Lost and Found

Notes: Lost and Found
Pastor Jeff Lasseigne
Harvest OC
April 6, 2017
Luke 15

Luke 15:1-32 NKJV
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. [2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying: [4] "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' [7] I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. [8] "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? [9] And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' [10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." [11] Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. [12] And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. [13] And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. [14] But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. [15] Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. [17] "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, [19] and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."' [20] "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. [21] And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' [22] "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. [23] And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; [24] for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. [25] "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. [27] And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' [28] "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. [29] So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. [30] But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' [31] "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. [32] It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"

There's probably no chapter that has done greater good to the souls of men.

More than 1/3 of the teachings of Christ came to us in forms of parables.

Parables are used to teach profound truths.

1st is "The parable of the lost sheep."

Luke 15:1 NKJV
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.

These people had no place in the Temple. Yet they were drawn to Jesus.

Before there was the passion of Christ, there was the compassion of Christ.

God knows you with an everlasting love. There is nothing you can do to change God's love for you.

Luke 15:2-3 NKJV
[2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

Luke 19:10 NKJV
[10] for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

The religious leaders were out of step with God and out of tune with Heaven.

Luke 15:10 NKJV
[10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

The parable of the lost son.

The prodigal son story has been stated to be the greatest short story ever written.

Many want God's blessings but they don't want God.

The father gave his son what he wanted.

We become like the prodigal son every time we look for happiness apart from God.

Sin will take you further then you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more then you want to pay.

Some people want to be saved from their misery but not from their sin.

The fathers mercy gave the boy peace, the fathers grace gave him a feast.

God is our creator. 

Many use free will to run from God. 

You can't work to receive God's grace and mercy, you can't work to receive God's forgiveness.

Our compassionate God will run to us if we come home.

It's not a parable of a prodigal son, it's a parable of a loving father.

John 6:29 NKJV
[29] Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."

Legalism is to preach grace and practice law.

Christianity is not what we are outwardly, it's who we are inwardly.

How do we stop being the prodigal son and not turn into the brother.

Sinners will end up in Hell because they are unsaved, not because they are unloved.

You can't force a prodigal to come home, but you can pray for them.

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.

Four Words That Can Change Your Marriage

Notes: Four words that can change your Marriage

Ephesians 5

Philippians 2

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

Sunday, April 24, 2016 — 10:00 a.m.

A successful marriage takes effort. Storms will come in marriage, so it is important to make sure that our marriages are built on a firm foundation. In today's message, Pastor Greg shares the four words that can change a marriage for the better.

Why do smoke alarms always go off in the middle of the night to change the battery? Do we even listen to the alarms anymore?

There are many marriages that are riding on fumes today. We need to pay attention to alarms going off in our marriage.

We need to continually work on our marriages.

Marriage requires that we apply effort.

People can't believe that marriages can last for over forty years now.

The evening of the marriage is determined by the work done in the morning of it.

A strong marriage is the result of obedience to the Word of God.

Focus on the work you need to do in your marriage, not what your spouse needs to do.

God said to leave and cleave.

1. Leave all other relationships.

2. You are to cleave to your spouse.

You still have your old relationships, they just aren't as important as your marriage is.

Lay this foundation right, get it right. You may have to remodel but it is worth it!

There is a devil that wants to destroy your marriage.

God can restore your marriage.

There is hope for every hurting marriage.

H.O.P.E.

Hanging On with Patient Expectation

Victory is not won by evacuation.

Four words that will change your marriage:

Ephesians 5:25 NKJV

Husbands, love your wives...

Ephesians 5:25-33 NKJV

[25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, [26] that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, [27] that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. [28] So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. [29] For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. [30] For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. [31] "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." [32] This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. [33] Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Four times in eight verses we are simply told to love our wives.

How are we to love our wives? As Christ loved the church.

We can not do that on our own...we need the Holy Spirit.

It all starts with loving our wives.

Agape is the Greek word the Bible uses to describe love this way.

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.

Forget about that loving "feeling"... Get back to that loving reality!

1. Eros: love on a physical plane.

We get the word erotic from Eros.

That's how most of us became attracted to our spouse.

Proverbs 5:15 NLT

[15] Drink water from your own well- share your love only with your wife.

2. Phileo:

A love that comes as a result of what we do towards each other.

3. Agape:

We love each other regardless of anything else.

The worlds love is always act-oriented

God loves unloveable and unattractive people.

In marriage a need will always arise that needs unconditional love.

Agape is the divine solution for marriage populated by imperfect human beings.

Philippians 2:2-4 NLT

[2] Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. [3] Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. [4] Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

We are to look out for the interest of others. This is the opposite of what culture has taught from the Greeks till today.

Humble yourself...put others before yourself.

A truly humble person wouldn't say that they are humble.

Jesus practiced meekness. Meekness is power under constraint.

Meekness for us is submitting our wills to God.

Do what God tells you to do.

The problem with marriages today is selfishness. The solution is selflessness.

1. Don't allow your marriage to be overcome by selfishness.

Philippians 2:2 NLT

[2] Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

2. Put your mate above yourself in marriage.

Philippians 2:3 NLT

[3] Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

We are the biggest problem in our marriage!

1 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

[5] or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

Shouting matches and hitting is wrong and needs to stop.

God can give you control over your temper.

9 words to a successful marriage:

I am sorry, please forgive me. I love you.

Philippians 2:5-8 NLT

[5] You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. [6] Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. [7] Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, [8] he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.

The ultimate example is God's love for us.

Jesus was God among us. He was never a man becoming God. He was God becoming man.

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.