God's Masterpiece

Notes: God's Masterpiece
SPEAKER:
Greg Laurie
Harvest Worship Band
Ephesians 2
Live, Love, Fight
Thursday, February 12, 2015 — 7:00 p.m

The Pièce de Résistance- it is the ultimate master piece.

What is God's masterpiece? I am! All of us are.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
[10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Mankind is God's greatest work. We are not a highly evolved animal!

Psalm 139:13-16 NKJV
[13] For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. [14] I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. [15] My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV
[5] "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

He knew us before we were formed. That is because he created us.

Our nose can tell 10,000 smells, tongues have 6000 taste buds. Our brains have over 10 billion brain cells.

If our blue print was written out for a human, it would require 200,000 pages.

We can remember trillions of things.

God wants to work through us!

Ephesians 2:1-10 NKJV
[1] And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, [2] in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, [3] among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, [5] even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), [6] and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

That is a great message to us.

Past (v 1 - 3) we don't know each other but we have all got a similar past. We have all sinned!

We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners!

Ephesians 2:4 NKJV
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

Present (v 5- 6) when you become a Christian there is a hedge of protection around us.

Future ( v 7) he wants to be with us throughout eternity

We will continue to learn in Heaven

John 17:15 NKJV
[15] I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

Ephesians 2:8 NKJV
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

We are Christians entirely and solely through the grace of God

1. Justice- you get what you deserve.
2. Mercy - You don't get what you deserve.
3. Grace - getting what you don't deserve.

Heaven is not a place for good people, it is a place for forgiven people.

We don't want justice for ourselves, we want grace.

It was said we are more sinful than we ever believed, and we are more loved by God then we ever dare hoped.

Grace is love that seeks you out when you have nothing to give in return.

Ephesians 2:8 NKJV
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

1. It is this grace that sustains us as well.

God may take away your affliction, He may use it to bring it to Him, or He may have you glorify Him despite your weakness.

2. We are to extend to others the same grace that God has given us.

Ephesians 4:29 NKJV
[29] Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

It is better to show grace than to judge.

Hebrews 12:15 NKJV
[15] looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Bitter people love to talk and spread bitterness, we need to resist that.

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
[16] Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

As Christians we have no grounds to boast.

The best testimony gives glory to God, not us.

Tell the truth of who we were, tell the truth of what God has done for you.

Some people are as proud as a male peacock, don't tell a story from that angle. Tell the truth of your rotten past.

The first sin was pride, in Heaven by Lucifer.

Do not look down at people, you are not better than them! You may only be in a better position than them.

Some people don't realize they are sinners because they live a decent life. But we all are.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
[10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV
[11] He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

Romans 8:28 NKJV
[28] And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

God is not a doting father that doesn't see his child's faults. Our Father knows all things about us, yet He envisions what we can be.

God sees what He is going to make you into, not what we are.

You are God's work of art. It is a process and it is not going to happen overnight.

Jesus Christ called Peter His rock before he ever was.

We see failure in ourselves and God sees success.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
[10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

God is at work for you. You are a prepared person for a good work.

Work doesn't save a man but it is a good evidence that you are saved.

James 2:18-20 NKJV
[18] But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. [19] You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble! [20] But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

A nonbeliever may not be able to see your faith, but they can witness your works.

Some people have good works but don't have God.

Many Mormons have many good works but they still need faith in Jesus Christ.

You don't have to do works to get to Heaven, but once you are saved we should see works.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV
[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

God is preparing the way for you in life.

Genesis 45:8 NKJV
[8] So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

We may try to figure out who killed Jesus Christ, but it was God who killed Him. No one else could.

These are all things that are a part of God's plan.

God's part is to extend His grace and your job is to have faith.

Faith is putting your complete trust or weight into something.

Only faith in Christ will guarantee your salvation!

What Must the Gentiles do to be Saved

Notes: Valor - What Must the Gentiles do to be Saved
Valor Men's Study
Harvest OC
February 10, 2015
Pastor Ron Case

Ron is telling us about moving to Encinitas and having a Mormon neighbor. They were friends, they decided that they had different views. When Ron was moving, his neighbor asked, what's the difference between him as a Mormon and Ron as a Christian? Ron told him he was going to Heaven because of the grace of God and The Mormon thinks he can go to Heaven because of his works as a Mormon.

Acts 15 is about two different views of the faith.

We are not New Testament people, we are Bible people, from Genesis to Revelation the Bible applies to us.

Atonement covers more than just forgiveness.

Acts 1:6-7 NKJV
[6] Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" [7] And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

There is no shifting of gears from Old to New Testament, it is one flowing story.

Acts 15:1-5 NKJV
[1] And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." [2] Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. [3] So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. [4] And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. [5] But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

The enemy was trying to derail the good news of the Gospel by adding works.

This book is a good guide about how to handle disagreements about our Christian beliefs.

Ephesians 1 is a good book to see the difference between our churches beliefs.

Works will not get us into Heaven. Most denominations still have works that they deal with.

Acts 15:6-11 NKJV
[6] Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. [7] And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. [8] So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, [9] and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. [10] Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? [11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they."

Peter laid the facts down. Faith in God is how we are saved, nothing we can do can change that.

One of the reasons using scripture is so important is so that when you share your faith, people understand it is not our words, but Gods.

Acts 15:11 NKJV
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they."

Peter stumbled many times speaking, but on this subject he was very clear.

Galatians 1:6-12 NKJV
[6] I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, [7] which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. [9] As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. [10] For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. [11] But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. [12] For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:1 NKJV
[1] O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?

It's easy to start on the right road and then get diverted as you go on in your faith.

Adding works happens along the way by many. Could you imagine if circumcision was a requirement now. How many people would stand up at an altar call if they knew that was coming?

Acts 15:12-21 NKJV
[12] Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. [13] And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me: [14] Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. [15] And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: [16] 'After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; [17] So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.' [18] "Known to God from eternity are all His works. [19] Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, [20] but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. [21] For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."

These things were added to make sure not to stumble other brethren.

Acts 15:22-34 NKJV
[22] Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. [23] They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. [24] Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law" -to whom we gave no such commandment- [25] it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, [26] men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [27] We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. [28] For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: [29] that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. [30] So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. [31] When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. [32] Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. [33] And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. [34] However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.

There is no wiggle room here, they sent a letter and men to make sure this was all perfectly clear.

Acts 15:36-41 NKJV
[36] Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." [37] Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. [38] But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. [39] Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; [40] but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. [41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Principles:
1. If you are on the receiving end of Gods grace, then we are not in a position to put requirements on others.

You can't put your preferences on others.

2. We should gladly restrict our freedoms for the benefit of others.

If you are stumbling someone else then you shouldn't be doing it.

Whatever is not done in faith is sin.

Do not do anything to make others wonder about the God you follow in a negative way.

Dinner with Jesus

Notes: Dinner with Jesus
Matthew 14:14–21
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES: God Came Near
Sunday, February 8, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

America is one of the most over weight nations on earth. California is the most over weight state.

Greg likes watching Chopped, and Diners, Drive ins and Dives.

Jesus Christ liked to eat and having a meal with people. He would stop in with people and even cooked for them.

Revelation 3:20 NKJV
[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

The miracle of the feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle so important that it is found in all four Gospels.

Matthew 14:14-21 NKJV
[14] And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. [15] When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food." [16] But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." [17] And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." [18] He said, "Bring them here to Me." [19] Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. [20] So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. [21] Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

This is a lot of people's favorite story in the Bible.

During this time Jesus was reaching the peak of His popularity. He would have been like a rockstar, having paparazzi around. These people would have been following Him around.

Matthew 14:14 NKJV
[14] And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

In this meaning of "moved" it was compassion and wanting to help.

John 6:2 NKJV
[2] Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.

He knew these people followed Him because they wanted Him to help them. They were there for themselves, not Him. Yet Jesus Christ still cared for them and wanted to help them.

These people were known for only caring about "bread and circuses" or feed us and entertain us, a lot like America today.

Three characters in the story:
1. Phillip

John 6:5 NKJV
[5] Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"

John 6:6-7 NKJV
[6] But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. [7] Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little."

Phillip should have known Jesus could feed them.

Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV
[12] For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. [13] For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. [14] But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Sometimes you need to be tested and retested. Maybe you are going through a test right now. It could be a test or a retest.

Phillip didn't pass his test.

2. Andrew

Andrew was introduced to Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. Andrew always brought others to Jesus Christ.

John 6:8-9 NKJV
[8] One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, [9] "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?"

Andrew almost had the right answer and then doubted himself.

3. The little boy

The little boy gave his lunch to Jesus Christ as little as it was.

That which was insufficient
From the hands of the little boy, became sufficient in the hands of Jesus Christ.

When God gets hold of anything it can be transformed.

John 6:10-12 NKJV
[10] Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. [11] And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. [12] So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."

It's not what you are offering Christ that matters, it is that you present it and place it in the hands of God.

God told us to pray "give us this day, our daily bread" it is for us to remember that.

Philippians 4:19 NKJV
[19] And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

God supplies your needs, not your greeds.

Jesus Christ gives us what we need when we need it.

If God lets you go through it then God will give you the strength to get through it.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV
[6] Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

The gift you are given are to share. Use your gifts for God's glory.

Matthew 14:20 NKJV
[20] So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.

Ephesians 3:20 NKJV
[20] Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

This was such a popular miracle that John commented:
John 6:14-15 NKJV
[14] Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world." [15] Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

These people wanted to use God instead of being used by God.

Just like today people want to use God. Like candidates running for office, all seem to say they are Christians.

Abraham Lincoln said he was not concerned if God was on his side, he was concerned of we were on God's side.

Jesus Christ will not be used by people.

What have we learned:
1. We need to show compassion for those that are in need.

Compassion is caring plus action.

John 6:35 NKJV
[35] And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Churches help people every single day. Feeding people, out reaches and lots of great things. But we need to make sure we reach the issue of their souls. We will all be dead someday, and need to get to heaven.

2. When faced with a need no matter how large, we need to look to God to meet it.

Little monsters or big monsters, we need Jesus Christ's help.

These test come in our lives to show us our weakness and His sufficiency,

James 1:2-4 NKJV
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.


3. Nothing is too small or too big for God to respond to.

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

Turn your worries into prayers. Let God know it freaks you out and you give it to Him.

4. Bring your talents, abilities, gifts and resources to Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV
[13] No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

God will not give you more than you can handle. As His child He will be there for you.

Turning Point

Notes: Turning Point
Acts 4
Pastor Steve Wilburn of Core Church in LA.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Harvest OC

Greg is out of town but played a little video for us giving a short message. A good marriage requires two good forgivers. Leave and cleave, is leaving other relationships and making your spouse your best friend. Cleaving is more than being stuck together it is holding on to one another.

Steve Wilburn is now speaking. He has been going to Harvest since 1979. He sat in the sanctuary in Riverside for its first service.

Have you ever come to a turning point in your life? Of course you have.

Turning points, sitting up the first time, walking, graduating kindergarten, graduating 8th grade, getting a license, graduating, getting married, having kids.

We are also always facing painful turning points, losing a parent and loved ones.

Some turning points are welcome while others are greatly resisted.

There is one turning point that is greater than all turning points and what you do with it changes all other turning points in your life.

What may seem like the end of the road is just the beginning.

Steve faced it, like a small voice in his head from God. He faced, does he want to be a Christian business man or does he want to serve God.

He quit his job and moved back to Riverside and a year later was on staff at Harvest.

In a flash our lives can change, it can reach into our souls and change the core of our being. It can make sense of a world that makes no sense.

Many look at the Bible as a dead book with rules and regulations, at Jesus Christ as a dead historical figure. But when we focus on God we can see what God's desire is for us.

In Acts we see this played out in chapter 4.

The disciples went out in the face of persecution by the same people that had Christ crucified.

Peter and John had the boldness to preach in the temple. They were not educated, but spoke with boldness as Christ did.

Three points to be discussed today:
1. Silencing the power

Acts 4:13-22 NKJV
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. [14] And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. [15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. [17] But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." [18] So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [22] For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Who did this religious group of men really think Peter and John were?

They saw them heal a man that they all knew had been disabled for forty years.

We need to stop fighting God as He fills us with his grace.

Grace by God will allow us all to sit in heaven together one day.

Matthew 23:23-31,33-34 NKJV
[23] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. [24] Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! [25] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. [26] Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. [27] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. [28] Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. [29] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, [30] and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' [31] "Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. [33] Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? [34] Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,

These religious leaders all looked like the real deal on the outside but on the inside they didn't know God.

Leviticus 11:23 NKJV
[23] But all other flying insects which have four feet shall be an abomination to you.

Jesus Christ was basically saying, these guys were trying not to swallow the smallest unclean animal as a fly, but were instead swallowing the largest unclean animal, the camel.


Acts 4:20 NKJV
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

Acts 4:21-22 NKJV
[21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [22] For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

They had to let them go, because all the people saw the man healed.

2. Speak with confidence.

Acts 4:23-31 NKJV
[23] And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. [24] So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, [25] who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? [26] The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.' [27] "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together [28] to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. [29] Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, [30] by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." [31] And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

When those who are serving the Lord speak together, they magnify the glory of God.

They were filled with the Holy Spirit again. This is the fourth time we see this.

The pattern shows that as they continued to pray and speak the Gospel of God, they were continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

It shows that the Lord, will not ask you to serve Him in your own weakness, you will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Steve says to people all the time, "when is the last time someone told you, that there is a God in Heaven that loves you."

Revelation 20:11-15 NKJV
[11] Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. [14] Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

We will all stand before Christ and not be able to hide anything from Him, we will all be held accountable.

We can all argue anything that the Bible says, but we can not argue the radical change in a saved persons life.

Our lives are a witness, but that is not enough. We must speak and share Christ.

1 Peter 3:15-17 NKJV
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; [16] having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. [17] For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

The secret to sharing Christ: fall in love with Jesus Christ.

When you fall I love, you want to talk about Him. Like you talk about your spouse and children.

Fall in love with your Master.

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

Daniel 7:13-14 NKJV
[13] "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. [14] Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.


Jesus Christ came to seek and to save those who are lost.

Are you lost? Have you lost your joy, peace, quietness, rest? You need to come home.

Jesus came to die for us.

Hebrews 9:27-28 NKJV
[27] And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, [28] so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

We will all die once and face judgement.

Life has no real purpose apart from Christ. We have great worth in the eyes of God.

We were born crying, we lived with no expectations yet we gripe and complain and we can die disappointed. None of us should live this way.

In a time of communion:
1 Corinthians 11:24-34 NKJV
[24] and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." [25] In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. [27] Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. [29] For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. [30] For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. [31] For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. [32] But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. [33] Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. [34] But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

As you go in front of this communion table today, where are you at? If you are not a believer, you should not take communion.

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

Today could be the turning point in your life!

Your Past, Present, Future

Notes: Your Past, Present, Future

http://bit.ly/1yH5sdB

Ephesians 2 

Pastor Greg Laurie

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

SERIES:

Live, Love, Fight

Thursday, January 22, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

Greg is talking to everyone saying how some churches don’t do mid-week Bible studies but he loves the mid-week study. He says where on Sunday’s some come from obligation but mid-week we come because we want to.

From time to time we all wonder about our future. What might happen? Some funny fortune cookie sayings:

“You laugh now, but wait till you get home”.

“You will be hungry in one hour”.

“Help I’m being held hostage in a Chinese bakery”

“Confucius say if you think you can some up your whole life on this little piece of paper, then you are crazy.”

Greg Says he know our past, present and future:

1. Our Past:

Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,  in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,  among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

2. Our Present:

Ephesians 2:3-5 NKJV

among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

3. Our Future:

Ephesians 2:7 NKJV

that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

The emphasis of scripture is not what I must do for God, it is what God has done for me.

1 John 4:19 NKJV

We love Him because He first loved us.

The more you know about God’s love for us, the more we will want to reciprocate that love for Him.

Is there enough power for us to live this Christian life that God has given us? More power than you will ever need.

Ephesians 1:18-20 NKJV

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,  and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power  which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Our past, before we were believers:

Ephesians 2:1 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

The “you” in this verse really sticks out.

We know that some people are wicked, like ISIS, or serial killers, or rapist.

But what about the rest of us, are we wicked?  Many of us want to make sure we keep that bad guys locked out, but are you looking at maybe there is a bad guy inside you.

We seem to get mad at other people for doing the same things that we do. Like texting at a stop light or waiting to long after the light turns green.

The 20^th century was the bloodiest century of all times. The Bible teaches that we are getting worse and statistics are proving it. Greg says, he doesn’t believe in evolution, but there might be de-evolution; many are appearing to be turning into monkeys.

Have you ever thought at church, I wish so-and-so was here listening to this message? The so-and-so that should be there is there.

It always seems to be others that are the problem. But that can’t be true, can it? God says it is us, we are the sinners, the problem.

We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners. It comes naturally to all of us.

Trespass means to cross the line. In scripture it means to break a commandment.

Sin means to miss the mark, falling short of a standard.

So if you miss the mark one time or you miss the mark twenty times, you have still missed the mark.

God’s standard is that we are to be perfect. So that means we are all sinners.

There are two types of sins; commission and omission.

Commission is to do what you know you should not do.

Omission is not doing what you know you should be doing.

James 4:17 NKJV

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

When you fail to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit that is omission and is a sin.

1 John 1:8 NKJV

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

This is all very depressing information. What is the result of this?

Romans 6:23 NKJV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ezekiel 18:20 NKJV

The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

Everyone who does not know Jesus Christ is dead in his or her own sin.

1 Timothy 5:6 NKJV

But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.

This is all hard for us to wrap our minds around. We all know nice people that we can’t imagine this happening too.

1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Everyone needs Jesus to save him or her. That is not to say they lead equally sinful lives, but they are equally in the state of sin, and equally separated from God and from spiritual life.

Luke 6:33 NKJV

And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

Luke 11:13 NKJV

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

There are good people that do good things, but the problem is, is that they are not good enough because they are not perfect.

Ephesians 2:2 NKJV

in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

This verse means, we have drifted along the stream of what the world thought was good living. This is doing something with no goal in mind.

The word “course” in this verse, means weather vein, we turn to where ever this world is going.

Augustine said 1500 years ago that this world goes after three things, money, sex and power.

Any old fish can go down stream, but it takes a live fish to swim up stream.

Paul clearly identifies the three enemies the Christian faces: The world, the flesh and the devil.

Psalm 24:1 NKJV

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.

Ephesians 2:3 NKJV

among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Psalm 19:1-3 NKJV

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

A creator made this world, there is no way this is random.

When the Bible speaks of “the world” it is referring to a system of thought.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NKJV

whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

The devil is evil and he is the prince of this world.

1 John 2:16 NKJV

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

The lust of the flesh:

Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,  envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

There is a difference between eating to live and living to eat. There is a difference between getting a good night sleep and being lazy.

The lust of the eyes:

Do you wish you did certain things that are sins?  Satan knows if he can get you to take a look then he can get you to bite. He knows how to make bad things look good and good things look bad.

2 Samuel 11:2 NKJV

Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold.

The Bible doesn’t exaggerate, if it says a woman is beautiful, then she was.

The pride of life:

These are people that don’t do these sins, they want to help their fellow man, and they may even be religious. They also think they don’t need Jesus Christ.

The “world” and it’s sins are all around you, and we used to live that way.

Ephesians 2:3 NKJV

among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

God is just and God is righteous and God is fair. You don’t appreciate the good news if you don’t first hear the bad news.

Ephesians 2:4-6 NKJV

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),  and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

“But God”, God will always have the last word, His Word.

Genesis 50:20 NKJV

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Jonah 4:6-7 NKJV

And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant.  But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered.

Philippians 2:27 NKJV

For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Luke 12:19-20 NKJV

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’  But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

God will always have the last word…NOT YOU!

Ephesians 2:4-6 NKJV

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),  and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 1:20-21 NKJV

which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Jesus is above everyone and everything. That is important to you because you will be seated with Him as a Christian.

There is postionally true and experientially true. You are positioned to go to Heaven but you are not in Heaven yet. You don’t have to live in spiritual defeat.

Satan doesn’t want us to realize that we are going to Heaven and don’t need to listen or give in to him.

Oscar Wilde said, the only way he knew to get rid of temptation was to give into it. That is not what we should be doing; we can resist temptation. When you are tempted, you can walk away.

The power is there, don’t wait to feel it, just start using it. We need to start living our name, Christians.

Our future:

Ephesians 2:7 NKJV

that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

God has done all these things, just to show us how much He loves us. God can’t wait for us to join Him.

John 17:24 NKJV

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Paul the Apostle had the unique experience of dying and going to Heaven. Paul didn’t write a book about going to Heaven. He said it was so amazing that he couldn’t describe it.

Philippians 1:23 NKJV

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

Your body is a temporary dwelling place like a tent. In Heaven with God we will have a mansion as a body forever.

John 3:16 NKJV

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Getting the Gospel Out

Notes: Getting the Gospel Out 
Pastor John Collins
Valor 
Harvest OC
January 20, 2014

Getting the gospel out is what Acts 13 is all about.

It may not always be easy but it is always our command to do it.

2 Corinthians 11:26 NKJV
[26] in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

Acts 13:51-52 NKJV
[51] But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. [52] And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

We can never lose sight of the fact, that on our Christian walk troubles are only temporary.

We must remember that the devil ends up in hell and Jesus Christ is going to reign forever.

Those who carry the gospel will not always be popular but there can even be joy in that.

Acts 13:1-3 NKJV
[1] Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. [2] As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." [3] Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Barnabas was born in Cyprus, but all the rest were from parts of the world, for example a Jew and 2 Africans.

Paul rises up in this chapter as a leader for the first time.

To be called is to be set free by the church to preach the gospel.

At Harvest they do not find men to train in the gospel, they look for men attending Harvest that are living out the gospel and ask them to join the Harvest staff.

Barnabas and Paul were called to preach to these people. The church simply released them to go out and proclaim the gospel.

They went to Cyprus first, it was known back in those days translated as the "happy isle".

Paul and Barnabas went with the message of the Bible, it was opposed by some and received by many.

Acts 13:4-12 NKJV
[4] So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. [5] And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant. [6] Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, [7] who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. [8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. [9] Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him [10] and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? [11] And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. [12] Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

This story gives us a glimpse of the apostles operating under the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit available to us today.

This man operating under the influence of the devil was probably not noticeable but Paul was given a supernatural state to discern this.

The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to draw men to Christ. Just as Sergius Paulus became one in this chapter.

If we are faithful to Gods message and purpose, God will protect and let us know how to handle the wicked.

John Mark was here and makes a mistake, however Paul finds use for Mark in the future. He is the same Mark, author of the Gospel.

Acts 13:13-16 NKJV
[13] Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. [14] But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. [15] And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on." [16] Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:

Here is where Paul begins a message, am amazing message. Paul's message was out to three different groups here, the Hellenist of Greece, Romans and the Jewish people. For the most part the audience knew nothing of Jesus Christ.

This message was a similar message that Stephen gave earlier and was stoned to death for giving.

Clearly, Paul carried this message close. 

This message really focuses on divine government and of divine grace.

Acts 13:17 NKJV
[17] The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.

Acts 13:21 NKJV
[21] And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

Acts 13:22 NKJV
[22] And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'

Acts 13:23 NKJV
[23] From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior-Jesus-

Acts 13:29-30 NKJV
[29] Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. [30] But God raised Him from the dead.

All of these verses point to God as the divine government.

Acts 13:37 NKJV
[37] but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.

Acts 13:39 NKJV
[39] and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

God is the only one that can justify and offer forgiveness for sin.

To "justify", is when God looks at us "just-as-if-I" have never sinned before. 

Paul pulled the pieces of life's puzzles together and painted the picture of Gods grace and mercy.

God and the lens of the gospel can make sense of this world.

Acts 13:42-48 NKJV
[42] So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. [43] Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. [44] On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. [45] But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. [46] Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. [47] For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'" [48] Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

There is victory in the Gospel and in this message.

The Jews rejected it and the Gentiles received it.

Acts 13:48 NKJV
[48] Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Many Calvinist use that verse to back there claim that God has preordained. But that is not how it is suppose to be viewed.

Acts 13:49 NKJV
[49] And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.

Is a verse showing that the Word of God must be preached to us first before we can spread it.

The Word of God is the greatest tool in our arsenal.

The point of all this is to say get up and do something to share the Gospel.