Porter Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nick Sandefur
From the Summer in the Psalms series b Nick Sandefur, Senior Pastor Porter Memorial Baptist Church
Series: The Character of God
Forgiving & Just
Exodus 34:1-7
God’s character does not change.
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Exodus 34:6-7a
There are 2 ways that He shows His faithfulness:
1) He dwells with His people.
2) He willingly forgives His people.
He is a FORGIVING God
Forgiveness: nā·śā = to lift a burden, to be transported, to raise the head of someone with eyes turned downward, to honor someone
“for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate.
He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.”
2 Chronicles 30:9b
Iniquity: ʿā·wōn = breaking a law
Rebellion: pě·šǎʿ = rejecting authority
Sin: ḥǎṭ·ṭā·ʾāh = immoral/evil
He is a God of JUSTICE
He will not leave: pā·qǎḏ = to count, to record.
According to Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18:20, children were not penalized for their parents’ sins.
The justice/forgiveness tension is reconciled through penal substitution = a substitute taking a person’s penalty.
God does not set aside justice to make room for mercy. Rather justice and mercy embrace at the cross.
Romans 3:23-26
Lessons for Us:
Do not neglect the full character of God. God will judge and punish sin.
Revelation 20:11-15
Forgiveness does not mean that justice is not served. Justice makes it possible for forgiveness to exist.
Romans 12:19
Colossians 3:13
Understanding God’s character as revealed in Jesus gives us the model for our lives.
Series: I John
Love the People of God
I John 3 & 4
I have written these things to you who believe in the name
of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
I John 5:13
3 Assuring Signs
· You believe the right things.
· Your life is changing.
· You love the people of God.
I John 3:10-20
Mankind’s default response is not love.
Love is not self-generated; it is a work of the gospel in our lives.
Love is verbal, but it is also tangible.
Two primary characteristics of love are selflessness and sacrifice.
I John 4:7-21
“God is love” does not mean the emotion of love is always God or that love is God’s only attribute-- it reminds us that love is the core of God’s being.
Because our Creator is love, mankind instinctively knows the rightness of love.
As we mature in faith, we should see love growing.
We are not saved because we love, we love because we are in Him and He is in us.
I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints
what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love,
and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19
My confidence in His love gives me confidence in my eternity.
how do you know that you know?
· You know because you are becoming like Christ.
· You know because you love.
· You know because you believe.
Series: I John
Confidence through Obedience
I John 2:3-6; 3:4-10
Being “right with God” is important because you are designed to live in relationship with God and your eternity will be based on this relationship.
3 ways to “know that you know”
Theological: You believe the right things.
Moral: You strive to keep His commands.
Ethical: You love His people.
“if we keep His commands”
· Is not works-based righteousness
· Is not legalism
· Is not perfectionism
3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep
his commands. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet doesn’t keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete. This is how we know we are in him: 6 The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked.
I John 2:3-6
Confidence through Obedience
Those who know God value God’s Word.
Those who know God strive to obey.
Those who know God will reflect Jesus through the way they live.
Until we get to heaven, we will not overcome the tension of desire and shortfall.
Those who keep God’s commands have a posture of repentance.
My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.
I John 2:1-2
Series: how do you know?
Confidence Through Accurate Belief
I John 1:1-2:1
I have written these things to you who believe in the name of
the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
I John 5:13
3 ways “you know that you know Him”
· You believe the right truth.
· You strive to keep His commands.
· You desire to love God’s people.
How do you know if you believe the “Right Truth?”
You believe something rooted in history.
You believe something that has been confirmed by witnesses.
So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household,
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:20
“Koinonia” = joined together, shared experience
You believe something that provides an affirming experience.
The experience John is writing about is not an emotional feeling or a providential circumstance, but rather an internal witness that affirms the gospel’s veracity.
You believe something that holds up in light of spiritual realties.
There are 2 colliding spiritual realities:
God is perfect; human beings are not.
TRUTH: Anyone who trusts in Christ will be saved and can have confidence.
Series: Romans
The Hope of the Gospel
Romans 15:8-13
The Context
The church was a multicultural church, comprised of Jewish and Gentile believers.
The church was struggling to maintain harmony because of their differences.
Romans 15:8-13
A primary purpose of Romans is to encourage people who say they love Jesus to love each other.
The secret to Christian living is to live your life in light of what Jesus has done for you.
Jews and Gentiles should live in harmony because they are saved the same way.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
For my people have committed a double evil: They have abandoned me, the fountain of living water, and dug cisterns for themselves—
cracked cisterns that cannot hold water.
Jeremiah 2:13
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
I Peter 1:3
The hope of God is worth sharing with those who do not know Christ, and it is sufficient to help us love those who do.
Today’s Takeaways
Everyone, everywhere needs a hope that will hold up.
The resurrection of Jesus is the only basis for a lasting hope.
God provides hope to people through faith in Jesus alone.
Focusing on the hope provided by Christ will secure present peace and joy for a believer.
Series: Romans
Love in Disputed Matters
Romans 14:13-23
(Concentric circles of belief) graphic here
loving those with differing convictions
ü Determine to not cause another believer to stumble.
ü Make sure your positions do not tarnish the gospel.
ü Do your part to maintain healthy relationships
· Pursue peace.
· Build others up
· Sacrifice for unity
If a person is misunderstanding the gospel because of a conviction, we should gently correct. In all other situations, deference to a weaker brother is our position.
ü Realize that matters of conviction can affect the soul.
Sin is NOT a matter of personal opinion.
Christian liberty is not a license for selfish pursuits
– it is the result of holding to faith alone.
Today’s Takeaways
Righteousness is not obtained by behavior, but by faith in Christ.
Faith in Christ should affect all of our decisions and our lifestyle.
A believers’ choices can affect other believers—either directly or indirectly.
Mature believers make loving sacrifices to help those who are not as mature in their faith.
Series: Romans
Grace in Convictions
Romans 14:1-12
Concentric Circles of Belief
grace when convictions collide
Develop a posture of acceptance.
Recognize everyone is not in the same place in their walk with Jesus.
Realize divisive issues will always exist among Christians.
Wedge issues are typically:
1) issues of holiness
or 2) issues of church practice
Devaluing others because of held convictions is not acceptable.
Be convinced that the gospel alone saves.
Believe the best of those with different convictions.
Remember you will give an account for how you live.
Today’s Takeaways
ü Learn to discern between essential core issues, personal convictions and preferences.
ü Hold tight to your convictions while generously offering grace to others.
ü Resist the temptation to judge others.
ü Avoid being contentious. It does not help the cause of Christ or your character.
ü Remember it is grace alone—for you and for others!
Series: Romans
The Christian Citizen
Romans 13:1-14
Let everyone submit to the governing authorities,
since there is no authority except from God,
and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.
Romans 13:1
God designed humanity to live within authority structures.
God’s Intention for the Government
· Governments exist to allow and protect human flourishing.
· Governments exist to restrain evil.
The Christian Citizen
· We are called to submit to God’s assigned leaders.
The government’s rule is not absolute in our lives, only God has that right and role.
· We are expected to honor the installed authority.
Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another,
for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8
· We are commanded to live out the Golden Rule.
· We are commissioned to faithfully proclaim the gospel.
Today’s Takeaways
God has established government for the good of humanity, and Christians should seek to live peacefully within its structure.
Government often fails to fulfill its godly purposes, but that does not alleviate Christian responsibility.
No human institution can sustain hope for humanity, only Christ can bear that load.
Christians are to share the gospel to bring hope to broken people and broken structures.
Series: Romans
Loving the Hard to Love
Romans 12:14-23
Christian love is evidenced most clearly in response to difficult people.
Loving the Hard to Love
· Christians must bless people who mistreat them.
· Christians must empathize with those experiencing different circumstances.
· Christians must engage people who appear different.
· Christians must associate with people who do not provide personal advantage.
· Christians must trust God, seek peace and forgive even when harmed.
Practical steps when you are wronged
ü Think before you act.
ü Remember your witness.
ü Attempt to deescalate.
ü Trust God’s justice.
ü Actively show kindness to the offender.
Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Romans 12:21
Today’s Takeaways
We will encounter people who are difficult to love.
What a person does to us must not dictate our response.
We can trust God to bring justice (in His time).
We can respond in love, even when offended, if we will focus on Jesus.
Series: Romans
Love Like a Believer
Romans 12:9-13
4 Greeks Words for “love”
· Ero (eros)= physical or sensual desire
· Storgeo (storgos)= affection that feels responsibility
· Phileo (philos)= fondness for someone because of a connection/relationship
· Agapao (agape) = God’s love.
An initiating, constant, unconditional love.
The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
I John 4:8
A Believer’s Love
Love should be authentic.
Love should hate evil and cling to good.
Love should be loyal to fellow believers.
Love should acknowledge the value of others.
Love should be joyful in service.
Love should be evidenced by faithfulness in hardship.
Love should help those in need.
Love is not something we generate. Love is something that overflows.
Today’s Takeaways
1) Our love is the defining characteristic of true belief.
2) Our love for others is the greatest testimony to the power of the Gospel.
3) We love each other because God first loved us.
4) We maintain our love by focusing on the cross.
Series: Romans
A Reasonable Response
Romans 12:1-2
In the first 11 chapters of Romans, Paul tells us what the gospelis; in the last 5 chapters, he shares how we should live if we believe it.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
The family relationship of fellow believers is foundational to the way we live our individual Chrisitan lives.
The logical, reasonable response to what God has done for us is to devote our lives to God.
Living Sacrifices
1. We sacrifice our lives to God by offering our physical bodies to Him.
We have physical cravings, needs, and abilities that are to be lived out in light of following Christ.
2. We sacrifice our lives to God by renewing our mind.
“Renewing your mind” is accomplished by refocusing on the gospel, in particular the cross.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church
and gave himself for her.
Ephesians 5:25
For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
I Peter 1:21
bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:13
Surrendering your life to God is the key to knowing God’s will for your life.
Today’s Takeaways
Remember giving your life to God is a response to God’s mercy not an attempt to gain God’s favor.
Surrendering every aspect of your life to God is the only logical response to the gospel.
The problem with a “living sacrifice” is it often tries to get off the altar!
If your motivation for serving God has grown cold, renew your mind by refocusing on the cross.
Series: Romans
Equal, Connected & Gifted
Romans 12:3-8
The Gospel’s Effect on Church Life
1. It creates a healthy image of self and others.
Humility is to be the primary characteristic of the people of God.
Pride is disrespectful to God and is the root of a believer’s struggles.
God has given all of us the same standard of faith: faith in the finished work of Christ.
2. It creates a deep connection with other believers.
God has designed us to need each other.
Trusting Christ does not diminish uniqueness; however, an unselfish individuality is developed.
3. It motivates believers to live for the good of others.
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Gifts are talents/skills/abilities/traits that are given to believers that helps us accomplish God’s work.
Every believer has been gifted by God to serve.
God is the determiner of gift distribution.
Every gift is for the common good.
How can I know my spiritual gift?
· Ask yourself, “what spiritual activity brings meenjoyment?”
· Reflect on moments that you have excelledin service.
· Take inventory of activities that others have affirmedin you.
· Do something and you will figure it out.
Today’s Takeaways
Realize every person in God’s church is valuable... including you!
Don’t let uncertainty about gifts keep you from serving
Be faithful to your church community... they need you.
Series: Jesus in Genesis
Rest in Jesus
Genesis 6-9
Noah’s Life & Flood Account
· Noah is a descendant of Seth
· The accounts in Genesis are foundational for the rest of the Bible.
What is significant about the Flood
Recurring theme (type): Salvation through judgement
2) Typology:
3) Biblical Theology:
The World before & after the Flood
Genesis 1:26-27
How we see Jesus in the Account
Genesis 3:15
Genesis, and therefore the rest of the Bible, is all about the seed of the woman overcoming the seed of the serpent.
Summary
- What does the Scripture teach about God?
2. What does the Scripture teach about us?
3. What does the Scripture teach us to do?
Series: Romans
Responding to Mystery
Romans 11:33-36
The original audience of Romans had two struggles:
1) to understand grace and
2) to comprehend the universal nature of the gospel.
30 As you once disobeyed God but now have received mercy through their disobedience, 31 so they too have now disobeyed, resulting in mercy to you, so that they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may have mercy on all.
Romans 11:30-32
Real Christian faith begins with a realization of personal brokenness and a realization of one’s inability to fix it.
The irony of the gospel is we receive eternal life through the death of Christ whom we murdered.
Paul responds to the gospel message with a doxology or a prayer/song of praise.
Oh, the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments
and untraceable his ways!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
35 And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid?
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not my ways.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
“For as heaven is higher than earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
Today’s Takeaways:
God is bigger than you can imagine.
His ways and judgements cannot be known without divine revelation.
The more we understand His revelation, the more we should be inspired to worship.
Mystery does not decrease worship, it demands more.
Series: Jesus in Genesis
A New and Better Adam
Genesis 1-3
What does Genesis have to do with the Gospel?
1) Genesis means “origins” or “beginnings”
2) The accounts in Genesis are foundational for the rest of the Bible.
Bible Study Tools
1) Hermeneutics:
2) Typology:
3) Biblical Theology:
The Account of Adam
Genesis 1:26-27
How we see Jesus in the Account
Genesis 3:15
Genesis, and therefore the rest of the Bible, is all about the seed of the woman overcoming the seed of the serpent.
Summary
- What does the Scripture teach about God?
2. What does the Scripture teach about us?
3. What does the Scripture teach us to do?
Series: Romans
Israel: God’s Chosen People
Romans 11
Paul deals with the universal problem of sin by showing that God’s sacrifice of Jesus, not human effort, is the solution. Through faith in Christ, a person will be in right standing with God.
Did God fail Israel?
God has not failed Israel because some Jews believed.
True Israelites aren’t those who inherit Abraham’s genes, but those who embrace Abraham’s faith.
God has always preserved a remnant who trust in Him.
God has not failed Israel because the path to righteousness has always been grace.
God has not failed Israel because even Israel’s rejection was a part of God’s plan.
God always redeems difficult, evil, and burdensome things and works in a way to bring good to His people.
God has not failed Israel because God is not finished with their story.
In the future, multitudes of Jewish people will come to Christ, and it will seem like a national conversion.
Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
a Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
a Spirit of counsel and strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:1-2
A warning to us
eternal security: Once saved (really saved), always saved
Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
13 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today,
so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.
14 For we have become participants in Christ if we hold firmly
until the end the reality that we had at the start.
Hebrews 3:12–14
A distinguishing mark of saving faith is endurance.
TODAYS TAKEAWAYS:
-
Put your trust in Christ, not your spiritual heritage.
-
Never give up on lost people in your life.
-
Realize that God is always at work, even when you don’t see it.
-
Ask God to help you be faithful.
Series: Romans
Whosoever
Romans 9:30-10:13
The focus of Romans 9 is on God’s sovereignty in salvation. The focus of Romans 10 is on our role in it.
The hidden things belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29
There are hidden things about God that we may never understand, and there are revealed things that lead us to His will and obedience.
God is NOT the cause of someone rejecting Him.
Romans 9:30-10:13
Before you sin, the law is a fence to reveal the parameters of the kingdom of God. After you sin, the law is abarrier fencekeeping you from re-entry into the kingdom of God.
God gave the Jewish people an invitation to trust in Jesus, but they trusted in themselves.
Good intentions will not save you. In fact, they can be dangerous for your soul.
2 Approaches to Being Right with God:
· Attempt to establish your righteousness based on what you do.
· Trust Jesus to secure your righteousness based on what He has done!
You are not saved by your zeal for Him, but rather by His zeal for you.
The Consistent Pattern of Salvation:
· When you are saved, two things happen:
confession and belief.
· When you are saved, two truths are acknowledged:Jesus is LORD and He rose from the dead.
For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him
will not be put to shame,
Romans 10:11
Today’s Takeaways
Faith alone creates assurance in the believer!
Every person must transfer their trust from themselves to Christ in order to be saved!
Series: Romans
How will they hear?
Romans 10:11-17
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands.
Revelation 7:9
The Gospel in Romans
God has clearly revealed Himself; yet, all have rejected Him.
Any rejection of God deserves wrath.
God has made salvation possible to all people who will trust Jesus.
Everyone has a personal responsibility to transfer their trust to Christ.
“Everyone who calls on the Lord” is an invitation for you.
Romans 10:14-17
“The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”Carl HenryThe message about Christ is our message. The world’s greatest problem is lostness; and we do whatever it takes to get the gospel to those who have not heard.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant,
but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest
to send out workers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38
The urgency of the mission requires all of us to do something.
Some will reject the message; but success is determined by who goes, not who responds.
Today’s Takeaways
Understand the need for the nations to hear the Gospel.
Support those who feel called to Go.
Put your “Yes” on the table.
Live as you have been “sent” in your current position.
Take advantage of your privilege... say “yes” to Jesus!
Series: Romans
Speaking of Sovereignty (Part 2)
Romans 9:14-29
Recap
Romans 9 and 10 appear to create a tension between human responsibility and God’s sovereignty.
Mystery is a part of the Christian faith, and that is ok.
Mystery acknowledges Divine supremacy, and it provides space for faith.
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5
Romans 9:14-29
Justice: getting what you deserve
Grace: getting what you don’t deserve
Mercy: NOT getting what you deserve
Humankind’s basic problem: we resist the ways of God.
God’s glory is His purpose in all things.
TODAY’S TAKEAWAYS
God is sovereign over salvation . . . rest in it!
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13
God is more merciful than we can imagine . . . remember that!
“What will amaze us as we look backwards from eternity is not the severity of God’s justice but the greatness of his mercy.”
Oswald Sanders
God commands us to share the gospel . . . obey Him!
God’s ways are above us . . . be humble!
Series: Romans
Speaking of Sovereignty (Part 1)
Romans 9:1-13
Romans 9-10 is the most extensive discussion of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibilityin the Bible.
Scriptures never contradict; nevertheless, we do not have the capacity to resolve everything.
Our knowledge of the Gospel should heavily burden our heart for the lost.
Spiritual kinship, not ethnic origin, determined who was a true Israelite.
Salvation rests in God’s election, not man’s effort or worthiness.
Today’s Takeaways
There is a tension between sovereignty and responsibility; be aware.
Mystery is a part of our faith; be humble.
Oh, the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments
and untraceable his ways!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Romans 11:33-34
The security of salvation depends on God; be grateful.
Series: More than Conquerors
Is God on Our Side?
Romans 8:28-29
What, then, are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:31
Circumstances or present realities are not the determiner of God’s favor.
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
God Is on Our Side
God has already established our future.
God has proven His love.
Jesus said the world would be against us.
Paul wrote that our flesh is against us.
We know the devil is against us.
Only God’s opinion matters.
God has declared us righteous.
Psalm 44
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.
2 Corinthians 4:17
God’s love has never left us.
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
Mother’s Day 2023
What Every Child Needs
Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. 4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4
3 cultural shifts affecting parenting
· Technology
· Attitudes toward Sexuality
· The Decentralization of the Family
God has designed the family to be the place where His image bearers develop/learn.
Even great homes exhibit signs of the fall.
5 things every child needs
Every child needs unconditional love.
Every child needs consistent discipline.
· corrective discipline
· protective discipline
· developmental discipline
Start a youth out on his way;
even when he grows old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Every child needs intentional gospel instruction.
Every child needs incremental freedom.
Every child needs a positive role model.
Regardless of effort, most parents feel like failures at times. May the Gospel remind you that your past is not your identity; and today, in Christ, you are a new creation.
Series: Romans
Hope in Suffering
Romans 8:18-30
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.
John 16:33
Why does God allow suffering?
· Sometimes suffering is used for correction.
· Most suffering is the result of living In a fallen world.
Suffering in Hope
Christians can hope in suffering because today is not the end of their story.
There is a now and a not yet aspect to the Christian life.
Creation was intended to host humanity and bring them joy;
however, it has endured our abuse and witnessed every sinful act. And therefore, it groans for deliverance.
Christians can hope in suffering because the Spirit helps them.
Christians can hope in suffering because God uses suffering for a purpose.
We know that all things work together for the good of those
who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
2 purposes for suffering
· God’s purpose in all things is to make you more like Jesus.
· God’s purpose in all things is to build anticipation about the future glory.
Today’s takeaways
Everyone suffers, but only those who love Jesus have real hope.
Christians should have realism about the present
Christians should have gospel optimism about the future
More than Conquerors Series Part 2
Life in the Spirit
Romans 8:12-18
College Pastor Hagan York
Series: Romans
the Battle over the Law
Romans 7:1-25
When we receive God’s gift of grace, it changes us. This process is called sanctification.
Believers debate whether Chapter 7 deals with the Christian’s life pre-faith or the Christian’s life post-faith. Paul talks of his pre-Christ life in verses 1-13 and his life as a believer in verses 14-25.
Romans 7
the bad news
The law is not bad, but it does not have the capacity to make you good.
Coveting exposes the internal problem of the heart.
Paul uses flesh to describe the sinful cravings which are opposed to God. It is often referred to as our sinful nature.
Believers have two natures: One godly, another sinful.
The two natures are constantly at war inside of the believer.
the good news
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I myself am serving the law of God, but with my flesh, the law of sin.
Romans 7:24-25
You can live in a way that pleases God.
Even though you may have ongoing battles, the war has been already been decided.
God uses your ongoing struggles to grow your appreciation of grace.
Appreciating grace is what wins ongoing battles.
The irony of the Christian life is that the only ones who live holy are those who understand that their acceptance by God is not conditioned on their holy living.
Easter 2023
WHAT IF?
I Corinthians 15:1-21
Why the Resurrection Is “Most Important”
The resurrection is the foundational historical event of Christianity.
I Corinthians 15:3-8
Why We Believe the Resurrection Is True
· The revelation of Scripture
· The eyewitness accounts
· The rapid acceptance of the message
Faith in the resurrection has transformed lives.
I Corinthians 15:9-11
· Believers seek to follow His commands.
· Believers trust that God is in control.
· Believers desire to maintain faith, even when the unimaginable occurs.
What If?
I Corinthians 15:12-19
Faith in the resurrection is the source of Christian hope.
Steps To Belief
- Understand the message.
Romans 10:17
-
Examine the facts.
-
Spend time with changed believers.
-
Take a step of faith.
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
Series: Romans
A Free Slave
ROMANS 6:15-23
We all give our lives to something.
Grace is not a license to sin.
the ownership indicator = obedience
Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?
Romans 6:16
The exchange of masters happens in the heart.
We must not confuse liberty with license.
There is a difference between forced obedience and free obedience.
Principles of Spiritual Bondage
The Progression Principle:
What you do leads to more of the same.
The Conscience Principle:
Your master provides your “want to’s.”
The Outcome Principle:
Every direction leads somewhere.
Death affects humanity physically, spiritually and experientially.
You can either serve sin and get what you deserve,
or you can trust Christ and get what you don’t deserve.
Today’s Takeaways
-
Remember sin will not rule over Christ’s people.
-
Offer your body to Christ. He gave Himself for you.
-
Realize the path of Christ is life giving, now and forever.
Series: Romans Dead to Sin
A New Identity
Romans 6:1-14
“In Christ” Realities
People who trust Christ have a changed identity.
In Christ/United with Christ = connected to Him in a complete, permanent way.
Therefore, we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4
People who are identified as “in Christ” are changed.
When we are “in Christ,”
· there is a death of self.
· we receive a new life in Christ.
Water baptism is an important, powerful picture of our union with Christ.
People in Christ are changed immediately and incrementally simultaneously.
Defeating sin is not automatic, but it is possible.
Live “in Christ” Now
- Believe what God’s Word says about you.
So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin
and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:11
- Commit every area of your life to Christ.
But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God,
and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness.
Romans 6: 13
Let your life illustrate the power of grace to changes people’s lives.
Series: Romans
A Better Adam
Romans 5:12-21
Sin has infected everyone, everywhere.
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.
Romans 12:12
death through sin
Death comes to man in a physical way: Aging, decay, and physical death; but death is also spiritual.
“why do people sin?”
1. We are born this way.
Original Sin: Because of Adam’s first sin, all humanity is predisposed to sin.
Indeed, I was guilty when I was born;
I was sinful when my mother conceived me.
Psalm 51:5
2. We all choose sin personally.
13 In fact, sin was in the world before the law, but sin is not charged to a person’s account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression.
Romans 12:13-14
before the law of Moses
Sin is willful disobedience; therefore, people are not held accountable for what they do not know. Nevertheless, death reigns in all people, because all people do know.
a new and better Adam
Adam is considered the federal head (representative) of the human race.
Just as Adam is the representative of sinful humanity, Jesus is the federal head of a new,recreated humanity.
Just like death came to all through a representative, life will come to all who will trust Jesus to represent them.
19 For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Romans 12: 19
TODAY’S TAKEAWAYS
This world, as we know it, is not as God intended.
All of humanity is sinful because of Adam and because of personal choice.
Everyone is either in Adam or in Christ.
A person’s first story does not have to be his/her last story.
Series: Romans: By Faith
Love on Display
Romans 5:5-11
Justified = Just as if I had never sinned
why we have confidence that God loves us
The Holy Spirit provides an internal witness to believers.
This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5
The cross is God’s sufficient proof of His love.
6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died
for the ungodly. 7 For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. 8 But God proves his own love for us in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8
Christ died for undeserving people.
God’s love is unconditional.
Our Gospel is not performance based.
Undeserved love is the distinguishing facet of Christianity.
Believers are promised they will not face God’s wrath.
How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath.
Romans 5:9
3 types of wrath:
· Internal
· External
· Eternal
Reconciliation = restoration of broken relationship
In Jesus, God accepts me as His child.
10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom
we have now received this reconciliation.
Romans 5:10-11
But to all who did receive him, he gave them the
right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name,
John 1:12
Series:by Faith
Why Faith?
Romans 4:1-25
what is faith?
Faith = Trust
To be right with God a person transfers trust from himself/herself to Christ.
why does Paul insist on faith alone?
· Faith is the only hope to obtain God’s righteousness.
· Faith is the way God gave righteousness to the people of the Old Testament.
· Righteousness by faith alone is logical.
“Logidzomai” (Greek) is a banking term which means to add to your account.
· Faith alone is God’s universal, eternal means of dispensing His righteousness.
Today’s Takeaways
Human effort cannot obtain divine approval.
Faith’s power is measured by faith’s object.
Faith in Christ is enough to secure your salvation.
Is your security in Christ or in yourself?
God takes complete responsibility for ensuring our salvation.
Series: Romans
Christ Alone
Romans 3:21-26
Christianity is an exclusive religion: Jesus is the only way to have a relationship with God.
If you believe that is true, why?
Righteousness = having right standing with God
the law problem
· The law never changes a heart.
· The law actually awakens sin.
· The law leaves us guilty before God.
The righteousness of God is through faith
in Jesus Christ to all who believe
Romans 3:22
Sin is anything against God’s design.
Sin violates God’s glory in the created universe.
In Romans, justification refers to a legal declaration of righteousness.
how are we justified?
through redemption: buying back; bringing back from
destruction; or restoration
through sacrifice: Propitiation: an offering to assuage wrath or a payment to cancel debt
Jesus didn’t simply die for you; He died instead of you.
The cross reveals God’s Justice and Mercy simultaneously.
Why we believe Jesus is the only way:
All people are sinful and by nature separated from God.
Justice demands God must punish sin.
Only a perfect Christ can atone for sin.
Hope of redemption is only found in Jesus.
His method of salvation, faith, is possible for everyone.
Series: Romans
Basically Good or Basically Bad?
Romans 3:1-20
A key theological and sociological issue is “what is the nature of man?”
Historical Christianity contends that the nature of man is sinful.
Romans 3:1-8
Privilegedoes not fix the human heart.
Majority does not equal correct.
Romans 3:9-20
We are all contaminated.
Sin affects every area of our life.
Sin ruins our standing before God.
what about good actions?
· To be “truly good” something must be good in both form and motive.
· Good actions must be evaluated by a larger context.
why am I not as “bad” as some people?
· The restraining power of the Holy Spirit
· The fear of retribution
· The "self-righteous" cloak of Satan
Christianity teaches there is nothing we can do about our sin.
For us to be delivered from sin an outside agent is necessary.
Christ died to deliver us from the judgment of our sins.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.
Romans 1:16
Series: Romans: Good News/Bad News
Religious, Moral & In Trouble
Romans 2:1-29
Righteousness = Right Standing with God
Some people believe morality and/or religion will earn them righteousness.
personal morality Romans 2:1-5
the judgment of God Romans 2:6-11
· God’s judgment is cumulative.
· His judgement is just.
· The final judgment will be merit based.
· God’s judgment is universal.
· God’s judgment is impartial.
Romans 2:12-16
Each person will be judged by the revelation they have.
God’s judgment will be based on obedience, not knowledge.
No one is good enough to stand judgment much less judge others.
the benefit of religion Romans 2:17-27
the heart of the matter Romans 2:28-29
Today’s Takeaways
Judging others and failing to examine yourself is a strong temptation for religious people.
External practice does not equal internal purity.
God’s standard of judgement is perfection.
The Gospel reveals that we have a Savior.
The gospel is not: judgment is gone.
The gospel is: Jesus takes our judgment.
All judgment will be subject to the gospel.
Series: Romans
The Wrath of God
Romans 1:16-32
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.
Romans 1:16-17
Righteous: Right standing with God
Romans 1:18-20
Wrath: displeasure, extreme anger
People experience wrath because of sin; not because they have rejected Jesus.
People are separated from God before they hear about the Gospel.
No one sins in ignorance!
Why all people are held accountable
· God has revealed Himself through His creation. (20)
· God has revealed Himself through man’s conscience. (21)
Romans 1:21-32
God’s wrath is first experienced internally. (21-25)
God’s wrath is then experienced externally. (26-31)
God’s wrath will be experienced eternally. (32)
Series: Romans
The heart of Paul
Romans 1:8-17
In Chapter 1 Paul reveals his passion for the gospel and the people who trust Christ.
the people of God Romans 1:8-13
Paul has not met the church at Rome, yet, he has deep gratitude for them. Paul modeled partnership and a kingdom mindset.
Meeting together was/is important for believers. When believers gather, there is mutualbenefit and mutual encouragement.
the gospel message Romans 1:14-17
I am obligated... Romans 1:14
The gospel is for every ethnic group, every social class, and every education level.
So I am eager to preach... Romans 1:15
The gospel is always delivered through language.
For I am not ashamed... Romans 1:16
the “shame” campaign
· The gospel declares mankind is sinful/wicked; the world says “most people are goodand this is hateful speech.”
· The gospel reveals that man is helpless; the world believes this disincentivizes people.
· The gospel contends there is one way to God; the world rejects claims of absolute truth.
Sometimes shame is external, sometimes it is internal.
confidence in the gospel
-
The gospel is powerful.
-
It provides a possibility of salvation.
-
While it is exclusive in content, it is available to all.
-
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God.
changed lives = demonstrated/transformative
righteousness
changed verdict =
declared/forensic righteousness
God has designed the good news to be shared from person to person.
Every person you encounter today needs the gospel.
Series: Romans—Good News/Bad news
Set Apart for the Gospel
Romans 1:1-7
Why Study Romans?
1) The study of Romans has led to major transformation in individuals and communities.
2) Romans details the core of our faith: the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Context of Romans
The book of Romans was written by Paul in 57/58 AD. It was written to a young, influential,multicultural church in Rome.
The Occasion of Romans
1) Paul is trying to garner support for a mission trip to Spain.
2) He is defending the gospel of salvation by grace through faith.
3) He is proposing how church unity can be accomplished around the gospel.
A Changed Man
Romans 1:1
A Gospel Message
Romans 1:2-5a
The gospel is not “obey and God will accept you;” it is “God accepts you through Jesus so you can obey.”
An Apostolic Mission
Apostle = One sent with a message
Why We share
· God desires trust.
· God is worthy of the praise of all people.
· People need the gospel.
Today’s Takeaways
-
The good news: Jesus makes a way for people to know God.
-
The good news is for all people who will trust in Christ.
-
The gospel initiates and secures change in the way believers think and live.
-
Believers are to carry the gospel to the world that desperately needs Him.
Series: God Among Us
Truly Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-2
Christians celebrate Christmas because at Jesus’ birth heaven intersects with earth and God inhabits human form.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son
from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Matthew 2:1-12
“Wise Men” is from the Greek word, “magoi,” which is derived from a Persian word for priests.
This group is probably those King Darius placed under Daniel’s authority. Daniel 2:48
What was “his star in the East?”
-
Halley’s comet
-
a supernova
-
a conjunction of planets
-
a supernatural light
It is probable Daniel and other faithful exiles had shared the Jewish expectation of the Messiah while in Persia.
Gifts for a King
· Gold acknowledges His rule.
· Frankincense represents His deity.
· Myrrh pictures His suffering and death.
We Three Kings
Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer & praising, all men raising. Worship Him, God on high.
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom,
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice,
Alleluia, Alleluia Sound thru the earth and skies.
Today’s Takeaways
God is always at work around us; and like the people of Jesus’ day, we often fail to notice.
If the wise men can find Jesus, then so can you.
If God can reach pagan astrologers through a star, He can reach people through our telling the story.
If the wise men offered Jesus gifts fit for a king, then so should we.
Series: God Among Us
The God Who Took on Flesh
John 1:14-18
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Incarnation = to become flesh
Christians believe Jesus is both God and Man.
It is easy to emphasize one nature and neglect the other.
The early church believed Jesus was God and Man, but they struggled to understand how these truths related to each other.
The church agreed that Jesus is 100% God and 100% Man.
Christians affirm that God can do the supernatural.
Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus.
Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe.
You just have to Choose your miracle.
Jesus did not come to earth so God could understand man; Jesus came to earth so man could understand God.
This uniqueness of Jesus makes it impossible for Christianity to be a syncretistic religion.
The God-Man, Jesus, enables us to understand the nature of God and the intended nature of man.
Today’s Takeaways
The Incarnation assures us God will always be with us.
In the life of Jesus, we have an example of how to live and treat others.
Because of Jesus’ incarnation, we have hope of forgiveness.
Series: If I Only Had
grace in hardship
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:18
External efforts fail to deliver peace because contentment is an inside job.
I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.
Philippians 4:11
It is difficult to be content when life is hard and there is no prospect of change.
For some contentment is a pursuit; for others contentment looks more like an escape.
2 Corinthians 12
grace in hardship
Christ has promised He will be with us.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Hardships bring the opportunity for God-honoring, personal ministry.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God gives special provisions to those who are suffering.
The hope of heaven becomes more real to those who suffer.
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2
Today’s Takeaways
If you are not suffering, look for ways to help those who are.
If you are living with a thorn in the flesh, do not push away from grace, lean in.
Your hardship does not disqualify you from ministry, it has prepared you for it.
Don’t lose sight of the temporary nature of struggles, there is coming a day when thorns will be no more.
Series: If I Only Had
“all things” contentment
Philippians 4:4-13
Discontent: not happy with who you are, what you have and/or how things are going in your life.
Contentment begins in the heart.
Contentment is not automatic for the believer.
There are natural enemies to contentment.
Contentment cannot be circumstantial.
Philippians 4:11-13
Contentment is something that can be learned.
True contentment is hidden from most; it is only known by those who are in Christ.
Philippians 4:4-9
learning contentment
Focus your mind on your knowledge of the Lord.
Be kind and gentle to the people around you.
Pray instead of stressing over your circumstances.
Look for the good, regardless of your situation.
Today’s Takeaways
Contentment is a “now” thing, not a “wait until” thing.
A change in your life does not guarantee contentment.
Contentment is found in knowing/trusting Christ.
We can and should learn from people who are living content lives.
Series: If I Only Had
The More Trap
I Timothy 6:6-20
Discontent: not happy with who you are, what you have and/or how things are going in your life.
Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.
Hebrews 13:5
I Timothy 6:6-19
the danger of chasing “MORE”
· We forget the temporary nature of money.
· We can become ungrateful for what God has already done.
· We may harm our soul.
· We contradict our confession that Jesus is all we need.
· We can develop a false security.
avoid the “MORE” trap
ü Be generous.
ü Reorient your perspective.
Today’s Takeaways
More will not make you content.
More may cause you grief.
Christ gave his life so we could have eternal life, not chase temporary things.
Generosity loosens the grip of more.
Focusing on Christ and heaven increases contentment.
Series: If I Only Had
Pursuing the Wind
Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 Proverbs 14:30
give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:18
discontent: To be unhappy with what you have, with who you are and/or with how your life is going
Many people are discontent because they live in comparison mode. This approach to life will lead people to question their value and doubt they are accepted or loved.
...jealousy is rottenness to the bones.
Proverbs 14:30b
Ecclesiastes 4
Lessons from Ecclesiastes 4
The life of more and better is unattainable.
If you live in comparison mode, you will not enjoy what you have.
If you are not enjoying your life, people won’t enjoy you.
Discontent people are not living the way God designed.
bad “fixes” for discontentment:
· a constant pursuit of externals
· belittling others
· pretending you are better than you are
· isolating yourself
The real solution to discontentment is found in the heart.
A tranquil heart is life to the body,
but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.
Proverbs 14:30b
Today’s Takeaways
Living a life of comparison is not God’s design for you.
True contentment begins with a relationship with Christ.
Contentment can be learned.
Finding contentment will come through centering your life around Christ and His will.
Series: The Church in History
The Church and Communion
Luke 22:14-22 I Corinthians 11:23-26
Protestant = Someone who protests when the church strays from “the faith once for all delivered to the saints.”
Reformation Takeaways
· Scripture is the final authority in matters of faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3:16–17
· Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
Ephesians 2:8–9
· Worship is to be understandable and attainable for all.
The Communion Controversy
The Catholic church limited the cup to members of the clergy and leadership of the church. Protestants believed both elements should be available to all.
The Catholic church taught participation in communion was a sacrament. Protestants asserted grace comes through faith alone.
The Catholic church taught transubstantiation—the body and blood of Jesus are physically present in communion. Protestants viewed the elements as symbolic.
A Memorial to our Savior
The Lord’s Supper is a time to remember the Cross.
The Lord’s Supper should lead to self-evaluation.
The Lord’s Supper reminds believers that they are forgiven because of Christ.
The Lord’s Supper is a tool for evangelism.
The Lord’s Supper is a promise of a secure future.
Series: The Church in History
Moments of Conflict
Acts 15:36-41
causes of conflict
· Satan is real, and people are sinners.
· Sometimes the conflict is not directly tied to sin but rather to changing circumstances.
· Often the conflict revolves around a specific topic or issue.
Acts 15:1-14
lessons for us
· Faithful Christians can and do disagree.
· Not every issue is clear cut.
· Reconciliation is always the goal, but this does not always include restoration of the old relationship.
· Conflict can be used for God’s glory.
when conflict comes to church
Make sure the issue is worthy of conflict.
Try to walk in both truth and grace.
Acknowledge the possibility of you being wrong.
Don’t let conflict derail you; trust God’s sovereignty.
Series: The Church in History
Encouragers & Hypocrites
Acts 4:32-Acts 5:11
an encourager Acts 4:32-37
· Barnabas was a giver.
· Barnabas saw potential in people.
· He was a good cheerleader.
· He was willing to take a back seat.
hypocrites Acts 5:1-14
Hypocrisy can be seen through moral failure, systemic corruption, and opportunism.
Hypocrisy is so prevalent, we expect it.
lessons for us
Not every action of the church has been or is hypocritical.
Spiritual failure will always be a part of the church, and no one is above it.
We should have standards for leadership.
God knows the hearts of men and will judge hypocrisy.
Our hope has never been in the worthiness of men;
our hope is the in work of Christ.
series: The Church in History
The Church on Mission
Acts 1:1-8
“These men who have turned the world upside down
have come here too”
Acts 17:6
why the first church changed the world
· They had a powerful, personal experience with the gospel of Jesus.
Not every believer in Acts saw the resurrected Jesus, but every believer had a personal experience with Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
· They believed their primary task was to witness about the gospel and the scope was global evangelization.
The church thrives when it focuses on the mission.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
the church in history
Application for us
Everyone must be a part of the mission.
common excuses:
“I don’t have what it takes.”
“It’s not my gift.”
“I witness with my life.”
“I don’t have time.”
“It makes me feel weird.”
There is still a need for cross-cultural missions.
https://www.imb.org/go/
https://www.namb.net/go
The church’s confidence must be in the gospel.
Series: John the Baptist
Matthew 14:1-12
What is Success?
What constitutes a “successful” life?
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared...
Matthew 11:11
Lessons for Us
Believers may experience suffering.
Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.
I Peter 4:12
God does not measure success using worldly standards.
Pursuing things that do not last for eternity is a life fail.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?
Mark 8:35-36
Faithfulness is measured in every moment, but is determined at the end of life.
Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10
Success is Living is understanding your hope in Christ.
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Matthew 11:11
Series: John the Baptist
Faith & Doubt
Matthew 11:1-6
3 types of doubt
· Intellectual doubt
· Spiritual doubt
· Circumstantial doubt
When Jesus had finished giving instructions to his twelve disciples, he moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns. Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples and asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news, and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.”
Matthew 11:1-6
why did John doubt?
· He had unmet expectations
· He was experiencing great pain.
· He was second guessing his efforts.
lessons for us
No one is Immune from Doubt.
God is patient with our doubts.
Help when facing doubt
Admit your doubts & ask for help.
doubt I am struggling to believe
(vs)
unbelief I amchoosing not to believe.
Determine that you want to know the truth.
Put yourself in a place of discovery.
Act on your faith, not your doubts
Go back to a moment of certainty.
The baseline for every Christian is the cross.
Today's key questions:
Do you have a moment to go back to?
Do you want to believe?
Series: Prepare the Way—John the Baptist
John—the Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3
Recap
John was an eccentric prophet whose dress, diet, preaching style and message distinguished him from others. John’s primary purpose was to prepare the way for the Messiah; but what he was known for was his practice of baptism.
John and Baptism
John would immerse (baptidzo) people in water to symbolize repentance (metanoia) of sin.
Why did Jesus get baptized?
· To announce His public ministry
· To validate the message of repentance
· To model obedience
· To foreshadow His death and resurrection
The theological significance of Jesus’ baptism
-
There is an affirmation of the Trinity.
-
There is an idea of re-creation of humanity.
-
There is hope of escaped judgment.
Applications for Us
-
Serve/obey Christ, even if you feel unworthy.
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Follow Christ’s example of believer’s baptism.
The Mode of Baptism: full immersion
The Moment of Baptism: after faith is professed
The Meaning of Baptism: a symbolic expression of faith
Why do we require baptism if it is symbolic?
· It follows Jesus’ example.
· It was a foundational practice of the church.
· It is symbolic of the gospel. Romans 6:4
· It signifies a real-life change. Romans 6:4
· It requires humility.
- Rest in the work of Christ. He bears the weight of your salvation, not you.
Series: Prepare the Way—John the Baptist
John—the man and his message
Mark 1; Luke 3; John 1
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared...”
Matthew 11:11
JTB facts
Other than Jesus, only John the Baptist’s birth and death are detailed in the New Testament. Three of the four gospels begin with John the Baptist.
John had mass appeal; some suggest he baptized 300,000 in two years. John had disciplesthroughout the world. Like Jesus, John is considered a prophet in both Islam and Christianity.
the man
· He took a Nazarite vow.
· He had a unique dress, diet, and home.
· His ministry style was confrontational.
his message
He preached repentance and the need for forgiveness.
aphesis = send away, let go, pardon
metanoia = change of mind
He asked people to be baptized to signify this repentance.
He taught that real change happened in the heart and not through external conformity.
He focused on a coming Messiah.
A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
Isaiah 40:3
Applications for Us
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God uses the unlikely among us to accomplish His purposes.
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We need external help to fix our internal problem.
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We must be careful not to confuse messengers with the Messiah.
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Like John, we can point people to Christ.
John 1:1-9
Series: In Christ
Personally In Christ
Ephesians 1:1-14
The phrase, “in Christ” or “in Him,” occurs over 100 times in the New Testament.
How many times is “in Christ” used in Ephesians 1:1-14?
Ephesians 1
What does it mean to be “in Christ”?
· “In Christ” refers to a state or status.
Theologians refer to conversations about this aspect of “in Christ” as PositionalTheology.
· “In Christ” signifies a dependence.
· “In Christ” reveals an identity.
Today’s Takeaways
Understanding “in Christ” can help overcome doubts about your relationship with God.
Understanding “in Christ” will help you develop humility.
Failing to understand “in Christ” may lead to resentment.
Understanding “in Christ” is the most effective motivator for sanctification.
How to be “in Christ”
For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
In Him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.Ephesians 1:13
People are “in Christ” when they believe to the point of putting their trust in Christ instead of themselves.
Series: Ezekiel
Hope in Ezekiel
Ezekiel 37-48
Hope involves: the future, something better and security/confidence.
To hope is to be confident that something better is in the future.
People have not overcome the propensity to fail and remain broken.
Ezekiel 37 hope for the future
6 future promises for the exiles
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A return to their homeland
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A united kingdom
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Holiness
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A servant king
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A peaceful, long Life
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God’s presence with them
Christians are people who believe in future promises.
Ezekiel 38-39 hope that is secure
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33
The only way to know for sure that God is faithful is to face adversity.
Ezekiel 40-48 hope for the better
Ezekiel once again gets a vision of the glory of God, and His response was fear and worship.
When people submit to the Lordship of God, they experience life flowing from within them.
Christians do not have hope in a building like the temple Ezekiel envisioned; they believe Jesus is the temple.
Hebrews 9:24-26
Revelation 21:22
In a lost, broken world, we are to be hope bearers.
Series: Ezekiel
A Better Shepherd
Ezekiel 34
With leadership comes responsibility.
woe to the shepherds
God not only cares about who leads, He cares about how they lead.
Titles do not make you faithful.
The right to lead is inextricably tied to a willingness to sacrifice.
Ungodly leadership is never without consequence.
Two results of abdicated leadership:
· needs are unmet
· hope gets diminished
God will deal with ungodly leadership.
a shepherding God
Ezekiel’s Good News: God will directly care for the sheep.
We do not have to settle for secondhand hope. . .hoping in a provision instead of the provider.
Jesus in Ezekiel
I will establish over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will shepherd them. He will tend them himself and will be their shepherd.
I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David will be a prince among them. I, the Lord, have spoken.
Ezekiel 34:22-24
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd
lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11
The greatest blessing will not be the place, but the presence. He is with us now!
Series: Ezekiel
Made New
Ezekiel 36-37
Since the fall, humanity has been drawn to sin and prone to fail.
People have not overcome the propensity to fail and remain broken.
Ezekiel 36
God is just in His judgment of humanity.
Only God Himself can fix people and reestablish holiness.
Man’s heart was the primary casualty in the fall; therefore, holiness must begin in the heart.
Ezekiel 37 the valley of dry bones
the gospel in Ezekiel
Mankind is hopeless apart from God.
Through God, new life is possible.
God gives His Spirit to those who believe in Him.
There is life after death for those who are born again.
No one is too far gone for God to save.
· This vision should affect what you think about others.
· This vision should affect what you think about yourself.
Series: Made New—Ezekiel
Personal Responsibility
Ezekiel 12-22; Ezekiel 18
Recap of Ezekiel
Jerusalem is under threat from the Babylonians, who have taken many leaders captive. One captive, Ezekiel, receives a call to a prophetic ministry which is guided by four visions.
Ezekiel pronounces both judgment and hope for captive Israel.
Ezekiel 12-17
Judgment will come regardless of skepticism.
Judgment will reveal the sovereignty of God.
God’s judgment will be just.
Ezekiel 18
This passage suggests that we do not have to be fatalistic.
We often live with the consequences of our parents’ actions, but we are always judgedaccording to our own deeds; therefore, don’t blame others for your actions.
This passage affirms sole competency:
We will all stand individually before God in judgment.
I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one.
Ezekiel 22:30
Jesus proclaimed new life came through repentance and belief.
Mark 1:15
If Sole Competency is true...
Series: Made New—Ezekiel
When God Brings Judgment
Ezekiel 4-11
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;
I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
Recap of Ezekiel
The people of Israel (Judah) are under threat from the Babylonians who have taken many leaders captive through two separate deportations occurring over a 10-year span.
Ezekiel is in Babylon and receives a call to a prophetic ministry which is guided by four visions. Ezekiel’s ministry reveals that God is in control even when the world seems out of control.
Ezekiel 4-7 The Prediction of Judgment
God is holy, and He demands holiness from His people.
God will judge sin.
The primary reason for judgment is idolatry, which is loving anything more than God.
We have a tendency to think of idols as external things, but idols come from inside of us.
Ezekiel 8-11 The Vision of the Temple Destruction
There is a progressive nature to idolatry. A step away from the Creator may take you farther than you intend.
Lessons for Us
If God judged Israel, He will judge us.
God’s judgment is not the result of a lack in His mercy; it is a result of a lack in our repentance.
God included Ezekiel to reveal the need of a Savior.
For those who trust Christ, God’s mercy endures forever.
Series: Made New—Ezekiel
A Vision of God
Ezekiel 1-3
Ezekiel is a difficult book to read; nevertheless, it either develops or supports many key doctrines of the Christian faith.
An Overview of Ezekiel
Ezekiel reveals that God is in control even when the world seems out of control.
The book of Ezekiel is guided by four visions that the prophet encounters.
Ezekiel’s life and message are intermingled. He not only gives the word, but he lives the word.
Key phrases in the book are: Sovereign Lord, the Hand of the Lord, Son of Man, and the Word of the Lord.
The people thought that their captivity was their major problem, but Ezekiel shows that their problem is the hardness of their hearts.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
Ezekiel 1 The First Vision
· God is vastly different from us.
· God is more capable than we can imagine.
· God is holier than we understand.
· Seeing God more clearly allows us to see ourselves more clearly.
Ezekiel 2-3 The Prophet’s Call
Lessons for Us
To serve God wholeheartedly, a person must know God deeply.
Keeping focus on God helps keep problems in perspective.
No matter what, God is with His people.
Series: Shareable
Sharing with the World
Romans 15:13-24
Circles of Impact
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
When Saul is converted, he is given a new name (Paul) and a new purpose.
Hitting the Target
To hit the target, we must remember our primary mission.
To hit the target, we have to be Gospel-centric.
What is the gospel?
Jesus died for our sins, so we don’t have to.
To hit the target, we must focus on people who are unengaged and unreached.
To hit the target, we must live sacrificially for the spread of the gospel.
Ways to Take the Gospel to the World
· Give
· Pray
· Go
· Engage locally
Today’s Takeaways
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Every person, in every place, needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Christ in us will always call us to focus beyond our immediate circle.
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Sacrificial living, going and giving are a part of the call of every follower of Jesus.
Series: Shareable
Sharing with your Network
John 4
JOHN 4
biblical truths
God uses brokenness to lead us to repentance.
Only a relationship with Jesus can truly and permanently satisfy the soul.
Jesus saves people and then mobilizes people to share the good news.
Our past does not exclude us from sharing.
Our personal testimony is a crucial tool when sharing with our network.
The Goal is to lead people to Jesus, not to ourselves.
Most people feel unqualified to share.
helpful tips
· Listen for brokenness
· Learn to turn conversations to spiritual things.
· Have a Go-To Method
3 Circles
key questions
key questions
“where do you see yourself in the 3 Circles?”
“Is there anything that would keep you from repenting and believing the Gospel right now?”
Be gracious, regardless of the answers.
Series: Shareable
Sharing with your Family
Colossians 4:2-6
The New Testament expectation is for us to share the gospel with our family.
Jesus did not let him but told him, “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:19
the struggle of sharing with family
· We think that our families won’t accept Christ.
· We are afraid we will damage our relationship.
· We feel ill-equipped.
No one will love your family more than you do.
family dynamics
Age and nature of relationship affect how you share the gospel with your family.
If you are sharing with a child, repetition and influence are vital.
If you are sharing with an adult, a singular, clear presentation undergirded by a loving lifestyleis often better.
2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, 4 so that I may make it known as I should. 5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
Colossians 4:2-6
Universal Advice
Devote yourself to praying for your loved one.
Give thanks for your family.
Remember what sharing the gospel means.
4 Key Words
God – God made us & loves us.
Us – We blew it and must pay for it.
Christ – Christ paid for it.
You – You (and I) must receive Him.
Strive to live like a believer.
Be kind and respectful.
Until they believe
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Do not take the blame for unbelief.
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Don’t give up.
Series: Shareable
Is it Shareable?
Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.
Romans 1:16-17
the Gospel is Shareable
Because we can be proud of the Gospel
But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God
I Corinthians 1:23-24
Because the Gospel is good news
Gospel content:
· There is a holy, creator God to whom all people are accountable.
· Man, by his own will, has become sinful.
· Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the price for sin has been paid.
· Man has to respond in faith.
Because the gospel is powerful
the righteousness of God
changed lives = demonstrated/transformative righteousness
changed verdict = declared/forensic righteousness
Because the gospel only requires faith
But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.
Romans 4:5
Because the gospel is available to everyone who believes.
You cannot share what you do not have.
EASTER 2022
Luke 24:1-11
The first Easter began with disappointment and death.
The Christian faith hinges on an historical, physical resurrection of Jesus.
resurrection “proof”
· Post-resurrection appearances
· The persecution and martyrdom of the disciples
· The rapid advance of the gospel
· The faith of Jesus’ brothers
· The importance of women in the resurrection accounts
Luke 24:1-12
lessons from the tomb
Humanity seeks to cover the stench of pain.
Humanity seeks relief from pain, but we are prone to look for life in dying places.
Only faith in the resurrection of Christ brings enduring hope.
My Next Step ___________________
Series: Crossroads
A Picture of Humility
Mark 9 &10
God hates pride.
God resists the proud
but gives grace to the humble.
I Peter 5:5
Pride is humanity at its worst.
You can follow Jesus and still struggle with pride.
Mark 9-10
All of Jesus’ ministry is pointing to the cross.
It is possible to admire humility without becoming humble.
Pride can be hidden, and humility can be faked.
Humility only comes when pride is exposed.
But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:43-45
keys to humility
1) Remember you were placed here to serve.
2) Remember Jesus’ death on the cross.
Jesus’ death on the cross is the supreme example of humility; however, humility is not developed by observing Jesus on the cross. It is developed by understanding why He was on the cross.
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.
Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to the point of death
— even to death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
Series: Church Stuff
Church Generosity
Acts 4:32-43
concentric circles of belief
We believe that Christians should be generous givers.
Generous giving aids in our sanctification and generous giving helps accomplish God’s purposes.
Talking about giving makes people uncomfortable.
· Some churches and leaders abuse money.
· Some feel their giving is insignificant.
· Some are convicted.
why we give
We give because we believe the Gospel.
When you believe in Christ, it affects your thinking and your desires.
We give because we are connected with God’s people.
We give because we have a new perception of life.
We give because we have a new perspective about possessions.
God’s plan to develop financial perspective is generous giving.
your giving profile
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A Never Giver
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An Occasional Giver
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A Regular Giver
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An Over and Above Giver
2 personal questions:
Am I using His resources like a believer?
Am I willing to take a Next Step Forward in my giving?
Series: Church Stuff
Church Service
I Corinthians 12:12-27
concentric circles of belief
Every believer is expected to serve others.
1 Corinthians
God has uniquely gifted you to serve the church.
· There are different gifts/roles.
· God has given gifts, ministries, and jobs to each person.
· God calls you to help others, not simply help yourself.
· Every community role is determined by God.
Your value is not determined by your role, but by your connection to the body.
Whatever your role is, your role is essential.
internal roles
· Serve in your Life Group.
· Serve in a church program/organizational ministry.
external roles
· Serve in the community.
Matthew 5:16
how can I get involved?
in church
· Ask someone who serves.
· Review our Porter opportunities booklet.
· Fill out a Next Step card.
in the community
· Serve in places that are naturalto you.
· Serve in places that are near you.
· Serve in places where needexists.
Series: Church Stuff
Church Ordinances
Acts 2; I Corinthians 11
Church ordinances are activities Jesus initiated during His earthly ministry and commanded the church to continue. Baptists believe there are two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We do not believe they are sacraments or means of grace. Grace comes by faithalone.
Baptism
1. The Mode of Baptism: We believe all baptismal candidates should be fully immersed.
· The word “baptidzo”means to dunk or to plunge.
· All examples in the New Testament are immersions.
2. The Moment of Baptism: We believe people should be baptized after they profess faith.
3. The Meaning of Baptism: We believe baptism is a symbolic expression of faith.
Why do we require baptism if it is symbolic?
· It follows Jesus’ example.
· It was a foundational practice of the church.
· It is symbolic of the gospel. Romans 6:4
· It signifies a real-life change. Romans 6:4
· It requires humility.
Communion
Communion looked different in the early church than it does now.
Every church has unique communion traditions.
Porter preferences
· Periodically, 4-6 times a year
· A service dedicated to communion
Porter convictions
· Communion should be taken corporately.
· Communion is symbolic, not sacramental.
I Corinthians 11:23-25
Why do we practice the Lord’s Supper?
· It helps people to remember Jesus’ death.
· It focuses Christians’ attention on Jesus.
· It reminds believers of the exclusivity of Christ.
Acts 4:12
John 14:6
· It unites the congregation around faith in Christ.
I Corinthians 11:33
Series: Church Stuff
Church Structure
Ephesians 4; I Peter 5; Hebrews 13
A church is a God-initiated, covenant community sharing core beliefs while fulfilling God’s purposes.
Concentric Circles of Belief
church convictions
Porter is a local, autonomous, congregationally-governed, pastor-led, covenantal community.
· a local church
A church was established as believers gathered regularly for worship in a specific place.
· an autonomous church
· a congregationalist church
There is not a command for a specific form of church government in the New Testament.
· covenantal community
The purpose of membership:
1) selecting leaders
2) congregational structure
3) effective pastoring
· pastor led
The character of the leader and the function of the structure were of greater importance than the title of the leader of the form of the structure.
I Peter 5:1-6
Hebrews 13:7-9; 17-18
Series: Church Stuff
Church Defined
Acts 2
The American way of thinking is harming the way Americans think about church.
The modern church is often consumeristic, where attendees act like spectators and disconnecting is normal.
What is a church? A God-initiated, covenant community sharing core beliefs while fulfilling God’s purposes
God-initiated
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock
I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Matthew 16:18
covenant community
The Bible describes the church as a family, a holy nation, and a human body.
Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function,in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.
Romans 12:4-5
core beliefs
Concentric Circles of Belief
the purposes of the church
The church exists to make Jesus known and to become more like Him.
ACTS 2
Church often has moments of joy and hardship; however, when real community happens, it is worth it.
If you would like information about joining our church, please fill out the Next Step Card to connect with a pastor OR go the counseling room after service OR attend Discover Porter on February 27. (To RSVP, please email sharyl@portermemorial.net)
Series: Reset
Angry with God
The Book of Job
Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish,
for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:22-23
God offers new mercy daily, but people resist because of past failures, present emotions,priority problems and prolonged pain.
the story of Job
There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.
Job 1:1
In life, difficulties are not evenly distributed.
The cause and purpose of suffering do not originate from the same source.
Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life.
The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job 1:21
Is it okay to be angry with God?
God’s response to our anger
· God is merciful, even when we are angry.
· He allows us space to be honest.
· He meets us where we are.
· He speaks truth to us.
Leaning into mercy
Be honest, yet humble.
Ask for forgiveness.
Re-engage through spiritual disciplines.
Remember God’s promise of future hope.
See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of
Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought
about—the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
James 5:11
What Satan intends for evil often becomes God’s greatest
triumph.
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
Job 19:25
Series: RESET
A Divided Heart
Various Texts
He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your mind.
Matthew 22:37
Love is what God desires FROM you; love is what God desires FOR you.
You are most alive when you are most in love with God.
the story of Demas
Philemon 22-24; Colossians 4:7-14; 2 Timothy 4:10
this is dangerous
· A divided heart happens almost imperceptibly and, if unchecked, continues to progress.
· A divided heart affects you and those around you.
· Some people leave the faith because of misplaced devotion.
· If the object of your supreme devotion is anything but God, it will leave you disappointed.
I John 2:15-17
Misplaced priorities, heightened anxiety and increased apathy are all signs of a divided heart.
a path to singular devotion
- Understand the danger of loving the world.
I Corinthians 10:1-6, 12
- Seek God first, above all.
Matthew 6:33
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Lean into God’s mercy.
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Spend time focusing on the cross.
Series: RESET
Dealing with Depression
I Kings 19
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
degrees of depression
· Dejection (moments)
· Discouragement (seasons)
· Despondency (stuck)
· Despair (hopeless)
depression tendencies
· Depressed people often push people away, but feel like they are being ignored.
· Depressed people sometimes exaggerate their worries and ignore God’s provision.
· Depressed people can unhealthily focus on self.
· Depressed people can develop a warped view of God.
Elijah I Kings 19
Depression can affect anyone, even godly people.
how God responds
God ministers to his physical needs.
God lets Elijah express himself.
God speaks truth to Elijah.
God ministers to Elijah’s physical, spiritual and psychological needs.
2 things to remember
ü Remember that God is merciful.
ü Remember that the devil is a liar.
3 things to do
ü Confront the enemy’s lies by seeking God’s Word.
ü Put your focus on others.
ü Affirm the Gospel is true.
Series: Reset
Failure is Not Final
Mark 14, John 21
flavors of failure
· Aspirational
· Missional
· Moral
· Covenantal
Simon Peter’s headline Mark 14
the destructive path
· Disappointment
· Shame
· Guilt
· Regret
· Pessimism
Some people try to numb the feelings of failure; others try to embrace their failure.
Failure is NOT a virtue to be celebrated.
A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
John 10:10
the rest of the story John 21
God loves and redeems failures.
Facing your past is a part of redemption.
God utilizes failures for His purposes and glory.
Failure will not be your last chapter, if you follow Christ.
Series: Reset
Pressing On
Philippians 3:12-21
the value of a reset
· When we start over, we are reminded of mercy.
· There are lessons learned best through the struggles.
· The opportunity for a reset helps your hope flourish.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
reset tips
Have a good understanding ofgrace.
Have a realistic perception of yourself.
Work hard.Grace does not excuse effort; it fuels it.
Spiritual growth does not happen without a fight!
People are at different stages in the sanctification process.
Understanding our own struggle leads us to patience with others.
Look for positive examples and imitate them.
Remember who you are – you are a citizen of heaven!
2022 Porter Reset Challenge
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Read your bible daily.
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Make church attendance a priority.
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Give regularly.
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Share Jesus with your network
Series: Incarnation
Incarnation & Hope
Romans 5:1-5; Revelation 21-22
Hope is an essential need of humanity; without hope, death has already tightened its grip of an individual.
Hope can be undermined by pain or delay.
Hope delayed makes the heart sick,
but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
The Incarnation teaches that God came in human form in the person of Jesus.
This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5
the incarnation and hope
The Incarnation reminds me that God is faithful to keep His promises.
The incarnation reveals that God is always at work, even in difficult circumstances.
The incarnation informs our eschatology.
Eschatology = a study of the last things
Two events that bring hope: the return of Jesus and the experience of heaven.
Revelation 21-22
Today’s Takeaways:
Series: The Incarnation
The Incarnation and Missions
Philippians 2:5-11;2 Corinthians 5:15-20
RECAP
The Latin word incarnation = to become flesh
The doctrine of the incarnation teaches that Jesus was always God and became a Man.
Jesus is 100% God and 100% Man.
The Incarnation makes justice and mercy possible.
The incarnation & God’s character
•God is an initiative taking God.
•God desires to dwell with humanity.
•God self-sacrifices to accomplish His purposes.
Incarnation & missions
Christians take the initiative to meet the needs of our community.
Christians actively seek to “dwell” with others in our community.
The gospel normally spreads through relationships.
The term “incarnational” has been used to describe Christian mission work that emphasizes “dwelling” with those we are trying to reach.
Risks of incarnational ministry
•It is easy to lose your distinctiveness.
•The closer you are to people the more difficult it becomes to share your faith.
Christian missions have not been done until the Christian message has been shared.
Sacrifice for the mission is normal behavior for Christian people.
Today’s takeaways
What needs has God impressed upon your heart? Take the Initiative
Where can you engage people outside of church? Dwell with them
How can you help spread the message of Jesus? Sacrifice for it
Series: The Incarnation
God came near
John 1:14; Luke 1:26-37
The inclusion in early creeds, the debate at church councils and the Roman calendar all show the importance the early Christians placed on the birth of Jesus.
Incarnation
The Latin word incarnation = to become flesh
John 1:14
Christians believe that Jesus is both God and Man.
It is easy to emphasize one nature and neglect the other.
The early church struggled to understand how these truths related to each other. At the Council of Ephesus in 421 AD, the church came to an agreement: Jesus had 2 natures, but He was only one essence.
Jesus is 100% God and 100% Man.
the Virgin Birth
Luke 1:26-37
The sinful nature of man is present at birth. The Virgin Birth circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man.
Christians affirm that God can do the supernatural.
why Incarnation?
Jesus did not come to earth so God could understand man; Jesus came to earth so man could understand God.
Hebrews 1:3
Through Jesus’ earthly life, we know what God is like and that God cares for us.
Hebrews 4:15
Jesus left the glory of heaven for the purpose of saving sinful man.
1 Timothy 2:5-6
Today’s Takeaways
The Incarnation assures us God will always be with us.
No matter what we are going through, we can know that Jesus can help us—He has been there.
In the life of Jesus, we have an example of how to live
and treat others.
Because of Jesus’ incarnation, we have hope of forgiveness.
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Kingdom Benefits
Matthew 7:24-29
The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ teaching about what it means to be a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven.
A person becomes a Kingdom citizen through faith in God.
the benefits package
Entrance into the kingdom of heaven
The privilege of knowing God personally
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24-25
The parable of the builders teaches us about foundations, time, endurance and choices.
The possibility of a transformed life
Our good works are a response to grace, not an attempt to maintain our relationship with God.
God’s love language is obedience.
“If you love me, you will keep my commands.”
John 14:15
The transformed life is not the pathway to knowing God, but it is the product of knowing God.
An enduring hope
A guaranteed future blessing
Today’s Takeaways
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Entering the Kingdom
Matthew 7:13-23
Sermon Overview
· The focus of the Sermon on the Mount is citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven--what a citizen is like, how he/she behaves, and how a person can gain access.
· The sermon exposes the gap between people’s obedience and God’s expectations.
· Citizenship is granted to those who humbly come to God through Jesus.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Two Different Ways
The two ways differ in appearance, in the volume of traffic, in difficulty of travel, and in destination.
Entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven requires trusting Jesus, not yourselves.
“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit.
Matthew 7:15-16
False Prophets
There will always be those who undermine trusting Jesus.
Recognizing anti-Jesus “prophets” and philosophies is dependent upon an understanding of God’s Word and a grasp of what kingdom citizenship looks like.
On That Day
There is a difference between possession and profession.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name? Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’
Matthew 7:22-23
Today’s Takeaways
Many will miss the Kingdom of Heaven.
Not every spiritual teacher or philosophy is helpful/accurate.
No one will be saved by works, not even by good work.
Entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven is dependent upon a relationship with Jesus.
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Citizenship Test
Matthew 7:8-12
Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20
The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ teaching about what it means to be a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The entrance test for the Kingdom of Heaven is complete, perfect righteousness.
Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
ask, seek and Knock
All three actions (ask, seek, knock) require faith.
All three require to look outside of yourself for help.
it will be given to you
This verse does NOT teach prosperity Gospel.
how much more will your Father
Jesus invites us to call on Him for righteousness.
your next step
Publicly commit your life to Christ as Savior.
Follow Jesus in believer’s baptism.
Connect with a local church.
Trust Him to help you live for Christ.
do unto others
The golden rule teaches us to love like God loves us.
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Do Not Judge
Matthew 7:1-6
“Do not judge”
The phrase “do not judge” is not to be used for self-justification.
“Do not judge” does not mean accept all practices/beliefs.
judgmentalism (vs) right judgment
· Judgment is evaluating a person’s action.
· Judgmentalism is evaluating a person’s worth/character/motives.
Being judgmental doesn’t make your evaluation wrong, it just makes you wrong.
the danger of judgmentalism
· You assume the role of God. (1-2)
· You take the focus off of yourself. (3-4)
· You look foolish. (3-4)
· You lose the ability to be helpful. (5)
· You damage your soul. (6)
help for a judgmental spirit
Acknowledge that you are not God.
Focus on your own sin.
Realize that God has shown mercy to you.
Be gracious to others.
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Value and the Kingdom
Matthew 6:19-24
What are the most valuable things you have?
What makes them valuable?
A Kingdom Citizen values God and His will above all else.
treasure
A treasure is anything that we ascribe value to; set our affection on, or find significance in.
storing up treasures
If you store something, you believe it will endure and hold its value.
Threat Assessment:
How will circumstances affect your treasure?
How will time affect your treasure?
How could people affect your treasure?
What you treasure reveals your heart’s condition.
the eye is the lamp of the body
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
two masters
Earthly treasures will consistently lead to divided loyalties.
focusing on the kingdom while on earth
Pay attention to your heart.
When tempted, focus on the cross of Jesus.
Practice daily generosity.
Remember this world is temporal,
and there is life after this life.
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Pure Motives
Matthew 6:1-18
Kingdom citizens are pure in attitudes, actions, thoughts and motives.
· You can only be reasonably confident about your own motives.
· Your motives do not always justify your behavior failures.
· You can do the right thing for the wrong reason.
Kingdom citizens not only do the right thing, but they do it for the right reason.
Matthew 6:1
Correct actions with improper motives do not please God.
Matthew 6:2-4 when you give to the poor
The key to godly giving is anonymity.
Matthew 6:5-15 Whenever you pray
The keys to heartfelt prayer are privacy and simplicity.
Matthew 6:16-18 Whenever you fast
The key to fasting is to be discreet.
Today’s Takeaways
-
A person’s private life is of greater concern to God than their public displays.
-
God will judge the intention of the heart.
-
People often trade God’s reward for man’s applause.
-
God will forgive sins of action and sins of intention, but forgiveness is only found in turning to Christ.
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Kingdom Citizens & the Law Part 2
Matthew 5:33-48
Kingdom citizens are different from people who do not believe.
The holiness required for kingdom citizenship is heart deep.
The failure to meet moral standards is eternally dangerous.
3 Uses of Biblical Law
· To inform civil law
· To reveal/convict of failure
· To guide believers toward holiness
Jesus doesn’t interpret the law to create a new form of legalism, but He does give us principles to live by.
Matthew 5:33-37
Guiding Principle # 5 Be truthful, at all times.
Matthew 5:38-41
Guiding Principle # 6 Trust God to care for you.
Matthew 5:42
Guiding Principle # 7 Help those in need.
Matthew 5:42-47
Guiding Principle # 8 Love is always the right answer.
Love is our distinguishing feature.
Matthew 5:48
Guiding Principle # 9 Repent of your failure and trust the merciful Father.
Today’s Takeaways
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Kingdom Citizens and the Law
Matthew 5:21-32
We are not under the law, but under Christ.
Romans 6:14
3 Purposes of the Law
· The civil purpose of the law. (Guardrail)
· The conviction purpose of the law. (Mirror)
Romans 3:20
· The guiding purpose of the law. (Flashlight)
Matthew 28:20
Christians are not called to adhere to all of the Old Testament laws.
Hebrews 8:13
Christians are to look to Jesus to provide an understanding for how to interpret the law.
Matthew 5:21-26
The root cause of sin is much deeper than external actions.
I John 3:15
Guiding Principle #1
Since our relationship with God is affected by our relationship with others, we should prioritize reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:26-27
Matthew 5:27-32
Guiding Principle #2
Because sin runs deep, we must guard our hearts.
Colossians 3:2
Guiding Principle #3
We should set healthy boundaries for ourselves.
Legalism is not setting boundaries. Legalism is setting boundaries for others.
Roman 6:15
Guiding Principle #4
We must take sin seriously.
DIVORCE LINK
Today’s Takeaways
Since believers are in Christ, they must hold themselves to a higher standard not a lower one.
Grace cannot serve as an excuse to sin.
Believers are to run to the cross in failure and in success.
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Entering the Kingdom
Matthew 5:17-20; 48
The Kingdom of Heaven
The theme of the kingdom of heaven is mentioned eighttimes in the Sermon on the Mount. When Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven, He is referring to the reign of God. There is analready/not yet aspect to the kingdom of heaven.
One of the functions of the Sermon on the Mount is to describe those who will experience the kingdom.
Many erroneously believe that “good people” will experience the kingdom of heaven. To believe this, they must:
· deny their own failures.
· ignore the high expectations of God.
· believe Jesus will simply overlook their sin.
Matthew 5:17
How does Jesus “fulfill” the law?
-
He models perfect obedience.
-
He reveals the law’s true meaning.
-
His condemnation/death exposes the guilt of humanity.
-
His death fulfills the law’s demands.
Matthew 5:18
Jesus affirms the absolute authority of all of the scripture.
Matthew 5:19
Matthew 5:20; 48
The law demanded absolute perfection to enter heaven.
Romans 3:21-24
Today’s Takeaways
Man does not have the authority to lower the standards of God.
Complete purity is required to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Recognizing sinfulness is foundational to entering the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus, through His death, provides access to God and His kingdom for us.
Series: Sermon on the Mount
The Horizontal Effect
Matthew 5:7-16
The real battlefield of humanity is in the heart.
People disagree as to the intended purpose of the sermon. Is it intended to expose our shortcomings or is it a pattern for living that brings God’s blessings?
the Beatitudes
Markarios: Happy because you are favored by God.
All of the Beatitudes are counter cultural.
merciful
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:7
Mercy can refer to forgiveness, or mercy can refer to compassion for the hurting.
pure in heart
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8
peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9
Peacemaking is not compromising our standards or always avoiding differences.
James 3:17
Peacemaking is seeking to restore relationships and replacing evil with good.
Persecuted
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12
2 Timothy 3:12
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Today’s Takeaways:
Our relationship with God impacts the way we relate to others.
Our failure should lead to gratitude for the cross.
While we are not perfect, God uses our transformed lives in order to offer hope to others.
Matthew 5:13-16
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Attributes of Kingdom Citizens
Matthew 5-7
The Sermon on the Mount
This is the first of five sermons in Matthew. Most of the teaching is found in different contexts in other gospels. There are three types of material found in the sermon as printed: Beatitudes, ethical commands, and contrasts between Jesus’ teaching and prevailing traditions. The focus is not so much on performance, but more on character.
Jesus starts to teach them about what people in His kingdom are like.
Μακάριοι... those who are/will be happy, fortunate or are to be congratulated.
Jesus’ teachings are counter cultural and counter intuitive.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3
Kingdom Characteristic #1:
Recognizing spiritual bankruptcy without God.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Kingdom Characteristic #2:
Comprehending the depth of their sin and grieving over it.
I John 1:9
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 (ESV)
Kingdom Characteristic #3
Understanding that strength is from God and remaining humble.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.Matthew 5:6
Kingdom Characteristic #4
Realizing that only God satisfies and choosing to desperately seek Him.
I John 2:15-17
Today’s Takeaways
-
Jesus’ teachings about are often paradoxical.
-
The heart is the true battleground of humanity.
-
The directives of Jesus are unattainable without Him.
Series: Apostle’s Creed
Until He Comes Again
Acts 1:1-11
Recap
Creeds are simple, concise statements revealing the essential beliefs of believers. The Apostle’s Creed is the oldest, widely utilized creed. The creed summarizes the key components of the apostle’s teaching.
Creeds are not infallible and, therefore, should not be treated as Scripture.
He ascended into heaven,
Acts 1:1-11
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
I John 1:8-2:1
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
Galatians 5:22-23
The Spirit transforms us is through our weaknesses and our confession of our need for God.
Ephesians 1:13-14
the holy catholic church,
catholic = universal
the communion of saints,
communion = together as one (local expression)
Romans 12:4-5
the forgiveness of sins
Today’s Takeaways:
Be confident. Christ is the Lord of heaven, and He is in control of our life.
Be faithful. We have the responsibility to represent our King well.
Get Connected. The church is God’s plan for all of His people.
Live in peace. The presence of the Holy Spirit guarantees God will not abandon you.
My Next Step (put a box to check here on each of these... )
Ask God to produce the fruit of Spirit in my life.
Get connected to a local church family.
Put my faith in Christ as my Savior.
Be baptized into the church to show my faith.
Series: Apostle’s Creed
Of Most Importance
I Corinthians 15:1-7
Recap
Creeds are simple, concise statements revealing the essential beliefs of believers. The Apostle’s Creed is the oldest universal creed, and its goal is to summarize the key components of the apostle’s teaching. No creed is infallible and, therefore, should not be treated as Scripture.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;
The reference to Pilate establishes the crucifixion as a historical fact.
In the brutality of the cross, we see God’s displeasure with sin.
He Descended to the dead.
Regardless of interpretation, the phrase “He descended to the dead” shows the extent of His love.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
why I believe in the resurrection
· the multiple witnesses
· the martyr death of the disciples
· the rapid spread of the message
· the faith of his brothers
· an internal affirmation of truth
Today’s Takeaways:
The cross reminds us that all people are broken and need to be reconciled with God.
The resurrection validates Christ’s payment for our sin and assures our victory over the grave.
The cross should smash our pride.
The cross declares that you do not have to carry your sin--Jesus has taken it away!
Series: The Apostle’s Creed
Jesus’ Identity
Philippians 2:5-11
Recap
The Latin word Credo means “to believe.” Creeds were statements about faith essentials. The Bible is our final authority, but we can find value in some historical creeds.
The Apostle’s Creed is one of the oldest creeds and seeks to provide a summary account of the 12 Apostles’ teachings about Christ.
The Apostle’s Creed focuses on the fact that Christians believe in a Triune God.
Christology = the study of the Person, Nature and Work of Jesus.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord
Matthew 16:13-16
.
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary.
John 1:1-3, 14
Jesus has always been fully God, and he became fully man.
Luke 1:1-3
Today’s Takeaways
Understanding the person of Jesus can guard you from heretical teaching.
The God-Man Jesus enables us to understand the nature of God and the intended nature of man.
Hebrews 1:1-3
The fact that God the Son came to earth reveals the love of God for humanity.
Philippians 2:5-11
Series: The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God the Father
Jude 3
the apostle’s creed
The word “creed” comes from the Latin word “credo,” meaning “I believe.” The Apostle’s Creed is one of the earlier creeds (ca 375-400 AD). It was originally written in Latin and was called the ‘Apostles’ Creed’ because it was believed to be an accurate summary of apostolic teaching.
Creeds, Confessions & Statements of Faith
· Creeds are simple, concise, liturgical written statements which primarily deal with essentials of the faith.
· Confessions/Statements of Faith are more detailed works that deal with both primary and secondary doctrines.
· Catechisms are a series of question and answers designed to teach the faith.
The Bible is the primary and final authority in all of our church’s beliefs and decisions.
the value of creeds
· Formation
· Distinction
· Connection to History
· Connection to Community
While the creeds hold value, they are not inerrant.
I believe in God,
Romans 10:9-10
The creed’s construction highlights the importance of the Trinity.
the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Psalm 103:8-13
Our God is infinitely powerful, yet He is intimately personal.
Jeremiah 32:27
Genesis 1
· His creation was ex nihilo.
· His creation was easy.
· His creation was good.
· His creation was purposeful.
Acts 17:22-27
John 1:12
Today’s Takeaways
We must know that a creed has no saving power, but it can point us to biblical truth.
Our God is a Trinity and, thereby, a loving, relational God.
Understanding that God is infinitely powerful and intimately relational is essential to having a healthy personal identity.
Through Jesus, we can know Him as Father and find rest for our souls.
Series: The Art of Forgiveness
Reconciliation: Beauty Mixed with Mystery
Philemon 12-25
Philemon’s Purposes:
To reveal that God can forgive anyone.
To admonish Christians to forgive and seek reconciliation.
Recap
Philemon is the shortest letter of Paul. It was written to an individual member of the church at Colosse. The 3 main characters in the book are Philemon, Paul and Onesimus.
Philemon 12-25
Biblical Lessons for Us
-
Forgiven people forgive people.
-
Reconciliation is not the same thing as forgiveness
Forgiveness deals with retaliation; reconciliation deals with relationship.
-
Reconciliation does not always mean the past relationship is the same.
-
Reconciliation is a humble, volitional, two party activity.
If you are the offender
ü Repent
ü Ask for forgiveness,
ü Make amends
Matthew 5:23-26
If you are the offended
ü Release your right to retaliate
ü Work on your part
ü Acknowledge God’s sovereignty
ü Confirm repentance
ü Be realistic
Romans 12:16-19
- Reconciliation is a powerful witness.
the Gospel in Philemon
All of our relationships provide an opportunity to point people to Christ, even those that require forgiveness.
Series: The Art of Forgiveness
The Beauty of Redemption
Philemon
Book of Philemon
Philemon is the shortest of Paul’s writings. It was written from prison sometime between AD 55-62. The letter to Philemon has close connections to the book of Colossians.
Philemon was a private letter. The letter focuses on three people: Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus.
The slavery problem
Galatians 3:28
Philemon
Onesimus = Useful
pote = Formerly, Once, Then
de nuni = But Now, Currently
Biblical Lessons
1. We all have a past of which we need forgiveness.
2. We all have a debt we cannot pay -- only Christ can cover our sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Double imputation (2-WAY TRANSFER):
My Sin on Jesus, His Righteousness in me
3. People in Christ are transformed.
o Our standing has changed.
o Our Character is changed.
Colossians 3:7
o The trajectory of our lives has changed.
4. It takes transformed hearts to experience true forgiveness.
July 4, 2021
Appropriately Patriotic
Psalm 33:10-22
Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters.
Fear God. Honor the emperor.
I Peter 2:17
Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait
for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20
Patriotic Mistakes
· Confusing Patriotism with Christianity
· Claiming that Patriotism is Idolatry
An Appropriately Patriotic Christ Follower
Acknowledges nations are temporary and only God is eternal
Remembers God honors the nation that honors Him
Faith’s Influence on America
Faith inspired the settlement of America.
Faith influenced the education of America.
Faith encouraged the leaders of America.
Faith shaped the heart of America.
Knows God is the source of our hope--not our military or our wealth.
“America is great because America is good. If she ceases to be good, she’ll cease to be great.”
Alexis de Tocqueville
Realizes the most patriotic thing you can do for your country is to live a Godly life.
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 14:34
Series: Open House
Hospitality and the Church
3 John
Hospitality…
· was valued in the Scripture and in the culture.
· is consistent with the character of God.
· is a key part of the Christian mission strategy.
· is expected to be prevalent among church members.
3 John
Quick Facts
It was written between 60 - 90 AD.
Historically, it has been attributed to John, the apostle.
It is the shortest book in the Greek New Testament.
It focuses on 3 men: Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius.
The Context
The congregations still met primarily in homes. Mission work is expanding rapidly. The early church was still governed by the apostles; however, the leadership structure of the church was starting to transition.
The Message
Christians and churches are expected to be hospitable, especially toward those who are serving Jesus.
The Text
“I have no greater joy than this:
to hear that my children are walking in truth.”
“you are acting faithfully in whatever you do
for the brothers and sisters, especially when they are strangers.”
“we ought to support such people so that
we can be coworkers with the truth.”
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.”
biblical lessons
The one who knows God is transformed. The lack of Christian obedience is to be regarded as a mark of an absence of a Christian experience.
A part of “walking in the truth” is living a hospitable lifestyle.
All Christians are called to missionary investment.
Hospitality is a billboard for Jesus.
Series: Open House
Hospitality & Discipleship
I Thessalonians 2:8-12
models of discipleship
ü Family Discipleship
ü Formal Discipleship Programs
ü Face-to-Face Discipleship
The smaller the circle, the greater the amount of influence.
We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share
with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
I Thessalonians 2:8
small groups are effective
Most people are visual learners, or they learn through asking questions.
When people gather in small groups, family is formed.
Invariably, leaders are developed.
Personal issues can be addressed.
why believers resist small groups
· We are afraid of being embarrassed.
Vulnerability leads to Discipleship.
· We don’t trust people.
· We forget the purpose of gathering.
· We don’t think we know how to do it.
small group advice
-
Be intentional to connect with a small group.
-
Meet with your group off campus.
-
Keep it simple: pray, study scripture, talk and eat.
-
Give it time.
Series: Open House
Hospitality to Strangers
The Gospel of Luke
Hospitality reveals that God is a welcoming God.
Hebrews 13:2
Jesus frequently used a social gathering to evangelize the lost and build disciples. There is generosity in serving a meal, humility in receiving one, and fellowship in eating together.
Luke 5:31-32
Luke 15:1-2
Luke 19: 10
the power of hospitality
· It displays value.
· It breaks down barriers: barriers of perception, proximity and apathy.
· It reveals the unique character of Christians.
Hospitality Warnings
There will be an internal resistance to a hospitable lifestyle.
We will constantly struggle to balance Grace and Truth.
There is a cost to hospitality.
Hospitality Starter Kit
Take an inventory of your network.
Diagram your neighborhood…
Do your prayer work.
Develop an intentional strategy.
· Practice hospitality at church.
· Utilize your home as a missional outpost.
o Connect with people in your network.
o Look for the lonely.
o Minister to internationals/students.
Remember the Gospel.
Series: Open House
A Welcoming God
Various Scriptures
what is hospitality?
Hospitality is “the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.”
Hospitality is not simply about what you do; it is about who you are.
Our hospitality or lack of it reveals what we think about people, what we think about ourselves, and what we understand about God.
hospitality theology
God is a Welcoming God.
· This is revealed in and through His Creation.
God is a circle-expanding God – He enjoys bringing more into His fellowship.
· This is understood through His pursuit of self-made strangers.
· This is illustrated through the “Dwell” motif seen throughout Scripture.
Genesis 3:8; Exodus 25:8; I Kings 8:10-13; John 1:14
John 14:16-18; John 14:1-3: Revelation 21:1-3
God loves to see hospitality in His children.
Our sinful nature complicates this.
Leviticus 19:33-34; Acts 2:44-45; I Timothy 3:2 Romans 12:13; I Peter 4:9
The Gospel enables and informs our hospitality.
Because we are sinful by nature, we must be transformed by the gospel.
We can expand the circle because we are confident in our acceptance.
Those touched by the gospel love people.
The gospel enables selflessness.
Romans 5:6-8
Series: Relationship Status
Widowed
I Corinthians 7
Regardless of your relationship status, your role is always to glorify God.
foundational truth about the widowed
· God loves the widowed.
· God expects His people to care for the vulnerable.
· God expects His people to glorify Him in all circumstances, even in grief.
glorifying God through loss
Give yourself permission to grieve.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that
you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
I Thessalonians 4:13
Remain faithful to Jesus.
Ø You have the opportunity to trust God.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Ø Your pain is the greatest opportunity for witness.
Pursue joy through Christ.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:4-5
Stay connected to people.
Look for opportunities to serve the church community.
Let others serve you.
Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27
Keep your eyes on the hope to come.
Today’s Takeaway:
Series: Relationship Status
Divorce
I Corinthians 7
Regardless of your relationship status, your role is always to glorify God.
divorce facts
God hates divorce, not divorced people.
Malachi 2:13-16
Divorce always hurts someone.
Divorce always involves sin.
Sometimes God permits divorce.
when divorce is permitted
· in instances of infidelity
Malachi 2:13-16
· when your spouse abandons you
Malachi 2:13-16
· in cases where abuse is present
What if you are divorced for an unbiblical reason?
glorifying God as a divorced person
Extend forgiveness to your ex-husband or ex-wife.
Don’t try to justify your divorce to others.
Never demean your ex-spouse.
If possible, make amends to those you have hurt.
Help people with relationship struggles, but don’t promote divorce.
Stay involved in church.
Don’t let Satan make you believe you are not loved by God.
Today’s Takeaway
Series: Relationship Status
Married
I Corinthians 7
Regardless of your relationship status, your role is always to glorify God.
definition of marriage
Marriage is a public covenant to a lifelong monogamous, heterosexual relationship.
why is marriage a struggle?
· Marriage is the merging of two wills.
· Most people’s love language is Love of Self.
· You are married to a sinner.
God receives great glory from healthy marriages.
steps for a healthy marriage
Take your own sanctification very seriously; give grace to your spouse.
Sacrificially love your spouse.
Be faithful to your spouse.
Don’t punish your spouse.
Don’t keep score.
Our goal in marriage is to model Christ’s sacrificial love.
Love Advice:
Small actions mean a lot to women;
touch means a lot to a man;
time means a lot to everyone.
Forgive quickly.
Raise your children in the Lord.
Find your contentment in Christ.
Series: Relationship Status
Single
I Corinthians 7
Regardless of your relationship status, your role is always to glorify God.
Discussing singleness is difficult because...
The one who is speaking about being single is not single.
People who are single have vastly different views about being single.
Being single is difficult. Loneliness, sexual temptation, and financial/domestic issues are often real struggles for singles.
I Corinthians 7
Glorifying God as a Single
Be content in your relationship with Christ.
Neither marriage nor singleness can satisfy your heart. Only Christ can do that!
Singleness is portrayed as honorable in scripture.
Contentment doesn’t mean you do not desire or pursue marriage.
Don’t settle; wait for God’s best.
Maintain purity.
Use your time to serve God.
Today’s Takeaways
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Every season of life is for God’s glory.
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Purity is the expectation of every Christian, regardless of age or life stage.
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God has given singles the unique opportunity to invest their life/time for the gospel.
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Churches should intentionally incorporate singles into the family life of the body.
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If a person is not satisfied in Christ, changing his/her relationship status will not change that.
Series: Jesus – In His Own Words
I am the Vine
John 15:1-11
seven “I AM” statements
· They show that Jesus publicly embraced His divinity.
· They reveal the importance of believing in Christ.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.
John 15:1-4a
This passage is Good News. It is intended to encourage believers, not discourage them.
Good News
Jesus actively works in your life to bring fruit from you.
Your connection to Christ is already secure.
Your connection to Christ enables you to love.
Union with Christ can refer to your position in Christ.
Union with Christ can refer to the intimacy you have with God through Christ.
Christianity IS NOT doing something so God will love you.
Christianity IS receiving His love and doing something.
Remain in His Love: The Gospel Response
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Understand what things stir your affection for Jesus.
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Limit activities that rob your love for Him.
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:11
the Gospel Response:
Remain in His love; Trust in His goodness.
Series: Jesus – In His Own Words
I am the Way, the Truth and the Life
John 14:1-11
seven “I AM” statements
· instruct of God’s character, purpose and significance
· reveal that Jesus was aware of His divinity
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3
Don’t Be Troubled
There will be room for you in the Father’s house.
Jesus has prepared a place for you.
Jesus will come and take His people to Heaven.
You know the way to where I am going.”
“Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?”
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
John 14:4-7
“I AM”lessons
The way to connection with God is through believing in Christ.
Jesus is the exclusive way to God.
The truth about God is understood through knowing Christ.
The life promised by God is realized through a relationship with Christ.
Series: Jesus – In His Own Words
I am the Resurrection and the Life
John 11
Over the last year, loss, death and confusion have made life difficult.
John 11
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.
John 11:25
biblical lessons for today
There is life beyond death.
God’s primary goal for your life is faith in Jesus.
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
We don’t have to fear death if we trust Christ.
Series: Jesus – In His Own Words
I am the Resurrection and the Life
John 11
Over the last year, loss, death and confusion have made life difficult.
John 11
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.
John 11:25
biblical lessons for today
There is life beyond death.
God’s primary goal for your life is faith in Jesus.
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
We don’t have to fear death if we trust Christ.
Series: Jesus – In His Own Words
I am the Good Shepherd
John 10:11-21
Everyone puts their trust in someone or something.
seven “I AM” statements
· Instruct of God’s character, purpose and significance
· Reveal that Jesus was aware of His divinity
Ezekiel 34
the Good Shepherd
You can trust Jesus because He leads you relationally.
You can trust Jesus because He has loved you sacrificially.
· His death was vicarious.
· His death was voluntary.
· His death was propitiatory.
He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us,
so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
In Jesus, we see the Good Shepherd become the sacrificial Lamb.
Series: Jesus—In His Own Words
I am the Gate
John 10:1-10
Seven “I AM” statements in John
· reveal that Jesus is fully aware He is GOD.
· reveal Jesus’ nature, purpose, and significance to our lives.
the sheep pen
There were two types of sheep pens in Judea during the first Century. One was connected to a house/structure and had a permanent gate. The other was a temporary structure made of field stones, and its primary characteristic was its open entrance.
I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved
and will come in and go out and find pasture.
John 10:9
reasons for security
Jesus makes us a part of the family of God.
Jesus protects us from our adversaries.
· The gate provides protection from outside enemies.
· The gate protects us from our heart.
· The gate ensures our safe return.
Jesus works for our good.
A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
John 10:10
Today’s Takeaways:
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We have an enemy to our soul.
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The enemy tries to convince us that we don’t need Christ.
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Only Christ can protect us from the enemy.
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Christ gave His life completely so we could have abundant life.
Series: Jesus—In His Own Words
I am the Light of the World
John 8:12
seven “I AM” statements in John
· reveal that Jesus is fully aware He is GOD.
· reveal Jesus’ nature, purpose, and significance to our lives.
the context
Jesus is at Jerusalem during the Festival of the Tabernacles. During this ceremony the people of Israel would live in tents to remind themselves of God providing for them during the journey through the wilderness. There were 2 major parts of the ceremony: the libation ceremony and the illumination of the temple.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world.
He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Observations
Jesus acknowledges the reality of darkness.
· Darkness can refer to negative emotional experiences.
“I Feel dark”
· Darkness can refer to ignorance or foolishness.
“In the dark”
· Darkness also refers to evil.
“There is a darkness here”
· Darkness is used to describe bondage
“trapped in darkness”
Jesus promises Light in the darkness.
The light comes to those who follow Jesus.
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You follow people you trust.
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When you follow, your leader becomes your authority.
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
Jesus has called us to share the light.
Today’s Takeaways:
Series: Jesus—In His Own Words
I am the Bread of Life
John 6:22-40
Seven “I AM” statements in John
· reveal that Jesus is fully aware He is GOD.
· reveal Jesus’ nature, purpose, and significance to our lives.
John 6
Important Observations
Everyone has physical needs that must be met.
God is often relegated to a prosperity charm.
People are blind to the depth of their spiritual need.
Only Christ can satisfy what is lacking in the human heart.
Apart from a divine work in the soul, people remain in their sins.
When we are in Christ, Christ resides in us.
Today’s Takeaways
Series: Trusted Sources
Personal Sources
Proverbs 7
Recap
· Christianity claims truth isobjective and it is revealed from God.
The Wisdom Pyramid
· The Bible is the standard by which we evaluate all other truth claims.
· God reveals truth to us through primary sources and secondary sources.
· To evaluate secondary sources, not only do we need an understanding of the word of God, and Wisdom.
Proverbs 7
Why do people abandon their foundation?
We have an enemy seeking to destroy us.
I Peter 5:8
We often connect our heart to an unproven source.
Proverbs 4:13
2 Corinthians 6:14
Proverbs 13:20
We are slaves to our sin.
The most untrusted source in our life is ourselves.
Jeremiah 17:9
The Bible does not present a story of people trying to figure out the truth and live by it; the Bible is a story of people who have the truth and reject it.
Today’s Takeaways
Series: Trusted Sources
Secondary Sources
Colossians 2:2-2:8
God has revealed Himself in three primary ways:
creation, the church, and Scripture.
Social Engagement
Art/Beauty
Books/Education
Church
Nature
Bible
The Wisdom Pyramid
Brett McCracken
The Bible is not the only source of truth, but truth never contradicts the Bible.
All of God’s revelation is designed to point to Christ.
Colossians 2:2-8
PRACTICAL Discernment Steps
· Stay in the Word.
Psalm 119:130; Psalm 1:1-2
· Ask God for wisdom.
Ephesians 4:14; James 1:5
· Determine the gravitational pull of a source.
Colossians 2:8
· Get in a small group of believers.
Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 13:20
· Realize all secondary sources are fallible.
· Acknowledge the Lordship of Christ.
Today’s Takeaway
Series: Rethinking the Church
Members
Romans 12:1-16
The American way of thinking is harming the way Americans think about church.
The Portrait of the New Testament…
is not a group of consumers.
is not a crowd of spectators.
is not disconnected individuals.
is a human body.
is a family.
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
Romans 12:4-5
Characteristics of a Healthy Church
A healthy church centers around Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be “In Christ”?
· It is a status.
· It is a relationship.
A healthy church recognizes individuality and diversity.
A healthy church is characterized by people who work for their church.
Keys to Healthy Church Communities
· Healthy church members develop over time.
· Healthy church relationships are kept through covenants.
Series: Rethinking Church
ANTIOCH
Acts 11
The series “Rethinking Church”. . .
· is NOT trying to reinvent the church.
· is NOT trying to become culturally acceptable.
· is NOT revamping the message.
· IS seeking to understand how to be more faithful disciple makers in our current context.
Methods are many, principles are few;
methods always change, principles never do.
Unknown
a healthy church model: ANTIOCH
context
Antioch was located 250 miles north of Jerusalem. It was the 3rd largest city in the Roman empire. Daphne was the object of worship of Antioch. The city was known for its lack of morals.
Because of persecution in Jerusalem, believers moved to Antioch and started proclaiming Jesus.
Antioch Principles
· The Antioch church was intentionally evangelistic.
· The congregation was multicultural.
Antioch was the first Gentile church in the world.
· There was a winsome, joyful spirit in the church.
· They were committed to discipleship.
The term “Christian” originated there.
· Antioch believers were concerned about others.
· They were innovative.
The first mission team was commissioned at Antioch.
Six “musts” for the American church
Sharing the gospel must be the primary goal.
Churches must strive to reconcile rather than to divide.
Methodological adaptation must be embraced.
Believers must live sacrificially.
Sending out must become a major win.
The power of God must be present among the church.
Series: A Season of Grace
Resting in Grace
Matthew 11:28-30
Forms of Grace
· Saving grace
· Living grace
· Outward grace
· Internal grace
28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
There is a pandemic of weariness in our world.
The universal desire is to unburden one’s self.
Every relief method other than Christ will take more from you than it ever gives to you.
Jesus’ promise: Rest for your soul.
the Jesus way
· He is gentle to the weary.
· He is accessible to those who come to Him.
The promise is rest for our souls, not necessarily relief from our circumstances.
Coming to Jesus Moments
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Acknowledge that you are not capable of fixing your weary soul.
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Pray for peace around you, and trust Jesus to work within you.
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Learn enough about Jesus that you know when you are being led away from Him.
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Turn down the noise. He is Gentle and Lowly.
He will shower you with Kindness & He will lift soul.
TODAY’S TAKEAWAYS
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A person’s burden is what qualifies them to come to Jesus.
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Submission to Jesus Christ brings the greatest liberation a person can experience
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God’s grace to those who come to Jesus is rest for the soul.
Series: A Season of Grace
Outward Grace
Titus 3:1-11
When pressure is applied, what is inside comes out.
· Grace has made us right with God.
· Grace provides guidance for daily living.
· Grace needs to flow from us.
We should display grace in our public lives.
Kindness does not mean agreement--it means kindness.
Humility demands we treat others with grace.
Graciousness is a response to Grace.
Gracious living is beneficial for kingdom advancement.
Today’s Takeaways:
1. Without Christ, we are trapped in sinful patterns that cause divisions and turmoil.
2. Through Jesus, we can respond to adversity with grace and kindness.
3. If we find ourselves with growing animus toward lost people, we are ignoring grace.
4. When grace flows through us, our witness is stronger.
2021: A Year of GRACE
Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.
Titus 2:11-14
Lessons in Grace
It was grace that made us right with God.
GRACE = Unmerited favor; receiving what you do not deserve
common grace mistakes
· Distrusting the concept of grace
· Abusing the gift of grace
· Limiting grace to a past event.
Grace provides direction for the life of a believer.
3 means of living grace
· Scripture intake
· Personal/Corporate prayer
· Participation in church ordinances
Hope is fueled by Grace.
REDEEMED = Restoration of position, dignity and value
2021 RESOLUTIONS
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Trust that God’s grace is greater than my sin.
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Believe that God’s grace enables me to abstain from harmful things/habits.
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Live like there is life after this life.
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Use my life for the glory of God.
Christmas 2020
The Big Gifts of Christmas
Matthew 1
Why People Miss the Message of Christmas
· The story is familiar.
· People get distracted with life.
· People don’t understand the significance of the story.
Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus establishes Him as a part of the line of David.
The genealogy of Matthew 1 reveals God working through history to accomplish His purposes.
The five women (two Gentiles) show the inclusive mission of the Messiah.
Why broken people?
· To display the depth of God’s love for all people
· To reveal that God uses broken people to accomplish His purpose
· To prove the inadequacy of human lineage to produce a Messiah
The Miraculous Birth
When a baby is conceived, he/she carries the image of God and at the same time he/she carries the sinful nature.
The Virgin Birth is essential for the Messiah to be sinless and for God to dwell with us.
The Big Gifts of Christmas
Through a sinless Jesus, men can be made right with God.
Through Jesus, man never has to be separated from God again.
Today’s Takeaways
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God loves the broken and will include them in His plan.
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People have hope because God came down to us.
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Every person who believes in Jesus has God living with them.
Series: Faith, Hope & Love
LOVE
I Corinthians 13
Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13
Faith = Trust
Hope = Confidence
Love = Sacrifice
Love is a sacrificial, unconditional giving of one’s self for the good of another.
why is love the greatest?
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Faith and hope are dependent upon love.
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Of faith, hope and love, only love is a Divine activity.
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Jesus declared the distinguishing mark of a believer.
the primacy of love
If you do not love, it doesn’t matter what you say.
If you do not love, it doesn’t matter what you know.
If you do not love, it doesn’t matter what you do.
a description of love
Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. I Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is not an activity we generate... it is a gift given to us.
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. I John 4:9-11
You pursue love by focusing on Jesus.
TODAY’s TAKEAWAYS
1) Love is the defining characteristic of true belief.
2) Love for others is the greatest testimony to the power of the Gospel.
3) We love each other because He has first loved us.
Dealing with Worry
Matthew 6:24-34
Worry Realities
We worry about that to which we are devoted.
What we are most committed to determines what we worry about most.
Worry isn’t simply a response to situations—it is a result of misplaced trust.
Jesus on Worry
· God loves you and will take care of you.
· Worry doesn’t add anything valuable to our lives or solve anything important.
· There is a direct relationship between our worry and our faith in God.
· When we worry, we look like unbelievers.
Our circumstances are our greatest opportunity to show our faith in God.
Jesus’ Solution: Transfer your trust from yourself to Christ.
Jesus’ Practical Steps for Worry
Believe God loves you.
Pray first… before you talk to others.
Evaluate your objects of worry.
Remind yourself that God is in control.
Take life one day at a time.
Today’s Takeaways:
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Worry is a waste of time.
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As long as my kingdom is my priority— I will worry!
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If we seek God’s kingdom first, God will take care of us and worry will diminish!
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Transfer your trust from yourself to Christ.
Series: Faith, Hope & Love… more than décor
FAITH
Hebrews 10:35-11:6
Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13
Every aspect of your life is affected by your faith.
What is meant by Faith when it is used in the Bible?
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. Hebrews 11:1
· An intellectual element to faith
· A time element to faith
· A perspective element to faith
· A confidence element to faith
FAITH = TRUST
The durability of faith’s object determines value.
Why is Faith in the Living God important?
· A relationship with God is maintained through faith.
· Eternal salvation is given through faith.
· A proper understanding of our world is obtained by faith.
· Good works are accomplished by the working of faith.
Different people seem to have different levels of faith.
How can you develop faith?
Put yourself in position to hear the word of God regularly.
Have a perspective informed by providence.
Learn from the faith of others.
Practice personal obedience.
Share your faith regularly.
Today’s Takeaways
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Faith is synonymous with trust.
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God loves for His creation to have faith in Him.
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Faith is essential for the Christian life.
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While we do not all have the same amount of faith, all of us can grow in the faith we have.
Habakkuk: Hold on to Faith
How to Hold On
Habakkuk 3
Habakkuk:
· One of the Minor Prophets
· Served God right before Israel was taken captive by Babylon
· Habakkuk means “to wrestle and to embrace”
Bad news can shake a person’s faith.
how Habakkuk held on
He remembered what God had done. (2)
He trusted that God was in control of his present. (3-15)
He continued to pray for deliverance. (2)
He accepted his situation. (16)
He determined to praise God in spite of hardship. (17-18)
17Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Today’s Takeaways
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It is appropriate for us to ask God to change our circumstances.
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Our personal comfort should not dictate our faith in God's ability.
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Our faithfulness cannot be conditional.
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God's unconditional love in Jesus is the anchor that secures our faith.
Series: Habakkuk - Hold on to Faith
Dealing with Injustice
Habakkuk 1:12-2:20
Recap:
Habakkuk was a Minor Prophet who served God around 600 BC.
The name Habakkuk means “to wrestle and to embrace.”
His task was to deliver a hard message from God, and he was struggling to hold onto his faith in the face of hardship.
Habakkuk’s Objections
· God is using wicked people to punish His people.
· Wicked people seem to escape the consequences of their actions.
· God is not doing anything to stop injustice.
When you find yourself struggling with injustice, put yourself in position to hear from God.
The Lord’s Response
Keep God’s Word in front of you.
Wait for God to make things right.
Know that the wicked will be held accountable.
Injustice threatens a person’s view of God’s character and capability.
Injustice is caused by an inflated view of one’s own character and capability.
Today’s Takeaways
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God runs the universe on His timetable, not ours.
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God will accomplish His good purposes.
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No one avoids the justice of God.
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God desires our trust.
Habakkuk: Holding on to Faith
When God Seems Wrong
Habakkuk 1:1-11
We like life to be fair; life is often not fair.
Injustice can lead us to question God, His goodness and His plan.
Habakkuk, the man:
Habakkuk was a Minor Prophet, a prophet who wrote less material and about whom we know little.
He served God around 600 BC, when the sovereignty of the nation of Judah was threatened by the Chaldeans (Babylonians).
The name Habakkuk means to wrestle and to embrace.
The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
Hebrews 1:1
Massa: a burdensome utterance.
Habakkuk’s problems:
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God doesn’t seem to care. (2)
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God could do something, but He is not. (3)
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What God is allowing does not seem just. (4)
God’s response:
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I am going to do something big. (5)
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I am going to do something big, but it might not be what you want. (6-11)
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I am completely in control of what is going on. (5)
Today’s Takeaways
A deeply committed believer can express questions and faith at the same time.
God is working, even when we think He is not.
God is sovereign even over things that we do not like.
God uses hardship to help us to grow in our faith.
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.
James 1:2; 5
The Gospel give us confidence that God can be trusted in hardship.
Series: A Personal Exodus
PROMISED LAND
Deuteronomy 3:23-28; Romans 3:23-26
The Exodus is the story of God’s people being delivered from Egypt at the same time it illustrates redemptive themes seen throughout Scripture.
The wanderings in the wilderness remind us of the already/not yet aspect of the believer’s life.
the promised land
The promised land represents future hope.
The people of Israel found a geographical, historical, communal, and spiritual hope in the promise of land.
In the New Testament, heaven is represented by the promised land.
Revelation 21:1-6
· A place of Rest
· A place of Restoration
· A place of Rejoicing
who gets in?
The vast majority of the Israelites were excluded from the promise land. Every such instance is the direct result of sinfulness.
Only through Christ can our sin be forgiven and heaven be obtained.
Text “porterfaith” to 94090
Today’s Takeaway:
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The hope of a “promised land” motivates our faithfulness.
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The reality of our sin proves us unworthy to enter heaven.
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Christ died so that we can be right with God and receive eternal life.
Series: A Personal Exodus
Trust Issues
Numbers 13-14
Recap
Not only does the exodus tell the story of God’s people being delivered from Egypt, it also illustrates redemptive themes seen throughout the Scripture.
The Wilderness Journey represents the transformation process that occurs in the people of God between their deliverance from sin and their arrival in heaven.
Sanctification struggles are ultimately trust issues.
God will orchestrate “trust exams” throughout our lives to aid in our transformation.
Numbers 13-14
people struggle to trust God because
· They overvalue their own wisdom
· They ignore the promises of God.
· They forget God’s past faithfulness.
trust issues are dangerous
· They are contagious.
· They cause irrationality.
· They hurt those you love the most.
Steps to living by faith
Obey immediately when God is leading.
Find strong believers and listen to them.
Remember that God has earned your trust.
Focus on the cross of Jesus.
Today’s Takeaways
Series: A Personal Exodus
Progressive Sanctification: Heart Issues
Exodus 32
recap
The Exodus story highlights the redemptive themes experienced by all the people of God.
INSERT BOX in PUBLISHER HERE… no blanks… One Slide if possible.
Exodus 32
Idolatry is loving anything or anyone more than God.
The human heart is an idol factory. Idols come in various forms.
idol issues
· Idols bring temporary comfort.
· Idols feel familiar.
· Idols are usually formed from good things.
· Idols can often go unnoticed and unchecked.
the danger of idolatry
All idols ultimately disappoint.
Idols are destructive--spiritually and relationally.
Dealing with idols is difficult and often painful.
some good news
· The gospel declares that Christ has covered the sin of our idolatrous hearts.
· The gospel enables us to break free from the control of idols through faith and obedience.
· The gospel motivates us to audit our souls and love God more.
Today’s Takeaways
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Building our lives on anything but Christ will lead to the deification of something else.
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While “idols” may provide temporary comfort, they will prove harmful to us.
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Through the gospel of Christ, we have freedom from the grip of idolatry.
series: a personal Exodus
Progressive Sanctification: Attitude
Exodus 14-17; Numbers 11
Recap
The exodus saga not only relays an historical account, but it also conveys redemptive themes that are true for all of God’s people.
Slavery in Egypt = Bondage to Sin
Deliverance through a Lamb Sacrifice = Deliverance through Jesus’ Death on the Cross
God’s Guidance/Provision through the Wilderness = God’s Presence through the Holy Spirit
The Wilderness Journey = A Sanctification Process
Exodus 14-17; Numbers 11
The people of God commit the sin of grumbling.
what’s the big deal?
· It is contagious.
· It leads people to exaggerate.
· Grumbling leads to division among the people of God.
· It affects further sanctification.
· It hurts a person’s witness.
issues behind the issue
· They forgot what God had done.
· They were discontent with what God was doing.
Grumbling is a sign that we desire our kingdom to come more than we desire God’s kingdom to come.
Truth: God is always faithful to His character and to His people.
Solution steps
Do not excuse sinful behavior or attitudes—repent of them.
Trust that God knows what you are going through and has a plan.
Remember what God has already done for you—be grateful.
Today’s Takeaways:
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A complaining/grumbling spirit is a serious character flaw.
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People who have been redeemed are called to reflect the glory of God.
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Christ’s death and resurrection is reason enough to be constantly grateful.
Series: A Personal Exodus
Transformation
Exodus 14-16
recap
The exodus tells the story of the people of Israel being delivered from slavery to the promise land; it also illustrates redemptive themes revealed throughout history.
The journey from the Red Sea to the promised land represents the life of a believer after salvation.
misconceptions about life after salvation
· All your problems go away instantly.
· You will follow perfectly.
· God has done His part; now it is up to you.
truth: God begins a transforming process in His people for His glory and for their good.
Exodus 14-16
lessons for us
God doesn’t leave you alone; He is constantly with you.
God’s presence was around the children of Israel; God is within every believer through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
God does not expect you to know the way to transformation; He guides you.
The path of God is not always conventional.
God doesn’t deliver you to let you die; he delivers you to let you really live.
Sometimes you are led into moments of crisis to glorify God.
God uses every event to develop our trust in Him.
Every provision of God is designed to point us to Christ.
Today’s Takeaways:
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God is always with those who have been redeemed.
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God consistently leads and faithfully provides for His people.
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God’s faithfulness in the past should elicit trust in the present.
Series: A Personal Exodus
Deliverance
Exodus 6-12: Revelation 1:5-6
recap
The exodus not only tells the story of the people of Israel being delivered from slavery to the promise land, it also illustrates redemptive themes applicable to all the people of God, in all places at all times.
Just as the people of Israel were trapped in bondage in Egypt, Jesus taught that all people who commit sins are enslaved by sin.
freedom paths
· Personal reformation
· Religious exercise
· Moral Re-education
· A deliverer
Deliverance
Deliverance is for God’s glory.
God’s plan will always be met with resistance.
Deliverance depends on the ability of God.
These events were not only punitive, they were instructive.
The plagues represent a systematic takedown of the security systems of Egypt, and a revelation of human frailty.
Sovereignty and personal responsibility are not enemies;
however, how they work together is a part of the mystery.
All people harden their hearts; death is the deserved outcome for us all.
Deliverance requires atonement.
Jesus is the perfect Passover lamb.
Today’s Takeaways:
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Praise God that He sent Jesus is the Atoning Sacrifice to for you.
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Acknowledge and repent of your sin, and put your trust in Christ today.
Series: A Personal Exodus
A People in Bondage
Exodus 1-5; John 8:34-36
Exodus is the most referred to event in the Old Testament. It is motivation for praise for the psalmist, the prophets used it as a warning, and it provides hope for the exiles.
Exodus is not only a historical event, it is a metaphor for God’s redemption of sinful people.
the exodus story
Because of a famine, the people of Israel had settled in the land of Egypt during the life of Joseph. Over time, the good will that Joseph had achieved was forgotten and the people of Israel were seen as a threat. Instead of expelling the people of Israel, they enslaved them.
the dilemma of bondage
· Those in bondage are dominated by their oppressor.
· Hope diminishes over time.
· The oppressor will not let go easily.
· People are helpless to change their situation.
John 8
Everyone who commits sin is in bondage to sin.
Born with a sinful nature
entangled by sinful decisions slaves to sinful patterns dead in sin. Christ brought hope of freedom.
Our hope is found in a new identity – we become children of God
A person who is “really free” is free from condemnation and free to live differently.
A Christian cannot be returned to bondage, but sometimes we forget we are free.
Today’s Takeaways
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All men were once in bondage to sin.
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Recognize that no one will find freedom apart from Christ.
Series: Modern Day Heresies
“My Happiness = God’s Will”
Mark 10
Materialism, faith healing, and the self-esteem gospel are all flavors of the prosperitymovement. In these churches, man-centered messages are prevalent and a primary goal of knowing Jesus is to make this life better.
The prosperity gospel movement is a modern heresy, but traces can be found throughout history.
why it is appealing
· The prosperity gospel deals with tangible issues.
· It provides an excuse for our abundance.
· People are desperate for deliverance.
· People are naturally self-centered.
the problem
It harms those who are suffering, it detracts from the gospel, it breeds cynicism when promises (which God never made) do not come true, and it goes against the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus and Prosperity
Jesus is more concerned about your soul than your stuff.
When your life is surrendered to Jesus, there is a joy that transcends this life.
Following Christ may result in you being treated like Christ.
The Christian life is to be one of service and sacrifice—not self-protection, self-focus or self-indulgence.
guard your heart
Be Discerning.
Focus on the Treasure that is Christ.
Today’s Takeaways
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Jesus’ plan for your life will bring Him more glory than it brings you.
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The reward of following Christ is knowing Christ.
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Following Christ may not always be popular, but it will always be worth it.
Series: Modern Day Heresies
“Church Does Not Matter”
Hebrews 10:19-25
Throughout church history, a time of regular, corporate gathering has consistently been a part of a Christian’s expression of faith.
A growing number of Christians have stopped attending an organized church. Recently, theological concepts have arisen justifying the practice of “churchless” Christianity.
why is this movement growing?
· People have had negative experiences in church.
· Individualism has contributed.
· People have failed to see the “value add” of church.
· Saying “it is not necessary” makes missing church easier.
Hebrews 10:19-25
· God has ordained the church.
· Forgiven people want to publicly acknowledge His mercy. (19-22)
· Church identifies people with Christ. (23)
· The church ensures faithful doctrine. (23)
· Church is necessary for Christian development. (24)
· Community is created in church. (24-25)
· Church provides an evangelistic opportunity. (25)
DO YOUR PART
Love your faith community.
Leave a positive legacy for your kids.
Fight for the health of your church.
Leverage the church for your mission.
Today’s Takeaways
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The corporate church is a part of God’s plan for making disciples.
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Faithfulness to the church is a part of faithfulness to Christ.
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Each church member should strive to strengthen the church.
Series: Modern Day Heresies
Holiness is Unnecessary
Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 6-7
Grace is the distinguishing factor of Christianity.
Grace is dispensed through faith alone.
challenges to grace
· Reverting to a legalistic mindset
· Neglecting good works
In the early church, the Docetists claimed God only saved the spirit; the body was not worth saving. They taught that striving for personal holiness was unnecessary. Docetist beliefs were confronted and condemned by all New Testament writers.
modern expressions:
Secularism/Liberalism –Standards are determined by the culture. The word of God is antiquated and needs updating.
Antinomianism – There is no need to observe the law. Holiness is optional.
Why this is attractive?
· People have tried and failed to be holy.
· Working on holiness can seem judgmental.
· People love people who have never given evidence of salvation.
· Christians want to highlight “the gift” of salvation.
Romans 6-7
The purpose of your salvation is sanctification.
The call to holiness is a blessing, not a burden.
Holiness is a consequence, not a cause of righteousness.
Becoming holy is a lifelong process.
God loves obedience attempts.
Sanctification is the work of Christ.
supporting evidence
· The presence of conviction of sin
· A desire to keep God’s commands
· A desire for faith and life to match
· A repentant heart
Today’s Takeaways:
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Grace is not a license to sin.
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We do not have to be slaves to sin.
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If grace does not impact us, we should wonder if grace is in us.
Series: Modern Day Heresies
“No One Goes to Hell”
Luke 13:22-30
A majority of those in America who believe in an afterlife believe most people go to heaven, and no one goes to hell.
In the early 3rd century, Origen taught universalism: the belief that all people would be saved.
modern expressions of universalism:
Inclusivism = Christ receives all who have any kind of faith.
Post-Mortem Opportunities = People get a chance to believe after death.
Annihilation = Bad people cease to exist.
Earthly Purification = Punishment occurs on earth.
Why the struggle?
· People overvalue man’s goodness.
· It seems inconsistent with God as He has been taught.
· Descriptions of hell seem absurd to the modern mind.
· People want it to be wrong.
· Pastors want to be liked.
Jesus on eternal life Luke 13:22-30
Jesus was clear—some people go to heaven, some do not.
Jesus taught that opportunities for salvation would end.
Jesus connected entrance to heaven to a relationship with God.
Jesus believed in hell.
Jesus’ taught…
· Hell was a place of punishment
· Hell was Everlasting
· Hell was the satisfaction of the wrath of God
TODAY’S TAKEAWAYS
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Scripture is the Christian’s final source of authority about eternal matters.
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Man’s opinion about eternity may change, eternal realities will not.
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Not everyone goes to heaven, but everybody spends eternity somewhere.
Series: Modern Day Heresies
“basically good?”
Romans 1-3
The majority believe that people are intrinsically good.
Scripture teaches only God is good, and man is totally depraved.
Total depravity does NOT mean every person is as wicked as they can be or never does any good deed or does not have value.
Total depravity refers to the reality of damage, not the appearance of damage.
Total depravity means that our mind, will, emotions and body are helplessly corrupted by sin.
the erosion of orthodox belief
We minimalize our sin.
We judge ourselves by our intentions.
We evaluate by comparing ourselves to others.
Two destructive paths
Some move toward atheism. Romans 1
Pride grows, and man is elevated to divine status.
The standard of morality becomes a moving target.
Eternal reality is ignored.
Some move toward legalism. Romans 2
Sin is highlighted in others and excused in ourselves.
People assume good works make God happy.
ROMANS 3:9-18
when this doctrine is understood. . .
· We will live in humility.
· We won’t be nearly as disappointed in/judgmental to others.
· We are in position to receive the gospel.
Today’s Takeaways
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The church must resist the world’s influence and teach the truth about the human condition.
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Overvaluing our goodness can lead to destruction.
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If we acknowledge we are hopeless sinners, we have hope.
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We should stand amazed at the grace extended to us through Jesus.
Grace Living in a Toxic World
Colossians 4:2-6
We live in a polarized world.
Grace should characterize our lives, regardless of our circumstances.
Showing grace does not mean we do not have an opinion.
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Pick your battles carefully
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Speak clearly, but not constantly
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Pray more than you post
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Remember you have a role in making your world what it is.
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Trust God to fight for you
the church at colossae:
The church was started by Epaphras. Paul wanted them to have a greater understanding of Jesus’ nature and work. The church was being opposed by those with other religious views. He addresses these errors, but focuses their attention on their new life in Christ. As he concludes the letter, Paul gives them practical advice for living in a toxic world.
dealing with differing opinions
Devote yourself to prayer
Enlist the prayers of others
Focus on your mission
Understand people are not your enemy.
Guard your words.
The gospel is offensive, but many people are turned off by Christians before they ever think about the gospel.
the big DEAL: A grace filled life validates the gospel message.
Today’s Takeaways:
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It is good to stand up for what is right, but don’t be a jerk.
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People need the gospel, regardless of their views.
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Our behavior impacts people’s perception of our message.
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Christ has called us to love all people, even our enemies.
Series: Pray Like This
Praying in Pain
Matthew 26:36-46
the story
Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His death. (36)
He took His closest friends to pray with Him. (37-38)
Most scholars believe “the cup” referred to the wrath of God, not simply physical pain.
He submitted to the Father’s will even though it was not easy. (39)
His disciples were not much support; they slept while he was in pain. (40)
He prayed at length about his death. (41-46)
biblical lessons
We are supposed to turn to God in our pain.
It is appropriate to express our true feelings to God.
We should enlist our friends to offer prayer support.
Some things cannot be addressed through a quick prayer.
pagan prayer (vs) Christian prayer
Pagan prayer tries to get God to do what man desires.
Christian prayer speaks to God and pursues submission to His will.
The real difference between Christian prayer and pagan prayer is who is treated like God.
Today’s Takeaways
Christianity isn’t a religion that gets you out of pain;
it is a relationship with God that gets you through it.
Life with Jesus isn’t easy, but you don’t have to live it alone.
Through prayer, we can find strength and hope.
Series: Pray Like This
Praying for Others
James 5:13-20
Intercession is to be a regular part of the Christian life.
…pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
James 5:16
barriers to praying for others
· The prevalence of self-centered living.
· The abundance of needs for which to pray
· Many believers lack any personal prayer
the importance of intercession
Intercessory prayer is powerful.
The illustration of Elijah reveals that anyone can pray powerfully.
Because of Christ, we stand righteous before God; therefore, we can rest assured our prayers will have impact.
Life situations demand praying for others.
who we should pray for
· the suffering
· the sick
· those struggling with temptation
· those in leadership
· the lost
what to pray for
In all of these situations, we pray for God’s good to come, for God’s glory to be seen, and for God’s will to done.
practical suggestions
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make a prayer list
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have a set number of people you pray for a day
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pray for people immediately
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Request prayer when needed
Prayer develops and displays love for others.
Today’s Takeaways
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Believe in Christ, so that you can stand righteous before God.
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Know that if you are in Christ, your prayers are effective.
Commit to pray for others each day.
Series: Pray Like This
The Secret Place
Matthew 6:6-8
series recap
Christians are instructed to pray personally — a large percentage do not.
People often don’t pray because of feelings of inadequacy.
God is our Heavenly Father.
The basis of prayer is our Father wants us to talk to Him.
But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door,
and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6
how to pray in private
Pray Regularly.
o Create Time.
Jesus pursued time alone with the Father.
o Create Space.
o Limit Distractions.
We not only need to create a quiet space, but we need to create a quiet heart.
Prayer methods such as ACTS, Praying the Scripture, Journaling, and Alliterative Prayers can help you to focus during your prayer time.
Pray Honestly.
God’s attributes, omniscience and omnipresence, lead us to pray transparently.
Our honesty does not diminish the beauty of the gospel of Jesus; our honesty glorifies God.
Pray Expectantly.
“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Today’s Takeaways
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If you are saved by Christ, rejoice! Your Father in Heaven knows you and yet wants to talk to you.
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Commit to spend daily time in prayer with God.
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Know that God works through your prayers, either to change your world or to change you.
Series: Pray Like This
Pray Confidently
Matthew 6:5-13
confidence shakers:
· lack of praying
· hardship
· feelings of inadequacy
He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…”
Luke 11:1
Jesus’ teaching: Religious people often get prayer wrong.
· They pray to impress an audience, not to connect with
God. (5)
· They are very complex in their prayers. (7)
· They like long prayers. (7)
· They are repetitive when they pray. (7)
Jesus’ teaching: God is our Father, and prayer is a conversation with our dad.
He loves you deeply.
He has a preferred future for this life.
He desires to meet your needs.
He knows your flaws.
Acknowledging your sinfulness positions you to be heard by God.
Acknowledging your sinfulness prepares you to be Christlike to others.
He wants you to overcome temptation.
the key: Confidence to come before the Father is based on
faith in Jesus.
Today’s Takeaway:
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Accept the work Jesus has done on your behalf.
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Realize you have a heavenly Father who wants you to pray.
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If you follow Jesus’ model for prayer, your confidence will grow.
Series: Scattered
NO EXCUSES
1 Peter 4:1–11
Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, be faithful.
All events in life are spiritual tests, especially suffering and hardship.
Suffering and hardship handled poorly can lead to sinful indulgence or harsh treatment of others.
Stop sinning
• Because Christ suffered, a believer should avoid sin. (1)
• Living for sin is wasting your life. (2-4)
2 responses to a holy life
- Surprise
- Slander
• God will judge sinful lives. (5-6)
• There is an intoxicating effect of sin. (7)
Leverage your life for God’s glory
• Love is the best way to develop sinful people. (8)
• When we focus on others, we become better disciples. (9)
• You have received a unique gift set for the benefit of others. (10)
Our lives are designed for the Glory of God.
Today’s Takeaway
1. Because Christ died to set you free of sin, fight the good fight.
2. Actively bless the people of your church.
3. Glorify God in your private and public life.
Series: I Peter
The Household Code
I Peter 3:1-7
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
I Peter 1:3
Submission is to be displayed in the most intimate levels of our lives.
WIVES
Being submissive means to recognize and accept the leadership role/authority of another.
There is perfect equality between men and women, yet there is a difference in function.
Submission does not imply inferiority.
Submission is NOT unconditional obedience.
Husbands do not have the responsibility to ensure that wives submit.
Women are not commanded to submit to men.
The genuine display of the gospel will have its most powerful effect on those closest to us.
Marriage is the union of two sinful people.
HUSBANDS
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church
and gave himself for her
Ephesians 5:25
General Principles for Everyone
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Everyone is to be submissive to some authority.
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Submission is to affect the most intimate levels of our lives.
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A submissive Spirit shows your spiritual maturity.
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Submission in hardship has an evangelistic purpose.
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Our response to hardship is to display our trust in God.
Series: I Peter
The Household Code
I Peter 3:1-7
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
I Peter 1:3
Submission is to be displayed in the most intimate levels of our lives.
WIVES
Being submissive means to recognize and accept the leadership role/authority of another.
There is perfect equality between men and women, yet there is a difference in function.
Submission does not imply inferiority.
Submission is NOT unconditional obedience.
Husbands do not have the responsibility to ensure that wives submit.
Women are not commanded to submit to men.
The genuine display of the gospel will have its most powerful effect on those closest to us.
Marriage is the union of two sinful people.
HUSBANDS
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church
and gave himself for her
Ephesians 5:25
General Principles for Everyone
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Everyone is to be submissive to some authority.
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Submission is to affect the most intimate levels of our lives.
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A submissive Spirit shows your spiritual maturity.
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Submission in hardship has an evangelistic purpose.
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Our response to hardship is to display our trust in God.
Series: ScatteredSuffering and Submission 1 Peter 2:14-25Suffering and submission are valuable in God’s kingdom. He uses them to accomplish His plan and develop His people. Submission is difficult for us because rebellion is a part of our makeup.What about bad rulers? Peter was writing to people who were living under a tyrannical governmental system. Is civil disobedience? The Bible illustrates resisting authority when a person is protecting the innocent or proclaiming the gospel. As a general rule, God views disobedience toward authorities as disobedience toward Him. Freedom in Christ does not give us a license to sin, an excuse to be selfish, or a right to be rebellious. Freedom in Christ gives us the ability to submit. Our submission to authority is not weakness but a tool for the Lord. why do we submit to authority? 1. Institutions of authority are ordained by God. (14) 2. Submission and civic “goodness” silence foolish people. (15) 3. Christ is displayed through suffering. (16-21)4. Submission acknowledges a trust in God’s justice. (22-23)5. The Gospel is advanced through a submissive people. (24-25) God is only known through absolute surrender and submission.
Series: ScatteredChristianity on Display1 Peter 2:9-17Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, you are representing Christ.people are watching Remember who youare--you have a unique identity. Remember why you arehere--you have potential influence!• Be consistent in your private life.The internal “war” imagery reveals... o the reality of progressive sanctification.o the intensityof the struggle to be holy. o the depth of damagethat can be caused.• Live an honorablepublic life.In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:16• Submit to your authorities. Biblical submission: to willingly complytoday’s takeaways
- Understand your unique roleas a Christian.2. Strive to model Christianitywhere God has placed you. 3. Believe that Christ can save anyone. Trust that God is in controlof things that seem out of
Series: ScatteredGrowing as a Disciple1 Peter 1:22-2:1028 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.Romans 8:28-29God uses every season of our lives to develop Christian maturity.The Bible compares Christian maturity to the development of a person – some are infants, some adolescents, and some adults. Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, you should be growing in your Christian faith.2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word,so that by it you may grow up into your salvation,3 if you have tasted that the Lord is good.I Peter 2-3marks of maturity A deep lovefor brothers and sisters (1:22-25) An absence of worldliness (2:1) A hungerfor the Word of God (2:2-3)· It is imperishable.· It is gospelrevealing.· It is living. A desire to build your lifearound Christ (2:4-10)today’s takeaways
- Accept the truthfulnessof the Gospel.2. Immerse yourself into God’s Word.3. Center your lifearound the person and work of Jesus.
Series: Scattered
Honoring God in a Strange New Land
I Peter 1:13-21
types of “strangers”
· Immigrants: People pursuing a dream of making a home in a foreign land
· Tourists: People who visit a foreign land, but don’t desire to permanently live there.
· Exiles: People living in a foreign land, but long to go home.
· Ambassadors:People serving their home country while living in a foreign land.
(Adopted from JD Greear)
Wherever we are, whatever we are going through,
we should live in a waythat honors God.
honoring God in a foreign land
Set your hopeon Christ.
We must actively pursueChrist and be alertto things that would undermine our hope.
Live a life that sets you apart.
why does it matter?
· You want people to realize that Christian conversion changes people.
· You are called to reflect the characterof God.
· Christians do not want to disappoint the Father.
Maintain reverenceand fearof God.
· You recognize the possibility of future judgment.
· You don’t want to go backto the former life.
You understand the cost of your salvation.
Series:Scattered
Hope in Adversity
I Peter 1:1-9
the author Simon Peter: a discipleof Jesus, a leader of the early church
the audience Believers facing growing persecution
the message Wherever they are and whatever they are going through, Christians have hopethat directs them.
CHRISTIAN HOPE
Christian hope is rooted in our identity--we are God’s People. (1-2)
chosen, dispersed exiles
· You are strange(rs).
· You are scattered.
· You are special to God.
Christian hope is completely dependent upon the resurrection of Christ. (3)
Because of the resurrection of Christ, Christian hope cannot be extinguished.
Christian hope is fueled by a belief that hardship is temporaryand reward is eternal. (4-5)
Christians believe griefand joycan be experienced at the same time.
Christian hope sees purpose in hardships. (6-7)
· Trials reveal the areas where someone doesn’t trust God.
· Trials reveal if a person loves God’s giftsmore than he loves God.
· Trials build the strengthof one’s faith.
Christian hope is sustained by the reality of His presence. (8-9)
Today’s Takeaway:
Surrender your lifeto Christ--lasting hope only comes through faith.
Without heaven, all hope will disappoint. Remember, this world is not your eternal home.
Learn the lessonsof hardship.
Lean into Jesusin hardship. His presence will bring you joy and increase your hope.
EASTER 2020
MOST IMPORTANT!
I Corinthians 15:1-10
The death and resurrection of Jesus is the most important belief of Christianity.
Christians believe the resurrection is a historical, verifiable event because...
... the Old Testamentpoints to the death and resurrection of Jesus.
... the empty graveis a proof of Jesus’ resurrection.
... early witnesses testifiedof the resurrection.
The death and resurrection of Jesus is the most important reality for human existence.
The death and resurrection of Jesus teach that personal sinscan be forgiven.
People can be liberated from sinful habits by the acceptanceand loveoffered through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The most important decisionis to believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
People can face death with confidencebecause of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Today’s Takeaway
1. There is plenty of evidenceto believe in the resurrection.
2. Personal transformationis possible through faith in the resurrection.
3. Eternal lifeis determined by the Easter story.
Free from Despair
Lamentations 3
Review
· Hope in Christovercomes fear.
· God is going to use this to spread the gospel
· God is going to use this to develop us
· Christians can overcome despair
Despair is the overwhelming sense that life is going nowhere.
Lamentations
· Laments of the prophet Jeremiah
· The book of lamentations is a Hebrew work of Art. It consists of 5 acrosticpoems.
· Israel is being punishedfor their sin. They had endured violent deportations, their citywas destroyed and the center of their religionwas demolished.
Jeremiah’s worldview
· He believed God was in controlof all events.
· God often does things in a way that we would never choose.
2 Christian views of suffering
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God is enough.
-
God will turn tragedy into triumph.
WHY GOD?
· He is accomplishing His purposesin the world.
· He is purifyingyour Heart.
· He is preparing you for ministry.
RESPONDING TO HARDSHIP
Express your feelingsto God.
Understand that God is bigger than the moment.
Set your eyes on what you know God has done, not what He is doing that you cannot understand.
Remember that God’s greatest workis often accomplished in our darkest hours
Believe God works all things out for the good of those who love Him, even when it seems to take a while.
James 1:1-12
March 29, 2020 Nick Sandefur, Sr. PastorJames 1:2-42 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.Context:➢ the brother of Jesus
➢ the main leader in the Jerusalem church➢ his name means "one who follows"the people of GodAdversity always has a purpose.Principles for Us1. The goal of our lives is to bring glory to God.2. God often uses difficult circumstances to help us reflect His glory.1. Our joy should be determined by how much opportunity we have to show Jesus, not how easy our life on earth is.
2. God will reward those who faithfully serve Him in hard- ship.
Today's Takeaway:
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________
Don’t Waste Your Crisis
2 Corinthians 4:1-17
We are not immunefrom crisis.
Crisis moments are hard, but they give us the opportunity to share our faith.
Throughout history, God has allowed hardshipto further the spread of the gospel.
2 Corinthians 4
-
God is in control of our lives.
-
Trialscome even to godlypeople.
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Our job is the same regardless of our circumstances.
-
At some point, trials end.
Practical Applications for Today
- Pray for the sovereign God to bring relief.
2. Use your opportunities to share the message and love your neighbor—volunteeras able.
-
PraiseGod, and honestly admit your fears.
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Use this time to strengthen your family.
-
Remember, God has got this!
March 15, 2020 Nick Sandefur, Senior PastorIn the Bible, fear is presented as both healthy and harmful.What Do We Fear?➢ Insignificance
➢ Death
➢ Helplessness
➢ Loneliness
➢ An Unknown Future“Fear not” is the most repeated command in all of the Bi- ble.People have a tendency to vacillate between faith and fear.“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but ofpower and of love and of a sound mind”2 Timothy 1:7Precaution is not sin. Living in fear is sin.
Fears are internal, but are triggered by external factors.Dealing with fear cannot be dependent upon external change.* A person may not be able to change his/her circum- stances.
* Fear will repeatedly find its way to the surface.
Series: New Horizons
Conversion
Acts 9:1-31
Some conversions are dramatic, and some are almost imperceptible.
Every saved person has a life-changing moment.
Acts 9 details the second-most influential dayin the history of Christianity.
context
After Stephen’s death, persecutionbreaks out against the church. Believers scatter throughout the Roman empire, but this has a negative effect on Judaism—wherever the church is located, they are seeing Jews convertingto Christianity.
the story
Whatever is done to the church is done directly to Jesus.
Any time a person is converted, there are those who are skeptical.
Following Christ does not insulate from hardships--it often accelerates them.
conversion lessons:
Salvation is by God’s initiative.
All people are spiritually blindwithout Christ.
o Irreligiousblindness
o Religiousblindness
God can save the worst of sinners.
Conversion is a dual realization:I’m worsethan I ever dreamed, and He is more graciousthan I’d ever hoped.
Every person who issaved in Christreceives a new purpose for Christ.
today’s takeaways
· Your past does not disqualify you from God’s grace.
· Your past does not disqualify you from future usefulness.
Series:New Horizons
How the Gospel Spreads
Acts 8
1. The church was convinced that evangelism is everyone’s job.
Acts 8:1-4
Jesus included involvement in the Great Commission into His initial call to follow Him.
Why is this so important?
§ the multiplicationfactor
§ the networkfactor
§ the gospelfactor
- People shared the gospel where God had placed them.
Acts 8:4
- The church believed the gospel was powerful.
Acts 8:5-13
- Peoplesaw the changethat the gospel was making.
Acts 8:14-25
The gospel identifies our common problemand makes us into a “new person.” This fact does not change our former identities, but rather outweighs them.
- The church was obedientto God’s leading.
Acts 8:26-40
Today’s Takeaways
The gospel is the only thing powerful enough to change our world.
Where the gospel is received, joy will be present.
Not everyone who says “I believe in Christ” does.
All believers should be sharing of Christ.
Wherever God has you, that’s the right place to share.
Series: Bold
Stephen
Acts 6-8
1 out of 8Christians are affected by the threat of physical persecution worldwide. www.opendooruse.org
Christians face persecution in more than 60 countries.
US State Department
Most of us will never be asked, “Will you die for your faith?,” but we are all asked “Will you live for your faith?”
Stephen’s ministry Acts 6:1-8
Stephen’s role was to manage the benevolence ministryof the church, but he was also actively involved in sharing the gospelof Christ.
Confrontation with the synagogue Acts 6:9-15
His message Acts 7:1-53
1) God is bigger than a placeor a religious system.
2) Israel has always resistedHis message and His messengers.
3) He gave His lawto Israel, and they never obeyed it.
His death Acts 7:54-60
Lessons for us:
Humble serviceis valued in the kingdom’s economy.
Nothing has more power to influence our world than our love on display through service.
Everybodyshould serve somewhere
God saves His greatest work for ordinary people.
Balancinggrace and truth is difficult, but powerful.
Truth without grace is fundamentalismand easy to dismiss; grace without truth is sentimentalityand has no power.
Thecourse of our livesis designed for the glory of God.
Stephen’s most effective contributionto the kingdom of God came through his martyrdom.
Those who behold the gospel and believe the gospel become likethe gospel.
Is Stephen’s story a Tragedy?
It is not a tragedy to give your life for the eternal Christ;
it is a tragedy to live your life for things that do not matter.
Series: BOLD
Barnabas/Ananias & Sapphira
Acts 4:32-Acts 5:11
The most effective opposition to the church comes from the inside.
a picture of grace
Acts 4:32-37
· Barnabas was a giver.
· Barnabas saw potentialin people.
· He was a good cheerleader.
· He was willing totake a back seat.
· He was a restorer.
the pretenders
Acts 5:1-14
God detests hypocrisyand demands honesty.
God knows the heartsof men.
authenticity matters
1. A person will never draw near to Godunless they are real.
2. Not only are we judged by what we do, we will be judged for why we do. God will judge your motives.
3. Hypocrisy causes others to stumble.
Two key elements of church health:
sacrificeand transparency
Today’s Takeaways
1. Our actions impact the church.
2. Authentic sacrificeis pleasing to God.
3. Hypocrisyis not to be tolerated in the kingdom.
4. We must actively pursue consistency.
Series: BOLD
Peter and John
Acts 3 & 4
When we come to Chapters 3 and 4 in Acts, opposition to the gospelis growing. As enemies of the gospel arise, the early church faces them with boldness.
a miracle
Acts 3:1-10
God uses the miraculous to draw attention to the message of Jesus.
a sermon
Acts 3:11-26
The veracity of the resurrectionleads people to join the early believers.
an inquisition
Acts 4:1-21
People are open to conversations about God, but Jesus is thedividing line of humanity.
the response
Acts 4:22-31
Honestyand transparencywere vital to the early church.
growing in boldness
Have a personal relationshipwith Jesus.
Acknowledge the possibility of opposition.
In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12
Be convinced of the gospel.
Balancetruthand grace.
Trust in the sovereignty of God.
Live to please God, not men.
Series: First Things First
The First Church
Acts 2:42-47
The Bible describes new Christians as “babies in Christ,” and the church is responsible for their well-beingas they become maturebelievers.
the early church’s development strategy
They provided clear next stepsfor early believers.
Acts 2:42
Repentance
Baptism
Bible Study
CorporateWorship
Communion
ConsistentPrayer
A family-like atmospherewas developed.
Acts 2:44-47
They spent time together.
They shared with one another.
They had largeand small group time.
They ate mealstogether.
They had a perfect balance of joyand reverencein their worship.
Acts 2:43, 46-47
They were committed to sharing the message of Jesus.
Acts 2:47
my next step today is...
o To repent of my sin
o To bebaptized
o To begin studying the Bible
o To commit to be faithful to corporate worship
o To join a life group
o To share my faith
Series: First Things First
Launch
Acts 2:1-41
Why did the early church take off?
A movement of the Holy Spirit occurred
o The coming of the Holy Spirit– When the Holy Spirit came to earth to reside continuously in the hearts of believers.
o The Baptism of the Holy Spirit– The moment the Holy Spirit comes to live in an individual believer.
o Filling of the Holy Spirit– The process of an individual believer dying to self and yielding control of their life to the God.
Ephesians 5:18-21
The congregation earnestly desired God’s Spirit to move.
Lives filled by the Spirit of God are attractive.
All of the believersreceived the Holy Spirit, not just the apostles.
The Gospelwas their message.
The message of the church is rooted in history.
It is revealed in Scripture
It is focused on the death and resurrectionof Christ.
Evangelismwas the priority.
People are wrong about who Jesus is
People are guiltywithout God
What do you do if you are cut to the heart?
· repent of your sin.
· seek forgiveness.
· surrender your lifeto Him.
Today’s Takeaways
-
Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit
-
Celebrate that Jesus can change people’s lives.
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Commit to sharingthe gospel.
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Surrender your life to Him.
series: First Things First
the movement begins
Acts 1:1-11
No church has ever faced a more uphill challengethan the First church, yet they grew rapidly. They grew because they fully embraced the gospelof Jesus.
Acts 1:1-11
The First church was filled with people who had apowerful, personal experiencewith the gospel of Jesus. Acts 1:1-3
The message of Jesushad captured the apostles’ hearts, but that is not why they changed the world.
A catalytic event emboldened them: the resurrection.
Not every believer in Acts saw the resurrected Jesus, but every believer had a personal experience with Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-5)
The primary task for the early church was to witnessabout the gospel.
The scope of their task was global, and the strategy was multiplication.
Each member took personal responsibilityto reach the world. Acts 1:8
common excuses
“I don’t have what it takes.”
“It’s not my gift.”
“I witness with my life.”
“I don’t have time.”
“It makes me feel weird.”
They had confidence in God’s power. Acts 1:4, 8
They understood the urgency of the task. Acts 1:9-11
The return of Christand the significance of the gospelmake this a time-sensitivetask.
Today’s Takeaways
-
Personal relationships with Christ are what create impactful churches.
-
Witnessing is everyone’s job.
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If God calls youto do a task, He has equipped you.
-
We must not be distractedfrom the call to share our faith.
series: First Things First
the movement begins
Acts 1:1-11
No church has ever faced a more uphill challengethan the First church, yet they grew rapidly. They grew because they fully embraced the gospelof Jesus.
Acts 1:1-11
The First church was filled with people who had apowerful, personal experiencewith the gospel of Jesus. Acts 1:1-3
The message of Jesushad captured the apostles’ hearts, but that is not why they changed the world.
A catalytic event emboldened them: the resurrection.
Not every believer in Acts saw the resurrected Jesus, but every believer had a personal experience with Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-5)
The primary task for the early church was to witnessabout the gospel.
The scope of their task was global, and the strategy was multiplication.
Each member took personal responsibilityto reach the world. Acts 1:8
common excuses
“I don’t have what it takes.”
“It’s not my gift.”
“I witness with my life.”
“I don’t have time.”
“It makes me feel weird.”
They had confidence in God’s power. Acts 1:4, 8
They understood the urgency of the task. Acts 1:9-11
The return of Christand the significance of the gospelmake this a time-sensitivetask.
Today’s Takeaways
-
Personal relationships with Christ are what create impactful churches.
-
Witnessing is everyone’s job.
-
If God calls youto do a task, He has equipped you.
-
We must not be distractedfrom the call to share our faith.
Series: Christmas Carols
Good Christian Men, Rejoice!
Luke 2:8-14
The attempt to find joy is a part of Christmas for almost everyone. However, Christmas joy is often a thin veneerlike wrapping paper. For joy to last, the source of joyhas to be sufficient.
good Christian men, rejoice
Christian joy is not circumstantial; it is rooted in our relationship with Christ.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
He is in the manger now
Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous prophecies about a coming Messiah. The fact that a Messiah came reveals that Godkeeps His promises.
We are “I hope” people. God is an “I will” God.
He has opened heaven’s door
Because of Jesus’ coming, a relationship with Godis possible.
From the beginning, man has tried to reach God.
Good work,religious exercise, increased knowledgeand moral efforthave all fallen short.
God came down to usbecause it was impossible for us to get up to Him.
A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
John 10:10
Kingsand wise mendo not precede the lowly in the kingdom.
Everyone faces three questions: 1) Where do I come from?
2) Why am I here?
3) Where am I going?
calls ye one and calls ye all
We have been commanded to share the gospel throughout the world.
Christ is the exclusive path to heavenand lasting joy.
Not everyonewill find joy in Christ, but no one can take awayour joy!
Today’s Takeaway
-
A relationship with God is possible.
-
Jesus resists the proudand receives the humble.
-
The task of sharing good news is entrusted to believers.
-
True joy is found in focusing on Christ.
Series: Christmas Carols
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Luke 1:26-37; Philippians 2:5-11
Most people have an opinion about who Jesus is.
veiled in flesh, the Godhead see
Christians believe that Jesus is God Incarnate.
John 1:14
Christians believe that Jesus is both GodandMan.
It is easy to emphasizeone nature and neglectthe other.
The early church struggled to understand how these truths related to each other. At the Council of Ephesus in 421 AD, the church came to an agreement: Jesus had 2 natures, but He was only one essence.
Jesus is 100% Godand 100% Man.
offspring of the virgin’s womb
Luke 1:26-37
The sinful nature of man is present at birth. The Virgin Birth circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man.
The Virgin Birth is not a stumbling block for Christians because we affirm that God can do the supernatural.
Pleased, as Man, with Men to Dwell
Jesus did not come to earth so God could understand man; Jesus came to earth so man could understand God.
Hebrews 1:3
Through Jesus, we know what God is likeand that God cares for us.
Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 12:2
Born that man no more may die
Jesus left the glory of heaven for the purpose of saving sinful man.
Philippians 2:5-11
1 Timothy 2:5
Today’s Takeaways
The Incarnation assures us God will always be with us.
In the life of Jesus, we have an exampleof how to live and treat others.
No matter what we are going through, we can know that Jesus can help us—He has been there.
Because of Jesus’ incarnation, we have hope of forgiveness.Series: Christmas Carols
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Luke 1:26-37; Philippians 2:5-11
Most people have an opinion about who Jesus is.
veiled in flesh, the Godhead see
Christians believe that Jesus is God Incarnate.
John 1:14
Christians believe that Jesus is both GodandMan.
It is easy to emphasizeone nature and neglectthe other.
The early church struggled to understand how these truths related to each other. At the Council of Ephesus in 421 AD, the church came to an agreement: Jesus had 2 natures, but He was only one essence.
Jesus is 100% Godand 100% Man.
Series: Christmas Carols
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Proverbs 13:12; Isaiah 9
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
The human experience fluctuates between moments of sadnessand joy, darknessand light.
Lonely Exile
The sadness the world experiences is the result of the presence of sin.
Sin affects us externally.
Sin affects us internally.
A life trapped in the cycle of sin leads to despair.
There is only one comfort for despair—hope: a strong,confidentexpectation in something or someone.
Everybody pins their hopeon something or someone.
Failedhope will always disappoint.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
Until the Son of God Appears
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2, 6
The concept of the Messiahwas a source of hope for the people of Israel. Many were confused and some even doubted the coming of the Messiah because of the waiting period.
Our hope is found in the fact that the Messiah has already come.
Christ will come again to completely alleviate the world from sins’ influence.
Romans 8
But we live in the tension betweenthe Already and Not Yet.
The Already gives us the confidence that the Not Yet will come!
Today’s Takeaways
We still live in a world affected by sin.
The presence of darkness is an opportunity to bringGod glory.
Because Christ has come, we have hopethat God will one day deliver us!
Series: AD: AfterDeath
What Happens HERE After You Die
Proverbs 20:7; Luke 16
my wish list for my family
I want final decisionsabout my life to be easy on my loved ones.
I want my family to be financially secure. Proverbs 13:22
I want my relationships to end in good standing.
I want my girls to find good husbands.
guarantees after you die
· Your loved ones will either grieveor rejoice.
· Your loved ones will adjust to their liveswithout you.
· You will leave a legacy.
· The people you knew will continue to move toward their eternity.
· Your ability to change your influencewill end when you die.
Luke 16:27-28
a Christian legacy
ü We proclaim the supremacy of Jesus.
ü We trust the Bible as the only reliable guidefor life.
ü We treat every person as valuable.
ü We arequick to forgive.
ü We aregenerouswith our resources.
The just man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7
steps to a positive legacy
Determine what you want your influence to be and live with the end goal in mind.
Start now... you are building legacyevery day.
Be consistent! Influence is made in moments, lots of them.
You may have wasted a lot of time, but as long as you live, it is not too lateto walk with God!
Series: AD: AfterDeath?
What Happens to YOU
Hebrews 9:27
Eternityis on everyone's mind. Ecclesiastes 3:11
We all have an appointment with death. Hebrews 9:27
· This is undeniable.
· This is inescapable.
· This is unpredictable.
· This is rapidly approaching. James 4:13-14
Ways people try to understand the afterlife...
· They use their own imagination.
· They rely on the experience of others.
· They seek religiousanswers.
Christians are to form their opinions of life after death from the Bible.
Easy-to-understand biblical teaching
Every individual will face judgment. Hebrews 9:27
Our body and soulwill separate. 2 Corinthians 5:8 Philippians 1:23
Luke 23:43
We will have immediate knowledge of our eternal state. Luke 16:26-27
More complex biblical teaching
You will participate in the physical resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
John 11:25-26
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
You will face a second Judgment.
Final Reward 2 Corinthians 5:10
Final Condemnation(to lake of fire) Revelation 20:11
Today's Takeaway
-
All people are curiousabout what comes after this life.
-
"Afterlife beliefs" should be formed by the Bible.
-
A person’s eternal destiny is determined in this life.
-
The only hope of eternal lifeis the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Series:Priority One
The People God Blesses
Haggai 2
Haggai’s message:
God’s agenda should be ourhighest priority.
God will bless us, but maybe not the way we expect.
context:
The people of Judah were neglectingGod’s temple to build their own homes, and they were sufferingbecause of it.
They were challenged by Haggai to complete the temple, and God promised to blessthem.
Haggai 2:10-24
Holinessis not transferrable, but sinfulnessis.
Religious effortis futile unless our hearts are pure.
When you are living in sin, there is only one thing to do
– repent of your sin!
Matthew 5:23-24
It is healthy to remember what life was like without God.
God disciplinesHis children!
Hebrews 12:5-11
God not only forgives. He redeemsand restores.
Today’s Takeaways
We should seek lifestyleholiness, not just occasional religious effort.
God disciplinesthose He loves.
Repentanceis the only appropriate response to sin.
Our relationship with God is always dependent upon His grace.
Series: Priority One
Is God Enough?
Haggai 2:1-9
God promises to bless faithful people.
Sometimes God blesses faith immediately, sometimes His blessings are delayed.
Context:
Jewish captivesin Babylon were allowed to come back and rebuild the temple. Immediately they complete the foundation, but for 16 years,the project stalled.
The people werecursed because they were taking care of themselves and not honoring God.
Haggai challenged them to make God their #1 Priorityand they began restoring the temple.
Haggai 2
• The people been working for 4 weekson the temple.
• They are to celebrate the harvest festival, but have nothing to offer.
•The older peopleare not impressed with their work.
Discouragementcan derail our efforts to serve God.
The message of Haggai 2 ishold on, keep working, don’t be afraid!
why? God is with you!
·God has delivered you in the past.
·God is in controlof history, the worlds and yours
·God has a planfor the future.
Don’t doubt in the darkwhat you know to be true in the light.
the promise: God offers people lasting peace.
Today’s Takeaways
Faithfulnessshould be our goal, regardless of circumstances.
God’s does not promise immediate or earthly blessing; but God does promise His Presence!
Series: Priority One
Misplaced Priorities
Haggai 1
We have a tendency to crowd God outof our lives.
All of us have enough time and money to serve God, but probably not enough to serve God and live the life that we want.
Haggai’s message:
Don’t invert your priorities, God must be first!
the prophet
Haggai was a prophet 500years before Jesus. His ministry is found in 38 versesand spans only 4 months.
context
Judah, was taken captiveby the Babylonians. They dismantled the government, deporteda large number of people, destroyed the temple, and left the city in ruins.While Judah was in slavery, their captors were defeated by the Persian King, Cyrus.
He believed his subjects would be loyal if they maintained their own language,religion, and land. So, Cyrussent some Jews back and told them to rebuild the temple. For 16 years,the project remained incomplete. Haggai’s prophecy focused on finishing the temple.
Haggai 1
People often have plenty of time for themselves, but little time for God.
When God’s people fail to prioritize Him, He allows suffering.
Real life change starts in the heartand is a result of the working of God.
Today’s Takeaways
Humanity does not flourishapart from God.
Everyone should take an honest inventoryof their priorities.
A relationship with Jesus is to be Priority 1.
Series:Kingdom Principles
Forgiveness is NOT Optional
Matthew 18:21-35
There is nothing more unnaturalthan forgiveness.
the parable
the kingdom principle:
Forgiveness is required in the kingdom.
Our forgiveness is to be unlimited.
We are to extend forgiveness to all.
Our eternal judgmentis based on our willingness to forgive.
achieving Christlike forgiveness
Understand what forgiveness means.
Forgiveness is NOT
· enabling people to sin.
· merely forgetting.
· immediate healing.
· restored trust.
There are two words used for forgiveness in the New Testament. One means to cancel a debt; the other means to let go.
Forgiveness IS
· a commitment to never use wrongas an excuseor a weaponagain.
· a commitment to love other people like God loves us!
Make a choiceto forgive.
Pray for thosewho have wronged you.
Recall how much you have been forgiven.
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
Today’s Takeaways:
Series: Kingdom Principles
Kingdom Investment Pays
Matthew 25:14-30
a parable of surprises
üThe owner entrusts his money to servants.
üThe owner distributes the wealth unevenly.
üThe servants put their money to work.
üThe one-talentman is not the hero.
üJesus showed approvalfor the rich man.
üThe single-talent man is held accountable.
üThe 10-talent man is given more.
üThe one-talent man is judged harshly.
kingdom principle: God demands good stewardship.
Stewardship is often relegated tomoney, but God expects whole lifestewardship.
Stewardship truths:
-
God is the owner of all.
-
God invests in usfor His glory.
-
Investments are not equal, but expectationsare.
-
When God’s investments are handled well, the steward is blessed.
-
We are held accountablefor our investment.
2 Judgments in the Bible:
- A judgment about salvation Matthew 7:21-23
Hebrews 9:27
- A judgment about faithfulness Romans 14:10
2 Corinthians 5:10
I Corinthians 3:12-15
Stewardship is ultimately a matter of devotion.
Today’s Takeaways:
-
Your life is designed for God’s glory.
-
Every aspect of your life should be leveragedfor the sake of the kingdom.
-
God rewards the faithful.
Series: Kingdom Principles
The Gospel Will Prevail
Matthew 13:24-31; 36-43
recap of kingdom principles:
-
God uses small things to make big impacts.
-
The humble are exalted.
-
Obedience is blessed.
In Matthew 13, Jesus tells eight parablesabout the kingdom of heaven. These parables were delivered against the backdrop of the growing oppositionto Jesus’ ministry from religious leaders.
Sometimes people will rejectthe message; sometimes people will actively opposethe message.
the parable of the wheat & the weeds
The weeds probably refer to darnel, a ryegrass that looks similar to wheatuntil it is mature.
the kingdom principle: The gospel will endure opposition.
hard realities
We have an enemy that actively works against us.
Satan is a master at counterfeiting.
It will not always feel like we are winning, and God is more patientthan we are.
Sometimes our actions, even good-intentioned actions, can harm more than help.
Some issues will not be resolved in our lifetime.
the good news
The enemy cannot separate usfrom the love of God.
We can live for Christ in the midst of opposition because we know that we win.
God will deal with injustice.
God will have mercy on those who trust in Christ.
Today’s takeaways
Be discerning--the evil one is always at work.
Choose your battlescarefully. Not everything helps accomplish the mission.
Do not let the presence of evil discourage you. God wins.
Series: Kingdom Principles
The Humble Are Exalted
Luke 18:9-14
Pride is accepted and prevalent; it must not be a part of the Christian’s life.
A parable is an earthly story that illustrates spiritual truths.
the pharisee & the tax collector
The pharisee believed he was good enough to approach God, and the tax collector believed God was too good to approach.
a kingdom principle:
God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
James 4:6
God hates pride
· It steals His glory.
· It keeps us from repentance.
· It fosters judgmentalism.
grace to the humble
· Only the humble can be saved.
· Humility cultivates love.
· God will fight your battles.
· God gets glory—and that is good for you!
words of caution
You can follow Jesus and still struggle with pride.
People with high visibility roles are at risk.
It is possible to admire humility without being humble.
Pride can be hidden from men, and humility can be faked.
developing humility
Acknowledge and confess your sources of pride.
Daily examine your heart.
Avoid making comparisons.
Resist judgmentalism.
Remember the Cross.
Series: Kingdom Principles
big lessons about small things
Matthew 13: 31-33
A parable is an earthly story that illustrates spiritual truths.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It’s the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it’s taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.”
The kingdom of God had small beginnings; however, its growth has affected billions of people throughout history.
The Parable of the Leaven
“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into 50 pounds of flour until it spread through all of it.”
The gospel will spread organically and entirely throughout the world.
Kingdom Principle:
Small things make a great impact.
“Small” faith is incredibly powerful in the economy of heaven.
Matthew 17:20; Hebrews 11:6
God chooses seemingly small people and events for His purposes. Because our praise tends to bend toward men, God uses the insignificant to glorify Himself.
I Corinthians 1:26-29
Character is developed through small actions.
Leaven is represented both positively and negatively in Scripture.
God is to reign over all of your life, especially the small things.
Faithfulness in small things prepare you for greater tasks.
Matthew 25:23
God rewards every action done for His glory.
Mark 9:41; Luke 18:29-30
Today’s Takeaways
-
Seek faithfulness in the unseen aspects of your life.
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Strive to accomplish the small tasks you sense God is leading you to do.
-
Remember God is at work, even when you cannot see the results.
-
If the kingdom of God is not impacting your life, it is probably not in your life.
Series: Unstuck
Helping the Broken
Psalm 107:10-16
the incarceration problem
There are 2.2 million people in prison in the United States. It costs 80 billion dollars to prosecute and house criminals. Every year 600,000 prisoners reenter their communities.
Two out of three people will be incarcerated again. Currently in Lexington, there are ________ people in jails or prisons.
homelessness in America
Approximately 553,000 people are homeless in our nation on any given night. Each homeless person requires $11,000 per year for care. There are 650 homeless in Lexington. Locally, there are shelter beds for 500 people.
Incarceration and homelessness influence one another.
psalm 107:1-21
God is benevolent toward humanity.
Homelessness and imprisonment are both significant life crises. Both problems create broken relationships, instability, and despair.
Both groups are seen as undesirable to help.
God is faithful to love, in spite of failure.
the benefit of involvement
Broken people can become new people through the gospel.
Transformed lives are powerful testimonies.
Biblical leaders were once criminals.
Homeless people and prisoners have time to engage spiritual realities.
Ministering to the broken gives an opportunity to display unconditional love and confronts judgmentalism.
Ninety-five percent of prisoners reenter our neighborhoods.
series takeaways:
-
Churches should be solution oriented.
-
Helping should be a lifestyle, not a church event.
-
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
-
Mercy recipients should be mercy proclaimers.
Series: Unstuck
The Spiritual Reality of Helping
Matthew 25:31-46
context
This passage is a part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse. It records His teaching on the Tuesday before the crucifixion. The End Times were the topic of his instruction.
Jesus will come again and reign on the earth. There is much disagreement over when this will occur. Humility should be practiced in all discussions about the return of Christ.
At the onset of His millennial reign, Christ will judge the nations. This will result in a great separation.
judgment metrics
· Our relationship with Jesus.
· Our treatment of our Fellow Man.
How you treat others reveals your eternal destination. (34)
Salvation is not a works-based righteousness.
It is a righteousness that affects our work.
Your actions toward the least of these demonstrates the condition of your heart. (35-36)
The list Jesus shares in vv. 35-36 deals with the three basic needs: health, shelter and companionship.
help stoppers
· Ignorance
· Diversity
· Fear
The marks of a lost heart are not gross sins committed, but simple acts of kindness omitted.
Your concern for the poor exposes your love for Jesus.
Jesus’ love language is how we treat the image
bearers.
Every encounter is an opportunity to love Jesus.
today’s takeaway:
Don’t be a “clutcher.”
Open your heart, eyes, and hands to Christ and to others.
Series: Unstuck
Helping the Impoverished
Various
The Unstuck series is designed to help the church engage people trapped in circumstances that make it hard to hear the gospel.
Poverty is complex, and there are not quick fixes.
why is there poverty?
· Misfortune
· Generational/Cultural
· Injustice
· Lack of Essential Resources
Wealth and Poverty
Identifying with poverty is difficult because we are so rich.
If your household makes 25,000 a year, you are in the top 10% of the world. If you make 50,000 a year you are in the top 1%. 93% of the families of the world do not have a car.
In 1820 rich nations had four times the amount of wealth that poor nations had. In 2020 rich nations have 75 times as much.
(Richard Stearns, The Hole in our Gospel)
Prosperity theology and poverty theology are both incorrect views of God’s gifts to us. A proper theology of wealth is one of stewardship.
Your resources have been entrusted to you for His purposes.
The struggle to engage poverty
-
“The problem is too big”
-
“Most of the poor are too far away”
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“It is the government’s job”
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“I am concerned about people’s souls more than social ills.”
Mercy ministries and gospel proclamation should be partners not adversaries.
Why should we be involved?
-
God cares
-
Image bearers are in need of help
-
It could be us.
-
Fellow Christians are in need of help
-
Faith requires action
-
Mercy ministry is an effective gospel platform
How can we help?
-
Open your eyes to the needs of others
-
Actively pray for those in need
-
Budget some money to help others locally
-
Model mercy ministry for your children
-
Partner with those who are actively engaging
Today’s Takeaways:
Series: Unstuck
Helping the Addict
Galatians 6:1-2
The goal of this series is to engage the church in helping people trapped in circumstances that make it hard to hear the gospel.
Addiction in America
In the last 20 years in the US, 750,000 people have died from drug use. Twenty-one million people have an addiction to substances. One hundred thirty people die every day from opioids. Over 600 billion dollars are invested in managing the addiction epidemic. (addictioncenter.com)
definition:
a harmful pattern of behavior that you cannot control
Addictions are first a spiritual problem. The root of addiction is sin.
Jesus is the only hope for eternal and temporal transformation.
The solution to sin addiction is addiction to Christ.
Christians should be actively involved in helping those in addictions.
we must get involved
-
God loves the addicted.
-
People we love are affected.
-
Delivered addicts are grace billboards.
-
Addicts become great servants.
-
Scripture teaches us we must get involved.
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Galatians 6:1-3
How can we help?
-
Provide community. Addiction is accelerated by isolation.
-
Be honest and don’t enable.
-
Pray for their restoration and for your heart.
-
Be persistent. Overcoming addiction is usually a long (and frustrating) process.
-
Be humble. We are all sin addicts.
-
Constantly point people to the gospel.
Series: The Book of Philippians
Gratitude, Contentment and Generosity
Philippians 4:10-23
Recap
The church at Philippi was started by Paul. They financially supported his mission endeavors and had developed an extremely close relationship with him. When the book is written Paul is 800 miles away in a Roman prison. After he receives a gift from the church, He writes a letter to thank them and encourage the congregation.
Gratitude (4:10, 14-16)
Paul was grateful for their gift because...
· It showed their love for him
· They were the only ones who had helped
· They were selfless
Paul avoids 3 pitfalls of saying thank you: manipulation, flattery, and silence.
Contentment (4:11-13)
Contentment is learned.
Contentment is internal.
Riches nor Poverty prove your spirituality.
Possessions, circumstances or success will never provide lasting contentment.
Contentment is found in focusing on Christ.
Generosity (17-19)
When we receive from Christ, we have a responsibility to give toward the mission.
Giving brings blessings to the giver and receiver.
God does not look at amounts; He looks at sacrifice.
God meets the real needs of those who give to Him.
closing thoughts
Only God has a glory that does not fade.
Faithfulness has a far-reaching impact.
Grace must bookend all we do.
Today’s Takeaways:
Series: Philippians
Dealing with Anxiety
Philippians 4:1-9
Anxiety is an intense desire for something, accompanied by the fear of not receiving it.
Worry demonstrates a distrust of God and His Providence in our lives.
Context:
The Philippian Christians were experiencing anxiety because of rejection, false teachers, and financial hardship. Anxieties were increased by two women sharply disagreeing in the church.
There is a connection between our “withness” and our “witness.”
Practical Steps
Focus on the Lord.
Rejoice at all times.
Rejoicing is a command, not an option.
Respond with Grace to all people.
There is division over whether “the Lord is near” should be taken as temporal or spatial. It can mean either.
1) He is coming again.
2) He is very present with us.
The two areas of battle in worry are the mind and the heart.
Replace worry with prayer.
Don’t replay or invent scenarios. Dig for truth.
The world tells you to empty your mind to handle anxiety. Christianity calls you to fill it!
When we dwell on our problems, we glorify our problems.
Learn from Christian examples.
Today's Takeaway:
Series: Philippians
Surpassing Value
Philippians 3:1-11
Philippians 3:1-7
True joy can only be found in Jesus.
There will always be enemies seeking to devalue the gospel.
Paul not only sees his sin as worthless, he sees personal success as worthless.
Nothing received, achieved, or experienced compares to Jesus.
Philippians 3:8
Christianity is more than a set of facts, religious ritual, or moral teachings; Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus.
Philippians 3:9-11
the value of knowing Christ
· Through knowing Christ, you have real spiritual confidence.
· Through knowing Christ, you experience His resurrection power.
· When you know Christ, you even have hope in suffering.
· A relationship with Christ is never broken.
today’s takeaways
The more enamored we are with the things of this world, the less our knowledge of Christ will be.
Our relationship with Christ is proven valuable as we go
through adversity, not when we avoid it.
There is nothing more important than a personal relationship with Christ.
Are you investing?
Series: The Book of Philippians
Unity in Christ
Philippians 2:1-11
Maintaining unity in a church requires intentional effort by everyone.
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:1-5
Steps to Unity
1. Celebrate our common faith.
Unity is rarely threatened over core issues. It is usually undermined by tertiary issues.
Maturing Christians become proficient at theological triage.
2. Abandon selfish pursuits.
Human nature will always pull us toward our own preferences.
3. Prioritize the needs of others.
We must view others as people whom God loves.
“One another” love is a helpful outreach tool.
4. Imitate Jesus.
Our goal should be to reflect Jesus, not only in conduct, but also in character.
“Being like Jesus” is not the Gospel becauseno one can be enough like Jesus to be accepted by God.
Many believe verses 6-11 are a Christological hymn of the early church.
Sacrifice and humility are rewarded by God.
Today’s Takeaways:
-
List your core beliefs.
-
Pray for God to develop humility in you.
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Seek to meet the need of a fellow church member this week.
-
Start each day this week by reading Philippians 2:1-11.
Series: Philippians
Rejoicing in Chains
Philippians 1:12-30
Recap
Paul writes to thank the Philippians for their financial support, tell them how he is doing, and address issues facing the church.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Context
Paul is writing from a Roman jail.
Before his imprisonment, he had faced multiple hardships:
He had been falsely accused, faced death threats, encountered starvation, was shipwrecked, was bitten by a poisonous snake, and was imprisoned by a madman.
Regardless of his circumstances, he refuses to complain, he thinks about others, and he rejoices in Jesus.
Rejoicing in chains
Live to advance the Gospel. 1:12-19
Paul believed his chains gave him opportunity.
Know that though you may be chained,
the Gospel can never be chained!
Faithfulness in adversity builds faithfulness in others.
Making Paul famous was not His goal.
Making Jesus famous was!
Understand your life is your testimony. 1:20
Gospel fidelity – Christian community = hypocrisy
Christian community – Gospel fidelity = fragility
Gospel fidelity + Christian community = power
Paul wanted to honor Jesus with his life because he loved Jesus.
Trust God’s providential care and sovereign
oversight of your life. 1:21-23
Invest your life in making genuine disciples. 1:24-30
Marks of Discipleship
§ Consistency
§ Steadfastness
§ Unity
§ Fearlessness
§ Preparedness
Today’s Takeaways
-
Choose to rejoice in Jesus rather than complaining about your circumstances.
-
Take the gospel with you wherever you go.
-
Remember to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Series: The Book of Philippians
Partners in the Gospel
Philippians 1:1-11
BACKGROUND
The City of Philippi was 800 miles from Rome, in modern day Greece. It was comprised of retired Roman soldiers, native Macedonians and Greeks. They were religiously pluralistic.
The Church at Philippi
· It was a diverse church.
· It was a loyal church.
· It was a giving church.
The Occasion of Paul’s Letter: Paul had received a gift from the church, and he was addressing some of the issues the church was facing whilewriting a thank you letter.
Verses 1-2
Christians are saints who are set apart because we are In Christ.
Christians are to become willing slaves of God—not from domination, but rather devotion.
Verses 3-8
Believers share a deep relationship because of common faith.
The Greek word for fellowship is Koinonia.
This deep relationship causes us to be patient, forgive, and accept one another. It also leads us to sacrifice for one another.
Christians not only share a common faith in the gospel, but they should partner together to advance it.
True brotherhood is developed while doing ministry together.
Consumerism adversely affects the depth of fellowship.
Practical Tips for Fellowship…
1. Seek to develop meaningful relationships in the Church
2. Join a Sunday School Small Group
3. Invite a college student out to dinner after church
4. Offer to serve our young families
5. Visit a shut-in
Verses 9-11
It is natural to pray for people that you love.
Real love is grounded in truth.
Knowing the difference between good and better is evidence of growing in love with God.
Christians should seek an inner purity and to externally be blameless.
Today’s Takeaways:
Series: Who is Your One?
HOW, WHAT, WHY?
Various texts
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Our Church Goal:
Every resident in the greater Lexington area to hear the gospel.
Success will require every believer to share the message.
Sharing Jesus with Your One
Your One may not believe the same things you believe, but he/she is experiencing the same things you are experiencing.
Brokenness is what gets people ready to try God’s solution for change.
A good transition statement is the key to turning conversations.
3 Circles:
Asking Your One to Respond
We are responsible for the appeal, not the response!
“Where do you see yourself in the 3 Circles?”
“Is there anything that would keep you from repenting and believing the Gospel right now?”
We should be gracious to a “no.”
It is great to share the Gospel, but remember the Gospel demands a response.
Today’s Takeaway:
Series: Who is Your One
YOUR ONE IS A BIG DEAL!
Luke 15
recap
-
Pray for your one for 30 days.
-
Invite your one to your house or to church.
-
Share the gospel with your one.
week 1 Every disciple should bring people to Jesus.
week 2 You are responsible for your network.
week 3 Sharing with your one is a big deal.
Luke 15
Context
Jesus is eating with sinners, and many religious people cannot understand why a good person would eat with “lost” people. Jesus tells three parables explaining that His mission is driven by seeking the lost.
Jesus emphasizes the value of one lost person.
Heaven rejoices for every single one returned.
The restoration of one is worthy of comfort, security, effort, and emotional investment.
sharing with your One is a big deal
Every ONE is broken because of sin.
Every ONE will spend forever somewhere.
Every ONE is loved by God.
We are not only saved from—we are saved toward.
Every ONE can experience new life.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44
Every ONE gets in the same way.
Good people don’t go to heaven, forgiven people go to heaven.
Today’s Takeaway
1.
2.
WHO is YOUR ONE?
The calling of Christians is to go and tell good news...
ACTS 1:8 Start where you are...
Start with who you know
Start while you have an opportunity
When people encountered Jesus, the first people they contacted were the people in their network.
I am not asking you to start relationships to share Jesus, I am asking you to share Jesus in the relationships you already have.
Your one is not someone you is someone you already know.
I know you have been praying for your one....
I believe God will answer the prayers of his people.
There are lots of Methods of Evangelism
1. Mass Media
2. Track Distribution
3. Street/Door to Door
4. Servanthood Evangelism
(The guy in front of you said you were paying for His)
5. Missions Evangelism
The most effective form and most common form of evangelism is relationship Evangelism
examples of relationship evangelism:
-
Andrew brought his brother Peter to Jesus.
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Philip brought his friend Nathanael (John 1:40-51).
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The Samaritan woman told her whole town about her encounter with Jesus (John 4:28-42).
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The exorcised man from the Gerasenes went home and told his friends how much Jesus had done for him (Mark 5:19-20).
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Matthew invited his friends to a dinner party where they could meet Jesus (Matthew 9:10-13).
-
Zaccheus invited many of his friends to a dinner party (Luke 19)
-
Jesus was accused of eating with sinners and tax collectors (a relational experience).
-
Peter spoke to Cornelius, but the whole household got baptized. Corneilus had brought them (Acts 10:24)
-
Paul spent nearly two years talking faith with Felix. At the end of Acts 23, the apostle Paul was sent to Felix, the governor. Felix had Paul guarded in Herod’s palace (Acts 23: 35) until he had the chance to hear Paul himself (Acts 24). After the hearing, Felix gave Paul some ”freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs” (24:23). Felix still got to hear of Jesus and the implications of being a disciple of Christ. These faith sharing conversations went on for the next two years (v.27).
Relationship vs Lifestyle Evangelism – Relationship evangelism... seeing your existing relationships as opportunities to share the gospel
Lifestyle Evangelism – hoping people will see your relationship and ask you about the gospel...
Series: Who’s Your One Finding Your One
Matthew 4:18-22 & Luke 15:1-7
The word “Christian” is only found three times in the New Testament.
Early believers self-identified as followers or disciples.
The concept of discipleship was familiar to Jesus’ audience.
Matthew 4:18-28 the initial call
Jesus chooses disciples; not we Him.
God is not looking for A listers to fill his roster. He is looking for people who will be faithful to the task.
Believers are asked to participate in two tasks:
1) following Jesus and 2) bringing people to Jesus.
a faithful follower
actively participates in bringing people to Christ
leverages relationships for the gospel
Most people come to Christ through a personal relationship.
invests in individuals and expects God to save them
Luke 15:1-7
The lost sheep is about God’s love for lost people.
· You seek who you value.
· You seek who you love.
Who is your one? ________________
the 30-day challenge
- Pray for your one.
God wills to work through willing intercessors. In His sovereignty, God has not called us
to watch history, but to shape history.
David Platt
When we pray, God responds.
-
Invite your one to your home or to church.
-
Share the gospel with your one.
Series: Foundations–Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Christus
Justification and Baptism
Romans 4:6-11
The doctrine of justification clarifies how a person is made right with God. People are made right with God, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Romans 4:6-11
Justification by faith is how everyone must be made right with God.
Abraham received the sign of the covenant after he was made right with God.
God established religious expressions to disciple His people.
Jesus instructed the church to observe communion and practice baptism to show their faith.
the difference between communion & baptism
· Communion is done corporately--baptism individually.
· Communion is done often. Baptism is a one-time event.
· Communion is a reminder of established knowledge. Baptism signifies a new understanding.
· Protestants have generally agreed on the meaning and practice of communion. Baptism has been the object of sharp division.
When should a person be baptized?
Baptism should be reserved for believers and should be administered soon after they come to faith.
How should a person be baptized?
In the New Testament, the described mode of baptism is immersion.
Why is baptism important?
Because of the doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone, we believe that baptism is symbolic and does not have saving power.
· Baptism follows Jesus’ example.
Matthew 3:11
· Baptism is a picture of the Gospel.
Romans 6:4
· Baptism symbolizes a real life change.
Romans 6:4
· Baptism provides a next step for a new believer.
Acts 2:37-38
· Baptism is an important spiritual milestone in a believer’s life.
· Baptism identifies a person with a community of faith.
Ephesians 4:4-5
· Baptism requires humility.
Today’s Takeaways
-
The doctrine of justification should guide our religious expressions.
-
Obedience in baptism is a first step to becoming a disciple of Christ.
-
We proclaim through baptism that Christ alone saves.
Easter 2019 - Hope Lives!
I Peter 1:3-5
There is a difference between ______ and ________.
Hope is a ____________________ expectation in something or someone.
Everybody _______________ on something or someone.
______________ hope will always _______________.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
I Peter 1:3-4
The hope of believers is called a "________________"
Why is Christian Hope Different?
- Our hope is in a ________________. (4-5)
We have been promised _____________________.
- Our hope _________in adversity. (6-9)
The hope the world offers _________ with adversity, our hope is _________ through adversity.
- Our hope is based on an _________ - the _________________. (3)
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:
1.
2.
Series: Foundations - Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Sola Christus
Communion and Grace Alone
Romans 3:27-4:5
Recap
The doctrine of justification clarifies how a person is made right with God.
People are made right with God, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Romans 4:1-4:5
Righteousness is credited to us because of faith.
Righteousness is a gift from God.
God gives His righteousness to the one who does not work.
God does not justify good people. He justifies ungodly people.
Imputed righteousness – God brings righteousness apart from our effort.
Infused righteousness – God uses our actions as a means to bring righteousness to us.
People’s understanding of justification should guide their church participation and their religious expressions.
Jesus gave two ordinances, baptism and communion, through which the church is to express their faith in Him.
Baptists believe that communion is symbolic, not sacramental.
the purpose of communion
Communion is not observed to appease God.
Communion is not taken to be closer to God.
Christians take communion to remember that grace came to us through Jesus’ sacrificial death.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:26
Today’s Takeaways
-
Salvation is grace based, not merit based.
-
Expressions of faith should be consistent with belief.
-
Communion proclaims only Jesus’ death makes people right with God.
Series: Faithful – The Story of Joseph
Faithful Until Death
Genesis 46-50
Faithfulness is the birthmark of the believer,
and it does not wear off.
Unknown
Joseph was faithful unto death
He brought his family to Egypt, even though they were not easy to live with.
He continued to work hard for Pharaoh, even though he was already a success.
He maintained his faith in God, even in a pagan society.
· He sought to instill his faith in his children.
· He took care of his brothers after Jacob was dead.
Our relationship with God is based on His forgiveness and His righteousness, not our worthiness and our righteousness.
if we are faithless, He remains faithful,
for He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:13
Our faithfulness is not an effort to maintain our salvation, our faithfulness is a natural response of gratitude to our salvation.
· He asked to be buried in the promised land.
how to be faithful until you die
Determine to love the people of God no matter what.
Work hard until Jesus comes.
Take necessary measures to instill faith in your children.
Never forget your real home.
Series: Faithful – The Story of Joseph Faithful in ForgivenessGenesis 42-45
ways we get even with people.
· There’s legal retaliation.
· There’s financial retaliation.
· There’s verbal retaliation.
· We recruit opponents.
· We give the cold shoulder.
why did Joseph hide his identity from his brothers?
Maybe it was because he was really toying with retaliation.
Joseph was going to determine if his brothers’ spirit had changed before he did anything.
Test #1: The test of adversity
Test #2: The test of prosperity
Joseph’s faith statement
5And now don’t be worried or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. 7 God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God.
Genesis 45:5-8
God can take the worst that men do to you and he can turn it around for the good.
steps to forgiveness
Release your right to retaliate, forever.
Only the Lord has the right to take revenge.
Do your part to reconcile the relationship.
Forgiveness is an individual action, reconciliation takes two parties.
Acknowledge the sovereignty of God, even in a terrible situation.
Series: Faithful- The story of Joseph
Prosperity
Genesis 41
Riches do not indicate God’s favor.
Jesus promised abundant life--not an abundant bank account.
Believers should use their wealth for the Gospel, not selfish pursuits.
It is more difficult to be faithful in prosperity than it is in adversity.
Not everyone can carry a full cup.
Oswald Sanders
why prosperity is a struggle
§ Pride
§ Indulgence
§ False Security
§ Distraction
faithfulness on display
-
In spite of being neglected, Joseph did not hold a grudge.
-
Even though he had an impressive resume, Joseph did not promote himself.
Joseph was immediately powerful and famous.
signs of prosperity
· He was given authority.
· He was given riches.
· He was given new clothing.
· He was given a new name.
successfully managing prosperity
Be willing to be used by God.
Continue to work hard.
Use your good fortune to help others.
Maintain a kingdom-focused mindset.
Series: Faithful – The Story of Joseph
DISCOURAGMENT
Genesis 39-41
Ø Our faith in Jesus does not insulate us from hardship.
Ø The enemy would want us to settle for false gospels.
Ø Our hope is in the fact that Jesus never leaves us.
Ø Because Jesus has proven faithful, we strive for faithfulness.
We must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9
Joseph’s discouraging history
The only thing more difficult than being falsely accused, is to be convicted of false accusations.
evidence that Joseph remained faithful
· He continued to accept responsibility.
Genesis 39:21-23
· He was sensitive to the needs of others.
Genesis 40:1-6
· He kept his faith in God.
Genesis 40:8-9
· He maintained his integrity even in jail.
Genesis 40:16-19
· He refused to lose hope.
Genesis 40:20-23
what about us?
Keep doing what you know is right.
Be aware of the needs of others.
Trust in God’s faithfulness.
Look to the example of Jesus.
keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross & despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3
Series: Faithful: The Story of Joseph
Faithful When Tempted
Genesis 39:1-23
temptation & the Gospel
· Human beings are slaves to sin.
· Only Christ’s death can set us free.
· Through faith in Him, we are free from bondage and have the potential to live a holy life.
· Our success or failure in temptation does not change God’s love for us.
· Because God loves us, we desire to be faithful in temptation.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.
I Corinthians 10:13
a success story
In spite of Joseph’s hardships, God had positioned Joseph for success.
Joseph was successful because the Lord was with him.
Joseph worked hard.
temptation truths
· Often temptation is the strongest after moments of success.
· Strong believers are tempted as much or more than anyone.
· Strong temptations do not die quickly.
a pattern for success
Develop deep convictions Genesis 39:8-9
Acknowledge God’s presence Genesis 39:9
Fight the good fight Genesis 39:8, 10-12
· he said “no”
· he avoided compromising situations as much as possible
· he ran away
Remember rewards are eternal Genesis 39:13-23
Today’s Takeaway
Series: Faithful: The Story of Joseph
ADVERSITY
Genesis 37:12-36
No one is immune from adversity.
A theology’s value is proven in crisis.
He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Matthew 5:45
A parent’s job is to equip and prepare their children for upcoming adversity.
· Those who try to insulate you cannot do so forever.
· Those who are closest to you may let you down.
A mob will have a tendency to sink to the level of its lowest participant.
What people call coincidence is a part of God’s providence for our lives.
Adversity can change your life in an instant.
You don’t even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.
James 4:14
Sometimes God uses adversity for you to experience Him.
Today’s Takeaway
· Prepare your mind for the prospect of adversity.
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Strive for unconditional faithfulness.
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Trust God when you cannot see Him.
I will be with you when you pass through the waters,
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire,
and the flame will not burn you.
Isaiah 43:2
- Remember the Gospel; a Savior who will give His life for you will stay with you when your life is hard.
JOSEPH: Faithful
A Family in Crisis
Genesis 37:1-11
foundational truths seen in the Joseph narrative
· God has a great purpose for His peoples’ lives.
· No matter what people go through, good or bad, God is at work.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
· God’s people can be faithful in all circumstances.
early hurdles in Joseph’s life
He had to endure a difficult upbringing.
Ø Joseph’s family was formed in constant turmoil.
Ø His family had to navigate multiple changes.
Ø Jacob did not distribute love equally to his children.
The dangers of a spoiled child...
ü A spoiled child is naïve about people’s reaction to him/her.
ü A spoiled child is naïve about the hard realities of life.
ü A spoiled child is naïve about his/her relationship with God.
Joseph had insanely jealous brothers.
Any time parents play favorites, the fires of sibling rivalry will be fueled.
Joseph wrestled with an arrogant spirit.
If God blesses, don’t flaunt it.
secrets to overcoming hard beginnings
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Refuse to blame others for your current situation.
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Continue to seek God regardless of what comes your way.
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Live according to the gospel and refuse to harbor resentment against those who have wronged you.
Series: Life Change
KEY MOMENTS
John 11
Key moments in life can be positive or negative moments.
There is an undeniable relationship between life change and unexpected circumstances.
God uses every event to transform people into the likeness of Jesus and to build our faith in Him.
John 11 The Story of Lazarus
Biblical Lessons
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God has knowledge of every situation we encounter.
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In God’s economy, circumstances, pain, and tragedy are legitimate tools to change our lives.
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Sometimes God creates tension in circumstances to solidify change.
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God is near when your world is turned upside down.
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God uses the events of our lives to get us to trust Him.
What can you do when God uses hard circumstances to change you?
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Seek God in all of life’s circumstances.
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Try to find out what you are supposed to learn or change.
A Bad Question: “What are you doing TO me?”
A Good Question: “What are you doing IN me?”
- Be patient when you don’t understand immediately.
“The only thing worse than disappointment with God
is disappointment without God.” Phillip Yancey
- Hold onto God. His goodness will not change
series: life-change
Biblical Engagement
Hebrews 4:12
Truth: The word of God intersects every area of your life.
Two biblical methods for engaging the Word are personal study and effective teaching. God has ordained both methods to develop you into the likeness of Christ.
Positive benefits of personal study...
ü Through personal study, you learn to hear the Holy Spirit.
ü There is power in an “Aha” moment.
ü You can study personally 24/7.
Positive benefits of effective teaching...
ü A teacher may have more biblical knowledge than you.
ü Humility is developed through learning from a teacher.
ü A teacher may not be biased to your sin, preference, or history.
Potential pitfalls...
· A teacher may be idolized.
· Personal study may yield flawed theology.
· Personal learning may never develop a depth of knowledge.
· A student may become too dependent upon the teacher.
· A teacher may be a persuasive heretic.
For maximum benefit...
You need consistent exposure.
· Do not assume complete maturity.
· Give the Bible to your children.
…you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures,
which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15
· Start your day with the Bible.
You need practical application.
· The majority of Jesus’ teaching dealt witheveryday life.
· The Bible is not a Sunday book.
You need willing obedience.
But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James 1:22
Fact: Obedience determines outcome.
Today’s Takeaway
· Take personal responsibility for your Bible knowledge.
· Regularly sit under the teaching of the Word of God.
· Apply what you hear and read to your everyday life.
· Obey what you have learned. Life change begins with obedience.
Series: Life Change
Key Relationships
Proverbs 13:20
1/13/19
Personal relationships are the most common factor to life change.
God-influencing relationships are providential.
God uses people to build faith.
· Typically, God uses multiple people in your life to grow your faith.
Life can be negatively influenced by others.
· Some unhealthy relationships are unavoidable.
· WARNING: The gravitational pull of culture and life is generally down, not up.
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
Biblical relationship counsel:
· Marry a believer.
Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
· Choose your counselors/teachers carefully.
The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked leads to deceit.
Proverbs 12:5
We need to utilize our healthy relationships for spiritual growth.
How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked
or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers!
Psalm 1:1
The Bad News: You can’t create God meetings.
The Good News: You can put yourself in position to experience them.
Today’s Takeaway:
· Seek out someone to invest in.
· Pray for God to send you a faith influence.
· Intentionally seek out those who obviously are following Christ.
· Put yourself in places where you will be exposed to the right people.
· Surrender your life to the One who has changed others.
series: life-change
Personal Discipline
Matthew 6
Spiritual Life Change
· Only God can bring real change.
· Life change is a process.
· It may begin in an instant, but there will always be more change needed.
Discipline
· Discipline results in progress.
· Discipline results in freedom.
· Discipline results in a good feeling.
It is impossible to have a healthy relationship with God without discipline.
MATTHEW 6:1-18
In this passage, Jesus talks about three disciplines:
Giving, Praying, and Fasting
Two Types of Prayer
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As you go prayer
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Intentional prayer
Each of these disciplines can be and are misused.
These disciplines are not beneficial when they are improperly utilized.
If utilized properly, these disciplines bring great reward.
The Benefits of Spiritual Discipline
1. Through the Discipline of Giving,
…you learn to trust God instead of your money.
…you learn to manage your money.
2. Through the Discipline of Praying,
…you learn to prioritize your time.
…you consistently remind yourself of God’s sovereignty and your dependence upon Him.
3. Through the Discipline of Fasting,
…you develop the Christlike quality of self-control.
Today’s Takeaway
· Give God the 1st 15 minutes of your day.
· Give God the 1st portion of your income for one month.
· Practice a personal fast this week.
· Spiritual change is impossible without a relationship with Jesus.
Series:Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Christmas Joy
Luke 1
Series Recap
“Tidings” is a prominent old English word meaning “news” or “special announcement.”
In the Christmas story, Christmas angels bring tidings of comfort and joy.
The Angel Appears to Mary
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”
Luke 1:26-28
Gabriel is one of five angels named in the Bible. He is always described as a messenger angel.
Mary being favored by God describes the blessings she will receive, not the behavior she has displayed.
Mary believes God and submits herself to be used of God.
Why does Christmas bring joy?
God’s faithfulness is displayed through the Christmas story.
The end of waiting always brings joy.
Christmas reminds us that nothing is impossible with God.
Through God’s choice of Mary, we learn that God looks with favor upon the lowly.
The Christmas message is that all people can have access to the Father.
Today’s Takeaway:
Series — The Book of Job
When God Shows Up!
Job 38-42
Humanity feels entitled to an explanation when life seems unfair.
God answers Job’s criticism through a series of questions.
In Chapter 38, God asks Job questions about the wonders of nature.
In Chapter 39, God asks Job questions about the animal kingdom.
In Chapter 40, God asks Job questions about His character.
How to Remain Faithful in Hardship
Remember that God is in charge of the universe — BE HUMBLE!
Our chief goal is not to live a life free from pain.
Rather our chief goal is to glorify God in all we do.
Have faith that God will provide answers — BE PATIENT!
Why God does not answer Job’s questions...
· We are not capable of handling the answer now.
· It would ruin the test if we knew the answer in advance.
Know that God will make things right — BE CONFIDENT!
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.
Job 19:25
What Satan intends for evil often becomes God’s greatest
Series: The Book of Job
When Pain Lingers
Job 3-37
The Old Testament is divided into three sections: History, Prophets, and Wisdom Literature.
Proverbs reveals how life typically works.
Job deals with the hard exceptions.
Deep wounds take time to heal.
If someone near you is dealing with hardship, be a friend anyway.
· Don’t underestimate the ministry of presence.
· Remember it is okay to be silent.
· Be patient. Hurting people sometimes lash out.
Theology is to be utilized in trouble, not formulated in it.
If you are faced with prolonged pain, be faithful anyway.
· Be realistic about your circumstances. They may not change.
·Trust God even if He is silent.
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
·Don’t settle for bitterness.
Faithful steps in pain
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Accept your experience as a test from God.
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Continue to practice the spiritual disciplines.
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Remember God’s promise of reward.
See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 5:11
Series: The Book of Job
When Life is Hard
JOB 1-2
Give thanks in everything,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:18
Job’s Character...
· He was a moral man.
· He was a family man.
· He was a godly man.
Lessons for us...
Bad things happen to good people.
A part of Christian maturity is learning to trust God through
the temporary injustices of this life.
Nothing happens to you except what God has allowed.
Why does God permit hardship/suffering?
ü Sometimes God permits suffering to mature us.
ü Sometimes God permits suffering to comfort others.
ü Sometimes God permits suffering to test us.
Believers can worship God even when they don’t understand what He is doing.
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life.
The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of Yahweh.
Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.
Job 1:20-22
The story of faithful suffering gives strength to others.
Today’s Takeaway:
Series: I want to be
Generous
Philippians 4:14-19
Generosity
Generosity is the habit of giving without expecting anything in return.
The word generous derived from a Latin word meaning “open handed.”
A key component of discipleship is learning to give.
Most of us are generous to something/someone.
Generosity is a hallmark of Christian life.
We should be generous for the gospel.
Tithing and generosity are not the same thing.
LESSONS FROM PHILIPPIANS 4
The gospel is worthy of my generosity. (15-16)
There are legitimate needs to be met. (16)
There are times whenour ability to be generous may be limited. (10)
God is pleased with the generous and gives them treasure in heaven. (17)
God blesses the giver. (19)
Today's Takeaway
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Be generous for the kingdom.
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Look for opportunities to help, instead of looking the other way.
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Help our church be more generous.
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Realize that treasure in heaven doesn't do you any good if you are not there!
Series: i wanna be
CONTENT
Philippians 4:10-13
Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.
Benjamin Franklin
What is contentment?
Philippians 4
The Philippian church was a financial partner with Paul.
After some time, they have renewed their support for him.
He expresses gratitude, but he wants to make sure they know their support is not his joy.
Contentment Facts
1. People can be content regardless of what they are facing.
2. Contentment is not dependent upon material possessions.
Proverbs 30:8-9 I Timothy 6:8
· A lack of contentment is often the result of comparison.
3. Every Christian can learn to be content.
4. There is one key to contentment: Live for Jesus, not you.
5. Contentment is often a believer's most powerful testimony.
Today's Takeaway
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Realize contentment has nothing to do with circumstances.
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Make a list of everything you have that cannot be taken from you. Live for these.
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Acknowledge that you will never be content apart from Jesus.
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Quit looking at what you have not been given, and start giving thanks for what you have been given.
What is Your Problem? What is the Solution to your problem? What is the point of the solution.
God is completely sovereign. God cannot be blamed for all the bad that happens in the world. Because of sin God allowed the devil to have some authority in our world. One day, the earth will be completely back under the control of the Lord.