Saturday, December 31, 2011

Goodbye 2011 - Hello 2012 Outline

Sermon Text: Phil 3: 12 – 4: 1
Sermon Title: Goodbye 2011 — Hello 2012
Point 1: Defeat didn’t dictate my destiny vs. 12…I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Isaiah 43:25 it says, “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.”In Jeremiah 31:34 it says, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
What defeat do I need to say good bye?
Point 2: Pain you served your purpose vs. 13…straining ahead…
What painful thing am I going to say good bye to? What good thing will I let go?
Point 3: Sorry won’t sink my success or my significance in 2012 vs. 18 now say again with tears.
What are you sorry about and will let go so you can conquer your future?
Conclusion:

Friday, December 30, 2011

Waiting for the King

Sermon Text: Luke 2: 25, 37 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him….. 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[b] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Sermon Title: Waiting For The King?
Are you wanting or longing for anything special for Christmas? If you’re not careful, you’ll wait for Christmas and not CHRIST. Simeon and Anna were alert to his appearance and ready to welcome him. How do you get what you’ve been waiting for?

Simeon -- Waiting For Comfort
We’re introduced to Simeon in Luke 2:25. “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.” Simeon was righteous before people, and he was devout in His relationship with God.

Anna -- Waiting for Redemption Take a look at verse 38: “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
The word redemption is related to the idea of captivity.

Point 1: Become Marvelers
verse 33 says that they marveled at what was said about Jesus.
To marvel means to be filled with wonder, astonishment, and surprise. Have you been caught up in the Christmas “holiday” or are you concerned with making it a “holy day”? Has Christmas just become too predictable and just another day off work for you?

Point 2: Become a Mover
Take a look at verse 27: “Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.” Now drop down to verse 38: “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God...”
Mary was ready to move when she said to the angel, “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 2:38) Joseph demonstrated that he was a mover when he woke up from his dream and “...did what the angel of the Lord had commanded and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24) The Shepherds were movers as well when they said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened...” (Luke 2:15)
When the Spirit prompted them to move, they did not sit still. You must be moved by the Spirit. When God prompts you to do something, you need to do it. God doesn’t do anything with people who don’t do anything. You can’t stay neutral when it comes down to Jesus.

Point 3: Become a Messenger
Interestingly, as we work at becoming marvelers, we can’t help but become movers. That leads us to the final action step from this passage -- become a messenger. Notice verse 38 again: “...she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
This is the time of year when you have everyone’s undivided attention and you can tell them about our Savior. Don’t become casual about God being born in the flesh. We must not forget about the foundations of our faith-Jesus’ birth and resurrection. God submitted himself to humanity so that we would be saved. As believers, it is our time! We are the messengers!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

OUTLINE - THE GIFT 122511

Sermon Text: Luke 2: 13
Sermon Title: The King is Coming
Point 1: The angels got their Attention vs. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
• The first Mount Transfiguration Mark 9: 2
• The second one is in the upper room Acts 1: 9
• The third is when God lead the Children of Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Exodus 13: 21
Point 2: They were in Awe vs. 9, 13 An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying…Glory to God…
Point 3: They turned their awe into Action vs. 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord told us about.”
Point 4: They Assumed responsibility vs. 17 When they had seen him they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
Point 5: They Advanced God’s agenda vs. 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Clearly what the shepherds did is now moving God agenda.
1. Convincing…
2. Clear…
3. Courageous…
4. Consistent…
Conclusion:

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The King is Coming: Gold, Frankincense & More OUTLINE

Sermon Text: Matt 2: 1-12 and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

Sermon Title: The King is Coming: Gold, Frankincense & More

Point I: They Were Wise In Their Decision To Search For Jesus vs. 2
A. They Recognized God at Work in the World Surrounding Them. Romans 1 and Psalm 19

B. They Recognized God At Work In The Word Revealed to Them

Point 2: They Were Wise In Their Determination to Search For Jesus vs. 9

A. They Were Committed to Their Search.
Matthew 2:16 Matthew 5:6 reads “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled”. Let me ask you this morning

B. They Were Discerning In Their Search.
Matthew 2:8

C. They Were Dependent In Their Search (Matthew 2:9).
1. They Would Not Be Side Tracked by Lust of the Flesh
Matthew 2:12
2. They Would Not Be Side Tracked by Lust of the Eyes
3. They Would Not Be Side Tracked by Pride of Life

Point 3: They Were Wise In Their Devotion At The Conclusion Of their Search vs.11, 12

A. A Gift Worthy of His Lordship – Gold
Revelation 19:16 “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
1
2

B. A Gift Worthy of His Holiness – Frankincense
1
2

C. A Gift Worthy of His Sacrifice – Myrrh
1
2
3

Conclusion:

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Waiting for the King...STUDY OUTLINE...121411

Sermon Text: Luke 2: 25, 37 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him….. 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[b] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Sermon Title: Waiting For The King?

Simeon -- Waiting For Comfort
We’re introduced to Simeon in Luke 2:25. “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.” Simeon was righteous before people, and he was devout in His relationship with God.

Anna -- Waiting for Redemption Take a look at verse 38: “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
The word redemption is related to the idea of captivity.

Point 1: Become Marvelers
verse 33 says that they marveled at what was said about Jesus.

Point 2: Become a Mover
Take a look at verse 27: “Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.” Now drop down to verse 38: “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God...”
Mary was ready to move when she said to the angel, “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 2:38) Joseph demonstrated that he was a mover when he woke up from his dream and “...did what the angel of the Lord had commanded and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24) The Shepherds were movers as well when they said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened...” (Luke 2:15)

Point 3: Become a Messenger
Interestingly, as we work at becoming marvelers, we can’t help but become movers. That leads us to the final action step from this passage -- become a messenger. Notice verse 38 again: “...she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The King is Coming & He Won’t Disappoint OUTLINE

Pericope: Isaiah 9: 1 – 6
Sermon Title: The King is Coming & He Won’t Disappoint
Sermon Text: Isaiah 9: 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Point I: WONDERFUL COUNSELOR…Top Advisor
(Exodus 18:19) In 2 Kings 18:20
“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice—not in anger, lest you reduce me to nothing” (Jeremiah 10:23, 24)
“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.” (Heb. 4:15)

He is someone who really cares. – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7)

Point 2: MIGHTY GOD…Mighty Warrior
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.” (2 Corinthians 10:3) Our weapons are different, because the battle is spiritual. “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Revelation 17:14)

Point 3: EVERLASTING FATHER…Provider Forever.
This is an expectation of care. “Everlasting” points to a promise of kingdom that will never end. (Is. 9:7) “Father” is not to be confused with God the Father, but instead refers to the enduring, compassionate, fatherly care of the Messiah to his people. We can expect Jesus to be our Pâté, abba, provider of generations.“
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36

Point 4: PRINCE OF PEACE… Life Calmer Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Conclusion:

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The King is Coming: OUTLINE

Sermon Text: Isaiah 9: 1 – 7
Sermon Title: The King is Coming!

Point 1: Counselor vs. 6; Prov 8: 14, 15: 22
1. Who whispers in your ear?
2. Who do you talk to after you have talked to yourself?
3. Do you desire to determine your destiny which is the definition of a reprobate? Rom 1: 24
4. Ask God for wisdom, direction and he will give it to you freely now follow it. e.g. Jesus James 1: 5

Point 2: Mighty God vs. 6, Matt 6: 33
1. Who is the God of your Christmas?
2. How would we know it?
3. Can we check your checkbook?
4. Can we check your calendar…appointment book…day planner?

Point 3: Everlasting Father vs. 6
1. A father brings discipline
2. A father brings direction
3. A father brings determination
4. A father brings destiny.

Point 4: Prince of Peace [R.I.P.] vs. 6
1. What are you wrestling with?
2. What creeps into your thoughts when your are still & alone?
3. Is God satisfied with your lifestyle?
4. Are you at peace with God?

Definition:

Conclusion:

Friday, December 2, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place: God's Money Managers

Sermon Title: Living in the Spacious Place: God’s Money Managers

Sermon Text: Luke 21: 1 – 4 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3“I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Context: The day before this scripture takes place; Jesus cleared the temple from money changers. Until now the widow would not have been able to give such a small amount. She would have been made to purchase a sacrifice.
This is a familiar text and when we look at it, we typically see the widow as an ignorant poor woman. Jesus even refers to her as poor. Money is not equal to I.Q. or intellect. There are rich fools. In fact, not only was this widow not ignorant, she was a great money manager. Money managers manage large sums of money. Their sole purpose is to make money for their clients by making wise investments.
Don’t understand how she could be a money manager? Don’t pay attention to what she has left. Doing so speaks to our understanding or lack thereof as to giving to God. We think what we give to God disappears. We think there is no reward or return on what you give. Thinking that way will keep you from moving where you should be. Think of it as an investment. It is foolish to think that anything you give to God is gone. You can see paying a mortgage because you have a tangible return of a house. When you see the return you move from tipping to giving to God. There will be a return on your investments. Why should you only give to things that will rust and moths will corrupt? Don’t be like the rich man who had mo investments on the other side. Don’t have more faith in your mutual fund or your 401k than in God.
When you put everything you have into an investment, as the widow did, you better know that it has a great portfolio. She knew a few things about God.
• He was taking her somewhere
• He has taken care of her in the past
With God past performance is a DIRECT INDICATOR of future performance. Look at the children of Israel. God Is a SURE THING! Matthew 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
He is in tune with how you invest. If He keeps track of a glass of cold water, how much more does He with you tithes.

A Barna research study back in April 2000 found that only 8% of Christians give 10% of their income or more.
According to statistics, in American Churches the breakdown of giving looks like this:
20% of members Give 80% of all funds
30% of members Give the other 20%
50% of members Give nothing – ever!
What could be done if we all decide to fund His agenda? Steve Miller decided to fund God’s agenda with his mill business. He was not concerned about making money for himself. Because he trusted god he gave generously. As he gave generously so did God. He now owns 18 mills.

There are six types of givers:
1. Imitator-mimics others stewardship. If what /who they mimic is stingy with their giving they will also be stingy with their giving. The same applies if they are mimicking a generous giver.
2. Modeler—gives when there is an example
3. Conformer—gives because of tax benefits and personal gain
4. Individual—gives in proportion to what God has given him/her
5. Generous Giver—recognizes that all one posses belongs to God and derives joy from giving
6. Mature giver—focus on God then on others concerned with his/her treasure in heaven than treasure on earth and is content with daily provisions

We should all strive to become mature givers and give the following four ways:
1.Give Politely: Matthew 6:1 - 4 1 "Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that you are giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. There is a reward for giving. You can get it now or later.

2. Give Plentifully: 2 Corinthians 9: 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. You will reap what you sow.

3. Give Progressively: Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Phil 4: 19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory… God ask us to give because He wants to bless us MORE. The baseline is our tithing.

4. Give Positively: 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
A cheerful heart reflects the emotions of my ministry. If you are joyous about something, your giving should be a joyous moment because it is a opportunity for you to invest. When you give you make two deposits: one heavenly and one earthly.

Conclusion:
You unlock the door to your spacious place by giving. You will be investing like the widow and souls will be added to your account.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Five Ways To Give Thanks

Sermon Notes
Wednesday, November 23 2011

Sermon: Five Ways To Give Thanks
Sermon Text: Psalm 100 (NKJV)

1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise, Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.

The Psalmist comes on the scene with Thanksgiving on his mind. He is speaking of the importance of reflecting back on the might of God and projecting forward on the goodness of God.

Point 1: Shout It (vs 1)

Thanksgiving is done out loud. The more you THINK, the more you will THANK. The more you think, the louder you shout out your praise.

Point 2: Sing It (vs 2)
God is not a blues singer, so we must not come with sadness. The song you sing reflects the life you live.

Point 3: Know It (vs 3)

He knows you and He made you. This should give you a sense of “belonging” and make you proud to be a child of God. This alone should make you thankful.

Point 4: Enter It (vs 4)
You should be coming to church with a spirit of thanksgiving. You must also be thankful outside of church because this prepares you for when you do get to church. When you have a thankful spirit outside of church, you’ll already have a praise on the inside of you that is only elevated when participating in the worship service.

Point 5: Continue It (vs 5)

Your praise should be equal to His mercy that endures forever. Your praise should be consistent with what God is doing in your life. There should never be a time in your life when you’re not giving God praise.

Conclusion:

Be thankful everywhere and in everything, for God is good!

THANKSGIVING ON AN EMPTY STOMACH!

Pericope: Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19
Sermon Text: Habakkuk 3: 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Introduction/Context: “The average person ate 4500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. Most people ate turkey, stuffing, and sweet potato pie. Most people spent $365.34 while shopping on Black Friday. It is easy to say thanks when you have a full table, a full stomach, and money for shopping. What about when there is nothing?
In our text it is not the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but it is days before the Babylonians are about to take over Jerusalem and turn her full stomach into an empty situation. Due to the sin in Israel’s lifestyle, God has permitted the Babylonians to take over and has put a word into the mouth of Habakkuk. The situation is bleak and everything is about to change. Their reality is penned in verse 17 of this text. The trees and fields are barren; there are no grapes on the vines; no sheep in the pen or cattle in the stalls.
Yet, Habakkuk makes what seems to be an outlandish statement in verse 18.” I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
How is he able to give thanks on an empty stomach? An empty stomach includes more than just food. It can be a situation. How do you give thanks when things are rough? When things aren’t going well that is when we need to give thanks the most. Habakkuk gives us a three step road map to giving thanks on an empty stomach.

Point 1: God gives me Strength to make it. Vs.19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength.
The first thing Habakkuk said was God was going to give him strength to make it. Notice he did not say stuff. Habakkuk realized that stuff could not help him. It could not offer encouragement in the time of trouble. Like the grapes or the fig, stuff can be gone with one move but strength is what will get you through. God will never keep his strength from you. He gives it freely. Even when you are in your most weaken state God will replace your weakness for his strength.

Isa 41: 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Cor 12: 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This is a paradox. When you are going through things, you don’t feel like praising but the way you make it through is to praise. Don’t mistake having to feel praise to say it. If you say it long enough you will feel it.

Point 2: God makes my steps Steady on rocky ground.Vs. 19 he makes my feet like the feet of a deer.
The next thing Habakkuk said God would do is make his feet like deer. Habakkuk is trying to create a picture of a goat perched high on the edge of the mountain just by his feet. He has no thumbs and can’t grab the rock. His feet allow him to be steady and stand safely on the edge. When things are not well in your life, God will give you deer feet. He will make you able to stand on the edge and look over the cliff. Destruction will be on the other side, but you will not fall. When things go wrong in our lives, we tend to want to go to flat ground. We should however look to go higher. Your situation is taking you higher not down. It may seem a little scary and you may be afraid. It is ok to be a little afraid. As long as you let that fear causes you to go hard after God.
A story was told of Muhammad Ali being on a plane. As the stewardess asked everyone to fasten their seatbelts, he noticeably unbuckled his belt. When asked again to please buckle the belt he replied, “Superman doesn’t need a seatbelt”. The attendant replied,” he doesn’t need a plane either. “Don’t be like Superman. Buckle up around Jesus. He will take you through the situation to another dimension.

Point 3: This is not my last Stop. Vs. 19 he enables me to go on the heights.
This is not the end. It is not forever. There is an expiration date on your situation. It will end because your going higher. Give Him praise! Habakkuk had just been given a vision from God of a future world that was coming. Habakkuk has human emotions. Notice he raises life question in 1: 2 How long Lord must I call for help… and in 2: 2 God answers write down the vision and make it plain… Include the date you write it, songs, and scriptures God gives you. In time the vision will speak. You will NOT be defeated. It is not in the scriptures for believers. He will make all things right in his time.
We must express lament and praise. They complement each other. The things in your situation may not be good but it’s not to be denied. You can’t know the power of praise if it is denied. When you accept praise can take hold and take you the place you should be.
It is ok to question God. When you do it puts you on a quest.

When you are on a quest three things happen:
(a) you put demands on God. Include scripture in your demand. God responds to His word.
(b) you deepen your commitment
(c) you drive to a new level of living with/for Him.

Conclusion: Look at how Habakkuk ended his quest! vs. 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Frank Boreham, in one of his books, tells of a conversation he once had with a somewhat naive and Pollyannish woman named Jeannie. He said to her, “Jeannie, supposing. . . .” Before he could finish his question, she said don’t start that suppose stuff. When those thoughts come knocking at the door of my mind I just slam the door and I don’t answer it. While this may have been good worldly advice, Habakkuk had a better response. He said come on in because I am going to rejoice anyway. Suposes will come your way and you have to respond with a resounding , I will rejoice anyway!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

SERMON OUTLINE: THANKSGIVING ON AN EMPTY STOMACH!

Pericope: Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19
Sermon Text: Habakkuk 3: 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Sermon Title: Thanksgiving on an Empty Stomach!

Introduction/Context: “The average person ate 4500 calories T In our text it is not the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but it is days before the Babylonians are about to take over Jerusalem and turn her full stomach into an empty situation. Due to the sin in Israel’s lifestyle God has permitted the Babylonians to take over.

Point 1: God gives me Strength to make it. Vs. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; The first thing Habakkuk said was God was going to give him strength to make it.
Isa 41: 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Even when you are in your most weaken state God will replace your weakness for his strength. 2 Cor 12: 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Point 2: God makes my steps Steady on rocky ground. Vs. 19 he makes my feet like the feet of a deer The next thing Habakkuk said God would do is make his feet like deer.

Point 3: This is not my last Stop. Vs. 19 he enables me to go on the heights Habakkuk had just been given a vision from God of a future world that was coming. Notice Habakkuk raises life question in 1: 2 How long Lord must I call for help… and in 2: 2 God answers write down the vision and make it plain…

When you are on a quest three things happen:
(a) you put demands on God,
(b) you deepen your commitment
(c) you drive to a new level of living with/for Him.

Conclusion: Look at how Habakkuk ended his quest! vs. 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior Frank Boreham, in one of his books, tells of a conversation he once had with a somewhat naive and Pollyannish woman named Jeannie. He said to her, “Jeannie, supposing. . . .”

Friday, November 25, 2011

DEVOTION: SPACIOUS PLACE...THE ACTION PLAN

Spacious Place: The Action Plan...James 1:22

A DEVOTIONAL BY MINISTER EVERETT HOLMON...EDITED BY BISHOP GEOFFREY V. DUDLEY, SR.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourself. Do what it says

Have you ever wondered why God would allow us to get down to our last, and then expect us to respond to His word and tell us to do something that does not make sense in our natural mind?

Can you imagine how Joshua felt when God told him to send the priests, not the soldiers; to march around the city and blow horns (Joshua 5:2-5) or what went through Naaman mind, when he was told by the man of God to go wash in the in the Jordan (2 kings 5:1-15). In both cases the men obeyed and received their victory.

What is your story, has God told you to plant in a time of famine, to give food when there is barely enough to feed your own family, or to tithe when there is no money left in the bank until next pay day and you have other obligations to meet.

Why is it that God demands so much from us when it seems we have so little? Because God want to take us to a spacious place by helping us learn to put action behind the very words we hear and speak. When we obey God’s word, it triggers four truths to activate our action plan in order that we may enter into the spacious place.

First, it triggers our trust in God. Secondly, it triggers a release of blessing over our life. Thirdly, it triggers a deeper dependency on God. Lastly, it triggers an investment made into eternity in the kingdom of God. When we put a demand on God from His word he is obligated to act on his word and when God put a request on us we are obligated to act on his word through our obedience.

It is important to listen to what God’s word says, but it is more important to obey it. To do what it says. To that end, are you willing to put into action the words God has spoken to you?

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place...Action Plan Notetaker

Living in the Spacious Place Action Plan NoteTaker

Working definitions: Spacious Place- worry free, not care free
Poverty Spirit-when you believe your situation and life circumstance is bigger than God.

Living in a Spacious Place: Rehoboth Part 2: Genesis 26: 1 – 4, 12 – 15, 1 Now there was a famine in the land—besides the previous famine in Abraham’s time—and Isaac went to Abimelek king of the Philistines in Gerar. 2 The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring[a] all nations on earth will be blessed. Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. 13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. 14 He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. 15 So all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the time of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up, filling them with earth.
Context: In our text we find God at work turning a famine into a Spacious Place. As you know the only way God can get anything done on earth he has to work through obedience people who trust him. The person he chooses to work through in our text is Isaac. Isaac trust God and obey him even when it doesn’t make sense. Isaac obeys and trusts God even his haters are everywhere and do some pretty bad things to stop him from moving to his Spacious Place.

1. Isaac ________ even when it was a famine. Eccl. 11:4, Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
2. Isaac __________ __________because his belief in the word __________ into obeying the word. _______, _________, and _________ go hand in hand.
3. Isaac quickly recognized_______, __________, and the _________spirit _____ __________ ________from them.
4. God made ________ for Isaac-__________! What is your __________?
5. We ________ and ______ ____________ but we do not ___________ to God’s word He is waiting to make you a Spacious Place.
What will you change ___________ so God can change your ___________ _____________.
Living in the Spacious Place: Don’t Get it Twisted: Luke 16:19-31, 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Context: In order to get the context you must read. This is not a parable because Jesus uses the name of someone; it is considered a true event by many scholars. Luke 26: 10 – 14. 10“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” 14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
In response to the Pharisees sneering, the Greek means they looked down there nose at Jesus, Jesus tells them a story about somebody they know. We know this story as the Rich man and Lazarus.
6. The Rich man never _________ into the ________.
7. The rich man got it ___________.
8. Jesus did not __________ the rich man’s___________. Jesus the rich man’s lack of investing into the kingdom.
9. Jesus wants us to give to _______ ________ and for ___________.
• Matthew 6:19,“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
• Matthew 10:42, And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Living in the Spacious Place: How to defeat the Poverty Spirit: 1 Kings 17: 7 – 16, 7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
Context: Elijah had prophesied there was going to be a famine and drought in the land for at least seven years. It’s at this time God instructs Elijah to defeat the spirit of poverty. The land is full of lack. There is lack of water. Lack of food. Lack of faith. Lack of people walking with God. Lack of prophets speaking faith to break hold of lack over the land because Jezebel was killing them off. 18:4 Even a 100 prophet’s were hidden with food, water, and supplies because the land was so full of lack and poverty spirit prevailed. Elijah finds a woman who must act on faith to unlock her preordained destiny.

10. It was _________ __________ the widow would be blessed she simply had to _________.
11. God needed a ___________to _________ ___________during the famine.
12. She had to ____________ her life ___________ __________ it before he _________ ___________.
13. God ________ his __________ even in a __________.
What famine are you in? What do you need to reorder in your life?

Living in the Spacious Place: Poverty Spirit a 3 Play Act: 2 Kings 8: 1-6, Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Go away with your family and stay for a while wherever you can, because the LORD has decreed a famine in the land that will last seven years.” 2 The woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. 3At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to appeal to the king for her house and land. 4 The king was talking to Gehazi. 5 Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal to the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, “This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life.” 6 The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. “Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now.”
Context: Another widow woman obeys the man of God this time it is Elisha. had already obeyed him and believed in God when she is prayed for her dead son who came back to life. Now she is set for a spacious place- total restoration for what the enemy took from her.

14. Because of the widows ___________ God restored ____________.
15. The widow had to obey in a __________ and __________ times.
16. Gehazi ____________ his _______ __________and ________ ________for the widow.

Living in the Spacious Space: God’s Money Managers: Luke 21:1-4, As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Context: Jesus watches a widow give everything and commends her on her investment into the kingdom. Jesus also commends: compares/criticizes what others gave who had far more. This smart widow was a wise money manager.

17. How _______ do you _________ into the kingdom?
18. When you ____________ to God it’s not a “_________ _______”
What is your action plan?
There is a “famine” in America-jobs are scarce, the economy is in serious trouble. This is not a time to trust politicians or man’s economy. This is a time to hold on to God and obey his word.
19. Are you “_________ __________ ____________” of trust or giving _________ _______ __________ and not ____________ through __________ and giving generously?
20. Have you ___________ the ________ along the way and need a __________ ___________
21. Are you ___________ in your soul and not sure where you will _______ _______? Yes or No

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place: God's Money Managers OUTLINE

Sermon Text: Luke 21: 1 – 4 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.A 3“I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Sermon Title: Living in the Spacious Place: God’s Money Managers
A Barna research study back in April 2000 found that only 8% of Christians give 10% of their income or more.
According to statistics, in American Churches the breakdown of giving looks like this:
20% of members Give 80% of all funds
30% of members Give the other 20%
50% of members Give nothing – ever!
Imitator-mimics others stewardship.


1. Modeler—gives when there is an example
2. Conformer—gives because of tax benefits and personal gain
3. Individual—gives in proportion to what God has given him/her
4. Generous Giver—recognizes that all one posses belongs o God and derives joy from giving
5. Mature giver—focus on God then on others concerned with his/her treasure in heaven than treasure on earth and is content with daily provisions
1. Give Politely
Matthew 6:1 - 4 1 "Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that you are giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
2. Give Plentifully
2 Corinthians 9: 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
3. Give Progressively
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Phil 4: 19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory…

4. Give Positively2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

DEVOTION: SPACIOUS PLACE...DEFEATING THE POVERTY SPIRIT 2

Devotional - Living In The Spacious Place: Defeating The Poverty Spirit
By Minister William Witherspoon; Edited by Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., D.Min.

Malachi 3:10 King James Version (KJV) 10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 New International Version (NIV) 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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.

On a stormy night in August a child is born. His mother lovingly cradles him in her arms and gazes with sheer adoration into his face. She carefully considers his every feature and thoughtfully commits each one to memory. She notes his long eyelashes, fat cheeks, puffy little hands, and curly locks of hair. This is love at first sight.

While rocking the child to sleep and humming a lullaby, she pensively considers the life she is holding in her hands. She reflects on how precious he is and what she must do to take care of this precious life that has been placed in her hands. On that single thought, her smile slowly melts and turns into a stoic stare. She starts to frown as her thoughts reluctantly transition from the peaceful places in her mind to the chaotic reality of cursing bums, arguing crapshooters, gangs, gunshots, and police sirens. For now, she and the baby are currently living in a damp, dilapidated, and partially condemned apartment building.

Only moments ago in her mind, she was in a beautiful place. One might call it a spacious place. A place where she did not have to worry about where the next meal was coming from or how she would make ends meet. There were no worries of "will these food stamps feed me and the child".
The mother thinks to herself and whispers almost inaudibly "I know God has more for me than this". She reflected on how the Lord had always provided for her family despite the destitute poverty in which she had grown up. She thinks to herself and remembers that before the baby was born, she had dreamed of owning her own home, working a good job, maybe even owing her own business.

We often think of dreams as mental events that happen at night while we are sound asleep. Sometimes we errantly label a young person that has concocted and verbalized a seemingly inconceivable Idea of doing something great as being full of dreams. At first glance, we may believe that both types of dreams lack possibility, but the truth of the matter is that only one type of dream lacks possibility.

On the other hand, the young mother in our story had a dream or vision of a better life. Undoubtedly it was a cold hard fact this young mother's current living situation was hostile to the fulfillment of her dream. However, if we look at her circumstances and desires in light of Gods truth, the path leading to the fulfillment of her dream was only obscured by the overgrowth of situation and circumstance.

DEVOTION: SPACIOUS PLACE...DON'T GET IT TWISTED

DEVOTION: Living in the Spacious Place-Don’t Get it Twisted
Written by Bro. Robert Goodwin
Edited by Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., D.Min.

Luke 16: 19 – 31, 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

In 1997, Home Depot stocker Billie Bob Harrell, Jr. won a $31 million Texas jackpot. Living in a spacious place is not just about living in wealth… To the former Pentecostal preacher, $1.24 million per year was a gift from heaven. He bought a ranch, six homes for himself and family, and a bunch of new cars. After the initial glory subsided, however, Harrell found himself losing and loaning money at an alarming rate. Like many winners, he had trouble saying no to those who ask for his funds. As a result, Harrell’s life became too stressful to handle. He divorced his wife. Less than two years after hitting pay-dirt, he committed suicide.

“Winning the lottery is the worst thing that ever happened to me,” he is quoted as saying shortly before his suicide. (Source; Business Pundit)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11)

Because of his grace and because of his mercy, I’m grateful I can “count” my “Blessing” (per day) from Heaven.

“GOD” will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in “CHRIST JESUS”. (Philip. 4:19)

As the rich man made no cash advance into treasures of heaven and had nothing to draw-misplaced, misunderstood use of wealth today can have disastrous outcomes. Spacious Place-worry free not care free, don’t get it twisted.

DEVOTION: SPACIOUS PLACE...DEFEATING THE POVERTY SPIRIT

DEVOTIONAL BASED ON: Living In The Spacious Place: Defeating The Poverty Spirit

Written by Minister William Witherspoon – Edited/Approved by Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley , Sr.

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Matthew 7:7-12 New International Version (NIV)7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Trust God and be led by his word into a dream or spacious place.
The same choices hold true for us as the body of Christ. We may look at our situation and circumstances and choose to serve a life sentence as a prisoner of the poverty spirit, and never trust our Lord to guide us towards our spacious place. Alternatively, we could shed those heavy and unsightly shackles and wholly trust the Lord Our God to lead us out of the captivity of our current impoverished situation and into the spacious place, he has for us.

The word of God says in:
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 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!

We must always remember that the poverty spirit is there to keep us from entering our spacious place. Just like the woman in 1 Kings 17: 7-16, God is willing to perform a miracle in our lives if we are willing to trust him. God gave us the vision therefore he will supply the provision if we follow him.

This week consider praying with a thankful heart for a submitted obedient spirit that is open and willing to do the work of kingdom building. If you trust God, you may just find that your spacious place is much closer than you think.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place: How to Defeat the Poverty Spirit Pt. 2

Sermon Notes
November 9, 2011

Sermon: Living in the Spacious Place: How to Defeat the Poverty Spirit Pt.2
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 17: 7-16

7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 “For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day of the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.

By design, the poverty spirit is there to keep you from entering the spacious place. It disguises itself in the form of friends and family members who say these things: “That house is too big for you”. “… I’m just looking out for your well-being” “That’s enough…”

In this text, we see that not only does the widow have a poverty spirit, but the land had a poverty spirit as well.
Working definition: A poverty spirit is when you believe your situation is bigger than your God.

Step 5: Rise to the Challenge (vs 9, 12)
God had already put a blessing on the woman’s life, she just hadn’t risen to the challenge. The same is true for us, if we are captivated by the poverty spirit it becomes difficult to believe and follow what God is telling us to do. If left to ourselves, we would be okay with being average. Learn to listen to your spirit and not your friends.

Step 6: Eradicate Your Routine (vs 13)
The widow had a daily routine. Routine means “rut”. You must change your routine. If your routine is to worry, you will only reap worry. Stop asking others for advice, more likely than not, they want you to remain where you are. If you have been waiting for something to happen and it hasn’t, check your routine. Your routine must put God first; He will make the rest happen.

Step 7: Prime the Pump (vs 13)
You must do something for God first. The source is limitless but it takes a little to access it. In the widow’s mind, the little seemed like a lot. Often times, we want God to give us limitless blessing but we have yet to give Him the little. Stop trying to hold on to the little. God will supply all of your needs.

Step 8: Promise Keeper (vs 16)
Our biggest issue with God is that we are not sure He is going to keep His promise. How God shows He is a Promise Keeper:
1. God swears on himself (Hebrews 6:13)
2. He puts the word above His name (Psalms 138:2)
2. He is not a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19)
3. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises. (2 Pet 3:9)

Yes, your back will be against the wall. This is what builds your faith. Every now and then there has to be a drought so you can see God work.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Poverty Spirit a 3 Act Play OUTLINE FOR NOTETAKING

Sermon Text: 2 Kings 8: 6
Sermon Title: Living in the Spacious Place: Poverty Spirit a 3 Act Play
Act 1: 2 Kings 8: 6 The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, “Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now.”
(a) She has history with God…her son was raised from the dead
(b) She obeyed the word from the man of God
(c) Gehazi learned his lesson about how a poverty spirit will make you want others blessing and not believe God for yourself
(d) Gehazi pushes others to come into their spacious place

Act 2: Luke 21: 1 – 4 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.A 3“I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
1. Imitator-mimics others stewardship.
2. Modeler—gives when there is an example
3. Conformer—gives because of tax benefits and personal gain
4. Individual—gives in proportion to what God has given him/her
5. Generous Giver—recognizes that all one posses belongs o God and derives joy from giving
6. Mature giver—focus on God then on others concerned with his/her treasure in heaven than treasure on earth and is content with daily provisions

Act 3: The third act in this play is your ACT. Will your giving reflect you believe God can bring you out even in the most austere times? Notice how almost every situation when God was going to take someone into a Spacious Place they were in a famine, drought or some other tight time. God used giving to gauge their faith. Once he saw their giving he saw their faith and took them to a Spacious Place. You posses the power to leave where you are or stay. Remember giving is not a question as to whether it is biblical to tithe and give liberally. So I am not trying to convince you of the rightness of it. I am trying to help you trust God in your famine. 2 Corinthians 9: 6

1. Give out of your Poverty
Luke 21: 4 all these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

2. Give Purposefully
Matthew 6:19-24 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

3. Give Pragmatically
In Malachi 3 God is angry. One of the things that has happened is that His people have not honored him with their money.
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

Conclusion

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place: How to Defeat the Poverty Spirit

Sermon Notes
November 6, 2011

Sermon: Living in the Spacious Place: How to Defeat the Poverty Spirit
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 17: 7-16

7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 “For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day of the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.

There are times in our lives where we just don’t have enough. Examples: we don’t have enough time to do what we need to do or we don’t have enough money to pay the bills. The moment when you don’t have enough, you have a poverty spirit.

In this text, we see that not only does the widow have a poverty spirit, but the land had a poverty spirit as well. She didn’t have enough faith to overcome her situation. The definition of a poverty spirit is when your situation is bigger than your God.

Step 1: Don’t Be Afraid (vs 13)
Elijah knew that the woman was afraid by her actions and wanted her to deal with her fear. Fear is where the poverty spirit grows.

FEAR acronym:
F-alse
E-vidence
A-ppearing
R-eal

A.)Fear eliminates faith-whenever God gets ready to do something big, he says “fear not”
B.)Fear freezes you
C.)Fear causes you to fixate on your problems-the more you think about it, the bigger the problem gets

Step 2: Go Home (vs 13)
Elijah told her to go home because that’s where the spirit of poverty lived. The only way you can have faith is that you have to do something.

It is at your home where you learn if you’re going to have faith or live in your poverty situation. Many times we have the mindset of: “my level of living should be everyone else’s level of living as well.”

Step 3: Obey The Word (vs 13)
Elijah wanted the woman to change around her routine.

God will put you in a situation where you MUST use your faith. Sometimes God has to get you to your last, so you can learn to put him first.

Step 4: Watch God Show Up (vs 16)
God has promised some things over your life and he will bring it to pass with your obedience to the word. He will show up and be there EVERY day.

Conclusion:
Many times God has spoken something over your life, but you need a man of God to challenge you and push you past where you are.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place: How to defeat the Poverty Spirit pt 2 OUTLINE

Sermon Text: 1 Kings 17: 15, 16 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.

Sermon Title: Living in the Spacious Place: Defeating the Poverty Spirit Pt 2

Definitions: Spacious Place—worry free not care free; Poverty Spirit—When you believe your situation/circumstance is bigger than God

Step 5 Rise to the Challenge vs. 9 & 12 Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food. As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied…

Step 6 Eradicate Your Routine vs. 13…Go home and do as you said. But first…

Step 7 Prime the Pump vs. 13…But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. Elijah asked her to prime the pump.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Step 8 Promise Keeper vs. 16 For the jar of flour was not used u and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah
• That’s why God swears on himself. Hebrews 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
• That’s why he puts the word above his name. Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
That why he left you a written record of what he has done in the past.
• He is not a man that he should lie. Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
• 2 Pet 3: 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place: How to defeat the Poverty Spirit OUTLINE

Pericope: 1 Kings 17: 7 – 16
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 17: 15, 16 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
Sermon Title: Living in the Spacious Place: How to defeat the Poverty Spirit
Context/History:
Step 1: Don’t be afraid. Vs. 13
(1) Fear eliminates faith
(2) Fear freezes you
(3) Fear causes you to fixate on your problems
Step 2: Go home. Vs. 13
Step 3: Obey the word vs. 13
Step 4: Watch God show up vs. 16
Conclusion:

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Spacious Place...Don't Get it Twisted 10/30 Outline

Pericope: Luke 16: 19 – 31
Sermon Text: Luke 16: 23, 28 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man died and was buried. For I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.
Sermon Title: Living in the Spacious Place: Don’t Get it Twisted!
Context: Luke 26: 10 – 14. 10“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?
13“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.

Point 1: Spacious Place ‘n’ Time (vs. 19) There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.
Point 2: Spacious Place ‘n’ Eternity (vs. 23) In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, “Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.”
One: The wealth he had didn’t belong to him it belongs to God.
Two: When you forget that you then serve the wealth and don’t let the wealth serve you and kingdom agenda.
Three: the man should have stored up treasures in heaven. Matt 6: 19 – 21. 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Prov 19: 17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. The Spacious Living is for time
Point 3: Whose living ‘n’ Your Spacious Place (vs. 28) for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ e and eternity.
1. Are you ready for eternity? Yes or No
2. No not yet is still a decision for eternity some where
a. Name and number if you want follow up

3. Are you helping others with what you have?
4. Will you begin now?

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Spacious Place - Series Review 102611

Living in the Spacious Place – Series Recap

Definition: 2 Samuel 22: 20a He brought me out into a spacious place… It is a place that is worry free, not care free. It is like the place of the 23rd Psalms.

Sermon #1
 David said God lifts us up out of terrible situations. 2 Sam 22:17, 18, 20- 17 He reached down from on high and took hold of; he drew me out of deep waters. 19 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 20 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me…
 David said you must live according to God’s word. 2 Sam. 22:22-24 - 22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not done evil by turning from my God. 23 All his laws are before me I have turned away from his decrees. 24 I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.
 David said then you will live in the spacious place God has prepared for you. 2 Sam 22:25, 20 - The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight. 20 He brought me to a spacious place…

Sermon #2
 David said God equips you to live in the spacious place. 2 Sam 22:33-36 - 33 – 36 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great.
 David said God energizes you to live in the spacious place. 2 Sam 22:3-40, 43 - 37 – 40, 43 You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not turn. I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. I crushed them completely and they could not rise they fell beneath my feet. I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets.
 David said God embraces you with grace and favor as you praise him in the spacious place. 2 Sam 22:47, 50-51 - The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior. 50 Therefore I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. 51 He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.”

Sermon #3
 Moses said God will deal with you and I differently in the spacious place of Goshen. Ex. 8:22 22 “‘But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the LORD, am in this land. …
 Moses said God will make a distinction between us and unbelievers; citizens of Goshen vs. citizens of Egypt. Ex. 8:23 -3 I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.’”
 Moses said God will do exactly what he said he would do…quicker than we think. Ex. 8:24 - and the LORD did this. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies.

Sermon #4
 Abraham chose to trust God so God gave him more, even though he had a lot. Gen. 13:2, 15 - Vs 2, 15 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring…
 Living in the Spacious Place is a choice. Gen. 13:8-9 - vs. 8, 9 So Abram said to Lot, Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”
 When you choose to put God in the center of your choice, God blows you up. That’s what Abraham did. Gen. 13:14-15 - 14, 15 The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and couth, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring…

Sermon #5
 Jesus is the master chef at my natural table when I am famished. Matt 15:32 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people they have already been with me three days and have nothing eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.
 Jesus makes a meal for me no matter my status. Matt 15:34 - vs. 34 How many loaves do you have? Jesus asked.
 Jesus turns my sharing and participation into a miracle. Matt 15:35 35, 36 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.

Sermon #6
 Isaac replanted during a famine and God turned scarcity into a spacious place of hundred-fold. Gen. 26:1, 12 - (vs. 1, 12) Now there was a famine in the land—besides the earlier famine of Abraham’s time—and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.
 Isaac had to remove himself from haters once the Lord blessed him. Gen. 26:16 - 16) Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.”
 Isaac had to redig and reclaim God’s blessings – Gen. 26:18 - 18) Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham…
 Isaac had to rename and reframe his wells – Gen. 26:20 - 20, 21, 22) Isaac servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water 20 but the herdsman quarreled over it…
 Isaac made it to Rehoboth – his spacious place. – Gen 26:22- He named it Rehoboth saying God has made room for me and will make the land fruitful.

Sermon #7
 Isaac did not doubt when it was dry. Gen. 26:1, 12 - (vs. 1, 12) Now there was a famine in the land—besides the earlier famine of Abraham’s time—and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.
 Isaac made sure he had right relationships after he arrived to his spacious place. Gen. 26:16 - 16) Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.”
 Isaac had three Ds – determination, destination and destiny. Gen. 26:18b, 20-22 18) Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham… 20, 21, 22) Isaac servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water 20 but the herdsman quarreled over it…Then they dug another well…He moved on from there and dug another well and no quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth saying God has made room for me and will make the land fruitful.
 Write in your spacious place/Rehoboth. Gen. 26:22 He named it Rehoboth saying God has made room for me and will make the land fruitful.

Sunday – October 30th Sermon
Living in the Spacious Place: Don’t Get it Twisted – Luke 16:19-31

Living in a Spacious Place: Rehoboth Pt. 2

Wednesday October 19, 2011
Periscope: Genesis 26: 1–4,12–15
Sermon Text: Genesis 26:13

Sermon Title: Living in a Spacious Place: Rehoboth Pt. 2

Point 1: Don’t doubt when it is dry (vs. 1, 12)
It’s easy to believe God when you see miracles happening, but what happens when you are praying to God and nothing happens? This is an easy time to doubt God. Doubt will penetrate your mind and cause you to stop and cause you to stop planting prayer, faith, tithes, and good things into the lives of others.
It was during this time that Isaac said he was going to plant. When you feel like retreating and drying up do something. The moment you move, you cause your faith to sprout. Faith without words is dead.
(Ecclesiastes 11:4) It is your responsibility to plant. You should not be trying to figure out when it is going to rain. Quit waiting for perfect timing to obey God.

Point 2: Right relationships (vs. 16)
When you plant during a dry season expect for haters to awaken. Pray for discernment so you can maintain right relationships. Every relationship will run its course, you must:
• Recognize: Sometimes relationships will run their course during the initial stage. As the relationship matures, people will reveal themselves. When they show you who they are, believe them.
• Release: God told them to stay in the land for a “little while”. God knows how long a little while is. Stop trying to figure it out.
• Run: The moment you recognize this relationship is in the way of my relationship with God you should run. Be careful because sometimes a delay in what you have asked God for will cause you try and make something work. This is the very reason you must run.

Point 3: Reframe & reclaim (vs. 18)
Isaac renamed the wells because it helped him reframe the situation. You, too, should reframe some things.

Point 4: Rehoboth 3D (vs. 18b, 20, 21, 22)
Isaac kept pressing and digging. He got to Rehoboth because of:
• Dissatisfaction: You must be dissatisfied with the status quo. Isaac knew God had more for him.
• Determination: Isaac did not give up, he kept digging.
• Destination: Isaac knew God had a destination for him. God also has a place he is taking you to. Haters will call you all kinds of names simply because you are striving for more. Choose to be an occupant, not a resident of your current situation… until you get to the spacious place.

Conclusion: My story…what’s your story
When God moves you to the spacious place you will have a story to tell.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Path to Rehoboth...A Devotional

The Path to Rehoboth
A Devotional by Bro. Christopher Anderson
(edited by Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr. D.Min.)

Genesis 26:1-5
1 Now there was a famine in the land--besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time--and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. 2 The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws."

Among the many challenges present when God moves us into a Spacious Place, one of the biggest obstacles are our own choices. Like Isaac, we will have times of famine in our lives. In those times we face crossroads when we have to choose which path we’re going to follow. For many of us, the initial reaction is to “flow with it.”

Like water, which flows to the path of least resistance, we often choose paths that will take us to our desired destination with the least amount of drama and minimal effort. For some of us, that path of least resistance is getting a second or third job rather than tithing and trusting the Lord of our needs. For others it’s finding self-esteem and self-worth in others that were never meant to be our husbands or wives. For others still, it’s selling drugs on the street instead of praying for the boss that causes so much stress. Unfortunately, as humans, we’re really good at making bad decisions at the worst possible time! In times of famine, it’s more important than ever for us to know the voice of God and heed His call.

The blessing God has for us is for us! The Lord isn’t Santa Claus and He doesn’t check us off as naughty or nice. The Lord knows each and every one of us by name and His blessings for us are tailor made. The promises of God are individually crafted for our present needs as well as those of our future. The promises of God go far beyond sufficiency and enter into abundance. While plan He has for each of us will lead us to a place where we can be instrumental in building His Kingdom and uplift his people, we become insufficient as instruments when we fail to follow His plan.

The spacious place isn’t a place that we’ve seen before a map. There aren’t going to be road signs that tell us which exit to take. The Lord alone will lead us to the Spacious Place. If we follow His plans, He will lead us into a place of peace, rest, and provision unlike anything we could have found on our own or created for ourselves. God desires to take us down a path that we’ve never seen before to bring us to a place He alone knows. It’s up to us to abandon our old ways and walk the path before us faithfully. God knows what’s before us and He will not only prepare a place for us, He’ll also prepare a path that to His promises that will bless us through the famines we’re facing today as well as the famines we’ll face tomorrow. Choose His path!

Mountainside - Spacious Place...10/14/2011

Mountainside – Spacious Place
Devotional by Sis. Tonya Ward (edited by Bishop Dudley)
October 14, 2011

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”(Gen 15:29)

Jesus had been ministering on the mountainside with the Gentiles for 3 days. He had healed the lame, blind and sick. (Gen 15:29-38) This caused the people who were not followers of Christ to Praise the God of Israel (Gen 15:29). 4000 people of all races, situations, needs, attitudes, and financial levels were present. They had been there waiting, trusting God would be able to meet their spiritual and physical needs in spite of the multitude.

Compassion compelled Jesus to meet their natural needs as well as their spiritual needs. (Luke 12:28) If…God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today…tomorrow, is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you…!). Wow, three days in the heat, dusty plains neck and neck with 3999 others. Some may smell of liquor, not bathed or acting outright vulgar. But the word says (Isa 40:31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall be…).

As we go to the Spacious Place, let us not hold on to the lack but let us embrace the fullness of God. For as we see He has More than enough, no need to push, step on or quarrel there is plenty cattle on the hill for everyone.

Lord, increase my faith, and forgive my unbelief, teach me to live in your spacious place where there is fullness of joy, for all things for this life and to come. Help me to be obedient, prudent, kind and a good steward with your provisions you have given me knowing that Jehovah-Jireh, you Lord will provide! In Jesus name, Amen!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Spacious Place...REHOBOTH!! Part 2 Outline

Pericope: Genesis 26: 1 – 4, 12 – 15
Sermon Text: Genesis 26: 13
Sermon Title: Living in a Spacious Place: Rehoboth Pt. 2
Point 1: Don’t doubt when it is dry (vs. 1, 12)

Point 2: Right relationships…(vs. 16)

Point 3: Reframe & reclaim (vs. 18)
Point 4: Rehoboth 3D (vs. 18b, 20, 21, 22)
D…
D…
D…
Conclusion: My story…what’s your story...

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Spacious Place...REHOBOTH!!

Pericope: Genesis 26: 1 – 4, 12 – 15
Sermon Text: Genesis 26: 13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy
Sermon Title: Living in the Spacious Place: Rehoboth

Point 1: Isaac replanted during a famine (vs. 1, 12) Now there was a famine in the land—besides the earlier famine of Abraham’s time—and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar 12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. In the text the writer wants to make a few things explicitly clear from the outset.

Gen 26: 3 Stay in this land for awhile [famine land] and I will be with you and will bless you. Paul puts it this way in Galatians 6: 7, 9 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Let us not become weary in well doing, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Let me give you three parallels for planting:
(a) Social drought Keep planting honest relationships
(b) Family drought Keep planting commitment
(c) Financial drought Keep planting tithes

Point 2: Isaac removed himself from haters vs. 16 Then Abimelech said “move away from us you have become too powerful for us.” When Isaac begin to be blessed just as God promised haters begin to appear.
(a)
(b)

Point 3: Isaac redig his father’s wells vs. 18 Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham…
Isaac begin to reclaim his father’s property
(a)
(b)

Point 4: Isaac renamed the wells (vs. 18b, 20, 21) he gave them the same names his father had given them. So he named the well Esek…he named the well Sitnah

Although the text said Isaac named the wells the same name his father named them it appears there names was renamed after the haters came.

Conclusion: My Story…What will your story be?

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Spacious Place...Happy Meal

Pericope: Matt 15: 29 – 38
Sermon Text: Matt 15: 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people they have already been with me three days and have nothing eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.
Sermon Title: Happy Meal—Supersized
Point 1: The Master vs. 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people they have already been with me three days and have nothing eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.
(A) Jesus is concerned about my physical needs as well as my spiritual needs.
(B) Jesus was willing to break the rules for the people. 31 they all praised the God of Israel.
Point 2: The Meal vs. 34 How many loaves do you have? Jesus asked. Now there is a lot of problems with the disciples going on in this verse that escape the naked eye.
(A) Proximity has nothing to do with Jesus is abilities to do something. (A) Ps 139:11, 12 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
(B) Provisions. Notice the disciples only mention they had bread. The disciples don’t mention fish until Jesus asked them how much food they had.
Point 3: The Miracle vss. 35, 36 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.
(A) Prerequisites In vs. 35 Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the ground. There were some practical reasons Jesus told them to sit down like crowd control…4,000 hungry people all of sudden seeing food could cause a stampede.
(B) Participation Then Jesus required everyone to participate. He broke the bread and prayed over it and then he gave it to the disciples to share.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place: got-ta-get-to Goshen

Sermon Notes
September 28, 2011

Sermon:Living in the Spacious Place: Got-ta-get-to-Goshen
Sermon Text: Exodus 8:21-23 NKJV

21 “Or else, if you will not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. 22 And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the land. 23 I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.”

In this text, God is in an argument with Pharaoh but doesn’t allow his people to be affected by it. God is up to something in our economy (or shall we say, he’s in an argument with America) but he still wants you to live in the spacious place/Goshen.

Goshen: place of obedience, peace of mind, place where God’s people live and will not be affected, and being worry free, not care free.

You may be asking: “God, what about me? How do I live in a spacious place?”

Point 1: God will deal differently with me (vs 22)
God was making a point that Goshen will not be affected. The Hebrew theology of this text suggests that God is actually in the land of Egypt and making his presence known in tangible ways. As we speak in today’s time, we could be wondering: how can God be present in both the bad economy and in good times? Do you ever wonder: “How can I be doing the right thing in one area of my life, but in another area, I’m still struggling?” We must understand that God can do one thing in the midst of one situation, and work in other ways for other situations. We must learn to trust him for different things and know that he is in the same place at the same time. When things get tough, its not the time to start doubting God, but instead we should be trusting God. The moment you live by God’s word, you force him to deal with you differently.

Deuteronomy 28:1-“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.
Deuteronomy 28:15-“But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.


Point 2: God will make a distinction (vs 23)
The Hebrew definition of distinguish means to redeem or to put a price on something. In this text, we see that God has already determined the price he would pay for them. God distinguishes you from everyone else.

God is saying that despite this economy, you cost too much for him to destroy. When times get tough, God puts you in the “safe deposit” box because you are too valuable!

Point 3: God will do it (vs 24)
God is good on his word and if he said it, he’s going to do it.

Psalm 139:13-“For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.:
Isaiah 49:16- “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.”
Romans 8:32-“He who did not spare His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
Numbers 23:19-“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do?” Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
Romans 8:31-“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Isaiah 45:23-“I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return. That to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.”


Some of us are living in the wrong “neighborhood”: having disbelief, being disobedient, and deliberately avoiding God.

Getting to Goshen:
A.) Pack-leave all the negative baggage behind
B.) Move/Stop Procrastinating-know the problem and correct it. Procrastinating means “stopping creation”. Stop saying that you will change something tomorrow, but change it TODAY.
C.) Stay Put When You Get There- after he gets you to a certain place, don’t get upset about something and then risk missing what he has in store for you.

From start to end, God always works it so that you can find a spacious place to live in.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Living in the Spacious Place: Got-ta-get-to-Goshen

September 17, 2011

Sermon: Living in the Spacious Place: Got-ta-get-to-Goshen

Sermon Text: Exodus 8:21-23 (NIV)

Context:
God is trying to bring Pharoh ro his senses. There have been two plagues thus far: frogs and gnats. So far, God’s people have not been affected God will not allow His people to be overwhelmed by what He is doing. This is about more than getting His people out of bondage; it’s also about showing others that He is God. The same goes for today, although we may not be going through a plague, we are not living in normal times. With all of this going on do you ever wonder “God, what about me?”

Point 1: God Will Deal Differently With Me (vs. 22)
God is making His presence known. He is present in both the plagues and in Goshen. HE is both a God of the plagues and of tranquility. He is manifesting Himself in two places. It would be like having good health, but you car is not working. It’s important to remember, the moment you obey God’s word you force Him to deal with you differently.

Deuteronomy 28:1,151 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 15 However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you:

Be obedient to His word, when you do His blessings will overtake you. The Israelites where not affected because they obeyed Him and stayed in Goshen. We wonder why we are going through, it’s because we are outside of Goshen.

Point 2: God Will Make A Distinction (vs. 23)
God said He would distinguish His people. Here, distinguished means redeemable. God believed the Israelites were worth putting in a safe place. The safe is true for you. You become distinguished when you give your life to Christ. You are too expensive for God to lose in a bad situation. He has paid too much for you. He would not let a bad situation take you out.

Point 3: God Will Do It (vs. 24)
God always does what He says He is going to do. The plagues came but Goshen was not harmed. God will do the same for you. God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son on a man that He should repent. God puts His word above His name. You may need to re-evaluate where you are currently residing. Are you living in a neighborhood of disbelief, disobedience, or avoiding God? Perhaps you need to move.
3 Things to help you move:
1. Pack: just take yourself; leave the baggage.
2. Move: Move now, stop putting it off. You must get to the right neighborhood.
3. You must stay put: When you move don’t wonder about what’s going on where you left. Stay where God has taken you.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Service Before Self

September 11, 2011

Sermon: Service Before Self

Sermon Text: Mark 9:35 (NIV)

35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Context:
When we look at the text we believe it is obvious that the disciples would have decided to follow Jesus because they wanted to serve. You would think it would be obvious to them that they were called for service. Perhaps they joined for the wrong reasons. Jesus had to remind them of why they were with Him. In order to be with Jesus, service before self was required.

Point 1: Stronger than Yesterday (vs. 33b)
“What were you arguing about on the road?”
Jesus did not have to ask the question because He knows all but He forced them to answer the question. He reached into the past in order to show them what would be required in the future.
In order to be the servant leaders the disciples had to be:
1. They had to be stronger than their previous understanding about service.
2. They had to be stronger than any bruised feelings about past events.
3. They had to be stronger than the past.

Point 2: Stronger than Excuses (vs. 35a)
In this part of the text Jesus does not allow them time to come up with any excuses. Often times we do not serve due to a plethora of excuses. We must remember that we make time for what we want to. The Kingdom deserves our best; God deserves our best.
3 Common Barriers to Service:
1. Self-Centeredness: Phil. 2:4 (MSG)
a. “Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.”
2. Perfectionism: Eccl. 11:4
a. “If you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never get anything done.”
3. Materialism: Matt 6:24
a. “No servant can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money."

Point 3: Stronger than Ordinary (vs. 35)
We must be willing to do what others will not do. We must be willing to serve and to go beyond what is ordinary to achieve great things for God’s Kingdom.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Playing Dodge Ball With the Devil: Table Manners

Sermon Notes
September 3 and 4, 2011

Sermon: Playing Dodge Ball With the Devil: Table Manners
Sermon Text: Luke 22: 14-23 (NKJV)

14When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then He too the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, “This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you. 21 But behold, the hand of my betrayer is with me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” 23Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.

This text talks about the Passover meal and how Jesus’ intention was to make sure the disciples could make it once he was gone. If you want to go anywhere in life, you must watch your manners, particularly your table manners.


Point 1: Don’t Talk With Your Mouth Full (vs 33)
Peter said he was ready to go with Jesus to both prison and to death, but he was really just talking with his mouth full.

If we would just think about what we are going to say before we say it, we’d be much better off. If you want to know what’s in someone’s heart, just wait for their conversation. David says in Psalm 51:10- “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” When your mouth is full its because your heart is full. You must look at your situation and speak life into your situation, not negative things.

Proverbs 18:21-“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
A.)Your words have power
B.)You are what you eat
C.)You will reap what you sow

Example: if you continue to speak hateful words, you will eat what hate produces


Point 2: Don’t Ruin a Good Meal (vs 23)
Every meal has a desired outcome. Their outcome was that they would be able to live without Jesus and be able to tackle the enemy.

The mistake we make in today’s time is that we put service with business. We always expect to get something back for our service or to be paid. Biblically speaking, the servant worked for the master for FREE.

There are some things you must understand with regards to the meal:
Recipe:
Luke 22: 28-30-“But you are those who have continued with me in my trials, 29 and I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as my Father bestowed one upon me, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

We’re usually concerned about what we’re going to eat and not how we can give our lives to serve.

Reception:
Luke 22: 26- “But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.”

We must move from a “where will I sit” mentality to a “how will I serve” mentality. You will never be as great unless you choose to get on your knees and serve.

Relationships:

Luke 22: 24- “Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.”

We need not to be concerned with who is going to be considered “number one.” Jesus was saying “I want you to be second.” He wanted to assess relationships.


Point 3: Remember Your Tenses at the Table
(vs 19)
Jesus wanted them to remember the past, present, and the future.

Past: Jesus is the unblemished lamb and the sacrifice that has redeemed you. Remember that his death brought about salvation, free of charge. It doesn’t matter if other people accept you or not because you became acceptable when Jesus died for you.

Present: we can commune with Christ now. The word “communion” means fellowship, participating in, and sharing together. We don’t simply keep a dead memory alive but we keep an alive Jesus in our hearts. He is present with us now.

Future:
in between the time that He leaves and when He comes back, people are to see him through us. 1 Corinthians 11:26- “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” We have to live a life of faith for Him until He comes back.

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