Intentional Living: The Principle of First

 

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Pericope:  Genesis 4:1-7 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 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 rule over it.”

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 rule over it.”

Sermon Title:  Intentional Living: The Principle of First

What is First Fruit?  The significance of this holy day, like most other biblical festivals, can be largely understood by its name. In this passage the holy day is called Bikkurim (First Fruits), because it is a day of bringing first fruits as an offering to God.

When is it given? The feast of the first fruits were held consecutively on the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth days of the first month of the Jewish calendar.   "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest'" (Leviticus 23:9–10).

"He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord for you to be accepted; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. Now on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb one year old without defect for a burnt offering to the Lord" (vv. 11–12).

 Christ is the first representative of the whole resurrection harvest that will take place when He returns.  Exodus 22:29 "Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.  "You must give me the firstborn of your sons.– shows it as your increase (raise)

How is it given? Lev. 23:9-10 - "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest'"

Why did they do it? Gen. 4 – Cain and Abel - 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.  6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 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."  8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." [d] And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him 12 When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."  13 Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me."

Examples of First Fruit – Romans 11: 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

Ex. 22: 29 “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. “You must give me the firstborn of your sons.;

Neh. 10: 35 “We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the Lord each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.

2 Chr 31: 5 As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.

1 Cor. 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

The impact of first fruit – Makes the whole holy - Romans 11:16 - 16If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

·      Pleases God - Jer. 2:3 - Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest; all who devoured her were held guilty, and disaster overtook them,' " declares the LORD.

Place of first fruits – Matthew 6:3333 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

First Fruit Giving – Lev. 23:9-24

·      Exodus 22:29 - 29 "Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. "You must give me the firstborn of your sons.

·      Neh. 10:35 - 35 "We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.

·      2 Chr. 31:5 - 5 As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.

·      Jesus didn’t change

Results of First Fruit/Tithing – Blessing upon Blessing

Proverbs 3 –  5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

·      Barns filled

·      Barns overflowing

LCP Retreat Handout

 

Partnership Forum – Leadership Retreat

Ø Opening

o       Prayer and Devotion

 

    

 

 

 

10 Steps To Intentional Living

1. Everyday live with _______ and _______  _______.

·       Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

2. _______ your _______ to God.

·       In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

·       But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

3. Be _______ with your _______ _______ .

·       But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28

4. Require every _______ , _______ , _______ and 2022 to have an ROI.

·       The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

·       Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. Deuteronomy 8:6

5. _______ more of yourself.

·       To whom much is given, much will be required. Luke 12:48

6. Look for opportunities to _______ others, _______ others and _______ to others.

7. Lead _______ or _______ of the way.

·       And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28

·       If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[a] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:8

8. Be _______ in who you are.

·       I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

9. Never miss an _______ to be _______ .

·       Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

·       7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9

·       Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10

 

10. At the end of the _______ _______ _______ and _______ _______ .

·       22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

·       Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

·       But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Family Feud The Final Chapter

Sunday December 12th

Pericope: Gen 37:9-11 - 9 Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” 11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Sermon Text: Gen 37:11b - 11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Sermon Title: Family Feud Pt 3 BOOK II: The Final Chapter

Point 1: There should be assertive intentionality in every family – Gen. 37:11b his brothers were jealous of him but his father kept the matter in mind.

Point 2: There has to be some empowerment in your family Gen 42:1-4 - When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” 2 He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”

3 Then ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. 4 But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him.

Point 3: There has to be grace in your family if your family is going to benefit from it. Gen 45:1, 4, 7 - Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers.

4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!

7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

Life Application

Grace

Intentional

Intimate

Empowerment

Life lessons

Family altar call

For prayer request go to: www.nlicic.org/prayer

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Join a LifeGroup go to: https://www.nlicic.org/lifegroups

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Family Exercise

  worship (online only) please complete the Life Application from the sermon.  See attached or below.  

Family Exercise – Virtual Family Sunday

1.  Find your family in the book (or see the family types below)
2. Discuss questions 1-3
3. Take pictures and post them and share your answers only if you think they will help another family #myfamilyish #virtualfamilysunday

 
Reflection Questions (The Nuclear Family):

• How does your parenting style help to mold your children?
• How grateful are you for the gift of parenthood? What could you do to increase your gratitude?
• Are your kids heading in the right direction? If they are not, then how do you think you could steer them in a new direction?

 

Reflection Questions (Single Parent Family)

• What are your concerns about your child’s television and social media habits?
• What kind of plan can you develop to make social media work for you and your family?
• If you are a single parent and you date, then what kind of screening do you have for potential partners?

 

Reflection Questions (Blended Family)

• How do you define a family?
• If you are in a blended family, then how do you work to achieve unity?
• What unique challenges has your blended family faced?

 

Reflection Questions (Special Needs Family)

• How do you define “special needs?”
• If you have a special needs child, how do you stay intentional?
• How do you care for yourself while caring for a special needs child?

 

Reflection Questions (Parenting Adult Children)

• If you still have children at home, then how do you see your role in their lives changing after they leave the nest?
• If you have adult children, then how do you advise them?
• What dysfunction have you noticed in your adult children’s lives, and what kind of advice do you give? Has that advice worked? If it has not, then what would you do differently?

 

Reflection Questions (Caring for Aging Parents)

• How can caring for an aging or ill parent be a gift for you?
• What do you think your responsibility to your parents is?
• If you are caring for your parents, what scriptures give you strength?

 
Reflection Questions (Financial Issues in the Fabulous Family)

• What are your family’s financial goals?
• Do you make it a goal to pray daily for financial wisdom?
• How do you and your spouse talk about finances?

 

Reflection Questions (Military Family)

• What is the top stressor in your military family? How does your family work together to make sure it does not tear the family apart?
• How do you use grace in your family? How do you demonstrate grace to the other military families around you?
• Is your family stable? How can you establish stability?

 

GPS Serving Word on the Street - Pastor Geoff Dudley, II

Sermon text: Luke 24: 13-21, 32, 41-42 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 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. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,

Sermon title:  GPS: Serving: “The word on the street”

Pinnacle Point 1: Your reveal shouldn’t be loud

Vs 15 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. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; Luke 23:8-10 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.

Pinnacle Point 2: There is a generational expectation on your next

21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.

Pinnacle Point 3: You are the word on the street

32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Pinnacle Point 4: Don’t let unbelief keep you from serving

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.

October Partnership Forum Notetaker

God’s Good Disruptive Plan

• The ___________ to life were ___________ every day.

Sometimes that ___________ is Earth ___________

• Lives and livelihoods were uprooted and ___________. Families had to adjust to living life in new places. 

• As each day brought something new, the Apostles needed to ___________. The Lord was working through them to achieve His divine purposes. 

• And people needed to be ___________ up to do this new ___________ (Acts 6:1-7). 

Our ___________ Routine ___________

Just like how the Apostles lives were turned upside down; we are also experiencing the Lord ___________ our daily routine.

Work has been ___________. School life has changed. Church is more different than ever before.

But how should we respond?

Adapting to the New ___________

When the Lord ___________ us, we were saved from our sin to the ___________ life in Christ and to a new ___________

2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!; 

Ephesians 4:17-32. 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 We had to ___________ to a life now rich with ___________ to our Lord and Savior

The ___________ Faithfulness of God

As believers the one thing that we can fully depend on is the unchanging faithfulness of our God (Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,

    the purposes of his heart through all generations.; Hebrews 13: 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.; 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.)! 

His ___________ are forever (Hebrews 6:17-18 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.

 

GPS Pt 2 The Secret Service

 

                                                                           Oct 10, 2021                                                    

Pericope: Gal 6: 1-5 6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.

Sermon Text: Gal 6: 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Sermon Title:  GPS: Pt 2 The Secret Service

 Gal 6: 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Now the interesting thing about that verse is it is, accompanied by Vs 3-5 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.  

2 Samuel 24:24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

Point 1: Put others before yourself. Romans 12: 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Don’t push your way to the front of the line.  Philippians 2:3-4 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. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Point 2: Jesus requires service to be great.  Matthew 20: 25-26 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant

Point 3: Scripture requires us to help one another. Someone said, “Great opportunities to help other seldom come, but small ones surround us every day” One another at least 16 times in scripture, Rom 12: 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 1 Thes 5: 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,”… Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling

Point 4: Nicodemus served Jesus. John 19: 38-42 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.  

Point 5: Remember Christ put you before himself. He brought you with a price. Phil 2: 6, 7 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Life Application:

1. Are you serving in church

2. Are you serving in the community

3. Are you serving in your Life Group

Ways to serve:

1. Helps Ministry

2. Worship Arts

3. Pastoral Ministries

4. In the Community