Hebrews 12:28–29 (NIV) 28 Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire."
Luke 22:31–32 (NLT) 31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers."
1 Peter 5:8–9 (NLT) 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Acts 28:1–6 (NLT) Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. 2 The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us. 3 As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. 4 The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, "A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live." 5 But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. 6 The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn't harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.
Satan wants to devour you. 1. Deceive you
The Father of lies. Jn 8:44
Masquerades as an angel of light.- 2 Cor 11:14
2. Distract you "A distraction is intended to get your focus off the right thing." 3. Drive you away from God.
The enemy uses poison to accomplish his ends: 1. The poison of Crisis 2. The Poison of Criticism "You don't have to hold onto all criticism, just the true parts." 3. The Poison of Cynicism 4. The Poison of Celebration
Developing a resilient spirit: Shake the snake. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NLT) 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
1. Maintain Tenderness If you have forgotten how to be tender and gracious, you are not resilient; you are bitter. 2. Focus on depth, not distance. Work the root and watch the fruit.
3. Recognize your authority.
4. Submit to God. James 4:7 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
5. Resist. "Resistance develops resilience."
Titus 2:11–12 (NIV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Luke 13 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’”
1. You were planted to produce fruit!
Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Faithfulness = Fruitfulness "Don’t despise small starts, and don’t be impressed with rapid results."
2. The fruit you produce is not for yourself. Philippians 2.3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. “If you are seeking a goal out of selfish ambition you are inevitably going to be disappointed with the result.”
3. You must be open to caretaking. Hebrews 12:11 (ESV) For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. “There is a difference between barrenness and a lack of proper tending.” James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
“If Jesus was only born and died, Christmas is merely inspirational, but because he was resurrected, Christmas is transformational.” The resurrection story feels a lot like Christmas…
Mark 16:1–8 (ESV) 16 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
The Resurrection feels like Christmas 1. A Joseph and Mary 2. A repurposed place 3. Surprises -A Full womb -An Empty womb 4. Angels are present 5. Fear and Assurance Angel comforting Mary: Luke 1:30–33 (NIV) 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Angel comforting Mary’s " Mark 16:6 (ESV) He said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
6. The Good News Spreads Luke 2:17–18 (NIV)17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Mark 16:7-8 (ESV) But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Mark 16:15(ESV) He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Our Response: 1. Believe the news: the best gift we can receive. The message of Christmas: Incarnation: “The eternal takes on mortality only to reclothe himself with immortality so that mere mortals can take on immortality.”
2. Spread the News: the best give we can give.
————— Additional Reading: The Resurrection of Jesus:Matt. 28:1–8; Luke 24:1–9 The Appearances of Jesus:Luke 24:13–48; John 20:1–10 The Ascension of Jesus:Luke 24:49–53; Acts 1:9 The Christmas Story: Matthew 1&2 Luke 1&2
5 points of suffering Jesus faced. 1. Bound Mark 15:1–5 (ESV) And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. 2. Rejected Mark 15:12–15 (ESV) 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
3. Mocked Mark 15:16–20 (ESV) 16 They called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
4. Condemned Mark 15:24–32 (ESV) 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.
5. Felt Abandoned Mark 15:33–39 (ESV) 33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” How is his suffering Good, Good News? 1. Because he was bound, we can experience freedom. 2. Because he was rejected, we can experience acceptance. 3. Because he was mocked, we are affirmed. 4. Because he was condemned, we can be saved. Mark 15:31–34 (ESV) 31 The chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying,“He saved others; he cannot save himself.32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him
“He could have come down and saved himself; instead, he remained on the cross to save us.”
John 3:16–18 (ESV) 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
5 . Because he experienced abandonment, we have access. Mark 15:37–38 (ESV) Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Jesus provided full access.
Romans 5:17 (NLT) For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Additional Reading: Pilate Tries Jesus: Matt. 27:1, 2, 11–23; Luke 23:1–5, 13–23; John 18:28–19:15 Jesus is Beaten: Matt. 27:26–34; Luke 23:24–32; John 19:16–22 Jesus is Crucified: Matt. 27:35–56; Luke 23:33–49; John 19:18, 23–30 Jesus is Buried: Matt. 27:57–61; Luke 23:50–55; John 19:38–42
Mark 14:3–9 (ESV) 3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that?5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
Mary’s Offering... 1. Pure. 2. Costly. 3. Broken. 4. Poured out. It didn’t just cover Jesus it filled the room.
It was Beautiful
It was Remarkable
It was Memorable
Fragrant offerings are often criticized. “There will always be somebody who will say your offering to Jesus should be spent in another way.”
“In her offering, she was preparing a place for his purposes to be carried out.”
Mark 14:32–42 (ESV) 32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled.34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Jesus’ Beautiful Offering 1. Pure 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
2. Costly Destiny ain’t always easy. Jesus paid full price.
1 Peter 1:18–19 (NLT) 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
3. Broken The garden prepared him for the grave.
4. He was poured out.
Mark 14:22–25 (ESV) 22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 13:1–13 (ESV) 1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Mark 13:19 (ESV) For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.
Exhortations in this age and in the age to come. 1. Be Watchful Mark 13:28–37 (ESV) 28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
There is a difference between being awake and being alarmed.
Stay awake and you won’t be alarmed.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 (NLT) You aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.
2. Stay Faithful Mark 13:13(NIV) You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
“If God’s Love can’t motivate you now, fear won’t sustain you then.”
Faith-Full not Fear-Full. “ Any Eschatology that is rooted is fear is pathetic not prophetic.” Romans 14:23 (ESV) Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
“God I want to be found faithful in this hour and in the hour to come.”
3. Live Hopeful For those who are His, The End is good, good news!
Mark 13:24–27 (ESV) 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NLT)16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. Mark 13:31(ESV) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
His Words:
To be with us always (Matthew 28:20)
To comfort us(Matthew 11:28)
To resurrect us(John 11:25)
John 16:33 (NLT) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Additional Reading: Questions from the Disciples: Matt. 24:1–3; Luke 21:5–7 The Abomination of Desolation: Daniel 9, 11, 12) The Tribulation: Matt. 24:4–26; Luke 21:8–24 The Second Coming: Matt. 24:29–31; Luke 21:25–28 Parable of the Fig Tree: Matt. 24:32–35 Exhortation to Watch: Matt. 24:36–51; Luke 21:34–36
Jesus Gets Wholistic- Mark 12
Mark 12:12 (ESV)12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.
1. Pharisees: Question him about civility Mark 12:13–17 (ESV)13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.
2. Sadducees: Question him about eternity Mark 12:24 (ESV) 24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”
3. Scribes: Question him about morality. Mark 12:28–34 (ESV) 28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
One Lord One Command Jesus wants wholistic love for him.
Most compartmentalize their Love for God.
Some prioritize love for God.
“He didn’t ask to be fist on a list, he is the point of the list.
Wholistic Love 1. Heart: Motivation.
2. Soul: The immaterial self.
3.Mind: Intellect
4. Strength: Might and Ability
5.Love your neighbor as yourself.
Mark 12:38–40 (ESV)38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
Mark 12:41–44 (ESV) 41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
-Render unto God. Whose image is on you? Have you rendered unto God what is Gods? We don’t give him what’s left. We give ourselves to him until nothing is left.
Additional Reading: Parable of the Vineyard Owner: Matt. 21:33–46; Luke 20:9–19 Question of Taxes: Matt. 22:15–22; Luke 20:20–26 Question of the Resurrection: Matt. 22:23–33; Luke 20:27–40 Question of the Greatest Commandment: Matt. 22:34–40 Jesus Questions the Leaders: Matt. 22:41–45; Luke 20:41–44 Jesus Condemns the Leaders: Matt. 23:1–14; Luke 20:45–21:4
Mark 11: Jesus is Hungry for Fruit 1. Jesus rebukes a fruitless tree Mark 11:12–14(ESV) 12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
We are not called to a fruitful season but a fruitful life.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT). 7 “Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
Our fruit is not dependent upon our season but on our depth.
2. Jesus cleans a fruitless temple Mark 11:15–18 (ESV) 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.
Prayer had been replaced with profit. Jesus is re-establishing purpose!
3. Jesus teaches on fruitful prayer Mark 11:19–25 (ESV) 19 And when evening came they went out of the city. 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Fruitful Prayer 1. Have Faith in God
The lack of fruit from prayer is often the lack of root in prayer.
John 15:4–7 (NLT) 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
Fruit is not forced; it is yielded. 2. Say to this mountain -Identify mountains: Distractions / Hindrances.
We focus on hindered prayer, but What is hindering you from prayer?
Jesus identifies the mountains of Doubt and Unforgiveness.
- Speak to the mountain
We don’t ask mountains to move we tell them to move
Mark 10:17–22 (ESV) 17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 1. He had good intentions 2. He was asking the right questions 3. He was doing all the right things 4. He lacked one thing 5. He went away sad.
Surrender is a great idea until it actually costs us something. How often do we treat requirements like requests?
Mark 10:23–28 (ESV) 23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”
Mark 10:46–52 (ESV) 46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. Learning from the least Mark 10:31 (ESV) Many who are first will be last, and the last first.
1. Listening is critical.
Listening to Jesus is hearing and heeding.
2. Hunger is everything, so get it right.
3. Everything is a small price to pay What I have isn’t worth keeping if it costs me more than I am lacking!
The Disciples Dilemma -Mark 9 Mark 9:14–10 (ESV) 14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” The environment…. 1. Drama 2. Demons 3. Disappointment
Other things going on with the Disciples in Mark 9 The Disciples Dilemma 1. They were powerless Mark 9:28-29 (ESV) His disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” They were powerless because the were prayerless. “You are only as powerful as your prayer life.”
2. They were promotion conscious Mark 9:31–32 (ESV) 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and we’re afraid to ask him.
The main mission was death and resurrection.
Mark 9:33–35 (ESV) 33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” “If serving is below you, then leading is above you.” “It’s God’s job to promote; it’s our job to give ourselves fully to whatever He places in our hands.” James 4:10 (ESV) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. “Sadly, for most being great in God's eyes is simply not enough.”
3. They were partial/ tribal Mark 9:38–40 (ESV) 38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us.
4. They lacked pruning Mark 9:43–48 (ESV) 43 if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
... Mark 9:20–29 (ESV) 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
Encountering Interventions 1. Ask. 2. Believe the impossible. “Yes must become our default when mentioning the impossible.” 3. Position your trust. Vulnerable trust is bold faith 4. Pray Again.
Ministry:
Additional Reading: The Transfiguration Lk 9:28–36 Mt 17:1–13 Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit: Mt 17:14–19; 22,23; Lk 9:37–45 Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time: Mt 18:1–5; Lk 9:46–48 Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us Lk 9:49,50
Mark 8:14–21 (ESV) 14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
Jesus is frustrated with the disciples: 1st, They were missing the point. 2nd ,They had enough bread.
“He expects the miraculous.”
Mark 8:22–25 (ESV)22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.”25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
The Mercy of multiple encounters. “Jesus extends the mercy to accomplish his means.”
Peter has an encounter Mark 8:27–38 (ESV) 27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”… 31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly.And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Jesus gets intense: Identifies & rebukes the thoughts of men. Do you want to follow Christ or a caricature of him that culture has created?
Some rebuke the lord when he has a standard they don’t like
Every act of disobedience towards God is telling God we know better.
Following Jesus, with clarity. 1. Deny yourself. Following Jesus is not about you.
2. Pick up your cross. “We can’t follow Jesus without carrying a cross.” “It’s time we get off our thrones pick up our cross!"
3. Follow Him. For real though.. “He values you as you are but loves you enough to transform you into whom he intended you to be.” The Gospel= Jesus is savior AND King.
4. For the sake of Jesus and His Gospel.
Colossians 3:3–10 (NIV) 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Jesus Breaks Traditions Mark 7:7–9 (ESV) 7 Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!
Jesus is exposing motivation.
They were honoring tradition over people.
They were honoring tradition over God
Jesus was saying “You have clean hands but your hearts are filthy.”
“Being traditional doesn’t make you moral.”
Mark 7:14–23 (ESV) 14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Matthew 12:35 (NLT) A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.
They had made up their mind about God….based upon their tradition.
You may not have methodical practices or rituals but you have trending mindsets—predetermined ways of viewing the world, viewing others, of viewing God.
Reforming our inner-man 1. Re-think thinking
“Having a strong mind is not the same as a stubborn mind.”
A weak mind is one that is un-willing to change. “Hard-Hearted”
“We must unlearn what we have learned.” -Yoda
“In the Kingdom, repentance is always at the threshold of what we are coming into.”
Think about your thoughts….
Don’t dismiss all your thoughts, ask questions about them.
“Why am I thinking this way?”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2. Renew & Reform patterns Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
"That the way that you feel is determined by how you think."
3. Re-learn what you have leaned
4. Reconnect and realign Encounters will reconnect and realign our inner-man. Mark 7:31–36 (ESV) 31 He returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
Ephphatha: What comes into man, the way we hear. What comes out, the way we speak.
Ministry: Ephesians 3:16–17 (NLT) 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
A Farmer goes out Mark 4 Mark 4:1–20 (ESV) The Parable of the Sower 4 Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. 2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” 9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
10 And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, 12 so that “ ‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’ ” 13 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word.15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. 18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
1. The Seed is the Word. Incorruptible seed. 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV) For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
A seed is potential….the fruit is the product.
2. Jesus is the word! John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
3 conditions that keep us from being fruitful: #1. Hardness of heart. Satan steals it.
#2. The shallow emotional hearer Quick fruit is not always lasting fruit. Trials are mandatory for your development.
No Root, No, Fruit!
#3. A focus on worldy things
The Process of fruitfulness 1. Conception 2. Cultivation 3. Fruition
Healthy things don’t just grow. They multiply.
Additional reading:
Parable of the sower: Mt 13:1–23 Lk 8:4–15, Isa 6:9,10
Mark 2:1–11 (ESV) 2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
“Jesus was doing more than performing a miracle, he was making a statement.” “Jesus is always making a statement.”
Jesus is revealing his identity. 1. The discerner of hearts
2. The forgiver of sins “Jesus turns sinners into sons.”
3. The Son of Man Daniel 7:13–14 (NLT) 13 I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
“Only 1/3 of those that identify as Christians affirm that Jesus is God.” - Lifeway research March 2020
“If you don’t believe Jesus is God, then you are serving a different Jesus, one that is unable to save you.”
Jesus is one who with two whats. A Human Nature & A Divine Nature
4. The great physician Sickness is not always the cause of personal sin but is a result of original sin. John 9:2–3 (NIV) 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
5. The rewarder of faith Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Mark 2:27–3:6 (ESV) 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” 3 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2 And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” 4 And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
Jesus heals and forgives a friend: Mt 9:2–8; Lk 5:18–26 Jesus on fasting: Mt 9:14–17; Lk 5:33–38 Calling of Levi, a friend of sinners: Mt 9:9–13; Lk 5:27–32 Lord of the Sabbath: Mt 12:1–9; Lk 6:1–11
Mark 6:1-6 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
If we want to see healings, we must seek to do three things: 1. Honor People “Honor Up, Honor Down, Honor All around”
A. Honor Up A. Honor our Parents Deuteronomy 5:16 Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
B. Honor our Pastors 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Honor our Governmental Leaders
Romans 13:1-2 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed,and those who resist will incur judgement.
B. Honor Down John 4:6,7 Jacob's well was there; so, Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, wassitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
C. Honor all around! “We don’t necessarily honor people because they are worthy of honor, we honor people because we are honorable.”
2. Honor the Lord A. Recognize what the Lord has done B. Spend time with the Lord C. Don’t do things that will separate you from Him 1 Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Mark 6:53-56 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
3. We try to reproduce His works John 14:12 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
2 Chronicles 7:12–16 (NIV) 12 the Lord appeared to him at night and said: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. 13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
Previously…
2 Chronicles: Solomon builds the temple. Excellence | Extravagance |Energy
2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (NIV) Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.
Dynamics of the Dwelling Place Reminder: Under the new covenant, we are the temple. 2 Corinthians 6:16 (NIV) For we are the temple of the living God.
1. The weight of God- Glory
Kabod: There was a heaviness, a weight.
Shekinah
Psalm 22:3 (NLT) You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
2. Sustained weight 2 Chronicles 6:40-42 (NIV) 40 “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 41 “Now arise, Lord God, and come to your resting place…
When we try to manage God, we diminish glory.
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NIV) 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
God rules from a position rest. We rest when we trust!
“ANYWHERE HE IS SEATED ENEMIES ARE DEFEATED.”
3. Fire 2 Chronicles 7:1-3(NIV) When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV) 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Mark 3:7–15 (ESV) 7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, 10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. 11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. 13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. …
1. Jesus had circles. -Community: Knew Jesus publicly. -Crowd: Knew Jesus socially. -Committed: Knew Jesus privately. -Core: Knew Jesus intimately
2. Intimacy is his highest value. “He is a relational creator.”
John 15:15–16 (NIV)15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
3.Relationship > Assignment Mark 3:15 (ESV) 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach...
“Working FOR God typically involves working apart from God.”
John 6:28–29 (NIV) 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” “In the Kingdom, relationship is the greatest accomplishment.”
4. Some won't stick Mark 3:20-22 (ESV) 20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
John 6:66–68 (ESV) 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…”
Are you with him? You are as close to him as you want to be. “Following Jesus closely is costly.”
Mark 3:25 (ESV) If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
Jesus desires undivided devotion.
Mark 3:31–35 (ESV) 31 His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
——————— Additional reading:
Crowds Follow Jesus: Mt 12:15,16; Lk 6:17–19
Jesus Appoints the Twelve: Mt 10:2–4; Lk 6:14–16; Ac 1:13
Jesus Accused by His Family and by Teachers of the Law: Mt 12:25–29; Lk 11:17–22, Mt 12:46–50; Lk 8:19–21
Mark 1:1–11 (ESV) John the Baptist Prepares the Way 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The Baptism of Jesus 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
"Before Jesus preached a message, produced a following, or performed a miracle, He was affirmed and approved by his father!”
Mark 1:14–15 (ESV) Jesus Begins His Ministry 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Jesus comes preaching “Before he brought a work or a wonder, He brought a word.”
1. The time is fulfilled Mark 1:14–15 "The time promised by God has come at last!”
2. The Kingdom of God is at hand “The Kingdom is here because the KING IS HERE!” Matthew 20:28 (NIV) The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
How do we respond to it? How do we receive it? 3. Repent Matthew 4:17 (NLT) Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” A Deep and a fundamental shift in thinking.
“Change your mind, change your life.”
Matthew 3:8 (NLT) Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.
4. Believe Put faith in: Entrust. John 3:15 (ESV) Whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
5. The Gospel. “Evangélion” “Jesus didn’t just preach the gospel He is the Gospel!”
Mark 1:35–42 (ESV) 35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. 40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
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Additional reading:
John The Baptist: Mt 3:1–11; Lk 3:2–16, Isa 40:3
Jesus Baptism: Mt 3:13–17; Lk 3:21-22
Temptation of Jesus: Mt 4:1–11; Lk 4:1–13
Jesus Calls the Disciples: Mt 4:18–22; Lk 5:2–11; Jn 1:35–42
Jesus drives out an unclean spirit: Lk 4:31–37
Jesus heals a man with leprosy: Mt 8:2–4; Lk 5:12–14
Luke 7:37-50 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?” And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”’ -
Luke 8:2 He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
The sacrifice Jesus made for us should be a moment of realization followed by a lifetime of revelation.
If Jesus never did another thing for you, His work on the cross should forever be enough. How to avoid treating Jesus as common 1. Remember what you’ve been forgiven of Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” 2. Remember what Jesus did on the cross When we allow the cross to become common we are allowing Jesus to become common.
He is worthy of every ounce of our praise for all our days.
The supernatural power of friendship. Psalm 133:1–3 (NIV) 1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
You need to have 3 relationships in your life always: 1. Someone who is investing inyou. 2. Someone to run with. 3. Someoneyou are investing in. David: Samuel, Jonathan, Mighty men
1 Samuel 18:1–5 (NLT) After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt. 5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.
Supernatural gifts of friendship: 1. Loyalty 1 Samuel 20:17 (NLT) And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
Being loyal to God means being a loyal friend. John 13:35 (NIV) "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
3. Weaponry Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) As iron sharpens iron, So a friend sharpens a friend.
Weapons that covenant relationships provide: 1. Support 2. Availability 3. Enjoyment 4. Accountability “Friendshipwithout honesty is treachery.” Proverbs 27:6 (ESV) Faithful are the wounds of a friend… “Calling out your sin is not toxic its antidotal!” 5. Faith
Luke 5:20 (NIV) When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Luke 22:31–32 (NIV) 31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail...
This is a refining moment for the Church. A refining moment for you as a believer.
This is a “Who will you serve" moment. 1 Kings 18:21 (NIV) Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
Hebrews 12:22–29 (NIV) 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Embracing the unshakable 1. The Will of God 1 John 2:17 (NIV) 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
I am most fulfilled when I am fulfilling his want! James 4:13–15 (NIV) 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist(vapor) that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
2. The Ways of God
We discover God's will by following his ways.
Proverbs 3:6 (NIV) In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
3. The Word of God Matthew 7:24 (NIV) Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
4. The Wonders of God Habakkuk 1:5 (NIV) 5 “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.
Ministry: Romans 4:18–21 (NIV) 18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him,“So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 8:12-17 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
The Spirit Brings Life
A. An Alternate Covenant -A deal was made with the Devil.
B. The alternate covenant is revoked only by the Spirit -The flesh is birthed by pride and arrogance, it dies only by surrender and humility. -Under the covenant of life we grow by Grace and Peace -From Glory to Glory
II. The Spirit Confirms Our Identity
A. Identity Of Favor -Favor is not based on our performance, it’s based on the truth that Jesus is in the Father and He is in us
-Favor is not an absence of hardship and struggle, rather it allows us to grow in hardship.
B. Identity of Freedom -Freedom from fear, from the law, from sin
C. Identity as Family
III. The Spirit Is Our Inheritance -Because the Spirit lives in us every affection and desire Our Father has for Jesus, he also has for us
-Our inheritance was secured for us by the suffering of Jesus, it’s received in its fullness as we suffer
Gospel call is relational Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 NIV
THE BLESSING IN RELATIONSHIP
Hearing John 10:27 NIV My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Closeness John 17:22-23 NLT “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
Walking out life 1 John 2:6 NLT Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
Walking with God means that you are actively being transformed into Godʼs image.
1 John 1:6-7 NLT So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
RIGHTEOUSNESS: THE COST OF INTIMACY Two types of righteousness: 1. Who you are in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2. What you are called to walk in with your free will. (How much do you want?)
What damages your relationship with God? Walking in darkness: Ezekiel 16:15-16 NLT “But you thought your fame and beauty were your own. So you gave yourself as a prostitute to every man who came along. Your beauty was theirs for the asking. You used the lovely things I gave you to make shrines for idols, where you played the prostitute. Unbelievable! How could such a thing ever happen?
Jesus paid for it, we must choose to walk in it.
1 Peter 2:24 NLT He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
Sin separates, but righteousness connects. Matthew 5:8 NIV Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The call of Godʼs righteousness can only be accomplished through intimacy, in which God gives His grace.
HOW TO WALK IN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Surrender: God wants nothing less then your FULL LIFE!
Jesus needs to be number one in your life.
Pursuit:As a Christian,you are called to walk the way Jesus walked. We are able to walk like Him by spending time with Him daily.
Obedience: Whatever this Book calls you to, go and God will give you the grace to do it. Ask for grace, and radically obey. We love Jesus back by our obedience to Him.
Genesis 1:27–28 (NIV) 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
Matthew 19:4–6 (NIV) 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” *Genesis 2:18-25
Marriage= One Man, One Woman, For One lifetime.
Marriage Has a Mandate.
Fulfillment comes from fulfilling God’s purposes together.
EVEN in Marriage, the goal is to seek first the kingdom. (Mt 6:33)
Our culture has set marriages up for failure:
You have to be committed when it's bad to experience when it’s good.
Destructive marriage mindsets: 1. Comparison
2. Competition
3. Manipulation
4. Separation(Independence) “It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a community to have a healthy marriage”
5. Deception
When you got married you gave up your right to privacy
6. Tension (Unresolved conflict) Marriage isn’t about perfection but redemption.
Remember: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NLT) 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1. Tenderness> Strength “Vulnerable couples are more healthy than strong individuals.”
2. Devotion> Emotion Strong marriages are not built on emotion, they are built on devotion.
Devotion to Jesus: The most important relationship in marriage is with the Lord.
3. Partnership> Individual rolls The best gift you can give your kids is showing them what it looks like to have a healthy relationship with your spouse.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
All the covenants point to the New Covenant. There were many covenants but they were all imperfect because they were using an imperfect mediator.
The Jesus Covenant. Jesus is the mediator Hebrews 9:15 (NLT)…He is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them.
Hebrews 8:6–13 (NIV ) The ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. 7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. 10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” 13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear. *Jeremiah 31:31–34
Terms of the New Covenant: 1. Reconciliation "I will remember their sins no more."
Luke 19:10 (NLT) For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.
2 Corinthians 5:19 (NIV) God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
2. Regeneration "A New Heart & A New Spirit." Ezekiel 36:22–27 (NLT) 24 For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land. 25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
3. Reclamation "I will be their God and the will be my people." “Under the old covenant, our relationship with God was a result of performance. In the new covenant performance is a result of relationship.”
4. A Companion "I will put my spirit in you to follow my decrees."
He leads us into comfort.
He leads us into obedience.
“Holiness is not about perfection but direction.” "Grace is not simply a pass when you do what’s wrong. Grace gives you the power to do what is right."
5. The God of Promise revealed. John 1:16–18 (NLT)16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
“Jesus revealed a father, who becomes our father.”
John 17:26 (NLT) I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
Yahweh-Jireh: The Lord our Provider Genesis 22:8, 14 Yahweh-Rapha: The Lord our Healer Exodus 15:26 Yahweh –Nissi The Lord our Banner Exodus 17:15 Yahweh – Qadesh The Lord our Sanctifier Leviticus 20:8, Ezekiel 20:12 Yahweh Shalom The Lord our Peace Judges 6:24 Yahweh Raah The Lord our Shepherd Psalms 23:1 Yahweh-Tsidkenu The Lord our Righteousness Jeremiah 23:6 Yahweh – Shammah The Lord Ever Present Ezekiel 48:35
2 Corinthians 1:20–22 (NLT) 20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.
The sign Communion Matthew 26:26–28 (NIV) 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
2 Samuel 7:1–16 (NLT)1 When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, 2 the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!” 3 Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.” 4 But that same night the Lord said to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: Are you the one to build a house for me to live in? 6 I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. I have always moved from one place to another with a tent and a Tabernacle as my dwelling. 7 Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s tribal leaders, the shepherds of my people Israel. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?” ’ 8 “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! 10 And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure placewhere they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, 11 starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. “ ‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 12 For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13 He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. 15 But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. 16 Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’ ”
We have a tendency to live by God's demands, not God desire. This is what made David different.
When we go beyond the regulations he exceeds our expectations.
The Davidic Covenant: 1.A Great Name(v9) 2. A Homeland (v10) 3. Rest: Justice and Peace. (V10, 11) 4. A Dynasty of Kings(V11) 5. An everlasting throne/kingdom(16)
1000 years after David Luke 1:31–33 (NLT) 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Through the Son of David…. 1. A Great Name Colossians 3:3–4 (NLT) 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
1 Peter 2:10 (NIV) Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.
2. A Homeland Revelation 21:4 (NLT) He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.
3. Rest: Peace & Justice. Isaiah 9: 7 (NIV) The greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
4. A Dynasty Ephesians 2:19–22 (NLT) 19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. God rebuilt us so we could host him!
5. An Eternal King! Philippians 2:9–11 (NLT) 9 God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Exodus 2:24–25 (NLT)24 God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.
Mosaic Covenant: Sinai Covenant, Covenant with Israel…. Exodus 19:3–6 (NLT) 3…Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
The Shadow of the law Hebrews 10:1 (NIV) The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming
The law had a problem. The laws were good, people are bad.
Hebrews 8:6–10 (NLT) 6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. 7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. 8 But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 9 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. 10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
The law served a time & purpose. Galatians 3:23–25 (NIV) 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. Until the covenant was fulfilled.… Jesus Fully-Filled it! (Matt 5:17) Hebrews 8:13 (NLT) When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date…
The law had a sign. The sabbath “To rest or stop or cease from work.” Exodus 31:12–13 (NLT) 12 The Lord then gave these instructions to Moses: 13 “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
Hebrews 10:11–14 (NLT) 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
"We can't do anything to add to the work of Jesus we simply enjoy it benefits" “The new covenant is not rooted in good works but in Good News.”
The law involves People. “MY Kingdom of priests MY Holy Nation”
"The mosaic covenant was a covenant with Israel. The new covenant is for those in Christ."
“You have be in Him to get in on it.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Close: Romans 10:4 (NLT) For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Tower of Babel: (Genesis 11) Disobedience Pride Independence
Abraham: Genesis 12:1–2 (NLT) The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. The Abrahamic Covenant: 1. Dominion Abraham would have to leave comfort.
2. Descendants
3. Blessing Blessing gets on you as it goes through you.
Abraham is a prototype of promise. Galatians 3:29 (NLT)You belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Elements of a Blood Covenant: 1. Parties involved.
2. The terms of agreement Faith & Friendship. James 2:23 (NLT) "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God.
3. Ceremony Genesis 15:9–11(NLT) 9 The Lord told him, "Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." 10 So Abram presented all these to him and killed them. Then he cut each animal down the middle and laid the halves side by side; he did not, however, cut the birds in half. 11 Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away. Genesis 15:9–17-18 (NLT) 17 After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. 18 So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, "I have given this land to your descendants…
Jesus the Lamb Hebrews 13:20 (NLT) Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood.
4. A Symbol/Seal In the New Covenant: communion as a point of remembrance. There is a second reminder. Hebrews 10:15–16 (NLT) 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, 16 "This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." (Ezekiel 36: 27) âž¡The Holy Spirit is the fire that is passedthrough the covenant! "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11)
Acts 1:4–5 (NLT) He commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Pentecost: Pentecost empowers us with a person so that we can fulfill our part of the partnership!
We Start seeing what Yahweh promised Abraham 1. Dominion 2. Descendants Acts 1:8 (NLT) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 3. Blessing Acts 2:1–6 (NIV) 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.
-At Babel they were working, at Pentecost they were waiting. -At Babel language was confused, At Pentecost language was understood. -At Babel the people were scattered in judgment, at Pentecost the people were sent to spread the good news. -At Babel it was for the fame of man, At Pentecost it was for the the glory of God.
Unity: They were together "Unity is the catalyst and the product of revival." Upper room: Pursuing the same thing.
"Our greatest weapon is coming together, going after the same thing. The presence of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit."
We need a modern Pentecost! Acts 19:2 (NIV) "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
One of the greatest things that God has give us is his name! Psalm 138:1–3 (NLT)1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. 2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. 3 As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.
Two primary names in Hebrew ELOHIM
Genesis 1:1 (NIV) In the beginning Elohim
YHWH He is not just the creator and lawgiver; he is the personal promise keeper.
The Adamic Covenant Part 1: The Edenic Covenant Genesis 1:27–28 (NLT) 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it….
Designed in God’s image
Divine Blessing
Dominion
Disclaimer
Genesis 2:15–17 (NLT) 15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”
Even in a perfect scenario, sin entered the world.
“Life is not found in being independent to choose for ourselves what is right and wrong. Life is found in within the context of our divine intention.”
Genesis 3:7–10 (NLT )7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
Part 2: The Adamic Covenant Genesis 3:15 (NLT) I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
1. Punishes the enemy 1 John 3:8 (NLT) The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
2. Promises a redeemer 3. Provides a covering
Genesis 3:21 (NLT) The Lord God (YHWH Elohim)made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.
-Covenant (Barit(h) An agreement made by the passing between flesh. Romans 5:16–21 (NLT) 16The result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. 20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalm 34:5 (NIV) Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
John 10:7–11 (NIV), I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd.
Joesph(Genesis 37) Genesis 50:20–21 (NIV) 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
“We have to recognize that what we often feel like rejection is simply redirection."
Rejection is not… 1. Rejection is not opposition 2. Rejection from people is not a rejection from God. 3. Someone else's blessing is not rejection.
Self-Rejection/Acceptance
We should be accurate in self-assessment.
Romans 12:3 (NIV) Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…
1. Unhealthy Comparison 2. Healthy Comparisons “We need to be inspired when others do well, not intimidated.”
3 Points of affirmation. 1. Adopted Ephesians 1:3–5 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
“Know who you are, by knowing whose you are.”
Psalm 94:14 (NIV)For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.
2. Adored James 1:18 (NLT) He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
“You are more than accepted by God; you are exceptional to God.”
3. Appointed Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
2 Timothy 2:20–21 (NLT) 20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Ministry: Hebrews 4:15–16 (NIV)15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need
God rarely acts without human involvement. Gods sovereignty is not undermined thru partnership.
Matthew 28:17–20 (NIV) 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We are not simply God’s project we are his partners!
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) You are a chosen people. You are royalpriests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Carrying Divine Partnership 1. Power Acts 10:38 (NIV) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. “God is in charge of the product we are in charge of the distribution.”
2.Posture 2 Corinthians 5:18–6:1 (NLT)18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 6:1 As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.
Ambassadors: To act as an established statesman (diplomat) – a trusted, respected ambassador who is authorized to speak as God's emissary (represent His kingdom).
3. Practice 1 Peter 2:11–12 (NLT)11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
We are working it out…. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
1. Our hearts are working
2. Our mouths are working
3. Our hands are working 1 Corinthians 12:20 (NLT) There are many parts, but only one body.
Hebrews 6:12–29 (NLT) 12 …You will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their Faith and endurance. 13 For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying: 14 “I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.” 15 Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. 16 Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. 17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Abraham a well anchored man.
1. Abraham, Gods friend, was poised for promise. Romans 4:1–3 (NLT) Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
-Not because he held to a religious system Romans 4:13–14 (NLT)13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by Faith. 14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then Faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless.
2. Abraham had a promise and Faith in that promise.
3. Abraham kept the Faith through a long and difficult time. Romans 4:18–24 (NLT) 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s Faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his Faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s Faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
Abrahamic Covenant: Gen 12 Dominion, Descendants and Blessings to others.
Galatians 3:6–9 (NLT) 6 In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their Faith in God. 8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their Faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So all who put their Faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his Faith.
Galatians 3:29 (NLT) You belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Realities of Faith 1. Faith is Active Trust Romans 4:20–21 (NLT) 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his Faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
Hebrews 11:1(NLT) Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
2 Corinthians 5:7(NIV) We live(walk) by Faith, not by sight.
2. Faith is required to please God.
Hebrews 11:6(NIV) It is impossible to please God without Faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
You cannot be righteous by doing anything but only by trusting someone.
3. Faith works(It produces obedience)
“Faith that won’t work, don't work.”
“We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone” -Martin Luther.
Obedience is the active part of Trust! James 2:17(NLT) So you see, Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
Hebrews 11:8–10 (NLT) 8 It was by Faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 9 And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by Faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. 10 Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.
4. Faith will be tested James 1:2–4 (NIV) 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your Faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
How to nurture Faith:
Pray in the Spirit(Jude 20)
Go to the word- listen to it, pray it, read it. (Romans 10:17)
Endure through difficulties(James 1)
Ask for grace.
Mark 9:24 (NIV)“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
John 10:7–11 (NIV), I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd.
Joesph(Genesis 37) Genesis 50:20–21 (NIV) 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
“We have to recognize that what we often feel like rejection is simply redirection."
Rejection is not… 1. Rejection is not opposition 2. Rejection from people is not a rejection from God. 3. Someone else's blessing is not rejection.
Self-Rejection/Acceptance
We should be accurate in self-assessment.
Romans 12:3 (NIV) Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…
1. Unhealthy Comparison 2. Healthy Comparisons “We need to be inspired when others do well, not intimidated.”
3 Points of affirmation. 1. Adopted Ephesians 1:3–5 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
“Know who you are, by knowing whose you are.”
Psalm 94:14 (NIV)For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.
2. Adored James 1:18 (NLT) He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
“You are more than accepted by God; you are exceptional to God.”
3. Appointed Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
2 Timothy 2:20–21 (NLT) 20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Ministry: Hebrews 4:15–16 (NIV)15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need
John 10:7–11 (NIV), I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd.
Anxiety About 18%of Americans deal with anxiety. What fuels it?
1. Anxiety will disrupt your peace. 2. Anxiety can lead to depression. 3. Anxiety will keep hinder the work of the Word. Matthew 13:22 (NIV) The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Obsessive fear
What does God say about fear? 2 Timothy 1:3–8 (NLT) 3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. 5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.
1. God has a purpose. "Fear will trap us so that we will never accomplish what God has designed us for." "If your lungs have breath, your life has a purpose."
Romans 8:28–29 (NLT) 28 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. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…
2. Fear is not of God.
"To live in fear is to live in disobedience to God." Stop giving fear permission!
3. He gives us power. Supernatural ability
4. He loves us. 1 John 4:17(ESV) There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear… 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety(cares, worries) on him because he cares for you.
5. He promises a sound mind. Psalm 46:10 (NIV) "Be still, and know that I am God."
Exercising Faith over Fear Ephesians 6:16 (NIV) Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
CASTING OUR CARES Psalm 55:22 (NIV)Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
1. Change your thinking. Repent Fear is failure to trust.
2. Ask God about it. Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT) 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
3. Speak to it. Matthew 21:21–22 (NKJV) So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.
You don't need more faith you just need to use the faith you have.
Hebrews 11:1(NIV)Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
HOPE: Favorable and confident expectation
1 Peter 1:3–8 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.
Genesis 22:1 “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” 2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” 3 The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” 6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, 7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” 8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together. 9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. 11 At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!“ Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” 12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” 13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 Abraham named the place JEHOVAH-JIRAH (which means “the Lord will provide”).
How did Abraham have such a confident expectation? 1. He was postured towards the promise. He was trusting in and waiting upon what God had Promised.
“We are not being held hostage. We are being held in the embrace of of kind and gracious champion!!!”
Hebrews 6:18–20 (NIV)18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable(Oath and Promise) things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.
Gods promise is always the greater reality!
2. He had a History of hope.
Develop some Hope History:
Celebrate Little victories!
Then celebrate again.
Maybe your history in hope starts today?
3. He spoke hope.
Vs 5 “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.”
Vs 8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,
4. He looked up. 13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. He looked up...it's was what he always did.
Hebrews 11:11 (NLT) It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.
Hope KEEPS LOOKING…. Hebrews 12:2(NKJV) Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 11:2–4 (NIV) 2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see….”
He is the one you've been looking for been looking for.
Romans 15:13(NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 27:28–35 (NLT) 28 They dropped a weighted line and found that the water was 120 feet deep. But a little later they measured again and found it was only 90 feet deep. 29 At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight. 30 Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship. 31 But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away. 33 Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. 34 “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” 35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it.
Hebrews 6:18–20 (NIV) We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
If we are anchored in Jesus we are secure.
4 Anchors points in the reality of Jesus. 1. Present We have the hope of the person and the presence of Jesus.
Matthew 28:20 (NIV) I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Psalm 46:1 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2. Protector Psalm 91:9-11,14-15 (NLT) 9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. 11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. ….14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
3. Provider Philippians 4:19 (NIV) And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
4. Peace John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
He doesn’t just give peace, he is peace. Ephesians 2:14 (NIV) For He himself is our peace
Maybe the piece you are missing is the peace of Jesus?
John 10:7–11 (NIV), I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd.
Progressive destruction 1. Offense Proverbs 18:19 (NLT) An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
Matthew 24:10 (NKJV) Many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
Offense: Scandalon(gk) A trap used to hold bait in order to lure animals.
2. Unforgiveness Matthew 18:21–22 (NLT) 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
Unforgiveness is a big deal to God. Potentially the biggest.
“The greatest injustice that can be committed is when we won’t extend the forgiveness that we have freely received.” When we fail to forgive others we rob ourselves of foriveness.
3. Bitterness Offense robs you of freedom. Unforgiveness robs you of forgiveness. Bitterness robs you of life.
Bitterness takes the sweetness away.
Hebrews 12:14–15 (NLT) 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. âž¡The longer it lingers, the larger it grows. âž¡The larger it grows, the harder it is to remove.
The bitterness test: 1. Are you bothered when someone who hurt you succeeds? 2. Do you secretly hope for the misfortune of those that offended you? 3. Are you generally skeptical of people? 4. Do you lead with criticism 5. Are you unwilling to pray for them? 6. Have you made the statement “I forgive but I will never forget?” 7. Ask the Lord…. Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) …Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Uprooting bitterness: 1. Ask the Lord to make you tender
The lie that we believe is that the bitterness is protecting us when The reality is that it is destroying us.
2. Go to that person(if possible)
Matthew 18:15 (NLT) If another believer sins against you, go privately….
3. Bless those that hurt you. Luke 6:28 (KJV) Bless them that curse you and pray for them which despitefully use you. 4. Celebrate their wins. 5. Ask for tears when they ache 6. Ask Jesus for His heart towards them
John 10:7–11 (NIV), I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd.
Jesus has called us to a fruitful life… John 15:1–8 (NLT) “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
John 15:16 (NLT) You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit…
2 Peter 1:3–4 (NIV) 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. hooray
🦊little foxes🦊
Song of Solomon 2:14–15 (NLT) 14 My dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely. 15 Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!
The Little Foxes 1. Dysfunctions 2. Distractions 3. Disobedience “The words we speak, the attitudes we carry, the good fail to do.”
People keep foxes around by 1. Petting them 2. Protecting them 3. Provide for them
Removing the foxes Judges 15:4–5 (NLT) 4 (Samson)went out and caught 300 foxes. He tied their tails together in pairs, and he fastened a torch to each pair of tails. 5 Then he lit the torches and let the foxes run through the grain fields of the Philistines. He burned all their grain to the ground, including the sheaves and the uncut grain. He also destroyed their vineyards and olive groves. 1. Find the foxes “Sins that are little to us are big to God.” Ask the Lord Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT)23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Examine yourself 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves…
2. Fire the foxes Galatians 5:24–25 (NIV) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
3. Let them go
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God
John 10:1–16 (NIV) 10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Verse 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.
Whose voice are you listening to?
“My concern is that many are more familiar with the voice of thieves and robbers than the voice of good shepherd.”
John 9:35-41 (NIV) 35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” 37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” 38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
Blinders are Binders
Satan is a deceiver
Father of Lies(Johnn 8:44)
“Did God really say….”(Gn 3:1)
He masquerades as an Angel of light (2 Cor 11:14)
God is an exposer
God is light.(1 Jn 1:5)
The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. (John 16:13)
Jesus is the light of the world. (Jn 8:12)
John 9:39 (NIV) For judgment I have come into this world…
Defeating Deception 1. Turn on the light ...To what God says. John 8:31–32 (NLT) 31 “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Know the word then follow it. James 1:22 (NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
“He didn’t just give the word to lift you, but to lead you!”
John 10:27 (NIV) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
2. Search your house
Fact check your feelings.
Feelings are the seasoning of life, not the meat.
Don’t ignore feelings; they are great servants but terrible masters.
3. Identify the culprits Identify the lies
Don’t identify with the culprits; identify them so you can reject them! LABLES LIMIT!
1 John 4:16-19 16 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19We love because he first loved us.
Love starts with Him.
Maybe we should ask the Lord, “How would you like to be loved today?”
Expressing The Five Love Languages with the Father
1. We experience love with God in Quality Time.
Even more than you long to spend time with him, He longs to spend time with you.
When you have your time with the Lord, give quiet space for Him to speak too.
2. We experience love with God in Giving Gifts. We use the talents God has given us as gifts back to him.
God has given us the Gifts of the Spirit. (1 Cor 12:8-11) Word of Knowledge Word of Wisdom Gift of Prophecy Gift of Faith Gift of Healing Working of Miracles Discerning of Spirits Tongues Interpretation of Tongues
3. We experience love with God in Words of Affirmation.
God doesn’t “need” to know who He is, He “wants” to know how we see Him.
4. We experience love with God in Acts of Service. John 12:26 says “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
God served us by giving Jesus. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
5. We experience love with God in Physical Touch. We touch God with our Faith.
Heb 11:6 Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
John 6:5-13 (NIV) 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
The Miracle of More
There was intentionality.
There was a plan.
The people weresatisfied.
There was plenty left.
Goalsmithing #1. Priorities - Jesus Centered
"When He is our purpose even if our plans failhis purposes prevail."
“Behavior is a byproduct of our relationship with Jesus.”
-Kingdom First Matthew 6:33(NIV) Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
“God isn't trying to fit into your plan, he is fitting you into his.”
#2. Purposeful
“If we don’t live with intention, then demands will control our attention.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God's workmanship (poetic masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
#3. Plan 1. Pray 2. Process. Ask Questions What? Why? What are the motives… When?goals need to be measurable. Where is faith involved?The Impossible? Hebrews 11:6(NIV) Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
3. Put it in to pen.
4. Leave some room Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
5. Partner with others. -Anything that you can do by yourself is too small.
Overflow Goals 2020
_______ Baptisms
The last Sunday of every month Starting on the 26th.
________ Members
Sundays at 10. Starting in February.
Seed for the house. _____________
Pray Listen Obey Watch God
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (NIV) 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generously on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Ministry: Psalm 32:8-9 (NLT) “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
MORE CONNECTION 1. Unity brings oil Psalm 133(NIV) 1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Bestows- Commands and Orders. A unified house is a blessed house!
2. Jesus prayed we would be unified. John 17 20-23(NV) 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
We get the incredible opportunity to be the answer to what Jesus prayed.
3. We are called to unity. Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV) 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
MORE CONNECTION 1- Being Together Community- common unity Community: Koinonia(fellowship)- The coming together, sharing of life.
We can only be the body if we are together!!!! 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV) Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
2. Eat together (Acts 2:46)
3.Play together
4. Pursuing Jesus together. Colossians 3:16 (NIV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God Go through the word together- Worship & Pray together
5. War together Romans 12: 15 (NIV) Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
“Warring together is spent on the battlefield AND at the victory table. I Corinthians 12:26(NIV) If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
6. Working together We serve together Weimplement our gifts together. I Corinthians 12:4-11 (NIV)4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a (1)message of wisdom, to another a (2)message ofknowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another (3)faith by the same Spirit, to another (4)gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another (5)miraculous powers, to another (6)prophecy, to another (7)distinguishing between spirits, to another (8)speaking indifferent kinds of tongues, and to still another the (9)interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. This oil wasn't for him….IT WAS FOR US!
Exodus 30:22-33(NLT) 22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 "Collect choice spices—12 1⁄2 pounds of pure myrrh, 6 1⁄4 pounds of fragrant cinnamon, 6 1⁄4 pounds of fragrant calamus,[a] 24 and 12 1⁄2 pounds of cassia[b]—as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel. Also get one gallon of olive oil.[c] 25 Like a skilled incense maker, blend these ingredients to make a holy anointing oil. 26 Use this sacred oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, 27 the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar, 28 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the washbasin with its stand. 29 Consecrate them to make them absolutely holy. After this, whatever touches them will also become holy. 30 "Anoint Aaron and his sons also, consecrating them to serve me as priests. 31 And say to the people of Israel, 'This holy anointing oil is reserved for me from generation to generation. 32 It must never be used to anoint anyone else, and you must never make any blend like it for yourselves. It is holy, and you must treat it as holy. 33 Anyone who makes a blend like it or anoints someone other than a priest will be cut off from the community.'
The Oil of the Spirit: 1. Is applied for a purpose Anoint (hebrew mashach/ greek…Chrio) "to smear or rub with oil", "to consecrate for office or religious service."
Christ: The Anointed One. Luke 4:16-21(NLT) When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come." He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!"
2. Equips us with power He is the ANOINTED ONE We are the anointed "ones."
"What was smeared upon Jesus is smeared upon us." Acts 10:38(NIV) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
John 14:12(NIV)Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
3. Postured us for holiness You are anointed to be Holy.
"We don't have to perform holy to have him; we are holy because of Him!" 2 Corinthians 7:1(NIV) Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
4. Produced by process Jesus at the Mount of Olives Gethsemane(Matthew 26:36-56) “The Olive Press”
This oil wasn't for him….IT WAS FOR US! This oil wasn't for him….IT WAS FOR US!
Revelation 22:17 (NIV) The Spirit and the bride say, "Come " And let the one who hears say, "Come " And let the one who is thirsty come...
Psalm 42:1-2(NIV) As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Matthew 5 :1-6(NIV) Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 6:33(NIV) Seek first the Kingdom.
“David discovered greatness because he found his greatness in His God.’
Acts 13:21-22(NIV) …The people begged for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’ David maintained a deep desire for God! Psalm 63:1-8(NLT)1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. 6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. 7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. “The moment we stop longing for Jesus is the moment we start living our lives without him!”
Nurturing a thirsty spirit 1. Embrace moments Psalms 62: 3(NIV) “I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory”
David had a taste in the sanctuary. Now he was having a taste outside of it. Psalm 34:8(NLT) Taste & see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
2. Recognize the value of his presence Psalms 63: 3(NIV) “your unfailing love is better than life itself”
David found his greatest moments in God's presence. His longing for God is what made him great.
3. Create more moments Psalms 63: 6(NIV) I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Embracing moments means sometimes you have to create space for them to happen. The more time you spend with him, the more time you will want to spend with him. God has something fresh every day! Luke 11:3 Give us each day our daily bread.
Psalm 84:1&2(NIV) How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
4. Stay at his table We quench spiritual desires when we feed our carnality.
5. Keep running Psalms 27:4 (NIV) One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
2020 is the year of more. Revelation 22:17 (NIV) The Spirit and the bride say, "Come " And let the one who hears say, "Come " And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
Isaiah 43:18-19(NIV) Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
1 Kings 17:17-24 (NLT) 17 Some time later the woman’s son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died. 18 Then she said to Elijah, “O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?” 19 But Elijah replied, “Give me your son.” And he took the child’s body from her arms, carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying, and laid the body on his bed. 20 Then Elijah cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?” 21 And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this child’s life return to him.” 22 The LORD heard Elijah’s prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived! 23 Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. “Look!” he said. “Your son is alive!” 24 Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the LORD truly speaks through you.”
“Stop asking why a situation happened and start asking how a situation changes.”
A Capacity for more
Consecration- Setting oneself apart
Comfort is the mother of complacency. Stretch yourself Luke 5:36-39(NLT) Jesus gave them this illustration: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn’t even match the old garment. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.”
More of him will cost more of you. John 3:30 “He must become greater; I must become less.” The better you is the lesser you.
2. Concentration- An intense focus Elijah Prayed 3 Times.
Luke 11:9-10 (NIV) 9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
3. Commitment- stick to it. Incremental changes are instrumental in transformation. Make those changes and stick with them.
The new thing is not a modification it’s a transformation! Transformation is a process.
-You won’t get Gods will doing things your way.
Get in there & STAY IN THERE! Galatians 6:9(NIV) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Jesus robs graves 1. Lazarus John 11:17-26 (NIV) On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her,"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:38-40 (NIV) Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." 40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:41–44 (NIV) 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, (IF Jesus wasn't specific by saying "Lazarus come forth" everybody would have been raised and the grave yard empty.)come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
2. His own body Revelation 1:18 (NLT) I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.
1 Corinthians 15:1–8 (NLT) Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. 3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.
3. Us Just as he said to Lazarus, He says to us….
1- Come Out He calls us out of the grave. He is calling us out of the grave and into grace!
2. Remove the grave cloths. I Corinthians 15:54–55 (NIV) 54 “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
Romans 5:8(NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Isaiah 53:3-6 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Matthew 25: 1-13(NIV) "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7 "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 9 "'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 "Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us! '12 "But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.' 13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
The Wise… 1. A Posture of expectancy 2. Prepared 3. Carry the oil of intimacy ——————————————————————— Lamps Psalms 119:105 (NIV)Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 1. The written word Hebrews 4:12(ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2. The word made flesh John 1:1(NLT) In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus is what the Father is saying.
John 5:39(NLT) You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!
Cultivating the oil intimacy 1. Devotion- Setting your intentions & decisions on the lord. Proverbs 20:27 (NIV) The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
2. Delight- Setting your emotions and affections on the lord “Intimacy is not just a devoted lifestyle but a delighted heart.” Psalm 16:11(NIV) …You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
3. Nearness- A heart that is set towards him. Psalm 73:28(NIV) But as for me, it is good to be near God…. " In order to hear you gotta get near." “Intimacy with Him is developed by having a constant conversation with the Lord.” Psalm 145:18(NLT) The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
Isaiah 9:6& 7 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
Matthew 2:12-16 (NLT) 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. 13 After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother," the angel said. "Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." 14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: "I called my Son out of Egypt." 16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men's report of the star's first appearance.
Romans 5:17 (NIV) For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
Servant Kings 1. Kings- Divine Position
1. Over sin Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) 1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
2. Over shame Shame is misidentification.
3. Over sickness Acts 10:38 (NLT) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
4. Over lack Philippians 4:19 (NIV) My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
5. Through hardship Romans 8:37 (NLT) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
"Because You are a child of God, you can afford misfortune, mishaps, and even mistreatment."
The kingdom of God is HE centered, not ME centered.
"Reigning through Christ is not self-exaltation but grace domination."
2. Servants- Divine posture.
Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT) 25 But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."
We honor others above ourselves.
Our default is grace.
We serve the world by administering the Kingdom.
Ministry: Psalm 103:2-5 (NIV)2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
