2019 Sermon Messages
This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Mat. 24:14
“Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Rom. 10:13-15
Selfless--This series looks at the greater fulfillment that comes from being Selflesss.
Sermon Notes:
Making room for Faith
Choosing between good and great.
Less about us and more about Jesus.
Be bold in your witness to the others.
Scripture References
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” ~1 Corinthians 8:9
“To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” ~John 3:28-30
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” ~1 Peter 3:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” ~ Mark 16:15-16
Sermon Notes:
Faith making a Difference
Faith in action is serving those in need.
Serving leads to a circle of blessings.
Faithful action can change the world.
Scripture References
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” ~Matthew 25:37-40
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” ~Hebrews 6:10
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ~Galatians 5:13-14
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Matthew 10:43-45
Sermon Notes:
Selfless Generosity is a Blessing
Keeping love on God, where in belongs.
Generosity is not a burden but a blessing.
Everything is God’s,hold on loosely.
Scripture References
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also… No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” ~Matthew 6:21,24
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” ~1 Timothy 6:10
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” ~Proverbs 11:25
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” ~2 Corinthians 9:7-8
“Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” ~Luke 18:25
Sermon Notes:
Communicating with God
A deeper intimate relationship.
Communication requires listening.
Prayer changes us more the God.
Scripture References
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” ~Luke 18:11-13
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’… He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’” ~Matthew26:39,42
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” ~James 4:2-3
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” ~John 14
Sermon Notes:
We are not meant to be alone
What does it mean to be present.
Being present helps us grow.
Being present strengthens the body.
Scripture References
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles” Acts 2:42-43
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” ~Acts 2:44-47
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christmay be built upuntil we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” ~Ephesians 4:11-13
Fullness of God--This series looks at ways we can press more deeply into the very person of God
Sermon Notes:
Our Relationship to God
God is received to us intimately as Abba.
God in the perfect example of love.
God seeks intimate, loving worshippers
Scripture References
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba!Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” ~Romans 8:14-16
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” ~1 John 4:7-8
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” ~John 4:23-24
Sermon Notes:
Who is the Holy Spirit
Nothing less than the person of God.
The still small voice of the Spirit.
Transformed in to the image of Jesus.
Scripture References
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” ~John 14:15-17
“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” ~1 Kings 19:11-12
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”~2 Corinthians 3:17-18
The Prayer of Jabez-A very short prayer, but like many passages in scripture a few words can be very powerful.
Sermon Notes:
What makes a prayer powerful?
We should pray for ourselves.
Prayer is not about the words.
Prayer is about the intent of the heart.
Scripture References
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~Matthew 7:7-8
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our heartsknows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” ~Romans 8:26-27
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” ~James 4:2-3
Sermon Notes:
The God of Blessings
God is eager to give us blessings.
What kind of blessing do we need.
Use blessing bring God the glory.
Scripture References
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain.’ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” ~ 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” ~ Ephesians 3:3
“I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” ~Genesis 12:2-3
Sermon Notes:
Scripture References
Sermon Notes:
Presence beyond Blessings
God’s hand refers to God’s presence.
We must be willing and ready to receive.
We must empty ourselves to receive holiness.
Scripture References
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” ~John 10:27-30
“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” ~John 16:23-24
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” ~Romans 6:20-22
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” ~Philippians 4:8-9
Sermon Notes:
Evil and Sin Causes Harm
Evil encourages our sinful nature.
Sin causes harm to us and others.
God offers us protection and redemption.
Scripture References
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” ~Romans 5:12
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge myterritory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.” ~1 Chronicles 4:10
“…For there is no distinction,since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesuswhom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith…” ~Romans 3:22-25
“And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.Give us day by day our daily bread.And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” ~Luke 11:2-4
Holy Week, Palm Sunday-The praise and passion of Jesus Christ leading to the crucifixion
Sermon Notes:
Jesus came to be the Lamb
The crowds of people cheered Jesus as king.
The crowd call out for Jesus to be crucified.
Jesus showed them nothing but grace.
Scripture References
“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’” ~Luke 19:37-40
“But the whole crowd shouted, ‘Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!’ (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’” ~Luke 23:18-21
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’” ~Luke 23:34-35
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” ~John 1:29
Sermon Notes:
The Resurrection changed Everything
The death of Jesus made this the worst day.
The resurrection of Jesus made it glorious.
Today, the resurrection still brings new life.
Scripture References
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” ~Luke 24:1-3
“While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words.” ~Luke 24:4-6
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” ~2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Fake News - This is about theological Fake News that sounds right, but isn’t entirely true.
Sermon Notes:
What is the Reason?
Not everything is in God’s will.
Action and inaction cause ripples.
We have a role in what happens.
Scripture References
“But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” ~Genesis 50: 19-21
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” ~Galatians 6:7-8
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” ~Galatians 6:9-10
Sermon Notes:
God will not give you too much
The Biblical nature of God.
God is not the source of temptation.
God is the giver of all good gifts.
Scripture References
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” ~1 Corinthians 10
“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is temptedwhen they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” ~James 1:13-14
“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” ~James 1:16-17
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” ~1 Peter 5:6-7
Sermon Notes:
Jesus calls us to Love
Jesus addressed sin with grace.
Jesus led haters to compassion.
Love the sinner, lead to Jesus.
Scripture References
“Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’” ~John 8:10-11
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.” ~John8:7-9
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” ~Romans 3:22-24
Sermon Notes:
God doesn’t promise Happiness
Following Christ comes at a price.
Christians do not belong to the world.
What do you need to make you happy.
Scripture References
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” ~Matthew 7:13-14
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” ~John 15:18-19
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33
“May the God of hopefill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13
Our Need for Aldersgate
Sermon Notes:
OUR NEED FOR ALDERSGATE
John Wesley, the co-founder of Methodism with his brother Charles, wrote in his journal about an event which was to change his life and through his experience the lives of many people. He wrote; "In the evening of May 24,(1738) I went very unwillingly to a society meeting in Aldersgate Street, where someone was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."
The name of the street where the event took place (ALDERSGATE) became in time the name or term for his religious experience there.
- WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED THERE?
- It wasn't his first encounter with Christ.
- He grew up in a devout Christian home.
- In college he joined a group of dedicated young Christians, including his brother Charles, who were very methodical in their approach to their Christian faith, and who were in time nicknamed "Methodists" This term stuck and it became the name for their followers
- He and Charles even served for a time as missionaries in America, though not very successfully.
- What really happened at Aldersgate?
- He discovered, like Luther 200 years before, the truth of Romans 1:17c, "the righteous (just) shall live by faith (in Christ)."
- What does this actually mean?
- We must experience Christ first, in repentance and trust; then we can live a fruitful Christian life. Not the other way around.
- True religion begins on the inside, with a relationship with Christ, then moves outward in service to others.
- It gave Wesley and all who experience it; an assurance that their/our sins are forgiven , and that we are saved for time and eternity.
- As a result of his Aldersgate experience Wesley became the leader of a revival movement that in time developed the Methodist Church and influenced all Protestant Christianity especially in England and the United States.
- An important part of his evangelistic efforts were to develop faith support groups. These stressed certain essentials for Chrisitian growth and development.
- They met together for Bible study , prayer and mutual spiritual support. A question that was frequently asked was: HOW IS IT WITH YOUR SOUL?
- They stressed developing a Christian lifestyle.
Developing a devotional life and regular worship at a local church.
Developing personal Christian character. (Personal holiness)
Developing Christian service. (Social holiness)
- As a result Methodism grew rapidly. In America, In the 1800s, it became the largest Protestant denomination.
Methodism seemed to be almost unstoppable.
- WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY?
- Unfortunately today, Methodism seems to be in an increasing decline , along with much of mainline Christianity in America.
- Why has this occurred?
- There are probably many reasons.
- But I believe the main reason in that we have come to neglect the truth that Wesley discovered at Aldersgate.
- We seem much more concerned about people's physical well-being than their eternal soul. We seem to have forgotten
the Biblical statement that :"Mankind does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
- Thus the church often seems much more concerned that people be HAPPY than HOLY.
We too often follow what society stresses than what the Bible says.
- A growing lack of personal spiritual development or commitment on the part of both churches and individual Christians.
III. WHAT IS NEEDED TODAY?
- A renewed personal experience of Aldersgate. HOW IS IT WITH YOUR SOUL?
- Using the Lake City United Methodist Church logo as a model. "Love, grow and serve Christ and others."
- Love.
Love is a two way street. We must come to know the love of Jesus, but then we must respond to his love,
through repentance of sin, then respond in love to Christ and other people.
Gaining an assurance that we are saved for time and for eternity.
- Grow.
Developing our Christian life through faithful devotional and worship practices.
A desire to be HOLY, to become more and more like Jesus!
- Serve Christ and others as he guides us and opportunities present themselves.
MAY WE RECOVER THE EXPERIENCE OF ALDERSGATE!
The Greatest Stories Ever Told
Sermon Notes:
A Tail of two Sinners
One was humble, one was arrogant.
Jesus embraces repentant sinners.
Living an honest life of faith.
Scripture References
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” ~Luke 9:11-13
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” ~Luke 9:14
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” ~Romans 12:2-3
Sermon Notes:
The Soil of Our Hearts
Planting in different types of soil.
Jesus reveals the deeper meaning.
Responding to the world with love.
Scripture References
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” ~Luke 8:5-8
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop” ~Luke 8:11-15
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.” ~2 Timothy 4:2
Sermon Notes:
Who were the Samaritans?
Samaritans were hated by the Jews.
Prejudice has no place in Christianity.
It is not who you are, but what you do.
Scripture References
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” ~John 4:8-9
“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” ~Luke 10 30-34
“‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” ~Luke 10:36-37
Sermon Notes:
The Love of the Father
The younger son’s responds.
The way the older son’s reacts.
Who was closer to the Father’s Love.
Scripture References
“Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.” ~Luke 15:11-12
“So he got up and went to his father.But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. ‘The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’”~Luke 15:11-12
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.” ~Luke 15:11-12
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” ~Luke 15:31-32
Sermon Notes:
What are you Given?
Use what you have to God’s glory.
Wasting your God given talents.
Living as a faithful servant.
Scripture References
“To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.” ~Matthew25:15-18
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. ~Matthew 25:26-28
“The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” ~Matthew25:20-21
Sermon Notes:
This is a Cautionary Tale…
After death, there is Heaven or Hell.
Some people will demand proof.
We must choose before it is too late.
Scripture References
“The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz′arus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz′arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’” ~Luke 16:22-24
“ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.’” ~Luke 16:19-31
“And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’” ~Luke 16:26
I Don't Get It
Sermon Notes:
Words to Live By!
Looking at the Bible through history.
The truth of the Bible through inspiration.
The Holy Spirit’s witness in our lives.
Scripture References
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:14-17
“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable peopledistort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” ~2 Peter 3:15-16
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” ~1 Thessalonians 2:13
Sermon Notes:
Why do we Worship?
Who is to benefit through our worship.
We can only worship God in the Gap.
The more we give the more we receive.
Scripture References
“‘Woman,’ Jesus replied, ‘believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.’Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’” ~John 4:21-24
“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen tothe music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” ~Amos 5:21-24
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” ~Joel 2:28-29
Sermon Notes:
Is God Still Active Today?
God’s OT hand was might .
God doesn’t answer all prayers.
God’s works though the Holy Spirit.
Scripture References
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” ~Exodus 14:21-22
“While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ he said. ‘Don’t bother the teacher anymore.’ Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.’” ~Luke 8:49-50
“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.’” ~Exodus 20:18-19
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” ~John 14:25-26
Sermon Notes:
Who is the Holy Spirit
Nothing less than the person of God.
The still small voice of the Spirit.
Transformed in to the image of Jesus.
Scripture References
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” ~John 14:15-17
“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” ~1 Kings 19:11-12
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” ~2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Sermon Notes:
Scripture References
The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not [eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”~Gen. 2:16-17
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” 4 The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! 5 For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.
8 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” 11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
Cursed are you more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you will go,
And dust you will eat
All the days of your life;
15 And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel.”
16 To the woman He said,
“I will greatly multiply
Your pain in childbirth,
In pain you will bring forth children;
Yet your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you.”
17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’;
Cursed is the ground because of you;
In toil you will eat of it
All the days of your life.
18 “Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you;
And you will eat the plants of the field;
19 By the sweat of your face
You will eat bread,
Till you return to the ground,
Because from it you were taken;
For you are dust,
And to dust you shall return.”
20 Now the man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. 21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.
22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.~Gen. 3:1-24
Sermon Notes:
Is Jesus the Only Way?
Is Christianity exclusive?
We must weigh the truth claims.
There is no proof, only a choice.
Scripture References
“Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” ~John 14:5-7
“If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is‘the stone you builders rejected,which has become the cornerstone.’Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” ~Acts 4:9-12
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this daywhom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” ~Joshua 24:15
Sermon Notes:
Is Jesus really Coming Back?
The prophecies about Jesus are reliable.
Jesus’ return will come as a surprise.
It will be a the best day of the worst.
Scripture References
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” ~Micah 5:2
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” ~1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:2
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” ~Hebrews 9:27-28
Sermon Notes:
Everyone is Going to Die
We have been promised a new body.
Resurrection will come in a moment.
This life is not our home.
Scripture References
“It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.” ~1 Corinthians 15:42-44
“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.O death, where is your victory?O death, where is your sting?’” ~1 Corinthians 15:51-51,54-55
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” ~Hebrews 13:14-16
7 Words to Change Your Life
Sermon Notes:
Powerful Everyday Words
It is easier to say ‘no’ than saying yes.
Saying ‘yes’ to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
It is uncomfortable, but leads to growth.
Scripture References
“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’”Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.” ~Exodus 6:6-9
“Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!’ Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” ~Exodus 14:12-14
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” ~Exodus 16:4-5
Sermon Notes:
Some Words Hurt
Hurtful words from others and yourself.
The lies the bring us hurt andshame.
Say “no” to pain that chains us down.
Scripture References
“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” ~James 3:8-10
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~Romans 8:37-39
Sermon Notes:
An Attitude of Gratitude
We can show insincere thanks.
God is worthy of our gratitude.
Little gratitude can cheapen grace.
Scripture References
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.”
~Psalm 136
“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’” ~Revelation 4:9-11
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” ~Galatians 2:20-21
Sermon Notes:
Learning to Ask for Help
Understanding that we need help.
Not just from people who will agree.
Our ultimate help is from the Lord!
Scripture References
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” ~ Ephesians 4:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~Romans 12:1-2
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? Myhelp comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” ~Psalm 121:1-2
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” ~John 14:15-16
Sermon Notes:
Seeing the Awe and Glory of God
Our culture minimizes the glorious.
We have to get close to say Wow!
Growing closer to God is our choice.
Scripture References
“From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spiritsof God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.” ~ Revelation 4:5-6
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.: John 10:27-28
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.’ Then Moses said, ‘Now show me your glory.’ And the Lord said, ‘I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.’” ~Exodus 33:18-19
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” ~James 4:7-8
Development of the Saints
Sermon Notes:
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SAINTS
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:1,2
INTR. Note that Paul is writing to the Saints (plural) not to a Christian (a saint) individually. When Jesus called people to follow him it was to a community of faith, not just a group of individuals alone with Him.
- ILLUSTRATIONS FROM THE CHILDREN'S MOMENTS.
- The experience from nature.
In the children's moments this morning I used the idea of how stones are smoothened by tumbling around in a stream or river over many years.
This is like life where we are placed together with other people and like stones in a stream, are developed together as we float amd bump together in the streams of life. With the help of sand (grit), experiences of life, we are bumped together and as a result ,we have rough edges knocked off and are gradually smoothed out (matured) in the process.
- The experience of the jewelry maker.
In the children's moments I also illustrated how gems used for jewelry are developed. Gem stones which are first cut by a diamond saw from larger stones are placed in what is called a rock tumbler. They are placed together with grit and then placed in the tumbler which is a little pot like vessel which is rotated by a motor often running for weeks at a time. First the stones are tumbled with rather coarse grit which helps knock off sharp edges. Then they are placed with less abrasive grit to help them become smooth. Eventually when ready the are placed into various forms of jewelry.
- THE EXPERIENCE OF LIFE.
- Our life is like a rock in a stream or river.
- Gradually we have rough edges knocked off and we become smoothened (polished) in the streams (experiences ) of life.
- Unlike inert stones, we are living beings made in God's image, so we have some choice in the matter.
- These choices and resulting process should begin at home as children.
- Then they should continue throughout life.
- If never learned, the result is disaster for us and for others.
III. THE EXPERIENCE OF THE CHRISTIAN.
- when we become a Christian, God places us in a special "rock tumbler" called the church. We are his rough gems.
1.In the church we learn how to live as a Christian with others. This will involve getting some rough edges knocked off; also a general smoothing and polishing to develop us and other Christians into gems fit for his crown.
- To aid in this process he places special grit in the mix such as the scriptures and Holy Spirit along with prayer to assist us in the development.
- This demands choices on our part.
- Unlike the gem rock, which has no choice in whether to be in the rock tumbler or not, we as beings made in God's image do have a choice. We can opt out, which unfortunately too many people do so they never develop into the gems God desires for them to be.
- Where are you in this process? Are you allowing God to prepare you in his tumbler called the church to become part of his eternal crown?
Made for More
Sermon Notes:
Do you want More for Life?
Our dream are often smaller than God’s.
Ask God to give you God sized dreams.
God led dreams are not of our doing.
Scripture References
“The Lord said to Gideon, ‘You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’ So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained” ~Judges 7:2-3
“Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. ‘I had a dream,’ he was saying. ‘A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.’ His friend responded, ‘This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.’” ~Judges 7:13-14
“When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath.” ~Judges 7:22
Sermon Notes:
God uses the Faithful
Living a life in prayer to hear God.
Living a holy life bring us closer.
Leaning to Trust the Lord completely.
Scripture References
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” ~ Daniel 6:10
“At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” ~Daniel 6:4
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” ~ Hebrews 12:14
“‘My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.’ The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” ~Daniel 6:22-23
Sermon Notes:
Let God Work in Your Life
Make sure that you are listening to God.
Let go of your own expectations .
Leave your comfort zone..
Scripture References
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’ ‘Neither,’ he replied, ‘but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, ‘What message does my Lord have for his servant?’ The commander of the Lord’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.” ~Joshua 5:13-15
“March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.’” ~Joshua 6:3-5
“So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, ‘Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.’ And he ordered the army, ‘Advance!March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.’” ~Joshua 6:6-7
All I Want for Christmas
Sermon Notes:
How does Love Conquer All?
There is more to love than romance.
The love of Jesus conquered sin and death.
Our love can conquered a world of hate.
Scripture References
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” ~1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“‘Where, O death, is your victory?Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~1 Corinthians 15:55-57
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:14-16
Sermon Notes:
What does Joy feel like to You?
Joy is more than just happiness.
Great joy comes from Good News.
Good New drives us to share the joy.
Scripture References
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” ~Philippians 4:4-6
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:11-13
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” ~John 15:9-11
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” ~Luke 2:20
Sermon Notes:
What does Peace really Mean?
Peace is more than the absence of war.
Living a life of peace in our own lives.
A life lived that brings peace to others.
Scripture References
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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.” ~John 14:25-27
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified… Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 28-9,13-14
Sermon Notes:
Seeking Hope Beyond Circumstances
Our culture is filled with hopelessness.
Our dissatisfaction is from comparison.
Our hope does not come from this world.
Scripture References
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.” ~Matthew5:3-9
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” ~James3:14-16
“And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” ~Romans5:2-5
Prayer by Maynard Wedul
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