TFB Sermon Notes

The Foundation

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

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

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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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) — 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

Jehovah-rapha – The God Who Heals

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:04:00 +0000

Exodus 15:22-27

Word Usage:

Rapha – (raw-faw) occurs 60x in the O.T. It means to restore, to heal, or to cure.

2 Kings 2:22 - Rapha is used to describe God healing the water, turning contaminated water into drinkable.
Psalm 147:3 - “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.”
Isaiah 57:18 – Rapha is used to describe the God Who heals a heart from its willful ways, turning it into a contrite heart with the result being praise on the lips.
Isaiah 53:5 - “…He was pierced for our transgression, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Context:

“Grumble” literally is to rebel. But it is describing a certain way of rebelling. It means to complain in half-muted tones of hostile opposition. Matthew 15:18-20; Exodus 16:2-3; Exodus 17:3; Exodus 17:7; Numbers 14:2-3

Jehovah-rapha heals you of sin’s control through deliverance from death and bondage. Exodus 15:1-3, 13; Acts 1:6; Romans 6:20-23; Romans 8:37-39
Jehovah-rapha heals you of self reliance by allowing your needs to go unmet for awhile. Verse 22 – “without finding water”
Jehovah-rapha heals you of reliance on others through disappointing experiences. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Jehovah-rapha heals you when you listen and follow Him. Verse 26. James 1:22-25; Philippians 2:14

Jehovah-jireh – The God Who Provides

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:57:00 +0000

Genesis 22:1-19

Context: Genesis 22:14; Matthew 6:25ff; Hebrews 10:32-34; Hebrews 11:35-39

Jehovah-jireh means the God Who provides what is needed for Him to fulfill His promises in your life. Hebrews 11:17-19

Choose to believe God’s promises over your current circumstances. Hebrews 13:5; Romans 10:9; John 16:33; John 14:3; Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
www.365promises.com

Jehovah-jireh means the God Who provides what is needed for you to fulfill His will in your life Romans 12:1

Maintain a life of surrender to HIM.

v.12 – “now I know you fear God”

Fear: to revere, to be in awe of, to hold in the highest regard.
Allow the trials of life to develop your trust in HIM.

v.1 — “Some time later God tested Abraham.” Deuteronomy 8:2-6; James 1:2-4

Follow HIS directives without hesitation. James 4:17
Continue doing what HE has told you to do until HE tells you otherwise. Matthew 25:14ff – commends the faithful servants
Don’t allow anyone or anything to distract you from following HIS will. Luke 10: 38ff - Mary and Martha

I Am YAHWEH--Always personally present in life.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:57:00 +0000

Psalm 139:7-12

Jeremiah 23:23-24; Acts 17:27b-28

How Yahweh’s Presence Benefits Your Life

When You Are Lonely, Yahweh Is Your Companion. Psalm 25:16; Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 16:11

God’s presence can fill you with JOY when you are lonely!

When You Are Worried, Yahweh Is Your Confidence. Isaiah 42:2-3; Psalm 16:8-9; Psalm 23:4

God’s presence can CALM you when you are anxious!

When You Are Tempted, Yahweh Is Your Counselor. 2 Corinthians 10:13

Our temptations are common.
God is with us when we are tempted.
God will help us stand up to temptations. Job 13:27
God’s presence can help you say NO when you are tempted!

When You Are Discouraged, Yahweh Is Your Comforter. Psalm 34:18; Psalm 116:8-11

God’s presence can see you through when you are discouraged.
How to "Practice God's Presence"

Invite Jesus into your life, if you have not already done so Ephesians 3:12, Col. 1:22
Be quiet before the Lord Psalm 46:10, James 4:8
Talk to God about everything 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Psalm 62:9
Develop the habit of praise Psalm 100:4

I Am YAHWEH

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Exodus 3-4

“I am the LORD (Yahweh), that is My Name!

I will not give My glory to another,

or my praise to idols”

(Isaiah 42:8, NIV).

Original – YHWH
Add vowels – YAHWEH
Old English translation – JEHOVAH
NIV – LORD (all caps)

Yahweh is personal (vv. 1-4).
Yahweh is holy (vv. 5-6). 1 Peter 2:9-12
Yahweh is a caring rescuer (vv. 7-9). Jonah 4:2; Matthew 9:36; Deuteronomy 15:15; Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 1:18-19

I have seen the misery…
I have heard them crying…
I am concerned…
So I have come down to rescue them…

Yahweh is purposeful (vv. 7-10).
Yahweh is patient (vv. 11-13).
Yahweh is powerful (vv. 4:1-17). Ephesians 3:20

I Am El Shaddai

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:19:00 +0000

“…I am God Almighty, walk before Me and be blameless” Genesis 17:1, NIV

"Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You" Jeremiah 32:17, NIV

Evidence of God’s Power

Creation: Psalm 19:1-2
Jesus:

Jesus has power over nature (Mark 4; Matthew 21; John 2).
Jesus has power over illness and death (Luke 5 and 7).
Jesus has power over Satan (Luke 8).

Word of Caution: Even in Scripture God does not perform visible miracles frequently, except in the case of the life of Jesus. Why? Because God understands the heart of man and what is at stake. John 2:23-24; Luke 16: 31

Purposes of God’s Power in your Life Ephesians 1:20

Power to live life God’s way. Romans 7:18; Philippians 2:13
Power to continue following God when tired or discouraged. Psalm 6:2-3; Ecclesiastes 2:11; Isaiah 40:28-31

Steps to God’s Power Flowing in your Life

Step 1 – Admit your own lack of power. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Step 2 – Trust God for the impossible. Mark. 9:23; Matthew 9:29; Luke 5:12
Step 3 – Act in faith. Joshua 3:13; Ephesians 3:20-21

The Ruler Who Knows All - Adonai

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:24:00 +0000

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13, NIV).

"... His understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:5, NIV).

The Ruler of the Universe (Adonai) knows all about Himself.
The Ruler of the Universe (Adonai) knows all about His creation Matthew 10:29
The Ruler of the Universe (Adonai) knows all about history. Isaiah 46:9-10
The Ruler of the Universe (Adonai) knows all about you. Psalm 139:1-4

He knows all about your faults and failures. Psalm 69:5; Proverbs 5:21

Fact: Nothing you ever say, think or do is "off the record."
Response: Be honest with God. 1 John 1:8; Proverbs 28:13

He knows all about your feelings and frustrations. Psalm 31:7; Psalm 103:13-14

Fact: God is sympathetic to your hurts. Psalm 142:3
Response: Give all your hurts to God. I Peter 5:7

He knows all about your future. Psalm 139:16; Jeremiah 29:11

Fact: God already knows the things you will face.
Response: Ask God for wisdom and direction. Jeremiah 33:3; James 1:5

He knows all about your fears. Matthew 6:31-32; Matthew 6:8

Fact: God is aware of all your needs.
Response: Replace your fear with trust. Philippians 4:6-7

He knows all about your faithfulness. Matthew 6:1, 4

Fact: Every good deed you do will be rewarded by God.
Response: Actively pursue doing good! Galatians 6:9-10

I am the Sovereign One - Adonai

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 01:33:00 +0000

Daniel 4:34-35

Sovereign means that God makes His own plans and carries them out in His own
time and way.

“…His rule is everlasting, and His kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are

nothing compared to Him. He has the power to do as He pleases among the angels of

heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop Him…” (Daniel 4:34-35, NLT).

God is Sovereign over nature. Isaiah 45:12
God is Sovereign over history. Isaiah 46:10
God is Sovereign over life. Job 14:5
Jesus Christ is Sovereign. Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:15-17

How to see life in view of God’s sovereignty

Because God is Sovereign…

...your problems have a purpose. I Peter 1:6-7

Job’s attitude:Job 1:21
Joseph’s attitude: Genesis 50:20
Paul’s attitude: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Our attitude: Romans 8:28

...your prayers are powerful. James 5:16; Ephesians 3:20
...your plans are in pencil. Proverbs 16:1; James 4:13-16

Let God hold the eraser. Proverbs 16:9

Who Are You God? I Am Adonai

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Genesis 15

“O Sovereign (Adonai) Lord (Yahweh), what can You give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” (Genesis 15:2, NIV).

To have God as your Adonai and Jesus as your Kurios is to….
Submit to His Authority. James 4:6-7; Psalm 91:1-2
Surrender to His Ownership.

I am Adonai’s possession – purchased through His blood. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Revelation 5:9; Galatians 2:20
I am a steward of Adonai’s possessions. Matthew 6:24; Malachi 3:10

Commit to a relationship with Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 29:13; Hebrews 11:6
Pursue His mission of discipleship. Matthew 28:16-20; Joshua 24:14-15

I am Elohim

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:37:00 +0000

Genesis 1

Elohim – God, Who is eternal

“In the beginning God…”

Elohim – God, Who creates and sustains life Psalm 19:1; Psalm 95:6; Isaiah 42:5; Acts 17:24; Revelation 4:11

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
“What I’ve learned in the past 10 years of review of recent scientific knowledge of…the code of life (DNA), and the lack of supporting evidence for evolution in light of recent scientific evidence is a shocking rebuttal to evolution.” --Dr. Issac Manly – Harvard
“For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance, he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for years.” -- Robert Jastrow – Scientist at NASA – and prof. of Geophysics, Colombia U.

Elohim – God Who is three in one

Not only is God God but Jesus is God. John 1:1; Colossians 1:16
Not only is God God and Jesus is God but the Holy Spirit is God. Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4

El Elyon – God Most High Genesis 14:18-23

1 Kings 18:36-39 – Baal vs. God

When Storms Hit

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Matthew 8:23-27

Principle #1 – Expect some storms while following Jesus John 16:33; 1 Peter 4:12
Principle #2 - Be careful to follow Jesus on His terms, not yours. Genesis 28:20-21

Some people follow Jesus for earthly gain. (Matthew 8:19-20)
Some people follow Jesus only when it is convenient. (Matthew 8:21)

Principle #3 - Do not let your fear overcome your trust in Jesus (Matthew 8:24-25). 1 Peter 5:7
Principle #4 - Remember Who is with you in the storm – Jesus (Matthew 8:27). Psalm 89:8-9; Isaiah 41:10

John 11 – Jesus raises the dead.

The Loving Wrath of God

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 23:01:00 +0000

“…‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me.

Yet not as I will, but as You will’”

(Matthew 26:39, NIV).

“…Put your sword away!

Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”

(John 18:11, NIV).

The cup of God is a reference to His wrath and judgment. Psalm 75:8; Jeremiah 25:15; Revelation 14:10; John 3:36; Romans 1:18; Romans 2:5
God judges each person because of their sin. Colossians 3:5-6
Sin is a direct assault upon God’s authority and character.
Sin destroys God’s creation and His relationship with every person.
Jesus drank the cup of God’s wrath in your place. 2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24-25; Romans 5:9; Colossians 2:14-15; Romans 8:1-2
The motive behind all this is the love of God. 1 John 4:9-10; Ephesians 2:3-5

Encouragement in Life’s Storms

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 03:41:00 +0000

Acts 27

“Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

v.22 – “now I urge you to keep up your courage”
v.25 – “so keep up your courage”
v.36 – “they were all encouraged”

HOW TO RECEIVE GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT

You can receive God’s encouragement by:

Joining with other Christians 1 Corinthians 12:27; Hebrews 10:25

v.2 – “Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica was with us”
v.3 – “…allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.”

Remembering His presence is with you Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 4:17

v.23 – “Last night an angel…stood beside me…”

Remembering that you are His possession 1 Corinthians 6:20-21; 1 Peter 1:18-19

v. 23 - “Last night an angel of the God whose I am…”

Remembering that you are His servant Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 13:15-16

v.23 – “…whom I serve…”

Remembering His promises Isaiah 43:1-3; Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24

v.24 – You must stand trial before Caesar…”

Remembering that God answers prayer

v.44 – “…everyone reached land in safety.”
v.24 - “…God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.”

Believing Him Hebrews 11:1; Mark 4:39

v. 25 - “…for I believe God, that it will turn out exactly as I have been told”

HOW TO GIVE GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT

You can encourage others by:

Being with them in the storm: Luke, Aristarchus, Paul
Praying for them

v.24 - “…and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.”

Ministering to their needs 2 Corinthians 1:4

v.34 – “Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive”

Setting a good example

v.35-36 – “…He took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then He broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.”

Telling them of God’s greatness and power to save

v.22-25

Pressing On—Boldly & Without Hindrance

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 04:04:00 +0000

Acts 28

“Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 28:31 (NIV)

HINDRANCES FACED

Snap judgments based on circumstantial evidence v. 4, 6

Getting the big picture requires an investment of time

Undeserved treatment based on no real evidence v. 17-18, 22

Getting past the surface requires a willingness to go deeper

Discouraging response in spite of convincing evidence v. 24-25

Getting the message across is not dependent on my persuasiveness John 3:5-7; Titus 3:5-6

BOLDNESS REALIZED

Encouragement given v. 10, 15, 16

Be bold because God is with you Matthew 28:20

Warning given Isaiah 6:9-10

Be bold in the face of rejection Isaiah 6:13; 2 Peter 3:9

Notice given v. 28; Acts 13:47

Be bold to go where God sends you Romans 1:16; Acts 1:8

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

Do the hindrances I encounter become excuses that keep me from sharing the Gospel?

I don’t have time.
I’m not a people person—it’s hard getting close to others.
I don’t know what to say

Will I boldly stand unashamed of the Gospel to whomever and wherever God directs me?

Do you like change? God does!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 05:08:00 +0000

Acts 25:23-26:32

‘Repent’ means to commit to God and turn from a previous way of life to God’s way of life.
‘Confess’ means to agree with God in His evaluation of your sinful actions. 1 John 1:9

Repentance involves a change of understanding: from darkness to light. Ephesians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Timothy 1:15
Repentance involves a change of masters: from Satan to God. Colossians 1:13, 14; 2 Timothy 2:26; John 8:34, 36; Romans 6:17,18
Repentance involves a change of relationship: from condemnation to forgiveness and acceptance. John 3:18; Ephesians 1:3,7; Hebrews 4:14-16
Repentance involves a change of behavior: a. 2 Peter 3:9

Are you missing the point?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Acts 25:1-22

The World Says…The Resurrection is inconsequential

The resurrection is no big deal. v.18 – “…did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected”
The resurrection is a matter of private opinion. v. 19 - “…they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion…”
The resurrection is not factual.
Jesus Christ was not a unique person. v.19 - “…a dead man named Jesus…”

The Bible says...The Resurrection is the most important event.

The resurrection is the biggest deal in history. 1 Corinthians 15:13-15, 17-19
The resurrection is a fact that confronts every person. Acts 17:30-31; John 5:21-22
The resurrection is based on factual, verifiable evidence. v.19 – …Paul claimed was alive
Jesus is the unique, eternal Son of God. John 1:29; Titus 3:4-5

Do you have time for God?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Acts 24

A religion of personal success

v. 2 - “…‘We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation.’”
v.26 – “…hoping Paul would offer him a bribe.”
v.27 – “…because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.”

A faith about Christ’s success Philippians 1:20-21; Acts 20:24

v. 24 - “…He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.”

A religion of intellectual pursuit Colossians 2:8; John 5:39-40

v.22 – “Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way…”
v.25 – “Felix was afraid and said, ‘That is enough for now!’”

A faith of confession Luke 5:32; 1 John 1:8-9

v.16 – “…strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

A religion of convenience

v.25 – “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

A faith of service for Christ 1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:11

v. 26 – “…so he sent for him frequently sand talked with him”
v.27 – “when two years had passed…”

Is God active when not seen?--The Providence of God

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 05:08:00 +0000

Acts 23:12-35

God works providentially in life.

“Providence”: when God uses the natural circumstances in life to accomplish His purposes.
“Miracle”: when God breaks the natural process to invade it in a supernatural way to accomplish His purposes.

Jesus keeps all created things in existence. Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17

“Sustain” means to carry or bear. It has the sense of active, purposeful control over the thing being carried from one place to another.”

God’s causing things to happen that we would think of as merely “natural” occurrences. Psalm 135:6-7; Matthew 6:26, 30 – God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers.
God also governs human affairs. Acts 17:26; Psalm 22:28; Psalm 139:16; Acts 4:28
God has a purpose in all that He does, and He governs and directs all things in order to accomplish His purposes. Daniel 4:35

God’s providential work is dependable – it cannot be stopped. Psalm 2:1-4; Proverbs 21:1
God providentially works through your trials, enemies and un-believers. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

Jewish Zealots & Roman Solders

God’s providence motivates us to actively live for Him. Hebrews 1:14

If They Don’t Like Your Testimony

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 04:49:00 +0000

Acts 22:30-23:11

Be Alert – every day look for opportunities to share Jesus with others. 1 Peter 3:15-16; 1 Corinthians 9:22-23
Be Prepared – know your testimony in advance.
Be Authentic – your actions and words reveal Jesus to be your Lord. Acts 24:16; Hebrews 10:22; v.1 – “I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”; v.5 – “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest.
Be Faithful – leave the results of your efforts up to God.
Be Courageous – serve your Lord even when you are afraid or discouraged. v.11 – “Take courage!”

Take courage, your sins are forgiven (Matthew 9:2)
Take courage, your faith has healed you (Matthew 9:22)
Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27)
Take courage, I have overcome the world (John 16:33)

The Lord is with you in your difficulties. 1 Peter 1:8-9; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5-6; Daniel 3:19-27 – the fiery furnace
The Lord knows all about your difficulties. Hebrews 4:13; 1 Peter 5:6-7
The Lord understands how you feel in your difficulties. Hebrews 2:18
The Lord remembers your faithful service to Him. v. 11 – “…As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem”; Hebrews 6:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58
The Lord has a plan for you. v. 11 - “…so you must also testify in Rome.”; Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 12:2-3