Sunday, January 29, 2012

Please pass the Salt OUTLINE

Sermon Text: Matt 5: 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Sermon Title: Salt: The Season for Significance Pt. 2 Please Pass The Salt!
Point 1: In order to be Significant you have to realize you are Valuable Matt 5: 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
First of all, we are valuable! Back in the period that Jesus made this statement, salt was considered a very valuable commodity. In fact, the Greeks called salt "divine."
Psalms 8 says we are a little less than angels.
Point 2: In order to be Significant you have to realize you are Impactful Matt 5: 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Whatever salt touch it impacts.
 
During the New Testament period of the Holy Bible salt was used for three (3) primary reasons:
(1) to purify,
(2) to preserve, and
(3) to give flavor. James 1:27 (NLT), tells us: "Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us."
 
Point 3: In order to be Significant you have to realize you are Vulnerable Matt 5: 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
We are vulnerable! How do I know that?
 
Luke 14: 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears let him hear. It wasn’t even worth mixing with fertilizer.
 
Point 4: In order to be Significant you have to realize you are Responsible Matt 5: 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Finally, we are responsible! Did you notice? Did you see it? Jesus, the Christ, left each and every one of us with the responsibility of being "salt" to the world in which we live! Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT): "Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. (v. 5) For we are each responsible for our own conduct."

Friday, January 27, 2012

Salt: The Season for Significance Pt 1

Sermon Text: Matt 5: 13
Sermon Title: Salt: The Season for Significance Pt. 1

How can you live a significant life? Jesus is saying that you will live an eternally satisfying and blessed life in a world that doesn’t accept you but you must be the salt and have an impact on the world. You must be the salt that savors in order to be significant.

Point 1: In order to be Significant we should have some Taste vs. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. When Jesus uses the metaphor of salt he makes us all remember the distinct taste of salt.
Like no other seasoning is the taste of salt, for it brings out the flavor of food. We should have flavor and add flavor to the world.
vs. 11, 12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. When tough times come and others are working to make your life miserable, what do you taste like? Believers should never leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth. Do you taste like salt or do you taste like pepper?

Point 2: In order to be Significant there should be something about our Touch vs. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
Whatever you touch should have a significant impact to it. Sin has become so widely accepted. When we come in contact with sin, sin ought to know it. God is holy and hates sin. Your mindset should be that you will not accept sin in any form that it comes in.

Point 3: In order to be Significant there should be some Tenacity about us vs. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be make salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Notice the text says salt should not lose its saltiness. In other words salt should have some integrity or tenacity. Let’s go back to vs. 11, 12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Tough times will require you to be tenacious in order to change the atmosphere and environment in which you live.
They hated Jesus so they will hate you too. Salt is also seen as the enemy in today’s time. Ex: the doctor tells you to keep your sodium intake low. Be tenacious when stating that you’re a believer. The more someone talks about you, the stronger you become and it causes you to pray even more.

Point 4: In order to be Significant we should create a Thirst vs. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Jesus also meant something else when he called us salt living a blessed life. He wanted us to create a thirst. When you live a life above your problems…

vs.14 – 16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same say, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise the father in heaven.
Salt has a way of causing thirst. Jesus is saying that you ought to make the earth thirsty for Him. You become the salt of the earth by the way you live your life. 1 Peter 3:15..You ought to create a thirst for Christ. People should be looking at what you do and it should cause a thirst for Jesus.

Conclusion:
When believers show up, there should be a change in things. Ordinary should not be a part of us!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Salt: The Season for Significance Pt 1 OUTLINE

Sermon Text: Matt 5: 13

Sermon Title: Salt: The Season for Significance Pt. 1

Point 1: In order to be Significant we should have some Taste vs. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be make salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. When Jesus uses the metaphor of salt he makes us all remember the distinct taste of salt…
vs. 11, 12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Point 2: In order to be Significant there should be something about our Touch vs. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be make salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

Point 3: In order to be Significant there should be some Tenacity about us vs. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be make salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Notice the text says salt should not lose its saltiness. In other words salt should have some integrity or tenacity. Let’s go back to vs. 11, 12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Tough times will require you to be tenacious in order to change the atmosphere and environment in which you live.

Point 4: In order to be Significant we should create a Thirst vs. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be make salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Jesus also meant something else when he called us salt living a blessed life. He wanted us to create a thirst. When you live a life above your problems…
vss. 14 – 16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same say, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise the father in heaven.

Conclusion:

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Favor of First Fruit

Sermon Text: Lev 23: 9 – 10
Sermon Title: The Favor of First Fruit

No one wants to be last, at the bottom of the barrel, or be a reject, and neither does God. You and God have something in common: you want to be first and so does He. God is a God of the first. You do have faith, but you just have to apply it to the law of God.

Point 1: The Facts of First Fruit First fruit is part of the Jewish festivals. First fruit is included in the exclusive list of festivals Deut 16: 16.
The word festival during biblical times was always the date set aside when God would visit with his people? So God was prophetically telling his people celebrate and participate in my festival and I will show up.

(A) What is first fruit? The first ripe portion of the harvest Lev 23: 10b bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest First fruit was the ripe portion of the Israelites harvest. Our first fruit comes when we faithfully believe God for a greater harvest. It can be one day, one week, or one month of your salary as He so moves on your heart. Step out on faith and believe God. First Fruit is a portion given at a particular time: at the first of the year and whenever you have an increase.

(B) When was first fruit given? First fruit was given the first month of the Jewish year/when they entered the Promised Land. Lev 23: 10…When you enter the land I am going to give you and reap its harvest.
Let the New Year be your Promised Land.

(C) Why was first fruit given?
• First fruit was given as a gift of obedience to... Lev 23: 14b This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to wherever you live.
• Makes the whole holy. Rom 11: 16 If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy…Give the first so that the rest will be holy.
• First fruit invokes the favor of God i.e. God symbolically called Israel his first fruit and vowed to protect her Jer. 2: 3 Israel was holy to the Lord the first fruits of his harvest; all who devoured her were held guilty, and disaster overtook them,
• God always demands our first. Matt 6: 33 But seek ye first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well...
The Israelites were thankful to enter the Promised Land.

Point 2:
The Faith of First Fruit
• (A) Causes you to trust God even more... Prov. 3: 5 – 6, 9 – 10 When you allow God to separate you from your money, it increases your faith.
• (B) It took trust for the Israelites to give God their first...God was trying to teach them to trust Him even more. They had to trust God through their giving.
• (C) Act of faithful relationship with God Gen 4: 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock…

Point 3: The Function of First Fruit
• (A) Releases overflow in your life Prov. 3: 9, 10. Apply the word to your situation and learn how to put a demand on GOD. When you move into first fruits you move into an overflow in every area of your life.
• (B) Releases blessing over your house…Ezekiel 44: 30 Sometimes blessings come in the form of simply having a piece of mind.
• (C) Releases favor in your life Gen 4: 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel…
• God gave his first fruit 1 Cor 15: 23…Christ the first fruit…
There is no need to give God leftovers because you’re in relationship with Him. How can you be so close with God and not want to share?

Life Application:
If God didn’t not hesitate to give us his first fruit how can we hold back from giving God our first fruit? God is not interested in being an afterthought.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

The Simplicity of First Fruits OUTLINE

Review: Last Sunday we established the facts about first fruits, the faith of first fruit and the function of first fruit. Wednesday night LC@AL we put first fruit in the overall context of giving…7 ways to give.
Give in the way that there will be no meat/ministry in God’s house unless you give.
Give in a way that reflects you know God put something in your hand.
Give in a way you know God in moment can blow everything you have away.
Give in a way you know it’s about order of priority not putting church over helping the less fortunate.
Give in a way that you know every gift to the kingdom is an investment into eternity.
Give in a way that shows you are ready, excited and willing to give without delay.
Give in a way you have full assurance God is going to take care of all our needs according to his riches in glory.
Sermon Text: Genesis 4: 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”

Sermon Title: The Simplicity of First Fruit!
Point 1: It is offering time. Vss. 3 & 4 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock…
Paul put it this way 2 Cor 9: 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves the cheerful giver.


Point 2: God respond to the offering. Vss. 4 & 5 The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
Cain was a farmer and Abel was a herdsman. In fact Cain’s name means “to get,” or “to create.” The name is given as praise to God. Cain by virtue of his name is well thought of and has destiny on his life. Abel’s name means “vapor, nothingness” without the possibility of life.



Point 3: Cain’s reaction to God. Vs. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”
(a) Cain ignores God.
(b) Cain blames others.
(c) Cain shows how he really feels.
(d) Cain passes up an opportunity to please God.
Life Application: What are you going to do?

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Favor of First Fruit: 7 Ways 2 Give OUTLINE

Sermon Text: Leviticus 23:10 Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest.

Sermon Title: The Favor of First Fruit: 7 Ways To Give

Introduction/Review:
Number 1: Malachi 3: 10 Give in a way…Malachi 3: 10 Bring me 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.; The way you give is as if it is God’s money and not yours. Give in the way…


Number 2: Deut 16: 16 Give in a way…Malachi 3: 10 Bring me 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.; The way you give is as if it is God’s money and not yours. Give in the way


Number 3: Hagai 1: 9 – 10 Give in a way…Malachi 3: 10 Bring me 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.; The way you give is as if it is God’s money and not yours. Give in the way


Number 4: Mark 14: 7 – 9 The poor you will always have with you and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Give in a way you know it’s about order of priority not putting one above the other.


Number 5: 2 Chronicles 31: 5 As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the first fruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced…


Number 6: Matt 25: 15, 27 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. The text is very adamant to the point of banishing one to hell who does not invest properly.


Number 7: Ps 145: 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.; Lam 3: 22 – 23 Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Give in a way you have full assurance God is going to take care of all our needs according to his riches in glory.
Conclusion:

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The Favor of First Fruit OUTLINE 011512

Sermon Text: Lev 23: 9 – 10
Sermon Title: The Favor of First Fruit

Point 1: The Facts of First Fruit First fruit is part of the Jewish festivals. First fruit is included in the exclusive list of festivals Deut 16: 16.
The word festival during biblical times was always the date set aside when God would visit with his people? So God was prophetically telling his people celebrate and participate in my festival and I will show up.

(A) What is first fruit? The first ripe portion of the harvest Lev 23: 10b bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest First fruit was the ripe portion of the Israelites harvest. Our first fruit comes…

(B) When was first fruit given? First fruit was given the first month of the Jewish year/when they entered the Promised Land. Lev 23: 10…When you enter the land I am going to give you and reap its harvest

(C) Why was first fruit given?
• First fruit was given as a gift of obedience to... Lev 23: 14b This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to wherever you live.
• Makes the whole holy. Rom 11: 16 If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy…
• First fruit invokes the favor of God i.e. God symbolically called Israel his first fruit and vowed to protect her Jer. 2: 3 Israel was holy to the Lord the first fruits of his harvest; all who devoured her were held guilty, and disaster overtook them,
• God always demands our first. Matt 6: 33 But seek ye first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well...

Point 2: The Faith of First Fruit
• (A) Causes you to trust God even more... Prov. 3: 5 – 6, 9 – 10
• (B) It took trust for the Israelites to give God there first...
• (C) Act of faithful relationship with God Gen 4: 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock…

Point 3: The Function of First Fruit
• (A) Releases overflow in your life Prov. 3: 9, 10
• (B) Releases blessing over your house…Ezekiel 44: 30
• (C) Releases favor in your life Gen 4: 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel…
• God gave his first fruit 1 Cor 15: 23…Christ the first fruit…

If God didn’t not hesitate to give us his first fruit how can we hold back from giving God our first fruit?

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Titanic Job: 7 Ways To Help OUTLINE

(COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BIBLE NOTETAKER)
Sermon Text: Mt 9: 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few”
Sermon Title: Titanic Job: 7 Ways To Help
Point 1: Help W/Power Acts 1: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
When you are a witness power is essential. Jesus made it a requirement just before he left for heaven.




Point 2: Help W/Preparation 1 Pet 3: 15…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…
At any moment you must be prepared with your elevator speech about Jesus.




Point 3: Help W/Purpose Mk 3: 20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat.
The text lends itself to be interpreted as the time for dinner was the time they entered the house.




Point 4: Help W/Planning Mk 6: 34…So he began to teach them many things.
It is important to have a plan when you are going after souls and teach a plan.




Point 5: Help W/Portions Mk 8: 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so.
Jesus taught us a very valuable lesson when he fed the hungry before he preached to them.



Point 6: Help W/Presence 2 Cor 5: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. He has committed to us the message of reconciliation…
God has bestowed upon us the most important job in the entire world the ministry of reconciliation.



Point 7: Help W/Person Mt 10: 14 if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
The point Jesus makes seems to be harsh and uncaring.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Titanic Job Help Wanted

Sermon Text: Mt 9: 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plenteous but the workers are few.”

Sermon Title: Significant Life Series: Titanic Job Help Wanted!

Context: When people search for jobs they do make a decision based on the CEO, the vision of the company, benefits, etc. Perhaps that isn’t the case considering Jesus is having trouble finding workers. People should be lining up to work for Him. He has a retirement plan that is literally out of this world. He may be the only employer that’ll allow you to come to work at the end of a shift and receive full pay. Why is He having so much trouble? His ministry if overflowing but His workers are few.

Point 1: Plenty of work (vs. 37a)
“Then he said the harvest is plenteous. The text tells us the availability of jobs is enormous. The reason is the overwhelming success of Jesus ministry. “
The availability of jobs is plentiful; His ministry is growing. There are souls that need to be saved and work to be done but that requires workers. There are people without a Sheppard, those who are harassed and lost. When sheep don’t have a Sheppard they will follow anything and anyone. We are living in a sheppardless culture. Jesus wants to be their Sheppard, but He isn’t here. He needs representatives. Will you be one?

You can see it in Mt. 4: 23 – 25.
Did you know there are over 100 million unchurched/unbelievers in America? There are 2.75 billion unchurched/unbelievers in the so called underdeveloped world. Or 10/40 window. There is 4.7 billion (68% of the world population) unbelievers /unchurched in the entire world.

Point 2: Pitiful response (vs. 37b)
“ but the workers are few. “
Jesus came and monitored ministry. He went to them instead of waiting for them to come to Him. The bible commands saints to go out and save souls; not wait on the lost souls to come to them. Think about yourself: Did you come to Christ or did someone introduce you to Him?
Jesus saw the crowd and had compassion (v 36a).
The Compassion of the Savior
v. 36a "When He saw" What did He see? Not just a bunch of bodies not just a crowd. It wasn’t a superficial glance like we make. He saw souls and hearts. He looked beyond their faults and saw their needs.

Remember the way people look at you will tell you a lot about them and what they deem important. What would happen if we looked at people as souls and potential customers for Jesus’ business?

Point 3: Plea for more (vs. 38)
“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

The MSG bible puts vs. 38 this way “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!

God needs us for the harvest field. He can’t get it done without us. There are people who are lost, dying, following the wrong sheppards and need to be saved. Don’t always think someone is going to do it. This is what happened with the Titantic. In 1912 the Titanic sank. 700 souls were saved. 1500 souls were lost. Many of the life boats were less than half full. When asked why the survivors didn’t go back to save those drowning in the frigid North Atlantic, they all said they thought someone else would. It is up to you to go back and win those drowning in their sins.

Life Application:
Job Opening 1. Outreach Minister: One position. Everyone can fill it. See New Life outreach schedule.
Job Opening 2. Relationship Minister: One position. Everyone can fill it. See opportunities all around you.
Criteria: Saved. No experience required. Compassion for people and souls. Ability to discern the moment.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Significant Life Series: Titanic Job Help Wanted OUTLINE

Sermon Text: Mt 9: 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plenteous but the workers are few.”

Sermon Title: Significant Life Series: Titanic Job Help Wanted!

Point 1: Plenty of work vs. 37a Then he said the harvest is plenteous. The text tells us the availability of jobs is enormous. The reason is the overwhelming success of Jesus ministry. You can see it in Mt. 4: 23 – 25.
Did you know there are over 100 million unchurched/unbelievers in America? There are 2.75 billion unchurched/unbelievers in the so called underdeveloped world. Or 10/40 window. There is 4.7 billion (68% of the world population) unbelievers /unchurched in the entire world.

Point 2: Pitiful response vs. 37b but the workers are few. When Jesus walked this earth 2,000 years ago, it was in a physical body.

The Compassion of the Savior
v. 36a "When He saw" What did He see? Not just a bunch of bodies not just a crowd. It wasn’t a superficial glance like we make. He saw souls and hearts. He looked beyond their faults and saw their needs.

Point 3: Plea for more vs. 38 “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

The MSG bible puts vs. 38 this way “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!

In 1912 the Titanic sank. 700 souls were saved. 1500 souls were lost. Many of the life boats were less than half full. When asked why the survivors didn’t go back to save those drowning in the frigid North Atlantic, they all said they thought someone else would. It is up to you to go back and win those drowning in their sins.

Life Application:
Job Opening 1. Outreach minister. One position. Everyone can fill it. See New Life outreach schedule.
Job Opening 2 Relationship minister. One position. Everyone can fill it. See opportunities all around you.
Criteria: Saved. No experience required. Compassion for people and souls. Ability to discern the moment.
Complete the application: Pledge form and drop it in the basket on your way out.

Friday, January 6, 2012

7 Ways to Serve N Style OUTLINE

7 Ways to Serve N Style OUTLINE

Sermon Text: But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves
In this text, Jesus is showing that the pathway to greatness is service. One of the most noble things you can do is serve. Jesus was dealing with the issue of motivation and motives. He was making the point that by serving, your greatness is a by-product.

Point 1: Don’t let distractions get in the way... Psalm 116: 16MSG
One of the easiest things to say is “I don’t have time”. A lot of legitimate things can distract you from serving God, but you must remain committed. You must move those things aside in order to serve. Serving God is not paying Him back.

Point 2: Focused and on track… Ezekiel 48: 11MSG
When you stay on track serving Him, you shall receive the fruit of the land or “fringe benefits”. He WILL reward you! Often times we want to receive the benefits of blessings but we don’t want to do anything for God. We wonder why are blessings aren’t consistent, but are we consistent in serving Him?

Point 3: Strength is for service not for status… Rom 15: 1MSG
Our strength is not for us to brag about. Serve or help someone else with your faith. Galations 6: 1-5. When I help other people, we carry the burdens together.

Point 4: Excellence is a requirement when you work for an excellent God… Dan 1: 19MSG
God desires excellence out of us. Many times we only bring half of ourselves to serve. Bring a great work ethic to the House of God. Why would an excellent God want anything less than excellent?

Point 5: All out is the best way to serve… 1 Chronicles 15: 2MSG
It is not ok to work part-time for God. We always want to serve part-time but want full-time recognition or blessings.

Point 6: Warrior servants are required in spiritual warfare 2 Kings 3: 21MSG
We are dealing in a spiritual pursuit. Serving God is spiritual-you are in the army of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:12-18

Point 7: Godly service requires exclusive attention to detail1 Samuel 7:4MSG
Detail determines if you will live or die in spiritual warfare. The Lord wants us to play close attention to His service. God is a detailed God.

Conclusion:
Every one of the needs you have will be met when you put others’ needs before your own!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

7 Ways o Serve N Style OUTLINE

Sermon Text: But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves

Sermon Title: 7 Ways 2 Serve ‘N’ Style!

Point 1: Don’t let distractions get in the way... Psalm 116: 16MSG

Point 2: Focused and on track… Ezekiel 48: 11MSG

Point 3: Strength is for service not for status… Rom 15: 1MSG

Point 4: Excellence is a requirement when u work for an excellent God… Dan 1: 19MSG

Point 5: All out is the best way to serve… 1 Chronicles 15: 2MSG

Point 6: Warrior servants are required in spiritual warfare 2 Kings 3: 21MSG

Point 7: Godly service requires exclusive attention to detail1 Samuel 7:4MSG

Conclusion:

Secrets to My Significance ‘N’ 2012

Sermon Date: January 01, 2012

Pericope: Luke 22: 24 – 30

Sermon Text: Luke 22: 29, 30

Introduction: We all have a secret. We want to be significant. We desire to have impact. God put that desire deep inside each of us. No one wants the dash on their tombstone to be meaningless. We want to succeed at parenthood, as a spouse, and as an employee. Feeling that way is not a matter of false piety.
God put that desire deep inside each of us. From the very beginning he gave us dominion. That desire is crucial to our service for the Lord. We can’t complete or carry our all that he needs us to if we aren’t significant. God called you to be significant!
In the text, it is the night before the crucifixion. The disciples are disputing over who is the greatest or most significant to Jesus. This is not the first time that this dispute has come up. Their mothers even got involved in the dispute. Matthew 20:21 tells of a mother who recognized that Jesus was going places and wanted her boys to be with him. The disciples were like us, they had the same desire to be significant. Their dispute is proof. Jesus recognized this desire and rewarded them.

Jesus recognizes our desire and has provided a roadmap to significance for us. You must serve selflessly, seek others and their needs, and share what you have.

Point 1: Serve selflessly…vs. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
Phil 2: 21 in the Message Bible states, “stop thinking about yourself long enough to help somebody else”.
Jesus tempered the same debate in Mark 9: 34 & Luke 9: 46 by telling them to be like a child with humility and service.

Ambition is a tool that can further the kingdom if properly guided. When someone does not have ambition, not wanting to be or do anything, we call them lazy. We have it engrained in us to be someone, from the time that we are a little child. To achieve this, we must serve selflessly. Doing something for someone else can provide a sense of self worth.

Work for the applause of God not for the applause of man. John 5: 44 How can you believe you can accept the praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? Don’t serve selfishly. When you can serve selflessly, seeking others and their need will come naturally.

Point 2: Seek others and their needs not your own vs. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? It is not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as who serves.

In the text, it is Passover and everyone it sitting at the table. The servants have been dismissed. Jesus is conversing with the disciples about who is greater the server or those being served. Typically, the server is not viewed as being as important as those being served. However, Jesus reminds the disciples that he is seen as the Great One and he has been serving and seeking the needs of others before his own.

At the beginning of a new year, we tend to become focuses on self. Instead of looking at self, search for ways to make things happen for others. Make souls your priority.The soul that you reach for Him will determine how significant your 2012 will be. Acts 20: 22 And now compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Don’t be afraid that God will forget that you are also in line. He will not run out. Phil 2: 2, 3 Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. 4 Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Msg Bible.

Point 3: Share what you have…vs. 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus is going to share His reign and what he has to eat with us. If God did not want us to be great, he would not have made us his child and given us a throne. Jesus is not moved by your being raised up.


This is the way Paul put it. 2 Cor 9: 6 – 11 6 Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. 7 I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. 8 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. 9 As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. 10 This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, 11 wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

Life Application: Sow wise decisions reap the harvest in 2012...

1. When the opportunity to serve presents itself I will decide to do so!
2. When the opportunity to seek souls and witness for Christ presents itself I will decide to do so!
3. When the opportunity to share my resources or myself presents itself I will decide to do so!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Secrets to My Significance ‘N’ 2012 OUTLINE

Pericope: Luke 22: 24 – 30

Sermon Text: Luke 22: 29, 30

Sermon Title: Secrets to My Significance ‘N’ 2012

Point 1: Serve selflessly…vs. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
Phil 2: 21 Msg Bible stop thinking about yourself long enough to help somebody else.
Mark 9: 34 & Luke 9: 46

John 5: 44 How can you believe you can accept the praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?

Point 2: Seek others and there needs not your own vs. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? It is not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as who serves.

Acts 20: 22 And now compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Phil 2: 2, 3 3 Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. 4 Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Msg Bible.

Point 3: Share what you have…vs. 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

This is the way Paul put it. 2 Cor 9: 6 – 11 6 Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. 7 I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. 8 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. 9 As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. 10 This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, 11 wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

Life Application: Sow wise decisions reap the harvest in 2012...
1. When the opportunity to serve presents itself I will decide to do so!
2. When the opportunity to seek souls and witness for Christ I will decide to do so!
3. When the opportunity to share my resources or myself I will decide to do so!

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...