The Generous Gift of God

Notes: The Generous Gift of God
November 27, 2016
Pastor Chet Lowe
John 4

John 4:7-15 NKJV
[7] A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." [8] For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. [9] Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. [10] Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." [11] The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? [12] Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?" [13] Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, [14] but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." [15] The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

1. The Generous Gift of God.

Those that believe in Christ, Christmas is a time to remember the generous gift of God.

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.

James 1:17 NKJV
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

God gave us the perfect gift of Jesus.

Romans 1:18 ESV
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

How will people know about Jesus unless we tell them.

When Moses took the children out of Israel to the Red Sea, they were stuck. They look at the pillar of fire and cry that they might die there. Moses says to stand firm.

We should explain the gift of God to those around us. There could be a longing for those around to know God and need you to share.

We have Jesus to turn to.

Sinful Man:
Death
Ephesians 2:1 ESV
[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
Romans 6:23 ESV
[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Separation:
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 3:23 ESV
[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Jesus Christ:
Crosses the separation 

Eternal Life:
John 17:3 ESV
[3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

2. The Generous Gift of God Brings Joy

Philippians 4:10-15 ESV
[10] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me. [14] Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. [15] And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.

The church of Philippi gave Paul joy, sharing in the joy of God.

2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV
[9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Gods grace is the Generous Gift that gives us joy.

Jesus knows exactly hat we need. He has brought us joy.

Humans say we have five needs, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs,

As time passes, our human needs seem to change. We can seem to add to our needs as society changes.

What a the truth to what we need.

Matthew 6:33 NKJV
[33] But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

We need Jesus and He gives himself to us.

Every gift from the Father of Life is perfect.

God is most glorified when we are most satisfied with Jesus.

No amount of good works will get you to Heaven.

Matthew 19:20-22 NKJV
[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.

Romans 2:4 NKJV
[4] Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Ephesians 1:7 NKJV
[7] In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Jesus will never run out of grace for you.

Ephesians 3:16 NKJV
[16] that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

It is now our opportunity to continue to receive the gifts from God and to share it with others.

The Internal Impact and the External Effect of the Gospel

Notes: The Internal Impact and the External Effect of the Gospel

November 20, 2016

Pastor Chet Lowe

Coast Hills Community Church

Philippians 4

Philippians 4:23 NKJV

[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

The Grace is the Gospel.

God looked at our pitiful state, we were drowning, and God sent a Savior.

Jesus saw us drowning and He rescued us from hell.

That is the Gospel.

There is nothing we can do to earn what God has done for us.

Philippians 4:1 NKJV

[1] Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Philippians 3:10-11 NKJV

[10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1. The Internal Impact of the Gospel in my life.

Philippians 4:2 NKJV

[2] I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

God uses people to Impact others with the Gospel.

Your spouse is the greatest person in your life to help conform you into the image of Jesus.

Philippians 4:3 NKJV

[3] And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Paul doesn't start verse three with who's right and whose wrong. He knows this argument can cause division.

God wants oneness with mankind, He wants peace.

Our names are in the Book of Life because we are forgiven!

We sometimes forget that we were once in the pits of despair.

Paul knows the words of Jesus: to forgive and we will be forgiven.

Choosing not to forgive only hurts you.

Philippians 4:5 NKJV

[5] Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Paul is saying that we need to take control of our feelings like Jesus took control of His and went to the Cross for us.

Titus 2:13-15 NKJV

[13] looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, [14] who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. [15] Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Offenses are going to come, you just need to not be the one to cause the offense.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Have you ever been hurt? Do you exist in the peace of God or are you filled with anxiety?

When anxiety comes, go to God with prayer.

Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV

[8] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. [9] The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Who is more pure than the King Jesus?

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

[3] You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

2. External Effect of the Gospel

Paul lived in the peace of God, while he wrote this from jail.

Philippians 4:10 NKJV

[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Paul chooses to rejoice because his name is written in the Book of Life.

Philippians 4:11-12 NKJV

[11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: [12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Paul knows he has Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NKJV

[8] Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. [9] And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul learned what it meant to be content.

If everything has been taken from you, can you be content?

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:14 NKJV

[14] Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

You can't pick and choose who you are going to love and pray for. Jesus doesn't even allow it, He tells us to love our enemy.

We need to not only care about what was given to us, but we also need to share it with others.

Philippians 4:15-20 NKJV

[15] Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. [16] For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. [17] Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. [18] Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. [19] And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [20] Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul makes it ridiculous to have the internal Impact of the gospel not to have an external effect.

As we respond to the gift of God, God is glorified.

Philippians 4:21-23 NKJV

[21] Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. [22] All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household. [23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Citizens of Heaven

Notes: Citizens of Heaven
November 13, 2016
Pastor Chet Lowe
Philippians 3:20-21


Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
[20] For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Culture is different in all parts of the world.

Pastor Chet is from the Bahamas. He grew up in a different culture. 

Culture shock happens to all of us. What we say and what we eat.

Paul is used by the Holy Spirit in Chapter 3 to explain what it means to be citizen in a different culture.

2 Corinthians 5:1 NKJV
[1] For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Philippians 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. [2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

Revelation 4 and 5 show the great worship service of Heaven.

1. The Superior Value of Christ

We have the hope of change, that a good work will be completed.

Paul repeats instructions to make us aware of the enemy. 
Philippians 3:2 NKJV
[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

These are the ones that have added to the cross. They teach legalism.

Philippians 3:3 NKJV
[3] For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

Those who live in the Spirit are the circumcision.

No more do this and do that.
Luke 18:10-14 NKJV
[10] "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' [13] And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Galatians 6:13-15 NKJV
[13] For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. [14] But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Paul says...
Philippians 3:4-7 NKJV
[4] though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: [5] circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; [6] concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. [7] But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Paul realized...
Philippians 3:7 NKJV
[7] But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Citizens of Heaven don't look at the value of what we do and don't do. They see the value of Christ crucified.

Philippians 3:8-11 NKJV
[8] Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ [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; [10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Paul knows the excellence of "knowing" Jesus Christ.

The is a superior intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus loved Heaven but came to Earth to pay a debt for us.

Philippians 3:10-12 NKJV
[10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

No matter what it takes, Paul says he will become saved.

2. This is the attitude of a citizen of Heaven.

An "attitude of gratitude"

Philippians 3:12-15 NKJV
[12] Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. [13] Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, [14] I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

Jesus has got you and will grab you.

Don't harden your heart. Today is the day of salvation.

Philippians 3:14 NKJV
[14] I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

We are to focus on the upward call of Christ Jesus.

We don't have the ability to forget like God does for us.

Philippians 3:15-16 NKJV
[15] Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. [16] Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

God has a job to do and will complete the work He started.

Philippians 3:17-19 NKJV
[17] Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. [18] For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [19] whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame-who set their mind on earthly things.

Paul was passionate to change.

Romans 7:15 NKJV
[15] For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.

A citizen of Heaven should not focus on the things of earth.

3. The Belief of Change

We believe that Jesus has the power to change us.

Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
[20] For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Stand fast and put what you have learned into practice.

America and Armageddon

Notes: America and Armageddon

Greg Laurie

Book of Revelation 15 & 16

Thursday, October 13, 2016

We are coming up to closing time. The Tribulation period will have a time of peace under the power of the anti-Christ.

When Gods judgement is given it is not haphazardly.

Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV

[11] Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'

God has to judge. He is not only gracious and merciful but He is also just.

Romans 1:18 NKJV

[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Romans 1:21 NKJV

[21] because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Antichrist will have 10 nations unified behind him.

Revelation 15:1-4 NKJV

[1] Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. [2] And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. [3] They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! [4] Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."

These are the Tribulation Saints, these would be martyrs.

God takes it very personally when people attack His people.

When someone is persecuting us they are persecuting Jesus.

Water is often a picture of judgement and trials.

Being persecuted for Jesus will get you a blessing from Heaven.

Revelation 15:3 NKJV

[3] They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!

The Song of Moses Exodus 15:1-18 and Deuteronomy 32

The premise..."How could a God of Love..." is incorrect. Who is the center of moral judgement?

Worship God in calamity, for the calamity, not just after the calamity.

Revelation 16:1-9 NKJV

[1] Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth." [2] So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. [3] Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died. [4] Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. [5] And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things. [6] For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due." [7] And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments." [8] Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. [9] And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

It's the goodness of God that brings you to repentance.

Hebrews 8:5 NKJV

[5] who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

All the things that have ever deeply possessed your soul are just glimpse of Heaven. Those things are to arouse you to the real thing. Everything good on earth is just a glimpse of what is better in Heaven.

Revelation 16:12-16 NKJV

[12] Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. [13] And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. [14] For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. [15] "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." [16] And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

Armageddon has become part of our everyday language.

Megiddo is a place.

Revelation 12:13 NKJV

[13] Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.

Revelation 9:16 NKJV

[16] Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.

During the battle of Armageddon, the U.S. is not mentioned.

1. We may have been devastated by nuclear war.

2. We may just decline as a super power.

Isaiah 40:15 NKJV

[15] Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.

3. We could have a nation wide revival that when the rapture takes place, as a nation we are gone.

We need a spiritual awakening!