2008-06-07 - Purpose Driven Life - Formed for Gods Family You were formed for God's family God desired to have a family but didn't need a family God became our Father Benefits of being part of God's family:
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2008-06-11 - Purpose Driven Life - Experiencing Life Together Life is meant to be shared Fellowship - now refers to casual conversation, socializing, food, and fun Jesus knew that 12 was the maximum size for a group for everyone to participate In real fellowship people experience... ... Authenticity
... Mutuality (Romans 1:12)
... Sympathy
... Mercy
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2008-06-13 - Purpose Driven Life - Restoring Broken Fellowship Relationships are always worth restoring God has given us the ministry of restoring God gave everything (his son) for restoring relationships Does not mean avoiding conflict or appeasement Talk to God before talking to the person God may change your heart or their hear - James 4:1-2 Tell God your frustrations Most conflict is rooted in unmet needs; some needs can only be meet by God Always take the initiative God expects you to make the first move - Matthew 5:23-24 Abandon your offering at the alter and go make things right first Acting quickly reduces the spiritual damage Bitterness is only hurting yourself Sympathize with their feelings Use your ears more than your mouth - Philippians 2:4 Focus on feelings and not facts Start with sympathy, not solutions Confess your part of the conflict Ask "Am I the problem?" - Matthew 7:5 The way you handle a conflict creates a bigger hurt Attack the problem, not the person How you say it is important as what you say Cold War - country decided on weapons that should never be used Cooperate as much as possible - Romans 12:18 Sometime it cost our pride, self-centerness Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution Reconciliation focuses on the relationship Takes a lot of effort to restore a relationship |
2008-06-15 - Purpose Driven Life - Created to Become Like Christ You are created to become like Christ Jesus' mission is restore the full image that we have lost God's ultimate goal for your life on earth in not comfort but character development If we forget this, you will become frustrated by your circumstances You exist for God's purpose, not vice versa Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in our lives - Philippians 2:13 We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit's work Obedience unlocks God's power God waits for you to act first Make every effort - Luke 13:24; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3; 2 Timothy 2:15 Ephesians 4:22-24 - Responsibilities in belonging like Christ:
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us
Being like Christ is a long, slow process of growth - You are a work in progress |
2008-06-18 - Purpose Driven Life - Transformed by Trouble God has a purpose behind every problem God uses problems to draw you closer to himself God had the ability to kept:
... but he didn't Problem force us to look to God and depend on him Romans 8:28-29 (NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.
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2008-06-19 - Purpose Driven Life - Growth Through Temptation Happy is the man who does not give in - will be rewarded with the crown of life - James 1:12 Every temptation is an opportunity to do good through the path of maturity How does the Holy Spirit produce fruit in our lives? - Galatians 5:22-23 By allowing you to be tempted by the opposite opportunity
Temptation follows 4 steps:
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2008-06-26 - Purpose Driven Life - No Excuse for Not Serving The Bible warns against living only for ourselves - Romans 2:8 Trying to save our life; we will lose it - Mark 8:35 What excuse have you been using to not serve?
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2008-06-27 - Purpose Driven Life - Shaped for Serving God Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth You were made for a specific ministry. Created in Christ to do good works - Ephesians 2:10 God does not make junk God never wastes anything - he did not give you talents and gifts unless he intended for you to use them for his glory God shapes us: Spiritual Gifts Heart Abilities Personality Experience We will look at spiritual gifts and heart today: SHAPE: Spiritual Gifts He alone decides which gift each person should have - 1 Corinthians 12:11 If you had them all, you would not need others; teaches us to love and depend on each other Given gifts for the benefit of others Gift given as a means of helping the entire church - 1 Corinthians 12:7 Two gift problems:
Heart = desires, hopes, interest, ambition, dreams, and passion Heart reflects the person - Proverbs 27:19 You may have interest that no one else has - from God Don't ignore your interest; consider how they might be used by God Serve the Lord with all of your heart - Deuteronomy 11:13 How do you know if you are serving the Lord with all of your heart?
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2008-06-28 - Purpose Driven Life - Applying Your Abilities We are all have abilities that God has given us To build the Tabernacle, God engaged all kinds of craftsmanship - Exodus 31:3-5 All of our abilities come from God God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well - Romans 12:6 Can not say, "I don't have any abilities to offer"
Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God - 1 Corinthians 10:31 Remember the Lord your God; he give the ability to produce wealth - Deuteronomy 8:18 What I am able to do, God wants me to do God equips you will you need for doing well - Hebrews 13:21 Seriously examine what you are good at doing and do it God will never ask to something you have no talent for Abilities are not just to make a living, but also for service for him Be sure to use our abilities to help each other - 1 Peter 4:10 |
2008-06-29 - Purpose Driven Life - Using Personality and Experiences Personality You are very unique 102,400,000,000 in DNA terms It is obvious that God loves variety It is easier to work with the grain than against it Experiences
Greatest ministry comes from our most likely come from your greatest pain When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the comfort God has given us - 2 Corinthians 1:4 Paual was honest with his bouts of depression If Paul kept his experience to himslef, millions of people would have never benefitted from it Don't waste your pain, us it to help others
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2008-06-30 - Purpose Driven Life - Using What God Gave You Begin by assessing your gifts and talents Take a long honest look at what you are good at Experiment with different areas of service Consider your heart and personality Examine your experiences and extract lessons you have learned Remember today what you have learned about the Lord - Deuteronomy 11:2 Were rarely see God's good purpose - John 13:7 Run with patience the particular race that God has set before us - Hebrews 12:1 Satan can steal our joy by:
Avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only God's commendations - 1 Corinthians 10:12-18
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2008-07-05 - Purpose Driven Life - Gods Power in My Weakness (part 1) God loves weak people and everyone has weaknesses We usually deny, defend, excuse, hide and resent weaknesses God wants to use our strengths and weaknesses - 1 Corinthians 1:27 Admit your weaknesses Might be a good idea to list them Two great confessions:
Be content with your weaknesses I am glad about my weaknesses, so the power of Christ may work - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Reasons to be content:
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2008-07-09 - Purpose Driven Life - Made for a Mission (part 1) Your mission is both shared and specific Mission = Latin word for "sending" As the Father has sent me, I am sending you - John 20:21 Jesus understood he was on a mission:
We have been sent to speak for Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20 Your mission is a continuation of Jesus' mission on earth He call us not only to come to him but go for him |
2008-07-10 - Purpose Driven Life - Made for a Mission (part 2) Your mission is a wonderful privilege
Telling others how they can have eternal is the best thing you can do If have the cure for AIDs, you would share it You just have to remember the hopeless you felt without Christ Your mission has eternal significance Impact the eternal destiny of other people Consequences will last for ever; consequences of your job will not All of us must quickly carry our tasks; all work comes to an end - John 9:4 |
2008-07-12 - Purpose Driven Life - Sharing Your Message (Testimony) Your message includes testimony Tell other of the difference he made for you - 1 Peter 2:9 Witnessing = simply sharing your personal experiences regarding the Lord In court witness are NOT expected to:
You will be my witnesses - Acts 1:8 Personal stories:
Four parts of your testimony:
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2008-07-13 - Purpose Driven Life - Sharing Your Message (Lessons) David - "God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course" - Psalms 119:33 Here are some questions to help you remember the lesson God has taught us:
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2008-07-16 - Purpose Driven Life - Becoming a World-Class Christian (part 2) Shift from self-centered thinking to other-centered thinking Stop thinking like children (thinking like only of self), and like like mature people (grown ups) - 1 Corinthians 14:20 Most advertising encourages selfish thinking To make the paradigm switch to mature thinking - need to dependence of God God has given us his Spirit so we don't think like the world thinks - 1 Corinthians 2:12 Shift from local thinking to global thinking God so loved the world... - John 3:16 God made all the nations and where they would be, so we would look for him - Acts 17:26-27 The world already thinks globally: business, competition, and news If you ask me, I will give you the nations - Psalms 2:8 What should we pray for?
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2008-07-18 - Purpose Driven Life - Balancing Your Life (part 1) God 5 purposes for your life:
Churches do the same thing Habits to stay on track: Talk it through in a spiritual group Helps you to internalize information Helps with accountability - Iron sharpens iron - Proverbs 27:17 Helps you put in the practice what you learned - Philippians 4:9 Helps encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Give yourself a regular checkup Test yourself - 2 Corinthians 13:5 Take a look at the way you are living - Lamentations 3:40 |
2008-07-19 - Purpose Driven Life - Balancing Your Life (part 2) Write down your progress in a journal We remember what we record Writing helps clarify what God is doing in your life Moses kept a written record of their progress - Numbers 33:2 (NLT) Moses recorded the stages in their journey - Numbers 33:2 (NIV) Don't just record the good things David recorded his fears, doubts, and struggles with God Write down for the coming generations what the Lord has done - Psalms 56:8 Pass on what you know to others He who blesses others is abundantly blessed - Proverbs 11:25 Paul told us spiritual things so we tell others - 2 Timothy 2:2 Knowledge increases responsibility - James 4:17 Teaching other followers = a good servant of Christ - 1 Timothy 4:6 We learn for God's glory and the growth of the kingdom |
2008-07-22 - 30 Days at the Cross - Hating Sin We can feel pain because God feels pain Questions:
Amazing grace cost amazing pain Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? - James 4:4-5 How does God feel about:
Imagine that you can home from work and you found a dog that just kill your child We killed Jesus with our sin, how should we be treated?
Resist the devil and he will flee; Come near to God and he will near to you - James 4:7-10 |
2008-07-26 - 30 Days at the Cross - Wisdom and Power of God Will the cross ever make sense to the world? Will all the wisdom of the world, no one has found God Jews sought a miracle worker general ignoring scriptures like Isaiah 53 God's plan was never to impress prideful scholars or to find acceptance among the rulers of the ages Some things never change:
Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing God didn't come to impress the world. Are you? |
2008-07-31 - Questions and Answers - Part 1 Answered the following questions in the Q & A section:
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2008-08-09 - 30 Days at the Cross - If the King is a Servant What Jesus rightly deserved and what he received while here on earth were quite different Jesus didn't resent or resist his role He had a desire and compassion to help others Greatest of humility and suffering for him to subject himself to the cruelest of deaths - Philippians 2:8 People who have a major impact are the ones who serve Nothing moves the human heart more than someone who puts the needs of another above his own need It is a rare and precious expression of love Jesus has called you and me to be like him and take on his attitude toward serving others Jesus' serving was not limited to his friends (but also his enemies) His people will do the simple acts of service for the "least" among us Easier to serve someone on a schedule; more difficult if unexpected or interrupting my schedule |
2008-08-18 - 30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
When he died, almost everyone thought evil won Satan pulled out all the stops. 7 moves to turn the tables:
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2008-08-20 - 30 Days at the Cross - I Am Not Alone Stress, word for the modern world, everyone has too much of it Synonymical cousins: worry, frustration, and impatience Vacation sometimes causes it Sociologists and Psychologist make a lot of money because of it Jesus never was described as stressed Jesus was tempted in every way as we are - Hebrews 4:15 How did he conquer stress? He was not alone - John 16:31-32 Allowing stress to overwhelm us is sin - focus on ourselves It tempts us to let our emotions lead over our convictions Worry - always be thousands of reasons to worry - still sin Frustration - thing don't go the way we think it should - we need faith We too can overcome stress - we too are not alone |
2008-08-24 - 30 Days at the Cross - United Hearts Unity has an immense impact on our lives What are the obstacles to unity?
Sin is the ultimate cause of all disunity. Forgiveness is the ultimate cure. It defies our nature Who do you need to totally forgive? |
2008-08-28 - Teach Us To Pray - Strength and Shield The closest solar system is 3.5 light years away or 21 trillion miles Some galaxies have 10 trillion stars Countless are the stars but has no trouble Our visible universe is 15 trillion by 6 trillion miles across We need to learn to trust God's ability to meet our daily needs:
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2008-09-06 - Teach Us To Pray - Praise and Thanksgiving God's plan is a blessing and not a burden - 1 John 5:3 Once we lose our gratitude, we have lost everything Growing in Gratitude
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2008-09-10 - Teach Us To Pray - Alone and in Private Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:13, and Luke 4:42 - shows us that Jesus often went to solitary places to pray Solitude is essential in developing a deep relation ship with God Psalms 5, 38, and 42 are examples of how open and expressive David was with God We get fired up by sermons, fellowship, and music - Jesus went to be alone Prayer times make special memories Ideas for times with God:
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2008-09-16 - Teach Us To Pray - The Church of Jesus Disciples must have a deep commitment to pray for the needs of the church:
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2008-09-19 - Teach Us To Pray - Direction for Decisions Most difficult decision are not so much a question of right and wrong but rather what is good, better, and best When ask according to God's will, he hears us - 1 John 5:14-15 God give wisdom in prayer (James 1:5) and through his Word (Hebrews 5:14) He will give us wisdom to discern what is best God also gives wisdom to men and women in his kingdom It is would be foolish and arrogant to not actively seek out wisdom God has made available Should imitate leaders faith - Hebrews 13:7 |
2008-09-22 - Teach Us To Pray - Enemies and Opposition Whoever the enemies may be, the words of Jesus are still the same: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you - Matthew 5:44 It our enemies who afford us the opportunity to glory God by shining like stars - Philippians 2:15 Must forgive and love our enemies to be permitted to be sons of God - Matthew 5:44 When praying for our enemies, we should focus on:
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2008-09-24 - Teach Us To Pray - Plans to Prosper Us God has plans to prosper you - Jeremiah 29:10-13 Quiet time about things that happened in Flavio and Renee Uribe's life as they trusted in God. The found out that their plans and prayers didn't come about on their timing. |
2008-10-05 - Man of Prayer - Name In Jesus' day, a person's name reflected one's character God had powerful encounters with an individual, he would change the person's name with the change in them Halllow mean to treat with great reverence Focusing our thoughts helps lead to a response of worship Many focus on telling God their needs, need to focus on God Seek first his kingdom - Matthew 6:33 In interpersonal communication, remember a person's name is very important Moses asked God, "Who shall I say sent me?" God answered, "Tell them I AM has sent you" YHWH (Yahweh) is the proper name of the living God God is the God who is, who causes to be, and who will be who He will be Thinking about God in this way gets my focus on Him |
2008-10-06 - Man of Prayer - YHWH-tsidkenu YHWH-tsidkenu means "the Lord our righteousness" Remembering Jesus' name in Hebrew Ya'shua which means "God is salvation" Thank God that I had no righteous of my own, Jesus died for me - source of my righteousness Pause to think about what Christ has done for me |
2008-10-08 - Man of Prayer - YHWH-shamma God is "the Lord who is present" He has a great desire to dwell in the lives of believers:
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2008-10-12 - Man of Prayer - YHWH-nissi Means "the Lord is my banner" Given when Moses built an alter after Israel defeated the Amaleties - Exodus 17:15 Recognize God as the source of victory and success in our lives We no longer need to fear, he has broken the curse of the law - source of our fear of failure He has shown us how to live a life of spiritual prosperity and success - Joshua 1:8 |
2008-10-15 - Man of Prayer - Understanding the Kingdom In the New Testament, kingdom is used from the Greek word basileai Refers to "realm" of a king Westerners think "kingdom speaks of geography Biblical times emphasized "reign" or "dominion" = wherever the king reigns The kingdom is within you - Luke 17:21 Seek first His kingdom (not a piece of real estate) - Matthew 6:33 God ultimately reigns over the entire universe but for the moment God does not reign everywhere on earth Until then we must pray to advance God's kingdom everywhere |
2008-10-18 - Man of Prayer - Praying for our personal lives Jesus has given us permissions to seek divine intervention He delights in our desire to experience His intervention Part our our prayer time should be devoted to our needs: What do you want? Sometimes we do not have because we do not ask - James 4:2 OR because our motivation is not proper Asking for God's favor can not be self-centered because God is infinite: David asked to be the apple of God's eye - Psalms 17:8 He was a man after his own heart - Acts 13:22 Spiritual needs may include:
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2008-10-30 - Man of Prayer - Futile Solutions God has the solution to sin, but man tries to come up with other ones Eastern philosophy - experiencing the oneness of god by escaping the world of material illusion Modern pharisee - do more good Every system has a solution But guilt will ultimately destroy you Some seek to atone by becoming religous or working at humanitarian causes Other punish themselves through drugs to self-hatred, depression, or low-self-esteem These don't work... |
2008-11-02 - Man of Prayer - Sinning against each other Part of prayer needs to be focused on remembering who has offended us and then making a conscious decision to forgive them When our sin has caused emotional, spiritual, or physical damage to another - we need restitution - asking forgiveness Forgiveness:
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2008-11-07 - Man of Prayer - Deliverance from evil Literally - Deliverance from the evil or the evil one - Matthew 6:13 First law of spiritual warfare - Satan hates you and has a diabolical plan for your life Jesus has given us the authority in prayer for overcoming the schemes and attacks One of the greatest privileges and responcablities we have |
2008-11-09 - Man of Prayer - Spiritual Protection (part 2) When a farmer planted a vineyard in Israel, he would build a hedge around it to keep foxes, pest, and other predators out God refers to Israel as His vineyard and he has built a hedge around it When Israel slipped into idolatry, God would remove the hedge and the nation would be attacked Example in Isaiah 5:5 The instant we pray for protection, it is in place = we know this by faith If not, I leave my family and I open to attack |
2008-11-11 - Man of Prayer - Perfect Pattern (part 1) People don't get into shape because they don't know what to do or how to get going Learning how to start slow and build gradully plays a critical role in getting into shape The practice if prayer has the same dynamics 1. Am I properly positioned to pray?
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2008-11-14 - Man of Prayer - Meditation One may ask, where is the quiet listening part of prayer in this book God encourages us to be still and know that he is God - Psalms 46:10 Mature prayer is not intended to be a monologue, but a dialogue Christian meditation and Eastern meditation has to do with is in our minds as meditate Biblically based contemplation and meditation seeks not to empty the mind but fill it |
2008-11-23 - Raising Awesome Kids - Provision and Protection If anyone does not provide for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever - 1 Timothy 5:8 Our families should never have to worry about where the next meal is coming from Our Heavenly Father provides for all our physical needs - Matthew 6:25-34 We should not imitate him in caring for my children? He works his land , will have abundant food - Proverbs 28:19 Get adequate medical insurance - so you do not burden your family will major costs Takes care of things around the house Do the repair jobs and maintenance work Husbands who are lazy - kids will see this and either disrespect us or gladly imitate us in it Fathers are protectors If any family member is in a situation where they are being beaten down, overwhelmed - this is the time to act Should not shield them from the realities of life, but from the forces from which they become helpless |
2008-11-27 - Raising Awesome Kids - Compassion and Caring God cares! Nothing too great or too small can escape his notice We also some be available to meet the needs of our family Otherwise, because they have given up trying to reach us, they will have no desire to talk to us anymore "Why can't I reach my kids?" - we weren't there when they reached for us God hurts for us and with us He looks for and has compassion for us - Luke 15:20 We need forgiveness and we need to grant it Our children are.... children Expect a lot, let them be kids - God is patient with us |
2008-12-13 - Raising Awesome Kids - Winning Obedience from Children (part 2) First principle = first time obedience Sometimes the whole issues comes down to the "mother of all battles" If you have failed in this area:
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2008-12-28 - Raising Awesome Kids - Nurturing Confidence (part 1) Early life is a long struggle for self-esteem Kids can be viciously cruel to one another If not watchful, we will be completely oblivious to difficulties our children are facing Wrong Foundations of Confidence Physical Appearance If we make it a big deal, we are setting u our children for problems They will gauge their self-worth on appearance and judge others that same way
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2008-12-31 - Raising Awesome Kids - How to Nuture Confidence (part 1) Only proper foundation is their relationship with God Develops confidence without cockiness Stress a relationship with God Focus on character - Tell your children over and over again that heart and attitude matter to God Applaud effort than ability Two of three men were successful because of their efforts not their ability - Matthew 25 Enough openness
Search out your kids strengths - everyone has at least some It is your job to help children discover and succeed in those things |