It Is Finished!

Notes: It Is Finished!

Matthew 27

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

MUSICAL GUEST:

Danny Gokey

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

SERIES:

God Came Near

Sunday, November 8, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

God always finishes what He begins.

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;

We are looking at the story of the death of Jesus.

Jesus gave 7 significant statements from the cross. The statement and the order was important.

Today we are looking at the statement "It is finished."

Jesus did this so that God could treat us as if we had lived his life. So God treated Jesus as if he lived our lives.

Jesus interceded for us.

When Jesus said "I thirst" this showed us even though Jesus is fully God, he is also fully man.

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

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

When you go through pain, you can let it destroy you or you can let it transform you.

Your pain doesn't go away, but you can view it from an eternal perspective.

Thirst has been said that it is the most agonizing of all pain.

Statement 6 is "It is finished"

This is not a shout of a victim being overcome by their circumstances. This is the shout of a victor overcoming their circumstances.

Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, at this point it was performed.

Hebrews 2:14 NKJV

[14] Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

No Christian has to be under the power of sin anymore.

We all sin, but we do not have to live under the power of sin.

Pastor Greg and his wife Cathe have been married for over forty years. If you want to be married for over forty years, the only way to do that is to do it God's way.

In light of "it is finished" we should live that out. God has set us on a track that we should follow.

In Jesus' seven statements he addressed the Father 3 times. In the beginning, the middle and the end.

Matthew 27:51-54 NKJV

[51] Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, [52] and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; [53] and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. [54] So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

1. The veil in the temple was torn.

Originally only the High Priest was able to go to the other side of the veil.

The Lord ripped it from top to bottom.

We now all have direct access to the Lord. No longer did we need anyone to intercede for us. We have direct access to God now.

We have access to the Father through the Son.

Matthew 27:52-53 NKJV

[52] and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; [53] and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Why did this happen? It is sort of a preview of things to come. There will be a bodily resurrection.

Matthew 27:54 NKJV

[54] So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

A Centurion was a man that was a person in leadership. Jesus had moved him.

Luke 23:47 NKJV

[47] So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!"

Through the death of Jesus those who would be enemies, became united.

Ephesians 2:14 NKJV

[14] For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

Luke 23:48 NKJV

[48] And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned.

Isaiah 45:22 NKJV

[22] "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

Look and live or look and leave.

Jesus suffered and died for me. Jesus forgives me.

Do you know the God that has died for you?

Invited In

Notes: Invited In

Ephesians 2

Pastor Doug Sauder

Calvary Chapel Ft Lauderdale

October 24, 2015

Can you understand the power that God has?

Ephesians 1:22-23 NKJV

[22] And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, [23] which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV

[1] And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, [2] in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, [3] among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Paul is talking about our past here. We were once dead in trespasses and sins.

When you think about the fact that you are alive as a Christian, it is so much better when you compare it to when you were dead in your trespasses.

God told Adam and Eve they would die on the day they ate the fruit. They died spiritually not physically.

Romans 5:12 NKJV

[12] Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-

You were born spiritually dead.

You sin because you are a sinner. That is the bad news. We were born an enemy of God, that is what we once were.

Do you get a sense of awe to know that God saved you in the first place?

Do you remember what it was like to be driven by lust and desire?

Jesus made us alive! God quickens dead people and makes them alive.

As the Bible says so often "but God"

Ephesians 2:4-9 NKJV

[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, [5] even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), [6] and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.

One of the most important truths of all the Bible is that salvation is a gift, not a reward. That is the Good News of the Gospel.

Other religions base being saved on works. Nothing we do can get us to Heaven. We had to be rescued.

The object of your faith is what saves you.

Faith in Jesus is what saves you!

He doesn't just save you... he raises you up.

Like David did for Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:1,3-4,6-7 NKJV

[1] Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" [3] Then the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet." [4] So the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar." [6] Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, "Mephibosheth?" And he answered, "Here is your servant!" [7] So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually."

We were in deadness, Jesus came and found us.

2 Samuel 9:13 NKJV

[13] So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table. And he was lame in both his feet.

We are forgiven, raised up, and sitting at Gods table.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

[10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

You work from approval, not for it.

We don't live to impress God. We don't have to prove that God made the right decision. We should walk in the grace of unconditional acceptance.

This is the scandal of grace. We don't have to work hard or more.

This is not fire insurance.

Your good deeds are not for God, He doesn't need your good works.

The hard work we do for others is a blessing for us. It's us conforming to the image of Jesus.

Ephesians 2:11-13 NKJV

[11] Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh-who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands- [12] that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

In Christ you have access.

The Jews usually looked at circumcision as making them better than others.

Some Christians that have been saved for a long time sometimes feel higher than new believers.

Ephesians 2:14-18 NKJV

[14] For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, [15] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, [16] and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. [17] And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. [18] For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Paul is talking to Greeks and Jews, these groups had centuries of hatred towards each other. There was a deep prejudice between these people.

There were signs in the Temple back then that archaeologist have found that said strangers were not welcome and could be killed.

Jesus came and made these people one. Jesus made these groups into a new group, a Christian.

Jesus put prejudice to death. He set an example with Saul, The Ethiopian and Cornelius.

In Christ, we have a new identity.

We were a child of wrath and separated, now we are found and saved.

Jesus said I will die so you can live.

Why God Allows Trials in the Life of the Believer

Notes: Why God Allows Trials in the Life of the Believer

James 1

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know

Thursday, October 15, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

There are certain things all Christians need to know if they want to be growing.

1. You must read, study and love God’s word.

Joshua 1:8 NKJV

[8] This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

2. You need to have a prayer life.

3. You must be actively involved in church.

Hebrews 10:25 NKJV

[25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

If you are doing all these things and you don't see any change. Remember it takes time.

Sometimes to see if you are growing spiritually ask your spouse. Sometimes as a believer you don't feel as spiritual as other times. Just because you are not feeling it, doesn't mean you aren't walking in the word.

We will all go through trials.

Without warning trials can come crashing through our lives.

James 1:1-4 NKJV

[1] James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. [2] My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Why do trials happen? Why do we deserve such a fate?

1. God allows trials in our lives so we will grow spiritually.

They usually are just laid on us.

Like in John 6, Jesus fed the 5000 and then the apostles sailed right into a storm.

Do you believe God can provide for you even when the odds are not in your favor?

John 6:5-11 NKJV

[5] Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" [6] But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. [7] Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little." [8] One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, [9] "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" [10] Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. [11] And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.

Just because we know something doesn't mean we don't need to be tested on it again and again.

Like the gym, just because we have gone doesn't mean we can stop going.

Trials are like the gym; they break us down so that we can be built back up.

In essence trials make us strong.

James 1:3 NLT

[3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

The testing of your faith produces spiritual toughness, endurance, steadfastness and perseverance.

While Joseph was in prison he was being prepared.

Psalm 105:18 NLT

[18] They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.

God took Joseph from a pampered boy to a heroic man of God.

James 1:4 NLT

[4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Don't treat trials as intruders but as friends.

These trials were either done by God or allowed by God.

No two trials are exactly the same.

2. Even when things look bleak, all things work together for Gods glory and your good.

The book of Job shows us that God allows trials.

Even the devil can serve the purposes of God. The devil’s attacks can help strengthen a man’s faith as we are put through trials. The devil’s attacks can help us learn to cling to God. The devil isn't trying to help God, but God can use anyone for His glory, the devil is no exception.

Genesis 50:20 NLT

[20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

3. Gods ultimate purpose for us through trials is that we might be conformed to serve his glory.

Romans 8:28-29 NLT

[28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Something’s come into our lives as bad things and they will always be bad things. God promises they will work together for our good. He does not say that bad things will become good.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT

[17] For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! [18] So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

The good news is that God is still in the miracle business.

When God puts us in the furnace, we need to know God has his hand on the thermostat and his eye on the timer.

4. Suffering can bring glory to God.

Miracles still happen today.

God can also leave the problems there and have you glorify Him all the same.

Give God the glory now, before He fixes it. Give God the glory even before the answer.

Job prayed and worshiped as he lost everything.

A disability can become an ability in the hands of God.

Nick Vujicic is a perfect example of this.

Joni Eareckson Tada is another perfect example.

Hebrews 10:38 NLT

[38] And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away."

Joni says she is on a battlefield and she wants to glorify God.

Can you give God the glory in your trials?

Job 1:21 NLT

[21] He said, "I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!"

5. Suffering can be used to prepare us for a special task.

When Greg lost his son, he turned to others that have lost their children.

Don't waste your pain.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NLT

[3] All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. [4] He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. [5] For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

You comfort with the comfort that you have been comforted with.

God can take the worst things and work through them.

Remember, God gives you what you need when you need it.

Corrie ten Boom is another example for us. She knew God would give her what she needed when she needed.

All of our lives will have trouble.

Do you have the Lord to hang on to through your troubles?

I don't know the state of your problems now, but I do know who the answer is.

Turn to God now!

Valor - Faith is the First Requirement

Notes: Valor - Faith is the First Requirement
Jonathan Laurie
Galatians 3
Harvest OC
Week 4

Jonathan is talking about how he grew up in his parents strict house.

How he started getting busted for partying and doing drugs. How he hated that. 

Once he got saved he enjoyed coming home and not getting busted, proving he was a changed person.

The Judaizers taught to obey and you will be saved. Paul teaches to believe and you will be saved.

Paul presents the personal arguments.

Galatians 3:1-5 NKJV
[1] O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? [2] This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [3] Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? [4] Have you suffered so many things in vain-if indeed it was in vain? [5] Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?-

Paul is reminding them that they were saved by faith, that they are being foolish by following the law thinking it would save them.

Galatians 3:6-14 NKJV
[6] just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." [7] Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. [8] And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." [9] So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. [10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." [11] But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith." [12] Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." [13] Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), [14] that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Judaizers pointed to Abraham. Paul was ready for this.

Genesis 12:3 NKJV
[3] I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Abraham believed that God would bless him by his faith.

God gave the covenant 430 years before he gave the law.

Galatians 3:15 NKJV
[15] Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.

Abraham did not get just an earthly blessing but also an eternal blessing.

So why did God give the law?

Galatians 3:15-29 NKJV
[15] Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. [16] Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ. [17] And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. [18] For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. [19] What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. [20] Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. [21] Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. [22] But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. [23] But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. [24] Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [25] But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. [26] For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. [27] For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The law was:
1. Temporary

Romans 2:14-15 NKJV
[14] for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, [15] who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

2. The law convicts us.

3. The law acts as a mirror for us.

The law shows us that we all sin and have fallen short.

John 3:16 NKJV
[16] For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.