TFB Sermon Notes

TFB Sermon Notes is on Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 23:46:00 +0000

Listen to TFB sermons.

Sermon notes may return, but due to the editor's doctoral work, readers will need to make their presence known and state that they would like the notes returned.

For now, happy listening.

Happy = God Ruling You

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:58:00 +0000

Matthew 5:3

Review

Overarching theme: Living a righteous life John 10:10
‘Blessed’: A state of well-being and joy not affected by circumstances. An inward contentedness. To be happy

“Kingdom of Heaven”

Matthew uses kingdom of heaven, kingdom of God, saved, and eternal life interchangeably. Matthew 19:16-26
The Kingdom of Heaven and of God is revealed as present right now. Matthew 4:17; Mathew 12:28
The Kingdom of Heaven and of God refers to God’s rule and authority in the lives of people. Colossians 1:13; Philippians 2:9-11
The Kingdom of Heaven and of God must be received with faith as a little child. Mark 10:14,15
The Kingdom of Heaven and of God is experienced only through a second birth. John 3:3
The Kingdom of Heaven and of God is to be what believers seek first. Matthew 6:33
The Kingdom of heaven and of God is the established rule and reign of God over everything forever. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 21:1

Life Principle #1: True happiness comes to those who possess the rule of God in their lives.

“Poor in Spirit”

Explained

Being ‘poor in spirit’ does not mean to be spiritually weak.
Being ‘poor in spirit’ does not mean to be in financial poverty. Luke 6:20; Luke 12:15; Matthew 19:23

Deuteronomy 10 – Warning: don’t forget me when you gain material blessings in the promise land

Being ‘poor in spirit’ does not mean a false humility .
Being ‘poor in spirit’ is to live life recognizing your complete helplessness before God; that without God you are in spiritual poverty and overwhelming spiritual need. Psalm 103:13,14
Being ‘poor in spirit’ is to live life knowing that the real blessings of life and eternity come only from a right relationship with God. Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:3; Isaiah 6:5-7
Being ‘poor in spirit’ is to live life acknowledging that you are no better, no more superior than the next person.

Examples

The Tax collector’s ‘poor in spirit’ posture before God Luke 18:13-14
Peter ‘poor in spirit’ awareness when seeing the real Jesus Luke 5:8
Paul’s ‘poor in spirit’ self assessment Romans 7:18-25
Jesus sacrificial service 2 Corinthians 8:9

Evidences

Turning your primary attention away from the things of this world. Matthew 6:25
Turning your primary attention to God and His kingdom. Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1,2

Jesus’ Rock Solid Principles for Living: An Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Matthew 5:1-2

Important because….

Everyone’s desperate need is revealed in these principles.
God's prescription for happiness and success are found in these principles.
How to please the Lord with our life is found in these principles.

Overarching theme: Living a righteous life

Righteousness given Romans 3:21-22
Righteousness lived Matthew 5:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Jesus’ summary: Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus’ strategy v.1-2; Matthew 9:36-38

He saw the crowd with eyes of compassion.
He focused on training his followers. Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2

Jesus’ desire: for you to be blessed

“Blessed” = Happy John 15:11
“Blessed” - A state of well-being and joy not affected by circumstances; an inward contentedness
Psalm 1 – O the blessedness of…

Jesus’ radical route to true happiness 1 John 2:15-16; Matthew 6:19-21

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”
(John 10:10, NAS)

Courageous Mothers

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:22:00 +0000

Luke 1:26-38, 46-55

A courageous Mother exercises trust in God from the very beginning and in all
circumstances (vv.34-38). Proverbs 3:5-6
A courageous mother knows God through his Word – she is a student of the Word (vv.46-55). 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 5:12-14
A courageous mother stays faithful to God’s call as a mother. John 19:25-27; Acts 1:14

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised”
(Proverbs 31:30, NLT).

Self-Control

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 06 May 2012 04:41:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Titus 2:11-14; Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 7:18

Self-control: The control of self by The Spirit.

It is not:

Uncontrolled lust Proverbs 6:26
Uncontrolled spending Proverbs 21:20
Uncontrolled ambition Proverbs 23:4
Uncontrolled drinking Proverbs 23:29-30
Uncontrolled anger Proverbs 29:11; Proverbs 25:28

A Self-Controlled Life 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

A life with goals v. 24

Our Vision

Share the good news of Christ with others.
Model Christ in all aspects of life.
Engage in loving relationships with other believers.
Surrender our lives joyfully to God.
Serve God and others with our abilities and resources.

A life with discipline v. 25
A life with focus v. 25-26
A life with God directed thinking v.27; Romans 12:1-2

A key to living the self-controlled life is God’s grace. Titus 2:11-14

Grace redeems us. v. 11, 14
Grace reforms us (12, 14b). v. 12, 14
Grace rewards us. v. 13; Galatians 5:16, 25

Fruit of the Spirit Self Assessment Test (doc)

Gentleness

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Galatians 5:22-23

Understanding Gentleness Matthew 5:5; Titus 3:2

Gentleness is Strength under Control. Matthew 21:5; Matthew 26:52-53; John 13:3-5; Numbers 12:6-8; Numbers 12:13; Matthew 11:28-29

Demonstrating Gentleness

Demonstrate gentleness by not acting like a know it all. 1 Thessalonians 2:7
Demonstrate gentleness by sharing the gospel with humility to people far from God. 1 Peter 3:15
Demonstrate gentleness by helping restore believers who are struggling with sin. Galatians 6:1
Demonstrate gentleness by treating others as VIP’s. Philippians 2:3-5; James 3:16-17
Demonstrate gentleness by speaking words of encouragement to others. James 3:6-8; Ephesians 4:29
Demonstrate gentleness by being patient when disappointed by others. Ephesians 4:2; 1 Kings 19:11-12

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near”

(Philippians 4:5, NIV).

Gentleness:I am able to bear the slights of others and refrain from reaction while maintaining a tranquil, humble spirit.

Responses to the Empty Tomb

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:20:00 +0000

John 20:1-18

John, the believer 1 Corinthians 15:3-7; 1 John 1:1; 1 John 5:13
Peter, the skeptic Luke 24:12
Mary, the broken-hearted: Jesus had brought release, peace, forgiveness, and hope to her life. John 1:12-13

“…Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.” For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” 1 Peter 1:3-4, NLT

CHRIST IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Resources

Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 04:12:00 +0000

Galatians 5:22-23

God’s kindness is not your natural inclination. Romans 3:12
God’s kindness is best demonstrated with your enemies. Luke 6:27-36; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 13:4; Luke 10:30-37; Luke 10:31-32
God’s kindness is a key motive for your life to be different. 1 Peter 2:1-3

Ways to reflect God’s kindness to others:

Give people mercy - refusing to treat them poorly even when they deserve it. Titus 3:4-5
Give people grace – showering them with compassion and love even when they do not deserve it. John 3:16; Romans 5:8
Let people hear kindness in your speech. Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29
Show kindness to people different than you. Matthew 5:16

Application: I consistently make a point of encouraging people and lending a helping hand
even when it’s not convenient.

Patience

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 04:26:00 +0000

Galatians 5:22-23

Patience: two Greek words - slow & anger. So it means being slow to get angry. Exodus 34:6; Ephesians 4:2-3

The Holy Spirit reminds you of God’s patience with you. Colossians 3:12-14
The Holy Spirit encourages you to remember the valuable impact God’s patience has in your life. Romans 2:4

Repentance – changing direction. It is deciding to change the direction of your life to line up with following God.

It is God’s patience that allows you time to become humble before Him.
It is God’s patience that allows you time to live a surrendered life before Him.
It is God’s patience that demonstrates how much He cares for you. 2 Peter 3:9
The Holy Spirit asks you to exercise this same patience with others. Colossians 3:13

How to managing your anger – your impatience:

Realize the cost. Proverbs 29:22; Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 29:11
Decide to control it. Proverbs 16:32; Ephesians 4:26
Delay your response. Proverbs 29:11
Reprogram your thinking. Romans 12:2
Associate with people that are patient. Proverbs 22:24-25
Rely on God’s help. Romans 15:5-6

Application: When people or things are not moving as quickly as I would like, I am able to wait gracefully and absorb my frustration.

Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 04:40:00 +0000

“The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control” (Galatians 5:22-23a, NIV).

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14, NKJ)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….” John 14:27 (NIV).

“…The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end...” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV).

Peace – What it is

God’s Peace is not about avoiding a problem.
God’s Peace is not about appeasing another person.
God’s Peace (Shalom) is a sense of well-being, a sense of a foundation for life that comes from following God. Isaiah 48:17-1; Judges 6

Peace – How it works

Peace with God comes through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:19-20; John 14:27
Peace of God comes when you include God in all aspects of your life. Philippians 4:6-9

You include Him by sharing your worries and fears with Him. (v.6)
You include Him by expressing thankfulness to Him. (v.6)
You include Him by giving your attention to His values. (v.8)
You include Him by putting into practice His life principles. (v.9) James 1:22

Peace on earth comes through conducting yourself towards others according to God’s will, not yours. Colossians 3:15; Romans 12:18; Philippians 4:2-3; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; John 13:34; Matthew 22:39

How to be a Peacemaker: P.E.A.C.E.

P - Plan a peace conference. Matthew 5:23-24; Psalm 34:14

Take the initiative.
Work hard at peacemaking.

E - Empathize with their feelings. 1 Peter 3:8; Philippians 2:4; Romans 15:2

Listen without lecturing.
Make an effort to understand.
Focus on the needs of others.

A - Attack the problem, not the person. Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 4:25; Ephesians 4:29

Never compare.
Never condemn.
Never command.
Never challenge.
Never condescend.
Never contradict.
Never confuse.

C - Cooperate as much as possible. James 3:17-18; Psalm 37:3
E - Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.

Reconciliation: to re-establish the relationship.
Resolution: to resolve every issue. 2 Corinthians 5:18

Application: I am consistent in staying in a place of rest and freedom from anxiety even when I am under pressure.

Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 04:56:00 +0000

“The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control” (Galatians 5:22-23a, NIV).

Psalm 16:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:4

If you wait until you are happy with your life you will rarely possess joy. John 16:33

“happiness” - from the English word “happenstance” which means “something that HAPPEN’s because of a circumSTANCE.”

God’s joy comes from adopting His perspective of life. James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Romans 5:1-11
God’s perspective is that you now possess a right standing before Him – the holy God. (v.1)
God’s perspective is that you have a relationship of peace with Him. (v.1)
God’s perspective is that you are deeply loved by Him. (v.5-8)
God’s perspective is that your future is safe from His judgment.(v. 9-10)
God’s perspective is that you have reason to be full of joy – you are His friend. (v.11)
God’s perspective is that He rejoices over you. Zephaniah 3:17; Acts 16:22-25
Godly perspectives to live by:

Focus on giving rather than receiving. Acts 20:35
Focus on healing rather than hurting. Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32
Focus on God’s power rather than your problems. Psalm 62:8; Ephesians 3:20

Joy killers in relationships:

Selfishness. James 4:1-2; James 3:16
Bitterness Hebrews 12:15
Fear. Proverbs 12:25

Fear makes us defensive.
Fear makes us distant.
Fear makes us demanding.

Fill your heart with singing to God. (v.19)
Consistently express an attitude of gratitude to God. (v.20)
Highly value fellow believers, serving them in love. (v.21) Philippians 2:3-4; Nehemiah 8:10

Application:
In times of difficulty, I draw on an inner joy and speak cheerful words of praise to God
instead of complaining.

Love

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Galatians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 13

Some general observations:

The word “fruit” is in the singular.
These “fruits” are character qualities good for everyone.
A lack of this fruit means you are not living by the Spirit.
Fruit-growing is a process so baby fruit is still fruit.

Fruit #1 - LOVE

Love is the law of God’s Kingdom. James 2:8; 1 John 3:11; Romans 13:8; 1 Peter 1:22; John 15:9-12
Love is something you DO. John 3:16; 1 John 3:16-19; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Greek words for love:

Eros: a sensual love, a passionate love; used to indicate the love of a man and a woman for each other; embracing all aspects of sexual desire; not found in the NT.
Philia: the most common word for love. It indicates a fondness, between persons within or outside the context of family. Friendships. Philadelphia called the city of brotherly love.
Agape: not necessarily a stronger word then eros or philia in Greek usage. But the NT writers used it to describe a love beyond those other words. The NT brings a meaning that has much less to do with feelings of the heart and more to do with feelings of the mind. It is as much an act of the will as an act of the emotions. It is a conscious action, something that you decide to do.

Love comes from God, not from your natural self. Galatians 5:22; 1 John 4:7; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Ephesians 4:15; John 13:35

General insights:

Love is intentional. A command – Matthew 22:37-38
Love is impossible by yourself.
Love is always appropriate – don’t wait.
Love makes you vulnerable.

"Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to be sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness, but in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken, but it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The only place outside of heaven where you can be safe from all dangers of love is hell." C.S. Lewis

Love is unconditional.

Application:
I maintain an unselfish, tender, caring heart towards people that is free from a critical spirit.

Our Brokenness

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Galatians 5:19-21; Psalm 139:23-24

Evidence of Our Brokenness: James 1:13-15; Mark 7:15, 21-23; 1 John 1:8-9

Selfish pleasure - seeking your own pleasure at the expense of others

Sexual Immorality – any form of illicit sexual relationship
Impurity – moral uncleanness
Debauchery – open and excessive indulgence in sexual behavior
Drunkenness – excessive use of wine or strong drink
Orgies – drunken parties often filled with sexual promiscuity and sometimes associated with festivals of pagan gods

Self-centered religion – gods of your own making

Idolatry – substituting something for God then worshiping it as god
Witchcraft - giving in to or trying to manipulate evil power

Self-centered relationships – making yourself priority one in relationships

Hatred – barrier of hostility towards a group of people
Discord – strife, competition, rivalry, bitter conflict
Jealousy – the feeling of resentment that comes when you want something someone else has
Fits of rage - outbursts of anger, continual and uncontrolled selfish anger
Selfish ambition – getting ahead at another’s expense
Dissensions – being a disagreeable person in general
Factions – the creation of cliques, and power blocks
Envy – a strong desire to possess something someone else has
and the like – this is just a sample list

Acts of sin nature vs. Fruit of the Spirit

Acts – mentality of earning merit and depending on effort
Fruit – mentality of faith and depending on grace Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:25

Live by The Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:15:00 +0000

Galatians 5:16-18

Living by the Spirit enables you to live for God. 2 Corinthians 3:17; 1 John 1:6-7

Enables you to reject your destructive natural inclinations, “not gratify the sinful nature”(v.16)

“not” – double negative meaning “never, never, never”
“gratify” – to complete or fulfill

Enables you to reject living in bondage to religious legalism, “you are not under law”(v.18) 2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 7:5
Enables you to walk in step with the Spirit, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (v.25) Matthew 11:28-30

Walking in step with the Spirit is not passive.
Walking in step with the Spirit is not exhaustive.
Walking in step with the Spirit is restful.

Living by the Spirit brings internal conflict (v.17). Ephesians 5:18

Part 1: Living Free in God

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

God’s Fruit Basket

Galatians 5:1-15

Context
Galatians 1: 6-9
Galatians 2:14-16
Galatians 3:1-5

God wants us to live free in Him (v.8).

Living Free means to live free from:

God’s judgment Romans 5:9
Sin’s mastery Romans 6:14
The Ruler of darkness Colossians 1:13-14
The curse of the law Galatians 3:13
Condemnation the law imposes Romans 8:1

The law as a means of justification. Galatians 2:16
Approaching God with fear Hebrews 4:15-16

God frees us to live by the law of love (v.13-14). Romans 13:8-10
God frees us to serve one another (v.13-14).
Living under the law brings out the animal in us (v.15)

Living Outwardly Focused Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

We are sent ones. Acts 13:47; John 17:18; Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; Isaiah 6:1-8

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

New Creation – new life (born again, John 3)
Reconciliation – to restore to a harmonious relationship
Ambassadors – a representative of another tasked to pass on the messages from their superior/nation, etc.

Some excuses we give for not going – Exodus 3:9-14, 4:1-5, 10:

Excuse#1 – “I am inadequate.” 3:11 – “Who am I?” Romans 8:38-39
Excuse #2 – “They will reject me.” 4:1 – “What if they will not believe me or listen to me?”
Excuse #3 – “I am not good at explaining the message.” 4:10 – “I’m not very good with words”

We are not sent out to be Jesus’ public relations agents.
We are not Christ’s sales force.
We are not God’s marketing consultants.

We are salt and light. Matthew 5:13-16

Salt changes things.

Salt melts ice.
Salt enhances the flavor of food.
Salt preserves food.
Salt makes people thirsty.

Salt must be poured out of its container.

Light draws all eyes toward its source.

Every Christian is meant to bring light into someone’s darkness, every day.
Even the smallest light can help lead someone home.

We are seed sowers. Matthew 13:3-8

Successful planters sow lots of seed, unconcerned about waste.

Reaching Your Community

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Living Outwardly Focused Lives in an Inwardly Focused World

Luke 15

Setting: Luke 15:1, 2

God wants us to be extravagant in seeking His lost sheep. Luke 15:4-6
God wants us to rejoice in every lost person’s return. Luke 15:8-10
God wants us to embrace His vision for our community. Luke 15:11-32; Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 55:2; Romans 2:4

Reaching Family and Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Theme: Living Outwardly Focused Lives in an Inwardly Focused World

“ …I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others,

and to give My life as a ransom for many”

(Mark 10:45, NLT).

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.

My purpose is to give life in all its fullness”

(John 10:10, NLT).

Reaching Family

John 4:47-53 - Jesus heals a son and the entire household believes in Jesus.
Acts 16:14-15 – Lydia was baptized along with members of her household.
Acts 16:16-34 – A jailer and his family were baptized by Paul and Silas.

How to reach family and friends:

Get real about what you cannot do. Acts 16:16-34

You cannot undo the past.
You cannot control the future. Luke 12:25-26
You cannot make anyone believe. 1 Corinthians 3:6
Get on with what you can do.
You can pray for them.
You can listen and love them.
You can share and serve them.
You can be ready to dialogue about spiritual matters. 1 Peter 3:15

Get ready to see God move. Acts 10:21-48

“There are two things God very seldom does: everything at once and nothing at all.”

“…Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit” (John 3:8, NLT).

Recommended reading: God Space by Doug Pollock

The Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:37:00 +0000

Living Outwardly Focused Lives In An Inwardly Focused World

John 15:1-16

“…I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give My life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, NLT

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 NLT

Foundation Principle: To live the outwardly focused overflowing life Jesus has for us, we must dwell with Him

Indicators that You are Dwelling with Jesus:

Spending devoted time with Him Psalm 27:4
Set apart time that will build relationship.

Feed on God’s Word. Colossians 3:16
Talk to and listen to a person.
Write down what God is doing in your life.

A moment by moment attentiveness to His presence 1 Thessalonians 5:17

The Impact of Dwelling in Him:

Dwelling helps you to sense the leading of the Lord. 1 Kings 19:11-12
Dwelling helps you to tap into God’s power. Acts 4:13
Dwelling carries with it answered prayer. John 15:7, 8

Pastor Charlie

An Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Living Outwardly Focused In An Inwardly Focused World

“ …I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give My life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, NLT

Jesus turns funerals into parties. Luke 7:12-16

The Gospel of Jesus Christ becomes Good News to us when it connects with the bad news in our lives. Psalm 30:11
God is about real joy and lots of it. Luke 15:7

Jesus turns emptiness into overflowing life. John 10:10; Ephesians 3:20; John 4:13-15
Jesus turns self-focused lives outward. Acts 1:8

Pastor Charlie

Jesus . . . God’s Inexpressible Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:57:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 9:15; Isaiah 7:14

Remember . . . “God’s Gift PROMISED”

Response: “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for always being faithful to your promises.”

Rejoice . . . God’s Gift GIVEN

Response: “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the Gift of Your Son.”

Reflect . . . “God’s Gift TOUCHING our lives

Response: “Lord Jesus, thank You for paying the entire debt for my sin.”

Reveal . . . “God’s Gift TOUCHING our lives

Response: “Praise You, Lord Jesus, for Your victory over sin and the grave.”

Rekindle . . . “Our RESPONSE to God’s Glorious Gift

Response: “Lord Jesus, on this Christmas day, I once again yield my life to Your Lordship.”

Question: “What gift, from your life, will you give to the Lord Jesus on this Christmas day?

Pastor Rog

A Supernatural Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Matthew 1:18-25

Supernatural Feature #1: God the Holy Spirit is the father (v.18, 20).
Supernatural Feature #2: God gave advance notice of the birth (v.22-23). Isaiah 7:14
Supernatural Feature #3: This Baby is God Himself – Immanuel (v.23). John 10:31-33; John 14:8-9
Supernatural Feature #4: This Baby is God’s Savior for mankind – Jesus (v.21). Hebrews 9:27; John 3:16-17
Supernatural Feature #5: This Baby is God’s chosen ruler of mankind – Christ (v.18).

Merry Christmas

Pastor Charlie

I am the God of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:33:00 +0000

Ephesians 3:17-18

"…We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love…”
(1 John 4:16, NIV).

Why people avoid God

Fear #1: I will have to give up my fun. 1 Timothy 6:17; Matthew 11:19
Fear #2: I will become a fanatic. John 10:10; Matthew 23:27-28
Fear #3: I will lose my freedom. John 8:36; 1 John 4:18

God’s love

Ephesians 3:17-19

Includes everyone Psalm 145:17; John 3:16
Lasts forever Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 89:2
Is everywhere Romans 8:39; Psalm 139:7-10
Meets your need Psalm 40:11; Deuteronomy 33:27; John 15:13; Romans 5:8

"There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper." --Betsie Ten Boom

Pastor Charlie

Jehovah-roeh – God, the Shepherd

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 03:53:00 +0000

Psalm 23

The word shepherd (roeh) is used primarily to mean the feeding of domestic animals. The verb literally is “to pasture.” The noun means shepherd or pastor.

The Lord is my shepherd

Your personal shepherd - “The Lord is MY shepherd.” Isaiah 53:6; Romans 6:23; John 10:11; Ephesians 1:3-5; 13-14; Romans 8:15-16; John 1:12

Is Yahweh a Shepherd to you or can you say, “Yahweh is MY Shepherd.”?

I shall not want

Yahweh, your shepherd, will fully provide for all your needs. Psalm 34:10; Philippians 4:11-12

In Exodus 16 – manna from heaven and everyone received exactly what they needed
In Deuteronomy 8 – new land of plenty where “you will lack nothing”
Proverbs - used 13 times to warn the readers about lacking wisdom

Provide for your physical necessities – green pastures and quiet waters (v.2) Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:15
Provide for your Spiritual vitality – “He restores my soul” (v.3) Galatians 5:22-23

John 21 - This is what Jesus did for Peter.
John 15 - God is the Gardener that tends the vineyard.
John 10:10 – live abundantly

Provide directions for living - “He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.” (v.3) Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 28:18-19

Verse 4 - direction for walking through life’s valleys.

Provides hope and a future (v.6) John 14:3; 1 Peter 5:4; Isaiah 40:11

Pastor Charlie

The God Who Heals Through Restorative Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Springer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:04:00 +0000

"Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to You again!
Give us back the joys we once had!" (Lamentations 5:21, NLT).

Why you need God’s Restorative Grace Mark 14:27-72

Your tendency to Edge God Out – EGO (v.29) 1 Corinthians 10:12; Proverbs 16:18
Your tendency to treat your relationship with God casually (v.37-38)
Your tendency to Fall prey to the “What would people think” syndrome (v.54) Proverbs 29:25
Your tendency to want a comfortable faith (v.54)

God’s Restorative Grace in Action

His continual love for you Lamentations 3:22; Romans 8:38
His on-going salvation by grace not works Titus 3:5
His righteous judgment put on Jesus instead of you 1 John 2:2
His lasting patience with your human frailty Psalm 103:13-14; Hebrews 4:15
His refusal to hold a grudge Psalm 103:9-10,13; Jeremiah 3:22; Jeremiah 15:19; Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:12

Pastor Charlie