Quiet Times Search

• Thought of Jesus as a Messianic Champion
• Thought Jesus would reveal himself in a fierce battle
• “You are the Christ!”
• All the right data
  • Witness the transfiguration – built shelters for Moses, Jesus, and Elijah – Jesus said Peter didn’t know what he was saying
  • Night of the betrayal – Peter said bring it on, he held on hope that 12 leagues of angels would come; drawn his sword to the guard
  • Peter joined the other disciples in Jerusalem – with “one mind” in prayer and purpose

• Great Commission
  • Go, baptize and teach
  • Go to the ends of the earth preaching the Gospel - Mark 16:15
  • Not only followed but led others to follow.
• · Pray for workers
  • Mass ripe for harvest – pray for harvesters.
  • God already loves us – we need to pray specifically
  • Only hope for men is to go to them with the gospel of Salvation
  • Won by working faithfully, patiently, painstakingly until they become fruitful Christians

What occupies my mind?
What concerns me?
When I think of security, is my focus on God or money?

If we are eager and driven to gain more we will stray from the faith and be pierced with many griefs - 1 Timothy 6:10

Secret to being content, I can do everything through him that gives me strength - Philippians 4:12-13

Judas: example of someone trying to live with 2 masters:

• Expressed concern for a waste of money that could have gone to the poor - John 12:4-6
• The hold money had on Judas' heart eventually led to his betrayal of Jesus

• There must a real involvement in each other's lives - we need each other
  
• We fail to realize the strength of discouragement and its ability to gradually eat away at our conviction and faith
• There is a strong sense of spiritual obligation
• See to it - not hope it happens
• Make sure it happens - Who? you

• Meeting together is not only benefiting us but it is also helping others
• Does not exclusively refer to services of the church

• We feel uncomfortable which people getting involved with our lives at all
• We tell people what we think they should do and expect them to do it

• We have access to the Father
• We a great high priest
• We have full assurance
• We have a clean conscience
• We have hope
• We have a faithful God

1. The performance model
2. The grace model

• There are never enough requirements we could meet
• There are never enough rules we could keep
• There is never enough rituals we could experience
• Even if obedient to death, our only hope of salvation come from work from another

• Who God is
• What God can do
• The changes he can make
  
• The victory he will most certainly achieve

• Beauty
• Affliction

• Dinner out
• Vacation
• A new ______

Jesus offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry to the one who could deliever him - Hebrews 5:7

Strong desires make strong prayers

Children are often not embarrassed by desire
We hide our true desires and call it maturity - Jesus is not impressed

Why are we embarrassed by our desire? Why do we pretend?

• Persistent widow wasn't embarrassed
• "Sinful" woman wasn't embarrassed

We don't pray like Jesus because we don't allow ourselves to nearly alive
We don't allow ourselves to feel how desparate our situation truely is

Pretending seems a much more reliable road to Christian maturity
Only the price is we pay for the loss of soul, communication with God, loss of direction and loss of hope

Without a deep and buring desire of our own, we will be ruled by the desires of others

• Drain life and beauty away from the church
• Bury Christians in duty
• Nobody will want to take a closer look

God promises evern man futility and failure
God guarantees every woman relational heartache and loneliness

We spend much of our time attempting to end these curses
We say, "I can make it work" and "I won't do what they did, I will overcome"

It can not be done
No matter how hard we try or have a clever plan - we can not arrange the life we desire

Will life ever be what I so deeply want it to be?

We must have life - we can not arrange for it

People avoid the lesson:

• Changing jobs
• Changing mates
• Changing direction in life

...rather than facing the truth - Isaiah 57:10

Some have seen that this will not work, yet they have faded into resignation, bitterness or dispair
They take their revenge on God by killing their desire

How do we accept that it can't be done with an open heart?
How do we sustain desire in the face of failure and loneilness.... Hope

In this world, you will have trouble
But take heart! I have overcome the world - John 16:33

Why aren't we encouraged by this?
We are still committed to arranging our life
We are disappointed that there is not a "7 secrets to a great life"

Desire can not live without hope. Hope in what?
Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed - 1 Peter 1:13
for most Christians, heaven is a backup plan

We try to create heaven here
In our heart we say, "I really could be happy here without God"
God must take away the heaven we create or it will become our hell

Jesus is Lord of the Harvest

Matthew 9:35-38

• Are you happy?
• Are the hopeless and harassed?
• Happiness produces more than guilt-driven action.

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath

Matthew 12:1-14

• Why do you go to church?
  • Out of habit?
  • Because you are suppose to?
    • Law is here to protect, direct, and save us

• Obeying comes happiness
• We show God we love him by obeying him.

Spring reminds us that life can return to the dead
The return of spring brings such a relief and joy and anticipation
Might spring and summer may be nature way of expressing Jesus was trying to tell us?
Nature God's word to us also - Romans 1:20

Our ideas of heaven are sometimes not very desirable
Many Christians have some idea that heaven is an never-ending church service
And then our hearts sink
Forever and ever? That is it?

We sigh and feel guilty that is we are not more "spritual"
We then turn to the present to find what life we can
We can only hope for what we desire

Scripture tells us that God has set eternity in our hearts - Ecclesiastes 3:11
Where is out hearts? In our desires.

• Hopeless life of futility
• Anonymity in the bowels of a large corporation
• We don't even know what he really does

1. God shows up
2. The lights turn on for those who respond
3. Their heart is lifted; grateful tears flow
4. Faith, hope, and love seem like the only way to live
5. The next week, it is though nothing happened

1. God delivers his people from the Egyptians by his display of power - plagues, passover, red sea
2. Israelites celebrate with singing and dancing
3. Israelites complain about the water supply
4. God provides sweet water
5. They complain about the food
6. God drops breakfast from the sky
7. They complain about the water again
8. God provides water from a rock

• God goes to war to set his people free in Exodus
• War to get to the promise land - Exodus 17:16
• War to get into the promise land - battle of Jericho
• Wars to keep the promise land - battles with Canannites, Philistines, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Midianites
• Deborah, Gideon, David, Elijah goes to war

• by sin
• by others
• by the enemy

• Hope?
• Cynicism?
• Pride?

• What group did Jesus tangle with the most?
• Who start the rumors about Jesus to discredit him?
• Where did the open opposition to Christ come from?
• Who paid the 30 pieces of silver for Jesus' capture
• Who got the crowd to start yelling Barabbas when Pilot was ready to let Jesus go?

1. The Blessing of Giving - Acts 20:33-35
   1. Paul did not desire anyone else's money or possessions.
   2. He worked hard and sacrificed to help the weak.
   3. He knew that giving brought more joy than receiving.
2. Living for Eternal Possessions - Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 10:32-34
   1. When our treasure is in heaven not on earth, our hearts will be in heaven also.
   2. As disciples, we will look foolish to the world because our hearts and our treasures (money) are in heaven not on earth.
3. All Things For Our Enjoyment - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
   1. It is very easy for us who have wealth to put our hope and trust in money/things rather than God.
   2. As disciples we are commanded to be generous and willing to share.
   3. When we follow God"s plan we can feel great about enjoying the blessings God has given us.

1. Which do I desire more, to give or to receive?
2. How can I put all my treasure in heaven so that all my heart will be there also?
3. How am I being generous and willing to share on a daily basis?
4. Am I enjoying God's blessings or do I feel guilty about the things I have?

1. Introduction
   "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
   As Christians, we often fail to have a plan for our finances. Prior to doing this study, you may have even thought it unspiritual to spend time focusing on your finances. Hopefully, by now you have developed convictions as to God's plan for your finances. In this study, we will look at the need for us to establish a budget for our spending. A budget is a reasonable written plan for your giving, spending, and saving based on your income. It is a tool to help you to be a good steward of that which God has entrusted to you.
2. The Need for a Budget
   1. God expects you to know the condition of your flocks and herds (money, possessions, debts) Proverbs 27:23
   2. We must have a plan and commit it to God. Proverbs 16:3, 3:9
   3. Jesus teaches us to know the cost of something before we begin. It is foolish not to budget. Luke 14:28-30
3. Guidelines
   1. Plan first to give to God.
   2. Plan to live sacrificially, not beyond your means.
   3. Plan to have something to share, to be able to be generous with others.
   4. Plan to save for occasional or emergency expenses (e.g. special contributions, auto repairs, medical expenses, family trips).
   5. Plan to eliminate debt - Romans 13:8

1. Do I have a written budget that I use to plan my giving, spending, and saving?
2. Do I compare my actual spending to my budget?
3. Have I adopted a standard of living that enables me to stay out of debt and have enough to be generous with others?

• Blood of Jesus
• Word of our testimony - Revelation 12:11

• 2 Timothy 1:7 - The Holy Spirit
• 2 Corinthians 3:12 - Hope
• Romans 1:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - Conviction

• Pride – being afraid of what others think
• Small convictions – not seeing people as lost
• Selfishness – not caring about the lost
• Faithlessness – doubting that the harvest is great

• Bible does not condemn homosexuality
• Committed homosexual relationships is compatible with Biblical unity

• In the past, people were ashamed to go public
• People did not have to address it because it was understood
• Francis Turretin  (17th century) said that homosexuality was  - "sin against nature"

• The Apostle Paul tell Timothy that godliness through spiritual training by holding to his teachings has great value for this life and the next
• v10 - We must put our hope in God not self
  
• Question: What does the Bible say that we should set an example in? What area do you need to change the most?
• v16 - Your life and Bible must be equal (doctrine = beliefs)
• Not just know the Bible but live it out
• Do you have any questions so far? Do you understand so far?
• Question: Is this something you want to really go after every day?
• Briefly share about when you first started studying to be a disciple - the challenge, hope and desire

• Question: How do you think the Word is living and active today?
• The Bible judges the everything:
  • thoughts
  • attitudes
  • insecurities
  • criticalness
  • impurities
• Nothing is hidden from God sight. Do you realize that?

• John 14:10 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work
• John 8:38 - I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence
• Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ
• Colossians 1:27 - Christ in you, the hope of glory
• Colossians 3:4 - Christ, who is your life
• Galatians 2:20 - Christ lives in me

• 1 John 2:3-6 - We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.

1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?

1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
2. Who does God send to preach?
3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?

1. Why does your hope in Christ go beyond this earthly life?
2. Why are we as Christians to be pitied if there is no eternal life?

1. What is the mystery Paul tells us (vs.51)?
2. Why do we normally fear death - and why should we no longer be afraid of dying?
3. Why should we work for the Lord? What will happen when we give ourselves completely?

1. When were you raised with Christ?
2. What should you be thinking about from now on?
3. What things should you stop thinking about so much?

1. What does God promise to those who seek him with all their hearts?
2. Are you seeking him or something else?

1. What should make you content?
2. What will a desire for money and things do to your life?
3. How does someone "wander" from the faith?
4. What other desires could make us wander?

• Compassion causes us to act. Mark 1:40 - 42
• Compassion compels us to invest emotionally. John 11: 33 - 35
• Compassion inspires hope. Mark 5:25 - 34

• Do we have compassion on all people? - Psalms 145:9
• Do we restore people with compassion? - Zechariah 10:16
• Do we show compassion to the weak? - Isaiah 42:3 & 4
• Do we stifle compassion in our ministries? - Amos 1:11
• Do you see the spiritual suffering of people?

• Write a list of all the people that God has put into your life to pick you up when you fall. Thank them for being there for you.
• Write a list of all the ways that God has moved powerfully in your life to keep you faithful in the hard times.
• Thank God for those times.
• Share the things that God has done in your life with a non-Christian today.

• Pray about everything before you do it: pray about decisions, hopes and plans. God will bless it.
• Get advice about the plans you are making.
• Relax and enjoy your relationship with God, enjoy reaching out to people, enjoy your purpose.
  
• Don't try to prove anything to anyone, except that you love being a Christian.

 Luke 1:13 - Your prayer has been heard

A priest’s intercession for the nation undoubtedly included a petition for the Messiah, Israel’s promised Deliverer and King.

The Creator and Sustainer of the universe was ready to answer a prayer that had been prayed for hundreds of years, but He purposely chose a man who could pray an old prayer with a fresh heart.

The prayer at that exact moment may not have been for a son.
Perhaps he remembered Abraham and Sarah, and he knew God could do the impossible.

Zechariah could not possibly have known was how intimately connected would be his corporate prayer for the Messiah and his personal prayer for a son.

Not becoming hopeless over a repetitious request can be terribly challenging.
God does not have some limited supply of power, requiring that we carefully select a few choice things to pray about.
God was simply waiting for the perfect time.

We need to continue to walk faithfully with God even though you are disappointed.
Recognizing all the other works God is doing in your life will prevent discouragement

Zechariah waited a long time for God’s answer, but when it came, it exceeded everything the priest could have thought or asked.

Can you even imagine being told in advance of your child’s conception that he or she would bring joy and delight to you and be great in the sight of the Lord?
We breathe a huge sigh of relief over a sonogram showing all the right appendages. What we’d give for a few guarantees about their character!

I come to you in the name of the Lord - 1 Samuel 17:45

David spoke words of confidence

He knew that God had sent him and He never sends a man to fight without equipping and guilding him

Goliath had size, armor, weapons and a hard heart on his side
David had a slingshot, some stones, and an abolute faith in God (delights in enabling the impossible)

It was a hopeless situation - for the Giant

The moment David accepted God's call to fight, Goliath was as good as dead.

This is the Lords battle! - 1 Samuel 17:47

What "giants" in your life make you feel like the underdog? In Christ, can not only win over the giants but have an abolute rout.

Everyone must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence - Jonah 3:7-8

The biggest enemy of godly leaders is not leading by example

Leading by example has always been one of a leader's greatest goals

• Want children to speak kindly? Speak kindly to them
• Want your coworkers and employees to be more consientious about their work? Show up on time and work deligently until you leave

Jonah warned the Ninevites of God's coming judgement and wrath

Their king responded by instructing his people to:

• Observe a time of fasting
• Pray
• Repent

...in hopes that God would change his minds and spare the city

The king of the Ninevites humility and leading by example saved his city from judgement and wrath

When you do as you say in life, you make it far easier for everyone around you to do the same

Jeremiah: Great is his faithfullness and his mercies begin afresh each morning - Lamentations 3:22-24

He surveyed th ruins of the once great city of Jerusalem

Jeremiah saw death and destruction all around and felt a pain we can only imagine

He found it within himslef to speak to his one Source of hope

Jeremaih recognized God had granted him life and could hope for better things from the hand of his heavenly Father

Where do you place your hope when you or loved ones encounter pain and difficulty?

Didn't our hearts burns within us as he talked with us - Luke 24:32

If I look at myself, I am depressed
If I look at those around me, I am disappointed.
If I look at my circumstances, I am discouraged
But if I look at Jesus, I am constantly, consistently and eternally fulfilled

When Jesus died, as the disciples saw it, all hope for a better life was gone

At just the right moment, Jesus reveal himself to them

When he disappeared from their sight, he took with him the pain, despair, and disappointment

When you face situations that leave you feeling despressed, disappointed, and discouraged, look to Jesus

Full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God - Acts 7:55

Nothing prompts change likea man's courage in the face of potential personal loss. Stephen had that kind of courage.

Religous leaders hoped persecuting Christians would put a stop to this new religious movement, exactly the opposite happened

Stephen willingly died for what he believed in and he contributed greatly to the spread of the gospel message

At the scene of Stephen's murder stood a young Pharisee named Saul - the same Saul God miraculously converted

Stephen's courage and faith in the face of death apparently made a lasting impression

Pauls bold preaching would change the world forever - Acts 22:19-20

Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. Is your lamp shining today?