Essentials: God With Skin On

Notes: Essentials: God With Skin On

Essentials: Timeless truths for truth-less times
7/10/14 Pastor Josh Thompson
Harvest Orange County

Josh is telling about a owns who stole a can of peaches and then joked about stealing a can of peas.

What if God was one of us? 2000 years ago you actually could of said that if you were sitting next to Jesus.

He healed the sick and raised the dead yet wept for his friends.

Jesus doesn't leave us any room, he was very specific. He is the Messiah.

Jesus is God.

Jesus is Man.

Jesus is Savior.

1. Jesus as God

John 1:1-6 NIV

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [6] There was a man sent from God whose name was John.

John 1:14 NIV

[14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus was and is God, John who wrote this was a great friend of Jesus. In the text it says John laid his head on Jesus' chest.

Colossians 1:15-20 NIV

[15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. [19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Believing Jesus is God is an essential doctrine of Christianity.

Jesus is either lying and crazy or he is God. His statements are that big.

2. Jesus as Man

Philippians 2:5-8 NIV

[5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death---even death on a cross!

Jesus possessed the divine attributes of God and decided not to as a human.

As He hung on the cross He chose not to use any powers but to endure.

He came as a servant. If you want to be like Jesus then you could start there.

Problem is, everyone wants to be a servant until they are treated like one.

Is it humbling to you that God came from heaven and cleaned peoples feet.

He experienced all the things we experience.

He created all the things we love and experienced those things as we have.

Why did our God come here like that?

1. He was tempted:

Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV

[14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are---yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

He was tempted and tested in all ways. Probably more than any of us ever have or will be. The devil himself tempted Jesus, yet Jesus rebuked him with scripture.

Matthew 4:4 NIV

[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

Jesus combated pleasures of the flesh.

Memorize scripture and quote it to yourself.

Hebrews 2:18 NIV

[18] Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Why is sin bad? Sin destroys your life.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

[13] No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Jesus went through trials, pain and hardships.

He took the wrath of all of ours on as he was in the cross.

Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV

[2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Cast your burden on Jesus and he will give you rest.

Jesus took the cross, do you think he can take your burden?

3. Jesus is Savior

Matthew 1:21 NIV

[21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

1 Timothy 1:15 NIV

[15] Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners---of whom I am the worst.

We all need Jesus.

The worst sin to Pastor Josh is to say that you don't need Jesus as much someone else. To think someone else needs Jesus more than you is a huge mistake.

Emmanuel: God with us

If someone sinned against you many times what would you do to them? If you were the judge what would you do to them. Jesus came down from his judges seat and freed you from all the sins you have done against him.

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus came to pay for our sins and get us into heaven.

1. You are only in charge of yourself.

(Bitterness always robs u of self control)

2. Everything matters.

(game time all the time!)

3. If you under promise, you can over deliver.

4. Sometimes dreams come true after nightmares.

God's Promise and Our Reality

Notes: God's Promise and Our Reality

Will Graham 

July 6, 2014 

Harvest

He is telling a story of heading home from his grandparents on Easter several years ago.

Says how The Lord talked to him about hearing someone say, "nothing in the world is free." The Lord wanted him to let the people know that He is free.

He did not tell the people and to this day he regrets it.

Talking about how blessed David was. How Saul is jealous of David and then David flees.

1 Samuel 21:10-15 NIV

[10] That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. [11] But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: “ ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” [12] David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. [13] So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. [14] Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me? [15] Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?”

David was promised to be king by God.

When David became afraid, he forgot the promises of The Lord.

David pretended to be a madman just to try and protect himself, not trusting the promise of God.

Do we live, as we believe in the promises of God? Are we questioning things of God?

Genesis 12:1-4,7 NIV

[1] The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. [2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ” [4] So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. [7] The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land. ” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

Those verses show what God promised Abram.

We today are blessed through the lineage of Abram. Yet, when God had said this Abram didn't have any children.

Genesis 12:10-20 NIV

[10] Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. [11] As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. [12] When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. [13] Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” [14] When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman. [15] And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace. [16] He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels. [17] But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai. [18] So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? [19] Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” [20] Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had.

In these verses Abram was not acting, as he knew the promises of God. He decided to lie; his mind and fear took over. He failed to live according to the promises of God.

That is where so many of us fall short. We know the promises yet we don't live as we do. We are failing there.

Mark 4:35-41 NIV

[35] That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” [36] Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. [37] A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. [38] Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” [39] He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. [40] He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [41] They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Here the people closest to Jesus, His disciples, have become scared. They say Mark 4:38 NIV

[38] Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

How many of us say those words to Jesus?

Do you really think that God has forgotten you?

He's telling a story about visiting Australia and doing an interview in a little town called Broken Hill. How an Italian girl traveling through the town while traveling the world came to Christ that day. It reminded him of God's word and how the "harvest is ready and ripe."

It was the word of Jesus that spoke to that girl and it just reminded him of how simple it is just to share the words of Christ.

That is why it is so important to live on the promises of God, not on fear.

God sees you, He knows you and He loves you.

America, This is Your Wake Up Call!

Notes: America, This is Your Wake Up Call!

Pastor Greg 

June 29, 2014

Matthew 5 

Family breakdown is the root of so many of our problems in our society.

Pastor Greg believes we have two options, either judgement or revival.

Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

[13] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. [14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Why did Jesus use salt and light. Because it is corrupt and needs to see the light.

We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the sermon on the mount.

2 Timothy 3:13 NIV

[13] while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

If man thinks we are evolving upward then he is being deceived.

Jesus has not called us to isolate, but to infiltrate.

John 17:15-16,18 NIV

[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

1 Corinthians 5:9-10 NIV

[9] I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--- [10] not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.

Pastor Greg thinks we want to Christianize non believers more then we want them saved. He believes if we can get them to Jesus then they will change.

"We are paratroopers lieutenant, we are suppose to be surrounded"

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

“Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ!” —James Madison

The very freedom many use to try to remove faith from our country is here because of faith!

At one time, our government was based on a civil religion view that was based on Christian principles.

In the place of proper faith we now have "spirituality"

"Nones" believe in nothing, they believe in themselves

1. We must stand for truth if it is popular or not.

This is not a time to back down, this is a time to step up.

2. We must use a language they understand.

Sometimes we are answering questions that no one is asking. We need to speak in a way that people can grasp.

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NIV

[22] To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

3. We need to bring them the message of the gospel.

(2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV

[14] But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. [15] For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.)

Some love the message and some are offended.

4. Before I can effectively tell them, I must first live it!

“Do not be like them.”(Matthew 6:8 NIV

[8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

We are to be salt.

(Matthew 5:13)

Salt preserves.

Like salt, Christians shall preserve the world.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 NIV

[7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

Salt stimulates thirst.

We cannot be an influence for purity in the world if we have compromised our own purity.

We cannot be used by God to stop the corruption of sin in others if sin has corrupted us.

A little bit of salt goes a long way.

Matthew 5:13 NIV

[13] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

First you are salt and then you are light. You live it and then you share it.

Jesus first says we are to be salt, and then He says we are to be light.

Matthew 5:14-15 NIV

[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Light exposes the darkness.

John 3:19 NIV

[19] This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

Light not only exposes the problem, it also shows the way out of darkness.

Is there a precedent for a nation turning back to The Lord.

The story of Jonah and the city of Ninavah is am example it can happen.

1. We need to infiltrate, not isolate.

Proverbs 29:2 NIV

[2] When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

2. We need to pray.

(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

[14] if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.)

We as believers need to repent and humble ourselves before God.

Isaiah 55:6 NIV

[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

3. We need to preach the gospel.

Heaven is not for good people it is for forgiven people.

What world would we be in if every Christian acted just like you?

Essentials: 10 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible

Notes: Essentials: 10 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible

JEFF LASSEIGNE

Pastor Jeff will be covering the topic of Essentials and explaining "Why We Can Trust The Bible.”

June 26, 2014

Pastor Jeff says we are talking about the subject of trust. Why can we trust the bible?

The average American home has 4 Bibles in them. Just 13% of the people polled said they read their Bible daily.

The Bible is intended to be our daily bread, not an occasional cookie.

50% of Christians do not believe that the Bible is completely accurate.

If we don’t believe the Bible is completely accurate then how can we trust it at all.

The word inerrancy means “freedom from error and untruths.”

Pastor Jeff wants to give us 10 reasons of why we can trust the Bible.

1. Self-Claims
1. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
2. Proverbs 30:5 (NIV) “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
3. To reject the truth of Scripture is to reject God Himself.
2. Manuscripts
1. We do not possess any of the originals. We do have many hand written copies.
1. Scrolls and parchment weren’t made to last.
2. There are more than 24,000 copies or pieces of copies of manuscripts
3. There is far more manuscripts about the Bible than anything else.
4. The Dead Sea Scrolls were 1900 years old. No contradictions were found in those scrolls.
3. Fulfilled Prophecy
1. 27% of the Bible is prophecy!
1. Prophecy is history written in advance.
1. About 1000 prophetic passages in the Bible, about 500 have already been fulfilled.
2. Fulfilled prophecy is one of the strongest reasons why we can trust the Bible!
4. The Resurrection
1. The Old Testament spoke of it several times.
1. 1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 
5. Archaeology
1. A famous archaeologist that was not a Christian stated, It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever contradicted a biblical reference. 
2. Psalm 119:89 Your word, Lord, is eternal it stands firm in the heavens.
6. Israel
1. From the days of Pharaoh to the days of Hitler, the people of Israel have been persecuted and killed for the past 4500 years.
1. They have miraculously survived.
2. The fact they are back in their lands in the last days is a super sign.
7. The Indestructible Book
1. For centuries people have tried to destroy and discredit the word of the Bible.
8. Unity
1. The Bible was written over a period of over 1500 years. 
2. People from different continents
3. Written in 3 different languages.
9. The Message of the Bible
1. Basically the message is Grace
1. The remedy of all of our faults is God
10. Changed Lives
1. We are proof that the Bible is true.
1. It has changed our lives and all of us over the centuries is proof.

People have died for their faith all the way since the beginning.

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

Notes: Happiness: What It Is and How to Have It, Part 2
June 22, 2014
Pastor Greg Laurie
Matthew 5

What is happiness exactly: Charles Schultz wrote, happiness is a warm puppy.

Truly happy people are godly people.

The Bible says, “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”

If we seek holiness, we’ll find happiness.

“WHOLLYNESS”

God wants you to be happy.

If you want to be a happy person then you need to be right with God and right with people.

“He opened His mouth.”
(Matthew 5:2)

Matthew 5:2–12; 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

God wants us to be blessed and happy.

Blessedness, or true happiness, is independent from circumstances.

You need to recognize that you are blessed regardless of the circumstances you are in, good or bad.

The Bible does not speak of money having anything to do with happiness, you can be reach or poor.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

Pastor Greg speaks of Naman the General and his leprosy. He had to admit his spiritual state before good.

The preacher Spurgeon wrote: Those who rise in the kingdom must have to first sink in themselves.

To be “poor in spirit” is to recognize one’s spiritual poverty apart from God.

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Happy people are unhappy people.
(v.4)
Psalm 56:8 You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?

God keeps our tears in a bottle so He might wipe them away someday.

Ecclesiastes 2:1–2 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure”; but surely, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter—“Madness!”; and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

2.Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 

If you are happy about the wrong things, then you need to stop it.

Romans 4:7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 51:2–3 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.

Psalm 51:4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

3.A happy person will be a meek person.
(v.5)

A meek person is one who controls himself under the authority of God.

It takes more strength to hold your tongue then to speak your mind.

Last is first.
Giving is receiving.
Dying is living.
Losing is finding.
Least is greatest.
Weakness is strength.

Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

4.A happy person passionately desires a righteous life.
(v.6)

Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

1. You must be poor in spirit. (See yourself as you really are)

2. You must mourn for your sin. 

3. As you believe, you will have a change in attitude.

4. You have a new hunger and thirst for that which will satisfy you.

Are you happy?