Waiting for Christmas

Notes: Waiting for Christmas

Greg Laurie

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Luke 2

Music: Brennley Brown

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/waiting-for-christmas

Most people don’t like to wait for anything. Yet we all wait for things we want.

Somethings aren’t worth waiting for, somethings are worth the wait.

What are you waiting for this Christmas? Family, friends, gifts, for it to end?

Christmas is a promise.

What we really need is not Christmas, but Christ.

We are looking at two people today in this message...Rudolph and Frosty. Just joking...Simeon and Anna are the two that we will review.

Mary was in Nazareth, which was pretty much nowhere special and Mary was really a nobody until she was visited by the angel, Gabriel.

Luke 1:35 NLT

[35] The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.

Mary was told she was going to give birth to the Son of God, and to call Him, Jesus. Joseph was shown that Jesus was the Son of God.

Angels came and told the shepherds that Jesus was born.

Eight days after Jesus was born, He was presented to the Temple.

Then Simeon was at the temple. 

God rewards faithfulness as He did with Simeon.

1. Simeon 

Luke 2:25-27 NLT

[25] At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him [26] and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. [27] That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required,

If you have not heard from God in a while, it could be because of unconfessed sins in your life.

Isaiah 59:1-2 NLT

[1] Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. [2] It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

Never let go of The promises of God to you, they are true and trustworthy.

Simeon means, God has heard.

Luke 2:28-35 NLT

[28] Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, [29] "Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. [30] I have seen your salvation, [31] which you have prepared for all people. [32] He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" [33] Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him. [34] Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby's mother, "This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. [35] As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul."

Simeon was waiting with expectancy...

Luke 2:25 NLT

[25] At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him

If you haven’t heard from God...are you listening??

Jesus Christ is coming back a second time too!

Hebrews 9:28 NLT

[28] so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Are you eagerly waiting God’s return? The answer is a real test of where you are in your walk of faith.

2. Anna

Luke 2:36 NLT

[36] Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years.

Anna was an old woman waiting for the Messiah.

Luke 2:37-38 NLT

[37] Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. [38] She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Anna did the 4 things that we all need to do.

1. She studied Gods Word.

2. She prayed.

3. She want to church. 

4. She shared with others. 

To quote Jesus on why He came to us: “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." Mark 10:45 NLT

God can forgive you of all of your sin. We don’t know if we will be here for next Christmas, so accept this gift now.

The Big Picture of Christmas

Notes: The Big Picture of Christmas

Greg Laurie

Sunday, December 17, 2017

John 1:1

Music: Phil Wickham

The detailed Christmas story is in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

John goes back way before that night in Bethlehem.

John 1:1-5 NLT

[1] In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He existed in the beginning with God. [3] God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. [4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

1. Jesus is God.

Before there was matter in this universe there was Jesus.

When He was born in Bethlehem He was deity in diapers.

2. Jesus, who was and is, be a,e flesh.

God literally walked among us.

1 John 1:3 NLT

[3] We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

You cam have fellowship with God.

Certain things get etched in our minds. Certainly a disciple walking with God could be one of those events.

The birth and death of Jesus is so significant that we divide human time by it.

Jesus’ life was recorded in the Gospels but secular writers also wrote about Him. Josephus was one of the most famous.

These accounts were written in the lifetimes of the people who could prove or dispute if they were true. The people of the time did not dispute these things written in the Gospels.

Deity was shown when Jesus woke from a nap and stopped a storm. He became human without ceasing being God.

The Father and Son were continually together.

John 1:1 NLT

[1] In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jesus came to our place, He took our place and then He invites us back to His place.

You follow a God that understands what you are going through.

This time of year can be a very stressful or sad time for many. This time is not about let snow or cheer. The message of Christmas is that God is with you.

God knows what your issues are and he wants to keep your life in order.

3. God, who became Man, shined his light on humanity.

John 1:4-5 NLT

[4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Man can not fix our problems.

John 1:5 NLT

[5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

A nonbeliever will never understand what happened to you when you put your faith into Jesus Christ.

Most nonbelievers will look at you as kind of a drag. Embrace the tension, it’s a good thing. Be loving and caring and be happy to be different. Shine that light.

Pray for the meal at Christmas, you will have the the attention of them all. It’s a great time to share the Gospel with everyone. 

John 1:9 NLT

[9] The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

The light is not “in” every person, it is “shined on” every person.

Jeremiah 29:13 NLT

[13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

3 ways you are not going to become a Christian:

John 1:12-13 NLT

[12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. [13] They are reborn-not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

1. “Who were born, not of blood.”

You aren’t born as a Christian just because your family is.

2. “Nor of the will of the flesh.”

It has nothing to do with desire. You must go humbly before God.

3. “Nor of the will of man”

We must go to God and ask.

Most gifts are forgotten, but some gifts last. They become more valuable with the passage of time. The gift of eternal life is a gift that becomes more valuable with the passage of time.

The gift of Eternal Life is the most precious gift you have.

How do you receive that gift; reach out and receive it, hold on to it, enjoy it, and remember to say thank you!

God’s Mercy

Notes: God’s Mercy

Pastor Brad Ormonde 

12/12/2017

Nehemiah 9

During these holidays we will experience a lot of people not responding to people the way we should. The most important person to respond to correctly is God.

Responding to God is so important through praying.

Are my prayers glorifying God or are they self serving?

P.R.A.Y.

Praise

Repentance 

Ask

Yield 

1. God’s name.

Nehemiah 9:1-3 NKJV

[1] Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads. [2] Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. [3] And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for one-fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the LORD their God.

Sackcloth and dust on their heads was a strong display of morning.

In their time of distress, they call out to God. That is exactly what we should be doing.

God’s name is glorious. 

When other names are spoken, they don’t compare to the glorious name of God.

God’s names:

Elohim

El Shaddai

Yahweh / Jehovah

Adonai

Jehovah-JIREH

Jehovah-RAPHA

Jehovah-NISSI

Jehovah-M’KADDESH

Jehovah-Shalom

Jehovah-Tsidkenu

Jehovah-Rohi

Yahweh-Shammah

Yahweh-Sabaoth

El Elyon

El Roi 

El-Olam

El-Gibhor

God has so many names, He is all things to all people.

Nehemiah 9:10 NKJV

[10] You showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, Against all his servants, And against all the people of his land. For You knew that they acted proudly against them. So You made a name for Yourself, as it is this day.

Apart from Him, there is no God.

They reference God as “You” over 30 times in chapter 9.

2. God’s Mercy.

What is God like in response to our failures?

6 times are mentioned in this chapter.

Nehemiah 9:16-17 NKJV

[16] "But they and our fathers acted proudly, Hardened their necks, And did not heed Your commandments. [17] They refused to obey, And they were not mindful of Your wonders That You did among them. But they hardened their necks, And in their rebellion They appointed a leader To return to their bondage. But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.

Nehemiah 9:18-27 NKJV

[18] "Even when they made a molded calf for themselves, And said, 'This is your god That brought you up out of Egypt,' And worked great provocations, [19] Yet in Your manifold mercies You did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day, To lead them on the road; Nor the pillar of fire by night, To show them light, And the way they should go. [20] You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, And did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, And gave them water for their thirst. [21] Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; They lacked nothing; Their clothes did not wear out And their feet did not swell. [22] "Moreover You gave them kingdoms and nations, And divided them into districts. So they took possession of the land of Sihon, The land of the king of Heshbon, And the land of Og king of Bashan. [23] You also multiplied their children as the stars of heaven, And brought them into the land Which You had told their fathers To go in and possess. [24] So the people went in And possessed the land; You subdued before them the inhabitants of the land, The Canaanites, And gave them into their hands, With their kings And the people of the land, That they might do with them as they wished. [25] And they took strong cities and a rich land, And possessed houses full of all goods, Cisterns already dug, vineyards, olive groves, And fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and grew fat, And delighted themselves in Your great goodness. [26] "Nevertheless they were disobedient And rebelled against You, Cast Your law behind their backs And killed Your prophets, who testified against them To turn them to Yourself; And they worked great provocations. [27] Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their enemies, Who oppressed them; And in the time of their trouble, When they cried to You, You heard from heaven; And according to Your abundant mercies You gave them deliverers who saved them From the hand of their enemies.

There will always be consequences to our sins. God forgives, but you still face the consequences.

We have a gracious and merciful God. 

Jesus speaks to us about mercy and forgiveness over and over again.

Nehemiah 9:32-33 NKJV

[32] "Now therefore, our God, The great, the mighty, and awesome God, Who keeps covenant and mercy: Do not let all the trouble seem small before You That has come upon us, Our kings and our princes, Our priests and our prophets, Our fathers and on all Your people, From the days of the kings of Assyria until this day. [33] However You are just in all that has befallen us; For You have dealt faithfully, But we have done wickedly.

The message of this section;

God is good to His people, even when His people are not good to Him.

3. God’s Salvation 

Over and over again, we see rebellion and mercy.

God’s mercy is not cheap, it cost Him, the blood of His son.

God gives us far more than we deserve.

How to Have a Personal Spiritual Revival

Notes: How to Have a Personal Spiritual Revival

Greg Laurie

Nehemiah: The Rebuilt Life

Sunday, December 3, 2017

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/how-to-have-a-personal-spiritual-revival

A personal Bible that is falling apart is usually a good indication of a life that isn’t.

There is a difference between a revival and awakening.

A revival is when it comes back to life, a restoration.

Three things that can spark a revival:

First, get a few Christians thoroughly right with God.

Second, let them bind themselves together in a prayer group for a revival until God opens the Heavens and pours out the Spirit.

Third, make yourself available to God.

Revival is when God gets so sick of being misrepresented that He shows up Himself.

Everything we say and do is recorded by God.

Every Christian has their name written in the book of life.

When God is at work He is looking at the big picture, we tend to look at the temporary obstacles in front of us.

Nehemiah is putting teams of people together.

Nehemiah 7:1-3 NKJV

[1] Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, [2] that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. [3] And I said to them, "Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut and bar the doors; and appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house."

The greatest ability is dependability.

Luke 16:10 NKJV

[10] He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

Nehemiah 8:1-5 NLT

[1] all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had given for Israel to obey. [2] So on October 8 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, which included the men and women and all the children old enough to understand. [3] He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law. [4] Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. To his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. To his left stood Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. [5] Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.

Revival is waking up from sleep. 

1. You are having revival when people are hungry for God’s Word.

Nehemiah 8:1 NLT

[1] all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had given for Israel to obey.

Ezra 7:10 NLT

[10] This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.

Ezra 9:6 NLT

[6] I prayed, "O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens.

Revival starts with you.

Do you need a personal spiritual revival?

Have you left your first love?

The three Rs of revival.

Remember. Repent. Repeat.

2. Nehemiah 8:3b NLT

[3b]... All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.

How are you listening to God’s Word? 

Are you engaged taking notes. Do you find yourself worshipping God?

2. You are having a revival when Spontaneously and Passionately worshipping God.

1. Understanding the word.

2. Rejoicing in the word.

3. Obeying the word.

If you don’t understand the word of God, you need to read the Bible.

We don’t worship the Bible we worship the author, God!

We must be convicted by the word of God:

Nehemiah 8:8-9 NLT

[8] They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. [9] Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, "Don't mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God." For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

We should not be feeling happy and blessed living in sin, we should feel convicted so that we can change.

It is as wrong to rejoice when God has forgiven us, as it is to rejoice when we are living in sin.

God does not convict us of our sin to send us into despair, He convicts us to drive us into His arms.

Nehemiah 8:17 NLT

[17] So everyone who had returned from captivity lived in these shelters during the festival, and they were all filled with great joy! The Israelites had not celebrated like this since the days of Joshua son of Nun.

Some people think that believers are boring and miserable, that sinners are the ones who have all the fun. Sin can be fun for a season, but the repercussions are much more painful.

Revivals don’t last forever, they have a beginning, middle and end. They are like an explosion in a gas engine, we need to have them over again and again and again.

We all need to pray for another personal revival.