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.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Crossroads of Life
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Eyewitnesses to Hope
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?
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?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Real Palm Sunday
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Withered ~ Worn Out ~ Waiting on JESUS...It's Up to YOU!
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!
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!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Withered ~ Worn Out ~ Waiting on JESUS!! Pt 2
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.
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.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Withered ~ Worn Out ~ Waiting on JESUS!!
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.
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.
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