Leave the Work to God

Notes: Leave the Work to God
Acts 26
Jonathan Laurie
May 5, 2015

Harvest OC

Valor

The most powerful tool many of us have in proclaiming the Gospel is our own personal testimony.

Our job isn't to convert anyone, it is to proclaim the Gospel and leave the rest in God's hands.

Today is Cinco de Mayo which gives many people an excuse to party. In turn when they wake up with regret tomorrow, that is our opportunity to share the Gospel.

Acts 26:1-11 NKJV
[1] Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: [2] "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, [3] especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. [4] "My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. [5] They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. [6] And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. [7] To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. [8] Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? [9] "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. [11] And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

1. Build a bridge.

Paul was building a bridge to Agrippa. His ultimate goal is to share the Gospel with Agrippa.

God cleans his fish after he captures them.

Paul was sharing his testimony to help give him the opportunity to reach Agrippa.

2. Sharing your testimony is a great bridge.

Paul doesn't exaggerate his story.

Don't lie or exaggerate your testimony. It will compromise your testimony.

Do not glamorize your testimony. Put it in its place, where it belongs.

We gave up death and sin for life and heaven.

Acts 26:12-18 NKJV
[12] "While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, [13] at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. [14] And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' [15] So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [16] But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. [17] I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, [18] to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'

3. This is Paul's life transformed by God.

He saw a light and he heard a voice.

The changing point for Jonathan was the death of his brother, Christopher.

He knew his brother was in Heaven and that he wasn't heading there. He turned to Christ shortly after that.

Acts 26:14 NKJV
[14] ... It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

Acts 26:19-23 NKJV
[19] "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, [20] but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. [21] For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. [22] Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come- [23] that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."

4. My life now in Christ.

Paul had become the very thing he hated.

He was killing Christians and now proclaims that Jesus is the way.

God has other plans for all of us.

Acts 26:24-32 NKJV
[24] Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!" [25] But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. [26] For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. [27] King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe." [28] Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." [29] And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains." [30] When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; [31] and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains." [32] Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

5. I wish you were like me.

Paul presented his testimony, presented the Gospel and gave God the glory.

Agrippa heard the word, and was not converted. Gods will was still done for Paul.

Leave the work to God because God has got the devils credit card number.

The God of the Living

Notes: The God of the Living

Matthew 22 / 1 Corinthians 11

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Sunday, May 3, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

Pastor Greg Laurie is teaching on the afterlife and answers commonly asked questions about Heaven.

Greg is telling us a funny story, about a guy trying to tell Peter something good that he did. That it is why he died and is standing there at Heaven.

God seems to have prewired us to long for Heaven.

God has so much waiting for us on the other side.

Generally people believe in the afterlife. 76% of Americans believe in Heaven.

                                   

Pharisees and Sadducees opposed Jesus Christ together.

Sadducees didn't believe in the afterlife.

John 3:13 NLT

[13] No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.

Matthew 22:23-33 NLT

[23] That same day Jesus was approached by some Sadducees-religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: [24] "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother's name.' [25] Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children, so his brother married the widow. [26] But the second brother also died, and the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them. [27] Last of all, the woman also died. [28] So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her." [29] Jesus replied, "Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God. [30] For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. [31] "But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead-haven't you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, [32] 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So he is the God of the living, not the dead." [33] When the crowds heard him, they were astounded at his teaching.

1. A believer of Jesus never dies.

The soul lives on forever. Christians "move away".

2. There is a bodily resurrection.

Job 19:26 NLT

[26] And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!

You will still be you in the afterlife.

We do not become angels, we can't become them and they can't become us.

Luke 20:36 NLT

[36] And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.

John 11:25 NLT

[25] Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

1 John 3:2 NLT

[2] Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.

When we take our last breath on earth we will take our first breath in heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:52 NLT

[52] It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.

3. In Heaven, things are different in some ways and similar in others, but certainly better.

The absence away from loved ones is a comma not a period.

When we are in Heaven, God will be the focus of everything there.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NKJV

[17] Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV

[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Revelation 21:4 NKJV

[4] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

We won't forget things but we will have a Heavenly perspective. The same way our perspective changes with age here, it will change to seeing things from God's perspective in heaven.

We will know more in Heaven then we know on Earth.

Revelation 6:10 NKJV

[10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

We are aware of things in heaven. We are aware of justice and we are aware of the passing of time.

Randy Alcorn says something like earthly marriage is a shadow or echo of the heavenly marriage between ourselves and Christ.

You don't go to Heaven to find Christ, you go to Christ to find Heaven!

Communion:

1 Corinthians 11:23-29 NKJV

[23] For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; [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.

1. Look back at the Cross, reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for each of us.

2. We must look within:

Are you where you need to be spiritually?

3. Look around

You are not alone, you are with your new family in Christ.

4. Look ahead

We are to observe communion until Christ returns.

Live a life as if Jesus were returning tonight.

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.