Do What You Can, While You Can

Notes: Do What You Can, While You Can

Matthew 26

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 — 8:00 a.m.

How many of you have ever wasted your time? Maybe you are wasting time on your phone.

70% of the world has smart phones; 5.3 Billion people have a smart phone.

Maybe you waste time with your TV.

Worse than wasting your time is wasting your life.

The woman in Matthew 26 was accused of waste, yet she was doing the exact opposite. Good in this world may be seen completely differently in Heaven.

What do you want more in life, the approval of God or the applause of men?

Proverbs 29:25 NKJV The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Matthew 26: 6-13

6And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”

10But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

As Jesus said, 2000 years later we are telling this woman’s story.

At this time it was Passover time, there would be all kinds of people around them in Jerusalem now. People who love Jesus and hate Him. A resurrected Lazarus, would have been there also.

Every time we read of Mary she is at the feet of Jesus.

If we sit at His feet maybe we would be bringing more people to Him.

It is revealed to Mary that Jesus is going to die. She decided right then and there that she wants to do something for Jesus.

Matthew 26:13Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

The great thing Mary did, was she did what she could, while she could.

What is the most precious thing to you in this world? Family, appearance, career? Have you presented it to Jesus?

The value of a gift is not how much it cost, but how much it cost you.

In today’s economy, the gift Mary gave Jesus would have cost between $25k to $30k.

Most people look at how little can we give and still be a Christian. Mary gave her most valuable possession.

Tithing is not the standard it is the entry level.

Tithing is a form of worship.

Acts 4:13 NKJV Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

We should live with a sense that nothing is too good for Jesus.

When is the last time you did something bold for the kingdom of God?

Jesus never said He was going to establish an earthly kingdom.

Mary decided to bring her flowers now. Is there someone that you should be bringing your flowers to right now?

Church should be like filling up gas for your car, filling up with the Spirit and heading out to the world.

The Lord’s work should be a joy, not a burden.

Luke 17:10 NKJV So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”

What Mary did was not waste.

Matthew 26: 8But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?

Judas said this because he was a thief, not because he cared about anyone else.

Judas means, “the son of waste”, Judas threw it all away for some coins.

We are not to judge MOTIVES but to judge actions of one another.

Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

Judas, on the surface, looked very spiritual and Mary looks wasteful. The opposite is the truth, though.

Nothing is ever wasted when it is done with the right motive for the glory of God.

What may looks like waste to some, like our Christian lives, can be compared at the end and see which life was wasted.

What we do in this life is past on to our future generations. It would be nice to look back on life and having the only regret of not having done more.

 The choices we make in this life will impact us and generations to come.

1 Corinthians 3:11 NKJV For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

You should care what crowns you are getting in Heaven. Getting to Heaven should not be your only goal.

We need to do what we can while we can.

A person’s actions form an infallible index to his character.

We all need to give what we can. God gave His only Son for us.

Are you sure Jesus Christ is living in you? It will give you purpose and inner peace and so many other fruits.

Things to Do Before the End of the World

Notes:Things to Do before the End of the World

Luke 12

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Sunday, July 5, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

Christians should be shining lights in a dark place, and should be anxiously awaiting the return of Jesus Christ. In today's message, Pastor Greg Laurie teaches about the coming return of Christ and the Christian's responsibility to always be prepared for His return.

What If Jesus Christ was coming back at 3pm tomorrow? Not that we will ever know.

We should live everyday as though He was coming back today.

There are 260 chapters in the New Testament and 318 verses referencing Jesus' return.

2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

[9] The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The Lord is waiting for that last believer to come.

2 Peter 3:10-11,14 NKJV

[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. [11] Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, [14] Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

What kind of people should we be? We are to live holy and Godly lives and make every effort to live spotless and blameless life for Him.

Luke 12:35-48 NLT

[35] "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, [36] as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. [37] The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! [38] He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. [39] "Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. [40] You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." [41] Peter asked, "Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?" [42] And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. [43] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. [44] I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. [45] But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? [46] The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful. [47] "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. [48] But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

Jesus is using a first century wedding as the back drop for this illustration.

What things we should be doing as we are waiting.

1. We should be shining lights in a dark place.

We should be ready to go.

Let us be known more for what we are for than what we are against.

Luke 12:38 NLT

[38] He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

Jesus may come later than expected but he will come.

Don't give up praying, God has timing and His timing is perfect.

John 11:5-6 NLT

[5] So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, [6] he stayed where he was for the next two days.

John 11:21-23 NLT

[21] Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask." [23] Jesus told her, "Your brother will rise again."

Ephesians 3:20 NLT

[20] Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

When your only hope is God...that is not a bad place to be!

2. We are to be watching for Him.

Looking for the signs of the times.

3. We are to be ready to go.

To be ready for His return, is to be engaged in activities that you wouldn't be ashamed of if Jesus were to show up.

4. We should be anxiously waiting His return.

Kind of like a loved one coming to visit after a long time.

5. We are to be working.

Luke 12:43 NLT

[43] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.

If watching is the evidence of faith, then working is the action of faith.

It is a very blessed thing to be blessed as you are anticipating the return of Christ.

Luke 12:45-46 NLT

[45] But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? [46] The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.

This is a description of someone that is not ready for God's return.

The church is the easiest place to get a hardened heart. The message that can transform one heart can harden another.

Parents should continue to bring children to church.

Hebrews 3:12-13 NLT

[12] Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. [13] You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

It's a warning that you should come with an open heart.

There are people who claim to be Christians and do all kinds of crazy things.

Alcohol can bring additional devastation to your life.

Jesus specifically told us to remember Him at the Communion table.

We remember His suffering, His sacrifice and His love for us.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 NLT

[27] So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. [28] That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. [29] For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself.

Communion is for Christians only.

Have you made your peace with God?

What You Don't Know Will Hurt You

Notes: What You Don't Know Will Hurt You

Ephesians 6:10–18

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: Live, Love, Fight

Thursday, July 2, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

The spiritual battle you face started when you were born and intensified on the day of your conversion to be a Christian.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

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

Mike Tyson said everyone is a fighter until they get hit. Greg likes that.

Sometimes it seems the enemy is in every direction you look.

The devil brings havoc because he knows that Jesus is coming back.

Matthew 8:29 NKJV

[29] And suddenly they cried out, saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?"

The devil knows his time is coming and Jesus is victorious over him.

Cultural Christianity is dead. There are some good things and bad things that will come from that.

Do three things. Wake up, sober up and suit up.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 NKJV

[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. [7] For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. [8] But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

1 John 4:4 NKJV

[4] You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

The first thing we need to know to win a battle is to know our opponent.

To be forewarned is to be for armed.

2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV

[11] lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The devil is like a snake. You give him an inch; and he will get out of his cage.

Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-

1. We need to stand in god's strength, not our own.

Ephesians 6:10 NKJV

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

You are not strong enough to fight the devil on your own.

You fight from victory in Christ, not for victory.

Jude 1:9 NKJV

[9] Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"

Even an Archangel calls on God.

Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV

[1] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."

2. We need to put on the whole armor of God.

You put on the armor, once and for all!

You never get to go on spiritual vacation from the devil; you are always under spiritual attack.

Studies show if you don't go to church for a month then you won't go for more than a year.

God has given us all the armor. It's up to you to put it on!

Proverbs 16:18 NKJV

[18] Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Even Abraham, a great man of faith, had lapses in faith.

Is there an area of your life you think you might not fall in? Be careful.

1. The utility belt of enlightenment.

Readiness comes by girding your waist with truth.

Luke 12:35 NKJV

[35] "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning;

"Gassed up and ready to go!"

You got to have your belt on, or everything can fall off.

We need a good working knowledge of scripture.

Let's not just feel, but think.

Psalm 51:6 NKJV

[6] Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

Live a sincere, honest life.

2 Timothy 2:4 NKJV

[4] No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

We are soldiers in a battle.

Duplicity and hypocrisy weakens any witness we have to a watching world.

All parents owe their children an apology at some time.

We must refute the devil with God’s word.

2. The breastplate of righteousness.

It's like wearing a bulletproof vest.

We are always on duty as Christians.

What is the breastplate of righteousness?

It is the righteousness given to us by Jesus.

Philippians 3:9 NKJV

[9] and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

This is based on what Jesus has done for you.

The devil accuses and condemns.

Guilt is not always a bad thing. Sometimes its like pain, it gets your attention to not do something, or pull back from more pain.

Satan will try to drag you away from the cross and God will always lead you back to the cross.

Satan will say you aren't worthy because of a sin. We were never worthy.

Ephesians 1:5 NKJV

[5] having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

That is imputed righteousness.

Then there is practical righteousness.

2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV

[22] Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

You want to do what is right because of the love God has for us.

Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV

[1] Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. [3] He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither;And whatever he does shall prosper.

The man of Psalm does something's and does not do something's.

There are certain things we should do and certain things we should not do.

Like a good diet, we have to pay attention to what we do and don't do.

Guilt is just a symptom; it is sin that is the problem.

Jesus Christ can forgive you and turn you into a new person!