Last Call (Opening Day)

Notes: Last Call (Opening Day)

Luke 23:32–43

Guest Pastor Levi Lusko

Thursday, March 26, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

If Jesus hasn't risen then what are we doing here?

Jesus went to the grave like we go to a hotel room, He only needed it for the weekend!

God always saves the best wine for the end of the feast! The best is on its way.

Luke 23:32-43 NKJV

[32] There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. [33] And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [34] Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots. [35] And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God." [36] The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, [37] and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself." [38] And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. [39] Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." [40] But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." [42] Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." [43] And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Last Call...closing time. A call to action, you need to act now.

Why do we take notes in church? Maybe we will take something into our hearts that will speak to us or someone else in the future!

Alternate message title... Opening Day.

Why does our opening day matter in this message? Because it is an invitation we had not had in the past. The veil in Heaven was torn for the first time and Heaven had become how as it is today.

Who you hang out with will inevitably determine where you end up.

Proverbs 1:10 NKJV

[10] My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

These criminals on the cross were together and they end up on the cross, yet Barabbas was set free.

Jesus literally died on Barabbas' cross. It is a perfect picture of how Jesus substituted for us.

Jesus took the hit for you! Jesus died so you can live.

Philippians 2:8 NKJV

[8] And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

It's a picture of humility.

It's an instance of fulfilled prophecy.

Isaiah 53:12 NKJV

[12] Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

It was prophesied that He would be buried with the rich.

Jesus borrowed a grave to fulfill prophecy!

No one else has borrowed a grave for a weekend before.

Those who are healthy don't need a doctor, Jesus came for us because we are broken and hurt.

Matthew 27:44 NKJV

[44] Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

People were mocking Jesus.

The four Gospels are four different angles of the same event giving different perspectives.

This change to the thief on the cross was an Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition

We all are after what only Jesus can give, eternal life.

Three things we need to know about Heaven:

1. Heaven is certain

Luke 23:43 NKJV

[43] And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

"Assuredly" is like a confirmation number for us.

This was a promise from God.

Hebrews 6:19 NKJV

[19] This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

Jesus is the anchor in our storms of life.

All of Heaven and Earth will pass away and the Lords Word will remain.

John 14:3 NKJV

[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

2. Heaven is near.

Jesus offers same day delivery to Heaven.

Your first responsibility is to rest in the Lord.

Acts 7:59-60 NKJV

[59] And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

We never know when a small act of obedience will pay off in massive ways.

Father into your hands I commit my spirit today.

Luke 23:46 NKJV

[46] And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit.'" Having said this, He breathed His last.

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

[7] casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Act 7 reads like Heaven is just right here above us.

3. Heaven is being with Jesus.

Luke 23:43 NKJV

[43] And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Heaven is paradise. A walled garden of delights.

Before Heaven is a place, it is a person.

Philippians 1:23 NKJV

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

You don't go to Heaven to get to Jesus, you go to Jesus to get to Heaven.

The reason this message is called the Last Call... Because there is a hope for everyone until the last breath.

The veil was torn as Jesus died, making Heaven the way that it is today. It's final format till He brings Heaven to earth.

Religion can't save anyone but Jesus can save everyone!!!

Goodbye of Regrets or Joy

Notes: Valor - Goodbye of Regrets or Joy

Acts 20

Study 19

March 24, 2015

Pastor Mike Jonker

We all remember classic good byes from the movies, like Casa Blanca or E.T.

Paul did a lot of travel in this chapter but the farewell was a big part of it.

Acts 20:24-25 NKJV

[24] But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. [25] "And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

Paul is continuing to do what the Lord has called him to do.

Acts 20:1-6 NKJV

[1] After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. [2] Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece [3] and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. [4] And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia-also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. [5] These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. [6] But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Paul was sensing that his door was closing in Ephesus. So he was moving on.

All of these men traveled with him and he had lots of friends. People were drawn to him. Paul was a callous guy but he was caring.

Paul was a hard working man, he was a tent maker.

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.

Do you have friends? Are you a good friend?

Iron sharpens iron, sometimes we work so hard to impress each other that we forget to get to know each other.

Paul wasn't really impressed by men, he was impressed with God. He could talk to anybody, the kings or the workers.

Acts 20:7-9 NKJV

[7] Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. [8] There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. [9] And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

Could you imagine if you were there when this happened?

Acts 20:10-12 NKJV

[10] But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." [11] Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. [12] And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

They were very excited! God stepped in and raised the dead.

We need to remember, God has the power to raise the dead.

Believers are alive with Him in Heaven. That is amazing! Our God has conquered death.

Romans 10:9 NKJV

[9] that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:13-19 NKJV

[13] But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. [14] And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. [15] Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up-if in fact the dead do not rise. [16] For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. [17] And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! [18] Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. [19] If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

The resurrection should change the way we live our lives.

Acts 20:13-16 NKJV

[13] Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. [14] And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. [15] We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. [16] For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

They had a plan but things changed as they went.

Proverbs 4:10-12 NKJV

[10] Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. [11] I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. [12] When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble.

Establish plans, but be ready for whatever happens.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

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

Acts 20:17-23 NKJV

[17] From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. [18] And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, [19] serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; [20] how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, [21] testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. [22] And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, [23] except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

Paul didn't live in an ivory tower, he lived with the people and preached to them.

Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV

[5] Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, [7] but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

C.S. Lewis said "Humility after the first shock is a cheerful experience."

God is looking for humble servants.

Acts 20:24 NKJV

[24] But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

We are all in a race, we need to run until we are finished. Paul said he was going to finish his race with joy.

What legacy are we leaving? Not just when we die, but even when we say goodbye to someone?

What is your goodbye going to be like, one of regrets or joy?

Childlike Faith

Notes: Childlike Faith

Matthew 18

Pastor Greg Laurie

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

SERIES:

God Came Near

Sunday, March 22, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

Would you just grow up! Some people grow up before their time.

Childhood is short enough, just enjoy it while you can.

Kids are a good judge of character and Jesus Christ was loved by kids.

Matthew 19:14 NKJV

[14] But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus Christ always had time for children.

Matthew 18:1-6 NKJV

[1] At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" [2] Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, [3] and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. [6] "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Contextually, Jesus Christ was just talking about how He would be going to the cross and these guys were asking who would be the greatest after Him, very insensitive time.

Children are a truly great example of how we should be towards Christ, their excitement is lived outwardly.

New believers are like this many times, that is why they are the life blood of a church.

Becoming like a child does not mean to be childish, it means to be childlike.

Ephesians 4:14 NKJV

[14] that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

To be like a child is to grow into your faith and to keep up your childlike enthusiasm.

Hebrews 5:12 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.

When you come to church you need to grow and to be able to feed yourself and then help feed others.

What does Jesus Christ mean when he says we should become like little children? Answer: Humility 

Little ones know that they need help.

We sometimes think we have it all together and don't need God, but we will always find that we need God.

Matthew 21:44 NKJV

[44] And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."

Matthew 18:6 NKJV

[6] "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

[12] Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 NKJV

[9] not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

You are an example to a younger believer? Are you a good one or a bad one?

Matthew 18:10 NKJV

[10] "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:8 NKJV

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Matthew 7:8 NKJV

[8] For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Some liberties of older believers can stumble younger believers, so therefore you should not do it.

Alcohol has this stumbling effect on many new believers.

Romans 14:21 NKJV

[21] It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

Don't do something that may cause another to stumble. Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

Matthew 18:11-14 NKJV

[11] For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. [12] "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? [13] And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. [14] Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

This parable is still talking about little ones. Maybe new believers or not believers yet.

1. God cares about his little ones.

Isaiah 40:10-11 NKJV

[10] Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. [11] He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.

1 Peter 2:25 NKJV

[25] For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

2. Like sheep we also have a tendency to stray.

Isaiah 53:6 NKJV

[6] All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

We engage in group thought, marching blindly to culture.

3. Despite our wandering, God never gives up on His little ones.

Matthew 18:13 NKJV

[13] And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

Failure is not an option for the shepherd.

Just as a shepherd seeks a sheep, God seeks us.

Isaiah 46:4 NKJV

[4] Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

God will always carry us.

5. God gets excited every time a sinner repents and comes back to Him. 

Just one person coming to Christ gets all of Heaven excited.

Luke 15:7 NKJV

[7] I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Lost sinners matter to God.

When's the last time you engaged someone in a conversation about your faith?

Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

[2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We should all aim for childlike faith.

What Angers and Saddens God

Notes: What Angers and Saddens God

Luke 19:28–48

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: Live, Love, Fight

Thursday, March 19, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

What makes you mad? What just ticks you off? For Greg it can be hunger. Other things are cell phone ringers at the highest volume. Blue tooth in the ear all the time.

The angrier we get the more stupid we become.

In general it is not a good thing to get angry.

Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV

[26] "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, [27] nor give place to the devil.

But there is times that call for anger, even Jesus Christ got angry.

Hebrews 4:15 NKJV

[15] For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Luke 19:11 NKJV

[11] Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.

Most of the Jewish people thought that Jesus Christ was going to establish His kingdom right then and there.

John 1:11 NKJV

[11] He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

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

God doesn't call out the government, He calls out His people.

George Washington had a flag that read "Appeal to Heaven" on his boats.

The only way we can all be saved is through an appeal to Heaven.

Hosanna means "save now"

Jesus Christ was coming to fulfill the purpose for which he came, and that purpose was the death on the cross for our sins.

The journey to the cross began in fan fare.

Luke 19:28-44 NKJV

[28] When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. [29] And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, [30] saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. [31] And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.'" [32] So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. [33] But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" [34] And they said, "The Lord has need of him." [35] Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. [36] And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. [37] Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, [38] saying: " 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" [39] And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." [40] But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." [41] Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, [42] saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. [43] For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, [44] and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."

This action of Jesus Christ was an attention getter. Yet in most actions, Jesus Christ would not seek attention.

Riding into town on a donkey in those days would have been like a conqueror after war.

Zechariah 9:9 NKJV

[9] "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.

Malachi 3:1 NKJV

[1] "Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," Says the LORD of hosts.

Jesus Christ was a wanted man by the chief priest and Pharisees.

Luke 19:41 NKJV

[41] Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,

The crowd is rejoicing and Jesus Christ was crying, wailing, and weeping in mourning.

At the climax of His ministry He felt alone and betrayed.

Have you ever felt betrayed by the people you love?

Luke 19:43-44 NKJV

[43] For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, [44] and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."

They were going to be destroyed and Jesus Christ already knew it.

The God who places the planets will not force Himself into your life and that makes Him sad.

Winners of souls must first be weepers of souls.

Luke 19:45-48 NKJV

[45] Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, [46] saying to them, "It is written, 'My house is a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'" [47] And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, [48] and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.

Jesus didn't just do this on the fly. He was there, then left for the night and came back and was angry.

Mark 11:15 NKJV

[15] So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

Jesus Christ was not a small and weak man, He was a man that could throw these tables over. This is different then most artistic renderings of Jesus Christ.

Mark 11:29 NKJV

[29] But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things:

Meekness is not weakness, but power under constraint.

Meekness will boldly defend others.

The problem that Jesus Christ was wanting to eliminate was the scammers out in front of the Temple.

Instead of praying for people they were preying on people.

They were keeping people away from God and that makes God very angry.

The church is a place for us to worship and learn about God.

The church is a place for sinners to come and meet God!

New believers are the life blood of a church. Older and new believers need each other.

What kind of witness are you? Are you helping a person come to Christ?

Are you a bridge or a barrier to Christ?

When you first come to Christ you make a good clean break, but then over time you seem to let "little sins" back in. Sins seems manageable when they are little. But they always will grow and grow out of control.

Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do right now.

1 John 1:8-9 NKJV

[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When is the last time you had a house cleaning?

The objective is not for you to clean up your life and come to Christ, it's to come to Christ and He will clean your life up.

The more you get to know Jesus Christ the more you will love Him.