What Makes the Holy Spirit Sad?

Notes: What Makes the Holy Spirit Sad?

Ephesians 4

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: Live, Love, Fight

Thursday, April 23, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

Young Christians are like children.

Little children are fickle.

A child wants things now.

Consistency is the secret to spiritual growth.

Babies and young Christians are vulnerable.

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,

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Young Christians fall for things.

The only way to protect yourself is to know the word of God.

Ephesians 4:15 NKJV

[15] but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-

Speaking the truth in love is the only way to speak.

Sometimes we will turn a blind eye, saying it is loving. The truth is loving.

Ephesians 4:16 NKJV

[16] from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

We can't all be the Paul's in the Bible.

If you want to make a big church a little church, then get involved.

Ephesians 4:17-24 NLT

[17] With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. [18] Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. [19] They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. [20] But that isn't what you learned about Christ. [21] Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, [22] throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. [23] Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. [24] Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.

If changes have not taken place in a persons life, then have they really accepted Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

[17] This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

When you are a new person, you need to live a new life!

Romans 12:9 NLT

[9] Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Isaiah 5:20 NLT

[20] What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.

Some people have no moral strength. They chase sins...that's not how a Christians should live.

Ephesians 4:25-32 NLT

[25] So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. [26] And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] for anger gives a foothold to the devil. [28] If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. [29] Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [30] And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. [32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

The Holy Spirit is a person, the third part of the Holy Trinity.

You can sadden the Holy Spirit.

1. You can lie to the Holy Spirit.

2. Quenching the Holy Spirit.

This is saying no to the Holy Spirit.

3. Resisting the Holy Spirit.

Acts 7:51 NLT

[51] "You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you!

4. Insulting the Holy Spirit

Hebrews 10:29 NLT

[29] Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God's mercy to us.

If you are concerned about blaspheming the Holy Spirit, then you haven't.

Ephesians 4:29-32 NLT

[29] Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [30] And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. [32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

1. Foul and abusive language makes the Holy Spirit sad.

Such as profanity, dirty stories.

2. Bitterness makes the Holy Spirit sad and sorrowful.

Get rid of bitterness.

3. Fits of rage and uncontrolled anger make the Holy Spirit sad.

Don't fight in front of your children.

Don't be the person who wants payback.

God says vengeance is His.

Ephesians 5:1-12 NLT

[1] Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. [2] Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. [3] Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. [4] Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. [5] You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. [6] Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. [7] Don't participate in the things these people do. [8] For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. [10] Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. [11] Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. [12] It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.

Be imitators of God as dear children.

1. Stay away from immorality.

All sex outside of marriage is immoral sex. God makes that as a wall of protection around us.

2. Don't tell dirty jokes.

3. Don't be a covetous person.

Ephesians 5:15 NLT

[15] So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.

1 Timothy 6:10 NLT

[10] For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

You can have a lot of money and not love money and you can have no money and love money.

God can make things new again.

God's Providence Man's Procrastination

Notes: God's Providence Man's Procrastination 
Acts 24
Pastor Mike Jonker
Tuesday, April 28, 2015

James 4:13-17 NKJV
[13] Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; [14] whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. [15] Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." [16] But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. [17] Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Acts 24:1-21 NKJV
[1] Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. [2] And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: "Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, [3] we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. [4] Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. [5] For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. [6] He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. [7] But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, [8] commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him." [9] And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. [10] Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: "Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, [11] because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. [13] Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. [14] But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. [15] I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. [16] This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. [17] "Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, [18] in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. [19] They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. [20] Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, [21] unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.'"


Acts 24 has a lot going on and very tumultuous for Paul. 

Paul's is being accused of being a plagued among the Jews.

They accused him of being of the Nazarenes just to even make him sound worse. There were even 40 guys plotting to assassinate Paul.

Even bigger than mans plans were God's plans. God was getting a big audience set up for Paul, now and into the future.

Acts 9:15-16 NKJV
[15] But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. [16] For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."

Acts 23:11 NKJV
[11] But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

Paul knew he was going to Rome, because Jesus said he was going there.

Paul knew his calling and his ministry, but he knew it wasn't going to be easy either.

What is providence? Gods plan and provision for the future. God's directing hands towards the future.

Our forefathers in America understood the concept of providence.

George Washington gave credit to God's providence.

Paul lived out God's providence for his life, are you?

God is still working and has work to do in your life.

Philippians 1:6 NKJV
[6] being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

God does have a plan for you. It maybe any kind of job. 

There is no retirement in the work of the Lord.

You don't have to be a pastor to be busy in the work of the Lord.

If you are 18 or 88 there is an opportunity to serve the Lord.

Don't let activities interfere in your mission to serve the Lord.

Paul was brought to Caesarea to be put on trial. Felix was a governor similar to Pilot.

This is now Paul's fourth time in Caesarea.

Paul stood up as a Roman citizen and didn't let people walk all over him. We should stand strong like Paul.

Acts 24:22-27 NKJV
[22] But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case." [23] So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. [24] And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. [25] Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." [26] Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. [27] But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

Felix was like a cat...no commitment. 

Paul shared the Gospel with Felix.

Romans 1:16-17 NKJV
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Romans 3:10-12 NKJV
[10] As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; [11] There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. [12] They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."

Romans 3:21-22 NKJV
[21] But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, [22] even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

Righteousness is only obtained through faith in Jesus Christ.

Self control comes to us through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 7:9 NKJV
[9] but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

We should have self control.

1 Corinthians 7:5 NKJV
[5] Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Don't neglect intimacy with our wives. We subject ourselves to temptation if we neglect intimacy with our spouse.

Titus 1:8 NKJV
[8] but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,

We all need self control, often we make excuses for ourselves. God doesn't give passes because he gives us what we need to master these things.

Spirit or the flesh? God or mammon? 

Sometimes, to obey God, we need to disobey ourselves.

James 2:17-20 NKJV
[17] Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. [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?

Faith is obeying God, over and over again.

We need to lead our families by example.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NKJV
[5] You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. [6] "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. [7] You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Do not put off walking where God wants us to walk.

What's Your Excuse?

Notes: "What's Your Excuse?"

Matthew 22 / Luke 14

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

SERIES:

God Came Near

This webcast is also available in spanish.

Sunday, April 26, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

Lying, deception and excuses are the subjects of today.

An excuse is a dressed up lie.

He, who excuses himself, accuses himself.

Lying and exception and giving excuses grow and grow.

People exaggerate constantly. "I will be ready in a minute!" "Of course I'm listening" "yes dear" "we can still be good friends" "I'm from the government here to help you"

The Garden of Eden is the first lie and one of the most famous. Adam blamed God and Eve in the Garden.

Aaron claimed that the golden calf just came out of the fire when they threw their gold into it.

Matthew 22:2-10 NKJV

[2] "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, [3] and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. [4] Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."' [5] But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. [6] And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. [7] But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. [8] Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. [9] Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' [10] So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

Matthew 22:4 NKJV

[4] Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."'

This is a royal wedding; they provide everything, the food, the accommodations and even the clothes.

Once you say yes to this type of wedding if you don't show up is the worst kind of insult.

Luke 14:18-20 NKJV

[18] But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' [19] And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' [20] Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'

These aren't even good excuses.

Things and relationships are keeping people away.

Excuse1: Possessions are more important than God.

First excuse is saying he bought something without seeing it first. That happens to all of us when we shop online...not a real good excuse.

The first one was polite about it. Like inviting someone to hear the Gospel.

The love of things kept the first guy away.

Matthew 16:26 NKJV

[26] For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 19:16-22 NKJV

[16] Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" [17] So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." [18] He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' [19] 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' " [20] The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" [21] Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Excuse 2: Career is more important than God.

Luke 14:19 NKJV

[19] And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.'

Career has been put ahead of so many things in people's lives.

Excuse 3: Relationships are more important than God.

Luke 14:20 NKJV

[20] Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'

This was not about a reason it was about an excuse.

If you are single do not get linked with a nonbeliever, you won't lift them up, they will pull you down...usually.

Once you are married to a nonbeliever you are commanded to win them over.

Don't put your spiritual life on hold for anyone, even your nonbeliever spouse.

You can't help someone else spiritually if you are falling apart.

Luke 14:25-27 NKJV

[25] Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, [26] "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. [27] And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

If you want to be a follower of Jesus you must put Him above everyone else.

If you put God first, everything else can fall into place.

Matthew 22:11-12 NKJV

[11] "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. [12] So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.

This was an insult to the king that invited him. This man didn't belong there if he wasn't going to dress as the king wished.

This is mocking God, to say that what Jesus did not do enough.

Hebrews 10:29-30 NKJV

[29] Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? [30] For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people."

Matthew 22:13-14 NKJV

[13] Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' [14] "For many are called, but few are chosen."

Many are like this, shocked when God does not answer them when they aren't respecting Him.

Isaiah 55:6 NKJV

[6] Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

Many are held back from knowing God because they are holding on to the thing that is keeping them away from Him.

Let go of those things and cling to God!

It doesn't matter how you say yes to Jesus, just say yes!

Let Jesus Be With You

Notes: Let Jesus Be With You

Valor

Acts 23

Pastor Adam Eaton

April 21, 2015

Harvest OC

Acts 22:30 NKJV

[30] The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

Acts 23:1-5 NKJV

[1] Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." [2] And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. [3] Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?" [4] And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?" [5] Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

Paul made a mistake here. He recognized that. Even though he was being punished outside of the rules of the law.

Paul went there knowing exactly what he was doing before Christ.

He then called the high priest a "white washed wall", a fake.

How didn't Paul recognize the high priest? Some theories are, it was either, confusion, the priest not being dressed accordingly or most likely Paul was getting bad eye sight.

Acts 23:5 NKJV

[5] Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

We can all learn from this, recognize your error and apologize!

We will be confronted with our own failures.

We can't dismiss it, we have to realize our sin, confess it and repent.

The Bible tells us to respect the office.

Hebrews 13:17 NKJV

[17] Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Acts 23:6-9 NKJV

[6] But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!" [7] And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. [8] For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection-and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. [9] Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and protested, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God."

When we stand up and do what is right instead of us fighting for our own name and let the Lord fight for us today, we will see the Lord protect us.

We are to be obedient to the Lord and let Him fight for us.

Confess and repent for the sake of Jesus Christ because we bare His name as followers.

Acts 23:10-11 NKJV

[10] Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. [11] But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

We may never see Jesus on this earth, but He has told us that He will be with us.

Matthew 28:20 NKJV

[20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

We may have a long trial to get through, but Jesus will be with us through it all.

Matthew 10:22 NKJV

[22] And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

John 15:18-19 NKJV

[18] "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. [19] If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

If there is sin in your life, confess it and let Jesus be with you.