Weekly Messages: Recent Episodes
Hope City Church
Stephanie has been a huge part of Hope City since it was planted in 2011, and is currently on staff as the office administrator. Her story includes unexpected circumstances, loneliness, and the peace of God in the midst of it all. As you listen to her story, you may find yourself recognizing the power of God through relationships and community.
For more on Stephanie's story, listen to our Sunday message from our series This Is My Story at https://hopecitypdx.com/messages/this-is-my-story/part-3.
Madi leads the Student Ministry at Hope City. Listen in as she shares the ways that God has worked in and through her life in the most unexpected circumstances, and the most unexpected ways. As you listen to her story, you’ll be challenged to look at the ways God has shown up unexpectedly in your own story. His great and mighty power is not extinguished by our circumstances, but is often highlighted through them.
For more on Madi's story, listen to our Sunday message from our series This Is My Story at https://hopecitypdx.com/messages/this-is-my-story/part-2.
For more of Madi's story, listen to a bonus interview with her at https://hopecitypdx.com/messages/this-is-my-story/madis-story.
Russ Isom is the Care Pastor at Hope City, and has been serving in Milwaukie as a pastor for 50 years now! As you listen to his story, you’ll hear how God works through imperfect people, to accomplish His perfect will. While we celebrate the faithfulness of Russ and his wife Judy, we recognize that God is the one who is truly faithful!
For more on Russ's story, listen to our Sunday message from our series This Is My Story at https://hopecitypdx.com/messages/this-is-my-story/part-1.
Listen to the conversation between Josh Butler and author, professor, and podcaster A.J. Swoboda on the Gospel of John.
Josh Butler, Aline Bahamondez, and Megan Lemmons discuss John 4:43-54 and the importance of community when facing challenges in our lives.
John Rosensteel and Josh Butler discuss our teaching series on the Gospel of John, taking a closer look at the themes in the book and what it means to be centered on Jesus, encountering him in our personal lives. They take us through some of the curated resources available to go deeper into the study of the Gospel of John, and bring to light the richness of the Old Testament backdrop in the Gospel of John and the hope that this series will lead to a deeper understanding and connection with Jesus.
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Sermon Notes: September 4, 2022 Circle Up: Part Two - Daniel KnutsonWe exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Hebrews 10:23-25Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Build community before we need community
Microwaved relationships will not withstand the troubles of this world.
Move from a row, and start to circle up
Rooted - A ten week group where we learn and practice essential rhythms of relationship with Jesus, in a space where you are safe and known.
Labs - Short, focused studies done in small groups of people pursuing to grow in knowledge and engagement.
Men’s and Women’s Community - Gathering of Men or Women, to connect with God and grow in relationship with each other
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Sermon Notes: August 28, 2022 Circle Up: Part One - Daniel KnutsonJohn 1: 32-37 (NLT)Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.
When you’re convinced Jesus is the Savior of the World, you’ll encourage others to experience him too
John 1:40-41 (NLT)Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).
As you experience Jesus as the Savior of your World, you’ll invite others to experience him personally.
John 1:42-45 (NLT)Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
εὑρίσκω (heuriskó): Verb - I find, learn, discover, especially after searching.
When you recognize that you’ve been sought out, you’ll begin to seek others out.
John 1:46 (NLT)“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.
When you recognize that you’ve been sought out, you’ll begin to seek out others.
Take an Interest
Start to Invest
Make an Invitation
Prayer Walk ChallengeGrow your circle of people
Grow your heart for people
Invite people
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Sunday, February 26: A Different Kind of Happy Week 6 - Daniel: "Purity in an Age of Pollution"Blessed are the _____________
Matthew 5:8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Proverbs 4:23Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
James 4:8"Purify your hearts, you double-minded"
Luke 4:1Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
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Sunday, February 19: A Different Kind of Happy Week 5 - Daniel Knutson: "Mercy in an Age of Judgement"Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy
חָנַן ḥānan: to be gracious, to have mercy, to take pity, be kind
Luke 10:25-37On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your [neighbor] as yourself.’”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
James 2:12-13“So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Judgement is clear…mercy is messy
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Sunday, February 12: A Different Kind of Happy Week 4 - Daniel Knutson: "Righteousness in an Age of Indulgence"Matthew 5:6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for ________________, for they shall be filled.
[HUNGER]: peinaó
Definition: to hunger, be hungry
Usage: I am hungry, needy, desire earnestly.
[THIRST]: dipsaó
Definition: to thirst
Usage: I thirst for, desire earnestly.
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
John 6:34-35“Sir,” they said, “give us this bread at all times.”Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.
May our hunger and thirst drive us to Jesus first
Psalm 63:1"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water"
Earnestly seek Him…
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Sunday, February 5: A Different Kind of Happy Week 3 - Jeremy Thom: "Meekness in an Age of Arrogance"Makarios: Blessed or Happy
Arrogance - “exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one’s own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner. Showing an offensive attitude of superiority.”
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Meek (today)Overly submissive
Compliant
Tame
Deficient in spirit
Deficient in courage
Not violent
Not strong
Praus = meek or gentle“The positive moral quality of dealing with people in a kind manner, with humility and consideration.”
Arrogance is weakness disguised as strength.
Meekness is strength under control
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.
I am gentle (praus, meek) and humble in heart (lowly).
“Meek. Humble. Gentle. Jesus is not trigger-happy. Not harsh, reactionary, easily exasperated. He is the most understanding person in the universe. The posture most natural to him is not a pointed finger but open arms.” - Dane Ortlund
Romans 12:16
“be of the same mind toward one another; not be haughty (or proud), but associate with the lowly.”
“Gentle and lowly. This, according to his own testimony, is Christ’s very heart. This is who he is. Tender. Open. Welcoming. Accommodating. Understanding. Willing. If we are asked to say only one thing about who Jesus is, we would be honoring Jesus’s own teaching if our answer is, gentle and lowly.” - Dane Ortlund
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
The meek ask for it.The meek are yoked to Jesus.The meek trust God’s promise.The meek know who they are.
“I am a follower of Christ who can’t keep up. I can’t keep up with the ideas that have me on the pilgrimage in the first place.”
- Bono“The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather, he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God’s estimate of his own life…in himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto.” - A.W. Tozer
For it is Christ in you, not you in you, that is the hope of glory
Matthew 27:39-43
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’
“the meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.” -A.W. Tozer
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*Notes are not available for this message.
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Sunday, January 22: A Different Kind of Happy Week 1 - Daniel Knutson: "Peacemaking in an Age of Outrage"Makarios: Blessed or Happy
#blessed
James 4:1-2aWhat causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want…
Matthew 5:9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Colossians 1:19-20For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
True peace begins when we make peace with God.
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Sunday, January 8: Dream Week 2 - Daniel Knutson: "Part 2"Ephesians 4:1-6As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
John 17:20-23“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
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Sunday, January 8: Dream Week 1 - Daniel Knutson: "Part 1"Isaiah 43:16-17I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea.I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.
An instrument is only as effective as its wielder…
The God who led you here won’t leave you here
Isaiah 43:18-19
But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
- Spend time in God’s Word
- Spend time praying to God
- Spend time listening to God
Psalm 29:1-11Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
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Saturday, December 24: Adore - Christmas EveWeek 4 - Daniel Knutson: "God's Participation & Invitation"Luke 1:26-38In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 2:1-18In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
John 1:1-9In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it...
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
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Sunday, December 18: Adore Week 3 - Daniel Knutson: "Mary (Believe)"We trust what we can depend on
We choose hard things when we believe they will pay off
Luke 1:26-38…God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:45-55“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary believed she could depend on God
Mary obeyed God
Humility reminds us that Jesus is King and we are not
Humility makes room for us to believe God, to obey God, and to partner with God and His plans
How are you making room for God’s plans to be lived out in your life?
Sunday, December 11: Adore Week 2 - Daniel Knutson: "The Shepherds (Witness)"Adore: love and respect someone deeply. To worship or venerate.
FOMO: Fear of Missing Out
Luke 2:8-15And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Curiosity is not the enemy of faith, it is often the catalyst to it.
Luke 2:16-20…hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
The story of our experience with Jesus can provoke curiosity in others.
Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Sharing your story might be the beginning of someone else’s…
John 10:8-11All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again
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Sunday, December 4: Adore Week 1 - Jeremy Thom: "Magi (Worship)"Matthew 2:1-12After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route…..”
Magi
- Wise Men
- From the East
- Saw His Star
Isaiah 47:13“All the advice you receive has made you tired. Where are all your astrologers, those stargazers who make predictions each month? Let them stand up and save you from what the future holds.”
Daniel 2:48“...the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.
Numbers 24:16-17
“the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered; I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;”
Magi
- Wise Men
- From the East
- Saw His Star
- Worshipers
Magi
- Wise Men = Wrong People
- From the East = Wrong Place
- Saw His Star = Wrong System
- Worshipers = Wrong King
John 3:16-17“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”
Revelation 7:9-10
“…I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, ‘Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!’"
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Sunday, November 27: Entrusted Week 4 - Daniel Knutson: "Loving Impact" We are deeply convicted that everything we have has been entrusted to us by God, and we are accountable for how and for whom we leverage it.
This weeks text: John 5:19, John 13:34-35, John 15:12-17
John 5:19…“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
John 13:34-35“A new command I give you: Love one another...
ἀγαπάω ([agapaō]) : to have a love for someone or something, based on sincere appreciation and high regard—‘to love, to regard with affection, loving concern, love’
John 13:34-35
...As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
John 15:12-13My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:12-17My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.
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Sunday, November 20: Entrusted Week 3 - Daniel Knutson: "Money Management" We are deeply convicted that everything we have has been entrusted to us by God, and we are accountable for how and for whom we leverage it.
“Solitude is not being by yourself. Solitude is the place in which you are introduced to your truest self.” -Scott Erickson-
- Where do I need to be honest with God?
- What stressful and overwhelming things have you been trying to manage that you need to bring to Him?
- How is God inviting you into restoration?
Matthew 25:14-27“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you [entrusted me] with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
"Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said,
‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
God doesn’t want the money out of our pockets, He wants the idol out of our hearts.
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Sunday, November 13: Entrusted Week 2 - Daniel Knutson: "Guaranteed Returns" Today’s Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24 & Galatians 6:6-7
- We are deeply convicted that everything we have has been entrusted to us by God, and we are accountable for how and for whom we leverage it.
Matthew 6:19-24“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Galatians 6:6-8Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Just AskBegin
Be Consistent
Be Prayerful
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Sunday, November 6: Entrusted
Week 1 - Daniel Knutson: "Mutual Funds"
1 Timothy 6:17Command those who are rich in this present world…
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Luke 12:13-21Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:18…do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
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Sunday, October 16: Under Pressure Week 5 - Megan Lemmons: "Stressed & Overwhelmed" 1 Kings 17:1
Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve— there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!”
1 Kings 18:37-39
“O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!”
1 Kings 19:4
Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
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Stress has a sneaky way of stealing our hope and trying to rob us of our faith.
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When we are stressed and overwhelmed, we can be honest with God.
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When we are stressed and overwhelmed, God’s invitation is rest.
1 Kings 19:5-9
Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.
- Where do you need to be honest with God?
- What stressful and overwhelming things have you been trying to manage in your own strength that you need to bring to him?
- How is God inviting me to restoration in this season?
1 Kings 19:10
Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
1 Kings 19:11-14
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
1 Kings 19:15-18
Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!”
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When stress leads to isolation, God calls us to community
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What community is God inviting you into?
When we are stressed and overwhelmed:
- We can be honest with God
- God’s invitation is rest.
- We go to isolation but God calls us to community
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Sunday, October 2: Under Pressure Week 5 - Daniel Knutson: "Relational Conflict" Matthew 22:36-40 NLT“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
John 13:34-35So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Romans 12:9-21Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Colossians 3:12-15Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
What does love require of us?
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Sunday, October 2: Under Pressure Week 4 - John Rosensteel: "Unfulfilled Desires" Disappointment: crushed hope
Today is going to be a horrible day.
Proverbs 13:12Hope deferred makes the heart sick
Psalm 22:6-156 But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! 7 Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, 8 “Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!" 9 Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. 10 I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. 11 Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. 12 My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! 13 Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. 14 My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax melting within me. 15 My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
Disappointment reveals our idols.
“An idol as anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God…an idol is usually a good thing we make ultimate.” -Tim Keller-
Disappointment teaches us to hope in the LORD.
Hebrews 11:1Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hope: waiting on the LORD
Lamentations 3:22-2622 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Psalm 130:5-65 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Disappointment reminds us that one day our deepest hopes will be fulfilled.
Future hope: …For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10
Future hope:…Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16
Future hope: …He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. Hebrews 11:26
Future hope:…These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” -C.S. Lewis-
Psalm 22:13-2113 Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
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Sunday, September 25: Under Pressure Week 3 - Daniel Knutson: "Anxious & Afraid" Numbers 13:27-3227 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.” 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.
“Fear turns to anger. Anger turns to hate. Hate turns to suffering”
-Yoda-
Numbers 14:1-41 That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
Numbers 14:22-24
22 not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— 23 not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24 "But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land."...
Numbers 14:30
30 Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
When we see as God sees, we can do as God says.
We can see as God sees, because of the Holy Spirit
Philippians 4:4-94Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Draw near to Jesus
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Sunday, September 18: Under Pressure Week 2 - Daniel Knutson: "Out of Control" We try to gain back control
When it comes to our future, we only ever have a sense of control…we never actually have control.
Luke 6:46-49“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Mark 4:35-41That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
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Sunday, September 11: Under Pressure Week 1 - Daniel Knutson: "Demands of Life" Judges 4:4-9Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.”
Judges 4:14-15
Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot.
Galatians 6:7-10Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
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Sermon Notes: September 4, 2022 Circle Up: Part Two - Daniel Knutson We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Hebrews 10:23-25Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Build community before we need community
Microwaved relationships will not withstand the troubles of this world.
Move from a row, and start to circle up
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Sermon Notes: August 28, 2022 Circle Up: Part One - Daniel Knutson John 1: 32-37 (NLT)Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.
When you’re convinced Jesus is the Savior of the World, you’ll encourage others to experience him too
John 1:40-41 (NLT)Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).
As you experience Jesus as the Savior of your World, you’ll invite others to experience him personally.
John 1:42-45 (NLT)Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
εὑρίσκω (heuriskó): Verb - I find, learn, discover, especially after searching.
When you recognize that you’ve been sought out, you’ll begin to seek others out.
John 1:46 (NLT)“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.
When you recognize that you’ve been sought out, you’ll begin to seek out others.
Take an Interest
Start to Invest
Make an Invitation
Prayer Walk ChallengeGrow your circle of people
Grow your heart for people
Invite people
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1 Samuel 16: 6-13
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here." And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.
The irony of this story is that the very person who was not invited was the one who God was after
Learning to steward whatever God has given us protects us from worshiping a future destination over Jesus himself
This is where the MUNDANE moves to SACRED MUNDANE
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Sermon Notes: August 14, 2022 After God's Own Heart: God Loves Passionate Praise - Jeremy Thom 2 Samuel 6:3-5 (NLT)They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the hillside home of Abinadab. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart with the Ark of God on it, with Ahio walking in front.
2 Samuel 6:3-5 (NLT)David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord with all their might, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments.
2 Samuel 6:8 (NLT)David was angry because the Lord’s anger had blazed out against Uzzah.
2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NLT)David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.
2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NLT)So David and all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.
2 Samuel 6:20b-23 (NIV)David retorted to Michal, ‘I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and his family!
2 Samuel 6:20b-23 (NIV)He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord. So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the Lord.
2 Samuel 6:20b-23 (NLT)Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, but I will be held in honor by the girls of whom you have spoken!’
2 Samuel 6:20b-23 (NLT)So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her life.
2 Samuel 6:22 (NIV)So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the Lord.
God Loves Passionate Praise
Passionate praise comes from sacrificing your own pride and posturing yourself before the Lord.
David sacrifices his pride:
- And returns to obedience
- Before all of Israel
- While Michal reveals her pride
- And comes before the Lord
Romans 12:1 (NET)Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is a reasonable service.
“What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us”. - A.W. Tozer: "The Knowledge of the Holy"
God loves passionate praise because it comes from a heart of sacrifice, postured before the only audience that matters, before the Lord.
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Sermon Notes: August 7, 2022 After God's Own Heart: God Loves Stewardship - Megan Lemmons
Stewardship is this idea that we have a responsibility to use wisely all the things that God has given us.
1 Samuel 16:6
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:11-12
Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”
1 Samuel 16:13
So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.
Even in times when you feel forgotten and overlooked, God still sees us and has a plan for your life.
1 Samuel 16:19-20
So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, the shepherd.” Jesse responded by sending David to Saul, along with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a wineskin full of wine.
1 Samuel 16:21-23
So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer. Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, “Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him.” And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.
1 Samuel 17:4-6
Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder.
1 Samuel 17:7
The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield.
1 Samuel 17:14-15
David was the youngest son. David’s three oldest brothers stayed with Saul’s army, but David went back and forth so he could help his father with the sheep in Bethlehem.
1 Samuel 17:20-21
So David left the sheep with another shepherd and set out early the next morning with the gifts, as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the camp just as the Israelite army was leaving for the battlefield with shouts and battle cries. Soon the Israelite and Philistine forces stood facing each other, army against army.
1 Samuel 17:22-24
David left his things with the keeper of supplies and hurried out to the ranks to greet his brothers. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, came out from the Philistine ranks. Then David heard him shout his usual taunt to the army of Israel. As soon as the Israelite army saw him, they began to run away in fright.
1 Samuel 17:25
“Have you seen the giant?” the men asked. “He comes out each day to defy Israel. The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him. He will give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!”
1 Samuel 17:26-27
David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?” And these men gave David the same reply. They said, “Yes, that is the reward for killing him.”
Our obedience to what God calls us to in the present, makes way for new things he is calling us towards in the future.
What ordinary thing is God calling you to be obedient to him in?
1 Samuel 17:28
But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!”
1 Samuel 17:32-34
“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock,
1 Samuel 17:35-37
I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”
God prepares us for the things ahead through our faithfulness & stewardship to what he has in our hands this season.
Stewardship is this idea that we have a responsibility to use wisely all the things that God has given us:
- Even in times when people may forget or overlook, God still sees us and has a plan for our lives.
- Our obedience to what God calls us to in the present, makes way for new things he is calling us towards in the future.
- God prepares us for the things ahead through our faithfulness & stewardship to what he has in our hands this season.
What has God placed in your hand?
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Sermon Notes: July 31, 2022 After God's Own Heart: God Loves Trust - Daniel Knutson 1 Samuel 17:17-19Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.”
David trusted the Lord for his purpose
1 Samuel 17:20-24Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.
1 Samuel 17:32-37David said to Saul, “Let no one loose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”
But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Our servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
David trusted the Lord in the fields
David trusted the Lord in the battle
1 Samuel 17:37Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
1 Samuel 17:45David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…
David trusted in the Lord’s process
Trust more in the Lord, than in our circumstances
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Sermon Notes: July 24, 2022
After God's Own Heart: God Loves Justice - Daniel Knutson
Joshua 9:18-20But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. The whole assembly grumbled against the leaders, but all the leaders answered, “We have given them our oath by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now. This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that God’s wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them.”
Ephesians 4:26In your anger do not sin
James 1:20…human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Biblical Justice:
The work of making individuals, communities, and our world whole, by supporting goodness and impartiality to reflect God’s original intention for all of creation to flourish.
2 Samuel 21:1-6During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. The Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.” The king summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not a part of Israel but were survivors of the Amorites; the Israelites had sworn to spare them, but Saul in his zeal for Israel and Judah had tried to annihilate them.) David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How shall I make atonement so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance?" The Gibeonites answered him, “We have no right to demand silver or gold from Saul or his family, nor do we have the right to put anyone in Israel to death." “What do you want me to do for you?” David asked. They answered the king, “As for the man who destroyed us and plotted against us so that we have been decimated and have no place anywhere in Israel, let seven of his male descendants be given to us to be killed and their bodies exposed before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul—the Lord’s chosen one.”
2 Samuel 21:1bThe Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house…
So the king said, “I will give them to you.”
2 Samuel 21:10-14
Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down from the heavens on the bodies, she did not let the birds touch them by day or the wild animals by night. They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish, at Zela in Benjamin, and did everything the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.
Every nation, tribe, people and language…
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Sermon Notes - June 26, 2022
After God’s Own Heart - God Loves Surrender - Marty Miranda
1 Samuel 16:1
“You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.”
1 Samuel 18:7-11
“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” -
This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand, and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice.”
1 Samuel 26:7-12
So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.” But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.” So David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep
Matthew 12:35
“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.”
God loves when we surrender to his timing: Trusting God knows what he is doing
Psalm 37:23
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Proverbs 16:9
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
God loves when we surrender to his plans: Trusting God accomplishes more through our surrender than we do through our control.
God loves when we surrender our need for revenge: Trusting God vindicates people when they turn to him for justice.
Samuel 26:22-24
“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of your young men come over and get it. The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousnes and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”
Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Matthew 26:42, 49-54
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done…. So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
Surrender to God’s timing.
Surrender to God’s plans.
Surrender your need for revenge.
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After God's Own Heart - Week 3 - July 10, 2022
Daniel Knutson
God is faithful even when we’re not
1 Samuel 27:1-3But David thought to himself, “One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” So David and the six hundred men with him left and went over to Achish son of Maok king of Gath. David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal.
1 Samuel 29:1-8The Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel. As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear with Achish. The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?” Achish replied, “Is this not David, who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year, and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.” But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men? Isn’t this the David they sang about in their dances: “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” So Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you. Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers. “But what have I done?” asked David. “What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”
1 Samuel 30:1-8David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it, and had taken captive the women and everyone else in it, both young and old. They killed none of them, but carried them off as they went on their way. When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”
1 Samuel 30:18David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives.
David was a man after God’s own heart, only because God’s heart was first after David.
God is faithful even when we are not
We don’t have to wait for Ziklag to turn to God
A yes to God, is a yes to His faithfulness
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After God's Own Heart: "God Loves Integrity"Daniel Knutson - July 3, 2022 Ministry Update: The Hobson's
Hy·poc·ri·sy - /həˈpäkrəsē/
The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform
In·teg·ri·ty - /inˈteɡrədē/
1. The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
2. The state of being whole and undivided.
“Integrity is every part of your life - mind, heart, soul, actions, and relationships - moving in the same direction. Hopefully a God-designed direction.” Jeff and Terra Mattson - Shrinking the Integrity Gap
Matthew 12:25b…Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
1 Kings 9:4“As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws…
God Loves PenitenceGod Loves Integrity
2 Samuel 14:24-25But the king said, “He must go to his own house; he must not see my face.” So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king.
2 Samuel 15:1-6 In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.” And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice. Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.
2 Samuel 15:13-14A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.” Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.”
2 Samuel 18:9Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.
A lack of integrity causes division
God Loves IntegrityHe loves integrity because He wants to see us whole, not because He wants control.
Galatians 5:22-23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
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Week 1: After God's Own Heart"God Loves Penitence" by Grant Hickman
2 Samuel 11:1-5
In the spring of the year, at the time when kings normally conduct wars, David sent out Joab with his officers and the entire Israelite army. They defeated the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed behind in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of his palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. Now this woman was very attractive. So David sent someone to inquire about the woman. The messenger said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” David sent some messengers to get her. She came to him and he had sexual relations with her. (Now at that time she was in the process of purifying herself from her menstrual uncleanness.) Then she returned to her home. The woman conceived and then sent word to David saying, “I’m pregnant.”
2 Samuel 11:1-5
In the spring of the year, at the time when kings normally conduct wars, David sent out Joab with his officers and the entire Israelite army. They defeated the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. [But David stayed behind in Jerusalem.] One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of his palace. [From the roof he saw a woman bathing. Now this woman was very attractive.] So David sent someone to inquire about the woman. The messenger said, [“Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”] David sent some messengers to get her. She came to him and he had sexual relations with her. [(Now at that time she was in the process of purifying herself from her menstrual uncleanness.)] Then she returned to her home. The woman conceived and then sent word to David saying, “I’m pregnant.”
2 Samuel 11:6-8
So David sent a message to Joab that said, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked about how Joab and the army were doing and how the campaign was going. Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your home and relax.” When Uriah left the palace, the king sent a gift to him.
2 Samuel 11:9-11
But Uriah stayed at the door of the palace with all the servants of his lord. He did not go down to his house. So they informed David, “Uriah has not gone down to his house.” So David said to Uriah, “Haven’t you just arrived from a journey? Why haven’t you gone down to your house?” Uriah replied to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah reside in temporary shelters, and my lord Joab and my lord’s soldiers are camping in the open field. Should I go to my house to eat and drink and have marital relations with my wife? As surely as you are alive, I will not do this thing!”
2 Sam 11:12-13
So David said to Uriah, “Stay here another day. Tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem both that day and the following one. Then David summoned him. He ate and drank with him, and got him drunk. But in the evening he went out to sleep on his bed with the servants of his lord; he did not go down to his own house.
2 Samuel 11:27
…The thing which David had done was evil in the eyes of the LORD.
David is Persistently Prideful
God Desires Humble Penitence
2 Sam 12:7-12
Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I chose you to be king over Israel and I rescued you from the hand of Saul. I gave you your master’s house, and put your master’s wives into your arms. I also gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all that somehow seems insignificant, I would have given you so much more as well! Why have you shown contempt for the word of the LORD by doing evil in my sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and you have taken his wife as your own! You have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. So now the sword will never depart from your house. For you have despised me by taking the wife of Uriah the Hittite as your own!’ This is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring disaster on you from inside your own household! Right before your eyes I will take your wives and hand them over to your companion. He will have sexual relations with your wives in broad daylight! Although you have acted in secret, I will do this thing before all Israel, and in broad daylight.’”
2 Sam 12:13
Then David exclaimed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD!” Nathan replied to David, “Yes, and the LORD has forgiven your sin. You are not going to die.
Psalm 51:1-12
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. You have broken me— now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me; now let me rejoice. Don’t look at my sins. Remove the stain of my shame. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
Psalm 51:16-17
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Where am I being persistently prideful rather than humbly penitent?
Culture
Where am I being persistently prideful rather than humbly penitent?
Conscience
Where am I being persistently prideful rather than humbly penitent?
Confession
Psalm 51:9-11
Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
1 Corinthians 5:19
For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.
Romans 6:23
For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 10:9-10
Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.
Sermon: Sunday, June 19, 2022
Daniel Knutson - A Church For Everyone
Acts 10:1-2
In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.
Acts 10:3-6a
One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror.
“What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter.
Acts 10:9a-14
The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray… He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” “No, Lord,” Peter declared. "I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”
Acts 10:15-16
But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven…
ACTS 10:19-20
Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”
Peter chooses humility & obedience over pride & self-righteousness
Acts 10:24-26
They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!”
Acts 10:28-29
Peter told them, “You know it is against [our laws] for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”
Acts 10:34-38
Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Acts 10:39-40a“And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day…
Acts 10:42
And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead.
Acts 10:44-47
Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too… Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?”
Let God Humble You
I Peter 5:5b-6…And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, & at the right time he’ll lift you in honor.
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Sermon Notes - May 29, 2022 Acts: The Church - Fellowship of Believers - Marty Miranda
Acts 2:42
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
The Apostles Teaching: Reading and Practicing the Scriptures
Love one another (John 13:34)
Honor one another above yourself (Rom 12:10)
Live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16)
Build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
Bear with one another’s burdens (Galatians 5:13)
Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:2)
Encourage one another (1 These 5:11)
Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Care for each other (1 Corinthians 12:25)
Fellowship: Circling up to follow Jesus together
Prayer: Connecting with God
Acts 2:43
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Culture is what people experience when they interact with the church.
Culture is created by the things we are committed to.
“A church called Tov”
- Empathy and Compassion
- Grace and Graciousness
- Putting People First
- Truth Telling
- Justice
- Service
- Christlikeness
Commit to the Practices of the early church:
- A Daily Devotion
- Reading and practicing the Scriptures
- Circling up to follow Jesus together
- Prayer
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Sermon Notes - May 8, 2022 Acts: The Church -Jesus’ Return - Grant Hickman
Isaiah 1:26I will reestablish honest judges as in former times, wise advisers as in earlier days. Then you will be called, ‘The Just City, Faithful Town.’”
Joel 2:28…I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.
Acts 1:3-7To the same apostles also, after his suffering, he presented himself alive with many convincing proofs. He was seen by them over a forty-day period and spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God. While he was with them, he declared, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there for what my Father promised, which you heard about from me.For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.
1 Thessalonians 5:1Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you.
Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts - Jesus' Return - Grant Hickman
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May 29, 2022 - Daniel Knutson
Lead Pastor | Hope City Church
Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 16:6-8They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to do this, 8 so they passed through Mysia and went down to Troas.
Image - MAP 1
Image - MAP 2
Acts 16:9-10
A vision appeared to Paul during the night: A Macedonian man was standing there urging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” After Paul saw the vision, we attempted immediately to go over to Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.
Image - MAP 3
Paul followed the Holy Spirit’s leading to reach people no one else was reaching.
MISSION:
We exist to inspire people to…
KNOW JESUS
LOVE JESUS
FOLLOW JESUS
Paul traveled and wrote to many churches to encourage and support them.
KNOW JESUS
LOVE JESUS
FOLLOW JESUS
“Self control requires surrender. It requires sacrifice today, for a better tomorrow”
MISSION: We exist to inspire people to…
KNOW JESUS
LOVE JESUS
FOLLOW JESUS
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Daniel Knutson - May 22, 2022
How We Are Shaped
- Water Baptism Identifies us with Jesus
- Led by the Holy Spirit
- Called to live generously
- Called to those close and distant
- Following Jesus together
Mark 2:17 (NIV)…“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Acts 9:1- (NIV)
1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. We use what we’ve been given, to give to others 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. You are never too far, and it is never too late, to encounter the love of Jesus 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Those who have encountered Jesus, share Jesus. 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized…
You’re never too far, and it’s never too late
Give to others
Share Jesus
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.Join us for week one of Acts: The Church.
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MAY 1 - Acts: The Church
DANIEL KNUTSON
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Author: Luke the Doctor
Luke 1:3b-4 (NIV) …I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Covers 30+ Years
Acts 1:6-8 (NIV)Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 2:37-39 (NLT)Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?" Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 8:27b-39 (NIV)This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”
The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Acts 2:42 (NLT)All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
www.hopecitypdx.com/baptism
COMMUNION
Acts 2:42 (NLT)All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
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Sermon Notes - April 24, 2022In the Garden-Pastor Daniel Knutson JustificationSanctification
Each of us has been created for eternity.
Glorification
Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV)Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life-water as clear as crystal-pouring out from the throne of God and the Lamb, flowing down the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit yielding it fruit every month of the year. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations. And there will no longer be any curse, and the throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city. His servants will worship him, and they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more, and they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will shine on them, and they will weigh forever and ever.
Revelation 7:9 (NIV)After these things I looked, and here was an enormous crowd that no one could count, made up of persons from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb dressed in long white robes, and with palm branches in their hands.
Heaven is not yet, which is why we still experience brokenness.
2 Corinthians 5:1-6 (NIV)For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:7b-9 (NIV)…we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
Heaven is now, and it is displayed through us.
We have to learn to live in the tension of now, and not yet.
Jesus’ resurrection is what reconciles the world.
Join us for week two of In the Garden, on Easter Sunday.
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Daniel Knutson - April 17, 2022
1 Corinthians 15: 13-14, 17-22 (NET)If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith… And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins… If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead… For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
(Photo Illustration)
Inattentional blindness - The surprising failure to notice something surprisingly obvious because…
It’s bigger than our expectations
Our attention becomes too focused on something else.
Luke 24:1-6a (NET)Now on the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood beside them in dazzling attire. The women were terribly frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has been raised!
Mark 16:6-7 (NET)
But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been raised! He is not here. Look, there is the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples, even Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.”
Where we see graves, God sees a garden
Matthew 27: 31 & 33 (NET)After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him… They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”).
John 19: 41-41 (NET)At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
1 Corinthians 15: 20b-22 (NET)But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead… For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Repentance: Turning from sin - the problem
Belief: I believe Jesus is the answer to the problem
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Sermon Notes - April 3, 2022Good Suffering (1 Peter 2:13-3:7 / 3:13-22 / 4:12-19) - Brian Becker Good Suffering
1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion…
1 Peter 2:11-16 (NIV)Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Therefore submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
1 Peter 2:17 (ESV)Honor everyone. Love the church. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
“Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace.” - Tactitus (Ancient Roman Historian)
1 Peter 2:18-25 (NIV)Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
Citizens vs AuthoritiesSlaves vs MastersWives vs Husbands
Too many Christians are known for what they are against than what they are for…especially right now.
Romans 12:10, 14, 18, 21 (ESV)Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor…Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Example: Greek - hupogrammoshupo: “under” // grapho: “to write”
An underwriting. A tracing of letters. Copying the writings of a teacher. An example. The example of Christ enables us to endure and do good when we suffer.
Worry doesn’t work.Worry can’t change what you can’t control. Worry never fixes tomorrow, but it always ruins today.
1 Peter 2:22-25 (NIV)“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Who is our Jesus?
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”“He himself bore our sins”“By his wounds we have been healed.”“We were like sheep going astray,”
*“But now we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.“*
*Jesus is available for us every step of the way.*
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Online Sermon Notes
Promised Strength & Relief (1 Peter 5:5-11) - Chris Yarco
1 Peter 5:5-11 (NIV)“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
HUMILITY
Philippians 2:3-11 (NIV)“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
The way up is the way down.
We must admit we are prideful.
“If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means are you very conceited indeed.” (C.S. Lewis)
We must be secure in who we are.
We must be in relationship with others.
“We were surprised, shocked really, to discover the type of leadership required for turning a good company into a great one. Compared to high-profile leaders with big personalities who make headlines and become celebrities, the good-to-great leaders seem to have come from Mars. Self-effacing, quiet, reserved even shy - these leaders are a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will. They are more like Lincoln and Socrates than Patton or Caesar.” (Jim Collins)
We must make the choice for humility.
Mark 10:42-45 (NIV)“…and whoever wants to be first must be slave of 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.”
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Sermon Notes - March 20, 2022Love Deeply (1 Peter 4:8-11) - Jon Furman 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
“cover a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:9-10 (NLT)Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-10 (NLT)There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all…To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy…
1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Use your gift as an ambassador/representative of God.
Use your gifts in God’s strength, not your own.
Use your gifts to make God great, not yourself.
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Sermon Notes - March 13, 2022Unity of the Church (1 Peter 3:8-12) - Megan Lemmons 1 Peter 3:8-12Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
How are we able to be a community of Hope?
What is it that you think of when you hear the word “Unity”?
“Unity in the church”
Consonant: Agreement or harmony in sound.
Dissonance: Sounds that have tension or a combination of clashing sounds.
There is friction and there is tension in unity
1 Peter 3:8-9Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.
1 Peter 1:3All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,
1 Peter 3:8-11Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
Sympathy
Love
Tenderheartedness
Humility
SEARCH for peace and WORK to maintain it.
“Not only does shalom express much more than "peace;' but the kind of peace shalom represents is active and engaged, going far beyond the mere absence of conflict. There is a wide array of words and theological examples of shalom that give depth and flavor to the simple English word "peace;" as it is used in the Scriptures. Examples of various aspects of shalom include, according to one concordance, completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, and the absence of agitation or discord. Another concordance lists the word origin of shalom from shalem, meaning completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace and repayment.” - Randy Woodley
“As a social construct, shalom is also dynamic. Shalom is not a utopian destination; it is a constant journey. One does not wait on shalom; one actually sets about the task of shalom. In other words, people need to be going about the business of making shalom and living out shalom. This active, persistent effort takes place at every level, from personal relationships to societal and structural transformation. "The doing of righteousness and justice results in the building of a viable community, that is, shalom, in which the oppressed and disenfranchised have dignity and power.” - Randy Woodley
Isaiah 2:4The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.
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Sermon Notes - March 6, 2022The Hope of Joy (1 Peter 1:1-12) - Grant Hickman Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance —an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.
1 Peter 1:7b (NLT)So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
John 20:24-25 (NLT)One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
John 20:26-27 (NLT)Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
John 20:28-29 (NLT)“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
1 Peter 1:12 (NLT)They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
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Sermon Notes - February 27, 2022Wearing Goodness (1 Peter 2:1-12) - Daniel Knutson 1 Peter 2:1-8Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
Matthew 16:13-18…[Jesus] asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter… And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
1 Peter 2:9-12But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Every choice we make takes us somewhere, and we sometimes end up in unexpected places because of it. In our new series, Choose, we will be exploring the book of Ruth and learning that, whatever path we are on or choices we make, God is never too far away to meet us there.
Join us for the final week of Choose.
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Daniel Knutson - Choose: Week 5 - Feb. 20, 2022
Their choices are filled with loving kindness and Godly character
Ruth 413 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.
16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Matthew 116 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.
We all inherited a legacy
We all inherited a legacy
We will all leave a legacy
We have to choose what kind of legacy we want to leave
Join us for week 4 of Choose: Every choice we make takes us somewhere, and we sometimes end up in unexpected places because of it. In our new series, Choose, we will be exploring the book of Ruth and learning that, whatever path we are on or choices we make, God is never too far away to meet us there.
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Daniel Knutson - February 13, 2022
Reward Centered Leaders
Responsibility Centered Leaders
God’s liberating work is accomplished in and through the lives of Godly people
Ruth 4
1 Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.
2 Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. 3 Then he said to the guardian-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelek.
4 I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people.
If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.”
“I will redeem it,” he said.
5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property." 6 At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.”
8 So the guardian-redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it yourself”...
9 Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon.
10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!”
A Choice For Others
Join us for week 3 of Choose. Every choice we make takes us somewhere, and we sometimes end up in unexpected places because of it. In our new series, Choose, we will be exploring the book of Ruth and learning that, whatever path we are on or choices we make, God is never too far away to meet us there.
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Sunday February 6, 2022
- Grant Hickman -
Ruth 1:9 (NLT)
May the LORD enable each of you to find security in the home of a new husband.
Ruth 2:12 (NLT)
May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
Ruth 3:1-18 (NLT)
One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor. Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.” “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law. After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.” “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning.” So Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet until the morning, but she got up before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, “No one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.” Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town. When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?” Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”
Ruth 3:1 (NLT)
One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for.
Ruth 1:8-13 (NLT)
But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.” But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.”
Compare: Ruth 1:8 & Ruth 3:1Ruth 1:8 (NLT) But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me.
Ruth 3:1 (NLT) One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for.
God’s liberating work is accomplished in and through the lives of godly people…
Ruth 3:3 (NLT)
Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking.
Ruth 3:9 (NLT)
“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.
Ezekiel 16:8 (NLT)
And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.
Ruth 2:12 (NLT)
May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
God’s liberating work is accomplished in and through the lives of godly people; it restores hope and secures the future for others.
Romans 1:7 (NET)
To all those loved by God in Rome, called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Join us for week 2 of Choose. Every choice we make takes us somewhere, and we sometimes end up in unexpected places because of it. In our new series, Choose, we will be exploring the book of Ruth and learning that, whatever path we are on or choices we make, God is never too far away to meet us there.
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Daniel Knutson - January 30, 2022
Choose: Week 2
Ruth 2:1-13 (NIV)
1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.
2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.”
3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.
4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” “The Lord bless you!” they answered.
5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”
6 The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi.
7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”
8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me.
9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”
10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband— how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before.
12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”
Ruth and Boaz Choose:
Faithfulness To God
Gratitude For God
To Trust In God
Ruth 2:19-20 (NIV)
19 Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!”Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.
20 “The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.”
Every choice we make takes us somewhere, and we sometimes end up in unexpected places because of it. In our new series, Choose, we will be exploring the book of Ruth and learning that, whatever path we are on or choices we make, God is never too far away to meet us there. Join us for week 1 of "Choose."
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Daniel Knutson - Jan. 23, 2022
Judges 21:25 (NASB)
25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Ruth 1:1-4 (NIV)1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. 3 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth…
Ruth 1:13-16 (NIV)
13b…the Lord’s hand has turned against me!” 14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. 15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
RUTH CHOOSES:
Mentorship
Godliness
Godly Community
Ruth 1:20-21 (NIV) 20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”
NAOMI CHOOSES:
Bitterness
To Blame
Ruth 1:22 (NIV)22 …Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.
Worlds We Create: Our words are powerful. Just as God spoke and the world was created, our words create the world around us, affecting relationships and our environment. As we start this New Year, we seek to understand powerful words in scripture that we are called on to live by to create a more Kingdom-minded world. In the final week of our series, we're looking at how one word can create opposing worlds.
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- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
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January 16, 2022 - Daniel Knutson
Justice
While we all bring something valuable to the table, none of us brings everything to the table.
Biblical Justice: The work of making individuals, communities, and our world whole, by supporting goodness and impartiality to reflect God’s original intention for all of creation to flourish.
Exodus 23:99 “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.
Psalms 33:5 NIV“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.”
Psalms 89:14 NIV“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”
2 Corinthians 5:16-2116 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
Matthew 5:23-24
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Philippians 2:3-4
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Biblical Justice: The work of making individuals, communities, and our world whole, by supporting goodness and impartiality to reflect God’s original intention for all of creation to flourish.
Worlds We Create: Our words are powerful. Just as God spoke and the world was created, our words create the world around us, affecting relationships and our environment. As we start this New Year, we seek to understand powerful words in scripture that we are called on to live by to create a more Kingdom-minded world.
- I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
- I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
- Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community
Sermon Notes - January 9, 2022The Worlds We Create: Compassion - Matthew 9:35- 38 (NIV) - Jon Furman
Synonyms: Words in the same language that have the same meaning, like "Small" and "Little".
Antonyms: words in the same language that have the opposite meaning, like "Small" and "Big".
Homonyms: Words in the same language that have a similar spelling or pronunciation but different meanings.
Cleave: “To bring two things together” AND “To separate things into two”.
Contranyms - Words that mean something AND their opposite.
Oversight: “Supervising a process” OR “Not noticing an error”,
Sanction: “Approve of something” OR “Penalize something”
Because of the agency’s oversight, the corporation’s behavior was sanctioned.
Acts 11:26“So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
Christianos: “Little Christ”
Loving - JudgmentalJoyful - AngryPeaceable - HostilePatient – Bad ListenersKind - DismissiveGenerous - DefensiveFaithful - FearfulGentle - ForcefulSelf-Controlled - Reckless
Matthew 9:35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
Christians do what we see Jesus Doing.
Matthew 9:36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Christians are motivated by Jesus’ motivation: Compassion
Matthew 9:37-38Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Christians are strengthened and multiplied by dependence on Jesus.
Learn from Jesus to live like JesusSee people like Jesus saw themAsk for his help, Not only his blessing
Our words are powerful. Just as God spoke and the world was created, our words create the world around us, affecting relationships and our environment. As we start this New Year, we seek to understand powerful words in scripture that we are called on to live by to create a more Kingdom-minded world.
- I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
- Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community
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The Worlds We Create: Words Create Worlds - Megan Lemmons
“Our words create worlds.” - Pastor Jo Saxton
Genesis 1:1-9 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so.
Genesis 1:26-27Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” So God created humankind in his image,in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
As those who are created in the image of a creative God -- we ourselves are creative people.
“Clearly, we are not equal partners with God in creation. God created and continues to create in a way that is totally different than anything we can do. God creates out of nothing. We take what God has already created, and we create something using already-existing forms and objects.” - Author Lynn Baab
James 3:2-6Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.
Proverbs 11:9 “Evil words destroy one’s friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.”
Proverbs 15: 1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:4“Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 25:18“Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.”
Proverbs 18:4“A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”
John 1:1-5, 14“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son,
What kind of world are we creating?
How has God’s word impacted my own life?
How have my own words brought destruction?
How can I begin to use my words to partner with God in his work of restoration?
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings. Today, the day after Christmas, we want to take the time to rest in the Good News of Jesus' life and ministry.
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Sermon Notes - December 26, 2021The Good News of Rest - Hebrews 4:9-12 - Grant Hickman
Hebrews 4:9-12A Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. For the one who enters God’s rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from his own works. Thus we must make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
Make every effort to rest.
Sabbath is a reminder that we live in two worlds - this world and the world that is yet to come. When we sabbath, we find joy, holiness, and rest.
Let’s rest together in God, our Creator, and His Word.
Christmas Eve is our reminder that Heaven came to Earth and continues to impact our lives with Good News. Despite the darkness we experience in the midst of our everyday chaos. Jesus is our salvation and continued joy and is for ALL people.
- I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
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Luke 2:8-11
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
GOOD NEWS
GREAT JOY
FOR ALL PEOPLE
Isaiah 7:14
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Luke 16:16b
16 ...the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.
John 8:12
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:14
14“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Luke 2:8-14
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings.
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Luke 2:10
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Acts 5:38b-39
“...If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Isaiah 9:6
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Acts 1:6-8
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Will you enter the kingdom of God?
Will you build the Kingdom of God?
Will we grow the Kingdom of God?
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings.
Sermon Notes - December 12, 2021Good News For Everyone - Luke 2:8-17 (NLT) - Jon Furman
Luke 2:8-9 (NLT)That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,
Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)
but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to ALL people.”
Jesus didn’t come for the best people; he offers God’s best to all people.
Jesus didn’t just come for HIS people; he came to invite everyone to become his people.
Luke 2:12 (NLT)And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:13-14 (NLT)Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is Pleased.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Luke 2:16-17 (NLT)They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
Start FollowingStop JudgingInvite Everyone
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings. In week one of our series we are hearing about the Good News of the Gospel. Which is the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, even now. This is more than just a prayer of salvation, it's an invitation into a restorative relationship with God
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- Find Care • https://hopecitypdx.com/care • Hope City strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support.
Luke 2:10 (NIV)
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
The Gospel = Good News
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
Justice speaks of doing what is right
Righteousness speaks of Jesus as the Messiah who will set things right
Join us for week three of the series as Daniel shares what it looks like to lift your hands in celebration, surrender, and to receive from God in light of who He is and how He interacts to each of us individually.
- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
- Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community
- Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- Find Care • https://hopecitypdx.com/care • Hope City strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support.
Worship is thought and action that demonstrates respect and admiration for something we hold in high honor.
Psalm 63:1 (NIV)
1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Languishing: is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.
Psalm 63:2-3 (NIV)
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
Checed: “loving-kindness; steadfast love; grace; mercy; faithfulness; goodness; devotion.”
Psalm 63:4 (NIV)
4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Shem: “name; reputation; memory; renown.”
We lift our hands:
To celebrate who God is and what He has done
We lift our hands:
To celebrate who God is and what He has done
To surrender to His will and plan
We lift our hands:
To celebrate who God is and what He has done
To surrender to His will and plan
To receive Him
Join us for week two of Come to Worship where Megan Lemmons will be walking us through what it looks like to pour out our hearts to God in all areas of our lives, as individuals and in community.
- Find Care • https://hopecitypdx.com/care • Hope City strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support.
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- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
- Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community
Worship is thought and action that demonstrates respect and admiration for something we hold in high honor.
Lamentations 2:19
Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer.
Lament: A way for people to give expression to grief in the presence of God.
Picture of Megan in her garden
Kristina Fox says “ The laments in Scripture do more than just voice painful emotions. The psalms of lament, in particular, go further than just releasing pent-up emotions. They are more than mere catharsis. Within themselves, these psalms are a theology, a doxology, a form of worship. They are reminders of truth. They are exercises in faith. They are transformative for the believer.”
Lament allows us to move through our grief with God.
Psalm 13:1-6
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look at me and answer, Lord my God.Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
Dan Wilt: "Fundamentally, lament is not just about catharsis or solidarity, but it is a cry to God to establish justice.Lament and praise should not be separated; they are actually two sides of the same coin. Praise without lament can lead to a superficial spirituality which does not recognize or take seriously the pain and grief that accompany our journey.”
Lament allows us to hold onto hope.
Psalms 13:1-6
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look at me and answer, Lord my God.Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
Psalms 13:5-6
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
Lament allows us to move through grief with other people.
Lamentations 2:19
Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer
Dan Wilt: "Lament then is a kind of corporate intercession where the suffering of the community and of the world is brought before God’s throne. Lament as intercession (meaning praying for others)is already itself an act of compassion and justice which is meant to motivate action both from God and from the community. As intercession, lament validates the pain and suffering of the broken world, directs itself at God and demands “let Your Kingdom come!”
This week we are starting a new series and Daniel is walking us through what it looks like to take a posture of worship before God.
Worship is thought and action that demonstrates respect and admiration for something we hold in high honor.
Worship is a posture
Worship requires sacrifice
Romans 12:1
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship..
What does worship do?
Worship defines us
Worship refines us
Worship aligns us
We are all worshipping something
Worship is thought and action that demonstrates respect and admiration for something we hold in high honor.
What are you worshipping?
How do we posture ourselves before God?
Psalm 95:6-7
6 Come, let us bow down and worship. Let us kneel before the Lord, our Creator. 7 For…
6 Come, let us bow down and worship. Let us kneel before the Lord, our Creator. 7 For He is our God; we are the people of his pasture, the sheep he owns. Today, if only you would obey him.
We Bow down
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
How do we posture ourselves before others?
In week 3 of Entrusted, Daniel will be talking us through what it looks like to be entrusted with treasure, and how we can invest them in the kingdom of eternity.
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1 Timothy 6:17 (NET)Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.
(Picture of 1% Graphic)
1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NET)Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.
If it comes to us, it must be for us.
LUKE 12:13-21 (NIV)
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.
And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
The primary purpose of giving is not that God would get the money out of our pockets, but that He would get the idols out of our hearts.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NET)
Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.
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This week Brandy Knutson is walking us through what it looks like to align our time with God's perspective and purpose in our lives, and use it to serve others.
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How you choose to spend your time will show you what your priorities are.
James 4:14 (NET)
You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes.
Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT)
You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-12 (NLT)
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.
Ask God for the wisdom to recognize opportunities to serve and the courage to take action.
hopecitypdx.com/serve
For the first week of our new series Entrusted, Daniel is walking us through what it looks like for us to use the talents that God has given us in a way that makes an eternal kingdom impact.
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Matthew 19:21 (NIV)
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
What we think:
The more someone has, the more blessed they are ________________________________________
What is true:
The more someone has, the more responsible they are
Talent
Time
Treasure
How does it feel to know that God trusts us with something?
Talent
The sum of our talents is better than any one of our talents.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NET)
Just as each one has received a gift,
use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words...
use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies...
so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Join us for our final week of "It's a New Day: Dream Again." Dayne Scanlon is going to be walking us through what it looks like to trust God, even when we don't know what is going to happen next.
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Week One: Believe Again
Week Two: Laugh Again
Week Three: Sing Again
Week Four: Pray Again
Week Five: Dream Again
Learning to dream again, means posturing yourself in a position to dream.
Joshua 1:7-9 (NIV)
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Dreaming is a luxury that is produced out of a life of obedience.
Joshua 4:1-7 (NIV)
When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.” So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”
It’s easy to dream big when we remember what God has already done for us.
Joshua 6:1-5 (NIV)
Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”
Sometimes dreaming means trusting God, even if you don’t know what’s next.
Joshua 6:20 (NIV)
When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.
A primary theme of scripture is a demonstration of God’s commitment to redeem, restore, and renew the things in our lives that have been hurt, damaged, and broken. Marty Miranda, pastor of students at Beaverton Christian Church, teaches through Psalm 126:4.
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Psalm 126:4 - “Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert”
Our life is full of things we can’t do on our own.
Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
Luke 18:4“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ”
Luke 18:6And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
We pray again, trusting God with what we can’t do.
We pray again with confidence and patience, expecting a two way dialogue, not a one way monologue.
We pray again, knowing if God is silent, that doesn’t mean He is absent.
Hebrews 11:13“All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.”
For this message, Daniel is walking us through the relevance of worship and music in our lives and how it relates to our relationship with God.
- Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music’s YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays.
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October 3, 2021 - Daniel Knutson
Believe Again
Laugh Again
Sing Again
Psalm 126
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
Psalm 126
5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Sweet Caroline
Neil Diamond - 1969
Don’t Stop Believing
Journey - 1982
Romans 12:1-2
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This week Daniel will walk us through the importance of laughter in our lives. Especially in regards to our healing and being community.
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PSALM 126
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! 2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” 3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. 5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
Laughter…
relaxes the whole body
boosts the immune system
triggers the release of endorphins
protects the heart
lightens anger’s heavy load
Psalm 126
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” 3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
Reconciliation brings us joy and laughter.
2 Corinthians 5
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Reconciliation is for WE, not just for ME
We can laugh again when we’re together again.
This week as we launch a new series, "It's a New Day," Daniel reminds us to stay focused on God's goodness and promises despite the current state of the world or our circumstances. Pointing us to Psalm 126:5 with the reminder that "those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy."
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Lamentations 1:1-7
1 How deserted lies the city, once so full of people! How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations!
She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave.
2 Bitterly she weeps at night, tears are on her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her.
All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies
3 After affliction and harsh labor, Judah has gone into exile. She dwells among the nations; she finds no resting place.
All who pursue her have overtaken her in the midst of her distress.
7 In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old.
When her people fell into enemy hands, there was no one to help her. Her enemies looked at her and laughed at her destruction.
Idolatry
Social Injustice
Religious ritualism
Isaiah 61:1-7
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Psalm 126 (NLT)
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
In our new three week series, Found, we’ll explore the depth and breath of God’s love. You’ll discover that you’re never too far or too lost to experience his grace and forgiveness.
- I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
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FOUND- The Prodigal Son
Hope City Church- Daniel Knutson
September 12, 2021
Luke 15:1-3
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable:
Luke 15:11-32
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am [no longer worthy] to be called your son.’“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who hassquandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
God cares more about repentance than He does about obedience.
Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
In our new three week series, Found, we’ll explore the depth and breath of God’s love. You’ll discover that you’re never too far or too lost to experience his grace and forgiveness.
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Found Part 2
Daniel Knutson
Hope City Church
9.5.2021
Luke 15:1-3
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Then Jesus told them this parable:
Luke 15:8-10
“...suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one.
Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is [rejoicing] in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
She lights a lamp
She sweeps the house
She searches carefully
Who is with us, but isn’t connected?
In our new three week series, Found, we’ll explore the depth and breath of God’s love. You’ll discover that you’re never too far or too lost to experience his grace and forgiveness.
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FOUND
August 29, 2021
Daniel Knutson
Hope City Church
Luke 15:1-7
1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.
2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders
6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
A Story of Reunion
God cares about those out of the House
Join us as Megan Lemmons concludes The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
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The Greatest Stories Rarely Told- Uncommon Humility Part 4
Megan Lemmons – 8/22/21
- Sacrificial Generosity
- Radical Hospitality
- Uncommon Humility
Embodiment simply means: a tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling.
Philippians 2:5-8
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
- He did not cling to his power
- He gave up his privilege
- Didn’t think of himself as too good to be with people
- Lived in obedience towards God
2 Samuel 16: 5-12
As King David came to Bahurim, a man came out of the village cursing them. It was Shimei, son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. He threw stones at the king and the king’s officers and all the mighty warriors who surrounded him. “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. “The Lord is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now the Lord has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!” “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?” Abishai son of Zeruiah demanded. “Let me go over and cut off his head!” David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”
Humility calls us to slow down & Reach Towards Mercy
Humility calls us to seek God & Ask Questions
2 Samuel 16: 13-14 So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.
BUT WHAT ABOUT JUSTICE?!
We hold the tension of showing mercy, and seeking justice
Humility calls us to
- Slow Down
- To Act in Mercy
- To seek God & Ask Questions
- To hold the tension Mercy & Justice
Michah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Join us as Jon Furman, lead pastor of Beaverton Christian Church, continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
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Sermon Notes - August 15, 2021
The Greatest Stories Rarely Told: Uncommon Humility, Part 2 (Nehemiah 1:3-2:8) - Jon Furman
Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Philippians 2:5-8
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Nehemiah 1:3-4
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Nehemiah’s Humble Responses:
-He Mourned
-He Fasted
-He Prayed
Nehemiah 1:5-7
Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
Nehemiah’s Prayer:
-Acknowledged God’s Righteousness
-Acknowledges Human Unrighteousness
Nehemiah 1:8-9
“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
Nehemiah’s Prayer:
-Acknowledged God’s Righteousness
-Acknowledges Human Unrighteousness
-Recalls God’s Promises
Nehemiah 1:10-11a
“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
Nehemiah’s Prayer:
-Acknowledged God’s Righteousness
-Acknowledges Human Unrighteousness
-Recalls God’s Promises
-Asks for God’s Favor & Blessing
Nehemiah 1:11b
I was cupbearer to the king.
Nehemiah 2:1-2
Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, (March/April) during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified,
Nehemiah 2:3
but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
Nehemiah’s Response was:
-Respectful
-Honest
-Detailed
Nehemiah 2:4-5
The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”
Nehemiah 2:6
The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.
Nehemiah 2:7a-8
I also said to the king, “If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely… And… a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.
Nehemiah’s Order:
-God’s Temple
-City Walls
-His Own House
…the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.”
Application Points:
Persistent prayer from start to finish.
Place everyone in proper order.
Give God his Glory.
Join us as Grant continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
- I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
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Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Undeniable Kingdom Impact
Phil 1:5-8
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Gen 37:2-4
This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.
Gen 37:5-8
One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. “Listen to this dream,” he said. “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.
Gen 37:19-20
Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.
Gen 42:6-17
Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground Joseph recognized his brothers instantly, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where are you from?” he demanded. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We have come to buy food.”
Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him. And he remembered the dreams he’d had about them many years before. He said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see how vulnerable our land has become.” “No, my lord!” they exclaimed. “Your servants have simply come to buy food. We are all brothers—members of the same family. We are honest men, sir! We are not spies!”
“Yes, you are!” Joseph insisted. “You have come to see how vulnerable our land has become.” “Sir,” they said, “there are actually twelve of us. We, your servants, are all brothers, sons of a man living in the land of Canaan. Our youngest brother is back there with our father right now, and one of our brothers is no longer with us.” But Joseph insisted, “As I said, you are spies! This is how I will test your story. I swear by the life of Pharaoh that you will never leave Egypt unless your youngest brother comes here! One of you must go and get your brother. I’ll keep the rest of you here in prison. Then we’ll find out whether or not your story is true. By the life of Pharaoh, if it turns out that you don’t have a younger brother, then I’ll know you are spies.” So Joseph put them all in prison for three days.
Gen 42:18-20
On the third day Joseph said to them, “I am a God-fearing man. If you do as I say, you will live. If you really are honest men, choose one of your brothers to remain in prison. The rest of you may go home with grain for your starving families. But you must bring your youngest brother back to me. This will prove that you are telling the truth, and you will not die.” To this they agreed.
Gen 44:16-18
Judah answered, “Oh, my lord, what can we say to you? How can we explain this? How can we prove our innocence? God is punishing us for our sins. My lord, we have all returned to be your slaves—all of us, not just our brother who had your cup in his sack.” “No,” Joseph said. “I would never do such a thing! Only the man who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back to your father in peace.” Then Judah stepped forward and said, “Please, my lord, let your servant say just one word to you. Please, do not be angry with me, even though you are as powerful as Pharaoh himself.
Gen 44:33
“So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn’t bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!”
Gen 45:1-3
Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, “Out, all of you!” So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace. “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.
Humility is a Choice
Luke 9:23-25
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?
Progress not Perfection
Gen 45:5
But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.
Gen 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
Uncommon Humility Helps Others
Join us as Daniel continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
The Greatest Stories Rarely Told:
Uncommon Humility Part 1
Daniel Knutson – August 1, 2021
Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Philippians 2
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with Godsomething to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
While everyone is under Jesus, no one is beneath Him.
Acts 10
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
…get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.”
Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Power without humility quickly turns into abuse.
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
Join us as Daniel continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
- I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
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The Greatest Stories Rarely Told: Radical Hospitality Part 4
Daniel Knutson – July 25, 2021
Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Undeniable Kingdom Impact
-I encountered the unexplainable
-I experienced the undeniable
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Genesis 18:1-7
The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.
Bowed Low
Washed Their Feet
Fed Them
Join us as Grant continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
- I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
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- Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community
- Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
Sermon Notes – July 18, 2021
The Greatest Stories Rarely Told: Radical Hospitality- Part 3 - Grant Hickman
Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Undeniable Kingdom Impact
“Hospitality is making room for people in a place where, unless you invited them, they wouldn’t feel free to come.” Dr. Christine Pohl
2 Samuel 8:13-15
David became famous when he returned from defeating the Arameans in the Valley of Salt, he defeated 18,000 in all. He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. The LORD protected David wherever he campaigned. David reigned over all Israel; he guaranteed justice for all his people.
2 Samuel 9:1-4
Then David asked, “Is anyone still left from the family of Saul, so that I may extend kindness to him for the sake of Jonathan?” Now there was a servant from Saul’s house named Ziba, so he was summoned to David. The king asked him, “Are you Ziba?” He replied, “At your service.” The king asked, “Is there not someone left from Saul’s family, that I may extend God’s kindness to him?” Ziba said to the king, “One of Jonathan’s sons is left; both of his feet are crippled.” The king asked him, “Where is he?” Ziba told the king, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.
2 Samuel 9:5
So King David had him brought from the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar. When
Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed low with his face toward the ground. David said, “Mephibosheth?” He replied, “Yes, at your service.”
2 Samuel 9:7-10
David said to him, “Don’t be afraid, because I will certainly extend kindness to you for the sake of Jonathan your father. You will be a regular guest at my table.” Then Mephibosheth bowed and said, “Of what importance am I, your servant, that you show regard for a dead dog like me?” Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s attendant, and said to him, “Everything that belonged to Saul and to his entire house I hereby give to your master’s grandson. You will cultivate the land for him–you and your sons and your servants. You will bring its produce and it will be food for your master’s grandson to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will be a regular guest at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)
Invite one new family into your home each month this summer.
Plan quarterly gatherings for a larger group.
Look for opportunities to invite others.
Join us as we hear from Pastor Charles Mugisha, Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries, as he continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
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- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
- Get Baptized • https://hopecitypdx.com/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- 500 in 4 • https://hopecitypdx.com/anlm • As a church family, we've adopted Nyamirama, a community in Rwanda. We've committed to sponsoring 500 children in 4 years. Join our efforts to ensure this community is thriving by the year 2025.
Sermon Notes - July 11, 2021
The Greatest Stories Rarely Told - Pastor Charles Mugisha
Nehemiah 1:1-3
Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susathe citadel, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Join us as Daniel continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
- Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community
- Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- Get Baptized • https://hopecitypdx.com/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
The Greatest Stories Rarely Told
Radical Hospitality- Part 1
Daniel Knutson 7.4.21
Undeniable Kingdom Impact
Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Romans 12:9-13
Love must be sincere.Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.
2 Kings 4:8-10
One day Elisha traveled to Shunem, where a prominent woman lived. She insisted that he stop for a meal. So whenever he was passing through, he would stop in there for a meal.She said to her husband, “Look, I’m sure that the man who regularly passes through here is a very special prophet.Let’s make a small private upper room and furnish it with a bed, table, chair, and lamp. When he visits us, he can stay there.”
Recognize the God-given value of others.
Anticipate the needs of those who God values.
Live radically hospitable.
Join us as Daniel continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
- Get Baptized • https://hopecitypdx.com/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
- I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
Sacrificial Generosity - Part 4
Daniel Knutson
June 27
Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Undeniable Kingdom Impact
Acts 6:1-7
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the HellenisticJewsamong them complained against theHebraic Jews because their widowswere being overlookedin the daily distribution of food.
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priestsbecame obedient to the faith.
James 1: 27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
We can’t live the same way the world lives. And in the next chapter James warns against favoritism. He says…
James 2:8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
We don’t give to get
We give to unleash God’s goodness
Join us as Daniel continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
- I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know!
- Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
Sacrificial Generosity Part 3
Daniel Knutson
6.20.21
Sacrificial Generosity
Uncommon Humility
Radical Hospitality
Sacrificial Generosity
2 Corinthians 8:1-14
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.
But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.
Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.
Willingness turned to action
Are we willing?
Will we take action?
Join us as Daniel continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to values that reflect the character of Jesus: Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
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Sacrificial Generosity, Part 2
Daniel Knutson
6.13.21
Generosity is sharing what we have,
with those who do not have
Sacrificial Generosity
Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Acts 4
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.
34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.
37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
More ownership makes us more responsible, not more blessed…
We give up what we want, for what we want even more.
Generosity without expectation
Join us as Daniel teaches for our first week of The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to values that reflect the character of Jesus: Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
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The Greatest Stories Rarely Told
Sacrificial Generosity Part 1
Daniel Knutson- June 6, 2021
2 Kings 7:1-16
Elisha replied, “Listen to this message from the Lord! This is what the Lord says: By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, six quarts of choice flour will cost only one piece of silver, and twelve quarts of barley grain will cost only one piece of silver.”
The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, “That couldn’t happen even if the Lord opened the windows of heaven!”But Elisha replied, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!”Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates.
Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates.
“Why should we sit here waiting to die?” they asked each other. “We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army. If they let us live, so much the better. But if they kill us, we would have died anyway.”
So at twilight they set out for the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! For the Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the galloping of horses and the sounds of a great army approaching.
“The king of Israel has hired the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us!” they cried to one another. So they panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives.
When the men with leprosy arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing...
When the men with leprosy arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and hid it.
Finally, they said to each other, “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren’t sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let’s go back and tell the people at the palace.”
So they went back to the city and told the gatekeepers what had happened...Then the gatekeepers shouted the news to the people in the palace....so it was true that six quarts of choice flour were sold that day for one piece of silver, and twelve quarts of barley grain were sold for one piece of silver, just as the Lordhad promised.
Enjoy what you have
Consider what others don’t have
Be open-handed with all you have
Generosity means sharing what we have, with those who do not have.
Daniel Knutson wraps up our series on the Gospel of Luke with The Great Collaboration.
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Luke: The Great Collaboration
Daniel Knutson 5.30.21
The Great Commandment
The Great Commission
The Great Collaboration
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 2:46-47
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Who are called to love God and love others
Who are called to love God and love others
Who are called to be witnesses of Jesus
Who are called to love God and love others
Who are called to be witnesses of Jesus
Who are called to be together
Daniel teaches from Luke: The Great Commission.
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LUKE: The Great Commission
Daniel Knutson 5.23.21
The Great Commandment
The Great Commission
Acts 1:6-11
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Matthew 28
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The Great Commission
The Great Co-mmission
Jesus gathered people who were nothing like each other, to join Him in His mission to share hope with those who were nothing like Him.
We are called to share with people who are nothing like us.
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LUKE: THE GREAT COMMANDMENT, Part 2
Daniel Knutson
The greatest commandment
Luke 10:25-29
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
Who is my neighbor
How to be a neighbor?
Luke 10:37
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Jesus loved people who were nothing like himself.
We are called to love people who are nothing like us
Instead of asking WHO, decide HOW.
We are called to love people who are nothing like us
The Great Commission is an invitation to us from God. It is not an invitation for us to be the stars of the show, but rather an invitation for us to join the work that God is already doing on the earth. Over the next few weeks, as we discover more about the Great Commission (Jesus’ call to go and make disciples), we will look at a Great Commandment, the Great Commission, and an invitation to a Great Collaboration. But all of that starts here with God’s command to love our neighbors and an understanding of who our neighbor is.
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Sermon Notes - May 9, 2021 Luke: The Great Commandment (Luke 10:25-29)- Grant Hickman
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You must love the LORD your God with all of your heart, and all your soul, and all your strength.
Luke 10:25-27
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Luke 10:28-29
“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:29 (MSG)
Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?
Where are your loopholes?
In this three-week segment we’re looking at what Luke records Jesus saying about “The Kingdom of God”. Jesus talks a lot about the Kingdom of God, regularly describing what it is and how to experience it. The last two week’s we’ve talked about seeking the Kingdom, Living the Kingdom, and this week, Pastor Megan Lemmons is going to talk about Sharing the Kingdom.
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Sermon Notes - May 2, 2021Luke: Share the Kingdom (Luke 8:1-3) - Megan Lemmons
The Kingdom of God is God’s personal rule and reign over all things including people.
The message of the Kingdom is that God has always been moving towards restoring all things back into right relationship.
Luke 8:1-3Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
Sharing the Kingdom means we share it with EVERYONE.
Luke 8:1-3The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others
In God’s kingdom, everyone is given dignity, place, and value.
Sharing the Kingdom often means we share from the places that we ourselves have experienced the goodness of God in our own lives.
Luke 8:1-2Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Where in your life, have you experienced the goodness of God?
Where have you experienced healing?
Where have you experienced Hope?
1. Share the Kingdom of God with everyone
2. Share the kingdom of God out of our own encounter with Jesus
3. We share the Kingdom of God by joining the work that Jesus is already doing
Luke 8:1-3
Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
Where is God at work?
Sermon Notes - April 25, 2021
Luke: Live in the Kingdom (Luke 11:1-9 NLT) - Jon Furman
Luke 11:2 (NLT) Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon.
“May your Kingdom come soon.”
Romans 8:19 (NLT) “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.”
Luke 11:3-4 (NLT) Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
“Don’t let us yield, or give in, to temptation”
Hebrews 2:18 (NLT) Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” - Nelson Mandela
Humility
Faith
Spiritual Strength
Forgiveness
Application:
- Morning Prayer
- Mindful Prayer
- Sunset Prayer
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Sermon Notes - April 18th, 2021Luke: Seek the Kingdom - Dayne Scanlon -Pursue it
-Live in it
-Expand it
When Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God, He’s talking about:
- Making God King
- What God wants for this world
- And all that God promises us in the next
Luke 12:29 (NIV)And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
ζητέω (zēteo)- “to Search out, desire, require, demand.”
Luke 12:30 (NIV)For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
Luke 12:31 (NIV)But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
How do we seek the Kingdom of God?1.) Call out competing Kingdoms2.) Practice Sacrificial Generosity
Luke 12:32-34 (NIV)“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
How do we seek the Kingdom of God?
1.) Call out competing kingdoms2.) Practice Sacrificial Generosity3.) Ground yourself daily in where you want to go
Prayer of St. FrancisLord, make me an instrument of your peace:where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;where there is sadness, joy.O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console,to be understood as to understand,to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.Amen.
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Sermon Notes - April 11th, 2021 Luke: Help Foretold (Luke 24:41-49) - Grant Hickman Luke 24:41 (NLT)Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.
Luke 24:44-45 (NLT)Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Luke 24:46 (NLT)And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.
Luke 24:47-48 (NLT)It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.
Luke 24:49 (NLT)“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
APPLICATION POINTS:
- WORD
- BREATH
- SPIRIT
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Sermon Notes - April 4th, 2021Luke: Life Foretold - Grant Hickman Luke 11:29 (NLT)As the crowd pressed in on Jesus, he said, “This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah.
Matthew 12:40 (NLT)…as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
Luke 11:33 (NLT)What happened to him was a sign to the people of Nineveh that God had sent him. What happens to the Son of Man will be a sign to these people that he was sent by God.
Luke 11:31 (NLT)The queen of Sheba will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen.
Luke 11:32 (NLT)The people of Nineveh will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent.
Will you be Nineveh and the Queen?
Good Friday is an opportunity each year for us to join with Christians around the world as we remember Christ's crucifixion.
This will be an excellent time for us to reflect on the cross, worship together, and partake in communion. So gather together with your family or home community and join us for Good Friday.
For Communion: Have your elements ready (bread/cracker and wine/juice) and be guided through this time of worship in your home.
We’re in our Luke sermon series that will lead us up to Easter. In this series, we are focusing on the life of Jesus as revealed in the book of Luke.
Sermon Notes - March 28, 2021Luke: Death Foretold (Luke 9:22-27 NLT)-Jon Furman Luke 9:22 (NLT)“The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”
Luke 9:23 (NLT)Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:24 (NLT)If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Psuche – Soul/Living Self/Way of Thinking
Luke 9:25 (NLT)And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?
John 15:20 (NIV)Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
1 Peter 4:1–2 (NIV)“…since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”
Application Points:
- Assume Suffering
- Anticipate Difficulty
- Await the Rewards
James 1:12 (NLT)
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Brian Becker continues our series on the Gospel of Luke.
Sermon Notes - March 21, 2021Luke: Dead Are Raised - Brian Becker Luke 7:11 (NLT)Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him.
Luke 7:12 (NLT)A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.
Luke 7:13-14 (NLT)When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.”
Luke 7:15-16 (NLT)Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people today.”
Luke 7:17 (NLT)And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.
Amazed by faith
Moved by grief
Luke 7:11 (NLT)Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him.
Luke 7:12 (NLT)A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.
Luke 7:13a (NLT)When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion…
To reveal the compassion of his humanity.
Philippians 2:7-8 (NLT)Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
“Only the Suffering God can help.”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Luke 7:13 (NLT)When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry,” he said.
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
“Shalom was God’s dream for the world as it should be: whole, vibrant, flourishing, unified, and yes, at peace. Shalom is still God’s dream for his love to bring wholeness and goodness to the world and everything within it, including you and me." — Osheta Moore
Luke 7:14 (NLT)Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped…
Luke 7:14 (NLT)Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.
To reveal the compassion of his humanity.
To reveal the power of his divinity.
Psalm 24:8 (NIV)Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
Psalm 24:9 (NIV)Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Psalm 24:10 (NIV)Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.
Luke 7:16 (NLT)Great fearswept the crowd…
Luke 7:16 (NLT)Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people today.”
Luke 7:17 (NLT)And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.
Jesus has a greater compassion.
Jesus has a greater power.
Jesus has a greater perspective.
Continuing through the series in Luke, Brian teaches through Luke 5:17-26
Sermon Notes - March 14, 2021 Luke: The Lame Walk - Brian Becker Luke 5:17 (ESV)On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.
Mark 2:2 (ESV)
And many were gathered together, so there was no more room, not even at the door.
Luke 5:18-19a (NLT)
Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd.
Luke 5:19b (NLT)
So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
Mark 2:4 (NLT)
They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.
Luke 5:20 (NLT)
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:21 (NLT)
But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!
Luke 5:22-23 (NLT)
Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?
Luke 5:24 (NLT)
So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
Luke 5:25 (NLT)
And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God.
Luke 5:20 (NLT)
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” You’ll never reach the person on the mat in your story, until you see yourself as the person on the mat in this story.
John 1:29 (ESV)
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world...”
Jesus is the hero. Jesus is the hero.
All we need to be is a friend.
Passed by... Picked up...
Luke 5:26 (NLT)
And everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”
Sermon Notes - March 7, 2021Luke: The Blind Receive Sight - Brian Becker "There is practically nothing that messes with people’s relational harmony or dynamics more than broken expectations." - Jeremy Kubicek**
Luke 18:35-36 (ESV)As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.
Luke 18:37-38 (ESV)They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Luke 18:35-36 (ESV)As he (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.
Luke 18:37-38 (ESV)They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent…
Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 16:16 (ESV)The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”Breakthrough belongs to those who go for it.
Luke 18:17 (ESV)Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And then Jesus stopped…
One of the only things worse than blindness, is not knowing that you are blind.
“ Better to be blind and see with your heart, than to have two good eyes and see nothing.” - Helen Keller
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And then Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Mark 10:49,50 (ESV)“Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.’ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.”
Luke 18:40b-41 (ESV)And when he came near, (Jesus) asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”
Luke 18:42-43 (ESV)And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Psalm 121:1 (NIV)I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Sermon Notes - February 28, 2021Luke: New Purposes - Brian Becker
Luke the Doctor
Luke the Evangelist
Luke 5:1-2On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
Luke 5:3Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land and he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Luke 5:4And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Luke 5:5And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!…But at your word I will let down the nets.”
What will we do, when we think we know better than God?
“But at your word, I will…”
Luke 5:6-7And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
A New Awareness of Jesus
Luke 5:8But when Simon saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
A new awareness of sin.
A true awareness of Jesus will always lead to a true awareness of sin.“Man never attains to a true knowledge of himself until he has contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself.” John Calvin
A New Awareness of Mission
Luke 5:10And Jesus said: “Don’t be afraid, Simon. From now on, I’ll ask you to bring Me people instead of fish.”
Mark 1:17And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Luke 5:11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
To continue our series on the Gospel of Luke, Grant Hickman teaches through Luke 4:14-30.
Sermon Notes - February 21, 2021LUKE: Misunderstood - Grant Hickman Called for Action
Called for Purpose
Luke 4:14-19 (NLT)
Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written. “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’S favor has come.
Luke 4:20-22 (NLT)
He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fufilled this very day!” Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”
Luke 4:23-24 (NLT)
Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’ —meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.
Luke 4:25-27 (NLT)
“Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent to a foreigner—a widow of Zaraphath in the land of Sidon. “And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”
Luke 4:28-30 (NLT)
When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.
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Luke 4:14-19 (NLT)
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’S favor has come.
Are you blind?
We are called to be FOR others
To open up our series on the Gospel of Luke, Jon Furman teaches through Luke 3:3-18.
Sermon Notes - February 14, 2021 Luke: Mystery Man (Luke 3:3-18) - Jon Furman Luke 3:3 (NLT)Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
Luke 3:4-6 (NLT)Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”
Luke 3:7-9 (NLT)When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
Luke 3:10-11 (NLT)The crowds asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
Stop Being Selfish
Luke 3:12-13 (NLT)Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”
Stop Being Greedy
Luke 3:14 (NLT)“What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
Stop Being Oppressive“We have for too long preached a gospel that leaves us believing that we can be reconciled to God, but not reconciled to our brothers and sisters who don't look like us - brothers and sisters with whom we are, in fact, one blood.” John M. Perkins
Luke 3:15-16 (NLT)Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
John calls us to action:Turning From Self, Status, and StuffTurning To Jesus The MessiahTurning His Commands Into Actions
For the final message in our series on mental health, guest speaker Dr. Paul Alexander teaches on Depression.
Sermon Notes - February 7, 2021“I’m Not Okay”: Depression - Dr. Paul Alexander
Psalm 121 (paraphrase)I will lift up my eyes to the mountains from where my help comes. My help comes from the Lord. He made heaven, he made the earth. He will not allow your foot to slip. Behold, he will help you. He will keep you. He will protect you from all evil.
Recovery for Depression has two parts - God’s part and Our part
God’s Part:
- He has given us Emmanuel (the knowledge that God is with us)
- He has given us the Holy Spirit
- He has given us His Word
- He has given us worship
- He has given us an invitation
Matthew 11:28Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Our Part:Step out of the cave and re-enter life. Take a risk, to take a step forward, to raise our hand and say “I need help”.
For the second message in our series on mental health, Brian teaches on Anxiety.
Sermon Notes - January 31, 2021“I’m Not Okay”: Anxiety - Brian Becker
Our theme verse comes from Psalm 43:5 from King David - who on the outside seemed to have it all together - after all he was king. Finances were the least of his worries. He was anointed by God. And yet David openly confesses:“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me?”
The question we’re asking in this series, and the question that I hope can be answered for you is: What do we do when darkness comes?
If you’re not ok, you’re not just welcome here. You belong here. And together we discover the hope and help that you need and that we all deserve.
The wonderful, wonderful truth that we CAN cling to in this moment and “When the darkness comes” is that darkness does not have to have the final word.
Anxiety: noun.A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.A nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior and/or panic attacks.
Put plainly: Anxiety is when fear takes over your mind.
Anxiety is driven by the words: “What if…” and “What now…”
Philippians 4:6-7Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Steve Cuss said in a recent podcast I listened to. He wrote the book “Managing Leadership Anxiety” and he said this in his interview: “My life has been transformed spiritually by understanding that my chronic anxiety is not about merely more Bible study or more prayer…The problem with western Christianity is that our solution is too often “try harder.” Prayer life not working? Pray more! I’m one of the few pastors that say “sometimes prayer is the worst thing you can do.” All that happens is your chronic anxiety grabs prayer and turns it into another legalistic solution.”
Philippians 4:1-5Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Psalm 34:18"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those whose spirits are crushed.”
Philippians 4:6-8Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Anxiety says “What if”, but Peace says “What is”
Philippians 4:9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Ansley Taylor: Anxiety is a thief. She distracts you from living in the present. She whispers worries that swirl in your mind. She thrives by lying and creating chaos. You try to ignore Anxiety and push her away, but she follows you persistently, inviting herself over. Anxiety enjoys the company of Sadness and Fear. Her dark presence looms over you, interrupting you when you speak. Anxiety shoves Peace away as she knocks on your door. She is the storm that eradicates the calm sea. Her presence distracts, making you tense. She follows you like an unwanted memory that you can’t escape. She hovers around you, never fleeting from your side. She loves to ask “what if?” Anxiety hates the unknown but loves to make you fear it. Her words spread like poison infecting everyone around her. You try to escape her grip but her claws dig deeper into your skin and as you resist. Anxiety loves to whisper “You aren’t good enough” and “You have no future.” Her favorite pastime is to isolate you locking you in the chaos of your mind. Anxiety is a liar, you can stand your ground and tell her to leave. She will not win the battle over peace.
Psalm 94:17-19“Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Guest speaker Sarah Shin teaches about revisiting the way we think about race.
Sermon Notes - January 17, 2021RESET - Sarah Shin Romans 12:9-10Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Philemon 8-9aAlthough in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.
Philemon 10-21that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him — who is my very heart — back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever — no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Brian teaches about reestablishing our connection and roles in the body of Christ.
Sermon Notes - January 10, 2021RESET: Out of Hibernation - Brian Becker
We ALL can wrestle with questions like this:"How do I know, as a Christian, I’m where I’m supposed to be?"
"What exactly am I supposed to be doing?”
"Where am I supposed to be going?”
“How am I supposed to make a difference in the world?”
Romans 12:1-8Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Don’t COPY the BEHAVIOR and CUSTOMS of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by CHANGING the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to PROPHESY, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is SERVING others, serve them well. If you are a TEACHER, teach well. If your gift is to ENCOURAGE others, be encouraging. If it is GIVING, give generously. If God has given you LEADERSHIP ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing KINDNESS to others, do it gladly.
Serving AT THE CHURCH is not nearly as important as serving AS THE CHURCH.
Romans 12:5 (The Message)Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body.”
1 Corinthians 12:14a, 19 (The Message)“I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less…because of what you are a part of.”
Two questions we can use as we RESET, and come “Out of Hibernation.”1. What would need to change for me to be more connected to the church starting right now?
1. Since I can’t currently serve AT the church, what would it mean for me to serve AS the church to the people around me?
Brian teaches about removing all the voices and listening to the one true voice of God.
Sermon Notes - January 3, 2021RESET: Above the Noise - Brian Becker
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
John 10:3-5 (NIV)The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Luke 8:8b (NIV)"When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Luke 8:5-8 (NIV)“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Luke 8:11-12 (NIV)“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
The Polluted Heart
James 1:21 (NLT)“Get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your soul.”
We can’t begin a new life until we turn from the old.
Luke 8:13 (NIV)Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.
The Unrooted Heart
Colossians 2:7 (NLT)Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
We can’t choose the temperature of the sun, but we can choose the shade under which we dwell.
Psalm 91:1-2"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Luke 8:14 (NIV)The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
The Distracted Heart
To hear God’s voice, I must turn down the world’s volume.
Rich Villodas quote: “Christians can read the Bible every day and still have our hearts firmly against the ways of the kingdom of God…Unless we read scripture through the lens of the crucified Christ, our exegesis is dangerously subject to personal preferences and political allegiances.”
Romans 12:2 (NLT)Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Luke 8:15 (NIV)But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
The Prepared Heart
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Megan Lemmons closes out our advent series "All Is Bright?"
Sermon Notes - December 27All is Bright: Unplanned Journey - Megan
Matthew 2:13-20After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning.Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.” When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”
Hope: The desire and expectation for something to come.
Christian Hope: That God will make all things new and will restore all things.
Hope as Trust: Trust that God is who he says he is, and will do what he said he would do.
Live In obedience.
Matthew 2:14-15aThat night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death.
“We wait for the world to be as God intended it, the world as it should be. We wait for a world free of injustice, pain and violence, but it is not enough to simply wait, we must also prepare. Preparation goes beyond dreaming and invites us to participate in building a better world.” - Brandi Miller
Your obedience in an active partnership with God towards goodness and restoration and wholeness.
Be where you are.
Matthew 2:18“A cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning.Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”
Jeremiah 29:4-7This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Brian Becker teaches for the third week of our Advent series.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Kevin Wehr teaches for the second week of our Advent series.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Jon Furman teaches for the first week of our Advent series.
Today, Grant Hickman will be closing out our series, At The Table, with a conversation on who's missing at the table.
Today, we're continuing our series, At The Table, a conversation about pointing our finger toward Jesus instead of judgement. Join us as Brian Becker teaches.
Today, we're continuing our series, At The Table, a conversation about pointing our finger toward Jesus instead of judgement. Join us as Brian Becker has a conversation with Hakeem Bradley, a fellow Portland-area pastor.
Today, we're kicking off our new series, At The Table, a conversation about pointing our finger toward Jesus instead of judgement.
We’re in our series, Unmasking Monsters, and today Brian Becker leads us through Matthew 5:11, 43-48 in Vampire.