November 29th 2009 Thanksgiving Check-Up”
"Praise ye the Lord, Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." Psalms 150
Thanksgiving DivorceA man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says,"I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.
Thanksgiving was this week---How are thing going in your home?
Thanksgiving Check-Up:1st Why Thanksgiving?
Shouldn’t we be having “Thanksgiving Day” every day?
A. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says ---"IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU."
“Not Being Thankful:” IS A VERY SERIOUS SIN---Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imagination, and their foolish heart was darkened."
When Childeren are not “Greatful” for what you give them, parents realize that they have not taught them properly!
Illustratioin: My son and daughter taught us a very real lesson about giving them tooooo much! Sheri and I took them to Majic Mt.; Disneyland; and to Sea World in San Diago. On the way home my son said: ‘Where are we going next?”
To much stuff, desensitizes us to what we already have!
B. This last Thursday we celebrated our national holiday---Thanksgiving! Deuteronomy 8:10-11 "When you eat and are full, then you shall bless the Lord thy God for the good land which He has given you. Beware you forget not the Lord your God."
1. The Pilgrims landed in the worst of times—mid winter, and they were thankful! What made the difference?—They had come from a place of now religious freedom to a place of total religious freedom!
In that first harsh New England winter, 90 of the 102, were sick at one time and only seven well enough to move around and care for the others!
One by one they died---wives, husbands, children, and they laid them in the frozen ground!
51 out of the 102 died that first year!
Yet that first Thanksgiving Day---they found so much, so very much to be thankful for! They offered their praise to God!
Yes, THANKSGIVING IS A LIFE STYLE!Psalm 100:4 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name."
Thanksgiving Check-Up:
1st Why Thanksgiving? Shouldn’t we be having “Thanksgiving Day” every day? 2nd Thanksgiving Reveals Your Heart!
A. Habakkuk 3:17-18 “17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
No one likes to be poor!
No one likes to loose their job!
No one likes to be in a car accident!
No one likes to have a toothache!
No one likes broken relationships!
Thanksgiving is a time to:
STOP AND THINK!---EPHESIANS 1:3 "God has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to him." Joke: A pastor is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street.
*We need to begin to THINK THANKFUL THOUGHTS---in doing so we get our eyes off our own situation!Habakkuk 3:17-18 “17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”Some people say, "I go to church, so I am a Christian." But that's like saying if you go to McDonald's you are a Quarter Pounder.
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom”—do we only praise the Lord when we are being blessed?
What’s on the Inside Comes Out!
Jesus said: Matthew 12:33-35 “33“A tree is identified by its fruit. A tree from a select variety produces good fruit; poor varieties don’t. 34You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For a man’s heart determines his speech. 35A good man’s speech reveals the rich treasures within him.” What’s on the Inside Comes Out!
Thanksgiving Check-Up:
1st Why Thanksgiving? Shouldn’t we be having “Thanksgiving Day” every day? 2nd Thanksgiving Reveals Your Heart!3rd Thanksgiving Breath?
A. Psalm 150:6 "LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD."
When Sheri wants to know if I have been into her cookies, she smells my breath!
Illustration: Once I was driving home late from church and a CHP, pulled me over. Be bent over and says: “Have you been drinking?” I answered, “No!” He analyzed my breath and then determined that I had not been drinking.
What is praise? Praise is acknowledging Who's you are and Whom belong to!
GOD DELIGHTS IN HEARING OUR PRAISE TO HIM!
Psalms 150:1-6 "Praise ye the Lord, Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord."
PRAISE is a measure of our SPIRITUAL VITALITY!Psalms 100:4 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise."
5. Praise is saying thank you God!
Psalm 146:1-10 “Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 3 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. 4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- the LORD, who remains faithful forever. 7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, 8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. 9 The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. 10 The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.”
Praise is focusing our heart on God. Psalms 103:2 “…I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me.”(Psalm 103:2, tlb)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For 26 years, a man known only as Secret Santa has roamed the streets every December quietly giving people money. He started with $5 and $10 bills. As his fortune grew, so did the gifts. In recent years, Secret Santa has been handing out $100 bills, sometimes two or three at a time, to people in thrift stores, diners and parking lots. So far, he's anonymously given out about $1.3 million. It's been a long-held holiday mystery: Who is Secret Santa?
10. Praise God for who He is:
Jehovah-tsidkenu-----The Lord My Righteousness!
Jehovah-m'kaddesh---The Lord Who Sanctifies!
Jehovah-shalom--------The Lord Is Peace!
Jehovah-shammah-----The Lord Is There!
Jehovah-rophe---------The Lord Who Heals!
Jehovah-jireh-----------The Lord's Provision Shall Be Seen!
Jehovah-nissi-----------The Lord My Banner!
Jehovah-rohi------------The Lord My Shepherd!
There Is No Higher Worship Than Your Praise!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sermon Notes 11-22-09
November 22nd 2009 “Mind Food”
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”Philippians 4:8
Joel Osteen told a story
What you “THINK” is really important!
What do you “FEED” your mind with?
Mind-Food #1: Whatever is True!
“Sow a thought, reap an actionSow an action, reap a habit.Sow a habit, reap a character.Sow a character, reap a destiny!”
A. Paul says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true,”Satan, your enemy, “…is come to steal, kill and destroy, but I am come that you my have life and life more abundantly.” John 10:10
Paul is saying: “THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS! PONDER THEM! FIX YOUR MIND ON THE GOOD STUFF!”
This is about ‘taking every thought captive’. --2 Corinthians 10:5
You are responsible for what you allow your mind to think about!
Memorize Scripture: Phil. 4:18 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Rehearse—Re-Play the good stuff!
Old Song says: “You've got to accentuate the positiveEliminate the negativeLatch on to the affirmativeDon't mess with Mister In-Between
Mind-Food #2: DEVELOP AN “UGLY FILTER”!
A. Train yourself to recognize ugly thoughts—Vindictive, Proud, Jealous, Greed, Lies and Stinkin’Thinkin thoughts. Paul says: “Here are some things to think about:”
“...whatever is just or noble”---(This means worthy of respect and right or that which has the dignity of holiness upon it! Not gutter trash talk!
“...whatever is just”---dikaios---the Greeks defined the man who is dikaios, the righteous man, as the man who gives to gods and men that which is their due! In other words, we may put it this way---dikaios is the word of duty faced and duty done! “...whatever is pure”---hagnos---meaning morally pure, that which is undefiled!
“...whatever is lovely”---pros-philes---that which calls forth love! “The fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
“...whatever things are of good report”---literally means---”fair Speaking” or the things which are fit for God to hear!”
“...whatever possesses virtue and praise”---arete---”that of excellence”---Paul uses this word only here in his writings, although it is a classic Greek word! Arete describes anything of “excellence”: an arete or excellent horse; an arete or excellent Soldier! “Whatever is excellent---think on that!”
“...(finally) if there is any praise---think about such things.” Whenever Jahosaphates singers went out singing the praises of God---the battle was won!
Slam the door… put up ‘No Trespassing” signs…refuse to cultivate, feed and rehearse trash talk in your head.
Mind-Food #3: Affirm Others!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
REJECT REJECTION Many of those who have risen from failure to real achievement have rejected the rejection of this world.
In 1902, the poetry editor of The Atlantic Monthly returned a sheaf of poems to a 28-year-old poet with this curt note: "Our magazine has no room for your vigorous verse." The poet was Robert Frost, who rejected the rejection.
In 1905, the University of Bern turned down a Ph.D. Dissertation as being irrelevant and fanciful. The young physics student who wrote the dissertation was Albert Einstein, who rejected the rejection.
In 1894, the rhetoric teacher at Harrow in England wrote on the 16-year-old's report card, "a conspicuous lack of success." The 16-year-old was Winston Churchill, who rejected the rejection.
Don’t waste an opportunity to affirm somebody!
God Accepts you—just the way you are—NOW YOU ACCEPT OTHERS! Luke 19:1-10
Jesus is our Best Example of “Philippians 4:9-0” Behavior
He saw me in the weed patch and saw my potential—the diamond in the rough!
He saw the woman at the Well and said “…go and sin no more!”
Take This Home For Thanksgiving:
Mind-Food #1: Whatever is True! My mind needs a gate-keeper!
All sorts of ugly, seductive, repugnant, selfish and negative thoughts are ready to jump in and commandeer my heart!
Search for and identify the beauty that is all around me this Thanksgiving!
Mind-Food #2: DEVELOP AN “UGLY FILTER”! Everybody needs affirmation!
This is a good time to start acknowledging virtues in others…with sincerity!
Mind-Food #3: Affirm Others!
Lord, I will look for the best in people and situations…I’ll work at “Taking every thought captive.”
Thanksgiving 2009!“Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe!
Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow!”
Go and Touch the World
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”Philippians 4:8
Joel Osteen told a story
What you “THINK” is really important!
What do you “FEED” your mind with?
Mind-Food #1: Whatever is True!
“Sow a thought, reap an actionSow an action, reap a habit.Sow a habit, reap a character.Sow a character, reap a destiny!”
A. Paul says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true,”Satan, your enemy, “…is come to steal, kill and destroy, but I am come that you my have life and life more abundantly.” John 10:10
Paul is saying: “THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS! PONDER THEM! FIX YOUR MIND ON THE GOOD STUFF!”
This is about ‘taking every thought captive’. --2 Corinthians 10:5
You are responsible for what you allow your mind to think about!
Memorize Scripture: Phil. 4:18 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Rehearse—Re-Play the good stuff!
Old Song says: “You've got to accentuate the positiveEliminate the negativeLatch on to the affirmativeDon't mess with Mister In-Between
Mind-Food #2: DEVELOP AN “UGLY FILTER”!
A. Train yourself to recognize ugly thoughts—Vindictive, Proud, Jealous, Greed, Lies and Stinkin’Thinkin thoughts. Paul says: “Here are some things to think about:”
“...whatever is just or noble”---(This means worthy of respect and right or that which has the dignity of holiness upon it! Not gutter trash talk!
“...whatever is just”---dikaios---the Greeks defined the man who is dikaios, the righteous man, as the man who gives to gods and men that which is their due! In other words, we may put it this way---dikaios is the word of duty faced and duty done! “...whatever is pure”---hagnos---meaning morally pure, that which is undefiled!
“...whatever is lovely”---pros-philes---that which calls forth love! “The fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
“...whatever things are of good report”---literally means---”fair Speaking” or the things which are fit for God to hear!”
“...whatever possesses virtue and praise”---arete---”that of excellence”---Paul uses this word only here in his writings, although it is a classic Greek word! Arete describes anything of “excellence”: an arete or excellent horse; an arete or excellent Soldier! “Whatever is excellent---think on that!”
“...(finally) if there is any praise---think about such things.” Whenever Jahosaphates singers went out singing the praises of God---the battle was won!
Slam the door… put up ‘No Trespassing” signs…refuse to cultivate, feed and rehearse trash talk in your head.
Mind-Food #3: Affirm Others!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
REJECT REJECTION Many of those who have risen from failure to real achievement have rejected the rejection of this world.
In 1902, the poetry editor of The Atlantic Monthly returned a sheaf of poems to a 28-year-old poet with this curt note: "Our magazine has no room for your vigorous verse." The poet was Robert Frost, who rejected the rejection.
In 1905, the University of Bern turned down a Ph.D. Dissertation as being irrelevant and fanciful. The young physics student who wrote the dissertation was Albert Einstein, who rejected the rejection.
In 1894, the rhetoric teacher at Harrow in England wrote on the 16-year-old's report card, "a conspicuous lack of success." The 16-year-old was Winston Churchill, who rejected the rejection.
Don’t waste an opportunity to affirm somebody!
God Accepts you—just the way you are—NOW YOU ACCEPT OTHERS! Luke 19:1-10
Jesus is our Best Example of “Philippians 4:9-0” Behavior
He saw me in the weed patch and saw my potential—the diamond in the rough!
He saw the woman at the Well and said “…go and sin no more!”
Take This Home For Thanksgiving:
Mind-Food #1: Whatever is True! My mind needs a gate-keeper!
All sorts of ugly, seductive, repugnant, selfish and negative thoughts are ready to jump in and commandeer my heart!
Search for and identify the beauty that is all around me this Thanksgiving!
Mind-Food #2: DEVELOP AN “UGLY FILTER”! Everybody needs affirmation!
This is a good time to start acknowledging virtues in others…with sincerity!
Mind-Food #3: Affirm Others!
Lord, I will look for the best in people and situations…I’ll work at “Taking every thought captive.”
Thanksgiving 2009!“Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe!
Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow!”
Go and Touch the World
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sermon Notes 11-15-09
November 15th 2009 “Cornerstone #3” “Idolatry”
“And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:1-5
The cornerstones: of HCCSM!
Cornerstone #1 Is God’s Word, God’s Word?
Cornerstone #2 Jehovah-Yahweh?
Cornerstone #3 Idolatry?
"Idols? You must be kidding.”“That’s what they have in Africa, right?” “Me? An idol-worshiper? What do you take me for? A pagan?”“The only thing I worship is my brand-new car.”
What is an idol anyway? The dictionary offers this definition: “an image used as an object of worship. Or “one that is adored.””
—Is it possible to love your house or your car too much?—Is it possible to love success too much?—Is it possible to love the praise of others too much?—Is it possible to work too much?
Has God changed? Are we still responsible to follow the “Ten Commandments?”
“Cornerstone #3 is: “No Idols!”Cause & Effect:1st Idolatry has Generational Consequences!
Exodus 20:5 “You shall not make for yourself an idol for I, the Lord you God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation”
One of the strange dynamics in family is that when children grown up they often repeat the mistakes of their parents!
Alcoholism is usually generational!
Abraham had two sons: Isaac and Ishmael!
Abraham “favored” Isaac over Ishmael!
Abraham’s son, Isaac had two sons: Jacob and Esau!
Isaac “favored” Esau! Isaac’s wife Rebecca favored Jacob! Genesis 25:21-28
Jacob, the 4th Generation from Abraham, showed the sin of “Favoritism” to his son, Joseph: Genesis 34:3-5
Exodus 20:5 “You shall not make for yourself an idol for I, the Lord you God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation”
The first Commandment states Whom We Are To Worship: Jehovah Yahweh!
The Second Commandment tells us “How to Worship!
Cause & Effect:1st Idolatry has Generational Consequences!2nd Idolatry will Destroy Our Nation!
Moses was up on the Mt. for 40 days, the people became fearful that he wasn’t coming back!
Aaron and Marian—Moses’ brother and sister were left in charge of the camp!
They were the “Spiritual” leaders; they were to lead when Moses wasn’t around!
Exodus 32:1-35 Cause & Effect:1st Idolatry has Generational Consequences!2nd Idolatry will Destroy Our Nation!3rd Idolatry to Victory!
There was not a nation that could stand before Israel when they were placing God in His rightful place!
Joshua 1:2-9 “2“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 6“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God has called Hope Community Church to “Victory” and I believe that we can see the consequences of following the “lesser gods!”
Remember how to catch a monkey? You place a place a bottle with a narrow opening in it in the jungle with something inside it that the monkey wants. Tie a rope to the bottle and the other end to a tree. It won’t be long before the monkey sticks his hand inside the bottle to get the object of his attraction and he then can’t get his hand out because he has the object in his hand and the opening of the bottle isn’t large enough to allow him to get his hand out! YOU SEE, WHAT HE SET OUT TO CATCH HAS NOW CAUGHT HIM!
In John 21:15 Jesus says to Peter: “Do you love me?” I think Peter loved to fish more and Jesus not only knew it but Peter exhibited it!
Peter had gone back to his nets and after seeing so many things that Jesus had said they would do and yet he was back to the very thing that he loved! FISHING!
Jesus had said to Peter at their first encounter: “Peter, come and I will make you to become fishers of men!” Something that Peter really understood! FISHING!
Now many things have happened---the cross---the tomb and Peter remembers the he denied Jesus!
We are not eager to be in the presence of Jesus if we have allowed things to come between us!
Jesus says: John 21:15 “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” --- Fishing boats, the security of the income of his catch, the friends that were there!
“PETER DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN ANYTHING?”
Quote: Albert Schweitzer said, "If you have something you can't live without, you don't own it, it owns you."
“And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:1-5
The cornerstones: of HCCSM!
Cornerstone #1 Is God’s Word, God’s Word?
Cornerstone #2 Jehovah-Yahweh?
Cornerstone #3 Idolatry?
"Idols? You must be kidding.”“That’s what they have in Africa, right?” “Me? An idol-worshiper? What do you take me for? A pagan?”“The only thing I worship is my brand-new car.”
What is an idol anyway? The dictionary offers this definition: “an image used as an object of worship. Or “one that is adored.””
—Is it possible to love your house or your car too much?—Is it possible to love success too much?—Is it possible to love the praise of others too much?—Is it possible to work too much?
Has God changed? Are we still responsible to follow the “Ten Commandments?”
“Cornerstone #3 is: “No Idols!”Cause & Effect:1st Idolatry has Generational Consequences!
Exodus 20:5 “You shall not make for yourself an idol for I, the Lord you God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation”
One of the strange dynamics in family is that when children grown up they often repeat the mistakes of their parents!
Alcoholism is usually generational!
Abraham had two sons: Isaac and Ishmael!
Abraham “favored” Isaac over Ishmael!
Abraham’s son, Isaac had two sons: Jacob and Esau!
Isaac “favored” Esau! Isaac’s wife Rebecca favored Jacob! Genesis 25:21-28
Jacob, the 4th Generation from Abraham, showed the sin of “Favoritism” to his son, Joseph: Genesis 34:3-5
Exodus 20:5 “You shall not make for yourself an idol for I, the Lord you God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation”
The first Commandment states Whom We Are To Worship: Jehovah Yahweh!
The Second Commandment tells us “How to Worship!
Cause & Effect:1st Idolatry has Generational Consequences!2nd Idolatry will Destroy Our Nation!
Moses was up on the Mt. for 40 days, the people became fearful that he wasn’t coming back!
Aaron and Marian—Moses’ brother and sister were left in charge of the camp!
They were the “Spiritual” leaders; they were to lead when Moses wasn’t around!
Exodus 32:1-35 Cause & Effect:1st Idolatry has Generational Consequences!2nd Idolatry will Destroy Our Nation!3rd Idolatry to Victory!
There was not a nation that could stand before Israel when they were placing God in His rightful place!
Joshua 1:2-9 “2“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 6“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God has called Hope Community Church to “Victory” and I believe that we can see the consequences of following the “lesser gods!”
Remember how to catch a monkey? You place a place a bottle with a narrow opening in it in the jungle with something inside it that the monkey wants. Tie a rope to the bottle and the other end to a tree. It won’t be long before the monkey sticks his hand inside the bottle to get the object of his attraction and he then can’t get his hand out because he has the object in his hand and the opening of the bottle isn’t large enough to allow him to get his hand out! YOU SEE, WHAT HE SET OUT TO CATCH HAS NOW CAUGHT HIM!
In John 21:15 Jesus says to Peter: “Do you love me?” I think Peter loved to fish more and Jesus not only knew it but Peter exhibited it!
Peter had gone back to his nets and after seeing so many things that Jesus had said they would do and yet he was back to the very thing that he loved! FISHING!
Jesus had said to Peter at their first encounter: “Peter, come and I will make you to become fishers of men!” Something that Peter really understood! FISHING!
Now many things have happened---the cross---the tomb and Peter remembers the he denied Jesus!
We are not eager to be in the presence of Jesus if we have allowed things to come between us!
Jesus says: John 21:15 “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” --- Fishing boats, the security of the income of his catch, the friends that were there!
“PETER DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN ANYTHING?”
Quote: Albert Schweitzer said, "If you have something you can't live without, you don't own it, it owns you."
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sermon Notes 11-1-09
November 1st 2009 “Cornerstone of Truth”
“You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believer.”1 Thessalonians 2:10-15
Illustration: If you were flying over the Amazon rain forest in a small plane and it crashed. The plane is filled with CEO’s from Microsoft, IBM, Intel, and General Motors—plus an Amazon Survival Guide, you know, “Man vs. Wild Guy”: Who would you follow? The CEO’s might be able to lead their companies but they couldn’t save you!
Jesus is our “Survival Guide!”
Quote: YOU THINK THINGS ARE BAD AT YOUR CHURCH?
When Jesus started His church, the Pastor (Jesus himself) was being executed.
The chairman of the board (Peter) was out cursing and swearing that he had never even been a part of the church.
The treasurer (Judas) was committing suicide after embezzling the funds.
Most of the rest of the board members (the apostles) had run away.
A few ladies from the Women's Fellowship were about the only ones who showed much faithfulness.
The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.
Jesus Christ is HCCSM’s CORNERSTONE!
Jesus said: Mark 12:10 “10Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.”
What is the Cornerstone DNA of a Christ centered Church?
Cornerstone DNA Church
1st It Receives The Word of God!
A Christ centered church—receives the Word of God as the Word of God!A. 1st Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God,” Thessalonica was the largest city in first century Macedonia and the capital of the province and even today it is the Second largest city in Greece with 363,987!Scholars reason that Paul probably wrote 1 Thessalonians early in 50 A.D.
Among the problems the Thessalonians’ church faced was persecution by pagans (2:14) and a temptation for believers to accept pagan sexual standards (4:4-8).
Some of the Christians seem to have given up working and to have relied on the others to supply their needs (4:11-12).
There was uncertainty about the fate of believers who had died, and some of the Thessalonians appear to have thought that Christ would come back soon and take them all to be with Him.
Paul writes to the new church: 1st Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God
B. The Evidence reveal that Paul had NOT “Received The Word” of God—Acts 9:1-3 “1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Rome.” Paul without Christ was a “maniac!”
The result of “Receiving” the Word of God is Exampled by Paul’s B.C. event = Before Christ in Paul’s life!
Paul (Saul) which was his Jewish name, from Tarsus, which was a Roman city which made him a “Roman” citizen. Paul was from the “Tribe of Benjamin” so he was trained in all the Jewish “Laws and Traditions.”Paul knew just enough of the “Law” to make him dangerous!Paul eventually went to Jerusalem to study under the famous rabbi, Gamaliel. He was probably 13 to 18 years old.
BUT THAT DIDN’T SAVE HIM—HIS ACTIONS SHOWED HE WAS STILL LOST!
Pastor Phil says: “If you have “received” the Word of God— it will be seen by those around us!” Hebrews 4:12 “For the WORD of God is LIVING and ACTIVE. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART.”
Our ACTIONS speak as to the condition of our heart!Acts 2:41 “Then they that GLADLY RECEIVED HIS WORD were baptized: and that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
The Cornerstone DNA of A Strong Church Receives The Word of God
Cornerstone DNA Church
1st It Receives The Word of God!
2nd It Believes The Word of God!
A. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “And we thank God continually because, when you RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, which you heard from us, you BELIEVED IT not as the word of men, but as it ACTUALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD”
The DNA of a Strong Church is made up of People who BELIEVES the Word of God is the Word of God!!!! v. 13 "when you RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, which you heard from us, you ACCEPTED IT” or “BELIEVE IT!” Paul wrote in II Timothy 3:16 that Scripture is inspired, literally "God-breathed out." Paul was reassuring them that it was the very Word spoken by God! Our church embraces that truth! Joke: Four clergymen were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version best because of its beautiful English. Another liked the American Standard because of its Greek and Hebrew literalness. The third minister liked the Good News Bible because of its up-to-date vocabulary. The fourth minister was silent. When asked to express his opinion, he replied, "I like my mother's translation best." He said, “She translated it into life. And it was the most convincing translation I ever saw."
C. Quote: “The Thessalonians had received the Word not as the word of men, but as “it is in truth, the Word of God.”
Corner-Stone Truth: Our DNA here at HCCSM! The Word of God as presented in the Bible—is the Word of God? John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God. v.2 He was with God in the beginning. v.3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. v.4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. v.5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”
Cornerstone DNA Church
1st It Receives The Word of God!
2nd It Believes The Word of God!
3rd It Achieves Through The Word!
1 Thessalonians 2:13 “And we thank God continually because, when you RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, which you heard from us, you ACCEPTED IT not as the word of men, but as it ACTUALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD, which is at WORK IN YOU WHO BELIEVE.”
Work is the result of “receiving and “believing!”
What are we to “ACHIEVE”--as BELIEVERS?
Jesus said: This is Jesus’ last directive!Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to ME. v.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, v.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.”
CROAKING FROGS: A farmer came to town and asked the owner of a restaurant if he would be able to use a million frog legs. The proprietor asked where he could find so many frogs. "I've got a pond at home just full of them," the farmer replied. "They drive me crazy night and day." After they made an agreement for several hundred frogs, the farmer went back home. He came back a week later with two scrawny frogs and a foolish look on his face. "I guess I was wrong," he stammered. "There were just two frogs in the pond, but they sure were making a lot of noise!" Just remember—Two Turned On Believers Can Make A Lot Of Noise For Jesus!
Corner-Stone Truths: “We believe that the Word of God is literally The Word of God!”
Quote: Chuck Colson said in one of his letters of the inscription on a church in England – “In the year 1653, when all things sacred in the kingdom/ Were either profaned or demolished,/ This church was built . . ./ To do the best of things in the worst of times. Colson adds, "And it is to remember that, when conditions seem absolutely hopeless, Christians have great opportunities."
“For Such A Time As This!”
“You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believer.”1 Thessalonians 2:10-15
Illustration: If you were flying over the Amazon rain forest in a small plane and it crashed. The plane is filled with CEO’s from Microsoft, IBM, Intel, and General Motors—plus an Amazon Survival Guide, you know, “Man vs. Wild Guy”: Who would you follow? The CEO’s might be able to lead their companies but they couldn’t save you!
Jesus is our “Survival Guide!”
Quote: YOU THINK THINGS ARE BAD AT YOUR CHURCH?
When Jesus started His church, the Pastor (Jesus himself) was being executed.
The chairman of the board (Peter) was out cursing and swearing that he had never even been a part of the church.
The treasurer (Judas) was committing suicide after embezzling the funds.
Most of the rest of the board members (the apostles) had run away.
A few ladies from the Women's Fellowship were about the only ones who showed much faithfulness.
The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.
Jesus Christ is HCCSM’s CORNERSTONE!
Jesus said: Mark 12:10 “10Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.”
What is the Cornerstone DNA of a Christ centered Church?
Cornerstone DNA Church
1st It Receives The Word of God!
A Christ centered church—receives the Word of God as the Word of God!A. 1st Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God,” Thessalonica was the largest city in first century Macedonia and the capital of the province and even today it is the Second largest city in Greece with 363,987!Scholars reason that Paul probably wrote 1 Thessalonians early in 50 A.D.
Among the problems the Thessalonians’ church faced was persecution by pagans (2:14) and a temptation for believers to accept pagan sexual standards (4:4-8).
Some of the Christians seem to have given up working and to have relied on the others to supply their needs (4:11-12).
There was uncertainty about the fate of believers who had died, and some of the Thessalonians appear to have thought that Christ would come back soon and take them all to be with Him.
Paul writes to the new church: 1st Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God
B. The Evidence reveal that Paul had NOT “Received The Word” of God—Acts 9:1-3 “1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Rome.” Paul without Christ was a “maniac!”
The result of “Receiving” the Word of God is Exampled by Paul’s B.C. event = Before Christ in Paul’s life!
Paul (Saul) which was his Jewish name, from Tarsus, which was a Roman city which made him a “Roman” citizen. Paul was from the “Tribe of Benjamin” so he was trained in all the Jewish “Laws and Traditions.”Paul knew just enough of the “Law” to make him dangerous!Paul eventually went to Jerusalem to study under the famous rabbi, Gamaliel. He was probably 13 to 18 years old.
BUT THAT DIDN’T SAVE HIM—HIS ACTIONS SHOWED HE WAS STILL LOST!
Pastor Phil says: “If you have “received” the Word of God— it will be seen by those around us!” Hebrews 4:12 “For the WORD of God is LIVING and ACTIVE. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART.”
Our ACTIONS speak as to the condition of our heart!Acts 2:41 “Then they that GLADLY RECEIVED HIS WORD were baptized: and that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
The Cornerstone DNA of A Strong Church Receives The Word of God
Cornerstone DNA Church
1st It Receives The Word of God!
2nd It Believes The Word of God!
A. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “And we thank God continually because, when you RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, which you heard from us, you BELIEVED IT not as the word of men, but as it ACTUALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD”
The DNA of a Strong Church is made up of People who BELIEVES the Word of God is the Word of God!!!! v. 13 "when you RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, which you heard from us, you ACCEPTED IT” or “BELIEVE IT!” Paul wrote in II Timothy 3:16 that Scripture is inspired, literally "God-breathed out." Paul was reassuring them that it was the very Word spoken by God! Our church embraces that truth! Joke: Four clergymen were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version best because of its beautiful English. Another liked the American Standard because of its Greek and Hebrew literalness. The third minister liked the Good News Bible because of its up-to-date vocabulary. The fourth minister was silent. When asked to express his opinion, he replied, "I like my mother's translation best." He said, “She translated it into life. And it was the most convincing translation I ever saw."
C. Quote: “The Thessalonians had received the Word not as the word of men, but as “it is in truth, the Word of God.”
Corner-Stone Truth: Our DNA here at HCCSM! The Word of God as presented in the Bible—is the Word of God? John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God. v.2 He was with God in the beginning. v.3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. v.4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. v.5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”
Cornerstone DNA Church
1st It Receives The Word of God!
2nd It Believes The Word of God!
3rd It Achieves Through The Word!
1 Thessalonians 2:13 “And we thank God continually because, when you RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, which you heard from us, you ACCEPTED IT not as the word of men, but as it ACTUALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD, which is at WORK IN YOU WHO BELIEVE.”
Work is the result of “receiving and “believing!”
What are we to “ACHIEVE”--as BELIEVERS?
Jesus said: This is Jesus’ last directive!Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to ME. v.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, v.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.”
CROAKING FROGS: A farmer came to town and asked the owner of a restaurant if he would be able to use a million frog legs. The proprietor asked where he could find so many frogs. "I've got a pond at home just full of them," the farmer replied. "They drive me crazy night and day." After they made an agreement for several hundred frogs, the farmer went back home. He came back a week later with two scrawny frogs and a foolish look on his face. "I guess I was wrong," he stammered. "There were just two frogs in the pond, but they sure were making a lot of noise!" Just remember—Two Turned On Believers Can Make A Lot Of Noise For Jesus!
Corner-Stone Truths: “We believe that the Word of God is literally The Word of God!”
Quote: Chuck Colson said in one of his letters of the inscription on a church in England – “In the year 1653, when all things sacred in the kingdom/ Were either profaned or demolished,/ This church was built . . ./ To do the best of things in the worst of times. Colson adds, "And it is to remember that, when conditions seem absolutely hopeless, Christians have great opportunities."
“For Such A Time As This!”
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sermon Notes 10-25-09
October 25th 2009 “How Big Is Your God?”
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Romans 15:20-21
Proverbs 29: 18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish”Say it with me-- Proverbs 29: 18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish”What is meant by Hope Community Church DNA??
What are we made up of?
Where are we going?
What were we created to become?
Hope Community Churches’ DNA is the vision and the genetic makeup of all our ministries.
1. If you were God, what is one thing on earth you would address right away?Mission Statement: Hope Community Church will have members who mobilized to encourage, support, love and accept one another. With a message so simplistic, that anyone would understand it, and is sincere yet so powerful in its foundation that it will set the prisoner free. That message is that this is a place where nobody stands alone.
Paul said to the Romans, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation" (Romans 15:20). It is mine as well!
Paul had a heart to reach the unreached areas of life.
What are the unreached areas in our lives? We currently have two unreached areas that we are capable of reaching.
Two Unreached Areas:
1st Love those You Can See!
We are to reach the unreached masses of people in Santa Maria, and the surrounding cities!
Santa Maria’s population is: 92542 people as of January 1, 2009
The estimated population of the area is about 161,227, which includes the Santa Maria Valley, the city of Guadalupe, the unincorporated township of Orcutt. Nipomo is also considered part of the Santa Maria area, as it is adjacent to Santa Maria on the north in San Luis Obispo County.
From City-data.com
The truth is, according to the graph, young families and young people are not being reached in Santa Maria, and the surrounding cities!
Why is it difficult to love those young families?
Matthew 24: 16 - "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold". Sin gets in your way of loving other people.
The DNA of our Church is “Building Families Sharing Hope” and Jesus said: John 13: 35 - "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
The best way to reach people in this day and age is through small groups of relationships.
Connect Groups. It is in the Connect group environment that authentic relationships, love and ministries can be accomplished.
Church needs to be a place where you feel like you belong. Small Groups (like Men’s Min.; Women’s Min.; Youth Group; College Group; Life Group such as the DNA Class at the Ruiz’s House on Wed; or the other Life Group Classes; the Food Pantry) do that.
Remember, Jesus focused on 12 not the 5,000.
Why should you join a small group?
1. The message of the Bible will become more relevant.
* You will have a chance to ask questions?
2. You will not "slip through" the cracks of the church.
* When you are able to be a part of a smaller group, then your voice is heard and you are able to connect with greater efficiency.
3. You will be able to handle stress better.
* Small Groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change and stress. When you lose your job, have a health problem, they can support you!
4. In a Small Group: You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives, and work associates. It may be that some of your friends who don't know the Lord wouldn't be caught dead in a church but “Small Group” is less intimidating! When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the message of the Bible. 5. Small Group is New Testament like.
* The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. They met in houses during the week and prayed and shared Christ and God added to the church!
Jesus focused on a few to win the many. It will be impossible to reach our entire country by yourself, but you can reach them all by multiplication through individuals.
Two Unreached Areas:
1st Love those You Can See!
2nd Love those You Can’t See!
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:”
Reaching out locally and globally has equal importance. Great Commission. Missions.
Remember when Bonne’s friend Vicky Winkler of Kenya, Africa, came to us and shared about missions! I believe we should support them financially, which we do, but it would be great for us to get a “Mission Group” together and go to Africa and help Vicky or any other mission!
Jesus said: Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Mother Teresa of Calcutta quotes (Albanian born Indian Missionary and Founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity. Nobel Prize for Peace in 1979. 1910-1997) “ The church of today is called out to love the unlovable. We are called out to be involved in the world’s loneliness.”
Paul’s ambition: “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Romans 15:20-21
This is what global outreach is all about.
Illustration: It seems the old Standard Oil Company offered an enormous sum of money to a missionary in China to work for them, to help with the development of Standard Oil in China. The missionary turned them down. So they doubled the salary offer. He turned them down again. They said, "What do you want? We can't give more money than that.: He said, "The money doesn't have anything to do with it. The job is too small."
Illustration: Alila stood on the beach holding her tiny infant son close to her heart. Tears welled in her eyes as she began slowly walking toward the river's edge. She stepped into the water, silently making her way out until she was waist deep, the water gently lapping at the sleeping baby's feet. She stood there for a long time holding the child tightly as she stared out across the river. Then all of a sudden in one quick movement she threw the six month old baby to his watery death. Native missionary M.V. Varghese often witnesses among the crowds who gather at the Ganges. It was he who came upon Alila that day kneeling in the sand crying uncontrollably and beating her breast. With compassion he knelt down next to her and asked her what was wrong. Through her sobs she told him, "The problems in my home are too many and my sins are heavy on my heart, so I offered the best I have to the goddess Ganges, my first born son." Brother Varghese's heart ached for the desperate woman. As she wept he gently began to tell her about the love of Jesus and that through Him her sins could be forgiven. She looked at him strangely. "I have never heard that before," she replied through her tears. "Why couldn't you have come thirty minutes earlier? If you did, my child would not have had to die." Each year millions of people come to the holy Indian city of Hardwar to bathe in the River Ganges. These multitudes come believing this Hindu ritual will wash their sins away. For many people like Alila, missionaries are arriving too late, simply because there aren't enough of these faithful brothers and sisters on the mission field.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy quotes "The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty, and all forms of human life."
Illustration: John G. Paton, a missionary to the South Sea Islands, often lived in danger as he worked among the hostile aborigines who had never heard the gospel. At one time three witch doctors, claiming to have the power to cause death, publicly declared their intentions to kill Paton with their sorcery before the next Sunday. To carry out their threat, they said they needed some food he had partially eaten. Paton asked for three plums. He took a bite out of each and then gave them to the men who were plotting his death.
On Sunday, the missionary entered the village with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. The people looked at each other in amazement, thinking it couldn't possibly be Paton. Their "sacred men" admitted that they had tried by all their incantations to kill him. When asked why they had failed, they replied that the missionary was a sacred man like themselves, but that his God was stronger than theirs. From then on Paton's influence grew, and soon he had the joy of leading some of the villagers to the Lord.
“How Big Is Your God?” What is meant by Hope Community Church DNA??
What are we made up of?
Where are we going?
What were we created to become?
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Romans 15:20-21
Proverbs 29: 18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish”Say it with me-- Proverbs 29: 18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish”What is meant by Hope Community Church DNA??
What are we made up of?
Where are we going?
What were we created to become?
Hope Community Churches’ DNA is the vision and the genetic makeup of all our ministries.
1. If you were God, what is one thing on earth you would address right away?Mission Statement: Hope Community Church will have members who mobilized to encourage, support, love and accept one another. With a message so simplistic, that anyone would understand it, and is sincere yet so powerful in its foundation that it will set the prisoner free. That message is that this is a place where nobody stands alone.
Paul said to the Romans, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation" (Romans 15:20). It is mine as well!
Paul had a heart to reach the unreached areas of life.
What are the unreached areas in our lives? We currently have two unreached areas that we are capable of reaching.
Two Unreached Areas:
1st Love those You Can See!
We are to reach the unreached masses of people in Santa Maria, and the surrounding cities!
Santa Maria’s population is: 92542 people as of January 1, 2009
The estimated population of the area is about 161,227, which includes the Santa Maria Valley, the city of Guadalupe, the unincorporated township of Orcutt. Nipomo is also considered part of the Santa Maria area, as it is adjacent to Santa Maria on the north in San Luis Obispo County.
From City-data.com
The truth is, according to the graph, young families and young people are not being reached in Santa Maria, and the surrounding cities!
Why is it difficult to love those young families?
Matthew 24: 16 - "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold". Sin gets in your way of loving other people.
The DNA of our Church is “Building Families Sharing Hope” and Jesus said: John 13: 35 - "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
The best way to reach people in this day and age is through small groups of relationships.
Connect Groups. It is in the Connect group environment that authentic relationships, love and ministries can be accomplished.
Church needs to be a place where you feel like you belong. Small Groups (like Men’s Min.; Women’s Min.; Youth Group; College Group; Life Group such as the DNA Class at the Ruiz’s House on Wed; or the other Life Group Classes; the Food Pantry) do that.
Remember, Jesus focused on 12 not the 5,000.
Why should you join a small group?
1. The message of the Bible will become more relevant.
* You will have a chance to ask questions?
2. You will not "slip through" the cracks of the church.
* When you are able to be a part of a smaller group, then your voice is heard and you are able to connect with greater efficiency.
3. You will be able to handle stress better.
* Small Groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change and stress. When you lose your job, have a health problem, they can support you!
4. In a Small Group: You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives, and work associates. It may be that some of your friends who don't know the Lord wouldn't be caught dead in a church but “Small Group” is less intimidating! When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the message of the Bible. 5. Small Group is New Testament like.
* The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. They met in houses during the week and prayed and shared Christ and God added to the church!
Jesus focused on a few to win the many. It will be impossible to reach our entire country by yourself, but you can reach them all by multiplication through individuals.
Two Unreached Areas:
1st Love those You Can See!
2nd Love those You Can’t See!
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:”
Reaching out locally and globally has equal importance. Great Commission. Missions.
Remember when Bonne’s friend Vicky Winkler of Kenya, Africa, came to us and shared about missions! I believe we should support them financially, which we do, but it would be great for us to get a “Mission Group” together and go to Africa and help Vicky or any other mission!
Jesus said: Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Mother Teresa of Calcutta quotes (Albanian born Indian Missionary and Founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity. Nobel Prize for Peace in 1979. 1910-1997) “ The church of today is called out to love the unlovable. We are called out to be involved in the world’s loneliness.”
Paul’s ambition: “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Romans 15:20-21
This is what global outreach is all about.
Illustration: It seems the old Standard Oil Company offered an enormous sum of money to a missionary in China to work for them, to help with the development of Standard Oil in China. The missionary turned them down. So they doubled the salary offer. He turned them down again. They said, "What do you want? We can't give more money than that.: He said, "The money doesn't have anything to do with it. The job is too small."
Illustration: Alila stood on the beach holding her tiny infant son close to her heart. Tears welled in her eyes as she began slowly walking toward the river's edge. She stepped into the water, silently making her way out until she was waist deep, the water gently lapping at the sleeping baby's feet. She stood there for a long time holding the child tightly as she stared out across the river. Then all of a sudden in one quick movement she threw the six month old baby to his watery death. Native missionary M.V. Varghese often witnesses among the crowds who gather at the Ganges. It was he who came upon Alila that day kneeling in the sand crying uncontrollably and beating her breast. With compassion he knelt down next to her and asked her what was wrong. Through her sobs she told him, "The problems in my home are too many and my sins are heavy on my heart, so I offered the best I have to the goddess Ganges, my first born son." Brother Varghese's heart ached for the desperate woman. As she wept he gently began to tell her about the love of Jesus and that through Him her sins could be forgiven. She looked at him strangely. "I have never heard that before," she replied through her tears. "Why couldn't you have come thirty minutes earlier? If you did, my child would not have had to die." Each year millions of people come to the holy Indian city of Hardwar to bathe in the River Ganges. These multitudes come believing this Hindu ritual will wash their sins away. For many people like Alila, missionaries are arriving too late, simply because there aren't enough of these faithful brothers and sisters on the mission field.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy quotes "The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty, and all forms of human life."
Illustration: John G. Paton, a missionary to the South Sea Islands, often lived in danger as he worked among the hostile aborigines who had never heard the gospel. At one time three witch doctors, claiming to have the power to cause death, publicly declared their intentions to kill Paton with their sorcery before the next Sunday. To carry out their threat, they said they needed some food he had partially eaten. Paton asked for three plums. He took a bite out of each and then gave them to the men who were plotting his death.
On Sunday, the missionary entered the village with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. The people looked at each other in amazement, thinking it couldn't possibly be Paton. Their "sacred men" admitted that they had tried by all their incantations to kill him. When asked why they had failed, they replied that the missionary was a sacred man like themselves, but that his God was stronger than theirs. From then on Paton's influence grew, and soon he had the joy of leading some of the villagers to the Lord.
“How Big Is Your God?” What is meant by Hope Community Church DNA??
What are we made up of?
Where are we going?
What were we created to become?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sermon Notes 110-18-09
October 18, 2009 “Growing Our Deoxyribonucleic Acid!
”Proverbs 29: 18 (NAS) – Where there is no vision, the people are restrained.(KJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish”
Say with me: “Where There IS a Vision—The People are UNRESTRAINED!”What is meant by DNA?? Double Helix
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses.
What IS OUR DNA?
Where are we going?
What were we created to become?
Hope Community Church’s DNA is “the vision and the genetic makeup of the Hope Community Churches’ ministries.”
The DNA tells us who we are and where we are going.
DNA part 1: “Growing a church with one another!”
The DNA is the dream of a place where all our members are mobilized to encourage, support, love and accept one another. With a message so simplistic, that anyone would understand it, and is sincere yet so powerful in its foundation that it will set the prisoner free. That message is that this is a place where nobody stands alone.
Luke 14: 23 (NAS) – And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.”
This is a mandate from the master to the laborer or slave!
Church growth principles – go out and bring them in
Places to go – “Highways and along the hedges”
Method – “Compel them”
This verse indicates that the individual to go out, is a follower of Jesus Christ. - The follower of Jesus Christ is first a minister and not a member of a country club.
Determining Our DNA
1st Be a Nobody to make someone a Somebody!
John said - I must decrease and He must increase.
John was pretty “popular” but he said: “I must decrease and He must increase.”
John said: “I’m not worthy to ‘untie’ His shoes!”
John became a “No-Body” so that Jesus would be accepted by the crowds!
Paul said - I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
What is the best way to be a church where nobodies become some bodies?
By being a church of “One another’s!”
1. Serve “One-Another” Galatians 5: 13 “…you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.”
2. Accept “One-Another” Romans 15: 7 7So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.
3. Forgive “One-Another” Colossians 3: 13 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
4. Greet “One-Another” Romans 16: 16 16Greet one another with a holy kiss.
5. Bear “One-Another’s burdens Galatians 6: 2 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
6. Be devoted to “One-Another” Romans 12: 10 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
7. Honor “One-Another” Romans 12: 10 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
8. Teach “One-Another” Romans 15: 14 14I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.
9. Submit to “One-Another” Ephesians 5: 21 21Honor Christ by submitting to each other.
10. Encourage “One-Another” 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. There’s Plenty of Room in This Tent for you to do ministry!
This week Connect by getting in the Men’s Group, The Women’s Bible Study, The Youth Meetings, or The DNA of Relationship’s Group!
Play the Disney’s “TO CATCH A SNIPE”
How do we “catch” new people and get them to come to our church? By being a church of “One another’s!”
Determining Our DNA
2nd God commands us to grow!
The percentage of baseball players signed to professional contracts who never appear in a major league game: 92% Harper's MagazinePastor Phil: “You never can hit a home-run if you do even take a swing at the ball!”
"I swing big, with everything I've got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can." - Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth struck out 1330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs. Don't worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don't ...take a swing at the ball!
Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
The majority of individuals that join a church never get seen in action, because they choose not to be in action.
Luke 14: 23 ”Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.”
Luke is sharing a command of Christ: Go out! This is not a “Suggestion!”
Determining Our DNA
3rd Who makes the church grow?
1 Corinthians 3: 6 Paul speaking: “6My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos’ work was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts.
The Church of the time of Paul’s writing is experiencing “Growing Pains!”
Some were saying, “Paul led me to the Lord and so I am giving him my allegiance!
Some were saying, “Apollos is who I’m following!”
1 Corinthians 3:6 “…it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts.” Quote: “A problem of the church today is that we have “members” that believe wrongly about membership. They believe that membership is a position to hold and not a job to do.”What is: Our DNA? “Building Families, Sharing Hope!”
That’s it—“Building Families, Sharing Hope!”
Our “Vision” is: “Building Families, Sharing Hope!”
All our Ministries should “Building Families, Sharing Hope!”
”Proverbs 29: 18 (NAS) – Where there is no vision, the people are restrained.(KJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish”
Say with me: “Where There IS a Vision—The People are UNRESTRAINED!”What is meant by DNA?? Double Helix
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses.
What IS OUR DNA?
Where are we going?
What were we created to become?
Hope Community Church’s DNA is “the vision and the genetic makeup of the Hope Community Churches’ ministries.”
The DNA tells us who we are and where we are going.
DNA part 1: “Growing a church with one another!”
The DNA is the dream of a place where all our members are mobilized to encourage, support, love and accept one another. With a message so simplistic, that anyone would understand it, and is sincere yet so powerful in its foundation that it will set the prisoner free. That message is that this is a place where nobody stands alone.
Luke 14: 23 (NAS) – And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.”
This is a mandate from the master to the laborer or slave!
Church growth principles – go out and bring them in
Places to go – “Highways and along the hedges”
Method – “Compel them”
This verse indicates that the individual to go out, is a follower of Jesus Christ. - The follower of Jesus Christ is first a minister and not a member of a country club.
Determining Our DNA
1st Be a Nobody to make someone a Somebody!
John said - I must decrease and He must increase.
John was pretty “popular” but he said: “I must decrease and He must increase.”
John said: “I’m not worthy to ‘untie’ His shoes!”
John became a “No-Body” so that Jesus would be accepted by the crowds!
Paul said - I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
What is the best way to be a church where nobodies become some bodies?
By being a church of “One another’s!”
1. Serve “One-Another” Galatians 5: 13 “…you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.”
2. Accept “One-Another” Romans 15: 7 7So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.
3. Forgive “One-Another” Colossians 3: 13 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
4. Greet “One-Another” Romans 16: 16 16Greet one another with a holy kiss.
5. Bear “One-Another’s burdens Galatians 6: 2 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
6. Be devoted to “One-Another” Romans 12: 10 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
7. Honor “One-Another” Romans 12: 10 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
8. Teach “One-Another” Romans 15: 14 14I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.
9. Submit to “One-Another” Ephesians 5: 21 21Honor Christ by submitting to each other.
10. Encourage “One-Another” 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. There’s Plenty of Room in This Tent for you to do ministry!
This week Connect by getting in the Men’s Group, The Women’s Bible Study, The Youth Meetings, or The DNA of Relationship’s Group!
Play the Disney’s “TO CATCH A SNIPE”
How do we “catch” new people and get them to come to our church? By being a church of “One another’s!”
Determining Our DNA
2nd God commands us to grow!
The percentage of baseball players signed to professional contracts who never appear in a major league game: 92% Harper's MagazinePastor Phil: “You never can hit a home-run if you do even take a swing at the ball!”
"I swing big, with everything I've got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can." - Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth struck out 1330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs. Don't worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don't ...take a swing at the ball!
Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
The majority of individuals that join a church never get seen in action, because they choose not to be in action.
Luke 14: 23 ”Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.”
Luke is sharing a command of Christ: Go out! This is not a “Suggestion!”
Determining Our DNA
3rd Who makes the church grow?
1 Corinthians 3: 6 Paul speaking: “6My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos’ work was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts.
The Church of the time of Paul’s writing is experiencing “Growing Pains!”
Some were saying, “Paul led me to the Lord and so I am giving him my allegiance!
Some were saying, “Apollos is who I’m following!”
1 Corinthians 3:6 “…it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts.” Quote: “A problem of the church today is that we have “members” that believe wrongly about membership. They believe that membership is a position to hold and not a job to do.”What is: Our DNA? “Building Families, Sharing Hope!”
That’s it—“Building Families, Sharing Hope!”
Our “Vision” is: “Building Families, Sharing Hope!”
All our Ministries should “Building Families, Sharing Hope!”
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sermon Notes 09-20-09
September 20th 2009 “Real Joy”“…Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:9-10
“The Incredible” Stressed Out
Ezra and Nehemiah provide the biblical background, for they led a people facing far more difficult circumstances to a point of great success.
After Nehemiah and Ezra led their people to rebuild Jerusalem, they had a great day of celebration; just 52 days after the work had begun.
How To Experience Joy:
1st Don’t Give Up!
A. Nehemiah 6:1-4 “1When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates— They sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; 3so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” 4Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.”Nehemiah’s rebuilding project involved everyone. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, teen-agers … everyone.
Their forefathers had made some choices that cost them dearly and that is why the Temple, walls and gates were in ruin!
When you get to a point of total exhaustion, it’s hard to keep going … but you must resolve now to never give up.
Tony Campolo said that when his wife, Peggy, was at home fulltime with their children and someone would ask, "And what is it that you do, my dear?" she would respond, "I am socializing two Homo sapiens into the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the kind of eschatological utopia that God willed from the beginning of creation."Then Peggy would ask Tony, "And what do you do?"
Illustration: Philip Yancey tells of a letter he received from a friend whose daughter, Peggie, was terminally ill. The mother wrote:“The weekend before she went into the hospital for the last time, Peggie came home all excited about a quotation from William Barclay that her minister had used. She was so taken with it that she had copied it down on a 3 x 5 card for me: "Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." She said her minister must have had a hard week, because after he read it he banged the pulpit and then turned his back to them and cried.
Yes: The walls were rebuilt and the gate was re-hung in 52 days but: it took 70 years of bondage in Babylon before they were ready to build!
How To Experience Joy:
1st Don’t Give Up!
2nd Find the Source of Strength!
Nehemiah 8:10 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”By Speaking “affirmations”, out loud, something happens: Speak with me: “…the JOY of the Lord is your strength.”
Say with me: “the Lord—Has No limit to His strength.”
Are your financial resources limited, and sometimes not very strong? the joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Are your children doing crazy things? Speak with me: “God’s Strength is not limited!”
How about your marriage—speak: “I refuse to be a statistic!” the joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH.
Is there anything to hard for God? Speak with me: “the joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH.”
Nehemiah’s team gave out strength and encouragement!
The wall was too hard to build alone!
It was too big a project.
Each one knew their job and no one was gripping about the food.
Nehemiah even lived in the same quarters as all the workers and ate their food!
Through teamwork, and by seeing the progress that was being made, the joy of the Lord became more and more evident, and in only 52 days, the walls of Jerusalem were standing strong again.
How To Experience Joy:
1st Don’t Give Up!
2nd Find the Source of Strength!
3rd Practice Joy!
Joy is something you’ve got to practice.
Joy doesn’t really come naturally to anyone. But if you get the hang of it, it’s kind of contagious, and you can infect yourself with joy!
Nehemiah 89 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep."
Nehemiah gave the theory of joy. V10 "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
The Levites gave the command to be joyful. The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."
But until the people actually went away and practiced joy, they didn’t have it.
Joy is contagious, and even a baby can teach joy to adults. Haven’t you seen it? A baby smiles, or laughs, and every adult who sees it smiles and laughs in return.
Would you like to learn to play the piano? It’ll take practice. Want to be an artist? Prepare to practice the basic strokes. Maybe your goal is to join a gym and get in shape. Obviously, one single day in the gym isn’t going to get the job done. You’ll need to do a little bit, every day, get a schedule, and stick to it.“Practice joy!” If you can practice joy in the midst of lean times, you’ll move quickly from “surviving” to “thriving.”Conclusion: In the shortest summary, the story of Ezra and Nehemiah is the story of God’s people coming home after a 70-year exile and rebuilding Jerusalem. Because they returned home, the city was rebuilt, the Temple was restored, and the stage was set for the eventual arrival of the Messiah.But a question needs to be asked. Why did God invite His people to come home then, and why does God keep making a way for people to come home today?
Only because he loves us.
But be sure of this. God doesn’t force anyone to come home. The history behind the 70-year exile is very important here. When all of Judah was taken into exile, when they were all forced to walk to ancient Persia, to what we would know as southern Iraq or northern Iran, the Bible tells us that somewhere between 4,600 and 10,000 people were taken into exile. In reality, several thousand people were also left behind, and the shocking reality is that the entire Jewish population was so small. Maybe 15,000 people lived in Jerusalem, and about 120,000 lived in all Judea. But war and a terrible plague had nearly decimated the entire population.In exile, under better living conditions, the group expanded to an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 people. Even today, a small Jewish population continues to live in both Iraq and Iran, though their existence is tenuous, at best.But did you see this? There were between 100,000 and 150,000 people who were offered the chance to return to Jerusalem, to return home … and only a fraction of the people took advantage of the offer. The king said, “Go back! Here’s the money! Here are the items for your Temple! You’ve got my blessing, and my protection! Go home!”And maybe 100,000 of those who heard the invitation said, “Hmmm … well … no thanks.”Those who returned were part of a great work of God. Those who stayed behind missed being a part of the story. They had a life, sure. They had food. They had families. They had some community. But they weren’t home.
God will never force anyone to come home. God will paint the picture. God will go to extreme measures to make sure a person hears the invitation. God will send messages through miracles, through the routine, through any means possible.
But God will never, ever, ever, force a person to come home.
“Can’t Keep Me Down”
“The Incredible” Stressed Out
Ezra and Nehemiah provide the biblical background, for they led a people facing far more difficult circumstances to a point of great success.
After Nehemiah and Ezra led their people to rebuild Jerusalem, they had a great day of celebration; just 52 days after the work had begun.
How To Experience Joy:
1st Don’t Give Up!
A. Nehemiah 6:1-4 “1When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates— They sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; 3so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” 4Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.”Nehemiah’s rebuilding project involved everyone. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, teen-agers … everyone.
Their forefathers had made some choices that cost them dearly and that is why the Temple, walls and gates were in ruin!
When you get to a point of total exhaustion, it’s hard to keep going … but you must resolve now to never give up.
Tony Campolo said that when his wife, Peggy, was at home fulltime with their children and someone would ask, "And what is it that you do, my dear?" she would respond, "I am socializing two Homo sapiens into the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the kind of eschatological utopia that God willed from the beginning of creation."Then Peggy would ask Tony, "And what do you do?"
Illustration: Philip Yancey tells of a letter he received from a friend whose daughter, Peggie, was terminally ill. The mother wrote:“The weekend before she went into the hospital for the last time, Peggie came home all excited about a quotation from William Barclay that her minister had used. She was so taken with it that she had copied it down on a 3 x 5 card for me: "Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." She said her minister must have had a hard week, because after he read it he banged the pulpit and then turned his back to them and cried.
Yes: The walls were rebuilt and the gate was re-hung in 52 days but: it took 70 years of bondage in Babylon before they were ready to build!
How To Experience Joy:
1st Don’t Give Up!
2nd Find the Source of Strength!
Nehemiah 8:10 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”By Speaking “affirmations”, out loud, something happens: Speak with me: “…the JOY of the Lord is your strength.”
Say with me: “the Lord—Has No limit to His strength.”
Are your financial resources limited, and sometimes not very strong? the joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Are your children doing crazy things? Speak with me: “God’s Strength is not limited!”
How about your marriage—speak: “I refuse to be a statistic!” the joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH.
Is there anything to hard for God? Speak with me: “the joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH.”
Nehemiah’s team gave out strength and encouragement!
The wall was too hard to build alone!
It was too big a project.
Each one knew their job and no one was gripping about the food.
Nehemiah even lived in the same quarters as all the workers and ate their food!
Through teamwork, and by seeing the progress that was being made, the joy of the Lord became more and more evident, and in only 52 days, the walls of Jerusalem were standing strong again.
How To Experience Joy:
1st Don’t Give Up!
2nd Find the Source of Strength!
3rd Practice Joy!
Joy is something you’ve got to practice.
Joy doesn’t really come naturally to anyone. But if you get the hang of it, it’s kind of contagious, and you can infect yourself with joy!
Nehemiah 89 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep."
Nehemiah gave the theory of joy. V10 "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
The Levites gave the command to be joyful. The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."
But until the people actually went away and practiced joy, they didn’t have it.
Joy is contagious, and even a baby can teach joy to adults. Haven’t you seen it? A baby smiles, or laughs, and every adult who sees it smiles and laughs in return.
Would you like to learn to play the piano? It’ll take practice. Want to be an artist? Prepare to practice the basic strokes. Maybe your goal is to join a gym and get in shape. Obviously, one single day in the gym isn’t going to get the job done. You’ll need to do a little bit, every day, get a schedule, and stick to it.“Practice joy!” If you can practice joy in the midst of lean times, you’ll move quickly from “surviving” to “thriving.”Conclusion: In the shortest summary, the story of Ezra and Nehemiah is the story of God’s people coming home after a 70-year exile and rebuilding Jerusalem. Because they returned home, the city was rebuilt, the Temple was restored, and the stage was set for the eventual arrival of the Messiah.But a question needs to be asked. Why did God invite His people to come home then, and why does God keep making a way for people to come home today?
Only because he loves us.
But be sure of this. God doesn’t force anyone to come home. The history behind the 70-year exile is very important here. When all of Judah was taken into exile, when they were all forced to walk to ancient Persia, to what we would know as southern Iraq or northern Iran, the Bible tells us that somewhere between 4,600 and 10,000 people were taken into exile. In reality, several thousand people were also left behind, and the shocking reality is that the entire Jewish population was so small. Maybe 15,000 people lived in Jerusalem, and about 120,000 lived in all Judea. But war and a terrible plague had nearly decimated the entire population.In exile, under better living conditions, the group expanded to an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 people. Even today, a small Jewish population continues to live in both Iraq and Iran, though their existence is tenuous, at best.But did you see this? There were between 100,000 and 150,000 people who were offered the chance to return to Jerusalem, to return home … and only a fraction of the people took advantage of the offer. The king said, “Go back! Here’s the money! Here are the items for your Temple! You’ve got my blessing, and my protection! Go home!”And maybe 100,000 of those who heard the invitation said, “Hmmm … well … no thanks.”Those who returned were part of a great work of God. Those who stayed behind missed being a part of the story. They had a life, sure. They had food. They had families. They had some community. But they weren’t home.
God will never force anyone to come home. God will paint the picture. God will go to extreme measures to make sure a person hears the invitation. God will send messages through miracles, through the routine, through any means possible.
But God will never, ever, ever, force a person to come home.
“Can’t Keep Me Down”
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