Valor - Faith is the First Requirement

Notes: Valor - Faith is the First Requirement
Jonathan Laurie
Galatians 3
Harvest OC
Week 4

Jonathan is talking about how he grew up in his parents strict house.

How he started getting busted for partying and doing drugs. How he hated that. 

Once he got saved he enjoyed coming home and not getting busted, proving he was a changed person.

The Judaizers taught to obey and you will be saved. Paul teaches to believe and you will be saved.

Paul presents the personal arguments.

Galatians 3:1-5 NKJV
[1] O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? [2] This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [3] Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? [4] Have you suffered so many things in vain-if indeed it was in vain? [5] Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?-

Paul is reminding them that they were saved by faith, that they are being foolish by following the law thinking it would save them.

Galatians 3:6-14 NKJV
[6] just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." [7] Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. [8] And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." [9] So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. [10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." [11] But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith." [12] Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." [13] Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), [14] that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Judaizers pointed to Abraham. Paul was ready for this.

Genesis 12:3 NKJV
[3] I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Abraham believed that God would bless him by his faith.

God gave the covenant 430 years before he gave the law.

Galatians 3:15 NKJV
[15] Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.

Abraham did not get just an earthly blessing but also an eternal blessing.

So why did God give the law?

Galatians 3:15-29 NKJV
[15] Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. [16] Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ. [17] And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. [18] For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. [19] What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. [20] Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. [21] Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. [22] But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. [23] But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. [24] Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [25] But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. [26] For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. [27] For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The law was:
1. Temporary

Romans 2:14-15 NKJV
[14] for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, [15] who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

2. The law convicts us.

3. The law acts as a mirror for us.

The law shows us that we all sin and have fallen short.

John 3:16 NKJV
[16] For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Leave the Work to God

Notes: Leave the Work to God
Acts 26
Jonathan Laurie
May 5, 2015

Harvest OC

Valor

The most powerful tool many of us have in proclaiming the Gospel is our own personal testimony.

Our job isn't to convert anyone, it is to proclaim the Gospel and leave the rest in God's hands.

Today is Cinco de Mayo which gives many people an excuse to party. In turn when they wake up with regret tomorrow, that is our opportunity to share the Gospel.

Acts 26:1-11 NKJV
[1] Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: [2] "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, [3] especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. [4] "My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. [5] They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. [6] And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. [7] To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. [8] Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? [9] "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. [11] And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

1. Build a bridge.

Paul was building a bridge to Agrippa. His ultimate goal is to share the Gospel with Agrippa.

God cleans his fish after he captures them.

Paul was sharing his testimony to help give him the opportunity to reach Agrippa.

2. Sharing your testimony is a great bridge.

Paul doesn't exaggerate his story.

Don't lie or exaggerate your testimony. It will compromise your testimony.

Do not glamorize your testimony. Put it in its place, where it belongs.

We gave up death and sin for life and heaven.

Acts 26:12-18 NKJV
[12] "While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, [13] at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. [14] And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' [15] So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [16] But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. [17] I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, [18] to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'

3. This is Paul's life transformed by God.

He saw a light and he heard a voice.

The changing point for Jonathan was the death of his brother, Christopher.

He knew his brother was in Heaven and that he wasn't heading there. He turned to Christ shortly after that.

Acts 26:14 NKJV
[14] ... It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

Acts 26:19-23 NKJV
[19] "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, [20] but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. [21] For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. [22] Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come- [23] that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."

4. My life now in Christ.

Paul had become the very thing he hated.

He was killing Christians and now proclaims that Jesus is the way.

God has other plans for all of us.

Acts 26:24-32 NKJV
[24] Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!" [25] But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. [26] For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. [27] King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe." [28] Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." [29] And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains." [30] When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; [31] and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains." [32] Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

5. I wish you were like me.

Paul presented his testimony, presented the Gospel and gave God the glory.

Agrippa heard the word, and was not converted. Gods will was still done for Paul.

Leave the work to God because God has got the devils credit card number.

You Need God's Protection

Notes: You Need God's Protection

Valor - Men's Study

March 17, 2015

Jonathan Laurie

St. Patrick's Day today.

St. Patrick was a missionary in Ireland about 1500 years ago. He preached to pagans and turned Ireland into a thriving Christian country.

Paul and St. Patrick both preached to groups that worshipped false idols.

Idols can be anything, not just a statue of some kind. It could be a car, a game, money or even your family. Anything that replaces God is an idol.

Conversion is returning to worship and loving God as God.

God created us to love Him and worship Him.

Acts 19:11-17 NKJV

[11] Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, [12] so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. [13] Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." [14] Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. [15] And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" [16] Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. [17] This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

1. Don't go at it alone.

Demons didn't know who these people were.

These people could talk the talk but not walk the walk.

2. Make a clean break.

Acts 19:18-20 NKJV

[18] And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. [19] Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. [20] So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

If it looks like a shrine, it may be your idol.

Forsaking all other idols and returning to God is truly what it means to repent.

3. Jesus Christ can be bad for bad business.

Acts 19:21-32 NKJV

[21] When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." [22] So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. [23] And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. [24] For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. [25] He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. [26] Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. [27] So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship." [28] Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" [29] So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions. [30] And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. [31] Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. [32] Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Ephesus was the richest city in the empire. The goddess Diana was a big business for people selling the statues of her.

Jesus Christ can be bad for business if you are selling things that takes away from God.

Exodus 20:17 NKJV

[17] "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

Matthew 5:27-28 NKJV

[27] "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' [28] But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

God cares about what is going on in your mind.

God is more than anything money can offer.

The true God doesn't need you to protect Him. You need Him to protect you.

Lead by Example

Notes: Valor - Lead by Example
November 11, 2014
Harvest OC - Valor Mens Study
Jonathan Laurie
Acts 6

Jonathan says that he thinks satans favorite attack is probably division.

Acts 6:1-2 NKJV
[1] Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. [2] Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

The Hellenists were the Jews that lived in Greece and spoke Greece.

The Israel Jews were always suspect of the Hellenists. We have all seen things split groups apart. It was small things that split these groups apart.

1. The men needed to have a good reputation.

In essentials unity, in all nonessentials integrity, all things charity.

2. The men needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:17-18 NKJV
[17] For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit produces fruit. That fruit takes months or years of walking in the faith.

Proverbs 2:6 NKJV
[6] For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Proverbs 9:10 NKJV
[10] "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Jonathan believes a sign of the Spirit in someone's life is their growth and change.

He was talking about how seeing old friends doing the same things and how they haven't changed and are stuck in their sins.

You don't need to be a pastor or a volunteer to do ministry. If a friend or family member needs prayer, then pray for them.

Stephen had risen to a role where he was called to do more.

Acts 6:8-15 NKJV
[8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. [9] Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. [10] And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. [11] Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." [12] And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. [13] They also set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; [14] for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us." [15] And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

Stephen was faithful in the little things and was called to do more. These people had to lie about him.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT
[4] Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

He says the most blind to the Gospel can be the most religious people. It isn't usually the sinner or the drug addict that is blind.

Miracles, logics and wisdom is not enough to convert the sinner.

We do know that through Stephens death that Paul got saved and the Gospel was spread.

Our job is to fulfill the Great Commission and to let God tally the results.

The Miracle and the Message

Notes: Valor-The Miracle and the Message
October 14, 2014
Harvest OC - Valor Mens Study
Jonathan Laurie
Acts 3

Jonathan Laurie speaking about going up to Skid Row. Handing out water bottles, the people swarm to get water. They invite everyone back to the Mission for a meal and to hear the Gospel. He is talking about how they always feed a great meal, that attracts people so they feed them the Word and then the food.

He is talking about leveraging what they have to help spread the Word.

Acts 3:1-11-26 NKJV
[1] Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. [2] And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; [3] who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. [4] And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." [5] So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. [6] Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." [7] And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. [8] So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them-walking, leaping, and praising God. [9] And all the people saw him walking and praising God. [10] Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. [11] Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. [11] Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. [12] So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? [13] The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. [14] But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, [15] and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. [16] And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. [17] "Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. [18] But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. [19] Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, [20] and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, [21] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. [22] For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. [23] And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' [24] Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. [25] You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' [26] To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."

This man healed was described in the verse below.
Acts 4:22 NKJV
[22] For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

This was a man that was there for 40 years.

We can often decide not to share the Gospel with people. We don't know when we can spread Gods loving Word and heal someone with their struggles.

In these verses, this was a miracle sent from God that everyone could witness. Peter didn't know that he was going to heal that man, but Peter put his faith in Christ and a miracle occurred through Him.

Jonathan is talking about the time the apostles were on the Sea of Galilee and when Peter got out and walked on the water when Jesus called him.

That was a miracle, Jesus did the miracle but it was channeled through Peter.

Healing Miracles from God seem to have these factors:
1. You always want to make sure it is Gods sovereign choice.

2. It is done so Jesus is glorified.

3. It is instantaneous.

4. It is complete.

John 15:11 NKJV
[11] "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Peter used this miracle and leveraged it. It was a miracle done to spread Jesus' name.

There are fake miracles done today, magic done by others to promote themselves. You must be cautious of these fakes.

Matthew 9:37 NKJV
[37] Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Becoming a pastor at Harvest is simply a recognition of what the pastors here are already doing.

We should all be spreading Gods word and helping others.

Acts 3:14-15 NKJV
[14] But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, [15] and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.

Peter called out these sins, but then he gives them the answer to make up for what they have done.

Acts 3:19 NKJV
[19] Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

Forgiveness of sin comes by confessing it and asking for forgiveness!

Jonathan is talking about he couldn't easily confess his sins and was stuck in them for years. He talks about all the guilt he felt from those things. Once he owned his sin and asked for forgiveness, he then was released by that bondage.

Acts 3:20 NKJV
[20] and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,

Jonathan says whenever we have the opportunity to let others know that they can be freed from sin we should take it!

Essentials: You Can't Grow Unless You Know

Notes: Essentials: You Can't Grow Unless You Know 

The Power of Gods Word

Title "You Can't Grow Unless You Know"

Jonathan Laurie

August 21, 2014

This is the first Bible study Jonathan has taught. He is talking about who he is and how he grew up. His testimony is being told.

How he grew up being Pastor Greg's son, and how he tried drugs when he was seventeen. How he was quickly getting into drugs. He described as going from 0 to 60 so fast! That was all sin and it's what the devil does.

He got a marijuana ticket when he was 17 and talked about how he told His brother Christopher and that Chris had a similar experience when he was that age.

He's talking about how he just kept partying and how he would try to quit all the time and couldn't.

He's talking about when he found out his brother died. His last conversation with Christopher was his brother asking what it would take for him to give his life to Christ. He said that question popped in his head as soon as he heard the news.

He wants to share with us the practical steps he took to bring God into his life.

He started talking about how he missed a friend visiting in OC because he didn't see his text message. How we can have those relationships with friends.

He is talking about how the Bible is like a texting relationship with God.

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

He talks about how the Bible is like a Snapchat so if you don't open it everyday, that message expired for the day.

He is saying "The Bible is not boring" if you think it is "you're boring".

He asked if you think the Bible is just a guideline for you? If it is then you need to read the guide.

Obedience and discipline is a huge part of the Bible you need to follow and understand.

He says that he thinks the mantra of today is "if it feels bad then do it till it feels good.

Learning to do things the right way after doing it for so long the wrong way can be hard to change.

1. Spend 15 minutes letting God talk to you.

2. Spend 15 minutes talking to God.

3. Spend 15 minutes talking to someone about God.

The Bible is a living book that God speaks through.

Psalm 19 tells us 5 things we need to know.

Psalm 19:7 NKJV

[7] The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

You don't want to wait till a time of crisis to turn to the Bible, you want to build a foundation before that.

James 1:22-24 NKJV

[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.

If you are being convicted of sin and not changing, then what are you doing? It's up to you what you do with what you learn.

He says if you look at pictures of him 6 years ago, you can tell he was loaded.

He now recognizes the sin of his own life.

Psalm 19:8 NKJV

[8] The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

The words of God is right, you can stand on that foundation.

You must read chapter and verse in context.

As you read you need to ask yourself if there is a sin in your life you need to address.

The word of God will make you happy. It fulfills us, it is the opposite of worldly wisdom.

Worship God, not yourself!

Empty yourself so that God may fill you up again.

The Bible says that sin is fun for a season, but then you wake up to loneliness and regret.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

He talks about the regret of his past and how that verse is something he reminds himself of everyday.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

[13] No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Do you want to be free of your sin?

Happiness: What It Is and How to Have It, Part 2

Notes: Happiness: What It Is and How toHave It,  Part 2

Why are we on this Earth? Mankind has been seeking Happiness for a long time.

Conventional happiness seems to be beauty, money or fame.

A study shows, 1. family and friends are the best anecdote for unhappiness. 2. Things don't make you happy. 3. Gratefullness for things you have. 4. Forgiveness is the greatest trait of happiness. 5. Scandinavians are the happiest people, Americans are second.

Beatitudes: Attitudes we should have, Attitudes that should be.

Matthew 5:3-12 NIV

[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1. Happy are the nobodies. (Blessed are the poor in spirit – verse 3.)

To be poor in spirit means to be understanding your spiritual state before God. We are sinners.

2. Unhappy people are happy people. (Blessed are they that mourn – verse 4.)

Understanding your position before God. Be sorry for the sins you have done.

3. Happy are the humble. (Blessed are the meek – verse 5.)

Recognizing I would be no where without God.

4. Happy are the spiritually hungry (verse 6).

A happy person desires a righteous life. Is hungry in pursuit of it.

You are not done as a Christian. No matter how much you love, you ought to love more.

Psalm 17:15 NIV

[15] As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Is your hunger for Christ growing or diminishing.

A Christian is something before he does something.

5. Happy people are merciful people (verse 7).

You understand where you came from and where others could be.

Matthew 6:3 NIV

[3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Mercy is pity plus action.

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

A forgiven person should be a forgiving person.

The queen virtue of happiness is forgiveness. Just as Christ has forgiven you.

6. A happy person will be a holy person (verse 8). Matthew 5:8 NIV

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Many songs are written about the heart.

Proverbs 23:7 NIV

[7] for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

7. A happy person will be a peacemaker (verse 9). Matthew 5:9 NIV

[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Even non Christians seem to quote Matthew 5:9

Th Bible talks about personal peace with God.

Peacemakers are often trouble makers.

Matthew 10:34-36 NIV

[34] “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--- [36] a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

There seems to have to be trouble before there is peace.

James 4:1-2 NIV

[1] What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? [2] You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

8. A happy person will be persecuted! (verses 10–12) Matthew 5:10-12 NIV

[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Living a Godly life is not a matter of when you are persecuted, it is a matter of how much you will be.

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

[12] In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

It is for righteousness you should be persecuted. For any other reason doesn't seem to be for your faith. If you are mean or hateful, that is not what the Bible is speaking of as a reason.

Persecution: to be chased, driven away or pursued.

If you can't remember the last time you were persecuted, you should be asking "what's wrong with me".

God will use your persecution for His glory.

John 3:20 NIV

[20] Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

“Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” (Matthew 5:10)

“Rejoice and be glad” (verse 12)

John 15:18 NIV

[18] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

1. It is a confirmation that you are a child of God.

2. It causes you to cling to Jesus and be reminded that this world is not your home!

If something is worth living for then it should be worth dying for!