. (125 found)
2008-04-10 - Falling in Love with God - Jesus: Together Forever No eye has seen,
No ear has heard
No mind has conceived
What God has prepared for those who love him - 1 Corinthians
Our Journey to heaven is like a race:
- If you start too fast, you can die
- The most important thing is finishing
- Cannot compare myself to anyone else or I will get thrown off
- I think about walking when I think no one is looking
- Envy people standing on the sidelines
- Finish line seems to literally pull me along
Heaven is the finishing line that should literally pull me along
Can you imagine what it will be like to see Christ face to face?
He might say something like "I never doubted; I knew you would make it!"
I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far - Philippians 1:21-26
Better than what? Better than all.
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2008-04-16 - Falling in Love with God - Holy Spirit in our lives Jesus was intimately connected to the Holy Spirit
If we are to fall in love with God, it is only be through the Holy Spirit
Examples of God's spirit involved with restoration of David:
- David knew he could go nowhere to escape God Spirit - Psalms 139:7
- Spirit lead David to "level ground" - Psalms 143:10
- David pleaded for God's Spirit to remain with him - Psalms 51:11
With the Spirit the road becomes impossible to navigate
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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
- Honest with who you are - otherwise we are just fooling ourselves - 1 John 1:7-8
- Requires courage and humility
- We only grow by taking risks - being honest is a major risk
... Mutuality (Romans 1:12)
- Depending on each other
- Sharing responsibility
- Mutual accountability
... Sympathy
- Sharing pain of others (Colossians 3:12)
- Meet needs of being understood and the validation of our feelings
- Self-Pity dries up sympathy for others
- Times of crisis, grief, doubt when we need each other the most
... Mercy
- Can't have fellowship without forgiveness
- Bitterness and resentment always destroys fellowship
- Never be asked to forgive someone more than God has forgiven you
- Energy for retaliation or resolution?
- Forgiveness immediate; Trust takes time
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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
Lord is close to the brokenhearted - Psalms 34:18
God had the ability to kept:
- Joesph out of jail
- Daniel out the lion's den
- Paul from being shipwrecked 3 times
- Young Hebrew from being thrown in a furance
... but he didn't
Problem force us to look to God and depend on him
None of your problem could happen without God's permission
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.
- "God causes everything" - God is behind everything
- "to work together" - work together as part of God's plan
- "for the good" - the end result is for our hearts to be more like Jesus
- "of those who love God" - those who are obedient
- "according to his purpose" - the purpose is "become like his Son"
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2008-08-17 - 30 Days at the Cross - Do not Come Down! Jesus was tempted with the words, "save yourself, come down from the cross
If they understood the eternal significance of the moment, they would have cried "No, Jesus! Do not come down!"
Jesus was tempted:
- Simply save himself and let everyone fend for themselves
- Come down in hope that they would believe
- Settle on improving their lives but not saving them
What kept him up there?
- Jesus also loved the world that he gave his only life - Love
- He cared deeply for others
- He knew he could bring salvation to many
Our mission is the same (Luke 9:23) - must deny self and lose our life for others
We must quit looking for some new,easy approach and decide to love
The world is screaming out: "Save yourself! Come down from the cross!"
Jesus cries: "Do not come down!"
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2008-08-22 - 30 Days at the Cross - Not Surprise by Joy
Joy set before him endured the cross - Hebrews 12:2-3
Jesus was a joyful person; even at the cross - at the cross it seemed that everything was going wrong
Yet joy joy was still in the heart of Jesus:
- He knew God was in control
- He didn't agrue with God
- He didn't need explaination
- He didn't need to justify himself
- He entrusted himself to the one who judges - 1 Peter 2:23
When we try to take over God's role - there is no joy
Jesus prayed for his disciples to have the full measure of his joy - John 17:13
Even the violent scene of the cross brought about joy and hope
What will you allow to steal your joy?
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2008-09-12 - Teach Us To Pray - In Marriage and Family
Unless the Lord builds, its builder labor in vain - Psalms 127:1-2
Solomon probably knew the truth of this passage as much as anyone
He saw incrediable tragedy in his own family from the result of his father's unspiritual leadership
His family stands as a warning to all married disciples of how Satan can destroy the most precious of all human relationships
Powerful benefits of daily prayer with one another:
- Prayer keeps your relationship spiritual focused
- Prayer keeps us going to bed united - Ephesians 4:26-27
- Prayer makes us more grateful
- Prayer gives us focus and direction
Prayer in family life:
- Nightly prayer with children from infancy
- Daily devotionals with younger school children - 15min in the morning
- Taking pray walks with teenage children
- Quiet Times with one another
- Praying as a family about major decisions and challenges
- Praying with children after they are disciplined adds powerfullly to the impact of such training
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2008-10-16 - Man of Prayer - Then and Now People of the OT knew there was going to be a incredible upheaval - know as the Day of the Lord
Jesus changed our understanding of the Kingdom of God
Some religious leader rejected Jesus and his message
They said Jesus was from Satan when he was casting out demons - Matthew 12:26-28
- Satan would be destroying himself
- Or He was telling the truth
OT understanding
Day of the Lord
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This Age
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The Age to Come
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Kingdoms of Man
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Kingdom of God
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NT understanding
Kingdom of God |
After the Resurrection
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Jesus returns
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2009-01-26 - Jesus with People - Nic at Night
Some people's needs could be quickly dealt with: "Heal my blindness" or "Let me just touch your garment"
But not Nicodemus, Jesus knew it would be a long night - John 3:1-3
Nicodemus, was a man looking for something:
- Groun up learning about God
- Surrounded by a system caught up in traditions
- Knew the Bible stories
- Very active in the Jewish faith
- Jesus capured his attention by his teachings and his works
- Felt that there was something missing
Could this be right? Could Jesus be the Messiah?
Jesus was straight to the point: I tell you the truth, you must be born again - John 3:3
He needed a wake up call - Same lesson we need today - we need a new birth
He was part a system of legalism (following rules with seeking the heart of God)
People trying to earn what God desired to just give them
Nicodemus knew he could get time with Jesus and he did
He receieved the answer and Jesus taught him the depth of God's love
Who was intrumental in answering your questions and healping you see the truth?
What sacrifices do you see that they made for you?
Are you doing the same for others?
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2009-01-27 - Jesus with People - Rich Young Ruler
Luke 18:22-24
Wouldn't all Christians love to meet someone who comes across as this man does initially?
Most of us would say, "can we study the Bible?"
Jesus had a very different responce because he knew his heart
Sell everything and follow him = It's not what you do but who you are
For him to have a heart set fully on following Jesus - it meant a willingness to seel all
Following the exchange, it became clear - the man was out of touch with himself and God
Jesus did challenge him but he also loved him
He pointed the man to the narrow way
At the same time he drew him close want to give him strength, faith, and hope
Jesus does not get into a lengthy theological debate
He saw weaknesses the man had to deal with if he was going to enter the kingdom of God
Each of us lacks that "one thing" deep down that we must give up and following Jesus
Something we don't know what it is but God will reveal it - Hebrews 4:12-13
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2009-02-03 - Jesus with People - Give or Take? World seem to be divided into givers and takers
Usually we feel as though we are the givers and everyone else is a taker
We can draw back and become cynical - before long we cling to possessions, our rights or our feelings
At that point we have become takers
We would never admit it - and many of us do not see it
Jesus meet a man that was a taker - Matthew
Matthew was no different than us - he probably had a family with mouths to feed
As he left the office and crept closer toward the crowd surrounding Jesus
He heard the words - You must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me
Jesus then walked up to Matthew and said "Follow me"
His life changed forever - became a disciple of Jesus
How did Jesus know? do it? Jesus knew that he was sick and need to get well - Mark 2:17
We need to see people as they ready are and what they can become
Is there some in your life you can share with but haven't because you don't think they are open?
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2009-02-04 - Jesus with People - Perceiving Potential
John 1:42
Usually when you meet someone, you introduce yourself - Jesus knew Peter and changed his name!
Peter saw himself |
Jesus saw Peter |
As a fisheran |
As a fisher of men |
Ordinary Life |
Life of preaching the life-changing gospel |
Holding a smelly fish net |
Holding the keys of the kingdom |
No impact beyond the Sea of Galilee |
Turning the world upside down |
Jesus looked at people differently than they look at themself
Others saw Peter |
Jesus saw Peter |
Volatility |
Passion |
Subbornness |
Determination |
Simon |
Peter |
Jesus knew he would fail but he never gave up on Peter.
What name might Jesus give you?
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2009-02-05 - Jesus with People - Realness
When it comes to friendship, Jesus again sets the standard
Jesus knew John:
- Jesus saw his weaknesses - yet accepted him - Mark 3:17
- Jesus did not hesitate to call him to be a follower - spite of his temperament - Mark 1:19-20
- He expect John to change - Luke 9:51-56
- Jesus questioned his commitment when John sought power - Mark 10:35-37
Incredible thing about John is that it would seem that he never doubted Jesus' love
He refered to himself 5 times as the "disciple that Jesus loved"
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2009-02-07 - Jesus with People - Openness
Jesus opened his heart to his friends
It is why John knew Jesus was troubled during the night at the garden - John 13:21
Jesus completely bared his very soul to his three closest friends - Matthew 26:38
He did not retreat to be alone - drew John and others close to him
All the while knowing that they were unworthy of his trust and fell sleep when he needed them the most
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2009-02-18 - Jesus with People - Doing What We Ought 1 Timothy 6:13-14
Compared to previous struggles, the "Jesus dilemma" made the governor's worries look minuscule
Jesus was accused of
- stirring up the people - Luke 23:5
- being an insurrectionist -Luke 23:13-14
- being a blasphemer - Matthew 26:65
- being a criminal - John 18:30
Jesus' friends had deserted him
Masses that had given homage were the same crowds asking for his death
Jesus always did what was right
Pontius Pilate knew what he ought to do and what he wanted to do but did not do it
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2009-02-21 - Jesus with People - Devil in Disguise
John 13:27-31
Jesus knew all men - John 2:24-25
He knew their thoughts - Matthew 12:25
He knew Judas would betry him to death - John 13:11
Have I not chosen you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil! - John 6:70
Jesus not only tolerated Judas, he lavished love on him
So perfectly that the other 11 did not even suspect Judas after 3 years
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2009-03-16 - Promises of God - Strength From Prayer
Jesus had to overcome unfathomable temptation - Matthew 26:36-36
If he chose to follow through with his Father's will: humiliting insults, excruciating beatings, and agoninzing crucifixion would follow
Jesus: If it's possible, may this cup be taken from me
He knew what we needed to do
He struggled to get his heart where it needed to be
He prayed until he found strength he needed to overcome
We should ask ourselves: How many hours have I wrestled with it in prayer?
We cannot expect to withstand tempation if we are not ready to wrestle in prayer until God gives us the strength
We must turn to God at the moment we are tempted - it may take hours but we will have great power to resist sin
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2009-05-01 - No one like him - Differences from Jesus and the prophets (part 2) 4. Forgiving sins
Prophets – God can forgive your sins
Jesus – He said their sins were given by him
To the paralytic - “…may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10)
To the sinful women – “her many sins have been forgiven” (Luke 7:47)
5. Called himself “Son of Man” / Savior
Prophets – God saves
Jesus knew he was the one to save the world from sin
“…Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45)
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28)
6. He is a judge
Prophets – God judges
Jesus - “…my judgment is just” (John 5:30))
On the last day - “Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord…” (Matthew 7:22)
No genuine prophet ever preached like this
- How to live
- Be committed to him
- Should love him
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2009-05-02 - No one like him - His dependence on God (part 1) No one claimed to be able to do what he did
He knew the result would be if he completely depended on God – gave confidence
Dependency can have negative connotations; those who are dependent sometimes are looked down on.
Bible says not to depend on ourselves or other men … but on God.
- “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength..” (Jeremiah 17:5
- “…lean no on your own understanding.: (Proverbs 3:5)
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2009-06-12 - A Life of Impact - Expectation and Encouragement
Expectation
Mark 1:1
- He expected a lot out of Himself
- He knew he was born to save the world
- Wallow in self-pity, to cower in fear, or simply giving up is inappropriate behavior
Mark 1:2-8 - People consistently live up to the perceptions others have of them
Encouragement
Mark 1:9-11
- He told him that he was special
- God is a god who initiates love
- How would we change if we realized the amount of love God has for us
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2009-07-18 - A Life of Impact - Time Management
Time Management
Mark 8:27-30
- Jesus lived a very busy life.
- Jesus often accomplished several things at once.
- Jesus knew time was limited.
Reputation
- We also need to find out how others perceive us.
- We shouldn’t fear their disapproval.
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2009-07-19 - A Life of Impact - Timing
Timing
Mark 8:31-33
- He did not reveal things prematurely.
- There is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him. – Ecc 8:6
Approachability
- Peter and the other disciples knew that they could say anything to Jesus and he would continue to accept them.
- A leader must be approachable.
- Approachability is not the product of timidity.
- People won’t open up to someone they perceive as being weak and unable to help them.
- Approachability is the fruit of those who have the ability to listen completely before responding.
- Confidentiality: Public offenses demand public discipline. (What goes around comes around)
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2009-08-01 - A Life of Impact - Anger Anger
Mark 11:11-19
- He was furious about the fruitfulness of another “tree” that he had planted, watered, weeded, fertilized.
- Jesus cleared the temple at the beginning of His ministry and also here at the end of His of His ministry
- There was no fear of God.
Restraint
- Jesus knew the right place and the right time the do the things needed.
- He was disciplined and self-controlled for just the right time.
Relentlessness
- What made Jesus angry was the stubborn refusal of most to change.
- A willingness to change is a precious and seemingly rare behavioral characteristic.
- Become exceedingly insecure and defensive when we are awakened to the existence of personal deficiencies.
- We must also get angry about obstinacy in our own lives and other people’s lives.
Fearsomeness
- Why didn’t anyone try to stop Jesus as he was taking over the temple? (Only one person and many of them)
- They knew that they were in the wrong.
- Teachers of the law and chief priests feared Jesus
- If people consider you a “nice guy” and are not in awe of you, you probably won’t have much impact.
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2009-08-07 - A Life of Impact - A Champion
A Champion
Mark 12:35-37
- Winning isn’t everything but for the man or woman who desires to make an impact, it is extremely important
- Few people rush to associate themselves with a loser.
- Fight fair and do your best.
- Second-place finishers are all but ignored in the championship celebration
Reprobation
Mark 12:38-44
- He knew that he had gained the upper hand.
- Yet he also knew that popular opinion would turn.
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2009-08-12 - A Life of Impact - Unconditional Love
Unconditional Love
Mark 14:17-26
- Jesus knew yet did not treat Judas any different than he treated the other eleven.
- Conditional love puts an unbearable strain on relationships
- Unconditional gives security, wipes away fear, builds confidence, adds hope, teaches perseverance, and erases discouragement and doubt.
- The key is not to love if or because of, but to love in spite of. In-spite-of love cannot fail to make a lasting impact.
The Memorial
- Jesus died for us as individuals
- It is the forgiveness of sins, my sins.
- People need frequent reminders
- We soon forget what is important.
- The activities of life so easily distract us and we so quickly lose our convictions.
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