The Parable of Spiritual Growth

Notes: The Parable of Spiritual Growth

Pastor Greg Laurie

Matthew 13

Harvest OC 

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Series: God Came Near

A parable can be defined as an "earthly story with a heavenly lesson." In this message from Pastor Greg, we explore an important parable in the Word of God that reveals the secret to spiritual growth.

Greg says summer is officially over, kids are back in school now.

Fellowship groups are a great way to make a big church a small church. Groups are starting up later this month.

You can sign up:

Women: http://virtue.harvest.org/

Men: http://valor.harvest.org

We are watching a video about the this years Crusade.

Video was great, had a lot of testimonies on it.

He is talking about needing to give thanks to God. These new believers have have come forward and now he prays they Go forward. 

The great commission says:

Mark 16:15 NIV

[15] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

He says we want to see people to grow spiritually. We hope they are all rockets and not only bottle-rockets!

Some grow faster than others in their spiritual growth.

The Bible says a lot about that in the Parable of the Sower. 

1 Peter 1:5 NIV

[5] who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

God will keep you and you need to keep God.

It is your thousands of decisions over your life that decides your beliefs for you.

A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meeting, Jesus used it t connect to his people.

Matthew 13:3-8 KJV

[3] And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; [4] And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [5] Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: [6] And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. [7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: [8] But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

The interpretation is this:

Matthew 13:18-23 KJV

[18] Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. [19] When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one , and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. [20] But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; [21] Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. [22] He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. [23] But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it ; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Back in theses days of the first century seeds were sowed different than they are today. Back then it was just thrown out and it landed all over the place where it was tossed.

Chris G's phone rang in church...naughty naughty.

Greg is talking about how Roosevelt said something random to his guest because no one was listening. 

He said many in church do the same things.

1. Highway Hearers

Matthew 13:19 KJV

[19] When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one , and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

These are the people that don't respond or are aggressive against the Word.

People with a hard heart. Sin hardens your heart.

2 Corinthians 4:4-5 KJV

[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

Satan, Lindsay them, the he grinds them  and then grinds them.

10 times in Exodus it says that Pharaoh hardens his heart and then ten more times it says God hardened Pharaohs heart. 

2. Rocky Road Hearers

Matthew 13:20-21 KJV

[20] But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; [21] Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

These are the ones that hear it and then over flow with joy. Then they go over board. 

Then things get hard and they give up on God and walk right away.

They sign up out of impulse.

They didn't lose their salvation after they walked away, they were never a Christian in the first place.

It's where you end as a Christian, bot where you start.

Jesus says because if the Word, you will face tribulation and persecution.

Paul says all believers will face persecution.

People have did for their faith in Christ since the beginning! Stephen died mad people today are still getting killed.

If you can't take persecution then you might not be able to take it.

This may be someone who put their faith in a church, a friend or something else.

1 Corinthians 3:11 KJV

[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

If any person falls that you know or watch, that should not stumble you.

3. Thorny Hearers.

Matthew 13:22 KJV

[22] He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Weeds can choke out the seeds growth.

Luke 8:14 KJV

[14] And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection

God knows the quantity of our life, but we need to determine the quality.

4. The Fertile Ground

Luke 8:15 NKJV

[15] But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

Matthew 13:23 NKJV

[23] But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

You need to abide in God and you will bring forth fruit.

We all can hear it, but we decide to follow it.

Which of these hearers are you?

Essentials: What Every Christian Needs to Know About Prayer

Notes: Essentials: What Every Christian Needs to Know About Prayer
Harvest OC
9-4-2014
Pastor Greg Laurie
Ephesians 6/Luke 11

September 22, 2014 Greg will be on TBN, we can go see it live if we want to go. Need to sign up online.

Pastor Greg came out to a standing ovation. He told us all the stats of the Crusade. Over 12,000 people came to faith.

Sunday there will be a short film about the Crusades and people who's lives were changed.

Greg is talking about you can't walk forward and not go forward.

Job 17:9 NKJV
[9] Yet the righteous will hold to his way, And he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger.

We make choices and then our choices make us.

If you want to be a strong Christian you need Discipline!

God changes us and then works through us. You workout your salvation, and then God works through you.

Discipline is the key to success in all fields.

2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV
[22] Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Run from anything that causes youthful lust.

To grow spiritually you must read study and love the Word of God. 

Joshua 1:8NKJV
[8]This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

1. Every growing believer will take time each day to read, study and love the Word of God.

Greg says you can't outgrow those things, it would be like saying you have outgrown eating or breathing.

2. To be a growing Christian, you must have a prayer life.

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

You can pray any way you want, just pray!

Daniel prayed in a lions den, Peter prayed on top of the water or under the water.

God will hear your prayer wherever you are.

Pray without ceasing, for this is the will of God.

Daniel prayed, regardless of the law.

Daniel 6:10 NKJV
[10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Do your enemies know that you pray?

1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV
[8] I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

Daniel gave thanks in his prayer, even though the laws were against it. Give thanks, not because you feel good. Give thanks because God is good.

Greg said he thinks it is great to see a family bow their heads and give thanks to God before a meal in a restaurant.

Nehemiah 2:4 NKJV
[4] Then the king said to me, "What do you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven.

Nehemiah 2:5 NKJV
[5] And I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it."

Where ever you go, you are with God and God is with you. If you kneel before God you can stand before any man.

1. You should pray because Jesus said to!

Luke 18:1
[1] Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,

John 11:41-42 NKJV
[41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. [42] And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."

2. Prayer is Gods way for obtaining things.

James 4:2 NKJV
[2] You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

You won't get things just because you ask.

3. Prayer is the way by which God helps is to overcome our anxiety and worry.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Greg said a joke about paying someone to worry for you.

Don't worry, but pray!  God will guard your heart and mind.

Prayer is the way we make ourselves ready for the return of Christ.

Luke 21:34-36 NKJV
[34] "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. [35] For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. [36] Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Prayer is not an option for a Christian, it is a requirement.

Yes, No and Go! Are all answers to prayer.

The Lords Prayer, is not called that, by put we all know it as that. It is a great prayer, it can be your prayer or use it as a template for our prayer.

Luke 11:2-4 NKJV
[2] So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. [3] Give us day by day our daily bread. [4] And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one."

Worship music is prayer set to song!

When you have a big God you have small problems!

Secrets to Answered Prayer:

Secret to Answered Prayer #1. If you want your prayer answered in the affirmative, then pray according to the will of God.

Prayer does not change God's mind, it changes my mind.

When you are in a boat and you throw a rope to the dock, you don't pull the dock to you, you pull yourself to the dock.

1 John 5:14-15 NKJV
[14] Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. [15] And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Nothing lies outside the power of God, it may lie outside the WILL of God!

You Father knows better than you!

Secret to Answered Prayer #2. Bring your petitions to God after you acknowledge the greatness of God.

Job 7:17 NKJV
[17] "What is man, that You should exalt him, That You should set Your heart on him,

God loves you! Why He loves you, we don't know.

Matthew 7:9-11 NKJV
[9] Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? [11] If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Secret to Answered Prayer #3. You must confess your sin. 

There are sins of omission! 

1 John 1:8-10 NKJV
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

There is no greater sin then sin left within.

Psalm 66:18 NKJV
[18] If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.

We need willful obedience.

Secret to Answered Prayer #4. As much as possible, stay out of the place of temptation.

Isn't it easier to pick out others sin than your own?

1. A test: Pray about it in the clear light of The Lord.

2. A test: How would it look if you saw another Christian doing it?

5. Don't give up!

Luke 11:5-9 NKJV
[5] And He said to them, "Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; [6] for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; [7] and he will answer from within and say, 'Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you'? [8] I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. [9] "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

You must not give up on your prayers!

Keep praying!

Persistence gets people things from you, what will persistence get you from God.

Ask. Seek. Knock.

1. Ask implies requesting assistance.
2. Seek denotes asking but adds action.
3. Knock includes asking, seeking and persevering.

Greg prayed for his mom for over 40 years! Some people respond quickly.

Some prayer has no power in it because there is no heart in it!

You can have your prayers go nowhere or go to God. You have to confess your sin and they go to God!

We are all adopted into God's family when we ask to be.

Spending Time in the Word

Notes: Spending Time in the Word
Cornerstone Community Church
Pastor Raul Ries
9-2-2014

Pastor Raul is speaking about the Old Testament and sacrifices.

Pastor Raul is saying the Christian way is not for everyone, the road to Heaven is narrow.

When your spiritual house is not built on the rock of Jesus Christ then it can be washed away. Like a sand castle on the beach, you wouldn't build your actual house on the sand.

If Christ is your rock then you should not be moved in any way.

Pastor Raul is talking about how they killed lambs and cleaned them as sacrifice. They would blow a rams horn and the people would know the sacrifice would be made.

Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV
[21] "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. [22] Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' [23] And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

Jesus wants these people to understand that the entrance to Heaven is hard to reach that you don't get there by what you do. It's the grace of God that gets you into Heaven and we must recognize that.

Pastor Raul says if you don't have Jesus Christ and don't know God, then where you spend the most time is your God. He says to get a piece of paper and track what you do for a week and you will be shocked to find the truth about yourself. What do you do with all your time in a week? The answer to that is who your God really is.

Pastor Raul says he starts and ends his days in the word of God. You should not spend time with people who only spend time in this world, we need to focus on Heaven. Eternity is where we should look to.

If you trip in this world, the Holy Spirit will convict you. That is a way that you know God is working in your life.

Hebrews 12:7-8 NKJV
[7] If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? [8] But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.

You need to know the word of God, if you need three meals a day to be physically healthy, then how much spiritual food do you need? Your are the temple of the living God. God says he will destroy the person that defiles His temple. Spending time in the word of God is the only way to feed yourself spiritually.

If you take Gods permissive will and abuse it, He gives you freedom but He makes you pay for what you do.

If God can trust you, then He will give you more to do. If you don't live the gospel then you can make others stumble. You are the only gospel many people may see.

Salt in the days of Jesus was a preservative. If the salt is no longer any good, then they would throw it away. As a Christian, we are called the salt of the earth.

Raul is speaking of tithing. Today you are to give out of your heart, you don't have to give ten percent. You have to give what you are happy giving God. We need Gods help He doesn't need our help.

The NIV bible has had 5000 words deleted from it. Raul prefers the New King James. He suggest the NKJV for reading.

Genesis 22:8 NKJV
[8] And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together.

Genesis 22:8 NIV
[8] Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Raul is talking about the different versions of the Bible. He used the verse above to show differences.

John the Baptist says Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Every time Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, Jesus rebuked by saying it is written. You don't  have to yell at the devil, you use Gods word. Know your Bible verses.

God said to the devil, have you tried my servant Job. The devil killed a Jobs children. Job did not curse God, he even rebuked his wife for telling him to curse God. God taught us in the book of Job what patience is and to keep your eyes focused on God.

When you keep your eyes on The Lord, things happen. Like when Moses parted the Red Sea, it was when he looked up is when God gave him the power to part it.

Matthew 7:21 NKJV
[21] "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Pray without ceasing, keep your eyes on Jesus when you do everything. Faithful in the little things. Are you listening to The Lord?

In Revelation "has an ear to hear" is used seven times in two chapters.

Revelation 2:7,11,17 NKJV
[7] "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."' [11] "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."' [17] "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."'

Revelation 3:13,22 NKJV
[13] "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' [22] "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'"

Is the world listening? Do you have "ears to hear".

Is God affecting my life? Do I hear God, am I noticing His work?

Why did God work with Moses, Noah and Abraham? Because they submitted to God.

The world was ruling me before I came to Jesus. Now the Holy Spirit is in my life, the Holy Spirit provides you Peace!

You know you are in the good will of God when you experience peace in your life.

Even Jesus prayed to be spared by His Father, but always finished with "Your will be done!"

Matthew 12:31 NKJV
[31] "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

This is the only sin that is not forgiven! The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit! All other sins can be forgiven.

Only the Holy Spirit can convert someone! The best way to witness is with your life!

Don't push yourself on people, just throw the seeds out. Jesus is the only one who can make those seeds grow.

Stay faithful.

Matthew 16:24 NKJV
[24] Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

You want Jesus in your life then do two things:
1. Deny yourself.
2. Follow Jesus

Raul reads the word of God before he goes to bed, to protect himself.

Pastor Raul ask God every night before he goes to bed if he will wake up in the morning.

We are all only one breath away from death!

2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV
[8] We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

If you take your last breath will you be in the presence of God?

The Struggle is Real

Notes: The Struggle is Real

Pastor Levi Lusko

August, 31 2014

Book of Habakkuk

Levi is speaking of Greg on vacation. If you don't sharpen your axe, you will need twice as much energy to chop down a tree.

Levi's telling us about Habakkuk. Habakkuk means someone who embraces, so either a hugged or wrestler. Like how Jacob wrestled with the commands of God.

Habakkuk is a man who embraces the goodness of God even when life is bad. 

He held on to God, which is a good example to us of how to depend on God. 

He lived 600 years before Christ, when the land of Israel split into a northern and southern kingdom. They both got weaker. They both had 19 kings in each area. All 19 Kings were wicked in the north in 732, they were defeated by Syria.

Manasseh was the most wicked and hunted sown the word of God and wood burn it. Josiah, was his grandson and when he was young, he became king, then he set his heart on God. Josiah rebuilt Jerusalem and they also found a copy of the word of God. When Josiah heard it, "it cut him to the quick". 

Josiah learned all the good that the Jewish people were suppose to do.

We are held accountable to what we know. Josiah now knew and was going to do it.

Unguarded strength can be a double weakness. Like Josiah, he would not stay behind  the battle lines and got killed.

His son took over, Jehoiakim and is the only king in the Bible that is documented killing a prophet. The word cut Josiah and Jehoiakim cut the word!

That is the back drop of the book of Habakkuk.

Habakkuk 1:1-11 NKJV

[1] The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. [2] O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, "Violence!" And You will not save. [3] Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. [4] Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds. [5] "Look among the nations and watch- Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you. [6] For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, A bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places that are not theirs. [7] They are terrible and dreadful; Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves. [8] Their horses also are swifter than leopards, And more fierce than evening wolves. Their chargers charge ahead; Their cavalry comes from afar; They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. [9] "They all come for violence; Their faces are set like the east wind. They gather captives like sand. [10] They scoff at kings, And princes are scorned by them. They deride every stronghold, For they heap up earthen mounds and seize it. [11] Then his mind changes, and he transgresses; He commits offense, Ascribing this power to his god."

As these things  were going on, Egypt and Syria were growing powerful. It was the Babylonian empire and King Nebuchadnezzar.

Habakkuk 1:12-17 NKJV

[12] Are You not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. [13] You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he? [14] Why do You make men like fish of the sea, Like creeping things that have no ruler over them? [15] They take up all of them with a hook, They catch them in their net, And gather them in their dragnet. Therefore they rejoice and are glad. [16] Therefore they sacrifice to their net, And burn incense to their dragnet; Because by them their share is sumptuous And their food plentiful. [17] Shall they therefore empty their net, And continue to slay nations without pity?

Habakkuk 2:1 NKJV

[1] I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.

The Struggle is Real!

He is not talking about your wifi is down, or your pants are still damp and you need to leave. These people are being killed and living in a nightmare and it appears God isn't doing anything about it.

Their is an endlessness of suffering, it is hard to believe you can right yourself in despair. 

Habakkuk 1:2 NKJV

[2] O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, "Violence!" And You will not save.

These cry's are translated in two ways, one two sob and second is to scream. God can handle your out rage.

The question is always asked, how can a God of love allow for these horrible things? If you aren't in a position to ask that question at this moment, you will be one day! Get ready.

4 take away truths from these verses.

1. The size of your assignment doesn't determine the scope of your impact.

Habakkuk is not a very well known prophet. He is a minor prophet. That has nothing to do with his assignment.

As our culture, we view prophets like we do big league teams as opposed to minor league teams. Yet they are just as important as all the prophets.

Martin Luther, was very impacted by Habakkuk.

Levi is really impressing on us the importance of all the people in the Bible. He says they are like parts of a watch, all needed to give us the time.

2. There is only one thing worse than not getting what you want.

Someone said, there is only two bad things in this world, not getting what you want and also getting what you want.

Habakkuk 1:5 NKJV

[5] "Look among the nations and watch- Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you.

He is saying get excited about finding faith!

Be excited about what is going to happen by God, not just what He has done.

Why do we not know what s going to happen? Because we are NOT GOD! 

We have to trust God!

Things can get worse first.

3. Greater access means greater accountability.

Habakkuk 1:13 NKJV

[13] You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he?

Habakkuk didn't see that his people were worse then the Babylonians. That is because, the Jewish people knew what to do and didn't do it.

They are being held accountable.

4. Fall back on what you know and rise above it all.

Trials can either make you run to God or run from God.

Habakkuk is asking God why he is letting these things happen. He is trusting God and asking God.

Choose one day you will know as you have known.

Tell God why you are angry and then sit back and listen!

You will rise above it all in the midst of what is happening. Because God is for you, He will not be against you.

Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs.

Even as bad things happen you should worship God and trust him anyway.

Levi is speaking of Legos and where they came from. They were made in Denmark. He is talking about how many ways Legos can be put together. 

He is using the Legos as illustration of all the different ways you can look at the situation you are in. You can build any thing with all the pieces Jesus has already given you.

Jesus loves you, He died for you and He can save you!

How are you going to build on Gods gifts?

Essentials: God Still Speaks

Notes: Essentials: God Still Speaks

Pastor Mike Jonker

August 28, 2014

We are continuing in the Essential series.

Pastor Mike is talking about the different ways of studying the Bible. Reading from front to back, studying one book at a time, there is all kinds of different ways. He is talking about how he is thankful that Greg Laurie remains laser focused on teaching the Bible.

Acts 2:42 NKJV

[42] And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

We can also study different topics through the Bible. It is the study if Gods word that we can get a true perspective of God. It is our responsibility to be theologians.

God is still speaking, He is a God who wants to be known.

God has revealed Himself in a number of ways:

1. Through creation.

Psalm 19:4 NKJV

[4] Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,

The heavens declare the glory of God.

There is an infinite number of stars, He keeps building. Or we can look at small things like atoms or neutrons. Everything is complex.

2. Through our conscience.

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)

3. Through His Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We see His nature, character, plan of salvation. The Bible is Gods love letter to us.

Pastor Mike is talking about his old 71 VW Bus, how they always breakdown and over heat. Then he found a book that helped him keep it working, it was an instruction manual of how to fix it when things went wrong.

The Bible is like that for us,  divine instruction on what to do when things go wrong.

The Bible is Gods love letter to us. What do you do with love letters when you get them? We read them and cherish them and read them again.

He is reading a love letter that he found online.

1 John 3:1 NKJV

[1] Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

God is saying, check it out, look at how much love He has for us.

In the Old Testament he spoke to prophets with "voice mail" in Jesus' time it was "FaceTime" now it is via "Text"

He is talking about how he was given a Bible when he was 7 years old, how he didn't read it back then. But when he was 20 he found his faith, one of the first things he learned about was the Parable of the Sower. How the seed, or the word is truly like that.

For Christians success can be a two edged sword. In hard times they come to church and in good financial times they seem to forget about church.

He said we need to have an appetite for Gods word if we are to grow in our faith. Not just for preachers, but all of us need to study it and learn Gods word. We need to be in Gods word.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

[12] For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Gods word is alive and cuts to the heart of the matter.

He is speaking about the actual book, how it is broken up, into history and law and then the Gospels, and letters and then Revelation.

The Bible is perfect in cohesion and truth.

Hebrew and Greek were the primary languages of the Old Testament.

Jesus quotes and confirms the Old Testament.

Matthew 19:4-6 NKJV

[4] And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' [5] and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? [6] So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

Luke 17:28-29 NKJV

[28] Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; [29] but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.

Mark 12:26 NKJV

[26] But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?

Matthew 12:40 NKJV

[40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Pastor Mike points out how science books are constantly updated and proven wrong. The Bible has never been updated or proven wrong.

Luke 24:27 NKJV

[27] And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

The whole book is about Jesus our savior.

The Bible is a book of promises. One person said the Bible has 7,487.

God doesn't lie. He keeps his promises, and men do not.

Hebrews 6:17-19 NKJV

[17] Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, [18] that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. [19] This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

When God says something he means it.

Mike is sharing his ten favorite promises of God.

1.

John 1:12 NKJV

[12] But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

God wants us to be sure of our relationship with Him. It isn't how you feel, it is by Gods power we are part of His family. Not from our practice or performance.

2.

2 Peter 1:3 NKJV

[3] as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

God gives us everything we need. He even "includes the batteries"

Some times we live for God in our own flesh, we need to go to Him.

3.

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Paul suffered a great deal and still he live on the promises of God.

What do you need strength for?

Sometimes we need Gods strength just to obey Him. We. Can't cay no to God.

The only reward to sin is more sin. The reward of obedience is the strength to continue through the next challenge.

4.

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.

God promises to deliver from temptation.

5.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

[10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

God is our maker, He has a plan and He is going to fulfill that plan.

Mike explains how God works in our life like a surf board shaper shapes a surf board. Just like that shaper uses the board, God will use us when He is done.

6.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; [6] In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Do you need to lean on God and trust Him right now? Acknowledge Him and He will step in and guide.

Mike was telling about being with a friend in the woods and knowing a Mountain Lion was there. He was staying close to his friend to make sure he was safe. We should do that with Jesus.

7.

Romans 8:38-39 NKJV

[38] For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, [39] nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus will never stop lob paving us. Not because we deserve love but because He is love.

8.

God is our Help

Mike is talking about how his wife had leukemia and she looked to this passage.

Psalm 121:1-8 NKJV

[1] I will lift up my eyes to the hills- From whence comes my help? [2] My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. [3] He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. [4] Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. [5] The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. [6] The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. [7] The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. [8] The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.

At some point in our lives we need to look to God.

Do you need Gods help now?

9.

God is our comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NKJV

[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

10.

John 14:1-3 NKJV

[1] "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Gods word is for each and everyone of us.

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.

Do you want to live your life on God's promises?