Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Daily Pt 2 - Take the Worry Out


DAILY! Pt 2
Take the Worry Out
Sermon Text:  Matt 6:25,28,31,34:  Matthew 6:25 do not worry about your life. Matthew 6:28 and why do you worry… 31 so do not worry… what shell you eat, drink, wear… 34 do not worry about… tomorrow will worry about itself
Point 1:  Why do we worry?
a)       Our worry reflects our need to control the outcome
 (we fear the outcome)
b. We worry because of the unchangeable past and unreachable future
c. We worry because of lack of faith. We walk by faith and not by sight it’s impossible to please God w/out faith
Hebrews 11:6 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Point 2:  We are the Crown of his Creation
Psalms 8:4-5 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? 5 You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.
Point 3:  Capture His care
1 Peter 5:7 Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
Point 4:  Cultivate the new not the old. New mercies every day
Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness
Point 5:  Continue in his grace
2 Corinthians 12:9 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Life Application
1. Remember if God didn’t do it today it only means you didn’t need it today.
2. A day is a thousand years to God – Trust Him
3. God knows the end from the beginning – Trust Him

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Daily!


Pericope:  Exodus 16:1-10
Sermon Text:  Exodus 16:4, 16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. 16 This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’”
Sermon Title: Daily!
Point 1:  Daily Dependence Exodus 16:4 - Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
Staying in the moment means:
a)  Stop worrying about tomorrow
a.  Matthew 6:25 do not worry about your life
b.  Matthew 6:28 and why do you worry… 31 so do not worry… what shell you eat, drink, wear… 34 do not worry about… tomorrow will worry about itself
b)  Putting your stock in God and not your storage
a.  Luke 12:18 - “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.
Verse 20 - However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.
God insisted on them staying in the moment.  Stay in the moment. 
Point 2:  Daily Deliverance Exodus 16: 2,7,8,9,11 2 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 7  …grumble against us?” 8 he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.” 9 the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’” 12…I have heard the grumbling
Point 3:  Daily Desires Exodus 16:16..gather as much as he needs…21 as much as he (they) needed…24 it did not stink or get maggots…
·       He will do exceedingly abundantly more Ephesians 3:20
·       Delight yourself in him and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Ps. 37:4
·       My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory -  Phil 4:19
·       You will eat the fat of the land; Isaiah 1:19 - If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land
Point 4:  Daily Determination Vs4 MSG in this way  - God said to Moses,. I’m going to test them to see if they’ll live according to my Teaching….  I will test them you and see whether they follow my instructions
Conclusion: if you are gathering stuff you will never gather enough. If you are in lack, God's grace will meet your need. What God is trying to drive home to you is daily depend on him daily… praise stay in the moment. God is good God's is great… let us thank him for our food By His hands we are fed Give us Lord our DAILY BREAD Amen!


Sunday, May 13, 2018

The Power of a Resilient Woman


Pericope:   Luke 1:31-38, Luke 2:5, John 19:25-27

Scripture Text: Luke 1:38  "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered "Be it unto me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Sermon Title: The Power of a Resilient Woman

Point 1. A resilient woman…
Must Be Able To Have Her Life Disrupted Luke 1:31- And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
When you give your life to Christ  you no longer belong to yourself.
    Your life :
1. Can't just be about you and your plans only
2. Can't be about your comfort wanting to live in a cocoon
3.Can't be about your happiness only
Proverbs 19:21 says "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Point 2. A resilient woman:
Must Be able to Endure the Pain of pregnancy Luke 2:4 - And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

Point 3. A resilient woman…
Must Be Able to Stare Faith in the Face and say I can do this – John 19:26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Power


Pericope:  Phil. 3:7-11
Sermon Text:  Phil 3:10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Sermon Title:  Power
Available at https://www.lifestream.tv/nlic/ 
Context/History:  The context of the text is this.  We are privileged to have access to Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi.  Here is when it says - Nestle within this thank you note from prison for the offering they sent, is a personal reflection.  Maybe over a moment of weakness, Paul permitted us a peek inside his personal aspirations.  This note from Paul is a peek into his personal drive for power.  Not just power for person gain but power for kingdom purpose.  He needed for the problem he had to solve.
        The church at Philippi was preoccupied with a lot of things so there is a good chance they may have missed this moment of personal confession from their founding pastor.  He told them he lacked adequate power for his present personal plight.  He is in prison.  He is chained by the ankles to the elite Roman praetorian guards.  He has received word his character is under attack and things are a little shaky at home.  Power for is problems and the churches problems is what he wants. 
        Our text comes out of this context.  The text says Paul wanted and needed the Power of Christ Resurrection.  The desire to have this power is an admission you need it.  How many of you have needed some power to get you out of a situation?  How many of you want some power for future use just in case so you won’t be helpless?  Power is a good thing to have.  Paul specified the type of power he needed.  Not just any kind of power. Paul said, based on his situation, only one kind of power would do – that’s the power of Jesus’ resurrection. REPEAT Paul needed the power of the resurrection.  
        Now the word power as it is used in our text is the Greek word dumonous, the practical definition is the ability to get things done. The practical definition is the ability to get things done. That is the same word we use for dynamite.  That’s the natural explanation for resurrection power.  The supernatural and spiritual explanation for resurrection power is Jesus was dead and God ignited life into his body.  The supernatural and spiritual definition for resurrection power is early the third day morning – the third day because the grave was sealed and certified as the place of death and the stone was rolled away. In other words, its like the coroner had certified Jesus death and burial. The supernatural and spiritual explanation and definition is after Jesus was crucified, buried in a borrowed tomb he got up with all power in his hands.  Paul said he needed THAT power for three things. 1) Relate, 2) Participate and 3) Rejuvenate. 
Point 1: The Power to Relatevs. 10a – I want to know Christ…
Paul desperately needed meaningful real relationships.  Because of how he became a believer, real relationships were hard to come by.  I mean who really trusted the guy that persecuted them.  Other Christians were always leery of his motives, his pedigree, his background, his anointing.  They were suspicious of his authority and ability to be a part of them, let alone a leader amongst them. 
        So Paul acknowledged in his letter that he wanted to know Christ.  You may say I thought Paul already knew Jesus.  He did.  But look further.  When you look at the Greek word for know “gnonai” which means to know by experience.  You now see what Paul was after.  This isn’t the word know as in intercourse as in Adam know Eve; your daddy know you mamma and along came you.  That is a one time event that could or could not include a long term intimate relationship.  This know means experimentally.    You don’t get to know the real person until you EXPERIENCE how they act in certain situations.  
        Paul said I want to know Jesus in different situations.  Some of us only know Jesus for Sunday.  Some of us only know Jesus for certain situations.  That is permissible and good, but please try him for Monday situations.  Tuesday situations.  Wednesday situations.  Saturday night situations.  Family situations.  School situations.  Get to know him for more than a quickie.  Experience what Jesus will do in any and every situation you find yourself in and you will find out a whole other sides to Jesus.  Up to now, Paul had a religious relationship with God filled with rules and regulations.  He didn’t have a real relationship with God until he put down the rules and knew Jesus. 

Point 2:  The Power to Participate.  Vs. 10b and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings
Personally I am little bothered Paul said that.  Who wants to suffer?  You have to wonder is Paul sane.  Why do I say that?  Because Paul is already suffering in prison when he writes this.  Why would he let that come out of his mouth?  Paul clearly does not understand that a 21st century audience would be reading his words.  People in the 21st century have an aversion and objection to any suffering.  Most of us run from struggle, hardships, sacrifice or anything that looks like it.  In fact, those are all legitimate reasons for divorce, changing jobs, going to another church or not paying a bill. REPEAT
So why is Paul talking about fellowshipping and sharing in Christ’s suffering?  The key word is share…participate!  When we see share we think only of us sharing Christ suffering on the cross.  No. The bible said once the sacrifice has been given there is no need for another sacrifice.  Hebrews 7:27
Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Paul is saying there will be some struggle in this but I get to share my suffering with the one who is intimate with suffering. 
·       Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
·       Rom 8:17 - Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
·       1 Pet 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
You can’t reign with him if you don’t want to suffer with him and you need the power to suffer through some things.    
a)  Suffering sets you up for more – e.g. caterpillar and butterfly
b)  Suffering shapes you to focus on his Power – you cannot smell the fragrance of perfume without someone crushing some flowers.
c)  Suffering Helps to Surrender your Will - CH Spurgeon there are no crown wearers in heaven who were not cross bearers below. 

Point 3:  Rejuvenated by his Power  - vs. 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Paul acknowledged he needed some things resurrected or rejuvenated in his life.  Paul needed to be renewed, restored and rejuvenated.  He counted all of his previous life as dead.  Vs. 3:7, 8 -  7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Life Application
1.  Receive Jesus and you will receive his resurrection power
2.  Put his resurrection power to the test in every situation and circumstance you face.
3.  Learn how to increase the resurrection power in your life by connecting to a LifeGroup.

Monday, May 7, 2018

“Wait!”

Pericope:  Psalms 130:5-8
Sermon Text:  Psalms 130:5 - I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;


Sermon Title: “Wait!”
Point 1:  The weight of waitingvs. 1,2 - Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! 2 O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
Point 2:  The worry and wonder of waiting – vs. 3-4 - If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
Whatever a man thinketh so is he Proverbs 23:7 -  for as he thinks within himself, so he is. (ISV) Out of your heart flow the issues of life you are dealing with Proverbs 4:23 - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. (GNT) That’s why your mind will control your worry. Psalms 94:11 - The LORD knows what we think; he knows how senseless our reasoning is. (GNT)
God is always up to something while you are waiting.

1)  Maturing you to handle what you’re waiting for…

2)  Breaking off bad dependencies…

3)  Pruning you to be more fruitful…
Point 3:  Worship of waiting. Vs. 7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!  For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.
Life Application:

1)  Trust him – He’s on the way – Pray…

2)  Trust him – He’s on the way – pay attention…

3)  Trust him – He’s on the way – put the word into action…

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Inseparable


Pericope: Romans 8:35-39
Sermon Text: Romans 8:35 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Sermon Title:  Inseparable
Point 1: God’s Love Eliminates fear of rejection 1 John 4:1818 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Point 2:  God’s Love Eliminates fault finding 1 Peter 4;8 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Point 3: God’s Love Eliminates any sense of defeat Romans 8: 31, 37 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Point 4: God’s Love fills us with his love 1 John 4:9-10 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Point 5: God’s Love Elevates our understanding love Ephesians 3:17-19 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

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...