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.

Virtual Family Sunday Questions

What ways can we create community as a family? How has our viewership/church attendance enhanced or diminished our family covenant? What way...