Notes: Israel, Iran and ISIS in Bible Prophecy
Ezekiel 37
Pastor Greg Laurie
Harvest OC
November 20, 2014
Fred Jordan Mission is doing a big meal and outreach in LA on Thanksgiving. They are looking for volunteers to help.
Church will be on Wednesday night for the Thanksgiving service.
Greg is telling about a traveling salesman he took a shoe off in a hotel that made a thud. He then took his other shoe off lightly. The person below his room came a half hour later wanting to know when the next shoe would drop. He couldn't sleep with the anticipation of the other shoe about to fall.
Greg is talking about ISIS beheading people and Nigerian terrorist that kidnapped 300 children. He is talking about how all theses different groups are Muslim terrorist. He says not all Muslims are not all terrorists but all these terrorists are Muslims.
He is saying these are all signs of the end times. Just like the guy at the hotel, we are all waiting for the second time, for us it is the coming of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
[1] You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. [2] For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. [3] They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. [4] They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. [5] They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
Greg quoted a man that said our current times have not been like this since the end of World War II.
He is talking about how Israel becoming a nation reemerged for the second time is a direct fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Greg calls that a super sign.
During the Six Day War in 1967 Israel took all of Jerusalem back for the first time in over 2000 years.
Deuteronomy 1:8 NLT
[8] Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to all their descendants.'"
God gave Israel to the Jewish people and it rightfully belongs to them. The Bible predicted all of these things.
Israel will be scattered, regathered, regain Jerusalem, isolated and attacked.
Zechariah 12:2-3 NLT
[2] I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. [3] On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves.
Jerusalem will be at the center of conflict in end times.
Israel is only 9 miles wide and is at the center of all of these events.
Ezekiel 37:1-6 NLT
[1] The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. [2] He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. [3] Then he asked me, "Son of man, can these bones become living people again?" "O Sovereign Lord," I replied, "you alone know the answer to that." [4] Then he said to me, "Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, 'Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! [5] This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! [6] I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.'"
Greg is pointing out that this scripture is speaking to a graveyard.
Ezekiel 37:11-14 NLT
[11] Then he said to me, "Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, 'We have become old, dry bones-all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.' [12] Therefore, prophesy to them and say, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. [13] When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. [14] I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the Lord has spoken!'"
Here we see the gathered nation of Israel and the hostility around her.
This next part has not happened yet.
Ezekiel 38:1-5 NLT
[1] This is another message that came to me from the Lord: [2] "Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him. [3] Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: Gog, I am your enemy! [4] I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws to lead you out with your whole army-your horses and charioteers in full armor and a great horde armed with shields and swords. [5] Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons.
Ezekiel 38:8-11 NLT
[8] A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel. [9] You and all your allies-a vast and awesome army-will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud. [10] "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: At that time evil thoughts will come to your mind, and you will devise a wicked scheme. [11] You will say, 'Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages! I will march against her and destroy these people who live in such confidence!
Interesting phrase of the people of Israel. Saying they are confident. Right now Israel is the strongest and most confident they have ever been as a military.
Greg is speaking about Magog. He says that there is a strong case that Russia is Magog. He is pointing out how Russia and Iran have not been in alliance in over 2500.
He says the common trait for all of these people that are allies to Russia are Muslims.
He is talking about Iran and how the leaders want Israel to be annihilated as a leader said in a Tweet.
Iran is now in a treaty with the North Koreans who have nuclear weapons.
Greg is now talking about ISIS. How they used to be small and now they are really making themselves known. Beheadings, social media and small weapons.
Greg says ISIS is now a terrorist army. Making money off of oil sales from stolen oil, kidnappings, sex trade and other terrorist acts.
Genesis 12:3 NLT
[3] I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you."
Greg believes that America needs Israel more than Israel needs America because God says so,
Ezekiel 38:18-20 NLT
[18] But this is what the Sovereign Lord says: When Gog invades the land of Israel, my fury will boil over! [19] In my jealousy and blazing anger, I promise a mighty shaking in the land of Israel on that day. [20] All living things-the fish in the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the people on earth-will quake in terror at my presence. Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth.
God will protect Israel and turn His fire on the world.
Romans 11:25 NLT
[25] I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ.
Greg says he is not Jewish but he loves them, because he has been grafted into their promises that God has given them.
Greg is saying that God is waiting for the last person to believe before He calls us all home. Are you that last person?
Greg is giving an illustration using Wall Drug in South Dakota. How the store's signs are all over the world but closer to the store there are more and more signs.
Just like these signs they are getting closer and closer as the end times get here.
Greg is now talking about the woman that ISIS stoned to death for adultery.
This story reminds him of the woman that was accused of adultery in Jesus Christ's times.
John 8:6-8 NLT
[6] They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. [7] They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" [8] Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
This woman needed Christ, He was there for her. Even though she sinned Jesus recognized it and told her to go and sin no more.
Jesus then called her a lady, even though she was a sinner, Jesus knew she would become a lady. God knows your future just as we know our past.
Jesus Christ took the wrath that was for you upon himself. No matter what sin you have committed, God will forgive you.
Best regards,
Adam
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Thursday, November 20, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Act Like a Real Man
Notes: Valor - Act Like a Real Man
Pastor Jason Powell
11-18-2014
Harvest OC
Acts 7
He is talking about what we think what a real man is. He was quoting what the commercials say about "The Most Interesting Man in the World."
Stephen is who this chapter Acts 7 speaks of. Stephen is a real man of faith and his story is now in the Bible for all of history.
He is telling us about Stephen in Acts 6 and what the accusations are that they were accusing him of. They were accusing him of blasphemy.
In Acts 7, Stephen responds to these accusations before he is killed.
Acts 6:11-15 NLT
[11] So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, "We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God." [12] This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council. [13] The lying witnesses said, "This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. [14] We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us." [15] At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel's.
1. God doesn't live in a box.
He is not restricted by anything, especially not just a temple.
Acts 7:1-4 NLT
[1] Then the high priest asked Stephen, "Are these accusations true?" [2] This was Stephen's reply: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran. [3] God told him, 'Leave your native land and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you.' [4] So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran until his father died. Then God brought him here to the land where you now live.
Acts 7:9-10 NLT
[9] "These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him [10] and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.
Acts 7:30-34 NLT
[30] "Forty years later, in the desert near Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning bush. [31] When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he went to take a closer look, the voice of the Lord called out to him, [32] 'I am the God of your ancestors-the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses shook with terror and did not dare to look. [33] "Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. [34] I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.'
God was with Moses more intimately then He was with anyone in the Temple.
Acts 7:45-50 NLT
[45] Years later, when Joshua led our ancestors in battle against the nations that God drove out of this land, the Tabernacle was taken with them into their new territory. And it stayed there until the time of King David. [46] "David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. [47] But it was Solomon who actually built it. [48] However, the Most High doesn't live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, [49] 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that?' asks the Lord. 'Could you build me such a resting place? [50] Didn't my hands make both heaven and earth?'
God is bigger than the Temple, God is huge, God is everywhere. Technically the heart can become a temple if God is in residence.
Stephen is saying basically that he is not the person that rejects God or turning in Moses. He is saying they are the ones that actually resist them.
Acts 7:39-41 NLT
[39] "But our ancestors refused to listen to Moses. They rejected him and wanted to return to Egypt. [40] They told Aaron, 'Make us some gods who can lead us, for we don't know what has become of this Moses, who brought us out of Egypt.' [41] So they made an idol shaped like a calf, and they sacrificed to it and celebrated over this thing they had made.
Acts 7:51-53 NLT
[51] "You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you! [52] Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One-the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. [53] You deliberately disobeyed God's law, even though you received it from the hands of angels."
He is saying they are the ones that hate the law, not Stephen.
They could not refute what Stephen said, so his defense ended up being his death sentence.
Acts 7:54-60 NLT
[54] The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. [55] But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. [56] And he told them, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!" [57] Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him [58] and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.
Death revealed who Stephen was.
Stephen was a R.E.A.L. Man.
R - resolute, he was bold and declared God's word.
When you know what you are talking about it is easier to be resolute in your statements and decisions. Standing in God's word gives us the confidence.
A - authentic, he had the word and the lifestyle to match. The Gospel took hold of Stephen's heart. We know this because eminent death reveals the inner makings of a man.
Acts 7:54,57,59-60 NLT
[54] The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. [57] Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him [59] As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.
He is telling us about when he got into an accident before he was a true Christian and he discovered that he wasn't right with God. That was something he learned about himself the split second before he thought he might of died.
He is now talking about a guy named Tokichi Ishii that says that the truth of Jesus Christ was revealed on the cross, that Jesus would have been mad or scared, not asking God to forgive the people killing Him.
Acts 7:58 NLT
[58] and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Acts 22:19-20 NLT
[19] "'But Lord,' I argued, 'they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. [20] And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.'
Without Stephen we wouldn't of had Paul.
Acts 8:1,3 NLT
[1] Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. [3] But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.
God used the legacy of a man, Stephen, to further the church.
Stephen in following the footsteps of Jesus Christ modeled for us the image of a real man.
Pastor Jason Powell
11-18-2014
Harvest OC
Acts 7
He is talking about what we think what a real man is. He was quoting what the commercials say about "The Most Interesting Man in the World."
Stephen is who this chapter Acts 7 speaks of. Stephen is a real man of faith and his story is now in the Bible for all of history.
He is telling us about Stephen in Acts 6 and what the accusations are that they were accusing him of. They were accusing him of blasphemy.
In Acts 7, Stephen responds to these accusations before he is killed.
Acts 6:11-15 NLT
[11] So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, "We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God." [12] This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council. [13] The lying witnesses said, "This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. [14] We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us." [15] At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel's.
1. God doesn't live in a box.
He is not restricted by anything, especially not just a temple.
Acts 7:1-4 NLT
[1] Then the high priest asked Stephen, "Are these accusations true?" [2] This was Stephen's reply: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran. [3] God told him, 'Leave your native land and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you.' [4] So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran until his father died. Then God brought him here to the land where you now live.
Acts 7:9-10 NLT
[9] "These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him [10] and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.
Acts 7:30-34 NLT
[30] "Forty years later, in the desert near Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning bush. [31] When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he went to take a closer look, the voice of the Lord called out to him, [32] 'I am the God of your ancestors-the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses shook with terror and did not dare to look. [33] "Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. [34] I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.'
God was with Moses more intimately then He was with anyone in the Temple.
Acts 7:45-50 NLT
[45] Years later, when Joshua led our ancestors in battle against the nations that God drove out of this land, the Tabernacle was taken with them into their new territory. And it stayed there until the time of King David. [46] "David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. [47] But it was Solomon who actually built it. [48] However, the Most High doesn't live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, [49] 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that?' asks the Lord. 'Could you build me such a resting place? [50] Didn't my hands make both heaven and earth?'
God is bigger than the Temple, God is huge, God is everywhere. Technically the heart can become a temple if God is in residence.
Stephen is saying basically that he is not the person that rejects God or turning in Moses. He is saying they are the ones that actually resist them.
Acts 7:39-41 NLT
[39] "But our ancestors refused to listen to Moses. They rejected him and wanted to return to Egypt. [40] They told Aaron, 'Make us some gods who can lead us, for we don't know what has become of this Moses, who brought us out of Egypt.' [41] So they made an idol shaped like a calf, and they sacrificed to it and celebrated over this thing they had made.
Acts 7:51-53 NLT
[51] "You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you! [52] Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One-the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. [53] You deliberately disobeyed God's law, even though you received it from the hands of angels."
He is saying they are the ones that hate the law, not Stephen.
They could not refute what Stephen said, so his defense ended up being his death sentence.
Acts 7:54-60 NLT
[54] The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. [55] But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. [56] And he told them, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!" [57] Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him [58] and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.
Death revealed who Stephen was.
Stephen was a R.E.A.L. Man.
R - resolute, he was bold and declared God's word.
When you know what you are talking about it is easier to be resolute in your statements and decisions. Standing in God's word gives us the confidence.
A - authentic, he had the word and the lifestyle to match. The Gospel took hold of Stephen's heart. We know this because eminent death reveals the inner makings of a man.
Acts 7:54,57,59-60 NLT
[54] The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. [57] Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him [59] As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.
He is telling us about when he got into an accident before he was a true Christian and he discovered that he wasn't right with God. That was something he learned about himself the split second before he thought he might of died.
He is now talking about a guy named Tokichi Ishii that says that the truth of Jesus Christ was revealed on the cross, that Jesus would have been mad or scared, not asking God to forgive the people killing Him.
Acts 7:58 NLT
[58] and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Acts 22:19-20 NLT
[19] "'But Lord,' I argued, 'they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. [20] And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.'
Without Stephen we wouldn't of had Paul.
Acts 8:1,3 NLT
[1] Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. [3] But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.
God used the legacy of a man, Stephen, to further the church.
Stephen in following the footsteps of Jesus Christ modeled for us the image of a real man.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
You Da Man
Notes: "You Da Man!”
Pastor Greg Laurie
Sunday
November 16, 2014
2 Samuel 11
The Biblical Law of Sowing and Reaping
2 Samuel 11:1-5 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. [3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." [4] Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. [5] Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, "I'm pregnant."
An unguarded strength is a double weakness.
“Can a man take fire into his lap and not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27)
You don’t feed lust. You starve it.
Sin of lust is setting yourself up to sin.
2 Samuel 11:1-2 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.
The devil never takes a day off. He is ever vigilant looking for people to destroy.
1 Peter 5:8 NLT
[8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
“Times of leisure are to be more dreaded than those of the most strenuous toil.” –Alan Redpath
“Beware of evening temptations. The sun is down, but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day.” –C.H. Spurgeon
2 Samuel 11:3 NLT
[3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite."
Sin makes us stupid!
2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
[22] Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Is God putting up “roadblocks” in your life?
“The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” (2 Samuel 11:27)
The discipline and conviction in David’s life were signs that he was a child of God.
Hebrews 12:8,11 NLT
[8] If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. [11] No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Proverbs 28:13 NLT
[13] People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Sooner or later, your sin will find you out!
2 Samuel 11:7-10 NLT
[7] When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the army were getting along and how the war was progressing. [8] Then he told Uriah, "Go on home and relax." David even sent a gift to Uriah after he had left the palace. [9] But Uriah didn't go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king's palace guard. [10] When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, "What's the matter? Why didn't you go home last night after being away for so long?"
“You Da Man!”
James 1:14-15 NLT
[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.
Just because we are forgiven does not mean we will not reap what we sow.
1 John 3:9 NLT
[9] Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
Bathsheba made it into the messianic line of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:6)
Jesus died on the cross for you.
Pastor Greg Laurie
Sunday
November 16, 2014
2 Samuel 11
The Biblical Law of Sowing and Reaping
2 Samuel 11:1-5 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. [3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." [4] Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. [5] Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, "I'm pregnant."
An unguarded strength is a double weakness.
“Can a man take fire into his lap and not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27)
You don’t feed lust. You starve it.
Sin of lust is setting yourself up to sin.
2 Samuel 11:1-2 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.
The devil never takes a day off. He is ever vigilant looking for people to destroy.
1 Peter 5:8 NLT
[8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
“Times of leisure are to be more dreaded than those of the most strenuous toil.” –Alan Redpath
“Beware of evening temptations. The sun is down, but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day.” –C.H. Spurgeon
2 Samuel 11:3 NLT
[3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite."
Sin makes us stupid!
2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
[22] Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Is God putting up “roadblocks” in your life?
“The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” (2 Samuel 11:27)
The discipline and conviction in David’s life were signs that he was a child of God.
Hebrews 12:8,11 NLT
[8] If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. [11] No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Proverbs 28:13 NLT
[13] People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Sooner or later, your sin will find you out!
2 Samuel 11:7-10 NLT
[7] When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the army were getting along and how the war was progressing. [8] Then he told Uriah, "Go on home and relax." David even sent a gift to Uriah after he had left the palace. [9] But Uriah didn't go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king's palace guard. [10] When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, "What's the matter? Why didn't you go home last night after being away for so long?"
“You Da Man!”
James 1:14-15 NLT
[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.
Just because we are forgiven does not mean we will not reap what we sow.
1 John 3:9 NLT
[9] Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
Bathsheba made it into the messianic line of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:6)
Jesus died on the cross for you.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Healthy Criticism
Notes: Healthy Criticism
Pastor Pancho Juarez
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Harvest OC
Pastor Pancho is talking to us what he calls a very harsh subject. Criticism is something that everyone deals with.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NKJV
[1] Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. [3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. [4] For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. [5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
Paul had criticism in all directions. He defends himself in this scripture.
Really nobody likes to be criticized.
Pancho is talking about a Sunday where after a service a woman came up and said that her niece said that he was an idiot. He said he wanted to respond to her in a carnal fashion.
She then said that her niece is a lifeguard and he immediately knew what the woman was talking about and it was a justified statement.
He blew the distress whistle in a pool and all the lifeguards jumped in and tried to save him.
When Paul was being criticized he said he did not pay attention to them because he only cares about what his master Jesus Christ calls him to do.
Pancho says we are all responsible for the talents and actions we take. We will be criticized for all the things we do.
There is instructive, constructive criticism and destructive criticism.
Acts 18:24-28 NKJV
[24] Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25] This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. [26] So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. [27] And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; [28] for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Pancho says Aquila and Priscilla gave constructive criticism and Apollo accepted it.
The criticism towards Paul was destructive.
Pancho is giving us a back drop about Moses in Exodus 18. Moses was a great man of God.
Exodus 18:6-12 NKJV
[6] Now he had said to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her." [7] So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent. [8] And Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. [9] Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. [10] And Jethro said, "Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. [11] Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them." [12] Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God.
Criticism comes to all of us if we work in a light house, warehouse, White House or crack house.
It takes one minute to make someone's day and only one word to destroy someone life.
2 Corinthians 5:13 NKJV
[13] For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
2 Corinthians 10:2 NKJV
[2] But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 7:2 NKJV
[2] Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.
Pancho is talking about a quote from a book, he said you can be doing anything and be a leader. Aristotle said if you don't want criticism then, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing. It was said there is nothing that can be more destructive to leadership then it criticism.
Leaders need to go to self sacrifice. Loneliness is something that leaders experience. Paul says he receives the Gospel from Jesus Christ and no one else.
Galatians 1:1 NKJV
[1] Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
Pancho said some people like scripture when they are criticized. He said he likes to hum a song. That tells him to remember why he follows Jesus Christ. He said we need to be emancipated from our own sin.
Acts 26:15 NKJV
[15] So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Acts 26:16-18 NKJV
[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.'
That is where Jesus Christ gave Paul the mission in his commission.
He said Paul said after 30 years he was still looking to get closer to the Lord.
Psalm 141:5 NKJV
[5] Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.
Paul wanted a righteous man to criticize him, no one else.
Pancho is saying he can't believe that people at the age of 40 or at any age think they have it together.
He says criticism helps you by providing humility and ultimately would help with your self worth.
He says some people should speak right to your heart. Like your wife or children. They are your critics and are there to help you, after all they know you.
Pancho is telling us about Roman Law, how they would require a slave to stand behind their Generals. When people tell him he's a god, the slave would remind him he was not. Pancho says that role is played by his wife.
1. Understand criticism will come from all sides.
Paul welcomed criticism but only by Godly men. Keep an opened mind.
2. Seek to favor the Lord. Not the people and their opinions.
We are to obey God rather than men.
3. Present yourself to God.
Psalm 26:1-12 NKJV
[1] Vindicate me, O LORD, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip. [2] Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. [3] For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. [4] I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. [5] I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. [6] I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O LORD, [7] That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. [8] LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house, And the place where Your glory dwells. [9] Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, [10] In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. [11] But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me. [12] My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the LORD.
Paul said we should only worry about what our Lord thinks.
4. Consider, ponder and contemplate the type of criticism.
He said Instructive Criticism should be listened too.
5. Criticism should be dispensed with gentleness.
The purpose of criticism should be to help or restore you.
6. Who dispensed the criticism.
"consider the source" is it a mentor or an enemy.
Galatians 2:11 NKJV
[11] Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed;
He said Peter was needed to be corrected.
Galatians 2:12-16 NKJV
[12] for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. [13] And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. [14] But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? [15] We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, [16] knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
7. Is the critique accurate and true.
As a believer you are a new creation in Christ. Are you the same person as the person that was critiqued.
He says we aren't perfect but we need to run that race until we reach Christ in Heaven.
If you believe with your heart and want to receive the Lord then you will be saved.
Pastor Pancho Juarez
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Harvest OC
Pastor Pancho is talking to us what he calls a very harsh subject. Criticism is something that everyone deals with.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NKJV
[1] Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. [3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. [4] For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. [5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
Paul had criticism in all directions. He defends himself in this scripture.
Really nobody likes to be criticized.
Pancho is talking about a Sunday where after a service a woman came up and said that her niece said that he was an idiot. He said he wanted to respond to her in a carnal fashion.
She then said that her niece is a lifeguard and he immediately knew what the woman was talking about and it was a justified statement.
He blew the distress whistle in a pool and all the lifeguards jumped in and tried to save him.
When Paul was being criticized he said he did not pay attention to them because he only cares about what his master Jesus Christ calls him to do.
Pancho says we are all responsible for the talents and actions we take. We will be criticized for all the things we do.
There is instructive, constructive criticism and destructive criticism.
Acts 18:24-28 NKJV
[24] Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25] This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. [26] So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. [27] And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; [28] for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Pancho says Aquila and Priscilla gave constructive criticism and Apollo accepted it.
The criticism towards Paul was destructive.
Pancho is giving us a back drop about Moses in Exodus 18. Moses was a great man of God.
Exodus 18:6-12 NKJV
[6] Now he had said to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her." [7] So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent. [8] And Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. [9] Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. [10] And Jethro said, "Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. [11] Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them." [12] Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God.
Criticism comes to all of us if we work in a light house, warehouse, White House or crack house.
It takes one minute to make someone's day and only one word to destroy someone life.
2 Corinthians 5:13 NKJV
[13] For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
2 Corinthians 10:2 NKJV
[2] But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 7:2 NKJV
[2] Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.
Pancho is talking about a quote from a book, he said you can be doing anything and be a leader. Aristotle said if you don't want criticism then, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing. It was said there is nothing that can be more destructive to leadership then it criticism.
Leaders need to go to self sacrifice. Loneliness is something that leaders experience. Paul says he receives the Gospel from Jesus Christ and no one else.
Galatians 1:1 NKJV
[1] Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
Pancho said some people like scripture when they are criticized. He said he likes to hum a song. That tells him to remember why he follows Jesus Christ. He said we need to be emancipated from our own sin.
Acts 26:15 NKJV
[15] So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Acts 26:16-18 NKJV
[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.'
That is where Jesus Christ gave Paul the mission in his commission.
He said Paul said after 30 years he was still looking to get closer to the Lord.
Psalm 141:5 NKJV
[5] Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.
Paul wanted a righteous man to criticize him, no one else.
Pancho is saying he can't believe that people at the age of 40 or at any age think they have it together.
He says criticism helps you by providing humility and ultimately would help with your self worth.
He says some people should speak right to your heart. Like your wife or children. They are your critics and are there to help you, after all they know you.
Pancho is telling us about Roman Law, how they would require a slave to stand behind their Generals. When people tell him he's a god, the slave would remind him he was not. Pancho says that role is played by his wife.
1. Understand criticism will come from all sides.
Paul welcomed criticism but only by Godly men. Keep an opened mind.
2. Seek to favor the Lord. Not the people and their opinions.
We are to obey God rather than men.
3. Present yourself to God.
Psalm 26:1-12 NKJV
[1] Vindicate me, O LORD, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip. [2] Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. [3] For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. [4] I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. [5] I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. [6] I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O LORD, [7] That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. [8] LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house, And the place where Your glory dwells. [9] Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, [10] In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. [11] But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me. [12] My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the LORD.
Paul said we should only worry about what our Lord thinks.
4. Consider, ponder and contemplate the type of criticism.
He said Instructive Criticism should be listened too.
5. Criticism should be dispensed with gentleness.
The purpose of criticism should be to help or restore you.
6. Who dispensed the criticism.
"consider the source" is it a mentor or an enemy.
Galatians 2:11 NKJV
[11] Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed;
He said Peter was needed to be corrected.
Galatians 2:12-16 NKJV
[12] for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. [13] And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. [14] But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? [15] We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, [16] knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
7. Is the critique accurate and true.
As a believer you are a new creation in Christ. Are you the same person as the person that was critiqued.
He says we aren't perfect but we need to run that race until we reach Christ in Heaven.
If you believe with your heart and want to receive the Lord then you will be saved.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Hurried, Worried, Buried (How to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Anxiety)
Notes: Hurried, Worried, Buried (How to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Anxiety)
Matthew 6
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:
God Came Near
Sunday, November 9, 2014 — 8:00 a.m.
http://bit.ly/1qmcFbA
What does the favorite verse of the nonbeliever actually mean?
Matthew 7:1 ESV
[1] "Judge not, that you be not judged.
Pastor Greg said he really likes how people in Australia say "No Worries, mate."
Greg is talking about all the worries people have and the new big world worries like, Ebola and ISIS.
A study said Most people's number one worry is their appearance. Public speaking typically ranks higher than death.
He told a story about how death usually comes to those that worry about it too much?
How can we overcome worry? Matthew 6 speaks of this.
Matthew 6:25-33 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1. The believer should not worry.
Matthew 6:25 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
The word worry from the old English word means to choke.
Jesus Christ says stop worrying about your life. Pastor Greg says he can argue that worry can be a sin.
It could be a sin because it is a lack of trust of God. God is in control.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of of its sorrow. But it possibly removes your strength to face it.
Greg says there is a difference between trusting the Lord and testing the Lord.
He is talking about Daniel in the Lions den.
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
[7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
This is saying throw your worries on God.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
[6] do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Birds don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:26 ESV
[26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
He says birds don't sit and wait for food, they have to take action. They wait and look for the food and then go get it.
Greg is talking about how seagulls were around and he thought they are his fish burrito.
Flowers don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:28 ESV
[28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
He says that many are obsessed with the way they look, but we will never be as beautiful as the flowers God created.
He is talking about Jennifer Lopez, saying how her entourage of stylist may have hurt her relationships with all of her past lovers.
You can have a chiseled body and a dying soul.
1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
[3] Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- [4] rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Who can add one day to their by worry?
Only God knows your birth and your death.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 NKJV
[8] For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
2. Worry does not make life better.
4. Put God and His will first in your life.
Psalm 90:1-17 NKJV
[1] Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. [2] Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. [3] You turn man to destruction, And say, "Return, O children of men." [4] For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night. [5] You carry them away like a flood; They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: [6] In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers. [7] For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. [8] You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. [9] For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. [10] The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. [11] Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. [12] So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. [13] Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. [14] Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! [15] Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil. [16] Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. [17] And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Speaking of your career, are you doing it for God's glory? If you can not honor God in everything you do, then get a new job.
Proverbs 22:1 NKJV
[1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
There are people in life that cheat and do it the wrong way that appear to be doing better than you. But you have to wait to see ones life play out. Do not look at what others do. Look at what God wants you do.
Seek first not only His Kingdom, but also his righteousness.
He is talking about single people dating. As he calls it "missionary dating" he says it is easier for a non- believer to pull you down from God then you pull them up to God. He says the best place for them to find a spouse is at church.
When you seek God first, you will find the right perspective.
What would you do if God came to you and said, just ask and I will give you what ever you want?
Greg is talking about Solomon and how he asked God for the wisdom to rule His people.
Matthew 6:19-21,31-32 NKJV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. [31] "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
He says when scripture says "therefore" look and see what it is there for.
Greg is talking how you should not flaunt the things you have. That is not putting the Lord first.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV
[9] Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; [10] So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV
[6] But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
In Malachai is the only time the Lord says to test him.
Do you giving while your living, then you are knowing where it is going!
Greg is talking about Billy Joel and how Billy Joel said that even with all his success he felt like a failure because he does not have a true love to share it with.
You need to love Jesus Christ first. Then you will not have that void.
The faith of the Christian, provides the hope that we need in this life and to take us into the next life!
Matthew 6
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:
God Came Near
Sunday, November 9, 2014 — 8:00 a.m.
http://bit.ly/1qmcFbA
What does the favorite verse of the nonbeliever actually mean?
Matthew 7:1 ESV
[1] "Judge not, that you be not judged.
Pastor Greg said he really likes how people in Australia say "No Worries, mate."
Greg is talking about all the worries people have and the new big world worries like, Ebola and ISIS.
A study said Most people's number one worry is their appearance. Public speaking typically ranks higher than death.
He told a story about how death usually comes to those that worry about it too much?
How can we overcome worry? Matthew 6 speaks of this.
Matthew 6:25-33 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1. The believer should not worry.
Matthew 6:25 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
The word worry from the old English word means to choke.
Jesus Christ says stop worrying about your life. Pastor Greg says he can argue that worry can be a sin.
It could be a sin because it is a lack of trust of God. God is in control.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of of its sorrow. But it possibly removes your strength to face it.
Greg says there is a difference between trusting the Lord and testing the Lord.
He is talking about Daniel in the Lions den.
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
[7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
This is saying throw your worries on God.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
[6] do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Birds don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:26 ESV
[26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
He says birds don't sit and wait for food, they have to take action. They wait and look for the food and then go get it.
Greg is talking about how seagulls were around and he thought they are his fish burrito.
Flowers don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:28 ESV
[28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
He says that many are obsessed with the way they look, but we will never be as beautiful as the flowers God created.
He is talking about Jennifer Lopez, saying how her entourage of stylist may have hurt her relationships with all of her past lovers.
You can have a chiseled body and a dying soul.
1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
[3] Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- [4] rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Who can add one day to their by worry?
Only God knows your birth and your death.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 NKJV
[8] For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
2. Worry does not make life better.
4. Put God and His will first in your life.
Psalm 90:1-17 NKJV
[1] Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. [2] Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. [3] You turn man to destruction, And say, "Return, O children of men." [4] For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night. [5] You carry them away like a flood; They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: [6] In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers. [7] For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. [8] You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. [9] For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. [10] The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. [11] Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. [12] So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. [13] Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. [14] Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! [15] Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil. [16] Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. [17] And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Speaking of your career, are you doing it for God's glory? If you can not honor God in everything you do, then get a new job.
Proverbs 22:1 NKJV
[1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
There are people in life that cheat and do it the wrong way that appear to be doing better than you. But you have to wait to see ones life play out. Do not look at what others do. Look at what God wants you do.
Seek first not only His Kingdom, but also his righteousness.
He is talking about single people dating. As he calls it "missionary dating" he says it is easier for a non- believer to pull you down from God then you pull them up to God. He says the best place for them to find a spouse is at church.
When you seek God first, you will find the right perspective.
What would you do if God came to you and said, just ask and I will give you what ever you want?
Greg is talking about Solomon and how he asked God for the wisdom to rule His people.
Matthew 6:19-21,31-32 NKJV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. [31] "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
He says when scripture says "therefore" look and see what it is there for.
Greg is talking how you should not flaunt the things you have. That is not putting the Lord first.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV
[9] Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; [10] So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV
[6] But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
In Malachai is the only time the Lord says to test him.
Do you giving while your living, then you are knowing where it is going!
Greg is talking about Billy Joel and how Billy Joel said that even with all his success he felt like a failure because he does not have a true love to share it with.
You need to love Jesus Christ first. Then you will not have that void.
The faith of the Christian, provides the hope that we need in this life and to take us into the next life!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
"So What"
Notes: "So What?" How the return of Christ should affect us in day-to-day living.
Pastor Greg Laurie
Essentials series
Harvest OC.
November 6, 2014
So what are we suppose to do, what are we suppose to think in the light of Jesus Christ's return.
Greg is telling a joke about a talking dog. How the dog told all kinds of stories that were lies. The owner of the dog wants to get rid of him because the dog is liar. The owner clearly misses the point of how special the dog is.
Greg says many church goers are like that. He says they are just like people going to movies, missing the point of church.
The glorification of God, the edification of the saints, and he evangelization of the world.
Or we are here for upward, inward and outward. Worshiping, helping at the church, help build up each other and the evangelism of the world.
Pastor's job is to help us do our job.
Hebrews 10:22-25 NKJV
[22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
We need to try and go rescue each other.
Galatians 6:1 NKJV
[1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
We must confront and restore. We are not to hunt down and destroy.
We must confront each other, help one another, build up one another.
What if every Christian was just like you?
Would pews be empty or full? Would they evangelize? Would they help others? Etc.
In the church we are all a brick in the wall of the church, we should not be spectators, we should be participants.
Roosevelt said its not the critic who counts... It's the man in the arena....
The credit goes to the believer that is active in the arena.
Some Christians are setting the world on fire, while others are still looking for a match.
Since 2009 the Harvest OC has seen about 4500 professions of faith here. We are just getting started. We are seeing lives change in time and for eternity.
Greg is talking about how it drives him nuts when people say they are over the church. He says at the church so many people come for help, marriage, death, crisis.
The church is the organization that Jesus Christ ever started.
Yes the church is filled with hypocrites because everyone is a hypocrite at some point in their lives.
Join a church because you need consistency in theology, a pastor, and accountability.
Matthew 25:14-29 NLT
[14] "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. [15] He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [16] "The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. [17] The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. [18] But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. [19] "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' [21] "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [22] "The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' [23] "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [24] "Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. [25] I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' [26] "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, [27] why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' [28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
In this parable each person is given a different amount to invest.
It's not what you have that matters to God, it matters what you do with what you have that counts.
Everyone of us is given a God given opportunity to play well with the cards we are dealt.
Matthew 25:20 NLT
[20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.'
The one servant actually blamed the master. Many people like to blame God that way.
Benjamin Franklin said that he found that the people who are best at making excuses aren't very good at anything else.
Greg is talking how we can take the gifts God gives us in bury it.
We all have time, talent and treasure.
Matthew 25:28-29 NLT
[28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
The redistribution of wealth has a different meaning in the Bible doesn't it?
Romans 12:6-8 NLT
[6] In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Through grace God has given us all different gifts to use. We must use those gifts. We must develop them and use them to the best of our ability. Gifts are different then talents, but both require practice.
Greg is telling a story of when he was kid and someone told him he had a magical pencil. He says there is no magical pencil, he needed to practice.
Greg is talking about all the different kinds of gifts people have. Helping, details, providing, tongues are all gifts. He says all these are gifts of the Spirit and we need to find ours.
Greg is talking about how it was said that it was always harder to find the 2nd Violinist then the first. People don't like to be second.
God doesn't compare you to anyone else, he compares you to you.
God does not expect the same results, but He does expect the same effort.
It can be a sin to not use the gifts that God has given. It can be the sin of omission. It is a bless to be a blessing.
We want to faithfully serve the Lord until Jesus Christ returns again.
We all want to find our place in the church. We all need skin in the game.
Jesus Christ was God with skin on.
The Church is the Bride of Christ. It is not perfect, we all have faults, but Jesus Christ loves his Bride anyhow!
We are not a museum of saints we are a hospital for sinners! God's church is the only hospital that raises the dead.
God can take that guilt you have away. That guilt is sin and God will forgive your sin.
Pastor Greg Laurie
Essentials series
Harvest OC.
November 6, 2014
So what are we suppose to do, what are we suppose to think in the light of Jesus Christ's return.
Greg is telling a joke about a talking dog. How the dog told all kinds of stories that were lies. The owner of the dog wants to get rid of him because the dog is liar. The owner clearly misses the point of how special the dog is.
Greg says many church goers are like that. He says they are just like people going to movies, missing the point of church.
The glorification of God, the edification of the saints, and he evangelization of the world.
Or we are here for upward, inward and outward. Worshiping, helping at the church, help build up each other and the evangelism of the world.
Pastor's job is to help us do our job.
Hebrews 10:22-25 NKJV
[22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
We need to try and go rescue each other.
Galatians 6:1 NKJV
[1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
We must confront and restore. We are not to hunt down and destroy.
We must confront each other, help one another, build up one another.
What if every Christian was just like you?
Would pews be empty or full? Would they evangelize? Would they help others? Etc.
In the church we are all a brick in the wall of the church, we should not be spectators, we should be participants.
Roosevelt said its not the critic who counts... It's the man in the arena....
The credit goes to the believer that is active in the arena.
Some Christians are setting the world on fire, while others are still looking for a match.
Since 2009 the Harvest OC has seen about 4500 professions of faith here. We are just getting started. We are seeing lives change in time and for eternity.
Greg is talking about how it drives him nuts when people say they are over the church. He says at the church so many people come for help, marriage, death, crisis.
The church is the organization that Jesus Christ ever started.
Yes the church is filled with hypocrites because everyone is a hypocrite at some point in their lives.
Join a church because you need consistency in theology, a pastor, and accountability.
Matthew 25:14-29 NLT
[14] "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. [15] He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [16] "The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. [17] The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. [18] But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. [19] "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' [21] "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [22] "The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' [23] "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [24] "Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. [25] I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' [26] "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, [27] why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' [28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
In this parable each person is given a different amount to invest.
It's not what you have that matters to God, it matters what you do with what you have that counts.
Everyone of us is given a God given opportunity to play well with the cards we are dealt.
Matthew 25:20 NLT
[20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.'
The one servant actually blamed the master. Many people like to blame God that way.
Benjamin Franklin said that he found that the people who are best at making excuses aren't very good at anything else.
Greg is talking how we can take the gifts God gives us in bury it.
We all have time, talent and treasure.
Matthew 25:28-29 NLT
[28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
The redistribution of wealth has a different meaning in the Bible doesn't it?
Romans 12:6-8 NLT
[6] In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Through grace God has given us all different gifts to use. We must use those gifts. We must develop them and use them to the best of our ability. Gifts are different then talents, but both require practice.
Greg is telling a story of when he was kid and someone told him he had a magical pencil. He says there is no magical pencil, he needed to practice.
Greg is talking about all the different kinds of gifts people have. Helping, details, providing, tongues are all gifts. He says all these are gifts of the Spirit and we need to find ours.
Greg is talking about how it was said that it was always harder to find the 2nd Violinist then the first. People don't like to be second.
God doesn't compare you to anyone else, he compares you to you.
God does not expect the same results, but He does expect the same effort.
It can be a sin to not use the gifts that God has given. It can be the sin of omission. It is a bless to be a blessing.
We want to faithfully serve the Lord until Jesus Christ returns again.
We all want to find our place in the church. We all need skin in the game.
Jesus Christ was God with skin on.
The Church is the Bride of Christ. It is not perfect, we all have faults, but Jesus Christ loves his Bride anyhow!
We are not a museum of saints we are a hospital for sinners! God's church is the only hospital that raises the dead.
God can take that guilt you have away. That guilt is sin and God will forgive your sin.
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