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Bring DECEIT into the LIGHT.
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KNOW your VALUES.
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TRUST the SPIRIT.
LIVE COURAGEOUSLY YET SERVE COMPASSIONATELY.
She WELCOMED Jesus Christ into HER HOME
She SENSED THE SIGNIFICANCE of the moment, and she SEIZED THE DAY
She VALUED RELATIONSHIPS more than ACTIVITY
She KEPT HER VALUES in spite of her SISTERS CRITICISM
Our attitude should be one of HUMBLE SERVANTHOOD toward our CHURCH family.
Our attitude should be one of GRACIOUS ACCEPTANCE toward other BELIEVERS.
Our attitude should be one of PATIENT TOLERANCE toward HOSTILE believers.
Our attitude should be one of DECISIVE ALLEGIANCE toward the LORD.
**"A SECURITY SEEKER"
"A PROCRASTINATOR"
"A HESITANT HOMEBODY"**
Remain (John 15)
"Chosen" John 15:14-17
CHOSEN people don't get that caught up in CHOOSING sides.
I chose you on PURPOSE and I chose you for a PURPOSE..
Jesus doesn't accept APPLICATIONS. He offers INVITATIONS.
Being CHOSEN Should give us UNITY amongst each other.
Being CHOSEN means you should't be OFFENDED.
John 15
Pruning feels PAINFUL but it isn't PUNISHMENT.
Pruning feels POINTLESS now, but it's PRODUCTIVE later
-Jesus offers you A PARDON FROM YOUR PAST.
-Jesus offers you PURPOSE, DIRECTION & MEANING IN YOUR LIFE.
-Jesus offers you A PLACE AT HIS TABLE.
Welcome to NLCC Sermon Notes
- Pictures of Gates of Hades (Temples at Caesarea Philippi)
Pic #1 Modern depiction of Pagan Temples
Pic #2 Ancient ruins of Temples
Pic #3 Cave or Gates of Hades (water flow)
Who do people say that I am?
Who does God say Jesus is?
Colossians 1:15-19
………………
Colossians 1:15
……………….
Jesus is the firstborn over all creation.
………………….
Colossians 1:16
……………..
Colossians 1:17
……………..
Colossians 1:18
…………..
Firstborn from among the dead.
…………………
Colossians 1:19
…………………..
Who do you say Jesus is?
Hook: How can Jesus HEAL a POLARIZED SECULAR SOCIETY like our?
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Be a PEACEMAKER, not a PEACEKEEPER.
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Combat LONELINESS not PEOPLE.
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Meet NEEDS, not CONDEMN FAILURES.
Main Idea:
Jesus Style HOSPITALITY can HEAL a BROKEN world.
Challenge:
Empower your TABLE with the GOSPEL to bring others to the BANQUET of the KING.
-Christian HOPE is not a **WISH
-HOPE for the Christian means a "CONFIDENT EXPECTATION**."
-Most of the time, DESTINED doessn't feel like a DESTINY.
-You are DESTINED to use your PAIN for God's purpose.
What do you do when the blessings of God
distracts you from the will of God?
Deuteronomy 8:6-14
Deuteronomy 8:19
Genesis 39:1
Genesis 39:2-61. Blessings can become distractions and we can miss the bigger thing that God has for us.
When the blessings feel spiritual.
Genesis 39:3
When the blessing feed our ego.
When it fuels our disbelief.
Verse 11 says,
“In your plenty, don’t forget the LORD your God.”
Verse 14,
“Don’t become proud and forget the LORD.”
Verse 15,
“Don’t forget that he led you through the wilderness.”
Verse 18,
“Remember the LORD your God.” 2. The blessings won’t distract you if you “remember” God.
3. When people remember how God was faithful to them in the past, they are faithful to God in the present. When they forget how God was faithful in the past, they are unfaithful to him in the present.
-Just because you would never choose it, doesn't mean God won't use it.
-God uses detours for your development.
-God uses detours to protect us from danger.
-Detours sometimes end up becoming shortcuts.
-Pray for perspective.
-Keep moving forward.
-Replace reason for purpose.
New Series: Cause and Effect: The Life of Joseph
"Understanding God's Will" - Genesis 37
- Joseph is given a **DREAM.
- Knowing God's SPECIFIC will begins by ALIGNING your life with His REVEALED w**ill.
- Because you can't VIOLATE His REVEALED Will and then EXPECT to understandHIS SPECIFIC Will**.
- His SPECIFIC will for you will never VIOLATE His REVEALED will.
- God's WILL can overcome your MESSY** Reality.
-
God's SOVEREIGNTY is that he can take ANYTHING that happens and make it for HIS GLORY and make it GOOD.
-
God's will never seems to be in a HURRY.- God's will may UPSET the PEOPLE in your life.
4 ways:
-
Noway
-
Halfway
-
My Way
4.GOD's Way
"May Those Who Follow Find us Faithful"
To "impress" is to PRIORITIES.
-
You Communicate your PRIORITIES by your ATTITUDE towards the CHURCH.
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You communicate your PRIORITIES by your ATMOSPHERE in your HOME.
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You communicate your PRIORITIESby your OBEDIENCE to God's COMMANDS.
Luke 5, Acts 1-2
- They WERE UNIFIED
- They PRIORITIZED ONE ANOTHER
- They DID IT IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
-
Mankind's condition is one of moral decline.
-
Noah Found Favor in the eyes of the LORD. (Received Grace)
-
God's Response.
-
God INVITED Abraham to go on this FAITH JOURNEY.
-
God IS LOOKING for people with a HEART LIKE HIM.
-
Abraham'sDECISION had aGREAT IMPACT ON OTHERS.
-He Tried Laughter
-He turned to a life of Partying
-He has servants to do everything for him
-He live the lifestyle of the rich and famous
SOLOMON'S SUMMARY IS: Without GOD it's all MEANINGLESS.
Mark 10:32-45
"What did Jesus accomplish on the cross?"
- Jesus DELIVERS those TRAPPED in darkness
- Jesus SHARES his GLORY
- Jesus PAID your DEBT
John 13:1*14; Luke 14:15-24
Living in proximity means being
Living in proximity means being
Living in proximity means going in
Prayer:
"Jesus, give me Your eye.
Help me to see people the way that you see people.
Help me to have eyes for the one."
"Lord do your work in me, that you may do your work through me."
And God, help me to find myself in proximity with somebody that needs to be seen, that needs to be loved, and needs to be cared for.
Lord, give me that opportunity."
Question of the day:
How is it that God uses us to change the world around us?
It’s In and Through.
Jesus’ disciples had to grow in this area of personal people relationships.
Mark 4:3-4
Mark 4:5-6
Mark 4:7
Mark 4:8
Mark 4:14-20a
Jesus mentions four different kinds of soil:
The path.
The rocky places.
Among the thorns.
The good soil.
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (NASB)
Acts 9:1-2
Three important principles about the way to salvation;
John 14:6
Acts 4:12
Principle #1: There is one God who is Creator and Judge.
Romans 1:20
Deuteronomy 32:39-41
Principle #2: God has one Son who is Savior and Lord.
John 3:16a
2 Peter 1:16
Principle #3: There is only one way to salvation.
John 3:16-17
1 Corinthians 8:4b-6
Ephesians 2:8-9
2 Timothy 3:16-17
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Claims _________________________________
-
______________________ Accuracy.
-
Remarkable ___________________.
-
_________________________________.
-
_______________________ accuracy.
-
____________ for _______________.
When you ______________ others, you are a good ________________________________________.
When you ______________ someone, that can make that person ________________________.
When you ______________. It can help ____________________________________________________.
Main Question:
What does it look like ________________ the _________________?
-
__________ but not __________.
-
__________ but not __________.
-
__________ but not __________.
Main Idea:
Win the ________ Of your _________, Win the __________ FOR the ___________.
Challenge:
Fight FOR __________ not AGAINST ___________.
How do we deal with those people who are "good life" breakers"
-
Those People who would seek to _____________
Matt. 5:38-39 -
Those people who ______________.
Verse 40 -
Those people who make _______________.
Verse 41 -
Those Who _______________________________.
Verse 42 -
Those Who _______________________________.
Verse 43-48
"This too shall pass"
"Everything happens for a reason"
God won't give you more than you can handle"
1. Comfort with you _______________ and _______________.
2._________________ don't _________________.
3. Wait for the ________________________.
Take Away -
Join others in their ____________________.
A stand alone sermon by our Discipleship Minister, Jonathan Willmore.
"And God Saw that it was Good."
Eve Saw that the fruit was Good and took.
How does that play out through the rest of the Bible?
And an appearance by Mr. Potato head.
How do we reach the world despite all our failures?
- We bear God's image
- We bear God's name
- We Bear God's presence
We can reach the world when we show them heaven
Be the place where heaven and earth overlap
Psalm 29
Celebrate God's Glory
Celebrate God's Power
Celebrate God's Peace
When peace awakens us to his overwhelming blessings.
How do we survive the slump?
- Continuously Refuge Within God
- Continuously Praise God
- Continuously Hope In God
Let him Revive you again and again.
Psalm 46
- God protects us with his presence
- God protects us with his voice
- God protects us with his works
Make God's victory, your victory.
Select text:
- When life is Good, prepare for when it's not
- When life is hard, embrace it
- When life is good again, share it.
John 16:33
Revelation 12
Battleground 1:
Battleground 2:
Battleground 3:
Battleground 4
Select Passages of 1 Peter
How do we make it through Babylon?
- Be Different
- Serve Others
- Hate Evil, Not People
Main Idea: Stand firm in God's Grace.
Galatians 5, Genesis 39
Story of Joshua's life and him walking step in step with the Lord.
A guest speaker, Todd Myers shares with the church the development of his faith over the last three years and his battle with that very difficult question, Why?
Isaiah 51:1-8
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness
and who seek the Lord:
Look to the rock from which you were cut
and to the quarry from which you were hewn;
2 look to Abraham, your father,
and to Sarah, who gave you birth.
When I called him he was only one man,
and I blessed him and made him many.
3 The Lord will surely comfort Zion
and will look with compassion on all her ruins;
he will make her deserts like Eden,
her wastelands like the garden of the Lord.
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
thanksgiving and the sound of singing.
4 “Listen to me, my people;
hear me, my nation:
Instruction will go out from me;
my justice will become a light to the nations.
5 My righteousness draws near speedily,
my salvation is on the way,
and my arm will bring justice to the nations.
The islands will look to me
and wait in hope for my arm.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
look at the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear out like a garment
and its inhabitants die like flies.
But my salvation will last forever,
my righteousness will never fail.
7 “Hear me, you who know what is right,
you people who have taken my instruction to heart:
Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals
or be terrified by their insults.
8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment;
the worm will devour them like wool.
But my righteousness will last forever,
my salvation through all generations.”
- Hear God's comfort, Share his Joy
- Hear God's Law, Share his Justice
- Hear God's assurance, Share his Salvation
Take Heart for Jesus has overcome
Challenge:
Live Like it.
1. What is the good news?
…………
God gave us a gift.
…………
God’s Love + One Gift of Jesus Christ = Other Gifts
………..
Prompt for video of Becca
This is my granddaughter Ra -Becca who would be three years old a few days after this film was taken…
If you would, let’s play the tape.
(17 seconds of tape)
…………
- How do we get these gifts?
…………
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, "This is the one I spoke about when I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'") 16Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
John 1:10-16
………….
Receive them!
……………
When is the best time to receive gifts?
………..
As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Text: Philippians 3:1-4:1
Title: The Motivational Source: Hope
Where or who do you put your confidence in?
1 Paul Warns
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.
2 Paul Witnesses
Though I myself have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been. Made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me . . . But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is head, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
3 Paul Walks
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
A. Worship Jesus
B. Know Jesus
C. Trust Jesus
Main Idea: Our Hope in Christ is Our Motivation for walking with Christ
Challenge: Imitate Paul who imitates Christ.
Series: Faithfulness: A Deeper Look
The Life Force: Compassion
Philippians 2:19-30
“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.”
Philippians 2:19-24
1. A compassionate spirit is rooted in Jesus Christ.
“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.”
Galatians 1:13
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
2. A life of compassion is directed towards all people.
3. Compassion for others is essential for spiritual growth.
Encouragement in difficult times.
Accountability in tempting times.
4. Compassion is expressed in the sacrifice of selfish interests.
“I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.”
Philippians 2:23
“I’m hopeful that I’ll be released and maybe come to see you myself soon.”
Philippians 2:24
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.”
Philippians 2:25
“For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed, he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
Therefore, I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.”
Philippians 2:26-30
Series: Faithfulness: A Deeper Look
The Power Source: Humility
Philippians 2:1-18
How does a Christ Follower become humble?
1. Humility is a Problematic Problem
Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, …
Philippians 2:1-3
Letting go of your vanity.
Letting go of your stubbornness.
Letting go of the pride of exclusiveness.
…not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:4
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
Letting go of being a people pleaser!
2. Jesus Christ is The Perfect Example.
Philippians 2:5-11
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11
3. The Practical Application of Humility.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Philippians 2:12
We are to … work with respect and reverence. … for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13
Do everything without complaining or arguing.
… for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:14
… so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God
without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15-16
It will have a positive impact on the world for Christ
It will result in a Personal Joy
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So, you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:17-18
Question of our day:
“I don’t know if I’ve been good enough.”
Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time, they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.
Matthew 27:15-16
“Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man,
for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
Matthew 27:19
“When Herod saw Jesus he was greatly pleased because for a long time he had been waiting to see him, he hoped to see him perform some miracles.”
Luke 23:8
So, when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
Matthew 27:17
For he knew it was out of self-interest (or envy) that they had handed Jesus over to him.
Matthew 27:18
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the
governor. “Barabbas,” they answered.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
Matthew 27:20-23
……………………………….
1. Barabbas had second thoughts and turned himself in for execution.
….
2. Barabbas had no response at all.
……….
3, Barabbas went out and tried to earn the gift he had already
received.
…….
God saved us, not because of any good work that we ourselves have
done, but because of his own mercy he saved us.”
Titus 3:5
…………
- Barabbas simply and humbly accepted God’s grace.
Title: Faithfulness: Shaken but not defeated
Text: Job, Hebrews 12, Matthew 27-28
Points
- When the world shakes, we see ___________.
A. When the world shakes, ____________ what is _________
- When the world shakes, we see _________________
B. When the world shakes, _____________
- When the world shakes, we see _____________
C. When the world shakes, _____________
Main Idea:
When the world shakes, the ______________ is not ____________, it is ________________.
Series: May Those Who Follow Find Us Faithful
After God’s Own Heart: Killing Giants
1 Samuel 17
On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
1 Samuel 17:11
Early in the morning, David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other.David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.
1 Samuel 17:20-24
David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” They repeated to him what they had been saying and told him, “This is what will be done for the man who kills him.”
1 Samuel 17:26-27
What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him. David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”
1 Samuel 17:31-33
“Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul.”
1 Samuel 16:14
“Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
&n
Series: May Those Who Follow Find Us Faithful
Write: Sharing Stories of the Lord’s Faithfulness
Deut. 6:4-9
…………
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
………….
Abraham told his faith stories to Isaac.
…………….
We should tell our faith stories to our family.
………….
We should tell our faith stories to our church family.
Series: May Those Who Follow Find Us Faithful
Tie: A Reminder of Our Love
Deut. 6:4-9; Matthew 23:37-40
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 23:37-40
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 22:6
Your love for the Lord must be authentic.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First, clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside, you appear to people as righteous but on the inside, you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Matthew 23:25-28
Your love for the Word must be greater than all other words.
Your dependence must be on the One above.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
John 14:12-14
Your love must dare to discipline.
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.
Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
Hebrews 11:7-9 (NLT)
The Sermon has been updated and is now represented here in its entirety.
Series: May Those Who Follow Find Us Faithful
Talk: Teaching God’s Word
Deut. 6:4-9; 2 Timothy 1:5
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
*“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 23:37-40
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5*
1. Keeping children home > receiving them back.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Why do we teach?
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
When do we teach?
When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight … Jeremiah 15:16
How do we teach?
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the
road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
………………..
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
……………
Isaac learned faithfulness because the faith of his father was his father’s number one priority.
…………
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—
Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt
offering on a mountain I will show you.”
Genesis 22:1-2
………
“Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there.
We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
Genesis 22:5
…………
So, Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day
it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
Genesis 22:14
……
To impress is to communicate.
…………………
Priorities are communicated by our attitudes towards church.
………….
Priorities are communicated by the atmosphere in the home.
……………..
Priorities are communicated by your adherence to God’s commands.
Genesis 22 - Abraham sacrifices Isaac.
Abraham's Greatest Test
When you're on a faith road trip with God. . .
- You should expect __________
- You should focus on _____________
- You should depend on ______________
Jonathan Discusses the commonly known parable, The prodigal son."
Hook: What do we do when someone challenges our faith?
Text: Luke 15:11-32, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
The Prodigal Son moves from Lord to Servant
The Older Son moves from Servant to Lord
- The Choice of the Prodigal Son
- The Warning to the Older Son
- The Invitation of the Father
Main idea: The faithfulness of the Father allows me to be faithful to others
Challenge: Be the faithful Father. Carelessly love others to reconciliation.
In this sermon, Jonathan shares with us the drama from Jesus' family and how that is impacting his ministry pointing out the hard choices He will have to make.
In his presentation, Jonathan used a whiteboard and wrote the following:
- Jesus chooses his family
2. His family comes to collect him
3. The Jewish Leaders deny Him as King and block others
4. His family comes to collect him - Jesus chooses his family
This is called a "Markan Sandwich" or more accurately, a chiasmus structure.
The point of this is to draw the reader to the middle where the meat of the story is and that is where you see the main idea.
Here, it is a warning to not be like the Jewish leaders, who Jesus' family is in danger of doing with albeit naive motives.
Ultimately, we must choose Jesus in every aspect of our lives