Lynden Community Church: Recent Episodes
Lynden Community Church
Philemon 1:1-10 is the opening of the letter written by the Apostle Paul to Philemon, a Christian slave owner who lived in Colossae. In this passage, Paul greets Philemon and thanks God for him, acknowledging his faith and love for other believers. Paul then appeals to Philemon to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, who had become a believer while with Paul. Rather than commanding Philemon to do so, Paul makes a heartfelt request based on their mutual love for Christ and their shared identity as brothers in Him. Paul also offers to personally pay any debts that Onesimus owes to Philemon. The passage highlights the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian love in the context of a complex and potentially difficult situation.
"OH!"
Romans 11:33-36
February 13, 2022
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Introduction
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God is Great; You and I are Not Great
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Summarizing God's Character
a. His Wisdom -- God's Plan of Salvation
You and I are far more wicked than we ever dared think - Romans 1-3:19
You and I are far more loved than we ever dared hope - Romans 3:20-28
Whatever you think of God, He's bigger than that - Romans 9-11
b. His Knowledge
c. His Judgment
d. His Ways
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Denouncing Man's Arrogance
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God's Wisdom and Greatness Gives Us Comfort and Hope
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What Is Our Only Response?
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What Is The Payoff for Being Fascinated With God?
Answer: "People who are spiritually stunned by the holiness and majesty of God are not easily seduced by sin."
- Conclusion
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Introductiuon / Review
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Four Parts of the PArable
- The Responsibility we receive
- The Reaction we have
- The Reckoning we face
- The Reward we receive
- Conclusion
1 John 2:15-17
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Introduction
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Perfect Love, Perfect Hate
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What is meant by "the world"? By the word "love"?
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Why are we not to love the world?
- Because of what it is
- Because of who we are
- Because of what it does
- Because of where it is going
- What is "everything in the world"?
Ken Van Kooten Jan 9 2022
Genesis 3:1-7; Ephesians 6:10-13
The Evil One has been unable to prevent us from becoming the children of God, but given that that is the case, he is now seeking to do everyhthing in his power to prevent us from living as the children of God
This parable teaches us the suddenness and unexpectedness of the coming of the Lord and warns us to be prepared for His coming.
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Introduction
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Four Points of the Parable
- The Wedding (v1)
- The Engagement
- The Betrothal
- The Official Wedding
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The Bridesmaids (v2-5)
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The Bridegroom (v6-10)
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The Warning (v11-13)
FINISHING WELL
Hebrews 11:32 – 12:3
July 18, 2021
I. Introduction
II. What is Faith?
III. Three Modern Day Myths
a.
b.
c.
IV. Conclusion
PASSING THE TORCH II Timothy 4:6-8 July 11, 2021
I. Introduction
II. “The time for my departure has come”
III. “I have fought the good fight”
IV. “I have finished the race”
V. “I have kept the faith”
VI. Four Expectations of Paul a.
b.
c.
d.
VII. Conclusion
FAMOUS LAST WORDS 2 Timothy 2:1-13 June 27, 2021
I. How Can We Guard the Truth?
II. How Do We Go About Finding “Faithful Men?”
III. Three Descriptive Metaphors
IV. Five Encouragements
The Prescription for Peace Philippians 4:2-9 June 20, 2021
I. Introduction
II. Three points to have God’s peace a. I must live by His priorities
b. Include God in all we do
c. Remember what God has done before
III. Practical tips for Contentment a. _______________________________ b. _______________________________ c. _______________________________ d. _______________________________ IV. Conclusion
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude—Cynthia Ozick
SECRETS OF CONTENTMENT, II Psalm 23 June 13, 2021
I. Introduction and Review
Psalm 23 gives great reasons to be thankful and content
a. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
b. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads beside quiet waters
c. He restores my soul and guides me in paths of righteousness
d. The Good Shepherd protects us from evil
Secrets of Contentment, Part 1 Philippians 4:10-20
I. Paul did not have a VICTIM MENTALITY
II. Three Observations on Contentment
III. Our CULTURE compared with Paul
IV. Our CHURCH compared with Paul
We may not be able to choose our circumstances, but we can choose our attitude toward them.
PAUL BEFORE FELIX Acts 24 May 9, 2021
I. Paul is accused of three actions:
a. Revolutionary trouble-maker
b Religious radical
c. Sacrilegious fanatic (unholy, sinful, irreverent)
II. Paul’s defense against each accusation
III. Paul speaks about faith in Christ
a. Righteousness
b. Self-control
c. Judgment
IV. Conclusion
a. The text underscores grace
b. Power of gospel linked with purity of gospel
b. Power of God linked with purity of lifestyle
FALLING ASLEEP IN CHURCH Acts 20:6-12 April 25, 2021
I. Introduction
II. The story of Acts 20:6-12
It was Easter season
Attendees had worked all day
“Breaking bread” likely was a meal and communion
Eutychus is a pagan name meaning “Lucky!”
III. Reasons for Spiritual Slumber Have not trusted Christ as Savior
Indifferent to unconfessed sin
Indifferent to routine
IV. Conclusion
D-DAY AT PHILIPPI, PART II Acts 16:16-40 April 18, 2021
I. Introduction / Review
II. Paul and Silas arrested
The dead of the night!
IV. Why the sudden interest on how to be saved?
V. Portraits of Greatness
Examples
Two final points
VI. Conclusion
D-DAY IN PHILIPI, PART 1 Acts 16:1-18 March 28, 2021
I. Introduction
II. Tracing Paul’s Journey (vss. 1-10)
How to Start a Church
IV. Why was the testimony of the slave girl rejected?
V. Conclusion
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A DISCIPLER Acts 14:1-28 March 14, 2021
I. Introduction
The Characteristics of a Discipler. They:
a. Use their ______
b. Have ___________ or __________
c. Have _________
d. Have _____________
e. Are ______________
THE RADICAL GOSPEL Acts 13:14-52 March 7, 2021
I. Jesus in History (17-25)
II. The Gospel (26-31)
III. The Invitation (38-39)
IV. The Warning (40-41)
V. The Response (42-48)
The Deceptions of Satan Acts 13:1-13 February 28, 2021
I Review
II. Satan’s influence:
Governments
- ____________
________ Governments
- _________ Governments
Individuals/Groups
Bar-jesus
______________ of the Gospel
_________ of Temptation
The Church
John Mark
III. Conclusion
A Spirit-Filled Church Acts 13:1-12
I. What are the marks of a healthy church?
a. Based on sound ______________
b. Really __________ ____________ people
c. An attitude of ___________
d. ____________ controlled
The Church at Antioch:
a. In a mood of ________ & ___________ to the Lord’s Leading
_________ & __________ suggest a time of intense devotion to God’s leading
c. Our worship and service must be __________ ________ ________
WHEN PRISON DOORS OPEN Acts 12:1-25 February 14, 2021
I. Introduction
II. Vs. 1-3
III. Vs. 4-5
IV. Vs. 6-11
V. Vs. 12-17
VI. Vs. 18-19
VII. Vs. 20-25
VIII. Conclusion
This chapter highlights several things prayer can do:
-
Prayer has the ability to ___________ or _________ action.
-
Prayer can cause one to be at _______.
-
Prayer can produce __________ __________.
The First Gentile Church: Out of the Shadows Acts 11:19-26
I Waiting is one of God’s preferred methods of preparing special people for significant projects. Examples:
II. a. ____________
b. ____________
c. ____________
d. ____________
____________
III. Exceptional work is often preceded by extended waiting
a. When God prepares us for effective ministry, He includes what we would rather omit – a period of waiting. That cultivates ____________ . b. As God makes us wait, He shows us we are not indispensable. That makes us ____________ . c. While God hides us away, He reveals new dimensions of Himself and new insights regarding ministry. That makes us _________ . d. When God finally chooses to use us, it comes at a time least expected, when we feel the least qualified. That makes us ______________ .
LESSER-KNOWN SAINTS Acts 9:19-31 January 17, 2021
I. Introduction / Review
II. Saul – Independent ->Dependent
III. The Lesser Known:
a.
b.
c.
IV. People on Pedestals
V. Lingering Thoughts:
a.
b.
c.
THE YOKE OF CHRIST Acts 9:19-31 January 10, 2021
I. Introduction / Review
II. Saul in Damascus
III. Jesus is both Savior and Lord
IV. Who, better than Saul, to reach the Jews?
V. Nope! Saul goes to Arabia (for 3 years? Gal. 1:18)
VI. Saul returns to Damascus (Galatians 1:17)
VII. Escape #1 from Damascus (2 Cor. 11:32; Acts 9:23) to Jerusalem for 15 days (Acts 9:26; Galatians 1:18)
VIII. Escape #2 from Jerusalem to his hometown of Tarsus for 7-10 years (Acts 9:30)
VIIII. Saul / Barnabas to Antioch (Acts 11:25)
X. Saul’s ministry begins in earnest (Acts 13)
XI. Conclusion
It is fascinating that Luke, the author of Acts, spends only 16 verses (Acts 9:19-30; 11:25-26, 30; 12:25) describing the first 14 years (Galatians 2:1) of Paul’s work in ministry after his conversion and then spends 16 chapters detailing the next 10 years of his life starting with the first missionary journey!
SUDDENLY, WITHOUT WARNING! Acts 8:1, 9:1-19 January 3, 2021
I. Introduction
II. Saul Ravages the Church
III. The Damascus Road
IV. The Goads of Saul
V. Our Goads
VI. Conclusion
RESPONSES TO THE GOSPEL, Part 2 Acts 8:26-40 December 27, 2020
I. Review
II. Simon the Sorcerer - Counterfeit marks: 1. Exalts personalities 2. Wide-spread delusion 3. Counterfeit power 4. Join ‘em! His name has been given to the sin of trying to buy religious power with money!
III. Contrast with the Ethiopian eunuch
IV. Both were baptized
V. A closer look at baptism – (Handout)
VI. Conclusion
Did Jesus – and Jesus Alone – Match the Identity of the Messiah? Luke 24:44 December 20, 2020
I. Introduction
II. Jesus, the Long-Awaited Messiah
III. The Fingerprint Evidence
IV. Old Testament Prophecy
V. Many Types of Arguments
a. The Coincidence Argument:
Mathematicians put it this way: fulfilling 48 prophecies: 1 chance in 10 to the 157th power. One person fulfilling 300+ prophecies: Only Jesus
b. The Altered Gospel Argument
c. The Intentional Fulfillment Argument
VI. Conclusion
RESPONSES TO THE GOSPEL Acts 8:9-40 December 13, 2020
I. Introduction
Simon the Sorcerer - Counterfeit marks:
Exalts personalities
Wide-spread delusion
Counterfeit power
Join ‘em!
His name has been given to the sin of trying to buy religious power with money!
III. Contrast with the Ethiopian eunuch
IV. Both were baptized
V. Conclusion
THE WORST DAY OF YOUR LIFE Acts 8:1-8
I. Introduction
II. Jerusalem, Samaria and the ends of the earth
When you experience the worst day of your life:
a. Remember who God is
b. Remember what God can do
c. Allow God to keep working through you
IV. Conclusion
Saul of Tarsus Acts 7:51-60 November 29, 2020
I. Introduction to Saul
II. Stephen and Saul
III. The Dispersion of the First Church
V. Conclusion
The “Little Faith” Cycle Matthew 8:5-13 & 23-27 November 8, 2020
I. Introduction
II. Little Faith
Great Faith
IV. So, What’s the Difference?
V. The “Little Faith” Cycle
THE PERFECT STORM Mark 4:35-41 & Matthew 8:18-27
I. Introduction
II. The cost of following Jesus
III. The “other side”
IV. The Sea of Galilee (Gennesaret or Tiberias)
V. The nature of the storm
VI. Conclusion
MOTES, BEAMS AND HYPOCRITES Matthew 7:1-6 September 20, 2020
I. Introduction
II. Are Christians Allowed to Judge?
When is it Wrong to Judge Other?
IV. What Goes Around Comes Around
V. Discernment Must Temper Our Judgements
VI. Conclusion / Summary
JUDGE NOT: 1. Motives, attitudes (I Sam. 16:7), or the heart. 2. According to men’s standards (Acts 24:6). 3. According to standards by which you are unwilling to be judged (Acts 23:3). 4. When you have a log in your eye (Matthew 7:4).
JUDGE: 1. Only after humbling yourself (Matthew 7:5). 2. Correctly, rightly (John 7:24) 3. According to God’s standards 4. Outward behavior alone; actions and speech.
ASK, SEEK, KNOCK Matthew 7:7-12 October 11, 2020
I. Introduction
Ask
Seek
IV. Knock
V. Conclusion
FEAR, WORRY AND ANXIETY: THE ACCEPTED SINS, PART 4 Matthew 6:19-24 & Luke 12:22-34 September 13, 2020
I. Introduction / Review
II. Worry & Fear: The Accepted Sins
III. How do we develop a game plan to address worry?
Name the pressures
Identify how you express anxiety
Ask, “Why am I anxious?”
Review the Matthew and Luke passage
Go to your Father and talk to Him
Do and say something constructive. Care for someone else.
IV. Conclusion – the cure for worry can be summarized in two words: Priorities –
b. Simplicity -
FEAR, WORRY AND ANXIETY: THE ACCEPTED SINS Luke 12:22-34; Matthew 6:19-24 Some sins are so common among Christians that they appear to be acceptable behavior. Worry and fear would certainly be near the top of the list. Some realize it is wrong and try to hide their worry by giving it other titles such as "concerned, troubled, disturbed, interested or bothered." Worry defined — Worry literally means, "a divided mind." Worry is sinful I ll . Worry is idolatry (and the solution is repentance) IV. Worry is unbelief (and the solution is faith) The idolatry and unbelief of worry is to be replaced by a worship of and faith in God. This will manifest itself in a lifestyle marked by: a. Right Praying (Phil. 4:6-7) b. Right Thinking (Phil. 4:8) c. Right Acting (Phil. 4:9) Note the progression: Right Praying Right Thinking Right Acting FEAR Introduction: True or False? Fear, per se, is not wrong. In Scripture, Jesus is never said to be afraid. The fear of God is the one fear that removes all other fears, God warns us over 450 times in the Bible not to fear. Genesis 3: 10 is the first occurrence of fear in the Bible, Fear is a feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, etc. 1. Fears That are Right A. Fear of God (Ecc 12:13-14•, 2 Cor 5:10; Prov 1:7). B. Fear of Danger (Job 41:33•, Gen 1 Cor C. Fear to Guilt (Prov 2821; Matt 14:1-2•, Lev 26:17-18, 36). D. Summary: Fear is right, good and proper when it moves us toward God and motivates biblical behavior 2. Fears That are Wrong A. Fear of man, not God (John 12:42-43; Luke 12:4-5). B. Fear of things temporal, rather than eternal (Luke 12:4-5; 1 Cor 4:5). C. Fear of things we cannot change (Prov 3:25; Gen 4:14). D. Summary: Fear is wrong and sinful when it is allowed to motivate thinking and behavior that is unbiblical 3. Keys to Overcoming Sinful Fear A. Develop a strong focus (Gal 1:10; 2 Cor 5:9-10; Isa 26:3; Ps 46:1-10) Be Deal with guilt biblically (Prov 28:1; 1 John 1:9•, Mat 5:23-24) C Develop love as the antidote to fear (1 John 4:15-21, esp. 17-19; 2 Tim 117; 1 Cor 13) D View fearful situations as opportunities to grow for God's glory (Rom 8:28-29; Matt 5:16; 1 Cor 6:19-20) E Meditate on and memorize key Scriptures (2 Tim 1:7; Ps 118:6; 1 Pet 5:7; Isa 26:3) Selected Resources Adams, Jay E. Competent to Counsel, Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1970. The Christian Counselor 's Manual. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, . "What Do You Do When Fear Overcomes You?" Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 1975. . "What To Do When worry Overcomes You." Phillipsburg, NJ: 1975. Berg, Jim. "Basics for Pressured Believers: Look at Pressure Biblically." The Journal of Biblical Counseling volume 19, number 3, 2001, 36-39 Bridges, Jerry. Trusting God. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1988. Fitzpatrick, Elyse. Overcoming Fear, Worry and Anxiety. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2001. Jones, Robert D. "Getting to the Heart of Your Worry." The Journal of Biblical Counseling, volume 17, number 3, 1999, 21-24. Mack, Wayne A. A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling, Volume l: Personal and Interpersonal Problems. Phillipsburg: P&R, 1979. MacArthur, John F., Jr. Anxiety Attacked: Applying Scripture to the Cares of the Soul. Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Publishing, 1993. Welch, Edward T. "Learning the Fear of the Lord: A Case Study." The Journal of Biblical Counseling, volume 16, number 1, 1997, 25-27. When People are Big and God is Small. Phillipsburg: P&R5 1997.
FEAR, WORRY AND ANXIETY: THE ACCEPTED SINS, PART 1 Matthew 6:19-24 & Luke 12:22-34 August 23, 2020 I. Introduction II. Jesus lists reason after reason to not worry a. Consider the ravens
b. We are unable to add to our lives
c. Consider the lilies
d. What are we living for?
III. We have plenty of good reasons to worry! a. Why do we worry?
b. Three forms of greed: 1. Covetous greed 2. Satisfied greed 3. Anxious greed
IV. We have plenty of better reasons not to worry!
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There is something bigger in your life than the things you worry about.
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You matter more than crows
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It’s pointless to worry
-
Look at the lilies
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Don’t obsess and be driven
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God promises you – “Little Flock”
-
There is nothing to worry about – so give
WHO OWNS YOUR POSSESSIONS? Matthew 6:19-24 August 16, 2020 I. Introduction
II. Love of Money
III. Treasure in Heaven
IV. Distorted Vision
V. A Single Master
VI. Conclusion
FASTING WITHOUT HYPOCRISY Matthew 6:16-18 August 9, 2020 I. Introduction
II. They Have Their Reward in Full (6:16)
III. Why is it Hypocrisy?
IV. Proper Fasting
V. Fasting from Things
VI. What Is the "Reward" Jesus Promises?
VII. Conclusion
How to Defeat Temptation Matthew 6:13 August 2, 2020
I. Introduction
II, Forms of Temptation
Testing from God
A temptation to sin
- Temptation from the devil
III. Submit and Resist
IV. The Lord’s Example (Matthew 4:1-11)
Temptation of the world
-
Temptation of the flesh
-
Temptation from the devil
V. Conclusion
What Does Forgiveness Look Like? Matthew 6:12 I. Introduction II. Types of Forgiveness III. What is Forgiveness? “When we strive against all thoughts of revenge; when we will not do our enemies mischief, but wish well to them, grieve at their calamities, pray for them, seek reconciliation with them, and show ourselves ready on all occasions to relieve them.” (Thomas Watson) 1. Resisting revenge – Romans 12:19 2. Not returning evil for evil – I Thess. 5:15 3. Wishing them well – Luke 6:28 4. Grieving at their calamities – Prov. 24:17 5. Praying for their welfare – Matt. 5:44 6. Seek reconciliation – Romans 12:18 7. Coming to their aid – Exodus 23:4 IV. What Forgiveness is Not 1. Not the absence of anger 2. Not the absence of consequences 3. Not a feeling, not forgetting, not excusing sin V. What Forgiveness is VI. Why Forgive? (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13) VII. Forgiveness of an Unrepentant Person VIII. Conclusion
OUR DAILY BREAD
July 5, 2020
Matthew 6:11
I. The second part of the Lord’s Prayer
a. Our daily bread – ______________________
b. Forgive us our debts – ________________
c. Lead us not into temptation – ____________________
II. If the world were shrunk to 100 people – same ratios
III. Elements of God’s Provisions
a. The Source – God
b. The Supplication – “give”
c. The Seekers – “us” and “our”
d. The Schedule – one day at a time
e. The Substance – “bread”
IV. Conclusion: Dispensing His Fragrance
YOUR WILL BE DONE Matthew 6:10b June 28, 2020
I Introduction
II. “Your Will Be Done”
a. Many Wills
b. God’s Response
c. What has this to do with me?
III. What is God’s will?
a. For Unbeliever’s
b. For Believer’s
IV. “If it be Your Will”
V. A Right Understanding of God’s Will
VI. Conclusion
WHAT IF THE WORLD WERE 100 PEOPLE? July 2020
ACCESS TO FOOD: 1 would be dying of starvation 11 would be under-nourished 22 would be overweight
DEMOGRAPHICS: 25 would be children 75 would be adults 9 would be 65 or older
ECONOMICS: 20 would be receiving almost 90% of the income.
EDUCATION / TECHNOLOGY: 7 would have a college degree 40 would have internet 4 would own a computer
HOUSING: 78 people would have a place to shelter them from the wind and rain 22 would not
LANGUAGE: 12 would speak Chinese 6 would speak Spanish 5 would speak English 2 would speak Japanese 3 would speak Portuguese 2 would speak Russian 70 would speak other languages
LIFE & DEATH: 1 will die within the year 2 will give birth within the year
LITERACY: 86 would be able to read and write 14 would not
WATER: 91 would have access to safe drinking water 9 would have no clean, safe water to drink RELIGION: 67 would be non-Christian 33 would label themselves as Christian
SEX / GENDER 50 would be male and 50 would be female
SKIN COLOR: 80 would be non-white 20 would be white
ORIGINS: 60 would be Asians 16 Africans 14 from the Americas 10 Europeans
YOUR KINGDOM COME
Matthew 6:10
June 14, 2020
I. Review
II. “Our Father”
¨ Reserved for believers
¨ Strongly implies intimacy, hope and obedience
III. Hallowed be your Name
¨ God’s name is holy and sacred
¨ It is to be honored and glorified
¨ Give worship, adoration and praise to God as:
Creator, Ruler, Redeemer and King
IV. The Lord’s Prayer – two parts
-
Part 1 –
-
Part 2 –
V. “Your Kingdom Come”
-
The Past –
-
The Present – Matthew 13 parables:
a. The Sower
b. The wheat and tares
c. The Mustard Seed / Leavened bread
d. The Treasure / Pearl
e. The Net
- The Future – Luke 19:11-27; Acts 1:6
VI. Conclusion
JESUS’ PATTERN FOR PRAYER Matthew 6:9 June 7, 2020
I. Introduction
II. Characteristics of Old Testament Prayers 1. Adoration (love and praise) 2. Thanksgiving 3. Recognize God’s glory and holiness 4. Submission with obedience 5. Confession of sin 6. Prayer was collective 7. Perseverance with humility
III. Looking Closely
“Driving while under the influence of, and affected by, intoxicating liquor and/or drugs with a .08 or more breath alcohol.”
IV. The Focus of verses 9-10 – Two parts:
-
His Name, His Kingdom, His Will
-
Give us, Forgive us, Deliver us
V. Old Testament Examples of Prayer
-
______________ (32:17-22)
-
______________ (9:2-4)
-
___________ (2:7)
VI. “Our Father” (v. 9)
a. God as “our Father” settles the matter of:
-
_______ 5. ___________
-
_______ 6. Wisdom
-
Loneliness 7. ___________
-
_______________
VII. “Hallowed Be Your Name” (v. 9b)
a. A few of the names of God:
-
Elohim – _____________
-
El Elyon – God Most High - Ruler
-
Jehovah - _______________
-
Adonai – ____________
Lord Jesus Christ - Savior
VIII. Conclusion
HOW TO PRAY Matthew 6:5-8 May 31, 2020 I. Introduction Prayer was a major issue among the Jews. So how did it deteriorate to the point of hypocrisy? 1. ______________ approach to prayer 2. ______________ long prayers 3. Praying to be ______________, not heard by God II. Prayer in the Old Testament 1. God was unapproachable a. ______________ b. ______________ c. ______________ 2. God was ________________ a. Day of Atonement III.Characteristics of Old Testament Prayers 1. Adoration (love and praise) 2. ________________ 3. Recognize God’s ______ and ____________ 4. Submission with obedience 5. Confession of sin 6. Prayer was collective 7. Perseverance with humility IV. How to Pray 1. Pray to God (the Father) 2. Pray ____________ the Lord Jesus Christ 3. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit V. Conclusion
PRAYING IN GOD’S WILL Judges 6:39 May 24, 2020
I. Introduction
II. What conditions are necessary for our prayers to be acceptable?
a. God does not hear the prayer of the _____________ (John 9:31; I Peter 3:12; Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2)
i. Are you a believer in Jesus Christ?
ii. God is against evil men who are arrogant and proud
b. For believer’s:
i. Pray in faith (I John 5:14)
ii. Pray in humility and patience (Luke 18:9-17)
iii. Pray in sincerity (Deuteronomy 4:29)
iv. Pray in righteousness (Proverbs 15:29)
v. Pray with confession and forgiveness (Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:14-15)
vi. Pray with perseverance (Luke 18:1-6)
III. When our attitude and life-style are right with God we are able to rightly determine God’s will.
IV. Five tools to determine the will of God:
-
Pray ________________
-
Read _______________
-
Seek godly ______________
-
Look for ________________ _________________
-
The “Holding Principle” (Romans 14:5)
V. Conclusion
PRAYING WITHOUT HYPOCRISY Matthew 6:5-8 May 17, 2020
I. Introduction Three examples of hypocrisy: 1. ____________ – 6:2-4 2. ____________ – 6:5-8 3. ____________ – 6:16-18
II. The Audience: Other Men
Jesus makes a few statements for His listeners concerning how not to pray. 1. Do not pray __________________________ (v.5) 2. Do not pray with constant repetition, gibberish, mumblings, and mutterings.
What had happened to the high standard and priority of prayer for the Jews? 1. Prayer had become ritualized. Three basic attitudes: a. Sincere – Used by Jews whose hearts were right – correct worship! b. ______________ – spoken perfunctorily and quickly in order to finish c. _________ – recited prayers meticulously, enunciating every word and syllable properly, three times per day to display their piety! 2. Prescribed prayers were developed for every object and occasion. 3. Prayer was limited to certain times and occasions. 4. The effectiveness of a prayer was in direct proportion to its __________. 5. Prayer containing meaningless repetition. 6. The desire to be _________________ by other people, esp. their fellow Jews.
III. The True Audience: God (v.6)
The basic definition of prayer is “___________________________.”
IV. The Content of Prayer
-
False Content: Meaningless Repetition (v.7) – Examples: a. Elijah on Mt. Carmel – (I Kings 18:26-29; Acts 19:24-34). b. Many Buddhists spin wheels containing written prayer, believing that each turn of the wheel sends that prayer to their god. c. Catholics light prayer candles in the belief their requests will continue to ascend repetitiously to God as long as the candle is lit. d. Rosaries are used to count off repeated prayers of Hail Mary and Our Father.
-
True Content: Sincere Requests (v.8)
V. Conclusion
HOW TO BE A GODLY MOTHER IN AN UNGODLY WORLD
Titus 2:3-5
May 10, 2020
I. Introduction
II. The Titus Environment (Titus 1:10-16)
III. Titus’ Advice to Women (2:3-5)
A. Self- Controlled (3)
1. ______________ in the way they live
2. Not Slanderers – a false and malicious spoken statement
3. No addictions
4. Teach what is __________
B. Older Women Teach the Younger Women (4)
C. Love Your Husband (4)
D. Love Your Children (4)
IV. Develop Christian Character (5)
1. Be Self-controlled
2. Be Pure
3. Work at Home
4. Be Kind
5. Submit to Your Husband
V. Conclusion
SO HELP ME GOD! Matthew 5:33-37 March 8, 2020
I. Introduction This is the ____ of Christ’s six great illustrations of true morality: a. Anger is equal to ____________ b. Lust equates to _____________ c.. Faithfulness in ______________ d. Honesty in _____________ II. Oaths and the Mosaic Law a. An oath is simply a _______________ God approved and provided for the making of oaths in His name; “Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God” (Lev. 19:12). Examples: Abraham and the king of Sodom (Gen. 14:22-24) Abraham and Abimelech (Gen. 21:23-24) Abraham’s servant Eliezer getting a wife for Isaac (Gen. 24:1-4, 10) Isaac taking an oath (Gen. 26:31) Jacob and Laban (Gen. 31:44-53) David and Jonathan (I Sam. 20:16 David made an oath (Ps. 132:2) Even God Himself made oaths on numerous occasions. To Abraham (Gen. 22:16-17) Hebrews explains, since God “could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself (Heb. 6:13-14). Never to destroy the earth again (Gen. 9:9-11) To send a redeemer (Luke 1:68, 73) To raise his Son from the dead (Ps. 16;10; Acts 2:27-31) To preserve and eventually bless Israel (Is. 49:15-18)
III. The Perversion of Rabbinic Tradition To get others to take their ________________seriously, people began to swear by ________________, _____________, ___________________, __________________, ____________________ or the _________________. b. Jesus teaches that all oaths invoke God’s witness ________________.
IV. Conclusion
“Two Boats and Full Nets” Luke 5:1-11 March 1, 2020
I. Jesus Teaches Luke 5:3
II. Jesus Fishes Luke 5:5
III. Jesus Encourages
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE, Pt. 2 Matthew 5:31-32 February 23, 2020
I. Introduction Matthew 5:31-32; 19:1-9; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18; I Cor. 7
II. Four Interpretations on Divorce a. Divorce is not possible under any circumstance or for any reason. b. Both divorce and remarriage are permissible for any reason or none. c. Divorce is permitted under certain circumstances but remarriage is never permitted. d. Both divorce and remarriage are permitted under certain circumstances.
III. God’s Original Plan (Genesis 2:18, 21-24)
IV. The Teachings of the Rabbis (Deuteronomy 24:1; cf. Lev. 20:10)
V. The Teachings of Jesus (Malachi 2:15-16) a. The “exception clause,” referring to “except for sexual immorality.”
VI. Does Paul Add a 2nd Reason for Divorce? (I Cor. 7:12-15) What about desertion (abandonment)?
a. “If an unbelieving partner separates, _____________ .”
Most interpret this to include freedom to _____________ .
VII. What about abuse? (I Cor. 7:15)
a. A question arises: __________________________________ ? b. Some use Exodus 21:10-11
VIII. What If Divorce/Remarriage is Not Biblical? a. I John 1:9; Isaiah 1:18; 43:25; Psalm 103:10-14; Proverbs 8:13
IX. Conclusion
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE, Pt. 1 Matthew 5:31-32 February 16, 2020
I. Introduction Matt. 5:31-32, 19:1-9; Mark 10:1-12; I Cor. 7; Mal. 2:15f
II. Four Interpretations on Divorce a. The strictest view – b. The permissive view – c. Divorce permitted under ____________ circumstances; remarriage is __________ permitted. d. _______ divorce & remarriage are _______________ under _____________ circumstances. III. God’s Original Plan (Genesis 2:18, 21-24) a. Severance –
b. ____________ -
c. Unity –
d. ____________ -
Without exception, divorce is a ____________________, and God _______________ . He never _______________ it, ______________ it, or ____________ it.
IV. The Teaching of the Rabbis a. Divorce/remarriage was very liberal b. School of Hillel – any or ______ grounds c. One requirement - _____________ of divorce d. Misinterpretation of Deut. 24:1-4
V. The Teachings of Jesus a. Matthew 19:9 – “. . . anyone who divorces his wife, _________ for ________ ____________, and marries another woman commits adultery.” b. Implied both divorce and remarriage allowed c. Wrongful divorce “makes her commit adultery”
VI. Conclusion
“Serious Instructions on Serious Issues” Matthew 5:27-30 February 9, 2020
I. Introduction
II. A playboy world
The desire
IV. Is there a cure?
Conclusion
“Getting Right With God and Each Other” Matthew 5:21-26 February 2, 2020
I. Introduction
II. What is murder
The cure for anger
IV. Am I responsible for someone’s grudge against me?
‘So far as it depends on you’
VI. Conclusion
Have You Earned Heaven Matthew 5: 20 January 26, 2020
I. Introduction
II. The Scribes and Pharisees
Human Righteousness
IV. The Apostle Paul
Conclusion
Christ Fulfilled the Scriptures Matthew 5: 17-20 January 19, 2020
I. Introduction
II. Christ and the Law
Why Sacrifices?
IV. Christ and the Prophets
Conclusion
Christ and the Scriptures Matthew 5: 17-20 January 12, 2020
I. Introduction
II. Absolute Authority
The Smallest Part Jot-Iota smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet Title-C&G or O&Q
IV. Fulfillment of Scripture
Christ’s Use of Scripture
VI. Conclusion The New Testament clarifies, completes, expands or develops Old Testament theology but it does not contradict or re-interpret it.
Advent — The Plan Isaiah 53:10; 59:1 December 15, 2019.
I. Introduction
II. The treatise on the coming Messiah
OK, So what?
IV. The plan
Conclusion
ADVENT — THE NEED GENESIS 6:5-8 December 8, 2019.
Introduction
The Beginning
Why Were We Created?
IV. Still Wired to Love
God’s Response to This Betrayal
VI. Rescue Via Redemption
VII. Conclusion
HAPPY ARE THE HARASSED Matthew 5:10-12
Happiness is not promised ___________________ 1. Being a nuisance, _______________, foolish, ______________ Why is righteousness _________________________? 1. The love of something _______________ or _______________ 2. The need to _________________ that love
Happiness through persecution. Five reasons: 1. Evidence of a believer’s ____________________ (John 15:19) 2. A means to ______________ the believer (1 Peter 1:6-8) a. Growth, maturity, holiness and sanctification 3. Show the joy of the Christian life 4. Holds the promise of eternal rewards 5. Jesus is close to those who are persecuted
IV. Examples of godliness 1. You cherish ____________________ 2. You embrace__________________ 3. You pursue ___________________ 4. You live simply and happily
TO BE OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION
Assorted Passages
I. The “Modern” view of membership
II. Several NT passages will be considered each revealing something that would be _______________or _______________ if there were no definable local church membership.
III. Biblical Evidence for Church Membership
-
The “__________________” commands of Scripture
-
Membership _______________ that those who do ministry are true believers. (Acts 2:41, 47; 5:14)
-
Shepherds are required to care for their _____________
(Acts 20:28;1 Peter 5:2-3; Galatians 6:10)
- Christians are required to submit to their _____________
(Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17
-
The metaphor of the __________(Romans 12:4-6; I Cor. 12:12f)
-
The Church is to _____________ members. (Matt. 18:15-17)
-
___________________________exists. (1 Cor. 5:12-13)
“THE PEACEMAKER” Matthew 5:9
What is true peace? It is not the absence of _______________ It is the presence of __________________ What peace is not… It is not __________ at any _____________! Who will bring the peace? Only ____________! IV. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? 1. _______for conversion and sanctification (Mt. 6:9f) 2. Individual _________________ 3. Possess _______________ The pre-requisites for peacemakers
VI. Why focus on the individual and not the nations?
VII. Social injustice are demands for personal repentance
VIII. Conclusion
“THE PEACEMAKER” Matthew 5:9
What is true peace? It is not the absence of _______________ It is the presence of __________________ What peace is not… It is not __________ at any _____________! Who will bring the peace? Only ____________! IV. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? 1. _______for conversion and sanctification (Mt. 6:9f) 2. Individual _________________ 3. Possess _______________ The pre-requisites for peacemakers
VI. Why focus on the individual and not the nations?
VII. Social injustice are demands for personal repentance
VIII. Conclusion
LIVING LARGE — WITH A PURE HEART
Matthew 5:8
I. The spiritual condition of Jews
a. Domination by the ____________
b. Yearning for the _____________
II. The spiritual standard
A. Man’s criterion
We compare ourselves to _________
B. God’s criterion
God is the __________
III. Terms
a. Pure
Single-minded, ___________, spiritual integrity
This is more than _____________
b. Heart
The inner person,attitudes,control center of the _____
Thinking—> ___________ —> ____________
c. Mask management
God pays little attention to our ___________ _______
IV. Human paths to purity
V. Pathways to purity
-
Admit our impurity—Proverbs 20:9
-
Ask Gpd for a new heart
-
Pray for purity—Psalms 51:10; 139:23-24
-
Draw close to God—James 4:8
-
Memorize/meditate on God’s Word—Psalm 119:11-12
-
Avoid complaining/arguing—Philippians 2:14– 15
-
Watch what we watch—Job 31:1
-
Waiting is worth it—Hebrews 13:4
-
Find a faithful friend—Proverbs 13:20
Blessed are the Merciful
Matthew 5:7
I. Introduction
II. What Mercy is not:
Mercy is not ___________.
Mercy is not something ____________.
Mercy must never be confused with ________________.
Mercy is not ____________ before God.
Mercy is not merely a feeling or attitude but a way of thinking that results in _____________ action.
III. The opposite of Mercy
Mercy vs. _____________9:10-13
Mercy vs. ____________________Matthew 23:23
IV. Biblical examples of Mercy
· Joseph with his brothers (Genesis 37-45)
· Moses with his sister Miriam (Numbers 12)
· The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11ff)
· Jesus going to the cross for us (Gospels)
· The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
V. Four dimensions of Mercy
-
____________________
-
____________________
-
____________________
-
____________________
VI. Mercy today
· Those suffering spiritually, physically or financially
· Emergency care — Star Fish
· Warning the unsaved
· Exhorting believers
· Forgiving a brother
· Protect someone's name/reputation
· Praying for all
VII. Why be Merciful:
Matthew 18:21-35 - Parable of The Unmerciful Servant
Matthew 6:14-15 - Forgive so our sins may be forgiven
REPENTANCE: IS IT EVER TOO LATE?
Hebrews 5:11-6:36;5-12
October 20, 2019
I. Introduction
II. Two Groups - milk drinkers and meat eaters
III. It looks like salvation…...
IV. How can they fall after such a God-honored start?
V. Why is it impossible to restore such a person to repentance?
VI. How can anyone crucify Christ again?
VII. Can a Christian really know they are saved forever?
VIII. Application
LET’S GET ON WITH IT Hebrews 5:11-6:3 October 13, 2019
Introduction
II. Two Groups a. ___________ b. ___________
Spiritual Immaturity—milk drinkers a. ________alone does not produce maturity b. _________________towards God’s Word c. The _____________ to share God’s Word d. Ignorant of ______________ (right living) e. An _____________________ Biblical diet
IV. Spiritual Maturity—meat eaters a. It is produced by__________________
What are these “elementary teachings”?
VI. Conclusion
Hunger Pains Matthew 5:6 September 29, 2019
I. Introduction - Review a. “Poor in Spirit” (verse 3) — Spiritually bankrupt b. Those who “mourn” (verse 4) — Sorrow for sin c. “Blessed are the meek” (verse 5) — Salvation totally a work of God d. “Hunger and thirst for righteousness” (verse 6) II. The Necessity of Spiritual Hunger.
The Meaning of Spiritual Hunger.
IV. The Goal of Spiritual Hunger. a. For Salvation:
b. For Sanctification:
V. Conclusion
God’s Gentleman
Matthew 5:5
September 22, 2019.
I.
1. Meekness ______________ on the ___________________ of God.
2. We are made _________________ by how righteous and worthy God is.
3. Meekness is _______________ under ___________________, not cowardice or lack of conviction.
4. Meekness never uses its power in ___________________________. (I Petere 2:22-23)
II.
1. _______________________________________
2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________
4. _______________________________________
5. _______________________________________
III. Examples of Meekness
“Meekness is the power to absorb adversity and criticism without lashing back”
IV. The full portrait of Biblical meekness.
Am I Stuck or Can I Really Change? Pt. 2 Matthew 5:4 / Cor. 7:8-10 September 15, 2019
Myths of Repentance a. Sorrow equals repentance. b. Self-preservation is repentance. c. and repentance are equal. d. is repentance. e. Repentance and can exist together. f. Repentance can be . g. Repentance eliminates .
Elements of Repentance a. Repentance involves a . b. Repentance involves . c. Repentance involves a dependence on
Am I Stuck or Can I Really Change? Mathew 5:4; II Cor. 7:8-10 September 8, 2019
What is worldly sorrow? A. Sin is quickly ________________________ B. People _____________________________ C. A person works ______________________ What is godly sorrow? A. Sin is an offense to ____________________ B. It always results _______________________ C. It always results _______________________ Myths of Repentance 1. Sorrow _____________ repentance 2 ________________ is repentance 3. ________________ and repentance are equal 4. ________________ is repentance 5. Repentance and _____________ can exist together 6. Repentance can be _____________________ 7. Repentance eliminates __________________ IV. Conclusion
KINGDOM ATTRIBUTES August 18, 2019
- Chapters 5-7 are the teachings of Jesus.
- Chapter 8-9 describe the healing ministry of Jesus. Pharisees – Legalists, traditionalists, keep things the same. Sadducees/ Herodians – Generally wealthy, modernists, change with the times. Essenes – Separatists – separate = holy. Zealots – Activists = holy. The Sermon on the Mount does NOT contain:
-
_______________ taught by Jesus.
-
Another set of _________ to get God’s approval.
-
A list of _________ . This is a list of _________.
Blessedness is a deep _______________ and knowing you have the ______________ of God.
“Poor in spirit” is the opposite of ________________ and ___________ .
__________ has no part in God’s kingdom.
Conclusion
REPENTNCE—THE 2ND STEP TO HAPPINESS
Matthew 5:4
September 1, 2019
I. Four areas this Beatitude can be lived out:
-
Lament the loses in your ______________.
-
Mourn for the evils of this ______________.
3; Cry over the _______________ of others.
- Be sorrowful about your _____________.
II. Repentance in the Old Testament:
JJ. Repentance in the New Testament:
-
John the Baptist
-
Jesus
-
Peter - first half of Acts
-
Paul - second half of Acts
-
Repentance is for unbelievers
-
Repentance is for believers.
IV. So What?