LifeNotes

WHAT SIZE IS YOUR SIGNIFICANCE? OUTLINE 02/01/12

2012-02-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

Sermon Text: 1 Samuel 17: 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these, “he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off.

Sermon Title: What Size is Your Significance?

Point 1: Select the Right Weapon vs. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

. 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these, “he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off.
(a) You cannot use anyone else weapon…
(b) Be secure in…
(c) The weapons of our warfare are…
(d) No weapon…

Point 2: Seize the Moment vss. 24 When the Israelites saw the man [Goliath] they all ran from him in great fear. 25a Now the Israelites had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel…33 Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”

Point 3: Shut Out Shout Downs vs. 28 When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” 29 Now what have I done? Said David. “Can’t I even speak?”
(a) Your presence will remind them of their short comings…
(b) They will call you names…
(c) They will try to tell you where your place is and keep you there…
vss. 34, 35, 36 Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God

Point 4: Sling Your Best Shot vs. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck down the Philistine on the forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
vs. 37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Point 5: Secure Your Reward vs. 25.b The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father’s family from taxes in Israel.

Please Pass the Salt DEVOTIONAL By Sis. Carolyn Marshall

2012-02-01T16:46:00.001-08:00

Please Pass the Salt DEVOTIONAL

Matthew 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 underfoot.

Please pass the salt; the request is often made because there is a need and it is an effortless request. However, we can’t be effortless in our obedience to the Word because just as the Word cleanses, comforts and convicts, it is the salt that's added that gives flavor, irritates and medicates the soul. Christ says that we are the salt of the earth, which implies that we have to apply the salt to make a difference and makes an impact in others lives. Calvary gives us value and significance.

Nevertheless, it rests on each of us through our choices to retain the value that Christ gave us. If our speech is seasoned with salt, we will win souls, which are significant to the Kingdom; therefore, serving is valuable and living a godly life is just as significant.

Devotional by Carolyn Marshall…Edited by Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., D.Min.

Salt: The Season for Significance DEVOTIONAL By Elder Shumaker

2012-02-01T16:42:00.001-08:00

Salt: The Season for Significance

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.

Salt is a precious commodity used in our everyday lives. It adds flavor, it preserves and prevents decay, it can change the physical make up of things and when consumed can bring about an intense thirst.

Jesus reminds us that we are the “Salt of the Earth.” We are distinct, we are different and we have been added to a dying and decaying world to have significant impact. We are to be in this world yet not of this world. We are not to allow ourselves to become distracted by the world and lose sight of our purpose.

Wherever we are there should be a change, whatever we touch it should never be the same again. In this dry and barren land we are to bring about a thirst for the things of God. But if the salt has lost its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything.

How salty are you?

Devotional by Elder Christine Shumaker - Edited by Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., D.Min.

Please pass the Salt OUTLINE

2012-01-29T08:02:00.001-08:00

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."

Salt: The Season for Significance Pt 1

2012-01-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

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!

Salt: The Season for Significance Pt 1 OUTLINE

2012-01-25T15:04:00.001-08:00

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:

The Favor of First Fruit

2012-01-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

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.

The Simplicity of First Fruits OUTLINE

2012-01-22T06:47:00.001-08:00

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?

The Favor of First Fruit: 7 Ways 2 Give OUTLINE

2012-01-18T15:29:00.001-08:00

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:

The Favor of First Fruit OUTLINE 011512

2012-01-15T06:31:00.001-08:00

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?

Titanic Job: 7 Ways To Help OUTLINE

2012-01-11T16:13:00.001-08:00

(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.

Titanic Job Help Wanted

2012-01-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Significant Life Series: Titanic Job Help Wanted OUTLINE

2012-01-08T05:29:00.000-08:00

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.

7 Ways to Serve N Style OUTLINE

2012-01-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

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!

7 Ways o Serve N Style OUTLINE

2012-01-04T13:26:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

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!

Secrets to My Significance ‘N’ 2012 OUTLINE

2012-01-01T08:08:00.001-08:00

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!

Goodbye 2011 - Hello 2012 Outline

2011-12-31T21:06:00.001-08:00

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:

Waiting for the King

2011-12-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

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!

OUTLINE - THE GIFT 122511

2011-12-25T07:04:00.001-08:00

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:

The King is Coming: Gold, Frankincense & More OUTLINE

2011-12-17T20:12:00.001-08:00

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:

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

2011-12-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

The King is Coming & He Won’t Disappoint OUTLINE

2011-12-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

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:

The King is Coming: OUTLINE

2011-12-07T12:38:00.001-08:00

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:

Living in the Spacious Place: God's Money Managers

2011-12-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

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.

Five Ways To Give Thanks

2011-11-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

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!

SERMON OUTLINE: THANKSGIVING ON AN EMPTY STOMACH!

2011-11-26T19:01:00.001-08:00

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. . . .”

DEVOTION: SPACIOUS PLACE...THE ACTION PLAN

2011-11-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

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?

Living in the Spacious Place...Action Plan Notetaker

2011-11-19T21:55:00.001-08:00

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

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

2011-11-16T17:46:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-16T17:26:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2011-11-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

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.

Poverty Spirit a 3 Act Play OUTLINE FOR NOTETAKING

2011-11-13T07:18:00.001-08:00

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

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

2011-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2011-11-09T16:24:00.001-08:00

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.

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

2011-11-06T06:41:00.001-08:00

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:

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

2011-10-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

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?

Spacious Place - Series Review 102611

2011-10-26T17:55:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

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.

The Path to Rehoboth...A Devotional

2011-10-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

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!

Spacious Place...REHOBOTH!! Part 2 Outline

2011-10-19T17:59:00.001-07:00

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...

Spacious Place...REHOBOTH!!

2011-10-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

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?

Spacious Place...Happy Meal

2011-10-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-10-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-09-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Service Before Self

2011-09-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Playing Dodge Ball With the Devil: Table Manners

2011-09-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

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.

What To Do When Satan Has His Bulls Eye on You (Dodge Ball with the Devil)

2011-09-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
August 20 &21, 2011

Sermon: What To Do When Satan Has His Bulls Eye on You (Dodge Ball with the Devil): An Unlikely Deliverance

Sermon Text: Luke 22: 31-34 (NKJV)

31And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

Context:
Jesus is hours from trial. The Lord’s Supper has been given. Jesus is now teaching them what they would need to know after He’s gone. He tells Peter that Satan wanting to sift him like wheat and then tells him that He will pray for him. Have you ever felt like Satan was out to get you? Jesus has a process for making or breaking you and Satan has a part in that plan. When you play dodge ball with the devil, he intends to take you out. Satan may have it out for you, but remember this is a part of God’s plan for your life. God intends to use this as a way of refining you. It’s time you learn to play dodge ball with the devil…and win.

Point 1: Denial is Not Your Dead End (vs 34)
We must remember that just because we are denied something doesn’t mean it is the end. What is said to you can catapult you or stop you in your tracks. When we hear what Jesus says to Peter we believe this may be the end of Peter’s career with Jesus. However, peter’s faith is not shaken just because Jesus gave him a hard word. Remember, Jesus isn’t always going to tell you what you want to hear. He isn’t a lottery machine. Every now and then He will have a hard word for you. What may seem like a hard word to you may be the very thing to get you out of your situation. Peter pressed through, so should you.

Point 2: Delay is Not Your Demise (vs 34)
Just because you didn’t get what you wanted right now does not mean it will be the demise of you. When Jesus tells Peter he will deny him three times Peter’s aspirations are delayed. He now knows delays are a part of the journey. Because we live in a fast-paced society we have issues with waiting; we want things when we want them. We get tired of the journey. This is when you make bad decisions and the enemy comes in. Here are reasons you should not get tired:
1. Being tired is a sign that you are almost there. (Rev 3:11)
2. Tired means you have stopped doing things in your own strength and you are now relying on God. (Eph 3:20)

Point 3: Disaster is Your Delivery (vs 34)
Sometimes we mistake disaster for the end when it is your deliverance in a disguise. Peter had a disastrous mouth. The mouth that was once used to create disasters was transformed and began to preach the gospel.

What To Do When Satan Has His Bulls Eye on You (Sifted for Service)

2011-09-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

Sermon: What To Do When Satan Has His Bulls Eye on You (Sifted for Service)
Sermon Text: Luke 22: 31-34 (NKJV)
Sermon Notes
August 24, 2011

31And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

Satan always wants to take out the person with the most faith, the person trying to grow their faith, or the person using their faith to live by. He comes with every weapon to sift the Lord’s people.

Jesus was praying that Peter didn’t lose his faith. We always pray that we don’t lose things, such as a job, car, or a house. However, we should be praying that we don’t lose our faith. Your faith must HOLD up, GROW up, or TAKE YOU up.

Point 1: Sifting Signifies (vs 29)
Jesus did not pray that Peter didn’t get sifted. The devil decided to sift Peter to put him to the test after he received a promise from Jesus.

Usually when you’re sifted, its right after you’ve received great revelation, or God is at great work in your life, or you’re desiring to do more in life. We always claim that we want to be great, but we don’t want to be sifted. You must be on your guard when you get spiritual revelation.

If Satan is after you, it means that you have potential to do great harm to his kingdom. When we make a decision to follow God, an alarm goes off in hell. Satan wants to take you out so that everyone connected to you will go down too. He wants to sift you because he knows what’s coming in your future. What is it that God has in your future that you don’t even know about? Often times we get caught up in the sifting and not the signal.

Point 2: Sifting Separates (vs 33)
Peter expressed that he was ready to go with Jesus to both prison and death.

Don’t ever become too “puffed up”, or in other words, too overconfident in your spirituality. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:12 “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

Sifting-to be turned upside down, shaken, and separated so that all the dirt can come out.

Things to remember:
A.)Sifting silences Satan
B.)Your sifting helps to develop sifting for others
C.)Sifting increases your dependence on God. John 15:5-“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Passive denial
D.)When we’re too busy to pray, we deny that God is the center of our life
E.)When we neglect his word, we deny that he’s competent enough to guide us
F.)When we worry, we deny that he’s the Lord of every circumstance

Point 3: Sifting Gives a Second Chance (vs 32)
Jesus said Peter would still return and decided that Peter was worth saving. Jesus also knew that Satan desired Peter, but Jesus desired him more.

Let us warn others that are going through difficult times that we’re praying for them. Let us also tell them that when they are restored, God will use them.

What To Do When Satan Has His Bulls Eye on You (Dodge Ball with the Devil)

2011-08-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
August 10, 2011

Sermon: What To Do When Satan Has His Bulls Eye on You (Dodge Ball with the Devil)
Sermon Text: Luke 22: 31-34 (NKJV)

31And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

Context:
Jesus is hours from trial. The Lord’s Supper has been given. Jesus is now teaching them what they would need to know after He’s gone. He tells Peter that Satan wanting to sift him like wheat and then tells him that He will pray for him. Have you ever felt like Satan was out to get you? Jesus has a process for making or breaking you and Satan has a part in that plan. When you play dodge ball with the devil, he intends to take you out. Satan may have it out for you, but remember this is a part of God’s plan for your life. God intends to use this as a way of refining you. It’s time you learn to play dodge ball with the devil…and win.

Point 1: You Are Not The Only One (vs 31)
Satan likes to plant in your head that you are the only one going through right now. However, in this text the word “you” is plural. Satan is after all of us.
Remember:

a. You are not in this alone- you can collaborate with others, learn from them,and then draw your own conclusions.
b. You can partner with others- you can share in agreement; win or lose.
c. You can team up- the same as partnering only with more people.

Point 2: Raise Your Hand (vs 32)
If Jesus was talking to everyone why did Peter raise his hand?
Remember:

a. You may as well go first (remember Satan is after everyone).
b. Many times there are benefits in starting and finishing first.
c. You can be the leader instead of the follower and share with others how you made it through. (Deut 28:13) The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

What To Do When Satan Has His Bulls Eye on You (Dodge Ball with the Devil)

2011-08-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
August 13 and 14 2011

Sermon: What To Do When Satan Has His Bulls Eye on You (Dodge Ball with the Devil)
Sermon Text: Luke 22: 31-34 (NKJV)

31And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

Have you ever felt like Satan was on your back? When you play dodge ball with the devil, he intends to take you out. Satan may be on your back, but whatever you’re going through is a part of God’s plan for your life. Jesus has a process for making or breaking you and Satan is in it.

Point 1: Permission (vs 31)
Jesus says Satan ASKED him for permission. The mere fact that Satan had to ask is comforting and encouraging because it tells us that Peter did not belong to Satan. Peter is God’s property. God is in complete control of what Satan does.

Often times we believe more in Satan “getting” us than God “keeping” us. You should say to yourself: “I belong to God. I am God’s property.”

A.) Pawn- Jeremiah 21:4. God is always using Satan as a pawn
B.) Purpose-Job 1: 6-8. Being under attack means that you are under God’s watchful eye. God uses Satan to prove a point and Satan is limited to what he can do. Even in the midst of your situation, God has a purpose.
C.) Plan-1 Samuel 16: 14, 15…Exodus 7: 3. God is sovereign and no one acts independently of his plan. Even evil is subject to God. God is in control of everything. Romans 8: 28

Point 2: Prayed (vs 32)
Jesus has already prayed for him. If he would have been praying, it would imply that the process is still incomplete.

At the same time that he was praying for Peter, he was also praying for us. Jesus has already prayed for you, so there’s no need to be fearful of Satan.

PRAYER INCLUDED:
-That we be one
-That we be righteous
-That we be protected from evil
-That we be purified by the word
-That we remain in him
-That we know God’s love
-That we experience complete joy in Jesus

A.) Jesus is confident about the results and he can get a prayer through
B.) Jesus knows the results and it’s a DONE DEAL
C.) He was so confident in Peter that he didn’t have to tell Peter what was going on until after the fact. John 17: 9, 15, 20

Point 3: Persistence (vs 32)
To ensure that his faith would not fail, Peter had to be persistent. He may have failed but he was still persistent.

God already knows what your end will be but you must be persistent. Persistence is the refusal to quit, not failing along the way. Proverbs 24:16. Satan does not have the final say so. Others should judge you not by how you fall down, but by how you get up. The next time Satan tries to tell you he’s going to do something, tell him “you work for God.”

A.) Have patience with yourself and others
B.) Experience the power from God through prayer
C.) Peer into your possible future

What’s My Ministry? Pt. 5: Do It For Jesus

2011-08-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., D. Min
July 27, 2011

Sermon: What’s My Ministry? Pt. 5: Do It For Jesus
Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 5: 18-21 (NKJV)

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation….19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Paul tells the Corinthian church to be reconciled for Christ or in other words: carry out this for the cause of Christ. He’s telling them to be ministers of reconciliation on behalf of Christ. He wants them to have the “if Jesus asks me, I’m in” attitude.

Point 1:
My Ministry: Obedience is Sacrifice (vs 18; John 20:21; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)
Obedience is better than sacrifice and to win souls requires obedience. Soul will not be saved if you don’t obey GOD’s word. You should know that if you win someone to the Lord, its an eternal mark in the kingdom. Philippians 2:21: “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” There comes a time when you have to be willing to do something beyond your own self-interest. Its human to want to be selfish, but be a part of something greater than you. When we don’t witness we are disobedient to a direct command from Jesus. When you’re disobedient, your faith becomes dull and you’re not able to stand on his word. Disobedience also clogs up the pipeline for blessings. Being disobedient also hinders the communication between us and God. Failure to obey is not an option in God’s army.

Point 2:
My Method: Fishy Business (vs 19; Matthew 4:19)
Jesus said that he would MAKE us fishers of men. Are you really following Jesus if you have no “fish” following you? Some of you have been in the “business” for years and haven’t had one “fish”. All Jesus wants is for you to win souls. All you have to do is catch the fish, no matter the type. If you can’t make it in this “business”, you’re probably not connected to the franchiser: Jesus.

Point 3:
My Message: Image is Everything (vs 21; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans: 8:29)
The message: you were made in God’s image. If you have sin in your life, your image is distorted. You don’t have to worry about how you look on the outside because God looks at the heart. If someone talks negative about you, that means their talking negative about God because you’re made in his image. God is diverse and he likes each of us just the way he made us, so learn to love yourself.

What’s My Ministry?

2011-07-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., D. Min
July 2 & 3, 2011

Sermon: What’s My Ministry?
Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 5: 18-21

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation….19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Paul reminds the Corinthian church of their primary responsibility as believers. Every believer’s ministry is reconciliation. Sometimes the problems of life can cause us to loose focus on our calling but every Christina must understand reconciliation, as it is the heart of our existence as believers.

Point 1: My Ministry (vs 18)
Sometimes we look at the church to find a ministry instead of looking in the Bible to find our ministry. We are in search for man’s ministry and overlooking the ministry that God gave us, which is reconciliation. We use the faulty approach of “church shopping” to find which place has our ministry where we can “fit in”. With this approach, the options may be limited depending on the church because every church may not have the same ministries. When we don’t see the ministry we want, we tend to criticize that church. We get caught up in the “purpose of our destiny” and begin to confuse accomplishments for ministry.

Things to know about your ministry:
A. God gave it to you
B. God will give you what you need to be successful
C. What God gives you, man can’t take it away
D. What God gives you is more powerful than what comes from man

Point 2: My Method (vs 20)
Paul explains to the Corinthians that they should be ambassadors to a rebellious world. He explains that they must be ambassadors to a rebellious world, urging them to make peace with God and not be at war with God.

As ambassadors of Christ, we have an embassy, which is the church. The church is a place of safety and security and it is where you come to get your instruction on your ministry. Some of us are in a foreign land (enemy territory) because we don’t have instructions since we haven’t come to the embassy. How can you represent the Master without getting his message? The world is still at war with God and in order for the world to be reconciled with God, they must make peace with God. The enemy is rebelling against the authority that sent you. If you’re not declaring peace, you must be with the enemy. Never forget: we are representing God and not ourselves.

Point 3: My Message (vs 19, 21)
The sin mankind committed in the garden of Eden separated us from GOD but He imputed our sins onto Jesus. Although God knows you didn’t earn salvation, He deposited grace and mercy into your account. All you have to do is access it by faith. God had to work around his holiness so he had to reconcile the relationship with us: the answer was Jesus. He saved us from ALL our sins: from yesterday, today, and tomorrow. When we accept salvation, we’re released from the penalty of sin. We are not telling a message about how we saved ourselves, but rather how we were saved through Jesus Christ. We must realize that we don’t have to be guilty with our sin because we’ve already been reconciled through Christ. We’re always trying to tell our story, but we need to tell his story.

Now What: God Is Up to Something! He’s Making My Dreams Come True

2011-06-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
Wednesday, June 15 2011

Sermon: Now What: God Is Up to Something! He’s Making My Dreams Come True
Sermon Text: Genesis 45: 4-11; 50:20 (NKJV)

And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.” “But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” “For these two year the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting.” “And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.” “Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, “Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry.” “You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have.” “There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.”

Point 1: Your Dreams Will Come True (Gen 42: 6, 43: 26, 28; 44:14)
Joseph said that his brothers would bow down to him. It took a while but his dreams did come true.

Give your dream over to God and he will organize it in perfect timing. The best thing you can do is trust him in the midst of your situation. It’s your choice: you way or God’s way. The only thing that comes between you and your dreams coming true is time. Time separates you from the reality of your dreams. It’s not “if” the opportunity comes, but “when”.

Point 2: Name Your Delay (Gen: 41: 51, 52)
Joseph names his sons which show that he was branding his delay by name. This shows us that his plight was not far from his mind. From this we can see two things: Joseph was saying “I forgot who hurt me” and “I’m fruitful in my struggles.” This is what he names his delays.

God has the power to help you to forget the cause of the problem. A delay is the opportunity to become fruitful. Nothing grows without struggle. If you’re calling your delay a disaster you’re labeling it wrong. When you mislabel your situation, you cause God to stop. We’re always calling our situation “its over.” Be careful how you label your delay: if you’re going through a divorce, you can say “God is going to send me a new man/woman”…if you’re sick, you can say “God is in the process of healing me”….if you’re broke, you can say “my financial blessing is on the way.”

Point 3: God Is Putting the Details In Your Future (Gen: 45:7,8)
God was trying to get Joseph in a position to save thousands of people.

You will never be able to figure out all the details but just let him handle it and know that he’s up to something. Your dreams must be connected to God’s agenda. You can say to your enemies “you thought you were doing something to me, but God is so mighty that he turned it around for my good.” God has to put you in certain situations so he can position you to speak life into someone else’s situation. When you’re comfortable, you start trusting yourself and not God. Its only when he puts you into certain situations that you can be used for his glory. God is always two steps ahead of us.

So Now What? Part 2

2011-06-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

June 11 & 12, 2011

Sermon Title: So Now What? Pt. 2
Sermon Text: Gen 40:1-8

4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. 6 And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” 7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. 8 God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.
Life is not always fair. It doesn't give you a warning when something is about to happen. Everyone has dreams. No matter how small or large your dreams may be, there is always someone or something waiting to disrupt your dream. In order for your dream to become reality you must go through some things.

Point 1: Remember your journey is a journey. Stop asking “are we there yet?” (Gen 40: 14-15)
14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.

Despite your best laid plans, life happens. You got into a fight with circumstances. Something forcibly took over: employment, drugs, relationships, etc. Life is a journey, not a destination. If you look at a map, there aren’t many roads that are straight. Most have several twists and turns just like life.
Remember:
1. Get better NOT bitter. Know that what you’re going through is here to grow you and make you better.
2. Turn your pressure into passion.
3. Turn the manure into maturity. Manure grows the best plants. Allow your current situation to grow you.
4. Time is not eternity. Know that your problems have an expiration date.
5. Reflection is for projection. You cannot change the past. Reflect on it but project yourself into the future.

Point 2: Revelation without interpretation is stupefaction (Gen 40: 8, 16, 22)
8 “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.”

Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” 16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 22 but he impaled the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.

Because the prisoners did not understand their dreams they were stupefied. Just because you have a dream from God doesn’t mean you know what to do with it. You can interpret the events of life in several ways; however, it is important to interpret them correctly. If they are not interpreted correctly, God will have to repeat himself.
How to get an interpretation:
1. Go to God.
2. Go to the word.
3. Go to the man of God (Jeremiah 3:15).
4. Go to your knees-PRAY.
5. Go to a quiet place.

Point 3: Restoration is just around the corner. (Gen 40: 14, 23; 41: 39-40)
14 But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”

Do not depend on man; depend on God to restore you. Just as Joseph was restored, you too will be restored. God will restore what the enemy has taken from you.
While waiting for restoration:
1. Hone your skills.
2. Do not harbor grudges.
3. Keep your head up.
4. Remain hopeful.
5. Remain helpful.

Conception in a Closed Womb: Pt. 4 Highly Favored

2011-06-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

June 1, 2011

Sermon Title: Conception in a Closed Womb: Pt. 4 Highly Favored
Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-33

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Context: How can you have favor in a closed situation? We must understand that we are uniquely equipped to handle particular situations. Once we realize this we can begin to operate in the favor and fullness of God.

Point 1: Mary was set apart (verses 41-44)
Mary does not realize that she is favored until certain things start happening. Mary was a temple girl; her parents set her apart. We should realize that sometimes when things happen it is because God is setting us apart to be used for His purpose.
1. Don’t follow the crowd: Do not believe that the crowd always knows best. Sometimes you will end up somewhere you do not want to be.
2. Dare to be different: When you stand up and go against the crowd to do what you believe is right, you show God your faith.
3. Deliver yourself to God: Give yourself to God just the way you are. We cannot fix ourselves and we should stop trying.

Point 2: Mary received a word from God (verse 28)
There will be times when God addresses our concerns with a word that brings more concern.
1. Hold on to God in the storm:. Many times we want God to speak but when He does we don’t get the word we want. When this happens, hold on to what God is saying. Hold on to Him. This word will reinforce that we are favored.
2. Have faith He will bring you out. No matter how hard the word is that God brings know that it comes to bless you and must mature inside of you. Believe in the word of God.
3. Give Him your life if you aren’t saved.

Point 3: Mary was a virgin (verse 27)
God needs to get us in a place or situation that we have never been in before. This will cause us to truly rely on Him. This is a favored place. God wants to favor us, open up doors for us, and mold us while we are in that virgin place. When you squeeze the petals of a rose the fragrance and essence of that rose becomes more apparent. The same goes for us. The more He squeezes us, the more we become who we are supposed to be.

So Now What: What do you do when your dreams turn into nightmares?

2011-06-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes June 4-5,2011
Sermon Text: Gen.37: 18- 27
Sermon Title: So Now What: What do you do when your dreams turn into nightmares?

18 But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. 19“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. 20 “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” 21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. 22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— 24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. 25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

Introduction:
Life is not always fair. It doesn't give you a warning when something is about to happen. Everyone has dreams. No matter how small or large your dreams may be, there is always someone or something waiting to disrupt your dream. In order for your dream to become reality you must go through some things. We see this with Joseph. The very thing that fueled him burned others. Instead of cheering him, his brothers devised a plan. In verse, 20 of the text, Joseph's brothers make a statement that is echoed by all mankind. Now what? When things don't go as we have planned and our dreams don't seem to be coming to reality, we too must answer that same question. Joseph did several things that can help us. First, he followed his dream. Secondly, he walked in the confidence that God was with him. Lastly, he worked like he knew God was going to work it out.

Point 1: Follow your dreams
Follow your dreams no matter where they take you, be it the pit, the palace, or the prison. Joseph had no idea where his dreams would take him. He had no idea they would get him into so much trouble. He was simply doing what came natural to him. After all he was only dreaming. Following your dreams may not be easy. We should always have a plan but realize that things may not go as planned. Proverbs 19:21 tells us that there will be dips and curves. Our dreams may not always have a direct route to reality. Dreams are much like rivers. Very seldom do
they run a straight course. Sometimes they even run through granite. You have to be dream drive. Despite her many advances, Joseph was not interested in sleeping with Potipher's wife. It would have distracted him from his dream. Don't be willing to have a rendezvous with the
flesh. Flesh is not just sexual. It's how you would do things your way. Instead of doing things God's way you want to take things into your own hands.

Point 2: Walk in confidence that God is with you
Joseph was successful because he knew that God was with him. With this knowledge he could operate without fear and do things greatly. When you realize that God is with you, give Him the credit. As you point people to him, He will give you more. Everyone can't handle this. They forget to do as instructed in Deuteronomy 8:18 (But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today).

Point 3: Work on your dreams like you know that God is going to work things out.
Whenever he was Joseph was in charge. People saw favor on his life. Joseph worked as he was working for God and not the warden. When you work, know that you are working on your dreams! Your job is the root to your plans of your destiny.

When life throws you a curve and you have to answer the question of now what, remember to follow your dreams. Know that God is with you and its going to work out.

Finish What We Started: Fan or Followers

2011-06-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes for May 28-29, 2011
Sermon Title: Finish What We Started: Fan or Followers
Sermon Text: Luke 14: 25-35

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. 34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Introduction:
Jesus is on his way to Calvary. In this passage of text, Luke is very particular in his recollection of Jesus' words. The large crowd that is traveling with them raises an issue for Jesus. He needs to know who is a fan and who is a follower. There is a difference. This is the same in our lives. When we are trying to get things done and do the will of God, we also need to know who's a fan and who's a follower.

Point 1: Tower of Power (vs 28-30)
There is a cost associated with being a follower. Jesus dies not shy away from talking about the cost. Jesus knows this is a way to find out who is really with him. He uses something that he knows they are familiar with to illustrate His point. In bible days, people build towers in the vineyard. The towers allowed them to watch for wild animals and thieves. They understand that they need the tower to
prevent generations from going hungry. Fans will want a seat in the tower but will be unwilling to help build. When you get the cost estimates upfront you will be able to tell who is a fan verses who’s a follower. Salvation is free but discipleship cost. You can be saved but are you ready to carry the cross.

Point 2: Culture Warriors vs 31-32
In this text everything refers to giving up the right it ownership. Jesus is alluding to the war that Herod Antopest went into. Everyone knows that he shouldn't have gone into war. He incorrectly estimated
the cost of he had verses what he was coming up against. He did not know who was a fan, and it cost him the war. He had to make peace with his enemy. We are in culture war. One that says having a baby out of wedlock is ok, you don't need a man, couples should live together instead of getting married, and that being smart is white. Every war has cost. There has to be some sacrifice to win. If you lose, you still have to pay the price for winning. You also have to make peace with your enemy. This will cause you to have to enter into an unholy covenant.

Point 3: Salty Soldiers vs 34-35
Salt preserves, seasons, clean, and is mixed with manure. When it’s mixed, it’s good for the manure but does nothing for the salt. Manure is one that you can't change the taste of. Be careful who you mix
with. Fans will mix with anyone because they don't know their worth. Followers can go to war and change the culture, because they know their worth. The word salary comes from the word salt. Salt was used to pay people during the Bible days. When salt was no longer salty, it was thrown to the grown. This is where we get the saying good for nothing. Followers understand that what they have does not belong to them. Their loyalty belongs to God. God needs builders, warriors, and salty soldiers. He is not interested in quantity of people but the quality of people.

2011-05-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
Sat. May 21st and Sun. May 22nd

Sermon: Conceiving in a Closed Womb… Pt3: Nothing is Impossible With God
Sermon Text: Luke 1: 26-38 (NKJV)

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth…27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having coming in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

We know that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, out of a womb that was closed. Joseph never touched Mary intimately. This story shows how God birthed a baby through a womb that was never opened, therefore bringing us salvation.

We can apply this to our closed womb situations because we must believe that if the situation seems impossible, then God can do it.

Point 1: You don’t need a man to conceive, but you do need a man to deliver (vs 35)

Mary knew her womb was closed and that the only way conception would happen was through a man. However, we learn that the Holy Spirit would give her conception. Mary didn’t need Joseph to conceive but she needed him to deliver…Luke 2:6: “So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.”

You can never get anything done by yourself. You need man to help you deliver your God idea. God gives you the idea and the right relationships to help you carry it out.

Your womb may be closed and you’re wondering what the solution will be and what man will rescue you, but God via the Holy Spirit will deliver you. You must be in the word for the Holy Spirit to help you conceive. Conception comes from a transformed mind. Romans 12:2-“ And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” God speaks to you through the Holy Spirit and to let you know that you will make it. When you get quiet and be still, the spirit of God will overwhelm you and you then conceive how you’ll come out of the situation.

Point 2: You must name your miracle (vs 31)

The angel informs Mary that the baby would be named Jesus and had to make sure that Mary didn’t name the baby after anyone else. The baby’s name would be Jesus because of what the baby would do, what it represented, and was it was connected to. Jesus is the one that would save the world, so he could only be named that. What if Mary would have named her baby something else?

When you need a miracle, you have to name it correctly. If you put the wrong name on it, this will present a problem. The right name or label matters. One reason we don’t label it correctly is because we don’t believe God can do it. When you go to God, label exactly what you need from him. You must be careful with what come out of your mouth when asking God for your miracle. Don’t just ask God for healing but ask him to heal you from cancer, and don’t just ask God to send you a man or a woman but ask him to send you your husband or your wife.

Point 3: You must submit yourself (vs 38)

Mary knew that she had never heard of anything like this happening before, but she understood that it would take place in her life. In other words, she has no record of God ever doing this, but when it’s announced to her, she believes. She submits to that fact that the miracle would take place in her closed womb. God didn’t open the womb first and then she submits after. The angel didn’t leave until she submitted.

In the midst of your closed situation, you must submit to God. We always say that nothing is too hard for God, but we don’t want to submit to him. In order for your miracle to take place, you must also be submitted totally to him. You can’t have one foot in and one foot out, but you must give him your all. You can’t believe today but by tomorrow you doubt. You can’t just believe during Sunday worship service but you must believe all the time. We always want to give God just a portion of ourselves but then wonder why nothing has happened. So often we want God to make the first move so he can prove himself instead of us going by what his word says. God can’t work with someone who is not submissive to him.

Life Application:
Are you in a closed situation and you’re not certain how you will come out? When you submit completely to God, expect a miracle. Your situation is never so closed that God can’t bring about salvation.

Conceiving in a Closed Womb...

2011-05-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
Wednesday May 18, 2011

Sermon: Conceiving in a Closed Womb… Pt. 2: The Details of a Dead Womb
Sermon Text: Romans 4:18-25 (NKJV)

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

The summary of Abraham and Sarah’s theological life shows how they were “dead” but were justified and brought back to life. Their situation was an analogy to how Jesus died but was resurrected and brought back to life. It shows how the death of Christ justifies us and makes us right with God, so that we will make it to Heaven. You may be “dead”, but you must have faith in Christ’s death and resurrection so you can be acquitted of your offenses.

Point 1: Destroys Confidence in Self (vs 19)

19Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.

Abraham and Sarah’s bodies couldn’t produce a child and they had no reason to do or believe what God wanted them to be. In Genesis 12 God announces that they would produce a child but it wasn’t until Genesis 21 that their first child was born. Many years had passed in between these two events and you may wonder why God waited to allow this to happen. He waited to ensure that they had no thought that they would come alive and to destroy their self confidence.

Sometimes you’re in a “dead” situation and you’re thinking “How did I get here?” and you’re saying “My back is against the wall.” You must remember that in John 15:5, Jesus says “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” God has to destroy your confidence that you were the one who had to revive yourself so that He would get the glory.

Point 2: Deposit a Seed (vs 20)

20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God

Now that Abraham is in his “dead” situation, he has faith. He anchored himself in the promises of God and now a seed could be planted.

Even when you situation is good and “dead”, you still have to believe. God wants to see that you have faith in the midst of the “dead” situation. Many times we give up on the situation and we say its dead, so let’s bury it. But be encouraged because it’s when your situation is good and “dead” that Jesus will show up and turn things around. The seed has to be planted in your faith.

Point 3: Delivers a Living Faith (vs 21)

21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised

Abraham believed the promise and gave God all the glory.

Once the seed has been planted in your faith, God can deliver you into a living faith. You can’t depend on the flesh, but you must have faith that God will follow through on what he said he would do. God has the power to raise us from the “dead” and give us new life. If you’re in a “dead” situation and you don’t have faith, there can be no resurrection.

Life Application: (vs 24-25)

24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification

If you believe GOD raised Jesus from the dead, there is no situation you’re dealing with that will remain “dead”. The power in Jesus can bring your “dead” situation back to life. When you believe this, you can be acquitted of your sins. You are able to tap into Jesus’ power by your faith, not by your effort. In a “dead” situation, you must remind yourself to walk back through how Abraham did it. By your faith, you are a child of God, so nothing you’re going through is going to stay “dead”. You can’t claim to be a Christian and say you have faith, but not believe that your own “dead” situation won’t be resurrected.

The Crossroads of Life

2011-05-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

April 30-May 1, 2011

Sermon Title: The Crossroads of Life
Sermon Text: Luke 24:13-17
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.

Context: The day of the resurrection two of Jesus’ followers were traveling to Emmaus. This trip would be a short one, but because of what they are discussing it seemed longer. They were puzzled, perplexed, and not certain of which way to go. This is the morning of the resurrection and it appears to them that nothing has changed.

Questions/Points to ponder: Have you ever been on a road and you weren’t sure of which way to go? Perhaps what you thought would be a quick trip ended up lasting longer, or you prayed for one thing and you got another answer? Sometimes life is like a crossword puzzle; if you answer the questions correctly you will have the answers you need for your crossroad.

Question 1: Why didn’t the two travelers recognize Jesus? (verse 16)
Answer: A supernatural force was at work.
The two men were kept from recognizing Jesus because God was at work. This reminds us that sometimes God is at work and we don’t know it until He opens our eyes. There will be times that we may think a situation is one thing but when God opens our eyes we are able to see it was another.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” God is with us in the midst of our pain and trials.

Question 2: Why were the travelers so downcast? (verse 17 and 21)
Answer: Their hope was shattered.
We often hope that things were going to turn out differently. These two men had hoped that Jesus was the one coming to deliver them from their current government.

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Jesus was invited to dinner but became the host. If we would let Jesus in our lives, He will turn things around for us. When Jesus comes in He can give hope and raise us up.

Question 3: What allowed the two people to finally recognize Jesus? (verse 31)
Answer: God opened their eyes.
The same supernatural force that veiled their eyes now allowed them to see. God does this in our lives; in the middle of our situation God will open our eyes. He will never allow us to be blind. When we cannot see, He has our hand. Therefore, don’t worry when things are fuzzy and you can’t see.

Question 4: Why were the travelers’ hearts burning? (verse 32)
Answer: Jesus’ words broke through.
There is nothing greater than God’s word. There may be a time when you received a word that burned in your heart; you have to live that word. God’s word has a way of turning things around. Faith without works is dead. Stand on the word that you have received. Don’t act off of your feelings; feelings will fool you.

Question 5: Why did the two travelers get back on the same road again and return to Jerusalem? (verse 33)
Answer: To tell everyone the good news.
They got back on the same road; a road that was once marked with confusion and sadness. Their hope was restored so they could get back on the same road. We should remember to get back on the same road and watch God give us the strength to continue. With God’s help we will have a different outlook and revelation.
It will be the same road but with a different destination, observation, realization, revelation, and the strength to work with the life you have. You realize that God has been there the entire time and did exactly what He said He would do.

Conclusion:
When you take a look at your situation you see that Jesus is moving. He is not dead in your situation. You may be perplexed and it may be fuzzy but because Jesus got up, your situation will turn around!

Eyewitnesses to Hope

2011-04-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sermon: Eyewitnesses to Hope
Sermon Text: John 19:26
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son.”

On the day that Jesus was crucified, he had witnesses on this day when it appeared that all hope was gone.

Have you ever needed some hope? Have you ever felt that you needed more hope for just one more minute, hour, or day? Sometimes, you can be staring hope right in the face and don’t know what to do with it.

Point 1: Simon of Cyrene Luke 23:26 “As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” Simon becomes a witness of hope.

-Simon doesn’t think he needs hope because he thinks his hope is at the temple.
-Jesus wasn’t on his mind and he didn’t know that he was about to follow hope. Simon considered that carrying the cross was admission of guilt.

Life Application
A. Learn to carry hope. Carrying hope is heavy but when you have it, you know that Jesus will bring you out of your situation. Galatians 6:9-“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
B. Follow hope- You can’t get hope looking at the TV.
C. Be ready to be criticized for having hope-If your hope is in Jesus, people will talk about you.

Point 2: The Centurion: Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he did, he said, “Surely this was the Son of God.”

The Centurion saw that hope had died and he confessed that it really was hope. Seeing how Jesus died brought him to a place of confession. Jesus was in control of his death and he died at the right time.

Life Application
You must understand that just confessing hope is not enough. We always confess hope, but we don’t actually possess it when we need it the most. Its not enough to just say that you have hope, but possessing hope means that you truly believe that GOD will move in your situation or deliver you from something.

Point 3: The Criminals Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Two thieves hung on crosses beside Jesus and they both had asked for hope.

First thief asked: Luke 23:39-Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.”

Second thief asked: Luke 23:42-Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Question: How is it that one thief received hope but the other didn’t?
Answer: The first thief didn’t ask Jesus in the correct manner.

Life Application
You can’t ask Jesus for something because of what you’ve done. That’s like saying, “Lord I’ve prayed, tithed, and I came to church, so now you owe me this.” Jesus doesn’t owe you anything. You must come to him in prayer and thank him for what he’s going to do. You must ask the right questions to get the right answers.

Point 4: Mary and John John 20: 1, 11, 16, 18. Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. But Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, Rabboni!”(which means teacher). Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.”

She didn’t go thinking that Jesus was gone. She wasn’t sure it was hope until hope spoke to her.
A. She was startled by HOPE
B. She took a closer look at HOPE
C. She embraced HOPE
D. She told somebody HOPE was alive and HOPE had something to say.

Life Application
When you think hope has died, it startles you when it shows up. After Jesus does something for you, you can’t keep it to yourself. Holding hope won’t keep it but possessing it will. When you’ve lost hope, you begin putting your hope into other things and habits that are no good for you.

Point 5: The Surprise Witness: YOU!
Now that you’ve witnessed hope, what do you plan to do about it? You know that Jesus lived, was crucified, was raised on the third day, and sits at the right hand of the Father. Therefore, you can believe that he can and will handle any situation you come into. What do you plan to do with the hope you have?

The Real Palm Sunday

2011-04-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes
Saturday & Sunday April 16& 17, 2011

Sermon: The Real Palm Sunday
Sermon Text: Mark 11:1-10 (NIV)

Palm Sunday is about more than a triumphant entry for Jesus.

Point 1: The Plan (V2) vs. 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.

Upon reading the text we discover that Jesus had a plan. He had made preparations for the men and the colt to be available. Because Jesus is not a conquering king, but a suffering Messiah he would not ride in on a stallion or some grand animal, but a colt.
John 12: 1 states Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead…they had a dinner in his honor
(Mark 11:3)
Jesus knew the men would ask the disciples why they were untying the colt so He gave them a key phrase to use. He instructed the disciples to tell the men that Jesus had need of it and would return in shortly. This colt had to be released so Jesus’ plan could come to fruition. It is Jesus’ humanity, not his divinity, which is planning this event out.

Romans 8: 28 All things work together for the good for them who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.- Psalms 139: 16 your eyes saw my unformed body All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
We must realize that if Jesus was so meticulous in planning out His own life we can rest assured that He is doing the same for us. He is working out every detail. We may not always see when He is working but we can rest assured that it will work out for our good. Jesus has already planned our success; all we have to do is recognize that He has need of us and obey Him!

Point 2: The Parade (V7) 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and threw their garments on it; and he sat upon it.

When the plan works out the parade can begin. There are several problems with parades- they need popularity to be successful, everyone has an opinion about it, and we can only see one piece of the parade at a time which may cause us to miss the purpose. Aside from this, the major issue is that parades have people in them. This is the very reason people were cheering for Jesus at one part of the parade and jeering Him at another point in the parade. If people were able to see the entire parade (the beginning and the end) they would not have wanted to crucify Him. The same goes for our lives; people will often see bits and pieces of our lives and make judgments. They are only walking by, they don’t know the purpose of our parades, nor do they see the route.

You must watch the people in your parade. Remember:
1. Everyone that is with you isn’t with you.
2. Everyone that is cheering for you doesn’t truly care about your success.
3. Everyone along your journey doesn’t understand your journey.
4. Which means you have to be like Jesus:
a. Stay focused
b. Get on your donkey
c. Ride

Point 3: The Palms (V8,10) vs. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.

They were waving palms for power, purpose, and persuasion. We, too, often wave palms with hopes that we can persuade Jesus to conquer our problems. Jesus isn’t interested in our palms but He is interested in His palms. Palm Sunday is not about the palms that we wave but it is about when Jesus waved His palms. It is about Jesus’ journey to His destiny. The real Palm Sunday is the beginning of the end of our sins. Had Jesus’ not done this we wouldn’t have a plan, a parade, or a journey for our lives.

Withered ~ Worn Out ~ Waiting on JESUS...It's Up to YOU!

2011-04-12T10:52:00.001-07:00

Sunday,April 10, 2011
New Life in Christ - Bishop Dudley

Sermon: Withered, Worn, and Waiting: It’s Up to You!
Sermon Text: Mark 1:29-31
“As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.”
Point 1: They took Jesus with them (Vs. 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.
Jesus was being led. They didn’t leave Jesus at the synagogue. Jesus couldn’t leave the synagogue on his own and therefore he was a part of the “they”. He needed to leave in the custody of someone. He had just finished ministering and driving out demons. – vs. 21-25:
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”

You must take Jesus with you after the shouting, teaching, praising, and singing during the worship service. You can’t have a powerful experience at church and then leave him there. We come to his house but we don’t want to bring him to our house. The only way you know that you’ve been with Jesus is if he’s with you. Your life will never change if you continue to leave him at the church. When you were young, the conviction fell on you during the worship experience, but the conversion didn’t happen because you left Jesus at the church.
Point 2: They took Jesus to Simon’s mother-in-law’s house vs.29-30 - 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her.
They knew that if Jesus handled all that he did in the synagogue, he could surely handle what was going on at their home. They knew their mother was sick, so they took Jesus with them.
After you decide that he’s going to accompany you, you need to know where you’re going to take him. Its one thing to invite someone to church; but it’s another thing to take Jesus where they are. You must have something specific for him to do. If you don’t have a specific place to take him to, you’ll end up taking him to places where you shouldn’t be. It is important to remember that he is everywhere but he doesn’t abide everywhere. He can’t abide in places where you know you shouldn’t be because he would be so focused on getting you out of that place. We know that Jesus saves, heals, satisfies, and brings peace. Therefore, you need to take him to where he can do all of these things.
Point 3: Jesus took her by the hand vs. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up.
Jesus didn’t heal her first but he took her by the hand. Taking her by the hand was the healing process.
Jesus heals in many different ways. Sometimes he heals instantly, but other times he will help you to your healing. He’s not going to turn things around when you’re not doing something for yourself. When Jesus helps you up, you participate in the healing. When you take him with you, he will do what he’s supposed to do. We always want Jesus to handle everything all by himself. However, some things are in your power and ability to do. Jesus will help you but he will not do what you can do for yourself.

Point 4: She took care of them …The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
The fever left and she began to wait on them. The healing motivated her to service. She didn’t just receive but she gave back. She served everybody that was with Jesus. It didn’t take the woman any time. She immediately started serving them.
John 6:26: “Jesus answered, "You've come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs—and for free.” Most people forget that he had human needs.
So many times we want something from Jesus, but we don’t want to do anything for him. We seem to be too preoccupied with other things going on in our lives. When the Lord does something for you, it should make you want to turn around and serve him. Serving Jesus also means serving his people. How can you love God but you don’t want to help someone else (his creation)? Your mindset should be: “my service to God is also helping my fellow man”. How can we see that the Lord has done something for us, and we know there are things that need to be done, yet we don’t want to do anything?
Psalm 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Jesus is waiting for you to take him with you. He’s waiting for you to help yourself to your healing. It’s up to YOU!

Withered ~ Worn Out ~ Waiting on JESUS!! Pt 2

2011-04-10T14:36:00.001-07:00

Sermon Notes
Wednesday April 6, 2011

Sermon: Withered, Worn, and Waiting (Part II)
Sermon Text: Luke 6: 6-11
vs. 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored. Mark 3:5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
The Pharisees were trying to uphold their faith tradition of the Sabbath in order to usher in the Messiah’s coming. They were used to the tradition that there would be no healing on the Sabbath. Jesus was confronting the Pharisees about what was lawful versus expedient. The man who came to the synagogue had a withered hand, was worn out by life, and was waiting to be healed.

Point 1: Withered House- Tradition versus Treatment (Matt 12:9-10-NIV) - Matthew 12:9-10 - 9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
The Pharisees were going to maintain their tradition at all costs- even if it meant murdering Jesus. They preferred tradition over treatment. In we take a moment to reflect, we can see the same thing happening today. Jesus wants to show up but we kill Him with tradition.
Rev. 1:10- On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,
We have a choice when we come to church, we can choose to be in the spirit or to remain in tradition. When we choose to be in the spirit, revelation will come. We should come to church hungry for a worship experience. In order to get that experience, we must connect with God. Often times, we don’t pray before we come and we are distracted by other things. We can’t come to God just any type of way and expect to receive a revelation.
Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Every encounter we have with God will cause a change in us- this encounter is usually not in tradition. This is why we must be focused on treatment and not tradition.
Exodus 33:12-23 - 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” 14 The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” 19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” 21 Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
Moses said he would not go without the presence of God- he wasn’t concerned with materialistic things. We should come to get a treatment from God and to get into His presence; only then can we get what we need from Him. When Jesus shows up, tradition goes away. We should be so fired up in God that we don’t even notice the frivolous things. Remember that receiving treatment means to be dealt with. Sometimes, we don’t want to come into God’s presence because we don’t want God to deal with us.

Point 2: Withered Man- Position versus Purpose (Luke 6: 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.
Jesus had to position the man for purpose. People should be able to look at your position and determine your purpose. God will move us into position and even when we don’t understand, He does. He knows what the enemy is thinking. We don’t have to worry about what others are thinking because God knows. The enemy can plan their attack move, however, because God knows our thoughts it will not matter. God will simply move us in order to keep us. The only way to get into the right position is to be obedient. Be quiet and let God work- let Him position you.

Point 3: Withered Hand- Restoration versus Rancor vs. 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored. Mark 3:5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
The more restoration involved, the more rancor will come from others. The Pharisees should have been rejoicing because of the healing but instead they got angry. When you are restored don’t expect people to rejoice with you. Some people will get angry. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice
However, you don’t have to get angry or frustrated; Jesus is angry and upset for you. Jesus has your back and will handle your haters. Don’t ever worry.
Mark 3:5 - He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

Withered ~ Worn Out ~ Waiting on JESUS!!

2011-04-04T19:27:00.001-07:00

Sermon Notes
Saturday April 2, 2011

Sermon: Withered, Worn, and Waiting
Sermon Text: Luke 6: 6-11
Luke 6:10RSV - 10And after looking around at them all he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored.

The Pharisees were trying to uphold their faith tradition of the Sabbath in order to usher in the Messiah’s coming. They were used to the tradition that there would be no healing on the Sabbath. Jesus was confronting the Pharisees about what was lawful versus expedient. The man who came to the synagogue had a withered hand, was worn out by life, and was waiting to be healed.

Have you ever been withered, worn out, and waiting on Jesus?

Point 1: Withered House - Vs. 6-7: 6On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him.
The Pharisees had come to church for the wrong reasons. They didn’t come to get something from Jesus but rather they came just to check him out. Before Jesus could deal with the man, he had to deal with the house.

The house is withered when people come, but not to get a word. They just “come” to church out of their normal routine and they have their own pre-conceived agenda of how the church service should flow. When people come just to see who is at church and who’s not there, the house is withered. When you were young in the Lord, you came to church for other reasons. However, we must understand that when we come to church, it should be to get in the presence of the Lord. Jesus is always trying to pull you out of your comfort zone. (Matthew 9:17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved."). You are comfortable in today but Jesus is concerned about moving forward into tomorrow.

Point 2: Withered Man vs. 8 - . 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.
Jesus made the man with the withered hand stand up. If it was just his hand, Jesus could have healed the man while he was sitting down. He wanted everyone to see what the man had been hiding. Jesus had to put the man in a posture to be healed. He wanted everyone to see the man because at the end there would be healing. Jesus had to put the man in a place of grace and work something out for him at that moment.

Sometimes we sneak into the church with our situation instead of revealing it. Situations always grow into sin when they’re left in the dark. We don’t ever want to be transparent and we’re always scared to reveal that we don’t have it all together. When you come to the Lord, be mindful that you can’t hide from him. You must be willing to be Jesus’ example and a witness for him. (John 1:9). Some things can’t be turned around until you get in his presence. You attitude must be: “I want to be delivered more than I want to hold on to my shriveled situation.” You come to church and you leave the same way you came because you didn’t get into his presence.

Point 3: Waiting for Jesus - Luke 6:10RSV - 10And after looking around at them all he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored.
Jesus told the man to stretch out his hand. The withered man was left-handed living in a right-handed world. Matthew 12:13 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.. The man’s hand had worked before, but the trials and tribulations of life caused it to be withered.

Jesus wants you to do what you’ve done before, but with his help this time. Sometimes we try to handle things in our own strength. There are times when you have to be quiet and just do what Jesus tells you to do. When he tells you to do something, don’t get into debate with him. No matter what you’re dealing with or whatever Satan took from you, if you try it with God, he will restore.
Joel 2:25- 25 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm[a]— my great army that I sent among you.

Your latter rain will be greater than your former rain.
Haggai 2:9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

When All Hope is Gone Pt 2

2011-04-01T19:30:00.001-07:00

Sermon Title: When All Hope Is Gone- Pt 2
Sermon Text: 1 Peter 3:15 - vs. 15 - 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Questions to ponder: What do you do when all hope is gone? What do you do when your back is against the wall? Do you have a reason for your hope?

Context: Peter is writing to first century Christians who are being publically and relentlessly persecuted. They are being eaten in the coliseums, burned, and crucified. Caesar is also using the Christians as an excuse for why the economy is bad. Society is looking for a cheap thrill and they are getting them at the expense of the Christians. While the Christians are enduring these things, Peter gives them guidance. The first century Christians are able to apply this information, and subsequently make it through. If they are able to make it through, certainly, we can apply the same information and make it through!

Introduction: Have you ever gotten of information or a story and was shaken? You react to the information you have, only to find that you didn’t have the whole story? You feel embarrassed and want nothing more than to crawl under a carpet and hide. You overreacted and began talking before you thought about the situation. The Bible tells us that, Peter reacted in a similar fashion. He told Jesus that he did not want his feet washed. Later he decided not only did he want his feet washed but his whole body. As Christians, we must pull back and not overreact.

Point 1: Reactionary - Don’t overreact
A. Fear of man will overtake you. Prov. 29:25 - 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
The fear of man will cause you to be immobile and put you in a snare. The root of our fear is rejection. We worry about what others think of us and are concerned about gaining their acceptance. We need to understand that everyone will not accept you.

B. Man can’t do anything that God doesn’t allow. Heb 13:6 - 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
God is sovereign. People cannot do anything without the authority of God. Just as he allowed Job to be tested, he allows thing to happen to us. The situation or problem is a tool for the Lord. He will use it to build your Christian character. When He is finished you will be able to step right over the situation and rise up.

C. Fear is a spirit - Rom 8:15 - 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.”
2 Tim. 1:7KJV - 7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Fear is a base and fundamental emotion. We automatically react to a situation with a Flight or Fight stance. In Romans 8:15 we are assured we should not live in fear but call out to our Heavenly Father. Like any loving Father, He will take care of his children. As soon fear takes over, we should call out to God. Say to him, “God you take care of this”. Being the loving father that He is, He will not allow anything to overtake us. Know that God has your back and will always take care of you. We must bind the spirit of fear. When it tries to take over, you should have an “I’m going to tell my Daddy” attitude. If left unbind, a spirit of fear will make you crazy, paranoid, and try to rule your life. 2 Tim 1:7 tells us that we have a sound mind. We don’t have to be fearful of what going to happen to us in the present or the future. As he is not confined to by time, God is already in the future. He knows what awaits us. Being Alpha and Omega he knows what is going to happen next week, next month, and next year. Being assured that God already knows what’s ahead and will take care of us, we don’t have to overact.

Point 2: Respond - don’t let the enemy see you sweat…
When fear comes, your response is important. It can make or break the situation. When responding you must take into consideration three things: your weapon, your words, and your witness. When we respond, we must be sure to do so appropriately

A. Right weapon 2 Cor 10:4 KJV - 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Each battle is different. You must choose the right weapon for YOUR battle. You have to be in tune to God to choose the right weapon. We all have the same armor but we have to make sure that we choose the right weapon. You don’t want to choose a sledge hammer to kill a gnat.
Examples of the right weapon: Prayer - Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Five (5) smooth stones – David in the battle with Goliath

B. Right Word Ps 19:14KJV - 14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
The power of life and death is in the mouth. If you say the wrong thing the results can be detrimental. Your words can kill a person, end a marriage, or get you fired. In turn, your words can bring deliverance. When you come to church, your Pastor should speak into your life. Never come to church just to be there. You should come with a posture of expectation. Come to get a Word from the Lord. What is your posture?

C. Right Witness Matt 5:16KJV - 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
When people see how you react to your situation, it should be a witness for God. They should want to know your God.

Point 3: Reason - Our Faith is a fact
Heb. 11:1 - 1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Heb 10:35-39 - 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”[a] 38 And, “But my righteous[b] one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”[c] 39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Our faith is a fact; not superstition. We are intelligent people and our faith is not foolishness. It is grounded in fact. Jesus lived, died, and was raised from the dead. Hebrews 11:1 is a familiar passage. However, it is connected to Hebrews 10: 35-39. When your back is against the wall you must persevere. Remember, God is going to come. Even if you have been in the situation for a while, God is going to come. He has given you the strength to hold out until He arrives. He will not delay! He is closer than he was yesterday, last week, or last year. The longer he takes to come the greater the Christian character he is building in you. When he arrives you will be able to handle the blessing that He brings with him.

Conclusion:
Life is tough but we do not have to be reactionary. Don’t let the fear of man concern you. They cannot do anything to you that God does not allow. We must bind the spirit of fear. God gave us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. When we respond, let’s remember to choose the right weapon and word so that we may have the right witness….one that leads others to Christ. Our faith is the reason that we are able to do this. Our faith is a fact. Jesus lived, died and was raised from the dead. Remember God is coming and he is bringing blessing. Hold on until he comes!

House Rules - House of Hope...The REASON for Your Hope!

2011-03-29T19:27:00.001-07:00

Sermon Title: House Rules: House of Hope
Sermon Text: 1 Pet 3:15 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, -
Questions to ponder: What do you do when all hope is gone? What do you do when your back is against the wall? Do you have a reason for your hope?

Context: Peter is writing to first century Christians who are being publically and relentlessly persecuted. They are being eaten in the coliseums, burned, and crucified. Caesar is also using the Christians as an excuse for why the economy is bad. Society is looking for a cheap thrill and they are getting them at the expense of the Christians. While the Christians are enduring these things, Peter gives them guidance. The first century Christians are able to apply this information, and subsequently make it through. If they are able to make it through, certainly, we can apply the same information and make it through!

Point 1: React - vs. 14 - 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened
Remember, we must be careful to not have a knee-jerk reaction to everything that comes our way. Given what the Christians are experiencing they have even right to be reactionary, but Peter warns otherwise. Do not become fearful when things happen. When we react out of fear or at the height of our emotions, we often make a wrong decision. Peter reminds us that the fear of the Lord can conquer everything. If we fear God we don’t have to fear anyone or anything else. Romans 8:31 [ More Than Conquerors ] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
1 Samuel 17:45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

• Lord Almighty in Hebrew means He is the Lord of all the armies. We also know that he is our Lord. This means that we have His armies with us and we do not need to have a reaction to everything that happens to us.
Three reasons to not be reactionary (reasons Peter gave to first century Christians):
1. They shouldn’t be surprised they were being persecuted John 15:20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.: The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy.
2. As bad as it may seem, that was a light affliction. 2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV - For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
3. You are suffering for someone else. 2 Cor 1:4 - 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.: Be sure to comfort them with what you have received from God.

Point 2: Respond vs. 15 - 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
When we respond, we must be sure to do so appropriately. Respond by letting others know they can have hope. We should seek to be ambassadors in a hopeless world. First century Christians were being killed but there was something on the inside of them that caused them to have hope. The only real hope that exists is the hope of Christ.

Matthew 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 underfoot.
• Christians are the salt of the earth when they respond appropriately to questions about the reason for their hope.
Two things to remember about salt:
1. Salt makes one thirsty. As Christians, we are salt and we should cause people to thirst for Jesus.
2. Salt also makes things sweeter. People should be amazed at the hope we have. When we respond appropriately, any situation we are confronted with will become sweet.

We should live with such hope that it causes others to thirst for what we have in Christ.

Point 3: Reason - vs. 18 - 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
We should be able to give people a reason for our hope. A reason grounded in facts- not just feelings. We can do this by investing the gospel in people. As Christians, we are investors. Each time we speak, we are investing in others. We either invest into the Glory of God or in the flesh. We do not have time to waste; we must start investing in others today. As with any other investment, once you start investing you will see dividends, including, but not limited to, peace, contentment, and eternal life.

17M people will accept Christ if He is presented to them. 43M are close to accepting Christ. My focus should not be on the millions, but should be on the unbelievers I know.

Conclusion:
Life is tough but we do not have to be reactionary, we can respond because we have to reason for our hope. As Christians, we need to be the salt that makes others thirst for Christ.

Ways to Live a Drama Free Life

2011-03-28T07:35:00.001-07:00

Sermon: Ways to Live a Drama Free Life
Sermon Text: Luke 10: 38-42
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Sometimes life steers us away from GOD and makes us self-focused and we become too busy to call Jesus our Lord. We should live our lives knowing first that we want to please GOD.

Point 1: Get Your Priorities Straight
Verse 40: Martha was distracted and not prioritizing. She was focused on the drama at the moment.
-A life of drama causes you to overlook the obvious and therefore you don’t get a Jesus’ feet
-The higher your stress level, the more you create drama. Stress impacts your health.
-Drama comes when we fail to get things done. We are so used to hearing and living by phrases like “time is money.”
-Its not that you’re doing too much, but you’re not doing the right thing at the right time
Life Application
1. Get your priorities from GOD’s word
2. Make seeking GOD and his kingdom your top priority
3. Learn that people are more important than things

Point 2: Get Away From Drama Drones
Verse 39: Mary got at Jesus’ feet and away from Martha’s drama
-Mary didn’t respond to Martha’s comments. Mary sat down and didn’t confront Martha. We must realize that we don’t always have to respond when someone says something negative to us. Remember that Jesus is talking when you want to respond, so you must listen.
-In conflict, when you get up, you either get in a fight or flight stance
-You must ignore drama and be determined to keep your focus

Point 3: Get Comfortable In Your Own Skin
Verse 40: Martha is lashing out because of her own insecurity or self-pity. Martha doesn’t feel good about who she is.
-Self-pity people are always trying to impress others because they have low self-esteem issues.
Life Application
1. You can’t impress GOD-he knows you and has seen it all
2. Since GOD accepts you, it enables you to “bump” (or forget) what everybody else has to say
3. Serve GOD to help others and not to add to your spiritual resume’ or raise your profile among people

Point 4: Get In a Position That’s Protected by Jesus
Verse 42: Mary was at Jesus’ feet, which is a place of protection. Jesus did not make Mary get up
-When you get a Jesus’ feet, things start happening. When you can’t bring order to your life, get at Jesus’ feet.
Matthew 15:30- “Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them.
Luke 8:35-“Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.’
Luke 8:41-“And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house.”
Psalms 17:8-“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.”
Psalms 91:1-“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

-You can say to the drama starters: you can bring drama all you want, but when I’m in a protected position, He is with me
-You will find that when you’re out of position, you will have drama
-Life will not voluntarily slow down
-The faster you go, the more drama you will encounter

Worry Free

2011-03-18T12:11:00.001-07:00

Worry Free
NLC WEDNESDAY LC@AL Wednesday, March 16th
Sermon Text: 1 Pet 5: 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Sermon Title: Worry Free

Introduction: The first century church was enduring persecution, torturing, humiliation, etc. and they were still able to cast their worries on God. If we take on their attitudes and follow their actions we, too, will be worry-free.
Point 1: Cast
1 Pet 5: 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
• Amplified Bible says - Casting the [a]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [b]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you [c]watchfully.
• MESSAGE bible says - 7So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

The point of “casting” is that you no longer have what you are casting in your possession. It is now a considerable distance from you, and in order to take possession of it again you must exert some energy. Often times, we give God some of our worries and we keep what we think we can handle. Know that God is better than any baseball player; He will catch whatever worries you are casting to Him. The good thing about casting is when you release it you are no longer in control of it. You are now able to walk away. Usually, we don’t want to relinquish control, or “cast”, because we want to be able to determine the outcome. This is where a close relationship with God is essential. If you’re not close with God, you will not trust that the outcome will come, nor do will believe that it will be what is best for you.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Remember that when you cast your cares on God, they then become God’s problem. You can walk away because you are no longer responsible. Believe that He cares. Be mindful that His outcome may not be what you expected and understand that His job is not to make us happy. God’s job is to build our character. He wants to make us stronger. Because God cares for us we can be confident that His outcome will be in our best interest.

Phil 4:6 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Stress will kill you. Remember to say “I’m going through, but I’m going to cast my worries on God because He cares.” Also, be sure to do this with Thanksgiving for what God has done, is doing, and will do in the future.

Luke 12:29 says set your heart. And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.

Be careful to not set your own heart. God should be the only one to set your heart. When He does it, you will not be worried or anxious. When you set your own heart you will become anxious and you will worry about the outcome because you will believe that you are in control.

Point 2: Conscious vs. 8, 9 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

It is one thing to cast your cares on God and know that He cares, it’s another thing to be oblivious to the fact that the devil is trying to get you. Satin comes to steal your peace. We often think that the devil comes to take our “stuff”. The devil is not concerned with “stuff”; he comes to take your joy. John 10:10 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We must remember that we can unemployed and still have peace. Having “stuff” will not keep you worry-free; it’s having a mind that is stayed on Him. Do not walk around in a spiritual stupor; remember, faith without works is dead.

Point 3: Call vs. 10 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.

When you understand your purpose your threshold for pain increases. It is then that you are able to endure an extraordinary amount of hardship. Every hardship brings you closer to your purpose. You will find yourself worrying when you don’t understand the purpose of God in the situation.
Matt. 6:25-34 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Yes, there will be trouble in your life but when you put God first you will be worry-free. Know that He cares and He is responsible for the outcome.

House Rules - Full House

2011-03-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

NLC WEDNESDAY LC@AL 030911
Sermon Text: Luke 14:23
Sermon Title: House Rules: Full House
Introduction: God’s House rules are that his house be full. God demands it. God requires it. God insists his house be full. God’s total attention is that his house be full. If that’s Gods focus it should be our focus. The text makes it clear God wants all types of people to fill his house. God’s dilemma is seen in the text and is the case today; God is dependent on his servants to fill his house.
Point 1: Go
God tells us we cannot get anything done at a standstill. Notice the servants in the text never question whether they should go or not. When the Master of the banquet told the servants to go they immediately went.
So it is with you and I. We are servants of God. Our job is to carry out what God wants.
Jesus sent them out two by two - Luke 10:1 After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Jesus said just be happy your name is written. - Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In other words, you did what was expected of you. To go is simply what is expected of us.
Point 2: Gather
In order to gather you must do three things: a) build relationship; b) compel with hospitality; c) tell your story.
a) Build relationship – the best way to make people come to Christ and to his house is through relationship. The days of carrying your big bible or standing on the corner with a sandwich board on is gone. Remember:
a. 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
b. 2 Corinthians 3:3 KJV-Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
This scripture is good isn’t there another one that says we are living epistles. In other words you don’t always have to bring up Christ they are looking at Christ.
b) Compel with hospitality – when you are being hospitable, you are offering something that you are excited about and you believe the other person will enjoy. This is how you must feel about your savior and your church. Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
c) Tell your story – It is the simplest way to gather. Telling your story requires transparency. Candor. Excitement. You are the authority. Requires no scripture memorization.
Point 3: Grand – A grand house is a full house. The power of a full house is seen in at least 3 instances in the bible.
a) Completion of Solomon’s Temple - 2 Chronicles 5:14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. 1 Kings 8:10-14 - 10 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. 11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. 12 Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; 13 I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.” 14 While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them.
b) Is. 6:1-8 - 1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
c) Acts 2:1-5, 11 - 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

THAT WAS LAST YEAR!!! 12-31-10

2011-01-05T18:07:00.001-08:00

Sermon Text: Phil 3:13 - 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,.
Sermon Title: Last Year Pt 1
Point 1: Leave it in last year – vs. 13 - 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
Paul was saying leave everything in last year that didn’t go well.
The way you hoped and believed. Leave what and who went wrong in your life last year. Paul said it in four little words, “forget what is behind.” The word forget as it is used in the text means to fail to become mindful at the proper time. In other words, its not that last year issues won’t come up, or that I will not remember them. Paul said it is behind you. Anything behind cannot be changed. Anything behind you is out of your control only God can work with your past. You and I are hostages of the present. God is the fixer of the past and preparer of the future. Point 2: Lean forward to the Next Year – vs. 13, 14 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
The New Year will require effort. 2011 must be leaned into. The Greek word press means to flee. The Greek word for strain means to reach forth into. Those words don’t just happen. In order to lean forward into the New Year, you must overcome the natural tendency to stand upright. Out feet are made so they keep us standing. How many of you know that standing can’t get you anywhere.
Notice something about leaning forward.
a) I had to exert some energy.
b) I had to overcome the natural tendency to stay straight.
c) I had to tip over my toes
d) I had to trust I wasn’t going to fall on my face
e) Gravity took over
Point 3: Let Jesus rebuild you. vs. 14b - 14 God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. “God Called.”
When Paul talks about being called heavenward, Paul eludes to his new life with Christ. He lived a successful life prior to Christ but the moment be became a believer, he needed to be rebuilt. He had to let Jesus rebuild him. His former life without Christ needed Jesus to rebuild him.
So it is for you and I. When we look back over 2010 life with Christ there are areas Christ needs to rebuild us.

God's Reward Program

2011-01-05T18:05:00.001-08:00

Sermon Text: Rev 22:12 - 12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 1 Cor. 3:14 -
Sermon Title: God’s Reward Program
Point 1: Partnership with God – Luke 2:49KJV 49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
Luke 5:7, 10 - 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
Luke makes it pretty clear we are in business with God.
You earn points everyday you partners with God. Look at the rewards of your giving because you partnered with God. Your money became a weapon that advanced the kingdom and changed lives. What a reward.
Point 2: Earthly points System – Deut 28:1-10 -
What I found out when we started registering for my points is that I had certain things I needed to do to accumulate them. If I did one thing I could double my point. If I did another thing I could triple my points. If I fail to do something else I could deplete my points. I could even delete my points. I must pay attention to the restrictions.
1 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. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: 3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.
4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.
5 Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.
6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.
7 The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.
8 The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.
9 The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in obedience to him. 10 Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. 11 The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you.
12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. 13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. 14 Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.
Restrictions: the same is true when it comes for me to get some earthly reward for living right and giving right.
a) Wait: In addition to restrictions on receiving my points I have to wait.
a. Moses had to wait 40 years before he could redeem his points
b. David had to wait 12 years or more before he could redeem his points
c. Joseph had to wait in a prison before he could redeem his points
d. Ezra and Nehemiah had to wait years before they could convince Darius the king to help rebuild the Temple and city walls
e. Joshua had to wait 80 plus years before he could redeem his points.
POINT 3: Heavenly Rewards – Rev. 22:12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
1 Cor. 3:14-15 - 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
In Corinthians Paul says rewards await me based on my works. If my works of living and giving does not add up or buried away, I still will be saved. In other words, not only do I get rewards on earth I am rewarded in heaven.

The Gift of Giving (12/5/10)

2010-12-26T11:56:00.001-08:00

Sermon Text: John 3:16 - 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Sermon Title: The Gift of Giving

Point 1: God gave us the gift of the Law – Deut. 8:11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
a) Let us know we don’t measure up
Point 2: God gave us the gift of His Word – Deut 8:3 - 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
a) Creates Dependency
Point 3: God gave us the gift of an Inheritance – Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
a) We cannot earn it, it is ours through relationship
Point 4: God gave us the gift of His Son – John 3:16 - 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
a) We have eternal life and relationship.
Point 5: God gave us the gift of Success – Gen. 24:12 - 12 Then he prayed, “LORD, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
a) We have…
Point 6: God gave us the ability to get wealth– Deut. 8:18 - 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
Eccl 5:19 - 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.
a) We have…
Point 7: God gave us the gift of conditions “if” – Deut 11:27 - 27 the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today;
a) We have …
Point 8: God gave us the gift of headship – Deut 28:13 - 13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.
a) We have
Point 9: God gave us the gift of victory – 2 Chronicles 20:15
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
a) We have ….
Point 10: God gave us every good and perfect gift – James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
a) We have….
Point 11: God gave us the gift of wisdom and understanding – James 3:13 - [Two Kinds of Wisdom] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
a) We have…
Point 12: God gave us the gift of deliverance – Isa 66:9 - 9 Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.
a) We have…
Point 13: What do we give God?
We should give him our lives!
Conclusion: The gift you will receive will be changing a generation! How that that compare to a 3DFlat Screen TV. How does that compare to a Wii? How does that compare to clothes? How does that compare to a new phone?

The Gift of Giving: The Reward

2010-12-26T11:53:00.001-08:00

Sermon Text: Matt 6:4KJV - so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Sermon Title: The Gift of Giving: The Reward
Point 1: Fulfillment – 6:2-3 - 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 others. Truly I tell you, 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,
Whenever people gave to those in need during biblical days many would make a big deal. They would literally broadcast it like a parade. It was as if they wanted God’s glory for doing it.
When you give with the attitude of look at me, you set up a little “g” god situation.
The person who receives will unwittingly thank you and you will unwittingly receive the thanks. If you are not careful you will bask in the moment. Those words of thanks belong to God. And in the heart of the recipient they now placed you in God’s place.
POINT 2: Sustainment – 6:25-34 - 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
In Jesus discourse, notice Jesus makes the argument that when you give at a minimum, God will reward you with the basis of life.
Point 3: Advancement – vs. 33 - 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. When you give the reward you receive is the advancement of God’s agenda. God’s agenda is funded by God’s people.
Matthew 13:58 - And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Jesus also said in Matthew 10:14 - If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.
Let’s review Sunday sermon on the cost of compassion.
1) Compassion is Need not Worth;
2) Compassion Feels;
3) Compassion Does;
4) Compassion Costs;
5) Compassion Demonstrates.
Luke 10: 35 The next day he took out two denarii[a] ($40 today) and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
Corinthians 16:2 - On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Conclusion:
STORY ONE - Several years ago in Chicago, Joseph Kratzle, a service elevator operator in an apartment house, recovered two checks for $114,000 that had been lost by the tenant in the apartment house where he worked. His reward was a fifteen cent tip and a solicitous offer to put iodine on the cuts on his hands that he received while searching through fourteen trash bags and garbage cans. The job took three hours, he said. Mr. Kratzle accepted the fifteen cents. But declined the offer of first aid. He administered his own treatment when he returned to the basement from the tenant’s apartment. The checks were in envelopes, that had been placed by error with a bundle of letters to be discarded.
It was not Mr. Kratzle’s first experience at finding valuables. Years before, when he had been employed as a window cleaner, he was working in the Federal Reserve Bank, and found a package on the floor. It contained $83,000 in cash. That adventure was more profitable. The president of the bank gave Mr. Kratzle twenty-five dollars. God is not that stingy with rewards. He has His reward when he comes.
• Revelation 22:12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
• 1 Cor. 3:13-15 - 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
STORY TWO: There is an epitaph on a tombstone that reads: “What I SPENT, I LOST. What I SAVED, I LEFT. What I GAVE, I HAVE.” As we INVEST in the Kingdom of God, we assure for ourselves an ETERNAL REWARD.

God Idea: The Morning After

2010-11-21T09:26:00.001-08:00

NLC LC@AL 11-17-10

Sermon Text: Numbers 16:28b

Sermon Title: God Idea: The Morning After

The morning after the Israelites saw the miracle of the death of the 250, the manifestation of the events of that day and ran because they got the message; they act like they got a hangover. They accuse Moses of murdering God’s PEOPLE? They act like they can’t remember anything. How do you completely miss what God was doing? How do you get up and flip the script on God. After all God has done then you confuse what you saw.

Point 1: Interpretation

The move of God always needs interpretation. The day after the people ran in fear, vs. 34 - ³⁴ At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, “The earth is going to swallow us too!”

They accused Moses of murder. Vs. 41 - ⁴¹ The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the LORD’s people,” they said.

They completely misinterpreted the message and move of God.

At first you wonder how they could misinterpret that? Then when you think these are the same people right after 10 plagues grumbled. Here are the same people who after the Red Sea swallowed Pharaoh and his army grumbled. This is the same people who complained right after their dinner of manna from heaven, quail and water from a rock. This is the same people whose clothes did not wear out in the desert and saw God lead them with a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. They saw Moses meet with God face to face. They got the original copy of the word of God written by the finger of God.

The interpretation in the text; God is in control and he will not permit his congregation/community to be divided. How do I know its God? Ask yourself; does it add, increase, bring peace, fix, etc. Then it’s God. Don’t be confused like the Israelites.

Point 2: Intercession – vs. 45-46 - ⁴⁵ “…. And they fell facedown. ⁴⁶ Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has started.”

Interpretation didn’t work so Moses had to start interceding for Israel. Notice something Moses is praying for people who raised up against him.

a) Light up

b) Lace up – Aaron laced up his sandals and ran into the midst of the people. Aaron literally stood between the living and the dead.

c) Line up – Aaron lined up with the people who couldn’t stand him.

Point 3: Interruption – vs. 48-50 - ⁴⁸ He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped. ⁴⁹ But 14,700 people died from the plague, in addition to those who had died because of Korah. ⁵⁰ Then Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance to the tent of meeting, for the plague had stopped.

After the intercession the plague was interrupted. The plague only claimed 14,700 lives. It was on its way to claiming more.

The wages of sin is death and the gift of God is eternal life. Look what the word says in the MSG bible in James 1:13 Don't let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, "God is trying to trip me up." God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one's way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.

God is able. In order for God to do it follow Moses and Aaron’s lead.

a) Recognize the plague

b) Remain at the Temple to get in God’s face

c) Ratchet up their prayers/requests

Conclusion: Don’t wake up the morning after God has showed himself with a miracle, manifestation and message and forget it was God. If you do remember Interpret; Intercede and God will Interrupt.

A God Idea: Whose Time Has Come

2010-11-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 3rd

LifeChanging At Another Level Bible Study

Bishop Dudley

Sermon Text: Numbers 16:28b - ²⁸Then Moses said, "This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea:

Sermon Title: A God Idea: Whose Time Has Come

From time to time something unthinkable gets started and nothing can seem to stop it. Every now and then the force of a plan, a vision, a movement takes hold in the hearts of men and women; and it becomes alive. Someone said, “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” Someone else said you cannot kill an idea. You cannot put it in prison; you cannot destroy it, strip it naked and make it ashamed to appear in public. And when that idea is from God, Jesus said the gates of hell won’t even prevail.

Point 1: U R A God Idea

Like Israel in the text is a God idea whose time has come so are you and I. A God idea takes time, temperature, totality.

(a) Time: It took Israel generations to evolve

1) Abraham Isaac, Jacob (generational)

2) 400 years oppression (temperature)

3) 40 years in wilderness (totality)

(b) A God idea emanates and radiates God’s glory. Beautiful mountains, crash of the seashore, a computer solving problems, a skyscraper touching the sky, a parent parenting well, a home full of joy, prosperity, more than enough, external life and all God ideas that literally glow in the dark.

His people are his idea. The Promised Land is his idea and with every God idea comes opposition and a plan to overcome opposition.

Point 2: Opposed

Israel was opposed from within; you too will be opposed from within.

Romans 7:7-21 - ⁷But I can hear you say, "If the law code was as bad as all that, it's no better than sin itself." That's certainly not true. The law code had a perfectly legitimate function. Without its clear guidelines for right and wrong, moral behavior would be mostly guesswork. Apart from the succinct, surgical command, "You shall not covet," I could have dressed covetousness up to look like a virtue and ruined my life with it. ^8-12Don't you remember how it was? I do, perfectly well. The law code started out as an excellent piece of work. What happened, though, was that sin found a way to pervert the command into a temptation, making a piece of "forbidden fruit" out of it. The law code, instead of being used to guide me, was used to seduce me. Without all the paraphernalia of the law code, sin looked pretty dull and lifeless, and I went along without paying much attention to it. But once sin got its hands on the law code and decked itself out in all that finery, I was fooled, and fell for it. The very command that was supposed to guide me into life was cleverly used to trip me up, throwing me headlong. So sin was plenty alive, and I was stone dead. But the law code itself is God's good and common sense, each command sane and holy counsel. ¹³I can already hear your next question: "Does that mean I can't even trust what is good [that is, the law]? Is good just as dangerous as evil?" No again! Sin simply did what sin is so famous for doing: using the good as a cover to tempt me to do what would finally destroy me. By hiding within God's good commandment, sin did far more mischief than it could ever have accomplished on its own.

^14-16I can anticipate the response that is coming: "I know that all God's commands are spiritual, but I'm not. Isn't this also your experience?" Yes. I'm full of myself—after all, I've spent a long time in sin's prison. What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary. ^17-20But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. ^21-23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

²⁴I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? ²⁵The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

Point 3: Plan to Overcome

Moses’ plan to overcome was to remind his enemies he/what he was doing was a God idea.

When you remind the enemy you are a God idea you also remind yourself. When you remind yourself you rekindle the word to start the passion not to be denied. You restore your faith in God. You rehearse his word in your heart. You represent his word in the earth. You renovate the old thoughts of failure and turn them into new thoughts of success. You refurbish what was turned down. You replenished for the long haul. You are recommitted to the fact you are a God idea.

Hidden Hurts...Public Deliverance

2010-11-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, October 23, 2010

Sermon Text: 2 Sam. 6:23

Sermon Title: Hidden Hurts Public Deliverance

Emotions are always present. Emotions are a part of life they just aren’t supposed to control your life. For some of us, we hide them in hopes they would go away but you must be willing to be healed publically.

In the text, Michal was barren until the day she died. The text seems so unkind to her to let that be the last words said about the wife of David. But deep behind the text is lurking her hidden hurt and pain. Now like the leaves, she is about to show her true colors. Behind this bitter woman is some hidden hurt. 2 Sam. 3:13-16 ¹³ "Good," said David. "I will make an agreement with you. But I demand one thing of you: Do not come into my presence unless you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see me." ¹⁴ Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, demanding, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins."

¹⁵ So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. ¹⁶ Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go back home!" So he went back.

Point 1: Isaolated – 2 Sam 6: 16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. Unresolved hurt will cause you to isolate yourself. On this glorious day the kings court was in full glory, but Michal is in the palace peaking out of the window. She chooses to be alone. Isolation is a guarantee pain will penetrate every area of your life. One of the first things some like to do when they have been hurt is withdraw. Refuse to be touched.

Point 2: Interpret – vs. 20 - ²⁰ When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!"

When David returns home he tries to help Michal understand the importance of today’s events. He tried to put it in context for Michal. Michal has her own interpretation. When you interpret life through your hurt/pain, you see things that don’t exist.

Point 3: Impotent. Vs. 23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death

The worst thing that could ever happen to a woman during the biblical days outside of rape/murder was being barren. The writer simply drops the bombshell and moves on to the next story. The writer does so because it’s rather obvious.

If you are impotent/barren and nothing is happening in your life could it be you have hidden hurt? Invite Jesus in your life. Invite Christ in for public deliverance. Invite Jesus in so you can get your joy back. Invite Jesus in so he can deal with the hidden hurt so your true colors will shine through.

The Spirit of Emotions 10/13/2010

2010-11-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 1:7 - ⁷For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Sermon Title: The Spirit of Emotions

For everything that is godly the Enemy has a counterfeit. Faith in God is of course godly. The counter of faith is fear. In our previous scriptures Jesus connected the dots for us. He told the disciples Matt 8:26- ²⁶He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. He said they shouldn’t be afraid and they had half of faith. Jesus told Peter a similar thing in Matthew 14:31 - ³¹Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?". Paul said it best God in our text, God did not give you a spirit of fear. Emphasis on spirit. So all of my human emotions hurt, pain, pleasure which grow out my soulish realm carry a spirit that has its own negative anointing. This means I have to be vigilant to increase my godly anointing which ultimately increase my faith. My faith will always lead to godly living and increased power.

I want you to see how the spirit of emotions can take over the people of God and delay his purpose/agenda individually/collectively in the earth. This is seen best by the story of the Israelites Num 13:26-33 - ²⁶ They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. ²⁷ They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. ²⁸ But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. ²⁹ The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan."

³⁰ Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

³¹ But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." ³² And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. ³³ We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

The children of Israel are on the verge of something big. They are minutes and miles away from the Promised Land. All they need is the anointing of faith to walk into Canaan and possess the land. But another anointing shows up and tries to counter the faith anointing. There is a show down. Let’s see who wins. In one corner there is Emotions. In the other corner there is Faith.

Emotional Anointing	Faith Anointing
Deminishes - vs 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them." Makes you think small, seem small, and act small. You shrink When your emotions grow….the Israelites emotions got the best of them.	Enlarge VS²⁷ They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. Caleb saw the big things of God
Deteriorates VS ³² And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. Emotional anointing can break down the entire moral, strength and confidence of the entire move of God.	Empowers VS ³⁰ Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." Faith strengthens in the fall of problems.
Delays 14:1-41 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." 40 years verses a few days all because of emotions	Excellerates VS ³⁰ Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." God does a quick work

Who are you listening to? Whoever you are listening to is going to increase the anointing/spirit in you. I John 3:21 - ²¹Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God

This will help you understand confidence in God to do Ps 34:4 - ⁴ I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Comes by which anointing growing.

I can certainly do this. I can certainly live right. I can certainly be in control of my emotions. I can certainly have what God wants me to have. I can certainly be healed, delivered and set free. I can certainly…… And it starts with me feeding the spirit of faith and starving the spirit of emotions.