Bethany Presbyterian Church

Church as a Hospital for Sinners

2009-03-08T16:29:00.001-07:00

There have been times that I have overheard people refer to “Church people” as hypocrites. Generally, these comments are made in reference to the individual’s decision not to be part of the Church. When I overhear these comments, I often chuckle to myself because the Church is a hospital for sinners and that is why everyone is welcome—the hypocrite can worship the Lord right next to the gossip, the glutton, the adulterer, and so on.
Paul writes to Timothy, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul, the greatest apostle of the Church, boldly proclaims that he is a sinner. Is Paul taking pride in his sinfulness? Certainly not. Rather, Paul is boasting of what a Savior Jesus is! Jesus tells us that He did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it (John 3:17) by offering Himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16).
In order to be saved, we must acknowledge Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior. When we acknowledge that He is our Savior we are declaring that He is the Son of God. And, when we declare that He is our Lord it means that we will do what He says. However, these declarations are only the beginning. Once we surrender ourselves to God, the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and seals us as His child (Ephesians 1:13). The Holy Spirit guides us on life’s journey and makes us more like Jesus (Romans 8:29-30). But it is important to realize that the process of becoming more like Jesus is slow and takes a lifetime of prayer, patience, and persistence.
It is no surprise to God when we stumble and fall, which is why we are offered forgiveness if we repent of our ways (2 Peter 3:9). Repentance involves confessing our sin to God and then turning away from it (Romans 6:1-2). When we do this, the Bible tells us that He chooses to forget our sin (Isaiah 43:25). This is what we call: Amazing Grace! God no longer sees our sin; rather, He sees the righteousness of His son: Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22).
Jesus came to be a doctor to the sick (Matthew 9:12) and we are all sick from the effects of sin (Romans 3:23). We need to get healing from our transgressions from the Great Healer (Isaiah 53:5). Like Paul, I am not ashamed to declare that I am a sinner. My boasting does not come from pride in my attempts at righteous works, but in the cross of Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14) from which I am released from the deathly wages of sin (Romans 6:23) and given new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). The Church is a hospital for sinners as we continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) as we continue to decrease so that Jesus can increase.

Why Church?

2009-02-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

Going to Church and being part of a Church can be a difficult task for many people. I must confess that when Sunday morning comes there is a part of me that would rather roll over, sleep in, and take it easy. Additionally, I have found being part of the Church comes with some frustrations: cranky and judgmental people, denominations more interested in maintaining their institution than with proclaiming the gospel to advance God’s kingdom, petty disputes, as well as just being let down by leaders and people that should know better. It is no wonder why I, like many others, find myself not particularly liking Church, but the question then arises as to why I am part of the Church?

While I do not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. The true Church is not the institutions or the buildings, rather it is the people drawn together as one body in Christ. Those who make up the body of Christ have been called according to God’s purpose (Romans 8:15) to love one another as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35). Jesus never gives up on us and we should never give up on Him or in what He is doing in our life and in the lives of others. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As God’s workmanship, we need to recognize that we are all works in progress and under construction for His glory. Acknowledging that God is working, even when we do not see it, we need to “bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13).

While Churches may be flawed, they are still the assembly of God’s people. Going to Church does not make you a Christian but it is hard to maintain the Christian life without being part of a faith community. Being part of a vibrant Christian faith community that is grounded in the word of God and committed to proclaiming the good news of Jesus will: be a source of encouragement (Hebrews 10:25), help us strengthen our faith (Proverbs 27:17), and give us a family to help share our burdens (Galatians 6:2).

So, while I may not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. I am committed to the Church, for better and for worst, because it bears the name that is above every name: Jesus Christ. My hope is in Christ, not in people and what they say or do. We cannot claim to love God and not love people (1 John 4), which includes His Church. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

Waiting Upon the Lord

2009-02-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

One of the things that I am really good at is planning. My family and friends have often commented that I always seemed to have my life planned out and then I take the necessary steps to accomplish my plan. However, over the past couple of years the Lord has been working in me and developing the discipline of waiting for HIS plans, rather than me making His plan “fit” my plans. I have learned that if I wait upon the Lord, I will not be disappointed because His plan is the very best.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Many times we are worried about what God’s plans are for us if we completely surrender our lives and our dreams over to him. However, God tells us that He has a wonderful plan for our lives beyond our wildest imagination. The question is whether or not we will give God the time to show us His plans for our lives or will we take matters into our own hands.

The psalmist indicates that waiting for the Lord is hard as he writes “be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). It is hard to wait on God because it is a matter of trust. Trust is difficult because it requires vulnerability. We have all been let down by ourselves and other people in our lives. However, God will never let us down if we lean not on our own understanding and in all of our ways, dreams, hopes, and fears acknowledge Him—He WILL make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5). When we feel that God has let us down, we must ask ourselves are we praying that our will be done or His will be done? We need to surrender our expectations before God can accomplish the very best in our lives.

As we wait for the Lord, we can be strong and take heart that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will not let our foot slip (Psalm 121:3) if we have built our hope upon the rock that is greater than ourselves (Psalm 61:2). We must always remember that God is faithful to deliver on His promises in His time and in His way. So, do not worry about tomorrow—God has is all figured out...just trust Him!

THE JOY OF GRACE

2008-11-08T12:17:00.004-08:00

THE JOY OF GRACE
Luke 15:1-10

I. The Joy of Grace
a. Grace releases joy in our lives because it sets us free from:
i. The burden of the past
1. Philippians 3- 12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
ii. Our guilt and shame
1. Hebrews 10- 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
iii. The consequences of other people’s actions on our lives
1. Romans 8- 5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
b. Grace gives us a new purpose, a new family, and a new home
i. John 14- 1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
ii. John 14- 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
iii. John 15- 9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
II. The Reluctance Towards Grace- Jacob and Esau- Genesis 33
a. The reluctance to receive Grace
i. Jacob had a reluctance to return home because he feared the consequences of his actions with Esau.
1. Romans 8:1- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
ii. Before Jacob saw Esau- he sent ahead of him gifts to pave the way. For us to receive Grace—we do not need to be fixed or give God gifts—we just need to believe and repent.
1. Going to the doctor’s after we feel better
2. 1 John 1- 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
3. Hebrews 4- 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
4. Psalm 103: 12- As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
5. Jeremiah 31:34- "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
b. The reluctance to give Grace
i. Genesis 27- 41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, "The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob."
ii. It is easier to say forgive and forget then to do it. But only through forgiving can we stop reliving the offense.
iii. MLK, JR- "Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.
iv. God wants us to trust Him that He will right the wrongs
1. Isaiah 61:7- 7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.
2. It is not our job to change people or circumstances—it is our job to act in faith by expressing love.
a. Love keeps no records of wrongs.
v. We have a responsibility as receivers of Grace to be givers of Grace
1. Luke 12:48- From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
2. Galatians 4- 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[a] Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
III. Living in the Joy of Grace
a. Galatians 5- 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
b. 13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love.

THE WONDERFUL ABSURDITY OF GRACE

2008-11-08T12:17:00.003-08:00

THE WONDERFUL ABSURDITY OF GRACE

I. The Wonderful Absurdity of Grace (Matthew 20:1-16)
a. 13"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
b. Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve and mercy is not getting what we deserve.
c. We are God’s children and heirs of the kingdom by GRACE ALONE
d. We are always concerned with fairness—yet none of us deserve the gift of eternal life
i. Romans 3:10- There is no one righteous, not even one
1. So how can you judge what is fair?
2. Twilight Zone episode
ii. Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
iii. The first will be last and the last will be first—In Christ we are equal
1. Ephesians 2- 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
e. We cannot earn our way into heaven—we can only believe our way
i. 2 Corinthians 5:21- 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
II. Grace, Faith, Works
a. Called to the field to work!
b. Ephesians 2- 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
c. Does our work matter? YES—your work gives evidence to being a Christian, but your work does not make you a Christian
i. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works
ii. Romans 6- 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
iii. James 2:14-26- True faith will produce good works!
iv. Romans 8:9- You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
v. Following Jesus means living life at its very best!
d. The Holy Spirit is what produces good works in us
i. Ephesians 1- 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
ii. It changes us-
1. 2 Corinthians 4- 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
2. Matthew 5- 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
iii. Galatians 5:22- 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.
iv. 1 Corinthians 15- 9For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
III. Conclusion- How now shall we live?
a. Galatians 6- 12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[b] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.

The Audacity of Grace

2008-11-08T12:17:00.001-08:00

THE AUDACITY OF GRACE
Matt 18:23-35

I. Why the Grace of Forgiveness is so vitally important?
a. The most terrifying words “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”
b. Forgiveness is the only way to break the cycle of ungrace and destruction.
i. Ecclesiastes- Nothing new under the sun
ii. But if we are in CHRIST—through the grace of forgiveness--17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5)
iii. Rev. 21:5- 5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
II. How to forgive?
a. Acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ
i. Philippians 2:5-11
b. Reflect on the issue (not the person), meditate on the scriptures, and respond to the Holy Spirit
i. Psalm 46:10- Be still, and know that I am God
ii. Psalm 119- 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.
iii. John 14- 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
c. Repent for your actions and feelings of bitterness and disdain
i. Matthew 7:3-5- 3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
d. Deal with it…As soon as possible
i. Ephesians 4:26-27- Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
1. The devil is a liar- John 8:44- 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
2. John 10:10- 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
ii. John 3:16- Don’t wait for the other to make the choice to forgive
1. John 20:21- Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
e. Pray!
i. 2 Corinthians 12:9- 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
f. Do good through humble service
i. Luke 6- 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
ii. Romans 12- 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[a]says the Lord. 20On 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."[b] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1. Egyptian tradition of carrying a pan of burning charcoal on one’s head as a public act of repentance. Get rid of the enemy by making them your friend
III. Conclusion- Forgiveness is daily act
a. Luke 9- 23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!- Mercies new every morning.

STUBBORN LOVE, AMAZING GRACE

2008-11-08T12:16:00.001-08:00

STUBBORN LOVE, AMAZING GRACE

I. The Foundation of Grace is Love (Hosea 1:2-11; 3:1-3)
a. 1 The LORD said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes."
b. God showed us grace because he loves us!
i. 1 John 4:10- 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[a] our sins.
ii. Romans 5:10- 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
c. He showed us grace because he saw beyond our sin to our potential!
i. 1 Corinthians 13:12- 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
ii. 2 Corinthians 4- 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
1. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
2. 1 John 1:5- This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
iii. If God is both love and light- then love clears the distortion and we shine his light to clear up the distortions of the sin
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18- 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
d. We do this by showing grace to others!
1. 16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. (1 John 3)
2. Matthew 5- 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
II. The Expression of Grace is Forgiveness
a. Forgiveness is satisfying a debt—and grace is forgiveness that is free!
b. Hosea paid for Gomer’s ransom and chose to forgive her to express the grace that God has shown for us.
i. Romans 8- 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.[a] And by him we cry, "Abba,[b] Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
c. Love keeps no records of wrong
d. The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-31)
i. The Father was looking for his son to return, while the brother had already written him off.
ii. 28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But 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. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
e. The brother failed to understand the grace that was given to him—he owned nothing of his own—it was all a gift from a loving father
III. The Boundaries of Grace is Limitless
a. Love is not fair—it is better than fair!
b. Matthew 18:21-34- Forgive as we have been forgiven
c. Colossians 3:13- 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

FAITH CAN HELP GUIDE US THROUGH THE TROUBLES OF THE WORLD

2008-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

There is certainly a great deal happening in the world around us that can cause us to be alarmed and anxious. In a time of volatile markets, failing banks, and prices skyrocketing, many are question our nation’s economic security, as more and more people are having a harder time to find a good paying job and pay their bills. However, while there is much that can make us anxious, Christ tells us in Scripture that we can have a peace that is not based on what this world offers, but what on Christ has done for us (John 14:27 NIV). Through His death upon the cross and glorious resurrection, He has given us eternal security that cannot be upset by the trials and storms that this world offers.

The psalmist tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble” (46:1 NIV). We do not need to fear the circumstances of this life because Christ will never leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). While the trials of this world will seek to destroy us, God will use our trials to strengthen us and our faith in Him (Romans 8:28 NIV). We may be “hard pressed on every side” but we will not be crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV) because God is on our side if we trust Him as Lord and Savior (Romans 8:31 NIV).

When we face difficult times in our lives, let us not be distressed, but let us pray! Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 NIV). Start off your prayers counting your blessings one by one, and as the song says, soon we will see what God has done before and we can be confident that He will do it again. He is our Father and He will take care of His children.

Lastly, it is important to be grounded in a community of faith. We are going to go through trials, and we can be sure that God will never leave us, but it also helps to have friends who will also walk with us through the storm. The Body of Christ is more than a group of friends—we are family because God is our Father—and He joins us together as one in the bond of love. So, what are you waiting for? Come to Church!

LIVING AT PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE CRISIS

2008-10-04T08:31:00.001-07:00

LIVING AT PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE CRISIS

Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34

I. Storms Come
a. In this world we will face many trials and times of crisis
b. Ecclesiastes reminds us that to everything there is a season
c. The question in not how to avoid the storms of life—because they are inevitable; rather the question is how we survive the storms of life.
i. Isaiah 43:2- When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
ii. 23rd Psalm
iii. We survive by building our lives upon the rock of Jesus Christ!
1. Psalm 61:2- From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
II. Do Not Worry
a. If we build our lives upon the rock of Jesus Christ we will survive the storms of this life.
i. Jesus and the disciples in the boat!
ii. Our reaction to crisis is normally what can we do—we develop plans and programs- to our resources
1. In the nation’s financial crisis—it was the love of money that created this crisis.
2. 1 Timothy 6:10- For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
3. Matthew 6:24- No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
iii. The Bible says that we are to turn to God
1. Proverbs 3:5-6- 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
2. 2 Chronicles 7:14- if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
a. We are called by name of Jesus Christ and are His people!
i. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. (Romans 1)
ii. Romans 8:28- 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.
b. Our eternal hope is secure is Jesus Christ!
i. John 14- 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
ii. 1 Corinthians 15- 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
iii. Hebrews 6- 6But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
c. Our treasure is not in this world—but in heaven.
i. Matthew 6- 19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
ii. Philippians 4:19- And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
1. Our needs are met in Christ Jesus!
2. John 14:14- You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
3. Philippians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
4. Wait upon the Lord!
d. Therefore—we seek FIRST the Kingdom of God.
i. Philippians 3:7- But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
ii. Philippians 1:19-21- Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[a] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
iii. Titus 2- 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
III. Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us
a. Daniel 3- 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." 25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."
b. Hebrews 13:5- Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN AND SHAME

2008-10-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN AND SHAME
Accepting God’s Forgiveness

John 8:1-11

I. Forgiving Ourselves
a. Sometimes it is harder to forgive ourselves then to forgive other people
i. The story of the woman caught in adultery plays out in the mind of one controlled by guilt and shame
b. By not accepting God’s forgiveness we allow our sin to define us, rather than the grace of God
i. 2 Corinthians 5:17- 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
ii. Ephesians 2:10- For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
iii. We cannot serve two masters.
c. Both Judas and Peter betrayed God—but only Peter received the forgiveness that Christ offered—and he became the rock upon which the Church was built
i. Matthew 27- 3When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.
d. Ungrace perpetuates the cycles of dysfunction in our relationships and within ourselves
i. The law shames us, while grace frees us!
e. The only way to experience the freedom that Christ offers is to be set free from the sin and shame through the power of the Blood
II. Woman Caught in Adultery- Conviction and Condemnation
a. The Pharisees brought the woman before Jesus to condemn her
b. Jesus is not interested in condemning her sinfulness and tries to ignore their cries for “justice”
c. Jesus is not interested in condemning the world—but convicting the world of sin
i. John 3- 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
ii. Romans 8- 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[a] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[b] And so he condemned sin in sinful man,[c] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
1. Jesus did not condemn the person—he condemns the sin
2. The Holy Spirit only convicts a person of sin who has been born again.
d. The Holy Spirit condemns sin and convicts the sinner
i. Condemnation creates guilt and shame; Conviction leads to repentance and freedom
ii. John 16:8- 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment
iii. The devil tries to turn the healthy conviction of the Holy Spirit into destructive guilt
1. Romans 8:1- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
2. John 16- 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.
a. The truth will set us free!
3. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
4. 1 John 1:8-10- 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
a. Hebrews 10- 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (BY…)
b. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
III. Laying down our stones and running to Jesus
a. James 4:12- 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
b. We need to stop holding the rocks—so we can receive his grace. By the same measure you judge—you will be judged
c. We preach Christ!
i. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. (1 Corinthians 2)
ii. Galatians 6:14- 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
iii. 2 Corinthians 4- 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
iv. 1 Timothy 1- 12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Grace Alone

2008-09-20T07:38:00.001-07:00

GRACE ALONE
Genesis 6:1-7:1

Grace is “undeserved blessing freely bestowed on humans by God.” Grace “does not start with us, it starts with God.”

WHY WE NEED SAVING?

Ephesians 2:1-10
Sin is disobedience towards God. Our sin has corrupted every aspect of this world.
1. “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination and every intention of human thinking was only evil continually.” (Gen. 6:5)
a. Corrupts the mind and will of man
2. Romans 8- 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope.
a. Corrupts creation
3. The Penalty of Sin
a. The wages of sin is death- Romans 6:23
b. 20 The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. (Ezekiel 18:20)

WHAT ARE WE SAVED FROM?

God tells Noah that a storm is coming that will “destroy, blot out, and wipe away mankind” but also all of creation.

1. The Storm of the End Times
a. Matthew 24- 4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,[a]' and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
2. The Storms of Life
a. John 16:33- In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
b. Living a “good life” does not keep trouble away.

HOW WE ARE SAVED AND WHY WE CANNOT DO IT OURSELVES?

1. Get Out of Your Boat
a. Matthew 14- 24but the boat was already a considerable distance[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it…29Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
b. 2 Corinthians 4- 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
c. What the devil intends for our destruction—God will use for our benefit!
“But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord…Noah was a just and righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:8-9)
2. Noah was saved through grace because the Bible teaches that no one is good.
a. 19"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.” (Luke 18:19)
b. 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
c. Noah was told of the storm and told how to avoid its devastating effect.
3. Noah was declared righteous not because of his works, but because of his faith.
a. Romans 1- 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[a] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
b. 7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11)
c. Romans 4:5- 5However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
4. You cannot earn your way into heaven…it is 100% Grace Alone- God has provided our Ark in Jesus Christ!
a. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. (Romans 3)
i. We try building our own ark—the problem is that our wood is warped.
ii. CAR TOTALED STORY- We are totaled from the minute that we come into this world.
1. Ephesians 2:3- 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
iii. What we try to do is “fix” our lives with philosophies and rules—but it is meaningless because in the end we have NO ETERNAL VALUE
b. Romans 3:22- 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
i. So, we should not try to “fix” our lives, when Jesus offers to buy us a new life—at no cost to ourselves—but costing him his life.
1. Romans 6:23- 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:21- 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22- 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
ii. The new life is abundant life!
1. John 10:10- 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
2. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
5. On the other side of the storm- Peace
a. Genesis 8:11- “And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a newly sprouted and picked olive leaf!”

WHY WE HE CHOSE TO SAVE US?

“9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son[b] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[c] our sins.” 1 John 4

“4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Simply because he loves us!

God shut the door!

The Enduring Power of Love

2008-09-20T07:37:00.002-07:00

THE ENDURING POWER OF LOVE:
LOVE NEVER FAILS

Scriptures: John 17:6-26, Matthew 25:14-30, 1 John 3

I. Jesus’ Prayer in John 17
a. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. (1 Corinthians 13:7- God’s Word Translation)…why…because Love NEVER FAILS
b. Jesus knew that our love would be tested and He prayed for complete unity so that the world would know that we are His
c. Love defines who God is and what we should be
II. Love Never Gives Up- Jesus at Gethsemane
a. Between the Now and Not Yet- 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,[a]we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
i. Jesus faced the ultimate test of his love when he moved towards the crucifixion. His love was able to endure because it was a deeper love that looked to not what is but what would be.
ii. How many times am I to forgive the unfaithfulness of others?
1. 13Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.
2. Always- Eccl. 11:1- Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
3. Don’t let the unrighteous acts of others rob you of what God has given you! Don’t give up on others because God has not given up on them.
iii. The love that we express towards others—is God’s love working through us.
1. 1 John 4- 7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
III. Love Never Fails
a. Philippians 1:6- 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
i. Recognizing that God is in control (Philippians 2:1-11) we are able to humble ourselves to express our love through service.
b. 1 Corinthians 9- 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
c. The prize is seeing the resurrection power of Jesus Christ!
IV. Love Remains
a. Galatians 5:6- The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
i. John 12:25- 25The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
b. Matthew 27- 54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son[e] of God!"
c. Matthew 25:14-30- Parable of the Talents
i. Invest our love in the kingdom for it is what will transform the world!

PERFECT LOVES CASTS OUT FEAR

2008-09-20T07:37:00.001-07:00

PERFECT LOVES CASTS OUT FEAR
1 John 4:13-18

I. Relationship between Love and Fear
a. Deuteronomy 10- 12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
b. Acts 5:1-11- Ananias and Sapphira
i. This couple did not have the reverential fear that kept them in check with their love for God
ii. The lack of reverence for a relationship makes it so that you are always making withdrawals from others without making deposits!
c. The fear that the Lord is commanding is not to be afraid but to be reverential when it comes to loving Him
i. 1 John 4- But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
ii. To reverentially love God it means that we have a respect for Him and awe for His love that He has shown to us- it keeps the love from being too familiar.
iii. It means that we do what He says- Proverbs 16- Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
d. Our love for God and love for others requires reverence.
i. 1 Corinthians 13- It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
ii. How we love others reflects how we love God
1. 1 John 4- 20If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
2. Matthew 25:40- 40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
3. James 3- 9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
II. Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
a. Fear of Condemnation
i. John 3:17- 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
ii. Romans 8:1- 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
1. How does this apply to us?
a. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
b. Ephesians 4- 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
b. Fear of Tyranny/Oppression
i. John 8- 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
ii. Galatians 5- 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
1. 13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[b] 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
2. Ephesians 5:21-33- Submission and Love- It is for freedom that Christ has sets us free
a. Reverence for God and love for one another is what is required to keep submission from becoming tyrannical
III. Free to Rejoice
a. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
i. We rejoice in the Love of the Lord, which allows us to enjoy one another
1. Psalm 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

LEARNING TO LOVE: DYING TO SELF

2008-08-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

LEARNING TO LOVE: DYING TO SELF
2 Samuel 13:1-21

I. Love and Lust
a. Amnon thought he was in love with Tamar; however, Amnon’s actions demonstrate lust not love
b. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13 that love “is not self-seeking.”
c. Lust is centered on what I need, Love is concerned with what you need
d. Jesus tells us that the kind of love that we as His friends should exhibit is a self-sacrificial love
i. John 15- 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command.
e. As followers of Christ we are to deny ourselves (laying down our lives for our neighbors)
i. Matthew 16- 24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
ii. Matthew 5- 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
II. Dying to Self (Romans 8:5-17)
a. 5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
i. Amnon’s mind was centered on His needs and desires (His flesh)
ii. As Christians, our mind is to be set on the Holy Spirit and pleasing God in everything we do- especially in our relationships!
1. Ephesians 4- 1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
b. 6The mind of sinful man[j] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
i. We need to change the way we think about ourselves, others, and this life
1. Luke 10- 27He 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'[a]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b]"
2. Romans 12: 2Do not conform any longer 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.
3. Amnon allowed obsession to overtake his mind- it controlled him!
ii. Romans 7- 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.
c. 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.
i. Galatians 5
1. 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
a. Christ has set us free from thinking about ourselves all the time!
i. Matthew 6:24- No one can serve two masters
ii. Matthew 6:33- 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
2. 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
a. The desires of the flesh are: 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
b. James 4:7- 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
c. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
ii. Galatians 2:20- 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

LEARNING TO LOVE: HOPE

2008-08-18T18:36:00.002-07:00

LEARNING TO LOVE: HOPE
Luke 15:11-32

I. The Prodigal Son’s Father- A Lesson in Hope
a. Three remain together- Faith, Hope, and Love
i. Faith is concerned with the past and the present.
ii. Hope is concerned with the future. Faith in the future.
1. Romans 8- But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
iii. Love is what we are and what we do.
b. The father would obviously be hurt by his son’s request and his subsequent actions. The hurt could be manifested in shame and/or anger.
c. The father’s actions in this story demonstrate how love and hope and tied together.
i. Losing hope destroys relationships and communities.
ii. John Maxwell, Maine, Hydro-electric plant, relocation, “Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present.”
II. The Father’s Hope (1 Corinthians 13)
a. 20So 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.
b. How did the father do it?
i. 1 Thessalonians 1:3- 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
ii. The Father put his hope in God, not in man or possessions.
1. Psalm 42:11- Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
c. The Father was bold to believe that God would return his son to him.
i. 2 Corinthians 3:12- 12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
ii. Bold in believing that he would turn the situation into something that would bring him glory.
1. Romans 5- And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
2. Romans 8:28- 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.
iii. The Father’s hope was an anchor!
III. While the Father watches…Qualities of Hope in Love
a. Love keeps no records of wrongs—it is continually looking forward
i. Colossians 3- 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
ii. Hebrews 12- 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
b. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
i. The Scriptures as a basis of our enduring hope.
1. Colossians 1- 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
ii. Prayer is an expression of our hope
1. Romans 12:12- 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
2. Philippians 1:19-21- Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[a] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
c. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth!
i. The father threw a party. The other son rejected the party and was bitter.
ii. Hebrews 10:22-24- 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
iii. Philippians 4- 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Attributes of Love (A)

2008-08-18T18:36:00.001-07:00

Learning to Love Series: Part 4
Attributes of Love (A)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13

I. FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE
a. The key verse in 1 Corinthians 13- 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
b. Paul states that faith, hope, and love are eternally related to one another- the attributes of love
i. 1 Thessalonians 1- 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
c. Love is the greatest of these three
i. Faith is what we choose to believe
1. Hebrews 11:1- Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
ii. Hope is what we long for
1. C.S. Lewis- Hope…means…a continual looking forward to the eternal world
iii. Love is what we are and what we do
d. Love is the greatest because it is the reason for our faith in God and our hope in fulfilling what he has promised.
II. LOVE IS PATIENT
a. Patience and faith are one directly related to one another.
b. When we wait upon the Lord—we are choosing to believe in Him (have faith), even when the circumstances would drive us to disbelief
i. Psalm 37:7- Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
c. We are patient because we know that God is in control and faithful
i. Psalm 40:1- I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
ii. Philippians 1:6- he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
iii. Isaiah 40:31- But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)
d. Loving by faith and not by sight
i. Galatians 5:6- 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
ii. 2 Corinthians 5:7- We live (love) by faith, not by sight.
iii. Many times we lose our patience with others because we are living by FEELINGS (our senses) and not by FAITH.
e. Our faith means we are patient with God and with others recognizing that:
i. Eccl. 3:11- He has made everything beautiful in its time.
ii. His ways are mysterious
1. 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
III. LOVE IS KIND (James 2:14-25)
a. Faith and Love are tied together and Faith without works is dead
i. If you love you will show it.
ii. Matthew 12:34- For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
iii. James 2:18- Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
b. Ephesians 2:10- For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
c. How do we show kindness?
i. Romans 12- 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
1. Don’t give up on people- because God has not given up on them
2. Serve the Lord by Serving Others
a. Colossians 3:17- 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
b. Matthew 25:40- 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
3. Let the Joy of the Lord be Your Strength and Delight in Him
a. Nehemiah 8:10- Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
b. Psalm 37:4- 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
c. Philippians 4:19- 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
d. Ephesians 3- 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”

2008-08-03T05:46:00.001-07:00

LEARNING TO LOVE: PART 3
“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”
Luke 6:27-41

I. Be Merciful, Just as your Heavenly Father is merciful
a. It is hard enough to love our neighbor, but Jesus wants us to love our enemies as well…why?
b. Loving our enemies makes us more like God which brings his glory and honor.
i. Romans 5:8-10- But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
c. As Christians, while we are regarded as enemies by some, we should regard no one as an enemy because everyone can be redeemed.
i. John 15- 18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
ii. Romans 12:18- If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
d. Consider the example of the relationship between Judas and Jesus
i. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him and still he gave Judas a seat at the table and the opportunity to follow him.
ii. John 13:1-17- Jesus served the disciples even though two of the twelve would deny him.
iii. The love that Jesus showed was not dependent upon the actions of other but because of the Father…His identity was established by the Father
1. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
2. 1 John 4:16- And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
3. Romans 12:2- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
II. How do we love our enemies?
a. The goal of loving our enemies is to transform the situation; rather than conforming to it.
i. John 3:16- 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
b. Do good to your enemies by:
i. Bless those who curse us- What we say?
1. James 3- 9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
ii. Pray for those who abuse us- What we think about them?
1. 1 Corinthians 13- 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
2. Luke 23:34- Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
iii. Turn the other cheek- What we allow them to do to us?
1. Stop the cycle- Violence is a cycle
2. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love is not easily angered
iv. Serve them! - What we do to them?
1. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love is not self-seeking
2. 1 John 3:18- Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
3. Proverbs 25:21- 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
v. Be merciful- Make the choice to forgive, even before the offense is made—that is what God did for us!
1. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love keeps no records of wrongs
c. Resolve to know nothing but Christ!
i. 1 Corinthians 2- 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified…16But we have the mind of Christ.
ii. Philippians 4- 8Finally, brothers, 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.
iii. Philippians 4- 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

FEED MY SHEEP

2008-07-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

Learning to Love: Part 2
Feed My Sheep
John 21:15-19

I. Showing Our Love For God
a. Jesus ties our love for God to our love for others.
i. Matthew 22- The two (three) greatest commandments are to Love God and Love others as ourselves.
ii. 1 John 3:10- 10This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
b. We are able to properly love God/others when we are following His commandments.
i. 1 John 4:21- And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
ii. 1 John 5:2-4- 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world.
iii. We are not able to love God and love others without His Holy Spirit
1. 2 Timothy 1:7- 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
II. How do we feed His Sheep: What does the Lord command?
a. Micah 6:8- 8 He has showed you, O man, 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.
b. TO ACT JUSTLY
i. Be faithful and upright in all things- Do what is right!
1. Luke 16:10-11- 10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
ii. Be an Ambassador of Reconciliation
1. 2 Corinthians 5- 20We 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. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2. We are a new creation in Christ and he has destroyed what divides us.
iii. Be an Advocate for Justice!
1. The Good Samaritan- Start taking care of the street!
2. 1 Thessalonians 5- 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
3. Matthew 10- 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
c. LOVE MERCY- My blow-up
i. SHOW COMPASSION- Colossians 3:13- 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
ii. 1 Thess 5- 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
d. WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD
i. Walk with Him by Seeking His Will
1. 2 Chronicles 7:14- 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
ii. Let Him Lead- Go to the Word
1. Psalm 119:105- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
iii. Christ Exalted!
1. Phil. 1:12-26
III. Who Am I?
a. Noah was a drunk Abraham was too old Isaac was a daydreamer Jacob was a liar Leah was ugly Joseph was abused Moses has a stuttering problem Samson has long hair and was a womanizer Rahab was a prostitute Jeremiah and Timothy were too young David has an affair and was a murderer Isaiah preached naked Jonah ran from God Peter denied Christ The Disciples fell asleep while praying Zaccheus was too small Paul was too religious Lazarus was dead!

THE LOVE OF GOD

2008-07-21T04:25:00.001-07:00

THE LOVE OF GOD: Part 1
Learning to Love Series
1 John 4:7-19

I. Love is the Defining Attribute of God
a. God is Love
i. 1 John 4:8- Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
b. Love is not something that God feels, it is his very being. Therefore, God’s actions are always loving.
i. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son[b] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[c] our sins.
ii. Not only did he die for us—he served us- Christ washing the feet of the disciples
II. Our ability to love comes from God
a. We were created in His image and God is love.
i. Genesis 1:27- So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
ii. The Imago Dei has become distorted because of SIN. Therefore, our view of love has become distorted as well since God cannot dwell in Sin- Inordinate love
b. Our source for and to love is in God.- 1 John 4:7- Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
i. 19We love because he first loved us.
c. We need to have a model for love- JESUS & The Cross
i. Be Imitators of God- Ephesians 5:1- 1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved
ii. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
iii. 34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
1. John 15 - 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. How?
a. Galatians 6:2- 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
b. Hebrews 10:24- 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
c. 1 John 5:2- 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
2. Romans 5- 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
III. Reduced to Love
a. Love comes from the spirit of God within us that is only made possible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
b. 13We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
i. Know- It consumes our thoughts & Rely- It consumes our actions
c. The more we experience the love of God- the more we will be changed
i. 1 Corinthians 13- 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
ii. John 3:30- He must increase, so I must decrease.

Bethany Newsletter- July Edition

2008-07-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

July, 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

During the month of July we celebrate Independence Day which commemorates the signing of the declaration of independence formally establishing the United States of America as sovereign nation and separating our allegiance to Great Britain. While the fourth of July celebrates the signing of the declaration of independence—the victory that secured our freedom did not come until much later and after many lost their lives.

We know that our freedom was not and is not free, but was the result of the resolve and sacrifice of those who came before us. As Christians, we need to remember that the freedom that we have in Christ was not free because it costs Him His very life as Jesus took on the full weight of our sin and shame upon the old rugged cross of Calvary.

Luke 12:48 reminds us that to whom much is given, much is expected. Christ gave his all for us, so that we will give our all to Him. We give our all to Him, by declaring our dependence on Him. We do this because He first loved us (1 John 4:19) and so that we can truly live life at its best (Romans 6). Daily we need to declare to God that we can’t make it through the day without Him, acknowledge Him in all situations (Proverbs 3:6), and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). The result will be life to the full (John 10:10)!

I want to encourage you to enjoy your life and the freedom found in Christ. This quote is posted in my office: "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out and proclaiming, 'WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!'" Let us continue to encourage one another to live life to its fullest and using the freedom that we have in Christ to choose to do good for God’s glory and honor!

In Christ,

Pastor Robin Weinstein

THE GRUMBLE GREMLINS

2008-07-17T16:25:00.002-07:00

“The Grumble Gremlins”
James 3:1-12

I. The Devastating Power of Words
a. In 1984, the movie “Gremlins” came out in which a boy receives a pet named Gizmo, a cute, fuzzy, and lovable pet called a Mogwai. There is a huge responsibility in looking after Gizmo as there are certain rules which must be followed. The Mogwai must be kept away from bright light, never made wet and never, ever be fed after midnight. When an accident occurs involving Gizmo and water, the next evolution stage of the Mogwai appears, and it isn't nice at all.
i. When you get him wet- it caused him to multiply into a number of mischievous little brothers. Soon enough, the new Mogwai get hold of some food after midnight and this causes them to change from cute fur-balls into nasty, scaly monsters dubbed 'Gremlins.'
ii. Gremlins destroy and cause havoc.
b. Each of us have the ability to go from a nice and peaceful person- to a scaly monster that causes havoc through our WORDS.
i. We have two natures at work with us- Romans 7:14-25- “What a wretched man I am!”- Have you ever regretted what you say? “
ii. Have It Your Way Mentality”
iii. “The Way It Used to Be Mentality”
iv. “Holier Than Thou Mentality”
c. James reminds us that words can produce devastating consequences in our relationships and community.
II. The Root Problem is a Heart Problem
a. James tells us that “no man can tame his tongue” (3:8)
b. The reason is that the tongue is controlled by the Heart.
i. Matthew 12:34- For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
ii. Matthew 15:17-19- 17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
c. What controls the heart? Spirit or the Flesh
i. If we are relying on the flesh, we will never able to truly tame the tongue because the flesh is weak.
ii. Our hearts need to be governed by the Spirit
1. Galatians 5- 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
iii. 2 Corinthians 12:9- 9And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for (A)power is perfected in weakness" Most gladly, therefore, I will rather (B)boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
III. Easier said than done!- Colossians 3:1-17
a. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
i. Philippians 1- 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[c] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
b. Set your mind on Heavenly Things
i. Philippians 4:8- 8Finally, brethren, (N)whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
c. Testing yourself with the cross as the measure- What is your motive?
i. Galatians 6:3-5- 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.
ii. 2 Corinthians 10:5- we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
d. Don’t hide from the problems- address them
i. Ephesians 4:25-27- 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin"[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
e. Forgive as the Lord forgives you
f. Put on Love- “put on” Love is something we do, not something we feel.
g. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
i. Psalm 37:4- Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
h. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you- Stand on the Promises of God
i. Build one another up!
j. Rejoice Evermore!
i. Philippians 4:4- 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

TO STAND

2008-07-17T16:25:00.001-07:00

TO STAND
Exodus 13:17-14:31

I. Living Between Promise and Provision (vv.17-18)
a. God led the Israelites on the right path, but not the shortest.
b. The path that God leads us on is not an easy one and to see victory is a slow process.
i. The Christian Life is about struggle
ii. Ephesians 6:12- 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
iii. The Ability to STAND
iv. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
c. JESUS: OUR MOSES- Matthew 8:18-27
i. Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship
1. 18When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." 20Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
ii. The story of the Storm- After speaking of the cost, Jesus then calms the storms of their lives- Go to Jesus
iii. Exodus- 21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
iv. Psalm 46:7- The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
II. God Will Make Way!- Psalm 46:7-11
a. BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD
i. 13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
ii. Psalm 46:10- “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
b. DO NOT BE AFRAID BY RESTING IN THE LORD
i. Psalm 46:8- Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. (REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS DONE)
ii. Isaiah 46: 1 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (REMEMBER WHAT HE WILL DO)
iii. Psalm 37:7 (NASB)- 7[a]Rest in the LORD and (A)wait [b]patiently for Him; (B)Do not fret because of him who (C)prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. (Don’t be discouraged)
c. MOVE ON IN HOPE
i. The result is strength to move on and GET OUT OF GETHSAMNE
ii. Isaiah 40:31- But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
iii. 2 Corinthians 5:7- We walk by faith, not by sight (NASB)
d. FEAR THE LORD AND PUT YOUR TRUST IN HIM
i. Do what He tells you to do and he will do what He says He will do.
ii. Psalm 37:5-6- Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
iii. Psalm 111:10- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
1. Fearing God means believing in His mighty power even when it does not make sense.
iv. 1 Corinthians 1- 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[d]
v. Psalm 46:11- The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress
III. Fight the Good Fight
a. 2 Timothy 4- 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Sword of the Spirit & Feet Fitted with the Readiness That Comes from the Gospel of Peace

2008-07-17T16:24:00.002-07:00

The Battles Is The Lord’s: Part 4
Sword of the Spirit & Feet Fitted with the Readiness That Comes from the Gospel of Peace
2 Timothy 3

I. The Power of the Word of God
a. The word of God is our tool for training in righteousness
i. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
ii. The Word of God shows us OUR sin and HIS grace which is THE hope.
1. Romans 7:7- Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law.
2. Romans 8- 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in sinful man,[d] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
iii. The Word of God shows us how to live life at its best!
1. Joshua 1: 7 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. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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.
b. The word of God is our weapon against the enemy
i. The word of God increases our faith/makes us stronger- Romans 10-17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
ii. The word of God allows us to see the Devil’s lies- John 8- 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
1. Jesus when tempted countered every deception with God’s truth
c. The word of God is the instrument to breakdown strongholds and advance God’s Kingdom
i. 2 Corinthians 10- 3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
ii. We demolish strongholds by preaching Christ crucified- 1 Corinthians 1:23
II. Unlocking the Power of the Word of God: Love!
a. Matthew 22- 36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
b. Love prevents the abuse of the word of God!
i. 1 Corinthians 13- 1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
c. Love allows us to correctly apply the word of God!- Marriage Illustration
i. Ephesians 4:15- 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
III. Advancing the Word of God- Ready to spread the Gospel
a. If you love me, feed my sheep
i. 2 Corinthians 5:14- For Christ's love compels us
ii. 1 Peter 3:15- 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
b. Preach always, and when necessary use words

THE BELT OF TRUTH: INTEGRITY

2008-07-17T16:24:00.001-07:00

The Belt of Truth: Integrity
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. (Psalm 25:21- of David)

I. What is INTEGRITY?
a. Integrity is being who you say you are.
b. Biblical integrity is being the person that Christ has called us to be.
c. The Belt of Truth- Integrity- is the cornerstone piece in our armor that protects us against the barrage of attacks from Satan because:
i. We know who we serve
ii. We know who He says we are
iii. We know that his grace is sufficient
d. Without integrity, none of the other pieces of spiritual armor fits.
i. Integrity requires uprightness in order to be an effective protection.
e. Integrity does not mean that we are perfect, but it does mean that we are always striving to be better- “Because my hope is in you”.
i. Romans 3:28- For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.
ii. Romans 6- 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
II. Compromise’s destructive power- 2 Samuel 11
a. The weapon that the enemy uses against our integrity is compromise.
b. Compromise is a settlement- Hunter and the Bear Story
c. Compromises start out small- Crack in the foundation.
i. 1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.
d. Compromise dwells in the secret corners of our lives.
e. Compromises grow!
f. The effects of compromise- 2 Samuel 12:7-12
i. Hurts our relationship with God, others, and ourselves- affects our ability to receive blessings.
ii. May have long term consequences- God forgives sin, but does not always cancel the consequences of our actions.
III. How to maintain our integrity in the face of compromise?
a. Admit you can’t do it on your own.
i. Only by Grace!
1. 1 Peter 5- 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
ii. Develop mentoring and accountable relationships- Proverbs 27- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
b. Be Alert- 1 Peter 5:8- 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
c. Don’t let the Devil get a foothold- RUN!
i. James 4:7- Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
d. Clean out your closet- CONFESS.
i. 2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. (Luke 12)
ii. Psalm 139- 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
e. Keep focused on Jesus!
i. Hebrews 12- 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
ii. 1 Peter 5- 10And 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.

SPIRITUAL DEFENSE

2008-07-17T16:23:00.001-07:00

The Battle Is the Lord’s: Spiritual Defense
Ephesians 6:10-18

I. Understanding the Devil’s Tactics- Matthew 4:1-11
a. Blood in the Water- Devil comes at your weakest point
b. Bread- Distraction
c. Temple- Distortion
d. Kingdoms- Doubt
II. The Helmet of Salvation- Guard Your Mind- What you think?
a. Titus 2:11- For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
b. Acts 4:12- 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
c. James 4:7- 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you.
d. Romans 8:5- Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
e. Colossians 3:2- Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
f. 1 Peter 1:3- Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
III. The Breastplate of Righteousness- Guard Your Heart- What you feel?
a. Matthew 5:6- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.- What are you desiring?
i. Matthew 6:33- But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
ii. Romans 3- 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
iii. Philippians 3- 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
b. Galatians 6- 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[b] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
i. Romans 4- 4Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
IV. The Shield of Faith- What you believe?- Hebrews 11
a. 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
b. By faith, not by sight!

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD; PRAYER

2008-07-17T16:22:00.002-07:00

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD:
Preparing for the Battle- Prayer
Ephesians 6:10-18

I. The Battle Belongs to the Lord
a. The Battles that Choose Us
i. Psalm 44:22- Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.
b. The Battle we choose through our sinful and willful disobedience.
i. Jonah- living in the belly of the whale.
ii. The Holy Spirit will direct us, but if we ignore it, it will be to our peril.
c. No matter the Battle- the Lord is there to see us through and to make the outcome work to our benefit.
i. Romans 8:28- 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[j] who[k] have been called according to his purpose.
ii. Psalm 61:2- From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
II. All Battles are Spiritual-
a. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
b. Our first reaction is many times to fight using our own power and might!
i. Peter & the Ear- John 18:1-11
1. Peter was sleeping earlier while Jesus was preparing himself through prayer. Matthew 26:36-45
ii. We use prayer as a last resort (All we can do is pray.) when it is our most powerful weapon.
1. 2 Corinthians 10:4- The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2. Pride keeps us from praying!
a. 2 Chronicles 4:17- if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
iii. David and Goliath- Pick your armor- the Holy Spirit

III. Prayerful Preparation
a. Jesus knew the necessity of a solid prayer life with the Father- he prayed at the beginning and at the end of every day.
i. Prayer was a means to a solid relationship with the Father.
1. The Promised Land was not just a land, but the journey was a means to a relationship- God’s priority.
2. 1 Thess 5- 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
b. The Enemy is always at work to steal, kill, and destroy you.
i. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
1. Our security is found in the power of the Holy Spirit which is only harnessed through prayer.
2. Proverbs 18:10- The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

IV. Praying through the Battle- Exodus 7:9-13
a. Keep Your Hands Up to the Lord
i. Phil 1:9- Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
b. Keep Holding the Hands of Others Up
i. James 5:16- Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
c. Keep on Trusting!
i. 1 Chronicles 5:20- They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

I AM THE TRUE VINE

2008-07-17T16:22:00.001-07:00

“I AM THE TRUE VINE”
John 15:1-17

I. Jesus is our source for life at its best.
a. Doing it on our own is exhausting!
i. Great Depression- Run on the Bank- It’s a Wonderful Life
ii. FDIC- Jesus insures that we will have sufficient grace for every circumstance.
1. 2 Corinthians 9- 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
iii. Overdraft protection- 1 Peter 5:10- 10And 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.
b. Jesus wants us to have an abundant life IN HIM
i. John 10- 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
c. What does it mean to have life to the full?
i. Romans 14- 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
1. 1 Cor. 1:30- It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
2. Phil. 4- 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Right Thinking
3. Neh. 8:10- Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
II. Only through Jesus can we bear lasting fruit that will be for the Father’s glory.
a. Can I bear fruit apart from Jesus?
i. The fruit that we bear apart from Jesus is temporary and not satisfying.
1. Living Water
ii. The branch broken off from the vine will wither. Likewise, it is impossible to live the Christian life without being part of the vine.
1. Psalm 1
iii. Living a Legacy- What we do for the Kingdom will be completed.
b. It is not our responsibility to live out the Christian life.
i. Through the Spirit, the Christian life is lived out through us, not by us.
ii. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5)
iii. Surrender to the Holy Spirit
1. Admit that you can’t do it- But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
2. Pour on the power! Matthew 17:20- He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
III. We need to remain in Christ and remain with each other!
a. Hebrews 10- 19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (THIS IS HOW YOU LOVE OTHERS) 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

FIRST THINGS FIRST- MOTHER'S DAY

2008-07-17T16:21:00.001-07:00

“First Things First”
Mother’s Day Lessons from Rebekah
Genesis 27:1-25
RATS- Biblical Parenting

I. REMEMBER
a. You are only a trustee of your child.
i. Children have a special place in God’s heart. (Mark 10:14)
1. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
2. God wants parents to know and recognize that each child should be loved and valued.
3. To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected
b. Each child is special and God has a plan for them.
i. Genesis 25- 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
1. 1 Corinthians 12- The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
2. Psalm 139- For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
3. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29)
II. ACT as CHRIST- Be a Godly Example
a. 1 Thess. 2- 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
b. Deuteronomy 4- 9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
c. 1 Corinthians 11- 1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
III. TRAIN in Righteousness
a. Many parents desire the best for their children. However, many times their desire for the best can create the worst.
i. God’s word teaches that we need to be focused on the right process and then He is responsible for the right outcome.
1. Proverbs 22:6- Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
2. Philippians 1:6- he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
ii. How do we train?
1. Study the Bible with your children/pray with your children.
2. SHARE your trials and failures.
IV. SURRENDER
a. Jacob and Esau’s relationship was strained and he spent many years away working for Laban- but he returned home to his foundation.
i. God allowed him to grow up.
1. The Prodigal Son
2. 8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me (Psalm 138)
3. Romans 8:28- 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.
4. God wrestled with him.
V. REPENT – Start Over

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE

2008-07-17T16:20:00.002-07:00

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE
John 14:5-14

I. For Jesus to be the way, he must be accepted as the truth manifested in the life.
II. WAY: Jesus is the only remedy for sinful man to approach a Holy God.
a. Some take issue with the fact that Jesus is the only way.
i. God did not have to make a way. But because of his great love for us, he chose to make the way himself.
b. Being a “good” person does not get you into heaven, because “no one is righteous” (Romans 3:10)
1. James 2:10- For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
2. What is the penalty and remedy for breaking a command?
3. Jesus says that sin reigns in our hearts and minds, even if we do not act on them.
a. Romans 12:2- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
c. The Imparted of Righteousness of Christ (Romans 3:21-31)- He is our Sin bearer
i. Because we have all sinned, God needed to present a blameless sacrifice.
ii. Righteousness is not achieved through right actions, but through a right relationship with God, the Father, through Jesus, the Son.
1. 4Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. (Romans 10)
iii. The right relationship will bring about right living over time because it changes the heart. (Romans 7:21-25)
III. TRUTH: Jesus is not our life insurance policy. He is the policy of life’s assurances.
a. The promise of eternal life is an amazing gift, but it is only the beginning.
i. Social Security provides the basics for retirement, but in order to have a full retirement it requires that you prepare now for then.
ii. Today’s average 50 year old only has $2300 saved toward retirement.
iii. Less than 1/2 of American workers have attempted to calculate how much they need to save for retirement.
b. When I get to heaven, I want to hear…well done and that means that I have to live like Jesus now.
c. Believing that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior means that I accept him as the standard bearer.
i. Luke 16:13- "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
ii. You will either be a slave to righteousness or a slave to sin. One leads to abundant life and the other leads to eternal death.
iii. Being a Christian means that I strive to be more like Jesus.
1. John 3- 36"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (NASB)
2. Philippians 1:20- 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
3. John 3- 30He must become greater; I must become less.
4. John 14- 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.
iv. How do you act in this life?
1. Jesus quoting the prophet Isaiah in Matthew 15 states: 8" 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'
IV. LIFE: Our decisions determine our direction which leads to our destination.
a. Luke 12:34- 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
i. What do you value in this life?
b. Following Jesus means living life at its best!- More peace, joy, love.
i. Jesus sets you free from the bondage of sin to live a life of freedom.

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE

2008-07-17T16:20:00.001-07:00

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
John 11

When Life Does Not Make Sense…
I. Lord, the one you love is sick.
a. Resurrection implies that we will go through death/destruction
i. Though outwardly we are wasting away (2 Corinthians 4:6)
ii. Why does God allow it to be so hard?
1. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. (2 Corinthians 4:11-12)- So that he will be glorified!
b. 5If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. (Romans 5)
i. Psalm 10:14- But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
ii. HE IS OUR HOPE
c. The Rain falls on the Good and the Wicked (Matthew 7:24-27)
i. Build you your house upon the rock
ii. Psalm 9:9- The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
II. Resurrection Power
a. We need to call out to Jesus in our times of distress, just like Mary and Martha- GO TO THE ROCK
b. We need to wait patiently for His answer.
i. In our waiting, we need to acknowledge what we believe- Do you believe this?- Joseph
ii. Live what we believe and Trust God that His will is best.
c. When the enemy has destroyed—God will resurrect something new.
i. Isaiah 61:3- A Crown of Beauty Instead of Ashes; The oil of gladness, instead of mourning; a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
ii. 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. (1 Peter 5:10)
iii. He makes ALL things new (Revelation 21:1-5)
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17- 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
iv. What is new?
1. New Identity
a. John 1:12- God’s Child
b. John 15:15- I am a friend to God
c. Colossians 2:9-10- I am complete in Christ
d. 1 Corinthians 3:16- I am God’s temple
2. New Hope
a. Hebrews 3:6- But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
b. Titus 2:13- while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
3. New Strength
a. Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
III. Take off the grave clothes and let him go.
a. The grave clothes are always calling and trying to bring you down.
i. Be Hot or Cold- Revelation 3:16- So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
b. John 16:33- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
c. SHED THE GRAVE CLOTHES

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD

2008-07-17T16:19:00.002-07:00

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD
John 10:11-18; Luke 15:3-7

I. Jesus Christ- Our Good Shepherd
a. He is the good shepherd who loves us and takes care of us!
b. The Shepherd’s Staff of Jesus is the HOLY SPIRIT
i. John 16:5-16
ii. It convicts us, teaches us, leads us, and reaches us.
II. The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life For His Sheep
a. Jesus is different from false teachers and prophets because he did not just talk the talk and walk the walk, he died our death.
b. He protects the flock because he loves his sheep.
i. 1 John 4:14- And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
ii. Luke 9:56 (KJV)- For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
iii. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14)
iv. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, judgment
III. The Good Shepherd Knows the Sheep of His Flock
a. He has made himself known to the flock.
b. He speaks to the flock and his flock listens!
i. John 14- 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
ii. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37)
c. He knows and tends to the needs of the flock.
i. Psalm 23:1- The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
ii. Romans 5:6- You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
iii. Psalm- You fill my cup until it overflows- ABUNDANT LIFE
IV. The Good Shepherd Leads the Flock
a. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (Message)- In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.
b. You may be obeying the laws of God and not following the lead of God.
c. John 16- 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
i. The Shepherd is leading us from Glory to Glory
d. The Shepherd has cleared the path before us
i. Psalm 23:3- He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
ii. He has prepared a table in front of my enemies- Jesus is taking care of us in the midst of our enemies
1. Psalm 23 (CEV)- You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as a guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
2. Where he is leading us? Amongst our enemies.
3. Ephesians 2:6- And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
V. The Good Shepherd Brings Others Into the Flock
a. Isaiah 56:8- The Sovereign LORD declares— he who gathers the exiles of Israel: "I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered."
VI. The Good Shepherd Goes After the Lost Sheep
a. Luke 15:3-7
b. You can’t sin your way out of the love of Christ.
c. Where you are is where He is.

I AM THE GATE

2008-07-17T16:19:00.001-07:00

I AM THE GATE
John 1:1-10; Ephesians 2

I. The Gate to the Father
a. In Christ, the barrier between humans and the Father have been destroyed from the TOP-DOWN
b. Ephesians 2- 14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
c. Philippians 4- 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
d. Matthew 7- 7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.- We cannot wear our welcome out.

II. The Gate to Our Pasture
a. Ephesians 2- 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
b. Revelation 21- 5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
c. God has a plan for your life!
i. Jeremiah 1:5- "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
ii. Psalm 139:14-18
d. How do we find our pasture?
i. Choose this day who you will serve!
ii. Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness (Matthew 6:33)
iii. Set the Lord Continually Before You
1. Isaiah 53:6- We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
2. Psalm 16:8- 8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
iv. Psalm 3:5-6
1. Trust in the Lord- Remember He has a Plan
2. Lean Not on your own understanding- Remember- You are sheep!
3. In all your ways acknowledge him- Seek His Guidance and Direction
a. Be Still and Know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10)
b. Psalm 37:7,9- WAIT Patiently for Him, do not fret when men succeed in their ways…For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
c. PRAY
d. STUDY THE SCRIPTURES AND GO TO CHURCH
4. He will make your paths straight

III. The Gate of Our Security
a. John 10- 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[d]; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

2008-07-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
John 8:12: 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.”
1 John 1:5-10
I. God is the Pure Light
a. Pure White Light is the Source of All Colors
i. God is light; in him there is no darkness at all-just complete unity. No confusion.
ii. The color black absorbs all other colors, while the color white is the reflection of all the colors in the spectrum.
iii. God is good and holy and there is no evil in him.
b. Genesis 1:27- So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
i. We were created to reflect the Glory of the Lord in his presence…to be a mirror of His image
1. Isaiah 43:7- Created for His Glory
2. We were created for his pleasure [for a relationship] (Revelation 4:12-KJV)

II. Fractured Light
a. Like a Prism- the Fall of Mankind fractured the image and light of God in us
i. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (Genesis 3)
ii. It separated us from God and from each other- broke the unity
iii. We see through a glass darkly because it is only illuminated by our light and not his and darkened because of our sin
1. 1 Corinthians 13:12- 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)
b. Sin (darkness) entered into the world and has darkened and distorted our vision and perception of the truth
i. 1 John 5:6- 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
ii. Isaiah 9:2- The people walking in the darkness
c. Jesus came to show us the Glory of the Lord and Bring the Light into the World- To restore the unity
i. John 1:9- 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
ii. 2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:1-13
d. What His Light Provides?
i. Gives Me A Direction- Guidance- Marco/Polo
1. Isaiah 60:19- The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory
2. Where I came from/ Where I am going- I was blind, but now I see
ii. Gives Me An Identity
1. I am able to see who I truly am- we do not lose ourselves in God, but we find our truest self- Who we were met to be
iii. Provides Unity- All the colors come together in Him in Pure White Light
1. Galatians 3:26- 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
2. We all reflect Christ!
iv. The Ability to Overcome the Darkness- The darkness has not overtaken it!

III. Reflecting the Glory of the Lord
a. Matthew 5:16- In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
b. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
c. 1 John 1:7- 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
i. In the Light as He is in the Light- starts by Accepting the Blood of Jesus DAILY
1. Black (sin) absorbs all colors of light and we cannot see. The color that changes our black hearts to pure white is Holy Red- The Blood of Jesus
ii. Confessing and Repenting of Our Sin DAILY
1. 1 John 1- 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
iii. Walking in the Light DAILY
1. 12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3)

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE

2008-07-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

JESUS: I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE
John 6:25-59
I. Jesus satisfies EVERY human need.
a. Manna from heaven met the Israelites needs, but they became bored with it and hungry again
b. Jesus is the bread of life that SATISFIES every human need because he has come from the Father who knows what we need before we ask
c. Daily Bread- daily we need to come to Jesus who is the source of our life
d. Abraham Maslow- American Psychologist- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs- Physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self Actualization
e. H
II. Hierarchy of Human Needs Satisfied by Jesus
a. Physiological- Jesus healed the BODY and SOUL because of the connection between the two.
i. God has provided for all our needs. Sin keeps people in want. We live in a world of plenty dwelling in a land of want in the midst of people in need. The Body of Christ
ii. Jesus feeding the Five Thousand- 16Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."- Two Fish/ Five Loaves
iii. Do not be anxious.
iv. Philippians 4- 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
b. Safety- the Christian life is not safe, but it is secure.
i. Psalm 23:6- Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
ii. 2 Corinthians 4:16- Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
iii. Romans 8- 31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither 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.
iv. 2 Corinthians 4- 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
c. Love/Belonging
i. NEW FAMILY- Matthew 12:50- For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother
ii. NEW COMMUNITY- Romans 12:5- 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
iii. NEW HOME- John 14:2- In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
d. Esteem- respect, confidence, achievement
i. We all want to know that what we do has worth and achieves a lasting purpose (legacy)
ii. Matthew 6: 19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
iii. Matthew 25:14-30- The Parables of the talent.
iv. When was the last time you asked God what he wanted for your life?
e. Self-Actualization- Purpose
i. Philippians 3:7-14