James 4:1-10                                                         February 5, 2012

“Pick A Side”                                                            James part 5

Introduction: Super Sunday

I.  Can’t be Neutral -  verse 4

We give God our hearts and say that we will follow him.  And so, God expects his people to give to him their undivided loyalty.

If a player is not fully committed to his team that automatically makes him an enemy to his team.  And, even though many Christians don’t try to be enemies with God, nor do we want to be enemies with God, maintaining a love of the world will put us in that category.

He who is not with me is against me.” – Matthew 12:30

II.  Symptoms of Friendship with the World -  verses 1-3

1) Coveting is a symptom of friendship with the world. 

2) Often our prayers can reveal to ourselves our own spiritual immaturity and our friendship with the world.

Basically, loving the world comes down to showing a preference toward the world’s values instead of on God’s values.

III. The Cure – verse 6

God has the right to cast us away from his presence because that is what we deserve. 

Cure--“He gives us more grace.” -- God entered into our world as Jesus and decided that what we can not do for ourselves, he would do for us.

IV.  The Preventative Care –verses 7-10

1) “Resist the devil and draw near to God”.  And, this is about a change of course in our life that results in different actions.

With God’s help, we can get on the right track again.  We can change course, and we can have victory over sinful habits and addictions. 

2) “Grieve, mourn and wail??”  God hates sin, and we ought to hate it too.  So, this part is about our attitude toward sin.

Repentance means to stop doing what is wrong and to turn back toward God.  It is also an attitude of humility that is absolutely central in true repentance. 

Psalm 51:17 “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

Conclusion:  --verse 8

“Come near to God and he will come near to you”. 

This means that God’s grace is always available for all those who repent.

James 3:1-12                                                         January 29, 2012

“Small Things, Big Problems”                                   James part 4

Introduction: Guess the Picture

I.  The Power of Words

James says that the tongue is just a small part of the body, but it comes with great power.  The tongue can be used to destroy a person.  And, it can be used to deceive and lead others astray.

-- A leader who speaks falsehood can quickly ruin years of healthy growth.

-- Parents also have the power to do great good or great harm with their tongues because of their position of influence.

--The internet has become a great way to stay in touch with people, but it can also be an easy way for a person to humiliate and degrade another person in a very public kind of way.

II.  The Tongue Reveals the Darkness of Sin

The words we speak reveal something about who we are on the inside and the corruption of our hearts.

The destructive power of our words shows us our tendency to hate God and neighbor.  The passage helps us to see our guilt and our inability to get ourselves on a path of holiness.  James says, “We all stumble in many ways.”

The tongue is a small part, but it shows us the big, bad world of evil.  No one can control the tongue.  It humbles us.  It shows us our depravity and our need for God.

III.  Our Words Transformed by God to Bring Life

Only God can give us the strength to forgive those who have said hurtful things to us.  And only God can help us use our words for good and not for evil.    Finding new life in Jesus Christ is the foundation to transform our words. 

-- It is our failure to see others as special creations of God that is one of the reasons why we tear others down with words. (verse 9)

-- Godly words can make an eternal difference. 

Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for the building others up according to their needs.” 

Encouraging and uplifting words are the great, untapped potential power in our lives. 

Conclusion  

The new life from Jesus has the power to transform our tongues.  Our words can be used to spread his good news and give life and joy to others. 

Bonus: Testimony of Jarred A.

James 2:14-26                                                       January 22, 2012

“Saved for a Purpose”                                                           James part 3

Introduction: Siri

I.  Faith and Action

James tries to imagine a person having a set of core beliefs, but then these beliefs having no impact on that person’s life; and he concludes that such a scenario is impossible.

True faith is not agreement with a certain doctrine.  It is more than once praying a simple prayer.  Faith is not just a creed or statement.  True faith transforms us.  It makes us new people.

Christians believe that we are saved by faith alone.  But, as Martin Luther said, “We are not saved by a faith that is alone” meaning that faith comes with a response. So, true saving faith also comes with actions.

II.  Doing God’s Will is Our Purpose

Knowing that God has a plan and a calling for us can be quite comforting.  Life is not a series of random acts.  Our days are in God’s hands, and he has a plan for you.

Faith doesn’t belong in our heads, it belongs in our lives.  James points out that even demons believe in God.  But, what good does that do them if they are not willing to follow him and make him Lord.

III.  Two Big Questions to Respond

1) What is God’s purpose for me (today)?

God’s purpose is revealed a little bit day by day. We take one small step after another, and trust God for the destination.

2) What does God want from me today . . .and, “Am I doing it?”

Conclusion  Galatians 5:16–

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

James 1:19-27                                                       January 15, 2012

“Putting Faith into Action”                                       James part 2

Introduction: Ways We Deceive Ourselves

The most dangerous way of all that we deceive ourselves is when it comes to our spiritual lives.

I.  The Self-Deception of Listening but not Acting

a faith that does not come with actions is not really a faith at all. 

for some reason, many people claim to be spiritual or religious, but then never, ever do anything that relates to religion at all.  Perhaps it is because people know that religion is important, so they want the label without the lifestyle

II.  The Problem of Forgetting

Mirror Illustation-- because hearing God’s word is so important, it is something that we would want to focus on and pay attention to.  It ought to be the kind of material that grabs our interest and attention, and therefore remembering God’s word is a priority.

Barna Research -- Asked to think about their last church visit, 61% said they could not remember a significant or important new insight related to faith.

Do something with the material, and then you won’t forget it!  

III.  Different Ways to Hear “God’s Word”

Taking time each day to read the Bible, reflect on the Bible, meditate or memorize it or whatever --this is a primary way that God speaks to us. 

Listening to the Word, also means listening to the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts.  

Our Christian lives can lack vibrancy and lack fruitfulness and lack joy because we aren’t good listeners and doers. 

IV.  Rewards from Obedience – verse 25

God does promise blessings for those who hear and obey.  If I said those blessings were always material ones, then that would be bad theology; I prefer to promote the spiritual blessings that come from obedience. 

reaching out to others can be a big part of our healing.

The Gospel brings freedom.  It is sin that makes us captives by enslaving us to addictions and trapping us and limiting our options.  So, the “law that gives freedom” reminds us that even the laws or rules of God’s word free us up to live as we are meant to live, and allow us to live a life that is pleasing to God. 

Conclusion – We must first hear and respond to the call of God to be his followers. 

James 1:1:18                                                          January 8, 2012

“Surviving the Trials”                                                James part 1

Introduction: Captain Sully

I.  A Crisis Vs. A Trial

In a crisis, having a plan and acting calmly is the key.  If you know what to do, you might be able to save your life.

However, the chances are that we will NOT encounter any of these situations.  But, the chances that we will experience hardship and suffering in life are very, very high.

Trials are the things that challenge our faith

II.  James Gives Some Instructions on Handling a Trial

1) Consider it pure joy (verse 2)

James isn’t looking for a bunch of superficial people who pretend to be happy when they really aren’t.  Church was never supposed to be the place of no problems.  This is not authentic living. 

If trials turn into temptations, then that is from our own wrong desires, and we can get in a real mess if we used a trial as a reason to sin. (verses 13-15) 

The joy comes from a humility before God and a dependence upon him.

2) Pray with confidence for wisdom (verses 5-7)

Spiritual wisdom is being able to clearly discern God’s purpose and plan in a situation.  And, then acting accordingly to live by God’s will.  (James 3:17)

If we pray with confidence, we can be absolutely certain that God will give us wisdom.  It is God’s will that we should have it.  It is a gift that God is eager to give.

3) Keep in mind the big picture

Hope is a vision of a better future, and just that anticipation alone is a key part in getting us through trials now.

IV. Good and Perfect Gifts from God (verses 16-18)

Christians can preserve in trial because God will provide us what we need to make it through.

The wisdom of the cross brings two different things together:  First, that there is suffering and we will experience it ourselves and it will be hard.  But, second, that God is there in the suffering and he gives us gifts to help us make it through. 

Conclusion –

James encourages all those who will hear his letter to seek God’s face when life seems darkest.

Luke 1:26-38                             December 11, 2011     “Mary’s Résumé”              Christmas Humility pt. 3

Introduction: An Imaginary Job Interview

I.  Mary’s Empty Résumé

Problem 1 : Mary could have been as young as 13 years old, and it is unlikely that she was any older than 17.

Problem 2 : like all young Jewish girls at that time, Mary would have been uneducated.

Problem 3: Her town, Nazareth was a nothing kind of place.

Up to this point in her life, it appears that she hadn’t done anything remarkable or noteworthy at all.

II.  The Qualities That God is Looking For

1) Belief: There are lots and lots of questions that could be asked her at this point.  But, Mary simply says, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have said.”  So, from this we can see an example of Mary’s simple faith. 

It is also rather remarkable that Mary does not ask the angel for a sign or for some kind of proof.  This really sets Mary apart from many other people we read about in the Bible.

2) Humble Submission: This was not the time for her to become a mother.  This was not the kind of life that Mary had been hoping for.

This particular calling from God was going to bring more than its fair share of trouble. 

This is not something that Mary would have chosen for herself.  She was scared.  But, she says, “Yes, Lord let it be.”

III.  When God Calls on Us

God has asked all believers to partner with him in his work, and this means working for God in really important and significant and life changing ways.  And this doesn’t require an impressive list of credentials.  God looks at you, as you are, and says, “You’re hired—when can you start?”  And, he hopes your answer will be “Today!!” 

We must also know that the path that God chooses for us is seldom an easy path.

God does not call us to a task that he will not prepare us to perform.

Conclusion – Nothing Is Impossible

It requires belief and submission, but God can use those who are humble.  And, what an adventure God has in store for us!

John 3:22-30                                       December 4, 2011

“He Must Become Greater”                 Christmas Humility pt. 2

Introduction: An Imaginary Political Scenario

I.  John the Baptist’s Popularity

Back in his prime, John the Baptist started out as the big name.  He was the most famous preacher of his day, and John the Baptist was the one who had celebratory status.

As Jesus comes onto the scene, he was the nobody no one had really heard of.  John 1:26 “Among you stands one you do not know.”

John was attracting all this attention for one purpose, so that he could prepare people for the arrival of Jesus.  He preached a message of repentance so that when Jesus did arrive they would have the proper humbleness to hear his message of salvation.

II.  The Transition from John to Jesus

John’s disciples noticed that John was losing the crowds and the attention.  Jesus was where everyone was going now.  And, they complain about it.  They were people who had their investment and their loyalty in the wrong place.

III.  Do Christians Sometimes Compete with Jesus?

No Christian would ever say that they are competing against Jesus, but this happens when our institutions become greater and more important than the work of Christ.  It happens when we put our investment and our loyalty in the wrong place, many times without even realizing we are doing it.

It is easy to make our religion about growing our church instead of THE church.

IV.  The Response of Humility

And then John says this important line, “He must become greater; I must become less.”  John must play a secondary role. 

How do we make Jesus greater in our lives? 

1) We must examine our own hearts to consider what other things might have a higher loyalty in our lives than Jesus.

2) We can make Jesus greater by constantly pointing other people toward him.

Conclusion – The Good News

No matter who you are, and no matter what you have done, Jesus can become greater in your life.  His love for you is the constant in a world of uncertainty and change.

Romans 12:1-2                                                November 13, 2011

“To Live as a Rebel”                                      Youth Sunday

Introduction: Two Kinds of Rebels

I.  What Might a Christian Rebel Look Like?

Certainly we could look at this life of Jesus and say that he was a rebel.

To live and operate and have an impact on our culture, some degree of conformity is necessary.  We can’t go to such extremes that we make ourselves irrelevant

We are called to transform the world and not run away from it. 

II.  Patterns of the World to Avoid

1) the pattern of this world is to seek the approval of others.

The Bible says not to seek the approval of men, but rather to seek the approval of God.  –Galatians 1:10

2) the pattern of the world is to do what you think is best for you. 

But, God tells us to be content with what we have and to give generously.  (Philippians. 4:11)

3) The pattern of this world is to fill our lives with busyness

the Bible tells us to be still and know that he is God. (Ps. 46:10)

4) the pattern of this world is-- do not disapprove of or judge another person’s choices.

But, God says to take a stand against what is wrong.  (James 5:20)

Ideas from the youth . . .

--The normal pattern of the world at high school is to swear and cuss as a regular part of their vocabulary.

The Bible tells us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” (Eph. 4:29) 

-- In our culture, certain people that might be different or seen in some way deficient might be especially picked on

Taking a stand for others who are de-valued is a way not to conform to the pattern of this world. (Philippians 2:3)

III.  The Goal for Living as a Christian Rebel

Our passage from Romans says that we do not conform, so that we can be transformed as more like Christ. 

This drastic transformation begins when a person turns away from their sin, believes in Jesus and becomes a Christian for the first time.

We are being transformed all the time because of the Spirit’s work in us.

The main goal of living a life of a rebel is to love God with our lives. 

Conclusion

 It certainly is not easy to live a life that does not conform to the pattern of this world.  . . . .

But, in Jesus we have spiritual power that can lead to victory.

Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43                      

“The Challenge of Hell”                 

I.  The Controversy and Difficulty of Hell

Rob Bell’s book “Love Wins” . . .

Bell rightly brings up some very hard issues about hell that Christians must wrestle with.

But, the reason why this book created such a negative reaction from many Christians is because his teachings are dangerous.  Bell theorizes that people will have a second chance to choose God after we die.  But, what if he is wrong?

The Bible expresses a real sense of urgency, and it would be dangerous and foolish to miss these warnings. 

II.  A Few Bible Verses on the Reality of Hell

Matthew 13: Jesus explains clearly here that all those who do evil will be thrown into the blazing furnace where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 25: The “goats” go away to eternal punishment and the “sheep” go to eternal life.

Luke 13:25  Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’

Revelation 20:15 “All whose names were not found written in the book of life were thrown into the lake of fire.”

III.  Facing the Truth

Each of us can struggle, knowing that we serve a good, loving and just God, but at the same time realizing that the clearest teachings in Scripture indicate some kind of eternal separation and punishment in hell.

Although hell is a really unpleasant topic, it is not something we just want to ignore and hope it goes away.  God does not lie, and God must have a good reason to teach about hell. 

IV.  Important Lessons for Us Today

1) The reality of hell ought to give us a real sense of urgency.

2 Cor. 6:2 “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

2) Reminds us of how much bigger and greater God is than us. – Isaiah 55:8-9

Even when things do not make sense to us, we have to learn to trust God and to realize that he knows best. 

3) The reality of hell also helps us understand the depth of our sinfulness. 

Then, we also will have a greater appreciation for what Jesus has done to save us on the cross.

Conclusion

Matthew 13:43 “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”   

*for more information on this topic see “Erasing Hell” by Francis Chan

NOTE: The audio sermon was cut off in the middle due to computer problems. Pastor Dan's notes are for the complete sermon.

II Kings 6:8-23                                                  October 16, 2011

“The Invisible World Around Us”      Spiritual Realm – part 2         

Introduction: The Fundamental Attribution Error

I.  The Angel Army

When the servant was looking at things from a logical perspective, it certainly looked like an impossible situation.

Elisha has the eyes of faith that allow him to see things from a different perspective.

we see that there is a difference between sight and vision.  Even when we can see, we still might be blind to what is really going on.  There is much more to this world than our usual, limited perspective.

II.  Awareness of the Spiritual Realm

Ephesians 6:12 “For 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.^”

Our thoughts and our motives are not visible things, and these are the things where the invisible spiritual world also has the greatest impact.  The battle is about spiritual comprehension.

II Corinthians 4:4 “The 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.” 

 If evil spirits can convince people that there is no spiritual world and do their work undercover, then all the better for them.

III.  Changing our Perspective

1) First, knowing about the spiritual realm helps us remember the importance of prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this spiritual realm in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

2) Reminds us that the power of God is present everywhere to help his people.

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

3) Believing in the spiritual world takes away fear.

“If God is for me, who can be against me.”  The powers of evil are not equal to God; rather they are powerless before God.

4) Having the right spiritual perspective helps us to see victory where circumstances look like certain defeat. 

Romans 8:37 “we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ who loves us.” 

Conclusion:

Our usual perspective fails to take in all the facts.  We want to be aware of the spiritual realm around us.  And, let our eyes be directed toward God in every danger: material or spiritual.

Revelation 21:1-5            “What Will Heaven Be Like?”           Spiritual Realm – part 1

I.  Questions and Mysteries

Certainly the Bible is very clear about living with God for ever, but it hardly talks about what this new kind of life will be like.  There are so many questions and so much that we don’t know. 

When it comes to heaven, we are hungry for information.  We want to know more. 

II.  4 Things the Bible Clearly Tells Us about Heaven

1) We know that God will be there and that God will live with us.

Rev. 21: 3 “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”

Philippians 1 -- Paul just wants to live with his Savior and figures that fact alone is enough for him. 

Before the Fall -- It was a very intimate relationship, until sin created a necessary distance between Adam/Eve and God. 

It is this deep re-connection to God that will satisfy our hearts and our deepest longings.

2) That it will be this world transformed. 

Ultimately, heaven will not be somewhere else, it is eternal life here, on a perfect new earth.  (Rev 21:1-2)

 “God will not make all new things, but rather he will make all things new.” – Revelation Interpretation Commentary

We can think about the things that we love to do now, and expect that those things could continue in heaven but without the downsides that might come with them.

3) the things that cause sadness will be removed. (Rev. 21:4)

We can probably best understand heaven now by saying what things we are familiar with on earth that will not be there.  And, so we can know that on this new earth there will not be sin nor the brokenness that sin causes.  All bad things are taken away.

4) Heaven is real. 

Rev 21:5 “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

The existence of heaven, and God’s invitation to join him there is the biggest reason we have for hope and comfort in this dark and broken world.

III.  The greatest controversy: Who will be there?

In John 3:16, and many other verses as well, the Bible says that heaven is for those who believe in Jesus Christ. 

Eternal life is a gift that is offered freely in grace.  So, it would be foolish to pass this offer by.  Make Jesus the Lord of your life today and go with confidence that heaven will be yours.

Luke 13:1-9                                            October 2, 2011

“God Heals Our Emotional Wounds”                       

Introduction: Some emotions aren’t complicated, but some we just don’t understand

I.  “Why Are You Downcast, My Soul?”

David knows that he can trust God, and he knows the right response is to put his hope in God.  But, having the right knowledge doesn’t always heal our emotions.

He knows God is there in his head, but he doesn’t feel God’s presence.

Knowledge about God is one thing, but experiencing God and having God with him is what he needs now.  So, that is what he is desiring and thirsting for, a meeting with God.

II.  We Can Get Stuck in Negative Feelings

We can’t always talk ourselves out of our feelings.  It takes more than logical truth to overcome a disturbed soul.

Emotions are an important part of who we are.  And, God can use our emotions to get our attention.  It could be that God wants us to deal with some issues from our past that we would rather ignore.

III.  An Experience with God Can Bring Healing to Our Souls

We need to realize that we are powerless apart from God’s intervention.  We also need to know that only God is capable of bringing us true healing from our emotional wounds. 

To be healed of emotional wounds, what we really need is the presence of God, a living relationship with God.  We need his arms to enfold us and his Holy Spirit to speak words of comfort.

We need to encounter God at the source of our pain so that he can redeem those experiences and speak the truth to our hearts.  And, there are many different ways we can experience God:

--Communal worship

--Being still and quiet before God

--Christian counseling and more . . .

Conclusion

We must understand that God wants us to be restored.  But, he may not just wave his hand and make it all go away.  Our life journey of growing closer and closer to God means we have to deal with the hurts of our past.  This is how God will bring about freedom and healing.

Luke 13:1-9                                            September 11, 2011

“When the Towers Fell”                    

Introduction: Memories of 9-11

I.  One Example of a Biblical Response to the Day – Luke 13

In this passage Jesus talks about a tragic event in his day, when a tower fell down and killed 18 people.

He says that the people who died were not more guilty than the others—“But, unless you repent, you too will all perish!” 

Jesus does not promise that anyone is exempt from tragedy.  But, rather, when a tragedy like this happens, it is a warning to all of us.

We need to have peace with God through Jesus now because a very normal kind of day can quickly become tragic.

II.  Correcting a Common Misunderstanding about Jesus

In the Gospels, Jesus often warns people and talks about punishment.

People want to believe that Jesus was not a person who ever confronted people or talked about judgment.  . . .

But, if that was the case, then Jesus wouldn’t have gotten people so mad that they wanted to kill him.  There was a reason people wanted Jesus killed.  Jesus challenged people.  He told people that he required a response. 

III.  What Does it Mean to “Repent”

Repentance is much different than regret. 

It is orientating your whole life according to a faith in God.  When Jesus talks about repenting in this passage, he is talking about a definite response to his teaching.

Jesus can and will forgive you when you turn to him in faith. 

I Corinthians 15 ^?55? “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”  ^56? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ^?57? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

^?58? Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.

Conclusion

The events of 10 years ago have changed many things . . .

But, the events of 9-11 have not changed where we find our true comfort in life and in death.  The events have not changed the Bible, they have not changed God, and they have not changed the calling and duty of Christians to spread his message of hope to a lost world.  Our only comfort in life and in death is that we belong to our faithful savior Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 46:1-7                September 4, 2011     “God Carries our Burdens”                Labor Day Weekend

Introduction: Worst Job Ever??

I.  The Heavy Burdens in Isaiah 46

These verses also explain how these idols have become emotional burdens as well as physical burdens, since the people are looking to a false religion for hope. 

Verses 1-2: “Bel and Nebo” -- instead of offering protection, these idols have become burdens

Verses 6-7: creating gods -- These people cry out to their gods of metal.  But, of course, they do not respond.  It is ridiculous to think that one could create their own god.

II.  The Burdensome Idols and False Religions of Today

You know that anything can become an idol when we put it before God.  And, like the Babylonians, these idols we create do not free us, but they burden us, and can not save us when things get hard.

When we limit God, we try to carry our own burdens instead of giving them to him.  With a false view of Christianity, we try to become right with God by our own efforts instead of letting God do His work in us.  This view of Christianity is a burden.

III.  The True God Knows and Responds to His People

Verses 3-5 God says he carried Israel when they were babies.  God is using the one of the most intimate relationships humanly possible to describe his relationship with his people.  There can be no doubt God possesses a unique and deep love.

When God tells Israel he will carry them, he is contrasting himself to the false idols who need to be carried by others.

Isaiah 54 “Surely he took up our infirmities, and carried our sorrows.” . .  “he will carry their iniquities.”

 So, the heavy loads that God bears are our sorrows and iniquities.

IV.  Avoiding the Wrong and Burdensome Ideas about God

It is so easy for Christians to drift into an incorrect notion of Christianity.  For many Christians, feeling burdened by guilt is a daily way of life.

Matthew 11:28.  “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

With humility, we need to allow the Lord to pour out his generosity on us.  Let him carry our burdens.  Let him carry us.  Conclusion

Do not be satisfied with a religion that leaves you constantly seeking; one that leaves you burdened with a heavy heart.  The grace of Jesus will lift the burdens from you.

This week's sermon is from our guest Pastor Ty Schenzel, from The Hope Center for Kids. Pastor Ty recently published a book that tells about the founding of this ministry.

Hebrews 10:19-25                                               August 21, 2011

“Meeting for a Purpose”                     Small Groups Matter – pt. 2

Introduction: Ways to Spend a Sunday

I.  The Temptation to Leave the Community

“Do not give up meeting together” . . .

Belgic Confession “No one ought to withdraw from the church, content to be by himself regardless of his status or condition.” 

Not showing up at church is not the only way that people resist community.  Many others show up, but do not engage.

Let us examine ourselves to see the ways that we resist the fellowship of believers. 

Video – Shallow Small Groups

II.  Two Purposes for Being in Community

1)  “ let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds ”

In order to do have a helpful role in someone’s life like this, we first really have to pay attention to them.

We are called not to be selfish but to look to the needs of others.  And, then we can speak the right words to them, effectively and wisely so they can have an impact on their spiritual lives.

A big part of accountability is caring about one another and wanting the very best for them.

2) “encouraging one another ”

Mostly we do this through sharing kind, timely words of comfort.

III.  Examples of Churches as Healthy, Supportive Community

1) Ordination:  In an ordination, the church is recognizing special gifts in a person and then sending them out with our blessing and prayer.  In doing this, we are spurring them on toward love and good deeds in his ministry.

2) Small groups provide a more focused community that focus on relationships.  They are the kinds of communities where people can really get to know each other and support one another.

IV.  Communion in God Leads to Healthy Community

In verses 19-22 we are reminded that we can have confidence to approach God because Jesus has given us access to God through his forgiveness and grace. 

God longs to be with us in a close relationship.  Before we can benefit from a Christian community, we first have to be confident that we can draw close to God and that he wants to know us. 

Conclusion

We want to consider if our involvement is a superficial one, or are we open and willing to let others interfere in our lives for spiritual benefit? 

Acts 2:42-47                                                   August 14, 2011

“The Fellowship of Believers”            Small Groups Matter – pt. 1

Introduction: Dilbert

“I’ve noticed that all of my problems are caused by other people”

I.  The Tensions with Independence and Need of Community

We want freedom to be ourselves in our own way, and have life on our terms, but, at the same time, we need others desperately in our life. 

Just like we need relationships to have meaningful lives, so also community life is really not an option for a Christian, but rather it is a basic aspect of our Christianity

II.  A Look Into Life in the Early Church

Romans 12:5  “In Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others.”

What is striking about this description of the early church is how they made the community of believers such a priority.  Church was not just another obligation to be juggled along with all the other stresses and obligations.  But, rather the community came first and the rest of life fit around it.

This radical sharing of life included the sharing of their finances, and this is probably what is most shocking of all.

III.  Lessons for Living as a Church Community Today

Sunday mornings are really just a small part of what a church is really all about.  Church is a group of believers on a mission together. 

We want to see twice as many people be in small groups this year than last year.

True fellowship is life changing.  It is a very counter-cultural practice of allowing others to interfere with our lives for the sake of growing, learning and sharing.

IV.  A Community of Grace

They were willing to accept each other in love and without condition.  They were willing to forgive one another, and forgiveness is necessary to have fellowship. 

Grace based community . . . is a radical acceptance of every feature, flaw and function.  It is hard to believe such a place could even be possible.  But, it is possible because of what Jesus has done for us.

Conclusion

Let us show to the world what it means to live out the grace of the gospel by having the kind of radical acceptance that Christ has shown to us.

Acts 16:22-34                                                 August 7, 2011

“Why Baptize Babies”            Sacrament Appreciation pt. 6

 Introduction: Sacraments can cause confusion and division

Because we are lacking a direct answer in the Bible regarding baptism, we must approach such matters with a certain degree of humilty.

I.  Our Church’s Beliefs about Infant Baptism

--There are 4 different times in the Bible when a whole family was baptized together.  (example Acts 16)

-- Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

-- Acts 2:38-39 ^?Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. . . ^? The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off . . .”

Is this a time when God is saying something to us, or is it a time when we are saying something to God?

Our perspective:  it is when God is saying something to us.

We believe God says to the whole church in baptism that he reaches out to the weak and helpless sinners, before we could ever reach out to him.

True Christians are only those who respond to God’s grace with faith and repentance.  So, no kind of baptism automatically saves anybody.

We draw attention not just to the person who is being baptized, but to the whole community of believers.

II.  How Old Testament Circumcision Relates to Baptism

Colossians 2:11-12 “Your sinful nature was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, ^?having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith.”

 (In the Old Testament)  circumcision was a sign that they belonged, that they were chosen, that they were holy and set apart by God.

God wanted even the youngest babies, only 8 days old, to be given the special sign that would mark them and set them aside as belonging to God’s special community.

the connection of baptism to circumcision is another reason why we believe the Bible teaches us to baptize the babies of believers.   

III.  Baptism Beliefs We Share with Other Christians

A healthy and vibrant church would have just as many adult baptisms as they would have of baby baptisms because we are called as Christians to go outside of our community and constantly be inviting others in.

Something else that we can agree on is that baptism calls us to a new way of life.   (Romans 6:3-4)

 Conclusion – a 3 word summary

Grace, grace and grace.  Because, in baptism God is at work.

Revelation 19:5-9                                                        July 31, 2011

“Anticipating the Heavenly Feast”     Sacrament Appreciation pt. 5

 Introduction: Great Food

It’s hard to imagine any kind of special event or celebration without food involved. 

I.  The Heavenly Feast

Isaiah 25:6 “On this mountain, the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples.  A banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines.”

Matthew 8:11 “I say to you that many will come from the east and west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Issac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” 

In heaven we celebrate that all God’s people are taken to their true home and out of trials and difficulties on earth.  The feast in heaven is also like a reunion because it is where Christians will meet together happily again.

Rev 19 – describes the feast as a wedding feast

The wedding image is not just relevant because of the extravagance.  A wedding feast describing heaven is also significant for the spiritual imagery. . . . the church is called the bride of Christ.

 II.  The Lord’s Supper Anticipates the Heavenly Feast

Matthew 26:28-29  “^?This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ^?I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

When we as believers come to the table of the sacrament now, it is like we are celebrating our engagement.  A woman who is engaged has a beautiful ring as a sign that the wedding is coming.  Likewise, the Lord’s Supper is the sign to us that the great feast is coming.  The promises of God are sure and trustworthy.

III.  The Ways This Changes the Way We Live Now

1)  It gives hope of a better future.  It is much easier for those who are going through a hardship to know that things will not always be this way.

2) Teaches us to celebrate God now. . . .

Our eternal home is going to be party time, so we should never think that God desires his people to be miserable now either.  Our purpose is to enjoy God forever.

3) We are reminded to live a life dedicated to God. 

A way that we get ready for eternity now is by doing the righteous acts that God calls us to do.  These are compared to fine clothes that the wedding guests wear. 

Romans 12:1 tells us that to surrender ourselves to Jesus is simply our reasonable service, in light of what he has done for us. 

 Conclusion –

Communion is our prelude to the great celebration with Jesus. 

Exodus 12:1-28                                                           July 24, 2011

“Passover Completed in Christ”         Sacrament Appreciation pt. 4

 Introduction: How Much Control Do We Have?

There are times and situations in which we simply need God to intervene.  We need a greater power that is bigger than ourselves. 

 I.  The First Passover

God says for his final plague is going to bring death to all the firstborn sons in Egypt.  And, God has a plan to save Israel from this great punishment and to protect them.  But, to be “passed over” they have to follow his specific instructions. 

This story of rescue, is the great redemptive act of God in the Old Testament.  God does intervene and he saves them when Israel was powerless to save themselves.  They are freed from slavery, and they are given a brand new identity as God’s rescued people.

God tells them to celebrate the Passover meal as a lasting ordinance.

 II.  Passover Themes in the Lord’s Supper Today

Jesus giving up his life on the cross is the major redemptive act of the New Covenant.  On the cross, Jesus rescues his people from something even worse than slavery in Egypt, he rescues us from our slavery to sin.

It takes the blood of Jesus, to save people today from sin’s punishment.  In the Bible, Jesus is also called the Lamb of God.  He is the new lamb of the Passover.

 III.  A New Start and a New Identity

The Lord’s Supper is an event where God intervenes in his grace to give us a clean slate and a fresh start.

There is power in the grace of Jesus and in the new life of Jesus to put us on a new path.  There is power there to break the cycles and bad patterns and set us on a new course. 

Philippians 3:13-14 ““This is what I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize that for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” 

I Corinthians 5:7-8  “^?Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. ^?Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.”

Paul thinks about the Passover rituals and compares yeast to sin and corruption. Then he tells us to live as people without “yeast”, because that is who we really are.  In other words, our new identity as a people are those who live in freedom from sin.

 Conclusion –

Communion allows us to participate in God’s redemptive work, which he begun back in Exodus but which was been made complete in Jesus.

I Corinthians 11:17-34                                                July 17, 2011

“Communion and Community”          Sacrament Appreciation pt. 3

 I Corinthians 10:17 “We who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” 

 Introduction – A Lack of Worship Space Creates Problems

 I.  Problems with the Lord’s Supper at Corinth

What the Corinthians church was doing wrong:

1) Paul says that there are divisions in the church – verse 18

2)  He says some people are getting all the food and drink, while others are hardly getting anything at all.  –verse 21

3) Their practice of the Lord’s Supper humiliates those who have nothing.  –verse 22

The sacrament should remind them of their unity as a church.  But, the very thing that should have been bringing them together was actually the practice that was driving them apart. 

 II.  Problems with Division in Churches Today

Some examples:

--Social classes

--Racial segregation

--Those who have been in the church a long time vs. new attenders

--Married vs. single or divorced

We must always be vigilant not to confine ourselves into certain groups.     

III. Equal Before God

Because we believe that all people are sinners and every person needs the forgiveness of Jesus to have a relationship with God, that puts all Christians on equal footing.

Every person is a sinner in need of forgiveness, and the sacrament reminds us of this common condition and our common need for grace. 

Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 

 III.  What Does Paul Mean to “Examine Ourselves”

In the context of this passage, Paul is suggesting that the reason we examine ourselves is to make sure that we are in good relationships with one another as a church body. . . .   Paul is saying here that a big part of taking communion in an “unworthy manner” is to ignore the needs of others in the church. 

-- Children’s at the Lord’s Supper?

By keeping baptized children from partaking, are we are actually creating more division in the church, which is exactly what Paul does not want us to do.

Conclusion –

In communion we are reminded of how it is so important for us to be a part of a Christian community.

Ephesians 5:25-33,  Lord’s Day 28                            July 10, 2011

“Our Mysterious Union with Christ”  Sacrament Appreciation pt. 2

 I Corinthians 10:16 “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ?  And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” 

 I.  A “Profound Mystery”

The mystery for us today:  how does the Lord’s Supper unite believers to Christ? 

Heidelberg Catechism #77 “[the Lord’s Supper] unites us more and more to Christ’s blessed body.  And so although he is in heaven and we are on earth, we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone.”

 II.  Paul Uses an Illustration from Marriage

1)  God says that in a marriage two become one.  This shows that a marriage is a unique and special relationship that unites a man and a woman together.  But, for this to happen, there is also a change that has to happen in other relationships too.

2)  There is a removal of boundaries between people.  A spouse loves the other like they are a part of themselves. 

This is a reflection of our bond with Jesus . . .

our relationship with Jesus requires us to put aside other loyalties and to make Jesus number 1.  And, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is with us and in us.  The boundaries that separate us from God have been taken away.

 III.  The Visible and Invisible Aspects of Communion

Having something tangible like the bread and the juice does help us remember and reflect on what Jesus has done for us.  This is the visible part of the sacrament.  We can see it and taste it and smell it--it engages our senses.

The mystery of the sacrament really happens in what we do not see, which is the spiritual presence of Christ, and the close union that he offers to us and wants to have with us.  This is the invisible part of the Lord’s Supper.  Here Jesus encounters us and enters us in ways we cannot fully explain.

 IV.  The Impact of our Union with Christ

1) Our ethics: Being one with Christ compels us to ask ourselves “As a member of Christ’s body, what kinds of activities are fitting for my life?” 

2) How we see ourselves: As a member of Christ’s body you are loved, you are accepted, you are valued, and you are forgiven. 

 Conclusion –

Like food and drink nourishes our physical bodies, so in a spiritual kind of way the bread and the juice are nourishing our souls.

Text Isaiah 1:1-20

text John 14:6-11

text 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Psalm 47  Sermon Notes                                   June 5, 2011

“Jesus, the Ascended King”       

Theme: The total Lordship of Christ compels us to joyfully dedicate ourselves to him more and more.

Introduction:  Hedging Our Bets 

Ascension Day and Psalm 47 push us away from the safe strategies or partial commitment.  Instead, they push us to hold steadfastly to the truthof the Bible with single-hearted devotion.

I. The Bold Claims of Psalm 47

It is a Psalm about the kingship of God over the whole earth. 

Part of this claim is that the other nations will be subdued under the feet of Israel.

They make this audacious claim that their God is the Lord of all peoples and all nations.  They go all in.

II. Jesus is Lord Compels Us Toward A Total Commitment 

To say that Jesus ascended into heaven and that he is seated at the right hand of God to rule and judge the nations of the earth is a bold claim.  And, it doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for conflicting view points.

“Jesus is Lord” creates some tension that we might like to water down a bit.

III.  A Devotion that Leads to Joy

The result of God’s ascension and God’s rule is joy, singing and praise. 

We have a hard time relating to this Psalm because we do not often have the unbridled joy and praise that this Psalmist seems to have.  But, this is because we are lacking in our commitment to God as Lord and king.

--It is usually the many smaller worries of life that change our focus and our core commitments.  It is the worries of life that can really steal our joy and our single-hearted dedication to God.

State boldly the claim that Jesus is Lord and rest in that knowledge.  We cannot let little annoying circumstances dictate our level of joy. 

--Second, there is also a lack of understanding that can steal our joy.  We are also told to love the Lord our God with all our minds.  Singing praises to God is often an emotional response, but it can also be an intellectual one. There is a shallowness to our beliefs and intellectual confusion that erodes the kind of single minded devotion that we see in Psalm 47. 

Conclusion:

All things are under the Lordship and command of God.  Properly understood, this is a cause of joy.  With Jesus, we are more than conquerors

I Timothy 3:1-13                            

“The Noble Task of Church Leadership”            

Theme: God is going to help us achieve the purpose that he has for us and for his church. 

Introduction:  What is the Best Leadership Style? 

I. Most Important Thing For a Church Leader

Biblical leadership is different than how our ___________ views leadership.  Passage like this one indicate that _____________ and a strong _____________ foundation is what it takes to be a church leader.  The central role and purpose of church leadership it to ________ an _______________ for others.

II. Struggling With “Who Is Qualified?” 

“A Husband Faithful to Their Wife” -- how is this standard applied to those who have had marriage problems in their past?  

Paul himself had a very __________ past that included ________ and murder.  So, it seems as if this list of qualifications would apply more to a person’s ___________ lifestyle than how they might have lived their life in the past

What About Women?  Because of his culture, Paul seems to ___________ in this case that _________ would hold the office of elder and deacon.  But, would that mean he was definitely against women? (what about verse 11?)   

“See that his children obey him” -- How much _________ should parents get for obedient children, or how much _________ for troubled ones?  There are so many ___________, and sometimes parents find themselves feeling pretty ______________.

So, we are left wondering: to what degree do all these qualifications need to be met?

We need to consider the main point, and that is that church leaders should be those who are _____________, mature and _____________ careful, and be the kind of person who can be a good ______________ to others.

III.  Applying this Passage to our Lives

1) All Christians should be striving toward living their life with a ____________  ____________ in mind.

2) Paul says that those who set their hearts on being an overseer desire a _________ task.  And that is important to remember because there always is a real _________ for good church leaders.

3) Church leadership is a _____________ kind of leadership.

--In the church, God is the __________.

-- T__________ Leadership

4) Leaders have a job to _____________ the true gospel message.

Conclusion: - verse 13

We need to take a step of faith and get out of comfort zones so that we can see how God will ____________ and __________ us.

Theme: Good doctrine and good living must go together

Introduction:  Forgettable Graduation Speeches 

I. What Makes a Sermon Different?  (Titus 3:1-2)

Proclaiming the word of God has power.  We say that the Word of God is living and active.  It does not come back empty.  . . . And, therefore, a sermon that is centered on the good news of the gospel serves a different  purpose then a graduation speech.

II. Paul Explains the Gospel (Titus 3:3-7)

Paul’s advice on moral living is combined with the gospel message. 

Verse 3 : Paul has to go back to talking about sin because understanding our sin is where the gospel message begins.  Before we start looking for solutions, we need to know that we have a problem.

Verses 4 –7: Our Savior appeared to us in Jesus Christ and saves us not because of what we did, but because of God’s mercy.  He goes on to explain that the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to bring renewal, and the possibility for real change.  And, he says that these actions of God have given us a new identity, because in Jesus we are heirs of eternal life.

III.  Titus 3 as a Graduation Speech

Titus 3 has all of the elements of a typical graduation speech.  Paul talks about his own journey from sin to salvation.  And, he tells Titus to teach the church in Crete to serve others and live with good  morals.  But, Paul talks about these things in the context of the Gospel.  

1) Father’s Love: The Gospel indicates that you are God’s masterpiece.  So, don’t seek love in the wrong places and in the wrong ways. 

2)  The Son’s Work: The Gospel says that what makes us special is not what we can do, but what Jesus has already done for us. . . . Knowing that in Jesus we have all that we need, we can give generously and look out for the needs of others.  So, don’t put your hope and your identity in the wrong kinds of things like money or success. 

3) The Spirit’s Influence: The Gospel says that we live under the influence Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit guides us and comforts us.  The Holy Spirit is with us to remind us that God will never leave us nor forsake us.  So, you don’t need to be under the influence of dangerous substances. 

Pastor Larry was at PLC from 1982-1989.  We thank all of our former pastors, members, and friends of PLC who joined in our celebration weekend.

Genesis 37:1-36;45:1-20

text Psalm 31

Theme: God gives hope to those trapped in anxiety and depression.

Introduction: Most “Depressing” Day of the Year??
But, true depression does not fit into some kind of ___________, nor is it necessarily linked to specific _________________ going on in our lives right now.
I. Understanding the Spiritual Dimension to Depression
The _____________ causes of depression often do not tell the whole story.  Anxieties, guilt, __________, unforgiveness, loss of motivation, or ________________ are all possible psychological factors in depression.  And, depression always includes _____________ factors as well.
The spiritual dimension to depression and anxiety is to find out what thing or things are contributing to the depression, and then to seek __________  ____________ in those areas.  God can use these things to clue us into the fact that there is an area in our life where we __________ to ___________. 
God does not desire to ____________ us in our depression.  He has better plans for us.  It is a way of life that needs to be _____________; and with God’s help, we can escape the cycle of ___________ and find freedom and ______  ________ in him.
Theme: God gives hope to those trapped in anxiety and depression.

Introduction: Most “Depressing” Day of the Year??
But, true depression does not fit into some kind of ___________, nor is it necessarily linked to specific _________________ going on in our lives right now.
I. Understanding the Spiritual Dimension to Depression
The _____________ causes of depression often do not tell the whole story.  Anxieties, guilt, __________, unforgiveness, loss of motivation, or ________________ are all possible psychological factors in depression.  And, depression always includes _____________ factors as well.
The spiritual dimension to depression and anxiety is to find out what thing or things are contributing to the depression, and then to seek __________  ____________ in those areas.  God can use these things to clue us into the fact that there is an area in our life where we __________ to ___________. 
God does not desire to ____________ us in our depression.  He has better plans for us.  It is a way of life that needs to be _____________; and with God’s help, we can escape the cycle of ___________ and find freedom and ______  ________ in him.
 

text: Romans 13:11-14

Theme: God’s grace can give us victory over sexual temptations

Introduction: Every Man’s Battle

I. The Problem of Pornography
Unfortunately, in our culture today, the temptation to act on lust has become much __________ to _____________. 
About _______% of all internet searches are porn related.
The impact:
Pornography takes _________________ away from sex, and as those things get separated it has a bit impact on sexual health.
By channeling their energy and attention into the false ___________ of pornography, people never develop the skills necessary to develop _________, ____________ relationships. This traps them in a world of ________________.
The issues for women tend to be a bit different, but certainly for both genders there are strong ________________ in a world gone sexually crazy. 

II.  3 Biblical Steps to Breaking Sinful Habits  
1.  “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”  Rom 13:14
The old sinful desires can be traded in, and we ________ our minds with the new _____________ desires from God instead.  In God’s grace, the things that tempt us can start to lose their _____________ and ______________.
For Christians who are clothed and united in Christ, his Spirit gives us that ___________ to _____________.
2. “Flee from sexual immorality.”  I Corinthians 6:18
“If your right eye causing you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away!   It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” Matthew 5:29
That verse is not meant to be taken literally, but it does mean that when it comes to these temptations, ____________  _____________ are necessary. 
3. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”  Ephesians 5:11
Sins thrive in the ___________.  They need to be exposed to the _______________.
For all of us, sexual sins start to become much less tempting when there is a measure of _______________________.

III.   Sexual Sins are NOT the “Unforgivable Sin”
If you have made mistakes in the past, you can surely be made __________ and ________ in God’s grace.  God will not keep holding this against you. In Jesus, ___________ lies before you! 

text Ephesians 5:15-18

Introduction: AA Groups

I. Not a New Problem
Drinking was certainly a big part of that Roman culture, especially for the __________.  But, drinking was also a part of the Roman ______________ . . .
Now, alcohol is relatively cheap and very easily _____________.  And, in addition to alcohol, there are a bunch of other mind-altering and highly __________________ drugs. 
People know already it is better to avoid the problems and dangers that come with substance abuse, but that doesn’t always _________ people ___________ from it.  It still has an ___________ and is a ____________________ for many. 

II.  What’s Missing From the 12 Steps??  
Breaking sinful habit step 3 – Accountability
The AA does community and support so well, that ___________ ought to be learning from them.  AA groups embody both ____________ and ___________ in balance.
The church should be a safe place to admit our ____________, and be real with each other, instead of a place to try to _______ behind a __________ image of perfection.
Breaking Sinful Habits Step 2: drastic action to avoid temptation
In AA, their lives look different, and the changes are not usually ________ ones or ________________, but they do it anyway.
So, there is a lot to like when it comes to the AA recovery program, and it often works to help people get sober.  But, this good program is still incomplete because it leaves out ________.
Breaking Sinful Habits Step 1: change in what we desire
By being __________ up with Jesus in our lives, the old ways of life has less _______.  God’s desires start to become our desires.
The Spirit of Jesus can fill up our lives, so that adding other substances to ________ the _______ aren’t necessary, because the _______ has been filled by him.  You don’t need drugs to get high, when you have a __________ high through the Holy Spirit. 

III.   . . . “Instead, Be Filled with the Spirit” – Ephesians 5:18
We see that there is an interesting ___________ between being filled with ________ OR being filled with the __________.  Certainly, Christians can never completely _________ the Spirit, but the passage does indicate that we cannot be full of wine and full of the Spirit at the _____________.
Drug abuse or alcohol abuse are _____________  ___________ of a life that ought to be lived unto God.  And, really any practice or behavior that diminishes a person’s _____________ of God and any behavior that ______________ our ability to respond to God ought to be equally as avoided.

text Luke 15:11-24

Introduction: TV Dads – then and now 


I. Problems Calling Jesus the “Everlasting Father”
Logical Problem--First, of all, we usually think of Jesus as the “_________ of ________.”
You can be a son and a ___________ at the _____________.  And in the Bible, Jesus refers sometimes to his followers as his _____________, so in this way Jesus can be the Son of God and our Everlasting Father.
Emotional Problem-- Father is word that creates a lot of emotions, and a lot of memories— and not all of them are _________ emotions or ___________ memories.  Fathers are ___________ people, and because of the huge role fathers play in our lives, they can bring joy, but they can also bring great _________ and cause great emotional hurt and ____________.
Book Life Without Fathers (by Popenoe) : “The decline of fatherhood is one of the most basic, ________________ and ____________________ trends of our time.”
Although nothing on this earth can totally replace a biological father, Jesus certainly can meet our ____________  _________ and teach us how _________________ and loved we really are.
II.  5 Ways the Bible Shows Jesus as a Perfect Father  
1. Hebrews 12: 10, “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” 
A perfect father would be one who corrects, rebukes, and disciplines ____________, with justice, but also with ____________________.  And this is how God disciplines us. 
2. A perfect father meets the needs of his children, and is __________________ to them.  But, a perfect father does not ______________ his children either.
Matthew 7:9-11 ?“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
3. A perfect father would be there _____________ we need him. 
John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.”
4.  A perfect father would be a father who always ____________________ what we are going through.
?Hebrews 4:15 “For 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.”
5.  Luke 15:11-24 “The Prodigal Son”
This perfect father did not wait for his son to come to him, but he ________ out to him while he was a great distance away.  He __________ his son, and welcomed him back without condition. 
Conclusion:
When we come to our senses, that’s when we realize our everlasting father is ____________  ______ us with open arms.

Text John 4:35-41

Introduction: Who Is that Masked Man, Anyway? 

Jesus performs amazing ___________ and shows extraordinary _______________, and people are left wondering, “Who is this guy?”  The people had never seen anyone like Jesus before. 

I. Disciples Ask “Who Is This?”

Yes, the storm was rather frightening, but the solution from Jesus was _______________   ________________. 

Only the _______  _________ God could do something like that.  Only the person who ______________ the world could have such ______________ over it.  So, now the disciples have to wrestle with the reality that Jesus is not just a great prophet, but Jesus was the ____________  ________!

Psalm 93:3-4, “The seas have lifted up, Lord.  The seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.  Mightier than the thunder of the great waves, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.”

II.  People Today Are Asking “Who Is Jesus?”  

Most people think you can’t get much __________ than Jesus.

But, probably fewer people want to believe that Jesus is really the Mighty God, because believing that to be true is quite a bit _________________.

III.  Should the Disciples Be Afraid of Jesus?

“Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?” (verse 40)

We usually think that Jesus is talking to them about their ___________ of the _____________. 

But, could it also be that in this question, Jesus was referring to the disciples’ __________ of __________? 

Jesus is the Mighty God, but he is also ___________ and ____________ and _______________.  

IV.  Should We Be Afraid of the “Mighty God”?

Jesus told the disciples, “Do not be afraid”, and if we have _____________ and are his disciples, then we do not need to be afraid of Jesus our Mighty God either.

As the mighty God, Jesus has sure ____________ over his ______________.  Jesus is the invincible God and nothing and no power can ________________ him or his plan.

For those who try to live their lives their own way and for those who live in _________________ against Jesus, and for those who ___________ and ___________ to recognize that Jesus is truly God, then there is good reason to be afraid.

Conclusion:

In the Chronicles of Narnia, Lucy wants to know if Aslan is _________, and Mr. Beaver says, “_________?? Of course, he isn’t _________!  But he’s good, and he’s the king I tell you.” 

text John 14:15-27

Introduction: What About Bob
Being left behind by himself while Dr. Marvin is on vacation is just not an ______________  ______________ for Bob.  So he figures out where Dr. Marvin’s family has gone on vacation and follows them there.

I. Disciples Nervous About Jesus Leaving Them
The disciples are confused and _____________.  Peter, Thomas and Philip all ask Jesus why he has to leave and why they can’t _____________ him.  They are obviously very _________________ about Jesus’ departure and wonder what is going to come of them now.

II.  Who Will Help Us in Our Distress?
A lot of us could really use some good ______________. 
But, the problem is that not all counselors are very good.  There could be some that would steer us in the totally wrong direction and give bad ____________ and bad solutions.
We still need more ____________ than what a counselor can provide. 
A counselor is not like a friend who you could call at all hours of the night . . . a counselor needs to set up _______________.
 

III.  The Holy Spirit Continues Jesus’ Ministry
John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust also in me.”
This passage is about encouragement and ______________.  And, as we reflect on the name “Wonderful Counselor” it is important to know what kinds of things the Spirit does for us. 
1) The Spirit of Truth will help us ___________ the teachings of Jesus.
2) The Spirit also makes sure that we are _____________.  The Spirit ________________ for us, which means the Spirit speaks to God the Father on our behalf.
3) With the Spirit there is a new ___________ possible with God.    The Spirit keeps us in tune with who Jesus is, what he represents and what he wants us to ________________.

IV.  Jesus As the Wonderful Counselor
Jesus says that if you know the Spirit, then you can keep on __________________ Jesus even after he goes away.
John 14:27 “Peace 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.
The peace of mind that Jesus offers is a different kind of peace that only comes through a _________________ with him. 
 

text Ruth 1:1-5, 17-19

Introduction: Bold Statements that We Regret
Angry Kansas Fan quote “After watching all the bad games this year, I couldn’t take another one, and I left very angry, _______________ I would never return.  Shame on me.  Naturally, I will __________ that angry ___________.”

I. Naomi’s Emptiness
Naomi doesn’t have very _________ ___________ at this point to say about God.  She says to Ruth that God’s ____________ is ______________ her. (verse 13)
Not only does she use the word ____________ to describe her situation, she also uses the word ____________.  “I went away from this place __________, but the Lord has brought me back empty”, she says.

II.  Our Emptiness
It doesn’t take much for us to be filled with ____________ and ________-_________.  We can loose perspective pretty quickly.  We are quick to ____________ God and get upset with God, and even to ____________  _____ on God.
Our faith in God does not always fill us with much _________ either, and sometimes we think things or even say things to God or about God that aren’t very _____________________.
 

III.  Ruth 4 – Naomi is Filled
At the conclusion, the emphasis is on the ______________ that God has brought to Naomi.  The women of Bethlehem say to Naomi that God has not left her without a _______________.  They point out to her that she has a daughter-in-law who loves her more than _______ _________.  And, the _____________ ____________ is put into Naomi’s arms.
Naomi counted God out, but it does not take long here for the situation to become ______________  _____________.

IV.  God’s Work for Us Today
Have faith!!  Often God does things that we do not __________, nor _____________.  When it’s God versus our _________  circumstances, don’t leave the game too early.  Wait for the ________________. 
The _____________ of Jesus into the ____________ is all about bringing fullness where once there was emptiness. 
John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Conclusion:
Our emptiness can only be filled with 1 kind of ________________—a __________________ with our Savior Jesus Christ.

text Ruth 4:1-12

Introduction: the “black card”

“Membership has its privileges”:  This special card is designed to help                        your                               for you.  

I. The “Go’el”: Problem Solver of the Old Testament

According to God’s law in the Old Testament, the closest male relative to a family had an obligation to step in and  _________ ____________           when a family faced a crisis. 

God put these go’el obligations into the Old Testament law to help make sure that people were being __________ _______of.

II.  Ruth 4: Boaz Acts as the “Go’el” to Ruth and Naomi

Naomi has the _________ to her husband’s land, but, now, she cannot afford to buy it back again.   So, the problem solver, the Hebrew go’el, was supposed to buy it back for her so the land would __________ with the __________  _____________.

Why doesn’t the first go’el help like he should? 

If he were to take the land without Ruth, then the land would ____________  _____________ to his family because Naomi’s family would have no descendants to take it back.  But, if he marries Ruth, and she has a male child, then the land would return back to its proper family and Naomi’s family line would be ___________________.

Boaz is not just looking out for his own ______________, but also for the ____________ of this other family who is in a crisis.

Boaz redeems the situation by giving _________, by giving them ______________, and by giving this family back their _______.

III.  Boaz Foreshadows the Redeeming Work of Jesus

As our redeemer, Jesus acts for us to bring us back to ________________. 

The Bible says that Jesus paid the debt of our sins that we could not ____________ to _________.  And, he paid that debt with his life, by dying on the cross and taking the punishment for us. 

I Peter 1:8 “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, ^‍but with the precious blood of Christ.” 

IV.  Following Christ, the Church Works to Redeem Too

Now it is the church now that has the mandate from God to care for ____________ and the __________ . . . The church is the community that steps up in a crisis to help ____________  ______________ with the help of Jesus.

The Bible says that the people of God, the Christians, are supposed to act in ______________ and _____________ ways because of what Jesus has done to redeem us. 

Conclusion:

Today it is the work of Jesus that redeems us, that buys us back from our _____________ to sin and makes us ______________ of God.  He is our redeemer.

Introduction: Minor Elections
Sandwiched in the middle of these stories of the rulers and kings is this little book of Ruth about a couple of __________.   . . .  It's like paying attention to the MUD board election instead of the Senators and Governors.  But, this destitute, foreigner, widow Ruth ends up with a major rule in the Bible after all.  She is just the _________ person at the _________ ___________.

I. Naomi Tells Ruth and Orpah to Live in Moab
Naomi strongly believes that Orpah's and Ruth's __________ for a better _______________ is not with her. 
Naomi is not thinking about the _______________ implications of this decision for Ruth and Orpah.
When Ruth makes her decision, she does this out of commitment to Naomi, but Ruth also does this to commit to the ________ God.  She tells Naomi, “Your God will be my God.” 

II.  Orpah and Oprah
Orpah makes her decision based on what seems to be _______ and _______________ and for _______________ reasons.  But in making the decision to stay behind, she is also making a decision _____________  _________. 

Oprah lets worldly _____________, c________________ and c____________ pressures dictate her spiritual beliefs.
So, like Orpah, Oprah doesn't make a ___________ decision that is clearly and intentionally against God, but she is still making the ______________ decision. 

III.  Making the Total Commitment to God
Ruth ____________ the ________, but decided the cost was worth it.  And, she is ______________ by God because of it.
Matthew 10: 37,39 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

IV.  God Shows His Love for Us through Others
It is through the person of Ruth that God shows his love and concern for Naomi and __________ out his __________ for her. 
And, God cares for us with even more _________________ and _________________ than Ruth shows to Naomi.
God is always with us, but that doesn’t mean we won’t feel _______________.  So, one important way that God shows his love toward us is through ___________  _____________. 
We are also called to be the _____________ reality of God’s love to others.  This is a calling, but it is also a ______________. 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

text: Genesis 2:1-8

Introduction: Best Job in the World??

I. Creation in Perfection (Genesis 2) : Tree of Life

Eden means a place of ____________ or a place of ____________.  It was literarily a _______________, and there wasn’t anything wrong with it at all.

There were two trees with particular importance.  Tree #1 was the tree of life, which would allow them to live ____________.  And  tree #2 was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which they were _________  ______________ to touch.

II.  Fall of Humanity (Genesis 3) : Tree of Knowledge . . .

Sin puts a ___________ on all of the creation, and makes everything ___________ than it should be. 

III.  Redemption in the New Covenant: Tree # 3

God goes to __________  _____________ to deal with sin.  He makes various solemn promises, that the Bible calls __________________.

At the last supper, Jesus tells his disciples that it is his ____________ that will start a new covenant.  And this is because the sacrifice of Jesus was sufficient to ________ the ____________ of sin, and it brings about the ___________ solution to the problem of the fall.

So, the ____________ is our third  tree.

I Peter 2:24 ^‍“Jesus himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 

IV.  Restoration of Eden (Rev. 22:1-5): Tree of Life Again

In the end, God _______________ what is broken, he _________________ heaven and earth, and puts the tree of life back in this new Eden for his people to partake and live forever.  Once again, God lives with his people in perfect harmony.  And, incredibly, the Bible ___________ the way it _____________.

V.  Implications

1) The most important lesson is our need for redemption from sin, and that we need Jesus to remove the ___________ of ___________.

2) God has dealt with the problem of suffering.  He has addressed it by ______________  _____________; and by providing a _____________  ________________, freely offering an invitation to his kingdom, which is free from suffering:

3) The Bible’s story – the story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration is also _________  ___________!  Each of us lives this narrative out in our _______  _________ in our __________. 

All of us intentionally and consciously __________ against our Creator, and have been taken away from paradise.  And so, we all need the _____________.

Text 1 Samuel 17

**please note, during the Scripture reading, there are some parts that are hard to hear.  Pastor Dan's sermon is fine.

Introduction:
Big challenges in Just Walk Across the Room . . .
Perhaps at times you were wondering, as I too was wondering, how you could do some of these things he does, and how could you follow the example of one of our country’s ___________  ____________  ______________?

I.  Young David was a Nobody
Basically David was stuck out in the fields with the sheep doing ___________ and _______________ work, until he was needed once in a while as a ________________   _______. (verses 17-18)
And, in chapter 16, David was pretty much over-looked and ________________ when Samuel comes to anoint him.
We can imagine that David is not too _______________ to bring bread and cheese to his ________________ brothers. 
But, David was faithful and ______________ in the small things, and this is what will soon open up a _________ of ________________ for him to do something ___________. 
 

II. “Carry the Cheese”
“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” – Matthew 25:23
God ______________ and ______________ those who show themselves to be faithful servants. 
In the process of being faithful in the little things we have, God could open up some ______  ____________________ for us. 

III.  Seeing Opportunities that Others Do Not See
While the others are feeling hopeless, David sees this as an opportunity for an ___________  ________________.
We need to have the _________ of ____________ and the leading of the ______________ to see the big opportunities when they do come our way.  Sometimes that are right in front of us, but we ___________ them ____________________. 
Sometimes taking advantage of ministry opportunities might even mean that we need to ________  _______ where others have ____________.  In this story, really it was ____________ ___________ who should have been the one to face Goliath.
2 Corinthians 8:12 “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” 

Text is Mark 10:46-52

Text Colossians 4:2-6

Introduction: Being Prepared
--In Camping . . .
-- In Talking about our Faith . . .
“Be wise in how we act toward outsiders”—Col. 4:5
The purpose of deeds is to ___________ a verbal proclamation, but never to _____________ it.  It IS necessary to use words.

A) Have _____________ Ready to Go – Col. 4:6c
I Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
1.  Be prepared to give our testimony of ______________.
The important part is to know your testimony, to have it ______________, to make it clear and to make it __________.
2. We also need to be able to clearly explain what is at the _____________ of the _____________ and how a person would become a Christian. 
The Bridge Illustration:  (Sketch it out here!)
 

B) Be Always ________ of ____________ - Col. 4:6a
Being loving and graceful is more important than being ________.
And, I think the best way to be full of grace is to make sure that the message we are bringing to people is a message of _________  ___________ for them.
C)  __________________ Conversation – Col. 4:6b
Give people something to think about.  Leave them with a thought or an idea to __________  __________.  Make it compelling and interesting and _____________ to their situations.  Plus, think of some compelling _______________ that you have ready to go.
D) _______________ Yourself to ____________ - Col. 4:2-4
Being devoted in prayer is even more than just praying when we ___________ prayer.  Being devoted to prayer is a lifestyle of prayer that is ________________ and ____________. . . .   Really there isn’t anything more important than prayer when we reach out.
E) ______________ God to ________________
God can do miracles, even at those times when we totally mess things up.  God’s grace is bigger than us.  God can certainly _________________ our _________________.
Isaiah 55:11 “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

text Mark 2:13-17

Introduction: The Hate List

I.  Acting Like a Pharisee
The word Pharisee literarily means the “______________ __________”.  They pulled themselves away from anything or anyone that seemed _____________ or ______________.
But here’s what may not be so easy for us to admit: while almost all of us has a ______________ heart toward some people, almost every person also has a _____________  ________ of people that they just can’t stand.  Like the Pharisees, we can act _____________ and look down on others
And, too many times do we act like the “______________ ones”, called to shun anyone who we believe to be unholy, in our misguided attempt to keep ________________ out of our lives.
II.  Jesus Befriends the “Sinners”
Jesus didn’t see people for who they were, but Jesus saw people for who they ____________  _______________.   
When Jesus is in our lives, we go through a big _________________.  It is a ______________ that we have been accepted and invited by God to come follow him, but we don’t often see that as a ________________.      

When we see ourselves as ______________, we can be much more understanding and _________________, and engage in other broken lives.

III.  Called to Be a Missionary
What missionaries do, and how they relate to people is done very _____________________.  It is done with the ______________ of bringing the gospel to them. 
---Bobby and Rachel Kolb: missionaries to Uganda

Usually we might think of missionaries as doing really complicated and __________________ things.  But, they just look to __________________ the people they live near, and live their lives _________________ for _____________________ to share the gospel as they come.
The main challenge I want to leave with you today is to ___________ like a ________________ in your day-to-day life right here in Omaha.
“Most gospel ministry involves ordinary people doing ordinary things with gospel __________________.” – from Total Church
Bill Hybel’s 3 D’s:
1) D____________ Friendships
2) D_____________ Stories
3) D____________ Next Steps

text Phil 2:1-11

Introduction: Socially Awkward Experiences
I know I can’t be too hard on those who didn’t go out of their _______ to _________ to me, because I know I have been on the other side at these kinds of events too.  I have been the one who has stayed in my own __________ without really looking out for those who didn’t ______________.  It is hard to leave our circles of _______________.
I.  Our Excuses for Not Sharing Our Faith
1) F_________ and A________________
There can be incredible anxiety when a normal conversation suddenly shifts gears and migrates into _____________ ________________.
2) We just don’t k____________ what to s________.
We can often be afraid that we won’t ________________ Jesus very well because of our lack of knowledge.
3) Our own d__________ about the p________ of the gospel.
In order for us to reach out and to tell people that they should become Christians, we need to be really _____________ that the gospel is true and we need to believe that it is really in their _________  _____________ to believe it. 
 

II.  Jesus Answers Our Excuses
Sharing our faith is just a _____________  ______________ to spiritual health.
1) Jesus Christ left the ____________ Circle of Comfort and he took the _____________ walk a person could ever take.
Jesus left his comfort for us, and it’s not too much to ask for us to leave our comfort for others.
2) God doesn’t send us out on our own.  He goes with us, and we are __________ with his Spirit and we __________ his Spirit.
The “Zone of the Unknown” is often where God does his _________ __________, because it is at these times we are dependent on God and looking to him for help.  That is why Paul says, “When I am weak, than I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:10)
3) When we understand our own ____________  __________ for God, only then can we begin to explain that to others.  Like the example of Christ in Philippians 2, we relate to one another out of this spirit of ______________. 

Conclusion / Challenge
In light of what Jesus has done for us, the challenge for all of us is to take some steps out of our ____________  __________ and through the ___________ of the ____________ to get out into the “Zone of the Unknown”.

Text: Luke 10:1-12

Introduction: Getting in the Harvest
“If you are a farmer and you don’t have migrants to bring the crops in, you’re just wasting your time _______________.”
I.  Jesus’ Harvest Labor Shortage
Jesus is talking about the great need for workers for doing _______________. 
There are so many today who have never heard what the __________ is really ______  ______________.
The opportunities for ministry are all around us.  There are so many who need a message of grace and forgiveness that is communicated __________ and _____________ to them. 
II.  Some Obstacles for God’s Workers
1) Delegating: By the time you find a __________ person, explain what you need done, answer all their questions, _____________  _____ with them, and so forth--you can start to think, “Hey, I could have just as easily done that myself.”. . .  Training, ______________, and delegating is hard work.

2) Experts Only? : Many people think that to do ministry, you need to be a ___________  __________. . . .  This is where our culture is going.  But, this is not ________________.
 

III.  The Example of Jesus Sending Out His Disciples
Jesus takes ______________, ______________ people and tells them to “Go, depend on God, do your best, and learn from mistakes.”  All Christians are called to be God’s ____________.
“The 72”: God doesn’t need the experts; he just needs the _______________. 
Jesus’ Instructions: When people will not listen, these apostles are told to just __________  ______.  They are _____________ God, not them. 
And, Jesus also tells them very clearly that this work will _______ be ___________. 

IV.  Apostles
John 20:21 , “As my father has sent me, I am sending you.” 
The word “apostle” when translated literally means: “the _________  ________”.
As Christ’s followers today, we are also his apostles.  We are ones sent out for a purpose.  God ___________ us ordinary people with the _______ of _____________ his kingdom.
All churches are called to be _______________.  And, Jesus trusts us with this work.  He is _____________ to send us out.  He gives to us what we need. 

Text John 15:12-17

Introduction: Levels of Friendship
1) facebook friends: just about anyone who you ________
2) work friends: people who you generally like, but you don’t _________  ______ with them ___________
3) good friends: ones you _________  ____ with
4) closest friends: One quality of these friendships is ____________. And, a willingness to open up and __________ things with them that you would not tell anyone else.
I.  Who Are the Friends of God?
In the whole Old Testament, there are only two people who are ever called friends of God: and that was _____________ and ____________.  So, this title of friend is very _____________, and it speaks to a very ___________ relationship.
a.   Verse 15 – “no longer servants” (slaves)
Some people today are missing friendship with God because they _________ God without really ______________ God.
b.  Enemies of God: James 4:4  “Anyone who chooses to become a friend with the world becomes an enemy of God.”   
Those who Jesus calls his friends are those who are ______________ with him and know him.  So, this title of friend applies to anyone who has _____________ Jesus and has decided to be a ______________ of him.
 

II.  Obligations of Friendship
If we are his friends, Jesus says then we will _________ his commandments.  Jesus took those commandments ___________ and he wants his followers to take them ________________ too. 
And, if we are to love the way Jesus loves, this means that we don’t just love the ones who ____________ love, but that we love all, even those who do not _____________ it. 

III.  Privileges of Friendship
The privilege of having the Bible, which is God’s ________ and __________ revealed to us.
--Colossians 1:26, “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.”
Jesus, being God in the flesh, reveals to us what God is like.  Jesus makes God known through his __________ but also through his __________ on earth.
The most important thing that we have to know about God is how we can be ____________, find ____________, and be called his friend.

Conclusion:
Christ ____________ us that from now on his people will be called his friends, and there is no __________  relationship we could have with God, then to be considered his dearest friends. 

text Galatians 3:26-4:7

Introduction: Identity Crisis
An identity crisis is a period of dramatic _______ - _________.
What is at the core of our identity that always remains, even when other things change?

I.  Identity Crisis in the Galatian Church
Because of their new identity in Christ, the Jews and Gentiles are going to have to start to learn how to all get along with each other in a _____  ________________. 
Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
After Paul leaves, some of Jews who didn’t want to give up the old way start telling the new Gentile Christians that they better start following their ________ and ________________. . . . And, the Gentiles weren’t so sure that this is what Christianity was really all about.
II.  Christians Can Get Confused about our Core Identity
For some people, Christianity is a set of detailed, written __________  ___________.
For others, Christianity is all about love and forgiveness, tolerance and _____________.  Just be __________ to each other, and then you are following the message of Jesus.
But then, to other people, Christianity is mostly a _____________ or a set of _________________.
 

III.  The Center of Our Identity
Paul’s Illustration: Slaves, Children and Heirs--
If a family was childless and did not have an heir to pass their inheritance to, then, they could _________ one of their ___________ to officially join their family.  And then that ____________  ___________ would become the heir and receive the inheritance.
Galatians 4:4-5 “God sent his son . . . to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
This right of adoption is given just through ___________ in Jesus, and not because they ____________ it in any way.   
IV.  Privileges of Being Children of God
1) Having the inheritance of _____________ for all who belong to Christ.  And, this is something that can’t be taken away.
2) The gift of _________ into our hearts.  And, this living __________ becomes our ___________ for our lives. 
3) A new _____________ with God that was not possible before.
4) This status of sonship puts all Christians on an _________ status.
I John 3:2, “Dear friends, we are children of God, and we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall him as he is.”
Conclusion:
When we think about who we are, we should first think about who we are ____  _________.

text John 6:1-15

text John 5:1-15

Text: John 2:1-11

Introduction: Living in a Fish Tank
            
        
I.  The Big Wedding
The disciples at this time don’t __________ much of _______________ about Jesus . . .  and they ______________ if Jesus could really be the Messiah promised by God.
If supplies ran out too quickly, this would have done serious _____________ to the _______________ of the wedding host.  
But, it seems unlikely that saving the reputation of the wedding host was Jesus’ idea for his first miracle; and at first he is _______________ to get _______________.

II.  The Bigger Purpose Behind the Miracle
What Jesus is really doing is symbolizing the start of a new age: the new ______________, the _______ of the _________.
A)  Several times in the Old Testament, this new age is symbolized and described with images of ____________ and ____________ wine.  
(Jeremiah 31:12, Joel 2:24 and Isaiah 25:6 – “On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a fest of rich food of all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines.”)  

B)  Significance of the Ceremonial Water:
This miracle indicates that the old ceremonial water is not _____________  _____________.  The Jewish way of being purified and clean through ceremonial washing has been replaced with a _______ way to be __________.  Now we are cleansed and purified by the ___________ of ____________.

III.  Does Anyone Notice?
For most all of the wedding guests, for the bride and groom, and for the master of the banquet things continue on as they _____________  __________ before.
Only the disciples knew that Jesus used this as an opportunity to ____________ his __________, and we read in verse 11 that they put their _____________ in him. 
For some people, who are like the wedding host, they get a taste of the wine, but they don’t _____________ its _______________.  They get a glimpse or a taste of the new life that Jesus offers, but they take very little ______________. 
But, for others, when that moment comes when we encounter Jesus, our lives are __________ the ___________ again.
 

text 5:13-15

IIntroduction: Freedom and Risk Go Together
           
       
I.  The Gospel of Freedom
John 8:36 “If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.” 
We are free to __________ and we are free to ___________, but our salvation does not depend on those things because Jesus saves us; we don’t save ourselves.

II.  Using Freedom for Evil?? – verse 15
In verse 15 of our passage, we see what happens when our freedom is used in the ____________ ways--for selfish gain. 
“If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
They are abusing their God given freedom, and as a result, they are only _____________  ________________. 

III.  Christian Freedom is Used Correctly When it is Used in Love – verse 13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another humbly in love.” 
Christian freedom does not mean that we can do anything that we want.  We are always under the _______________ of ____________. 
IV.  Love Fulfills the Law – verse 14
St. Augustine wrote, ““Act as you ____________, so long as you are acting with love.”
Verse 14 “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’”
It’s true that if we are acting in love, we are acting according to ___________  _________.  So, it is very important for us to understand what it means to love __________________. 
Romans 13:9-10:  “The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet’; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Having freedom to act in love requires discernment and _________________.

V.  Conclusion
Freedom is at the very center of Christian behavior.  Knowing that we cannot earn favor with God keeps us from being _________-____________.  Knowing that we do not earn our way to heaven keeps us from _________________.  Knowing that we can only love through the example and power of Christ keeps us from ______________. 
 

text: Matthew 5:1-10

Introduction: Everything is a Competition
I.  The World Celebrates the Winners
The world celebrates the beautiful, the a_________, the witty, the i______________, the successful, the rich, and most of all the w_______________.
 

text Acts 1:1-11

text Isaiah 49:13-16

text Mark 10:13-16

Matthew 27:62-28:15

text Luke 19:28-44

text: 1 Corinthians 5:17-19

Text Ephesians 4:11-16

Text Acts 4:23-31

Text 2 Timothy 3:14-17