Austin Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
Austin Baptist Church
A collection of Austin Baptist Church resources including the most recent sermons. Get equipped to shine the light of Jesus Christ! For more information and resources, visit us at AustinBaptistChurch.com
Acts 28
The Christian Journey will be filled with PAIN
In Painful Seasons:
We can experience God more DEEPLY
Others can see God in us more CLEARLY
The CHURCH helps us endure painful seasons
Painful seasons can become FRUITFUL seasons
INTERNAL Impact
Philippians 1:18-21
Philippians 4:12-13
EXTERNAL Impact
Philippians 1:12-13
Philippians 4:21-22
No pain will stop the Gospel from ADVANCING
Acts 24:1-26
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Always be READY to give a DEFENSE
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Every day is an OPPORTUNITY to PREPARE
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Let God HANDLE the RESULTS
Acts 20-23
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The right way is rarely the comfortable way
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The right way is straightened by trust.
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The right way requires shrewdness.
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It is righteous to exercise your legal rights.
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Through courage, faith, and wisdom the right way will be fulfilled.
Acts 19:23-41
The Gospel CHANGES people
Changed PEOPLE change their CITIES
There will be conflict between the WAY and the WORLD
Three Responses to the Conflict:
-WEAK Gospel
-FALSE Gospel
-TRUE Gospel
Do not TRUST the mob
Do not FEAR the mob
Acts 18:1-17
To Live On Mission for Jesus:
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We need God’s PEOPLE
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We need God’s PRESENCE
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We need God’s PROTECTION
Acts 17:16-34
Evangelism is birthed out of a BURDEN
When Sharing Christ:
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RESPECT the people you are trying to reach
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Build a BRIDGE to the Gospel
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Don’t WATER down the Gospel
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Leave the RESULTS to God
Acts 16:6-15
God saves us INWARDLY
We express our salvation OUTWARDLY
Why be baptized?
-To IMITATE Jesus
-To OBEY Jesus
Baptism is raising your FLAG for Jesus Christ
Acts 14:8-21
Humility REDIRECTS the glory to Christ
Idolatry ROBS the glory of Christ
Followers of Jesus will face RESISTANCE
Followers of Jesus must have PERSISTENCE
-Persistence TESTIFIES
-Persistence SANCTIFIES
Acts 13:1–2
A. Antioch was a church marked by Diversity.
B. Antioch was a church marked by gifted Leaders.
C. Antioch was a church marked by active Worship.
A. The call came from the Holy Spirit.
B. The sending was carried out by the Church.
The church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas.
- The Church recognizes Missionaries
- The Church prays for Missionaries
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The Church sends Missionaries
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Through Prayer
- Through Financial Support
- Through Hospitality
- Through People
Acts 9:17-27
God has to do something IN us before He can do something THROUGH us
-Preparing him
-Humbling him
Q: How can you spiritually mature like Paul?
1. Embrace your DESERT
2. Learn by FIRE
3. Connect at CHURCH
Acts 9:1-15
We are prone to STAY rather than GO
Jesus CALLS us
Jesus FORGIVES us
Jesus CHANGES us
Jesus DEPLOYS us
Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting should be SPIRITUALLY motivated, not SELFISHLY motivated
Types of Biblical Fasts:
-Normal
-Partial
-Absolute
-Supernatural
-Public
-Private
How will fasting strengthen my faith?
1. Fasting RENEWS your prayer life
2.Fasting REDIRECTS you to God
3. Fasting REMINDS you of God’s power
4. Fasting REFOCUSES your hunger
1 John 1:5-9
We are all tempted to HIDE sin
Bringing our sin to light:
-Builds deeper relationships with BELIEVERS
-Builds a deeper relationship with GOD
Three ways we deceive ourselves:
1. We RATIONALIZE our sin
2. We GENERALIZE our sin
3. WE MINIMIZE our sin
LYING about sin will lead to spiritual STAGNATION
CONFESSING our sin will lead to spiritual TRANSFORMATION
-Confess to GOD
-Confess to OTHERS
Matthew 6:5-13
Why Pray?
-God wants TIME with you
-God wants to TRANSFORM you
How can prayer change you?
-Prayer ALIGNS you
-Prayer REMINDS you
-Prayer SOFTENS you
-Prayer PROTECTS you
1 Corinthians 12:1-26
Main Idea: Service is God’s practical pathway to spiritual maturity and fulfillment in the life of every believer.
Lies we believe about service:
1. We believe the lie we aren’t spiritual.
2. We believe the lie that we don’t have gifts from God.
3. We believe the lie that service will be a waste of our time.
Truths Paul clarifies for us about service:
1. All Christians are qualified and commissioned by the Holy Spirit.
2. All Christians have gifts God created them to use to build up the body.
3. We are missing out on the full picture of the Christian life when we say no to service.
Matthew 6:6-7
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What Silence and Solitude are NOT
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They are not just an ACTION: Matthew 15:8-9
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They are not designed for our COMFORT: 1 Kings 19:12-13
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They are not designed to make you feel more SPIRITUAL: Matthew 6:5
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What Silence and Solitude ARE
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Giving God our full ATTENTION Habbakuk 2:1-3
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Giving God our full AFFECTION: Matthew 14:10-13
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Giving God our full ABILITY: Luke 4:1
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Silence and Solitude are disciplines that set the table for the other spiritual pathways.
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What are some practical steps we can take to build these pathways of Solitude and Silence into our lives?
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Be INTENTIONAL
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SCHEDULE
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SACRIFICE for it
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Don’t use as an EXCUSE of LAZINESS
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Hold the BOUNDARY of the time
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JOURNAL about insights
John 4:19-23
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God desires our WORSHIP
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Worship is a HEART response to God
-We worship Him as CREATOR
-We worship Him as REDEEMER
-We worship Him PRIVATELY and PUBLICLY -
Not all worship is TRUE worship
-Tradition or ritual does not PRODUCE worship
-The ABSENCE of tradition or ritual does not produce worship
Q: How can I stir my heart to worship at church?
-SING the songs!
-Engage with the SERMON
-Worship BEFORE Sunday
2 Timothy 3:14-17
Scripture INFORMS us
-Counsels
-Convicts
-Clarifies
Scripture TRANSFORMS us
-Strengthens us
-Comforts us
-Shapes us
How can I walk this pathway?
1. Pick a TIME
2. Make a PLAN
3. Find a TEAM
1 Corinthians 15:3-11
- He FULFILLED the Scriptures
- The disciples DIED for Him
- The CROWDS witnessed Him
- His BROTHER worshipped Him
5.Lives are TRANSFORMED by Him
Genesis 3:20-24
- The First Adam brought DEATH, the Second Adam brings LIFE
- The First Adam brought SHAME, the Second Adam brings FREEDOM
- The First Adam was EXILED, the Second Adam brings us HOME
Genesis 3:16-19
1.Sin Corrupted God’s Design
2.Christ Redeems
3.God Will Make All Things New
Genesis 3:14-15
- Our God is JUST
- Our God is GRACIOUS
- Our God CANNOT be stopped
Q: How has Jesus crushed Satan?
- He has removed the PENALTY of sin
- He has removed the POWER of sin
-He will remove the PRESENCE of sin
Genesis 3:1-13
- The Enemy Knows How to Lure Us
- As Adam and Eve Sinned, So ALL of Humanity has Sinned
- You can COVER UP your sin, or let Jesus COVER your sin
- God doesn’t run FROM sinners, He runs TO sinners
- We must take OWNERSHIP of our sin
Genesis 2:18-25
- Husbands and Wives are Equal, but Different
- God Designed the HUSBAND to be the LEADER
- God Designed the WIFE to be the HELPER
- The sin of ADAM has DISTORTED the home
- The SECOND ADAM can RESTORE your home
Genesis 2:18-25
God’s Design for Marriage:
1. One Man and One Woman
2. The Establishment of a New Home
3. A Lifelong Covenant Between Two Believers
4. The Confines for Sexual Intimacy
5. The Most Important Decision You Will Make Outside of Salvation
Genesis 2:5-17
- You were made for RELATIONSHIP with God
- God wants to give you LIFE to the full
- We cannot worship in willful disobedience
- He CLEANSES us
- He CHANGES us
6.He CARRIES us
Genesis 2:1-3
- God displays his SATISFACTION on Day 7
- God establishes a RHYTHM for us on Day 7
- We were created to WORK
- We were created to REST
- JESUS is the source of our rest
Genesis 1:24-31
- God made you ON purpose and FOR a purpose
- Sin has DISTORTED, but not DESTROYED, God’s image in us.
- Jesus IS the image of God
- Jesus CAN restore the image of God in YOU
- Our restoration will be COMPLETE when Jesus returns
- Jesus can TRANSFORM your life
Genesis 1:3-23
- God’s Word has POWER
- God gives LIFE
- God is our SECURITY
- God gives us ORDER
- God is GLORIOUS
1 Corinthians 16:5-7
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VISIONARY churches look forward to what’s NEXT
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A FINISH line is a STARTING line to something else
Q: Why do we keep running?
-The MISSION has not ended
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The world is still LOST
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Our race is not OVER
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God has opened a DOOR of opportunity for ABC
Q: What door has He opened?
-A door for MISSIONS
-A door for MINISTRIES
-A door to DREAM
- LIFE CHANGE happens when we walk through OPEN DOORS
Genesis 1:1-3
Romans 1:18-20
- Our God is ETERNAL
Psalm 90:2
Isaiah 40:28
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, well, earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing.” – CS Lewis, Mere Christianity.
- Our God is the CREATOR
Jeremiah 33:27
Ephesians 3:20-21
3.Our God is TRIUNE
Colossians 1:16
John 1:2-3
Acts 17:24-25
- Our God wants to LIGHT up your LIFE
John 8:12
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Help you know that you can trust that the Bible you have today is the word of God and reliable.
Help you understand that regularly engaging with the Word of God will radically change your life.
- Profitable through Teaching
2.Profitable through Reproof and Correction - Profitable for Training in Righteousness
Slide: the Bible
Teaches Us
Convicts Us
Restores Us
Trains Us
Tips:
-The Gospels are always a good place to start reading
-Set a goal. Try for 10-15 minutes a day to start.
-Make it a discipline.
-Comprehension not completion
-Find a translation that works for you
-NLT, ESV, CSB, NKJV
How to Read
-Start with Prayer
-SOAP Method
-Scripture - Read whatever your chosen text is
-Observation: Ask questions about the text (who, what, where, when, why). Focus on repeated words, commands, and themes.
-Application - Reflect on how the verse applies to your life today.
-Prayer - Pray that God to seal the deal
Helpful Tools
-Bible App
-Enduring Word Commentary Online
-Dwell Bible App
-Get a Study Bible
Isaiah 9:1-7
Why Rejoice?
-Jesus has set us FREE
-Jesus is the KING of kings
-Jesus will reign FOREVER
Micah 5:1-5
- God chooses the WEAK and makes them STRONG
- Knowing ABOUT the King is not the same as KNOWING the King
- Our King is also our Good Shepherd
-He is our STRENGTH
-He is our SECURITY
-He is our PEACE
Isaiah 7:1-14
- God wants to FIGHT our battles FOR us
- Sometimes we SEARCH for the saviors we THINK we need
- God SENT us the Savior he KNOWS we need
- How is Jesus a Better Savior?
-He is Fully God
-He is Fully Man
-He is With Us
Luke 3:1-20
Observations of John
1. John calls us to repentance
2. John points us to Jesus
3. John demonstrates confidence in the future
We cannot worship a Savior we think we do not need.
Repentance opens the doorway to joy.
Psalm 103
- The enemy wants you to FORGET the goodness of God
- What makes us forget?
-Pain
-Pleasure
-People - COUNT your blessings, don’t COMPARE them
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Why Give Thanks?
-He forgives (vs. 3)
-He heals (vs. 3)
-He redeems (vs. 4)
-He crowns (vs. 4)
-He satisfies (vs. 5)
-He renews (vs. 5)
-He works (vs. 6)
-He reveals (vs. 7)
-He is patient (vs. 8-9)
-He is gracious (vs. 10)
-He loves (vs. 11)
-He cleanses (vs. 12)
-He is compassionate (vs. 13)
-He knows (vs. 14)
-He is everlasting (vs. 15-19) -
When GRATITUDE rises, WORSHIP naturally follows
1 Chronicles 29:1-16
- We ALL have a part to play in building God’s house
- We Build With:
-Time
-Talent
-Treasure - Contagious GENEROSITY leads to greater IMPACT
- Our Generosity is an act of WORSHIP
-We don’t give to receive POWER
-We don’t give to receive GLORY
-We give because He has GIVEN to us
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
- SEEDS of Generosity Produce Kingdom HARVESTS
- Three Forms of Giving:
-Sad Giving
-Mad Giving
-Glad Giving - Generous BELIEVERS experience JOY
-The Joy of Blessing Others
-The Joy of Being Blessed by God - Generous CHURCHES experience JOY
Philippians 1:3-5
- We SHARE in salvation through the Gospel
- We FINANCIALLY SHARE in the work of the Gospel
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Why the Tithe?
A.) Act of Worship
B.) Personal Spiritual Growth
C.) Funds Ministry -
Does the Tithe still apply in the NT?
A.) The Tithe pre-dated the Law
B.) Jesus did speak of the Tithe
C.) Jesus never lowers the bar, he only raises it -
Your partnership advances the Great Commission AT ABC
- Your partnership advances the Great Commission THROUGH ABC
- Your partnership will grow the Kingdom and grow YOU
Three Key Decisions that God led Johnson Ferry to make in the first 10 years to become a Great Commission Church:
1. Giving to Missions – Matthew 6:21
2. Prayer
3. Going and Sending
I. Verse 16 – Another appearance of Jesus after His Resurrection
a. Location – around the sea of Galilee
b. It was one of 11 appearances recorded in scripture
c. Any disciple wants to be with the Risen Lord
II. Verses 17-18 – They worshipped Him
a. To know Jesus is to worship Him.
b. But some were doubtful.
c. Verse 18 – Confirms they were doubting themselves.
d. What doubt sized challenge is God putting before you?
III. Verse 19 - Go.
a. A command - As you go
b. The command - To make disciples.
i. An example of a great disciple maker
ii. It only begins through preaching the gospel
c. Where?
i. All Nations – Ethnos – People Groups
ii. It is a local and global calling
d. The first command for a new disciple is baptism
IV. Verse 20a - Teaching disciples how to obey:
a. The Great Commission is a two-fold focus (Reaching and Teaching)
b. What do we teach? The Bible
c. Good teaching and preaching has application
d. The result of good teaching is obedience
V. Jesus promises to be with us always (v 20b)
a. In giving, prayer, going and sending, trusting
b. He gives us a great power – The Holy Spirit
What God sized challenge is God leading you and ABC to fulfill?
The Most Important Work on Earth is the mission of Christ’s Church
John 12:20-26
- Anyone can meet with JESUS
- Harvests come through SACRIFICE
- Mission-minded churches plant SEEDS to maximize FRUIT
-Plant Money
-Plant People - Multiplying churches move from SUPPORTING to SENDING
- Multiplying churches view LOSSES as GAINS
Ephesians 4:11-12
- Pastors are SHEPHERDS, not SAVIORS
- Jesus gives EVERY Christian a ministry assignment for His church
- Why many churches fail to MULTIPLY leaders:
-Current leaders won’t let go
-New leaders won’t step up - Consumer Christians view the church as a SERVICE PROVIDER
- Mature Christians view the church as a place to PROVIDE SERVICE
- Multiplying Leaders will lead to a Multiplication of Impact
John 20:19-22
- God’s Plan for Gospel Advancement:
-Jesus was SENT
-We are SENT
-We are not SENT alone - Every Christian is a Missionary
Charles Spurgeon, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.”
- Every Christian has a Mission Field
- Embracing your mission leads to Kingdom Multiplication
- Embracing your mission leads to Personal Transformation
1 Peter 4:7-11
- Strong churches live with URGENCY
- Strong churches love EARNESTLY
- Strong churches serve SACRIFICIALLY
A. Serving is inconvenient
B. Serving is life-changing
C. Serving brings glory to Jesus Christ
Hebrews 10:19-25
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Where do you go when life turns upside down?
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When Life Gets Crazy:
-Draw Near
-Hold Fast
-Encourage One Another -
DISCONNECTED people will become DISCOURAGED people
- Church isn’t a passive DECISION, it's an intentional HABIT
- We need ONE ANOTHER even more in these Last Days
Galatians 6:1-5
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Healthy churches CARE for one another
-Care About Sin (vs. 1)
-Care About Burdens (vs. 2) -
Churches that lack GRACE will also lack AUTHENTICITY
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Pride will make you pretend your BOULDER is a BACKPACK
-Pride robs YOU of experiencing God’s BEST
-Pride robs OTHERS of experiencing God’s BEST -
God shapes our souls through CARING for one another
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What burden can you pick up this week?
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What burden do you need to unload?
Ephesians 4:29-32
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Godly speech in the church
-Edifies
-Timely
-Full of Grace -
Our sin against one another breaks the heart of God
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Why does He grieve over our sin against one another?
-God has better plans for our lives
-God has better plans for our church -
God has given us a spirit of self-control
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Forgiving One Another in the Church:
-Preserves
-Protects
-Preaches
Romans 15:1-7
- Church unity comes through SACRIFICE
- Church unity comes through CONFORMITY to Christ
- Church unity comes through SUBMISSION to God’s Word
- Smoke rises when….
-Leaders stop preaching
-Members stop reading - Church unity comes through commitment to PRAYER
- The goal is UNITY, not UNIFORMITY
- A welcoming church will be filled with different types of people
John 13:31-35
- The Cross Displays the Glory of Jesus Christ
D.A. Carson, “The supreme moment of divine disclosure, the greatest moment of displayed glory, was in the shame of the cross."
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How is this commandment new?
-The Spirit gives us a new POWER to love
-The Son gives us a new MODEL for love -
What does the cross communicate about His love?
-His love is SACRIFICIAL
-His love is PATIENT
-His love is UNCONDITIONAL -
ABC must have a SACRIFICIAL LOVE for one another
- ABC must have a PATIENT LOVE for one another
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ABC must have an UNCONDITIONAL love for one another
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Our love is our witness to the world
Matthew 5:14-16
Our Mission: To lead people into a life-changing relationship with the Light of
the World, Jesus Christ.
Our Vision: to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world.
Our Core Values: Truth, Grace, Authenticity, Impact.
Luke 15:1-32
- The Prodigal
- Response of the Father
C.S. Lewis Quote - ““It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
- The Begrudging Brother
Matthew 25:14-30
- God invests His grace, love, and power in us.
- Delighting in God will mean investing His gifts.
- Overprotection isn’t investment; it’s fear.
- The abundant life in Jesus will invest and multiply for the glory of God.
- Your choice today isn’t whether to invest or not. It’s whether you will live or just exist.
Matthew 25:1-13
- Some in church are not ready for His coming
- Jesus’ return will be unexpected
- Jesus’ judgment will be irreversible
- Wise people prepare for His coming:
-Faith in Jesus
-Live for Jesus
-Share Jesus
Matthew 13:31-32
- The Kingdom is ADVANCING
- God is at work:
Around You
In You
Through You - The Kingdom is ACCESSIBLE
- Kingdom-minded people should be HOPEFUL and HELPFUL
Matthew 13:24-30
1. We are planted into war
2. God chooses to grow us in the midst of adversity
3. God will bring those He loves into glory
Matthew 18:21-35
- The King forgave a debt we could never pay
- Those who RECEIVE grace are expected to GIVE it
- Why Forgive?
-Forgiveness PRESERVES unity
-Forgiveness PREACHES the Gospel
-Forgiveness PROTECTS our hearts
John Stott, “This certainly does not mean that our forgiveness of others earns us the right to be forgiven. It is rather that God forgives only the penitent and that one of the chief evidences of true penitence is a forgiving spirit. Once our eyes have been opened to see the enormity of our offense against God, the injuries which others have done to us appear by comparison extremely trifling.”
- A FORGIVING heart is evidence of a FORGIVEN heart
Luke 12:13-21
3 Warnings About Greed:
1. Greed will make you UNSATISFIED
2. Greed will make you PROUD
3. Greed will make you COMPLACENT
-Money cannot offer true security
-Money does not go with us
-Money makes a lousy god
- Fall in love with the PROVIDER, not the PROVISION
Luke 10:25-37
1. We CANNOT justify ourselves
2. ONLY Jesus loved perfectly
3. The Love of Jesus COMPELS us and EMPOWERS us
Matthew 13:1-23
- Four Possible Responses to the Gospel:
-Hard Soil = “The Defiant Heart”
-Rocky Soil = “The Emotional Heart”
-Crowded Soil = “The Conflicted Heart”
-Good Soil = “The Fruitful Heart”
-Fruit is evidence of salvation
-Fruit will be accompanied by sin
-Fruit takes time to grow
- How Can I Produce More Fruit?
-Soften your heart
-Plant deeper roots
-Prune the thorns
2 Samuel 22
- God is our ROCK
-The Rock of our Salvation
-The Rock that gives us Peace - God is our LIGHT
- God is our STRENGTH
Samuel 13
- We are called to action, not passivity
- Three reasons we choose passivity
-Shame
-Uncertainty
-Fear of Conflict - Avoidance does not solve the problem
- If you do not lead, someone else will
- Avoidance Compounds Issues
- Change is a Process
2 Samuel 11-12
- What do you do when you fall down?
- How do you fall down?
-Get Complacent
-Go where you should not go
-Ignore Conviction
-Isolate Yourself - Sin Snowballs
- Sin is Exposed
- How do you get back up?
-Listen to God’s Voice
-Accept Responsibility
-Repent. Don’t settle for Remorse.
Isaiah 66: 12-13
1. God comforts us when He nourishes us
2. God comforts us when He carries us
3. God comforts us through His Joy
Sam Browne
Hudson Ratcliff
Corbin Smith
Acts 4:8-22
The gospel should embolden us.
1. To have Godly boldness we need power from the Holy Spirit and trust in the Gospel
2. Godly boldness isn’t limited to the specially equipped or educated.
3. Godly boldness should make us desperate to share what Jesus has done for us, regardless of the consequences.
2 Samuel 9
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Our King is full of grace
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Grace for anyone
- Grace without strings
2.Our King can remove shame
3.Our King makes us royalty
- Royal access
- Royal power
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Royal inheritance
-
Who needs grace this week?
-
Receive it
- Give it
Luke 24:36-43
- Jesus will offer peace to ANYONE
- PEACE comes through His cross
-Peace WITH God
-Peace FROM God - JOY comes through His resurrection
Mark 11:1-10
- We should TRUST in King Jesus
- We should FOLLOW King Jesus
- We should SURRENDER to King Jesus
- What do you need to lay down this week?
- What do you do when God says “No”?
- Three Likely Responses:
-Become BITTER
-Become JEALOUS
-Become like JESUS - Not every GOOD idea is GOD’S idea for your life
Chuck Swindoll, “When God says ‘no’ it is not necessarily discipline or rejection. It may simply be redirection.”
- Be HELPFUL, not RESENTFUL, in God’s assignment
- God’s “no” is a “yes” to the BEST plan
- How must we respond to God’s “no”?
-Sit at His feet
-Humble yourself
-Count your blessings
2 Samuel 6
- God wants to speak into our decisions
- Ignoring God In Our Decision-Making Leads To:
-Powerless Pragmatism
-Compromised Theology
-Painful Consequences - True JOY comes through OBEDIENCE
- The world will not UNDERSTAND our JOY
- The world cannot STEAL our JOY
2 Samuel 5:1-15
- The BEST path is rarely the FASTEST one
- We can TRUST God at His word
- PROSPERITY brings its own PERILS
-Peril of Complacency
-Peril of Worldliness
“The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity are excellent campaigning weather [for the devil]…Prosperity knits a man to the world. He feels he is ‘finding his place in it,’ while really it is finding its place in him. His increasing reputation, his widening circle of acquaintances, his sense of importance, the growing pressure of absorbing and agreeable work, build up in him a sense of really being at home in earth, which is just what we want. You will note that the young are generally less unwilling to [spiritually] die than the middle aged and the old.” – CS Lewis, Screwtape
1 Samuel 28, 31
1. King Saul was INSECURE
2. King Saul was a HYPOCRITE
3. King Saul was SELFISH
4. King Saul’s life proved a new kingdom was needed
5. Do you need a leadership change in your life?
-King Jesus will give you SECURITY
-King Jesus will give you POWER
-King Jesus will give you PURPOSE
1 Samuel 25:9-35
- Despite our best efforts to work with them, sometimes people are just jerks.
- When a person is wronged, it is natural and not sinful to feel anger.
- Peacemakers go above and beyond to spare the most people.
- Your first reaction doesn’t have to be your last reaction.
“ Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter. As you press on for justice, be sure to move with dignity and discipline, using only the weapon of love. Let no man pull you so low as to hate him. Always avoid violence. If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in your struggle, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos.” Martin Luther King Jr.
1 Samuel 24:1-7
1. Focus on God
2. Be Patient
Quote - “David decided to wait on God. If David took matters into his own hands now, it would be at the expense of a thousand precious experiences of god’s care, provision, guidance and tenderness. No, reasoned David, even a throne at this price is too dear.”
3. Get to Work
1 Samuel 22:1-2
1. Why caves?
2. Caves force us to make a decision: will I run TO God, or FROM God?
3. Be honest with God
4. Be committed to God
5. How does God work through the caves in our lives?
-Caves bring people together
-Caves prepare us for the future
-Caves transform our hearts
1 Samuel 20:1-11
- A True Friend is SELFLESS
- A True Friend is HONEST
- A True Friend is PRESENT in time of need
- True Friendships are FORMED, not FOUND
1 Samuel 18:1-11
- The King is worthy of our surrender
- Comparison will take you down a slippery slope
- The 3 Dangers of Envy:
-Envy will make you ANGRY
-Envy will make you ANXIOUS
-Envy will make you FOOLISH - Replace your WANTS with WORSHIP
- Replace COMPARISON with CONTENTMENT
1 Samuel 17
- Be careful where you place your hope
- Bold faith will always meet internal opposition
- Courage is cultivated over time
- Jesus is the TRUE David
- Jesus gives us TRUE courage
1 Samuel 16:14-23
- How would a non-Christian describe you?
- God matures us in the pastures
- Many Christians want to be anointed but never pressed
- The world needs more shepherds and less kings
- What pasture can you serve in this week?
1 Samuel 16:1-13
- God wants your HEART.
- God can make something beautiful out of your life
-
God looks inward. Do you look outward?
-The Dissatisfied Person
-The Judgmental Person
-The Self-Righteous Person -
The Spirit of God can do a fresh work in your life
Ephesians 5:14-21
- Waking to the light of Christ changes our vision.
- Waking to the light of Christ makes the most of the time.
- Waking to the light of Christ calls us to get wisdom.
-Addressing one another
-Singing and making music
-Giving thanks always
-Submitting to one another - Waking to the life of Christ is fulfilled by involvement with the faith family of the Church.
Hebrews 11:1-6
1. God Initiates His Promises
2. God Keeps His Promises
3. God’s Promises Give us Strength
Promises of God:
-If you search for him you will find him - Deuteronomy 4:29
-God Loves you - 1 John 4:16
-His love will never fail - 1 Chronicles 16:34
-Salvation to those who believe - John 3:16
-Comfort in Trials - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
-A Peace that surpasses all understanding - Philippians 4:6-7
-He will give us Rest - Matthew 11:28-29
-Abundant Life - John 10:10
-Assurance of Salvation - John 10:28
-No Condemnation for those in Christ - Romans 8:1
-He will Return - John 14:2-3
Luke 2:1-7
Receiving Jesus will change your plans
Jesus came to make room for us
Jesus will meet you anywhere
Matthew 2:1-11
- Don’t miss God’s signs in your life
- Knowing is not the same as Going
- Wise Men Worship Jesus
Luke 1:26-38
God’s grace is GIVEN, it is not EARNED
The Spirit of God can do a miracle in your life
Transformation comes by saying “yes” to God
Luke 2:8-16
1. God sees the unseen
2. God offers peace to the world
3. Jesus invites you to come as you are
Matthew 1:18-25
- Joseph was a RIGHTEOUS man
- Joseph was a CHOSEN man
- Joseph was an OBEDIENT man
Luke 10:38-42
- Showing hospitality to others matters.
- If busyness is our pursuit, then insecurity is our idol.
- Best Statements to Ruin a Thanksgiving Dinner:
-It’s not really cranberry sauce if it doesn’t come in the shape of a can.
-What are you planning to do when you graduate?
-When are you going to start having kids?
-Who’d you vote for?
-Guess I have to clean up this mess all by myself! - Indignation is the enemy of gratitude
- We have to let go of the good if it stands in the way of His best.
Exodus 35
- God builds his house through generous givers
- God builds his house through committed servants
- God builds his house through spirit-filled leaders
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:5-13
- Prayer reminds us of who He is
- Pray for God’s will to be done
- Prayer keeps us dependent on God
- Prayer keeps our hearts soft
- Pray for God’s protection
Joshua 24:11-15
Light The Way is a two-year generosity initiative designed to accelerate and expand the mission and ministries of Austin Baptist Church.
Our Goal: Raise $5 million above general fund tithes and offerings to eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend our message.
- The investments we make TODAY can bless the generations of TOMORROW
- GENEROSITY is a demonstration of SINCERE faith
- The world serves MONEY. Christians serve GOD with their MONEY.
- Generosity is a DECISION we get to make.
- OUR decisions will shape our CHILDREN’S decisions.
Light The Way is a two-year generosity initiative designed to accelerate and expand the mission and ministries of Austin Baptist Church.
Our Goal: Raise $5 million above general fund tithes and offerings to eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend our message.
Joshua 8:30-35
1. BATTLES are lost when we do things OUR way
2. VICTORY is found when we do things GOD’S way
3. God’s Word is the KEY to a VICTORIOUS life
4. God’s Word must be COMMUNICATED where people can HEAR it
Media Ministry…
-Ministers to those who are: SUFFERING
-Informs those who are: SHOPPING
-Reaches those who are: SEARCHING
- Our generosity EXTENDS the reach of God’s Word
Light The Way is a two-year generosity initiative designed to accelerate and expand the mission and ministries of Austin Baptist Church.
Our Goal: Raise $5 million above general fund tithes and offerings to eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend our message.
Joshua 6:1-10
- God always gives clear MARCHING orders
- His MARCHING orders don’t always make SENSE
- Radical OBEDIENCE requires a radical FAITH
Our strategy:
-LOCAL (Baptist Community Center)
-NATIONAL (North American Mission Board)
-GLOBAL(Love for Myanmar) - Walls fall down when we OBEY
John 16:12-15
1. The Helper guided the apostles to record the truth, and He guides us to walk in truth
-
The Helper guided the apostles to record the truth
-
The Helper guides us to walk in truth
-
How does the Helper guide us in our decisions?
A. Guides Us Through the Spirit-Inspired Scriptures
Q: Is my decision-making guided by Scripture?
B. Guides Us Through Spirit-Filled Believers
Three Pitfalls:
-No counselors
-Bad counselors
-Biased counselors
Q: Do Spirit-filled believers speak into my decisions?
C. Guides Us Through Spirit-Led Conviction
Q: How will my decision bring glory to Jesus?
Light The Way is a two-year generosity initiative designed to accelerate and expand the mission and ministries of Austin Baptist Church.
Our Goal: Raise $5 million above general fund tithes and offerings to eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend our message.
Joshua 1:1-9
- God calls His people to move ONWARD and UPWARD
- FEAR robs us from experiencing God’s BEST
Goal: 100% participation
-
New Level of IMPACT
-
Short-term debt can be an effective TOOL for ministry
-
Long-term debt can become a PROHIBITOR of ministry
-
New Level of FAITH
John 15:26-27
- The Helper witnesses TO us and THROUGH us.
- The Helper witnesses to us
-
Because the Helper witnesses to us:
-Be prayerful
-Be intentional -
The Helper witnesses through us
- We need help because the world is hostile to Jesus
- How does the Helper help us witness?
-He gives us COURAGE
-He gives us POWER
-He gives us COMPASSION
John 14:27
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The world thinks peace can be achieved, but true peace can only be received.
-
The world experiences peace when there is no trouble, Christians experience peace despite their troubles.
-
Receive His peace AND pursue His peace
-
How do you pursue peace?
A. Be holy
B. Be disciplined
C. Be prayerful
“God does not allow his children to sin successfully.” – Charles Spurgeon
John 14:25-26
- The Helper teaches us the Truth.
The Truth is not found in the world.
The Truth can be uncomfortable.
The Truth is we need a Savior. - The Helper teaches through the Word of God
- The Helper will never contradict himself
- The Helper will help us walk in the truth
John 14:15-18
Who is the Holy Spirit?
1. The Holy Spirit is a person, not a power
2. The Holy Spirit is eternal, not a created being
3. The Holy Spirit was at work in the OT
4. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to his followers
The Helper helps us obey
The Helper won’t stop helping
The Helper is received through Jesus Christ
The Helper comforts us through his presence
Matthew 5:14-16
“To be plainly instructed and consider well that the main end of your life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ.” – Harvard University Mission Statement, 1642
“To educate the citizens and citizen leaders for our society we do this through our commitment to the transformative power of a liberal arts and science education.” – Harvard University Mission Statement, 2024
Our Mission: to lead people into a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ
Our Vision: to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world
Core values are the deeply ingrained principles that guide a church’s actions and serve as its cultural cornerstones.
Our Core Values: Truth, Grace, Authenticity, and Impact
James 5:7-11
- Be patient because Jesus is coming
- We need God to give us patience
3 A. Be patient in your waiting (farmer)
B. Be patient in your witness (prophet)
C. Be patient in your suffering (Job)
James 5:1-6
- The Power and Peril of Wealth: We Ignore God
- The Power and Peril of Wealth: We Ignore People
- Their wealth was:
-Uselessly Hoarded - verse 2
-Unjustly Gained - verse 4
-Self-Indulgently Spent - verse 5
-Ruthlessly Acquired - verse 6 - The Power and Peril of Wealth: We Ignore Judgment
James 4:13-17
- Don’t live independently from God
- Why seek the will of God?
-We don’t know the future
-We are not in control - God’s plan is always the best plan
- How do you discover God’s will for your life?
-His Word
-His Spirit
-His People
-His Circumstances - What is God telling you to do today?
James 4:1-8
- Personal sin brings communal consequences
- Jesus demands our faithfulness
3 A. Submit to God
B. Resist the Devil
C. Draw Near to God - Transformation will not happen by accident
James 3:13-18
- True wisdom is not just heard, it is seen
- True wisdom is marked by humility
- False wisdom is marked by selfishness
- False wisdom produces chaos
- True wisdom produces peace
James 3:1-12
1. The Tongue is a Power
2. The Tongue Reveals Your Heart
3. What Does Your Tongue Reveal About You?
James 2:14-26
“Esse quam videri…To Be Rather Than to Seem”
- What does your faith do?
- Is what you call faith actually faith?
- But aren’t we saved by grace alone, not by works?
- Does your belief look like our preferences? Is it a label without reality? Or does it look like the poetry of God?
James 2:1-3
1. Why should Christians not play favorites?
-God shows no partiality.
-Jesus did not show partiality.
-Jesus did not benefit from partiality.
-The offer of salvation shows no partiality.
- Every person is valuable to God
- We must welcome others as Christ welcomed us
- How we treat others preaches a message
James 1:19-26
- God has to do a work in you before he can work through you
- God’s Word calls us to action
- Pure religion is demonstrated by:
-Speech
-Service
-Separation - Life-change is our evidence of faith
James 1:12-18
- Our sin is never God’s fault
- Not all of our desires are good
- It is impossible to manage sin
- Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.
- Only Jesus can set you free
James 1:1-8
1. The resurrection changes everything
2. Trials have purpose
“God tests us to bring out the best; Satan tempts us to bring out the worst.” – Warren Wiersbe
- Trials strengthen us
- Trials refine us
- Trials keep us dependent on God
1 Samuel 3:1-14
Our mission: to lead people to a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.
- God calls us to know Him
- God calls us to serve Him
- God calls us to do hard things
Philippians 4:4-7
1. Joy is found in the presence of the Lord
2. Joy is a choice
3. Joy Leads to Peace
Madison Hamlin –
Romans 3:23
John 14:6
Colossians 2:6-7
Luke 10:38-40
Luke 10:41-42
Anna Parker -
Psalm 51:16-17
1 John 1:5-7
Nathan Wood –
1 Samuel 16:7
Psalm 139:7-12
2 Timothy 1:3-5
- God has given moms great influence
- Moms help teach truth to their children
- Wise moms trust in the Lord
Revelation 22
- Obey the Word
- Share the Word
- Remain Faithful Amidst Turmoil
- Respond to His invitation
- Holdfast to His Word
- Wait eagerly for His coming
“A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for this present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in:’ aim at earth and you will get neither.” - CS Lewis, Mere Christianity
Revelation 21:1-7
1. God will be with us
2. Sin and suffering will be removed
3. Heaven will fully satisfy your soul
Revelation 20
1. Satan will be bound (Revelation 20:1-3)
2. We will reign with Christ (Revelation 20:4-6)
3. Satan will be defeated (Revelation 20:7-10)
4. We will be judged (Revelation 20:11-15)
-The Great White Throne Judgment - Unbelievers
5. What will be your defense?
-The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema) – Believers
6. What reward will you live for today?
Revelation 19:11-21
1. Jesus will come in glory (vs. 11-13)
2. Jesus will come in power and authority (vs. 14-16)
3. He fights our battles for us
4. Jesus will come to defeat His enemies (vs. 17-21)
5. He has no rival
6. We will live forever
Revelation 19:1-10
Hallelujah #1 – Praise God because He is true and just (vs. 1-2)
Hallelujah #2 – Praise God because His judgment is final (vs. 3)
Hallelujah #3 – Praise God because He has no equal (vs. 4-5)
Hallelujah #4 – Praise God because He is coming for His bride (vs. 6-8)
Praise God for what He has done and for what He will do
John 20:24-31
- Jesus won’t give up on you
- Jesus will give grace to you
- Jesus wants a relationship with you
-
Jesus came to save sinners
-Don’t miss the mission of Jesus
-Don’t miss the message of Jesus -
Jesus is Lord
- Jesus is Savior
- Jesus is Worthy
Mark 1:40-45
1. Jesus Power is available to Everyone
2. Jesus Ministry is motivated by Compassion
3. Jesus' Kingdom is about Obedient Disciples
Revelation 17 & 18
- Babylon is alluring
“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who goes on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are too easily pleased.” – CS Lewis, Weight of Glory
- Babylon hates the truth
- Babylon is deceptive
-
Babylon will come to an end
-
God will righteously judge the world
-For following demons (vs. 1-2)
-For idolatry (vs. 3)
-For unforgiven sin (vs. 4-5)
-For pride (vs. 6-8) -
The world will be disappointed
- Only one King and kingdom will remain
Revelation 14-16
- God does not lose anyone or anything
Angel One – Good News (vs. 6-7)
- Good news requires a response: fear God, give glory, and worship Him
Angel Two – Bad News (vs. 8)
- Anything that sets itself up against God will fall
Angel Three – Eternal Judgment (vs. 9-10)
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Unbeliever: There is no such thing as neutrality with God
-
Believer: We must not be complacent with our mission
Bowl 1 – Sores (vs. 1-2)
Bowl 2 – Seas (vs. 3)
Bowl 3 – Fresh Water (vs. 4-7)
Bowl 4 – Humanity Scorched (vs. 8-9)
Bowl 5 – Darkness (vs. 10-11)
Bowl 6 – Euphrates River (vs. 12-16)
Bowl 7 – Destructive Earthquake (vs. 17-21)
- Someone has to drink the cup
Revelation 12 & 13
1. Satan cannot shame us.
2. Satan cannot shake us
3. Satan cannot overpower us.
4. Satan cannot destroy us.
5. Satan cannot stop God’s plan.
6. Following Jesus will cost you.
7. What price are you willing to pay?
Revelation 10 & 11
- The Word has been delivered to us
- The Word is sweet and bitter
- The Word must be shared
When is the last time you shared the bread?
- All witnesses have power
- All witnesses will be hated
- All witnesses will see salvation
Revelation 8&9
1. God’s delays aren’t God’s denials (Adrian Rogers)
Trumpet One – Hail/Fire/Blood (Land)
Trumpet Two – Burning Mountain (Sea)
Trumpet Three – Burning Stars (Fresh Water)
Trumpet Four – Sun/Moon/Stars (Light)
- Don’t place your hope in the things of this world
Trumpet Five – Demons from the Abyss
Trumpet Six – Demonic Attack (1/3 Dead)
- What trumpet is God sounding in your life?
Revelation 6&7
-Support for the rapture:
-No mention of the church in Revelation 6-18
-Marriage supper in Revelation 19
-Jesus said we are coming to His Father’s house (John 14:3)
-Jesus compares His coming to Noah’s flood (Matt 24:37)
-1 Thessalonians 5:9
-Revelation 3:10
-Doctrine of Imminence
Seal 1 – White Horse: Antichrist
Seal 2 – Red Horse: War
Seal 3– Black Horse: Famine
Seal 4 – Pale Horse – Death
Seal 5 – Cry of the Martyrs
- Our God is a God of second chances
Seal 6 – Cosmic Disturbances
-
You can endure anything if you are sealed.
-
Our hope in heaven is secure
Revelation 4&5
-
God has no problems, only plans
-
Why lay down their crowns?
-Everything we have comes from Him
-The Rewarder is greater than the reward -
You can worship like heaven today
Revelation 2-3
Pattern of the 7 Letters:
-Jesus describes a characteristic of Himself.
-Jesus provides a word of commendation (except Laodicea).
-Jesus provides a word of rebuke (except Smyrna/Philadelphia).
-Jesus provides a word of promise.
- Jesus wants a LOVING church (Letter to Ephesus)
- Jesus wants a COURAGEOUS church (Letter to Smyrna)
- Jesus wants a TRUTH-PROCLAIMING church (Letter to Pergamum)
- Jesus wants a DISCERNING church (Letter to Thyatira)
- Jesus wants an ACTIVE church (Letter to Sardis)
- Jesus wants a FAITHFUL church (Letter to Philadelphia)
- Jesus wants a SPIRITUALLY DESPERATE church (Letter to Laodicea)
Revelation 1:1-19
- Engage this book with your mind AND your heart
-He is the faithful witness (vs. 5)
-He is the firstborn of the dead (vs. 5)
-He is the ruler of kings on earth (vs. 5)
-He has freed us (vs. 5)
-He has made us into a kingdom of priests (vs. 6)
- Jesus’ return will bring tears
-He is our priest (vs. 13)
-He is infinitely wise (vs. 14)
-He sees everything (vs. 14)
-He is immovable (vs. 15)
-He is all powerful (vs. 15)
-He is our judge (vs. 16)
-
Fear not because:
-He is the first and the last (vs. 17)
-He is the living one (vs. 18)
-He has the keys (vs. 18)
-He has a plan (vs. 19) -
Where will you place your hope in 2024?
Judges 16:1-30
- Sin will take you further than you want to go
- Sin will Keep you longer than you want to stay
- Sin will cost you more than you want to pay
1 Samuel 7:3-14
- Real lifechange cannot happen as long as you hold on to anything less than Christ.
- Making the right decisions doesn’t guarantee the end of adversity in our lives.
- Records remind us of God’s tangible grace in our lives.
- In the Bible, usually the things that we rely on other than God are what diminish us.
“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward."
-Soren Kierkegaard
Luke 2:8-14
Christmas is GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE.
- The manger brings praise
- The manger brings peace
- The manger brings purpose
Luke 2:10
Christmas is GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE
-
God sees the unseen
-God sees you
-We must see others. -
God invites all people to know Jesus
-No one is beyond God’s grace
-Salvation is only available by God’s grace -
God’s invitation is open, but it requires a response
Luke 2:10
Christmas is GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE.
“Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.” – John Piper
- Joy in our Salvation
- Joy in His Presence
- Joy in Heaven
- Joy in All Circumstances
The world cannot give you this joy, and the world cannot take it from you.
Luke 2:8-10
Christmas is GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE.
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God can light up any dark place
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Why should GOOD NEWS make us “fear not”?
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God is with us.
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God is for us.
-
God won’t leave us.
Philippians 4:4-9
1. Found your life in joy.
2. An appropriate foundation isn’t built hoping for the best, but with the capacity to handle the worst.
3. Power your life by thankfulness.
4. Live your life with excellence.
5. Peace is fought for and excellence is the result.
2 Corinthians 9:6
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Seeds of generosity bring a kingdom harvest.
-Don’t be a sad giver
-Don’t be a mad giver
-Be a glad giver -
Giving is a freewill, joy-filled act of worship
-Religious giving tries to prompt God to action
-Worshipful giving is a response to God’s action -
Contentment is found through dependence on Christ
Exclusive Interview with:
CW2 Nick Radoe , US Army, 1955-1976
Romans 12:9-10
Philippians 2:1-11
Matthew 28:19-20
- His presence gives us comfort.
- His presence gives us power.
- His presence gives us courage.
- Jesus is coming!
“A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for this present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven.” – CS Lewis, Mere Christianity
Matthew 28:19-20
- Salvation calls us to a lifetime of obedience
- You cannot obey what you do not know
- You can be deceived if you do not know the truth
- Our mission is to teach the truth
-What are you teaching?
-Who is teaching you?
Matt 28:19-20
- Baptism is a personal testimony
- Baptism is a picture of the Gospel
- Baptism requires courage
What is keeping you from the waters?
Matthew 28:19-20
-
God loves the nations
-
Comfort can keep us from reaching the nations
-Comfort of Home
-Comfort of Money -
Heaven will be filled with the nations
-
Grow your heart for the nations:
-Pray for the nations.
-Give to the nations.
-Go to the nations.
Matthew 28:19-20
1. Jesus wants followers, not fans
2. Discipleship is costly
“Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything we have.” – Billy Graham
“And if we answer the call to discipleship, where will it lead us? What decisions and partings will it demand? To answer this question we shall have to go to him, for only he knows the answer. Only Jesus Christ, who bids us follow him, knows the journey’s end. But we do know that it will be a road of boundless mercy. Discipleship means joy.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
- Disciple-making is costly.
Matthew 28:19-20
1. You will always be tempted to stay.
2. You will always be tempted by lesser missions.
3. Christians that stop going will stop growing.
4. Churches that stop going will stop growing.
5. Where is God calling you to go?
1 Kings 19:1-3
- Mountaintop experiences don’t last forever
- Neglecting self-care will lead you to dark places
- Don’t become a prisoner of the moment
- Exaggerating the problem
- Forgetting the past
- Overlooking God’s power
- God’s voice speaks life into us
1 Kings 18:41-45
1. We can take God at His word
2. Pray like Elijah (Part 2):
-Separate yourself
-Stay humble and stay hungry
-Stay persistent
3. God’s power makes us extraordinary
1 Kings 18:20-21
1. We can’t worship two gods.
2. Our confidence is in the Lord.
3. Pray like Elijah:
-Pray with humility
-Pray for God’s glory
-Pray for the lost
4. True worship involves our surrender.
1 Kings 17:8-9
Where do you go when your brook runs dry?
“Because of our proneness to look at the bucket and forget the fountain, God has to frequently change His means of supply to keep our eyes fixed on the course.” – Watchman Nee
1. God is our great provider
2. Gives us physical bread
3. Gives us spiritual bread
4. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith
1 Kings 18:1-2
1. God develops us in the desert
2. How to Work in a Secular Workplace (Lessons from Obadiah):
-Do good work.
-Use your resources for the Kingdom.
-Always keep God first.
3. Walking in faith demands taking risks
4. There is a good kind of trouble
1 Kings 17:1-7
1. Wicked leaders lead to wicked times.
2. Are you willing to stand alone?
3. The Lord only requires your “yes.”
1.Jesus wants us to OBEY Him, not just LISTEN to Him.
2.Build your life on the rock.
3. Build your home on the rock.
4. Build the church on the rock.
Matthew 7:13-23
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Jesus isn’t interested in making people feel good about themselves in this Sermon; rather He wants to show them the Way in to life with Him.
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Just like our way of salvation is good but not easy, so also is our quality of life in Jesus good but not easy.
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How often do we compromise on accepting truth from people based on liking the message they give or the promises they make?
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If you are a truthteller to people in your life, does your fruit and message line up with Jesus?
-
Knowing about somebody and knowing somebody are drastically different things.
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Why isn’t the right way easier and wider?
-
Life with Christ was, is, and will be eternally an adventure.
"It is narrow because there is no room for our sin and self-righteousness to go in [to the Kingdom].” Alexander McLaren
Matthew 7:1-5
Judging in the Bible:
- God will judge everyone (Hebrews 9:27, 2 Cor 5:10)
- God appoints judges on this earth (1 Peter 2:13-14)
- Believers must judge between good and evil (Romans 12:2)
- Believers should judge teachers/teaching (Matthew 7:15-16)
- Believers will judge with Christ on the final day of judgement (1 Cor 6:2-3, Daniel 7:22)
- Believers should judge believers in Christian love (1 Cor 5:12)
1. Don’t be a critical person
2. Judge yourself before you judge someone else
- We need God’s help
- We need others’ help
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All correction should be motivated by love
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People won’t care what you know until they know how much you care.
Matthew 6:25
1. Don’t confuse your wants with your needs
2. Don't worry, but do work
3. You are so valuable to God
4. Look up before you look out
5. Remember who holds tomorrow
Matthew 6:19-24
- Transformed hearts should lead to transformed wallets
- Materialism blinds us from:
A. God'd Blessings
B. People's Needs
C. Our Need for God - Jesus demands our full devotion
“We establish no religion in this country, nor will we ever. We command no worship. We mandate no belief. But we poison our society when we remove its theological underpinnings…Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot endure. If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” – President Ronald Reagan
Matthew 6:1-18
1. Jesus wants a sincere faith
2. Jesus wants a committed
Joel 2: 12-15
Fast on the 3rd, Feast on the 4th
Matthew 5:38-48
1. Called to be Humble
2. Called to Love
3. Called to be an Imitator of God
Matthew 5:31-32
- Marriage is between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4)
- Marriage is God’s design for sex (Matthew 19:5)
- Marriage is meant to last for life (Matthew 19:6)
- Marriage is a covenant before God (Matthew 19:6)
- Marriage is a BIG decision
- God wants to sanctify you through your marriage
- God wants to preach to others through your marriage
Matthew 5:21-30
Why does Jesus want us to deal with our anger?
-God Wants to Set You Free
-Your Anger Will Hurt Your Witness
-Your Anger is Attacking God's Kids
- Give God the offering He wants
- Radical change will require radical action
A. Be inconvenienced.
B. Be vulnerable.
Matthew 5:1-2
1. Blessed people approach God differently
2. Blessed people approach others differently
3. Blessed people make an impact
Joins us as we hear testimonies from three 2023 high school graduates in our church. Followed by a commission by our Student Minister, Nathan Wood.
Kyle Foulds
1 Peter 3:15
Ephesians 6:11
Ashleigh Nelson
Matthew 6:34
Jeremiah 29:11-12
Weston Wappler
John 13:7
1 Samuel 2:1-3
1. Turn your worry into worship
2. God can change anyone and anything
3. The King is worthy of your trust
Matthew 5:14-16
Our Vision: To see God light up your life, you home, your neighborhood, and the world.
- What impact are you making on the world
- What impact are you making in the church
Our Vision: To see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world.
Matthew 5:14-16
- We are all prone to hide.
- Hiding will rob you of fellowship with others.
- Hiding will rob you of fellowship with God.
- Don't lie to yourself.
- Authenticity will set you free.
Our Vision: to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world.
Mathew 5: 14-16
1. It take truth AND grace to shine like Jesus
2. Humility opens the floodgates of grace
Our Mission: to lead people into a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ
Matthew 5:14-16
Our Vision: to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world.
Core values are: Deeply ingrained principles that guide a church's actions and serve as its cultural cornerstones.
- We must lift up truth
- Truth does not change
- Truth attracts
- Truth must be lived out
John 20:11-18
1. God has opened a door for you
2. Jesus is calling your name
3. Jesus has plans for your life
HE IS RISEN!
HE IS RISEN INDEED!!
John 19:28-30
1. Jesus has taken away our sins
2. Jesus has taken away our guilt
3. Jesus has taken away our excuses
John 19:28-29
1. Jesus doesn't miss any details
2. Jesus understands us
3. Jesus can clean you up
Matthew 2745-46
1. Jesus faced God's wrath so you can be free from it.
2. Jesus was forsaken so you can be brought near.
John 19:25-27
1. Family is a Priority
2. Are you prioritizing Spiritual Growth in Your Home?
3. Jesus knows what it is like to be Human
Luke 23:35-43
1. The Religious Rulers find their sufficiency in the pride of their past.
2. The Soldiers rest in the sufficiency of their strength.
3. The First Criminal leans on bitterness.
4. He sees himself honestly.
5. He sees Jesus honestly.
6. He sees the reward honestly.
7. He relies on the grace of Jesus now.
8. "Come to me, and I will give you rest."
Luke 23:32-38
1. Jesus is always in control
2. Jesus can forgive anything
3. Jesus can help you forgive anyone
Romans 8: 31-39
1. God is FOR you, not against you
2. Security of salvation leads us to peace
3. Who tries to accuse the elect?
A. The World
B. The Church
C. Ourselves
4. Security of salvation should lead us to action
Romans 8:28-30
1. God doesn't waste anything
Keyword 1. FOREKNEW
Keyword 2. PREDESTINED
- It's OK to live in the tension
Keyword 3. CALLED
Keyword 4. JUSTIFIED
Keyword 5. GLORIFIED
- God leaves nothing undone
Romans 8:18-27
1. We remember heaven is coming
2. We wait for the Lord with patience
3. We receive help through the Spirit
Romans 8:12-17
1. We have an active role to play in our sanctification.
2. Why don't we kill our flesh?
A. We Compare
B. We Blame
C. We Hide
3. The Father wants to help His children.
4. Our adoption is secure.
James 1:16-18
- Don't overlook your blessings
- Don't take credit for your blessings
"Be thankful, but be careful that you don't become so enamored of God's good gifts that you fail to worship the giver." AW Tozer
- Give thanks for his consistency
- Give thanks for his generosity
Nehemiah 10:28-29
- God’s people are called to commit
Nehemiah 10:30-31
- God’s people are called to stand out
1 Peter 2:9-12
Nehemiah 10:32-33
Nehemiah 10:39
- God’s people are called to be generous
Generosity is a choice, not a feeling
Nehemiah 8:1-3 1. The Word demands our attention
Nehemiah 8:4-6 1. The Word demands our response
Nehemiah 8:7-8 1. The Word can be understood by all
Nehemiah 8:9 1. The Word should bring conviction
Nehemiah 8:10-12 1. The Word brings freedom
Nehemiah 6:1-3
- Difference makers don’t drift from their mission
Be careful on what voices you listen to
Galatians 5:7-8
2 Timothy 4:3-4
1 Corinthians 15:33
Nehemiah 6:4-9
- Difference makers have thick skin
External accusations
Internal accusations
Romans 8:33-39
Nehemiah 6:10-14
- Difference makers have discernment
Romans 12:2
Nehemiah 6:15
Nehemiah 5:1-5
Point 1: Internal Division Distracts Us From Out External Mission
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 12:25
Point 2: Difference Makers Get Their Hands Dirty
Nehemiah 5:6-11
Point 3: Difference Makers Practice What They Preach
Nehemiah 5:14-16
Nehemiah 4:1-3
The world will ridicule God’s people
Nehemiah 4:4-6
Difference makers stay focused on their mission
Nehemiah 4:7-8
The world will intimidate God’s people
Nehemiah 4:9
Nehemiah 4:14
Difference makers stand their ground
2 Timothy 4:3-5
Nehemiah 4:15-20
Difference makers stand alongside others
Nehemiah 2:9-10
- Difference makers expect resistance
Nehemiah 2:11-16
- Difference makers are slow to speak
Nehemiah 2:17-18
- It takes a team to build something special
1 Peter 2:4-6
Nehemiah 2:19-20
Matthew 16:18
Eph 2:10
Nehemiah 2:1-2
- It takes courage to make a difference
Proverbs 28:1
Nehemiah 2:3
- It takes tact to make a difference
Nehemiah 2:4-8
- It takes preparation to make a difference
Nehemiah 1:1-3
- Difference Makers Care
Nehemiah 1:4
- Difference Makers Pray
Nehemiah 1:5
- Pray with adoration
Nehemiah 1:6-7
- Pray with humility
Nehemiah 1:8-10
- Pray with scripture
Nehemiah 1:11
- Difference Makers Step Up
Ephesians 6:1
- It is right for parents to be the parents
Ephesians 6:2-3
- Blessing comes from obeying the Lord
Ephesians 6:4
- Don’t lead your kids to anger, lead them to the Lord
How do we provoke our kids to anger?
- Always blaming and never praising
- Promoting achievement at an unhealthy level
- Saying one thing and doing another
Ephesians 5:25-27
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Sacrificially love your wife
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We often must sacrifice what we want to give her what she needs
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Spiritually lead your wife
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Lovingly consider your wife
Ephesians 5:28-31
“When home is ruled according to God’s Word, angels might be asked to stay with us, and they would not find themselves out of their element.” – Charles Spurgeon
Proverbs 24:3-4
Ephesians 4:17-20
Our homes should look different
Ephesians 4:21-24
Our homes will look different when we look different
We all need constant updating
Psalm 46:1-3
- We all need help
Matthew 24:3-8
Psalm 46:4-7
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Our God protects His people
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He protects our minds
i. Philippians 4:6-7
- He protects us from the enemy
i. 1 John 4:4
- He protects our inheritance
i. Peter 1:3-5
Psalm 46:8-11
- Our God will be victorious for His people
Psalm 46:1-3
- We all need help
Matthew 24:3-8
Psalm 46:4-7
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Our God protects His people
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He protects our minds
i. Philippians 4:6-7
- He protects us from the enemy
i. 1 John 4:4
- He protects our inheritance
i. Peter 1:3-5
Psalm 46:8-11
- Our God will be victorious for His people
Psalm 19:1-6
God’s presence is clear through creation
Romans 1:18-20
Romans 1:21-22
Psalm 19:7-10
God’s will is clear through His Word
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Scriptures are perfect and true
Psalm 139:13-16
Truth isn’t found inward
Jeremiah 17:9
Truth isn’t found outward
Proverbs 14:12
Truth is found upward
The Scriptures are a precious gift
Romans 12:2
Psalm 8:1-2
Psalm 33:6
Genesis 1:1-3
- Our God is bigger than we can comprehend
Psalm 8:3-4
- Our God is more personal than we can understand
Jeremiah 1:5
Psalm 139:1-4, 13, 16
Matthew 10:30
Ephesians 2:10
John 3:16
1 Peter 5:7
Psalm 8:5-8
- Our God has given us more than we realize
1 Peter 2:9
Romans 8:16-17
1 Corinthians 2:9
Psalm 8:9
Acts 9:1-2
Acts 7:54-8:3
- Expect opposition if you follow the Way
John 16:33
2 Timothy 3:12
Luke 9:23-24
Acts 9:3-9
- Jesus can change anyone, anywhere
1 Timothy 1:12-16
Acts 9:17-22
- Jesus doesn’t make people better, He makes them new
Psalm 37:1
Psalm 37:2
Proverbs 24:19-20
- Remember to trust the Lord
Ephesians 6:12
Romans 1:21-23
Psalm 37:3
- Be a catalyst for change
“Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leadership seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” – Harry Truman
2 Chronicles 7:14
- Find rest in His presence
Psalm 23:1-4
John 4:1-6
John 6:38
- Life change happens when the mission becomes critical
John 4:7-10
John 4:11-14
- True satisfaction only comes from one source
Luke 5:17
Luke 5:18-19
- We have to make room for those who need Jesus
Luke 5:19-20
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Man’s greatest need is spiritual, not physical
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Jesus alone has the authority to meet our greatest need
Luke 5:21-24
John 3:1-3
- Religion cannot save you
John 3:4-6
- Salvation comes through an internal change
Ezekiel 36:25-27
1 Peter 1:23
John 16:13-14
John 3:7-8
- The Spirit leaves His mark
John 3:9-10
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
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The Gospel has to be received
-
The Gospel gives us good footing
-
The Gospel gives us confidence
Hebrews 10:19-22
Mark 10:33-34
Luke 19:28
Luke 19:29-34
- Jesus is our promised king
Zechariah 9:9
- Jesus is our humble king
Philippians 2:4-8
- Jesus is the king of kings
Philippians 2:9-11
Luke 19:35-38
Luke 19:39-40
Hebrews 13:1
Our love for one another
John 13:34-35
Hebrews 13:2
Our love for strangers
Matthew 5:16
Hebrews 13:3
Our concern for the suffering
1 Cor 12:26
Hebrews 13:4
Our honor for our spouse
Hebrews 13:5-6
Our contentment in all things
Philippians 4:11-13
Hebrews 12:1
- The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint.
Hebrews 12:1
- It’s hard to run with extra weight.
Isaiah 42:7
Romans 6:6-7
Hebrews 12:2
- The best runners keep their eyes on the prize.
Hebrews 12:12
Hebrews 11:1-6
Point #1: Faith is Necessary to please God
Revelation 21:4
Point #2: Faith Requires Trust
Proverbs 3:5
Hebrews 11:17-19
Romans 8:18
Point #3: Faith Leads to Action
Hebrews 11:13-16
Hebrews 11:23-26
Hebrews 10:19-20
Hebrews 10:21-22
- We need His presence
Hebrews 10:23
- We need His promises
Romans 12:2
Hebrews 10:24-25
- We need His people
Going to church does not make you a Christian, but being a Christian should make you want to go to church.
- Hebrews 9:11-14
Hebrews 9:11-12
Ephesians 2:4-6
Hebrews 9:22
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His blood gives us security in our salvation
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There is nothing you can do to make God love you less
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Romans 5:8
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There is nothing you can do to make God love you more
Hebrews 9:13-14
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His blood gives us freedom and joy
-
His blood gives us a new calling
Ephesians 2:10
Hebrews 8:1-2
Hebrews 8:3-5
Hebrews 8:6-7
Hebrews 8:8-10
- When you clean up the inside, the outside takes care of itself
Hebrews 8:11
- Nothing is holding you back from knowing God
Hebrews 8:12
- Shame has no place in the Christian’s heart
Hebrews 5:11-14
- God wants more for his children
Hebrews 6:1-3
Hebrews 6:4-6
John 6:37-39
John 10:28-29
1 Peter 1:3-5
Romans 8:38-39
Philippians 1:6
Colossians 1:12-14
Ephesians 1:11-13
Hebrews 6:9
Hebrews 10:22-23
- You can get really close to becoming a Christian but not actually become one
Hebrews 6:7-8
- We are saved by faith alone, but not by faith that is alone
Matthew 7:17-20
Hebrews 4:14
Hebrews 10:1-4
- Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice
Hebrews 4:15
- Jesus understands where you are at
Hebrews 4:16
- Jesus wants you to draw near
Hebrews 3:7-8
The Holy Spirit inspired the scriptures
2 Peter 1:19-21
The Holy Spirit speaks through the scriptures
Hebrews 4:12
- Don’t ignore God’s voice today
Hebrews 3:8-11
Numbers 14:22-23
- Ignoring God’s voice will lead you into the wilderness
Hebrews 4:1-3a (can end at “For we who have believed enter that rest…”)
- You can find rest today through Jesus Christ
- Jesus gives us rest from our works
- Jesus gives us rest from our insecurities
- Jesus gives us rest from our problems
Hebrews 1:4
- Jesus has a better title
Hebrews 1:5-6
- In Christ, we are sons and daughters of God
Romans 8:14-15
Hebrews 1:7
Colossians 2:18
Hebrews 1:8
- Only Jesus is worthy of our worship
Hebrews 3:1
- Never stop looking to Jesus
Philippians 3:12-15
Hebrews 3:2
Numbers 12:5-9
Hebrews 3:3-6
- Remember the Son is above the servant
- Don’t elevate servants too high
- Don’t elevate yourself too high
Numbers 12:3
- We are all called to faithful service in the Lord’s house
1 Peter 2:4-5
Genesis 4:1-5 – NASB –
Main Point # 1 – The Quality of your Sacrifice Reveals Your Heart
Main Point #2 – Perspective Changes everything
- I have attached an image that will be displayed after my point number 2.
Genesis 4:4-7 – NASB
Genesis 4:8 – NASB
Luke 9:23
Romans 12:1-2
Main Point #3 – Serving God is an Opportunity. Not an Obligation
Hebrews 11:4
Matthew 2:1-11
Matthew 2:1-3
- Wise men know there is only 1 king
Matthew 2:4-6
- Wise men are moved by Good News
Matthew 2:9-11
- Wise men choose to worship the Christ
Romans 12:1
Luke 2:1-3
Micah 5:2
- Earthly kings rule, but only God reigns
Proverbs 21:1
Psalm 146:10
Luke 2:4-7
- God’s timing is always perfect
Galatians 4:4
Isaiah 40:31
- Jesus will meet you in imperfect circumstances
Philippians 2:6-7
Matthew 1:18
Matthew 1:22-23
Psalm 51:5
Romans 5:12
- Receiving Jesus will change your plans
Romans 10:9
Matthew 1:20-21
- Receiving Jesus will cost you
Luke 9:23-24
- Obeying Jesus will lead to blessing
Matthew 1:24-25
Matthew 1:1-2
Genesis 22:17-18
2 Samuel 7:16
- God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect purposes
Matthew 1:3-6
- Jesus came to save the imperfect
Matthew 9:10-13
Matthew 1:16
- You can start a new lineage in Christ
Jonah 3:10 - 4:1
- We can do the right things with the wrong heart
Jonah 4:2-5
- Our hearts can develop a double standard for grace
Jonah 4:6-11
- God’s heart is full of compassion for the lost
Ezekiel 18:23
John 3:17
Jonah 3:1-3
- It’s never too late to listen to God’s voice
Micah 7:8
Jonah 3:4-5
- Listening to God’s voice leads to blessings
Proverbs 16:20
Jonah 3:6-10
- Changed lives leave a trickle-down effect
Jonah 2:1-2
Matthew 12:38-41
- Healing begins with a cry for help
Jonah 2:3-7
- God is always faithful to forgive
1 Kings 8:38-40
1 John 1:8-9
Jonah 2:8-10
- Repentance, not remorse, will lead you to freedom
Jonah 1:1-2
2 Kings 14:23-25
- We serve a “sending” God
1 Timothy 2:3-4
Jonah 1:3
- God sends hope for the lost
Psalm 73:21-24
Jonah 1:4-6
Jonah 1:11-12
Jonah 1:15-17
- God sends second chances for the fallen
Psalm 139:7-10
Matthew 5:14-16
- No one can shine your light for you
Ephesians 2:8-10
- God gives good gifts to do His good works
1 Peter 4:10-11
- We must live for God’s glory, not our own
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Matthew 5:14
Philippians 3:20
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
- The Gospel gives us new eyes
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
- The Gospel gives us a new mission
2 Corinthians 5:20
- The Gospel gives us a new title
Text "ABCHome" to 81411 to receive weekly devotionals to light up your home!
Matthew 5:14-15
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
1.Share the Light
Ephesians 6:4
2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Shine your Light
Proverbs 20:7
Scripture References
Matthew 5:14
Romans 1:16
Ezekiel 36:26-27
Exodus 34:29
1.The Gospel Lights Up Our Hearts
1a. Only 1 Gospel must be proclaimed on this hill
2.God’s Word Lights Up Our Paths
2a.The Word of God must always be taught on this hill
*Sermon NotesScripture:Matthew 5:14-16Point 1A City On A Hill Offers Refuge For Believers
-Austin Baptist Church Offers Community For All And Equipping* For The Saints
Point 2
A City On A Hill Offers Hope For The Lost