You Need God's Protection

Notes: You Need God's Protection

Valor - Men's Study

March 17, 2015

Jonathan Laurie

St. Patrick's Day today.

St. Patrick was a missionary in Ireland about 1500 years ago. He preached to pagans and turned Ireland into a thriving Christian country.

Paul and St. Patrick both preached to groups that worshipped false idols.

Idols can be anything, not just a statue of some kind. It could be a car, a game, money or even your family. Anything that replaces God is an idol.

Conversion is returning to worship and loving God as God.

God created us to love Him and worship Him.

Acts 19:11-17 NKJV

[11] Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, [12] so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. [13] Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." [14] Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. [15] And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" [16] Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. [17] This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

1. Don't go at it alone.

Demons didn't know who these people were.

These people could talk the talk but not walk the walk.

2. Make a clean break.

Acts 19:18-20 NKJV

[18] And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. [19] Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. [20] So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

If it looks like a shrine, it may be your idol.

Forsaking all other idols and returning to God is truly what it means to repent.

3. Jesus Christ can be bad for bad business.

Acts 19:21-32 NKJV

[21] When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." [22] So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. [23] And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. [24] For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. [25] He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. [26] Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. [27] So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship." [28] Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" [29] So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions. [30] And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. [31] Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. [32] Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Ephesus was the richest city in the empire. The goddess Diana was a big business for people selling the statues of her.

Jesus Christ can be bad for business if you are selling things that takes away from God.

Exodus 20:17 NKJV

[17] "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

Matthew 5:27-28 NKJV

[27] "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' [28] But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

God cares about what is going on in your mind.

God is more than anything money can offer.

The true God doesn't need you to protect Him. You need Him to protect you.

Only Jesus!

Notes: Only Jesus!

Matthew 17

Pastor Greg Laurie

WORSHIP TEAM: Harvest Worship Band

SERIES: God Came Near

Sunday March 15, 2015

In this message from Pastor Greg Laurie, we learn how "mountain top" experiences help to prepare us for the valleys of life. It's Jesus alone that saves us and keeps us, even when we experience hardship.

Have you ever felt Jesus Christ in your life in a personal way? Like while reading the Bible, or at church or something. Imagine how it was for Peter, James and John when they got to see Jesus Christ transfigured.

We want to live on the mountaintops of life. But those are what prepare us for the valleys of life.

Matthew 17:1-8 NKJV

[1] Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; [2] and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. [3] And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. [4] Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." [5] While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" [6] And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. [7] But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." [8] When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

From there at the transfiguration, He looked backward at His birth and forward to the Cross.

This was a glimpse of Jesus Christ's glory.

Matthew 16:28 NKJV

[28] "Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

The transfiguration was a fulfillment of that.

Moses and Elijah are there speaking with Him.

Why did He only take Peter, James and John? Were they His super disciples, or was it because they needed to see it? Extra attention from Jesus for them to learn.

James and John were called the Sons of Thunder. They wanted to call fire down on people in the past.

Jesus Christ took Peter, James and John along on three occasions:

1. To the home of Jairus.

2. To the Garden of Gethsemane

3. The mount of Transfiguration

This could be to prepare them.

Patmos is where John was sent to be not heard from again, yet from there he wrote the book of Revelation.

God prepares us. Everything you go through in life is preparing you for something else.

Matthew 17:2 NKJV

[2] and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Could you imagine seeing the light coming from Jesus Christ just for a second? Jesus showed what He could do if He wanted to during His transfiguration.

It is interesting Moses and Elijah were there. Moses really represents the Law and Elijah really represents the prophets very well.

How did they know it was Moses and Elijah? This teaches us we will be able to recognize each other in Heaven.

The Bible teaches there is a bodily resurrection. You will be a perfect you in Heaven.

Job 19:26 NKJV

[26] And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God,

Moses had been dead for 1400 years and Elijah had been dead for about 900.

Jesus came to suffer death, for the resurrection and ascension.

Luke 9:32 NKJV

[32] But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.

They were heavy with sleep. We can all remember doing something strange while we were half asleep.

Have you ever said something you wish you had not said?

Pastor Greg reminds us to respect law enforcement; God has placed them here for a reason.

God never lets people place their tabernacles in a place of glory when their world is still in flames. There will not be a peaceful area for just you when there is a storm going on in the lives of those around you.

We need to walk in faith and not in emotions.

Matthew 17:5 NKJV

[5] While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

They heard an audible voice from Heaven.

2 Peter 1:16-18 NKJV

[16] For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. [17] For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." [18] And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Matthew 17:8 NKJV

[8] When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

The law and prophets have their place but they point to Jesus Christ alone.

It is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ only that saves us...in all situations.

Proverbs 18:24 NKJV

[24] A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Only Jesus!

Matthew 17:14-18 NKJV

[14] And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, [15] "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. [16] So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him." [17] Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me." [18] And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

Mountaintop moments do not last forever and thankfully neither do valleys.

Psalm 23:4 NKJV

[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

They came from a mountain of glory to see a possessed child.

If satan doesn't attack you, then he must not think you are a threat.

The enemy attacks those who are a threat to his domain.

When we feel we are the strongest is when we may actually be the weakest.

An unguarded strength is a double weakness.

Mel Graham said he had a "drug" problem when he was a boy. His parents drug him to church on Sunday and drug him on Wednesday.

Statistics say when both parents together bring their children to church, that the kids will have a much better chance of going to church in the future.

When you are doing what is right, you should expect that there will be the devil right there presenting opposition.

Jesus Christ listens to your conversations, and so do your kids. Pay attention to what you say.

We need to go to Jesus Christ.

Learning How to Walk

Notes: Learning How to Walk

Ephesians 4:1–2

SPEAKER: Pastor Greg Laurie

MUSICAL GUEST: Dennis Agajanian

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

SERIES: Live, Love, Fight

Thursday, March 12, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

Most of us don't remember taking our first steps, parents really seem to remember their kids first steps.

You don't see kids giving up on how to walk. Even though those steps are hard to take we don't give up.

Ephesians is like 3 sections: wealth, walk and warfare.

Colossians 2:6 NKJV

[6] As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

1 John 1:7 NKJV

[7] But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

This chapter is teaching us about how to walk.

We as believers don't always know all

There is no theology without doxology.

Ephesians 4:1-6 NKJV

[1] I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, [2] with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, [3] endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Paul is saying in light of what God has done for you, what should you be doing for Him.

Every believer needs to be actively involved in a local church. God manifests His presence in a special way amongst a group of believers.

When you are in church you many times will look at your problems in a different way.

Psalm 73:16-18 NKJV

[16] When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me- [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. [18] Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.

Ephesians 4:1 NKJV

[1] I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

When ever you see "therefore" ask what is it there for?

Right doctrine is essential to right living.

You need to know who God is and what God says in order to know the True God.

It is not possible to live a Christian life without knowing what God has given you.

Paul says he is a prisoner of the Lord, not a prisoner of Rome.

Every thing is "God filtered", He either does it or allows it.

God doesn't want to see you come forward, He wants to see you go forward.

The Great Commission is the proclamation of Christ and to help others grow in Christ.

We could never do something equal to what God has done for us but we can have the proper response to what He has done.

1. If you want to walk worthy of the Lord, as much as possible, keep the peace. Ephesians 4:3

We are in this together so don't disrupt it or cause  division.

It is possible to disagree agreeably.

We are not competing with each other. We are fighting the world, the flesh and the devil.

Pastors can work together even though they disagree.

As a body in Christ, we all need unity.

You cannot have unity with those that don't believe in the essentials of the faith. Like God is the one and only true God.

Augustine says in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all charity.

Ephesians 4:2 NKJV

[2] with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

2. To walk worthy means we are to be humble and gentle. Ephesians 4:2

The Greeks influenced the Romans and they believed there was no place for humility. They actually looked at it as a derogatory term.

It takes more strength to forgive then it does for vengeance.

The Bible describes the strength of forgiveness as the same power it takes to bridle a wild horse.

Meekness is not weakness, its strength restrained.

Philippians 2:2-5 NKJV

[2] fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [3] Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. [4] Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. [5] Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

What if you put others ahead of yourself always and would not be selfish. How would that change your life?

3. To walk worthy of your calling means to be long-suffering.

Moses spent 40 years in the desert.

Saul of Tarsus had to be prepared for his new work and live the hard life of Paul.

The world doesn't agree with the Bible about being long suffering. The world says to do what makes you feel good.

1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

[7] Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

Ephesians 4:4-6 NKJV

[4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

1. There is one body of believers, the church.

God can reach anywhere.

2. There is one Spirit.

3. There is one Lord and that is Jesus Christ.

4. There is one faith.

5. There is one baptism.

6. There is one God above all, through all, and in you all.

Father, Son and the Holy Ghost

All religions Do Not teach the same things.

We need to spend our time walking with Him and getting to know Him.

Stop looking for the emotional feeling and just walk with God.