What Do You Live For?

Notes: What Do You Live For?

Greg Laurie

Series: Happiness

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Philippians 1:21–26

Music: Harvest Worship Band

Is it an alarm clock or a calling that gets you up in the morning?

1. There are some who say that "to live is to live"

2. Some would say "to live is for pleasure"

Living for pleasure is one of the least pleasurable things to do.

Some would "live to get even."

3. Some "live for possessions"

You have never seen a hurse pulling a trailer.

4. Some "live to acquire knowledge."

If you forget God in your pursuit of knowledge then you have learned nothing.

What are you passionate about?

Only those who are prepared to die are ready to live.

To live is Christ, to die is gain.

The theme of the book of Philippians is happiness and joy.

Paul wrote this book while on house arrest.

Philippians 1:12-18 ESV

[12] I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, [13] so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. [14] And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. [15] Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. [16] The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. [17] The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. [18] What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Guard by guard they were coming to Christ.

1. When you live for Christ, you will accept Gods will for your life.

Philippians 1:12 ESV

[12] I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

You are where you are because God wants you there right now.

Philippians 1:14 ESV

[14] And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Examples of evangelism can spark more evangelism.

2. When you live for Christ, you will be a person of prayer.

Philippians 1:9-11 ESV

[9] And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, [10] so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul prays they grow in love and discernment.

Some people are discerning but not loving, others are loving and not discerning.

A mark of real love is that you love your Christian brothers and sisters.

Romans 5:5 NLT

[5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

2. Paul prays that we would grow in knowledge.

Real spirituality is practical.

The first century Christians changed the world.

Death for a Christian, is a promotion, graduation, coronation.

When you live for Christ, then you are not afraid to die.

2 Corinthians 5:1-3 NLT

[1] For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. [2] We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. [3] For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.

When you live for Christ, one day you will be with Him in Heaven.

If we train people to be consumers instead of commuters, then we will get customers not disciples.

Philippians 1:23 NLT

[23] I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

All our questions will be answered in Heaven.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT

[12] Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

Most importantly, you will be home with Christ.

Philippians 1:21-26 ESV

[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. [23] I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. [24] But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. [25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

To live is Christ, to die is gain.

Why Wait Till Tomorrow

Notes: Why Wait Till Tomorrow 

Christian Hosoi

Shine - Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

April 7, 2016

2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT

[2] For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.

The Bible says today is the day of salvation. Accept God today because tomorrow is not promised.

Christian has been saved and sober for 16 1/2 years. Before he was a believer no one ever spoke to him about Jesus.

He was in prison for 2 weeks before he accepted Christ, he had a 5 year sentence.

He said he was in a prison cell for the beginning of his life, he was set free that day he accepted Christ.

Why do people struggle? They struggle because the struggle is real.

How hard is it to decide on Heaven or Hell? It should be easy. But whatever you feed is stronger. If you feed the flesh, it's stronger than the spirit.

Most people negotiate with Gods word. We negotiate privately with God. 

Sin will always take you further than you want to go. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, would you give your life tonight.

Romans 6:23 NLT

[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

How much sin is too much sin to God. The answer is black and white, yes and no.

The Holy Spirit guides you into truth when you are saved.

We can either honor God or give in to sin.

We are in a battle to fight the good fight in faith.

Christian was super competitive, he wondered if you can be the best Christian. He would try to pray to be the best in a humble way.

The wages of sin is death, the contract of sin is very clear.

The real relationship with God is in our love and obedience. It's not a list of rules.

Why do I obey God? Because I love Him.

John 14:15 NLT

[15] "If you love me, obey my commandments.

To say you obey God is almost a trick question. It's really hard to do.

There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ.

Being an example of a changed life is so important. Saying something sometimes blows it. We just need to show up and be sincere.

There is a purpose to all of us, whether we think about it or not. Peoples eternal life are attached to us whether we like it or not.

John 14:15 NLT

[15] "If you love me, obey my commandments.

Why should we do this? Because God loves us first.

We should be free from legalism. It's a relationship not a job.

Life is a test of faith.

Matthew 6:33 NLT

[33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

When we seek first the kingdom, all the other things will be added.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

If you don't take a step, how can God control your steps? You can't steer a parked car.

Four things to fight the good fight:

1. Faith

Romans 10:17 NLT

[17] So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Someone who believes in Christ.

2. The local church 

That is where you hear the Word of God.

You don't hear the Word on the street.

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

[6] And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek him.

3. You must believe

Jesus Christ is God, you must believe.

John 14:6 NLT

[6] Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

There is no negotiating with that.

4. We have to diligently seek Him.

That's being in the word, in prayer, in Church.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

[11] For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Don't ever take for granted the situation you are in. God is thinking about you. 

You can't try to love God...that's an out for failure. You just have to do it!

Why turn down a deal to an eternal lifetime?

Matthew 28:19 NLT

[19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

James 1:12-15 NLT

[12] God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. [13] And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. [14] Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. [15] These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:21-25 NKJV

[21] Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. [25] But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

I want to be blessed in what I do!

Heed the voice of God. Meet the conditions and reap the promise.

Matthew 24:13 NKJV

[13] But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Grace is a power word. Grace is a verb. You have overcome your (fill in the blank with your issue) because of the Grace of God.

It gets easy if you do what God tells you to do. It's in the long haul that it gets easy.

2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

[2] For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Jesus' Words to Last Days Believers

Notes: Jesus' Words to Last Days Believers

Revelation 3

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

SERIES:

Book of Revelation

Thursday, March 17, 2016 — 7:00 p.m.

Some people like to be sick, always wanting an excuse to see the doctor.

Other people won't go to the doctor for any reason.  

Here in Revelation 3 is a letter to a sick and dying church.

Leaving your first love is a typical step in returning to your old ways.

Revelation 3:1-6 NLT

[1] "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: "I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive-but you are dead. [2] Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. [3] Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don't wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. [4] "Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. [5] All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. [6] "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

This is a letter to a dead church. Jesus knew their works.

Jesus could see their problems while others didn't.

Revelation 3:2 NLT

[2] Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.

We are on the planet for the glorification of God, Edification of the Saints, and  Evangelism to the world.

Upward. Inward. Outward.

The power of Samson was provided by the Lord.

Judges 16:20 NLT

[20] Then she cried out, "Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!" When he woke up, he thought, "I will do as before and shake myself free." But he didn't realize the LORD had left him.

Sometimes we are the last to know about our conditions.

We can dutifully take notes on messages and know our bible quite well. But be spiritually dead or dying.

Signs of a dying church:

1. A dead church worships its past.

2. A dead church is inflexible and resistant to change.

3. A dead church has lazy leadership.

4. A dead church neglects youth.

5. A dead church lacks evangelistic passion.

What Jesus is saying to the Church is that they need the power of the Holy Spirit!

We all need to stay filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' prescription for spiritual renewal:

1. Wake up

2. Strengthen the things that remain.

3. Be watching for the return of Jesus Christ.

We need to live every day as if it is the day that Jesus is coming!

The return of Jesus is always looked at in two ways, either joy or fear:

Malachi 4:1-2 NLT

[1] The LORD of Heaven's Armies says, "The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed-roots, branches, and all. [2] "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

1 John 2:28 NLT

[28] And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.

Your reaction to the return of Jesus is like a spiritual barometer.

Revelation 3:5 NLT

[5] All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

Jesus has many books...is your name in the Book of Life?

Luke 10:20 NLT

[20] But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."

The believer who walks with God should never fear for their salvation.

Jesus promises to stand up for you in Heaven. Will you stand up for Jesus on earth?

Often times, not "confessing him" is a way of denying Him.

Revelation 3:7-12 NLT

[7] "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: [8] "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. [9] Look, I will force those who belong to Satan's synagogue-those liars who say they are Jews but are not-to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love. [10] "Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. [11] I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. [12] All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God-the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name."

1. Jesus has given us an unprecedented open door.

2 Corinthians 2:12 NLT

[12] When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me.

"Open door" is an opportunity to serve Jesus.

We should pray for open doors in our lives.

Colossians 4:3-4 NLT

[3] Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. [4] Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

In our world right now is the best of times and the worst of times.

Harvest America was a best of times scenario. The division of our country shows the worst of times.

Do you have a dream that has not happened yet? Some dreams are to be shared and sometimes it's best to keep dreams to yourself. The Lord can give you those dreams as a glimpse of your future.

When God opens a door, no man can shut it.

God may open a door for you, but you have to walk through it.

2. God has given us enough strength to do what He has called us to do.

Sometimes weakness may be more of an asset than a liability...because in our weakness we become more dependent upon Him!

3. They were keeping His word and not denying his name.

Revelation 3:8 NLT

[8] "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.

We are to take in the Word of God and then to give it out and repeat the process again and again. Don't hoard the Word of God.

We need to keep being refilled with the Holy Spirit!