Notes: Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Greg Laurie
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Series: Life: the Gospel of John
John 9
Music: Harvest Worship Band
We all have questions.
John 9:1-7 NLT
[1] As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. [2] "Rabbi," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?" [3] "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. [4] We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. [5] But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world." [6] Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes. [7] He told him, "Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam" (Siloam means "sent"). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!
Some Jews of that day believed in reincarnation. Karma teaches that good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds are punished. That is Hindu teachings of today.
Christians understand that a soul comes at conception.
Psalm 139:13-16 NLT
[13] You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
The disciples asked why God allows sufferings.
C.S. Lewis said that pain is the atheist most powerful weapon against the faith.
Can physical suffering on this earth be a result of sin? Yes and no. The sin of Adam and Eve has had repercussions on all of us.
Bad things just happen, they don't always have to have a cause and effect.
1. Corrective Suffering
God will allow or even send some pain in our lives to get our attention.
Sickness can come as a result of our sin.
Sometimes we bring pain on ourselves.
Hebrews 12:5-6 NLT
[5] And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. [6] For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."
2. Consecutive Suffering
2 Corinthians 4:17 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!
Paul had his thorn in the flesh.
3. There is sickness and tragedy allowed to glorify God.
Joni Ericsson Tads is a champion of the faith as she is in a wheelchair.
Nick Voicich with no arms or legs lives in Gods glory.
John 9:3-4 NLT
[3] "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. [4] We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.
Isaiah 53:4-5 NLT
[4] Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! [5] But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
1 Peter 2:24 NLT
[24] He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
God can heal. Does God heal everyone, no.
Don't ever be afraid of "thy will be done."
Maybe God is just waiting for you to ask Him for help.
John 9:6-7 NLT
[6] Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes. [7] He told him, "Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam" (Siloam means "sent"). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!
Jesus changed the way healed people so that we can focus on God and not God's methodology.
John 9:10-17 NLT
[10] They asked, "Who healed you? What happened?" [11] He told them, "The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.' So I went and washed, and now I can see!" [12] "Where is he now?" they asked. "I don't know," he replied. [13] Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees, [14] because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. [15] The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, "He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!" [16] Some of the Pharisees said, "This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath." Others said, "But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?" So there was a deep division of opinion among them. [17] Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, "What's your opinion about this man who healed you?" The man replied, "I think he must be a prophet."
The entire life of Jewish people revolved around the synagogue.
John 9:24-28 NLT
[24] So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, "God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner." [25] "I don't know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!" [26] "But what did he do?" they asked. "How did he heal you?" [27] "Look!" the man exclaimed. "I told you once. Didn't you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?" [28] Then they cursed him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses!
Classic statement: John 9:25 NLT
[25] "I don't know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!"
No one is a greater authority on what has happened to you, then you. Can you tell others that, once you were blind and now you can see?
God did not give us the gospel to horde it, He gave us the gospel to share it.
John 9:35-41 NLT
[35] When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" [36] The man answered, "Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him." [37] "You have seen him," Jesus said, "and he is speaking to you!" [38] "Yes, Lord, I believe!" the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. [39] Then Jesus told him, "I entered this world to render judgment-to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." [40] Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, "Are you saying we're blind?" [41] "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," Jesus replied. "But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.
Religion turned the blind man away, Jesus took him in.
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Thursday, July 20, 2017
Sunday, June 18, 2017
The Virtue of Contentment
Notes: Father's Day Message "The Virtue of Contentment"
Pastor Ricky Ryan
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Philippians 4:11–13
Music: Phil Wickham
We live in a world that majors in discontentment. Media is doing their job to make you discontent.
Philippians 4:9-13 NKJV
[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. [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. [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. [13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Paul asks the different churches to follow his example of contentment.
Paul learned the secret of contentment.
Philippians 4:12 NKJV
[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 was stoned, and left for dead in Lystra. In Philipi he was beaten with sticks. He's been beaten and jailed over and over again.
Paul didn't let what he didn't have keep him from what he did have...the love of Christ Jesus.
Paul was not a very good poster boy for the prosperity movement.
Contentment is natural wealth, riches is artificial poverty. - Socrates
Prosperity may be a bigger obstacle to contentment than poverty.
Paul knew affluence on the island of Malta - Acts 28
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
It has nothing to do with personal achievement or personal gain.
This verse about having the strength to get above the struggles of life.
God gives us the power to be content.
1. Don't focus in on what you don't have; focus in on what you do have.
2. Don't compare what you do have with what other people have.
3. Be thankful for what you do have.
4. Learn to live with unmet needs.
Sometimes it's really good to deny yourself.
Learn to get by with what God has provided you.
5. Don't lose sight of the things that will really make you happy.
Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Pastor Ricky Ryan
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Philippians 4:11–13
Music: Phil Wickham
We live in a world that majors in discontentment. Media is doing their job to make you discontent.
Philippians 4:9-13 NKJV
[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. [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. [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. [13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Paul asks the different churches to follow his example of contentment.
Paul learned the secret of contentment.
Philippians 4:12 NKJV
[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 was stoned, and left for dead in Lystra. In Philipi he was beaten with sticks. He's been beaten and jailed over and over again.
Paul didn't let what he didn't have keep him from what he did have...the love of Christ Jesus.
Paul was not a very good poster boy for the prosperity movement.
Contentment is natural wealth, riches is artificial poverty. - Socrates
Prosperity may be a bigger obstacle to contentment than poverty.
Paul knew affluence on the island of Malta - Acts 28
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
It has nothing to do with personal achievement or personal gain.
This verse about having the strength to get above the struggles of life.
God gives us the power to be content.
1. Don't focus in on what you don't have; focus in on what you do have.
2. Don't compare what you do have with what other people have.
3. Be thankful for what you do have.
4. Learn to live with unmet needs.
Sometimes it's really good to deny yourself.
Learn to get by with what God has provided you.
5. Don't lose sight of the things that will really make you happy.
Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
The Ups and Downs and Ups of a World Changer
Notes: The Ups and Downs and Ups of a World Changer
Greg Laurie
World Changers
Sunday, April 23, 2017
2 Samuel 11, Psalm 32
Music: Matthew West
Kind David the World Changer.
King David was fearless in battle. A poet, a man after God's own heart.
Jesus identified Himself as, "Jesus, the Son of David."
The rise of David....
The people chose King Saul, but God decided that he would be replaced.
1. God uses ordinary people to change the world.
1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NKJV
[26] For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. [27] But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
You can't control your circumstances, but you can control your reactions.
2. World Changers are focused on what matters in life.
Psalm 34:1 NKJV
[1] I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 57:7 NKJV
[7] My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.
David new the meaning of life.
Psalm 27:4 NKJV
[4] One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.
3. World Changers are faithful in little things so God gives them bigger things.
Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. [3] He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
David took down Goliath, he depended on God to do so.
When the fall of David began...
2 Samuel 11:1-5 NKJV
[1] It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. [2] Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. [3] So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" [4] Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. [5] And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, "I am with child."
When things are going really well, that is when the devil hits.
When you face a crisis, you hang on to God and He gives you the strength you need when you need it. God always comes through.
When things are going good, hanging on to God seems to be less important to most. That is when we are most vulnerable.
You don't feed lust; you starve it!
Sometimes other people have a better sense of what we are doing then we do.
God puts up road blocks to our sin.
David sinned, then tried to cover it up and then did even worse things to continue to try to cover it.
2 Samuel 11:27 NKJV
[27] And when her mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.
Psalm 32:1-5 NLT
[1] Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! [2] Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! [3] When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. [4] Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude [5] Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude
Psalm 32 describes the futility and misery of sin that is unconfessed.
Nathan the prophet calls David out through a story.
2 Samuel 12:5-7 NLT
[5] David was furious. "As surely as the LORD lives," he vowed, "any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! [6] He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity." [7] Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul.
2 Samuel 12:13-14 NLT
[13] Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. [14] Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD by doing this, your child will die."
God will forgive you of your sins if you repent, you will still have to pay for those sins.
David managed to still get into the lineage of God, so did Bathsheba, that is the grace of God.
In for worship, out for service.
John 10:9 NLT
[9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.
Greg Laurie
World Changers
Sunday, April 23, 2017
2 Samuel 11, Psalm 32
Music: Matthew West
Kind David the World Changer.
King David was fearless in battle. A poet, a man after God's own heart.
Jesus identified Himself as, "Jesus, the Son of David."
The rise of David....
The people chose King Saul, but God decided that he would be replaced.
1. God uses ordinary people to change the world.
1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NKJV
[26] For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. [27] But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
You can't control your circumstances, but you can control your reactions.
2. World Changers are focused on what matters in life.
Psalm 34:1 NKJV
[1] I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 57:7 NKJV
[7] My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.
David new the meaning of life.
Psalm 27:4 NKJV
[4] One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.
3. World Changers are faithful in little things so God gives them bigger things.
Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. [3] He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
David took down Goliath, he depended on God to do so.
When the fall of David began...
2 Samuel 11:1-5 NKJV
[1] It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. [2] Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. [3] So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" [4] Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. [5] And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, "I am with child."
When things are going really well, that is when the devil hits.
When you face a crisis, you hang on to God and He gives you the strength you need when you need it. God always comes through.
When things are going good, hanging on to God seems to be less important to most. That is when we are most vulnerable.
You don't feed lust; you starve it!
Sometimes other people have a better sense of what we are doing then we do.
God puts up road blocks to our sin.
David sinned, then tried to cover it up and then did even worse things to continue to try to cover it.
2 Samuel 11:27 NKJV
[27] And when her mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.
Psalm 32:1-5 NLT
[1] Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! [2] Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! [3] When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. [4] Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude [5] Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude
Psalm 32 describes the futility and misery of sin that is unconfessed.
Nathan the prophet calls David out through a story.
2 Samuel 12:5-7 NLT
[5] David was furious. "As surely as the LORD lives," he vowed, "any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! [6] He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity." [7] Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul.
2 Samuel 12:13-14 NLT
[13] Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. [14] Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD by doing this, your child will die."
God will forgive you of your sins if you repent, you will still have to pay for those sins.
David managed to still get into the lineage of God, so did Bathsheba, that is the grace of God.
In for worship, out for service.
John 10:9 NLT
[9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
The Treasure Principle
Notes: The Treasure Principle
April 9, 2017
Pastor Greg Laurie and Randy Alcorn
Harvest OC
Today is Palm Sunday.
Right before the Triumphal Entry...
John 12:9-11 ESV
[9] When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. [10] So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, [11] because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
What is the significance of Palm Sunday? It is the plan and purpose of God.
John 12:12-13 ESV
[12] The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. [13] So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"
The price was paid for our redemption on the cross.
Acts 4:27-30 ESV
[27] for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. [29] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
We are risen with Christ.
What do people in Heaven know about people on earth?
We will be aware of passing of time, we won't know everything, we will still be finite.
It is possible that people in Heaven, will know what is going on here on Earth. It will be with a Heavenly perspective.
Romans 8:28 ESV
[28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
We will recognize each other in Heaven.
God Himself is called Happy.
Hebrews 1:9 ESV
[9] You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
We will live happily ever after. Knowing that, we should participate in that happiness today.
Acts 20:35 ESV
[35] In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
God is a giving 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.
You can't take it with you...
Matthew 6:19 ESV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
...you can send it on ahead.
Matthew 6:20-21 ESV
[20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Tithing isn't the ceiling of giving, it's the floor. Jesus didn't lower the bar of living, He was raising the bar.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV
[17] Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, [19] storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
To be prepared for Heaven is to be be prepared to meet God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
[21] For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
In Christ our sins are covered and we are prepared for Heaven.
April 9, 2017
Pastor Greg Laurie and Randy Alcorn
Harvest OC
Today is Palm Sunday.
Right before the Triumphal Entry...
John 12:9-11 ESV
[9] When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. [10] So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, [11] because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
What is the significance of Palm Sunday? It is the plan and purpose of God.
John 12:12-13 ESV
[12] The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. [13] So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"
The price was paid for our redemption on the cross.
Acts 4:27-30 ESV
[27] for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. [29] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
We are risen with Christ.
What do people in Heaven know about people on earth?
We will be aware of passing of time, we won't know everything, we will still be finite.
It is possible that people in Heaven, will know what is going on here on Earth. It will be with a Heavenly perspective.
Romans 8:28 ESV
[28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
We will recognize each other in Heaven.
God Himself is called Happy.
Hebrews 1:9 ESV
[9] You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
We will live happily ever after. Knowing that, we should participate in that happiness today.
Acts 20:35 ESV
[35] In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
God is a giving 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.
You can't take it with you...
Matthew 6:19 ESV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
...you can send it on ahead.
Matthew 6:20-21 ESV
[20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Tithing isn't the ceiling of giving, it's the floor. Jesus didn't lower the bar of living, He was raising the bar.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV
[17] Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, [19] storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
To be prepared for Heaven is to be be prepared to meet God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
[21] For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
In Christ our sins are covered and we are prepared for Heaven.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Lost and Found
Notes: Lost and Found
Pastor Jeff Lasseigne
Harvest OC
April 6, 2017
Luke 15
Luke 15:1-32 NKJV
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. [2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying: [4] "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' [7] I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. [8] "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? [9] And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' [10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." [11] Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. [12] And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. [13] And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. [14] But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. [15] Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. [17] "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, [19] and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."' [20] "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. [21] And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' [22] "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. [23] And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; [24] for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. [25] "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. [27] And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' [28] "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. [29] So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. [30] But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' [31] "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. [32] It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"
There's probably no chapter that has done greater good to the souls of men.
More than 1/3 of the teachings of Christ came to us in forms of parables.
Parables are used to teach profound truths.
1st is "The parable of the lost sheep."
Luke 15:1 NKJV
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.
These people had no place in the Temple. Yet they were drawn to Jesus.
Before there was the passion of Christ, there was the compassion of Christ.
God knows you with an everlasting love. There is nothing you can do to change God's love for you.
Luke 15:2-3 NKJV
[2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
Luke 19:10 NKJV
[10] for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
The religious leaders were out of step with God and out of tune with Heaven.
Luke 15:10 NKJV
[10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
The parable of the lost son.
The prodigal son story has been stated to be the greatest short story ever written.
Many want God's blessings but they don't want God.
The father gave his son what he wanted.
We become like the prodigal son every time we look for happiness apart from God.
Sin will take you further then you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more then you want to pay.
Some people want to be saved from their misery but not from their sin.
The fathers mercy gave the boy peace, the fathers grace gave him a feast.
God is our creator.
Many use free will to run from God.
You can't work to receive God's grace and mercy, you can't work to receive God's forgiveness.
Our compassionate God will run to us if we come home.
It's not a parable of a prodigal son, it's a parable of a loving father.
John 6:29 NKJV
[29] Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
Legalism is to preach grace and practice law.
Christianity is not what we are outwardly, it's who we are inwardly.
How do we stop being the prodigal son and not turn into the brother.
Sinners will end up in Hell because they are unsaved, not because they are unloved.
You can't force a prodigal to come home, but you can pray for them.
Pastor Jeff Lasseigne
Harvest OC
April 6, 2017
Luke 15
Luke 15:1-32 NKJV
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. [2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying: [4] "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' [7] I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. [8] "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? [9] And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' [10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." [11] Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. [12] And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. [13] And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. [14] But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. [15] Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. [17] "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, [19] and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."' [20] "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. [21] And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' [22] "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. [23] And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; [24] for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. [25] "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. [27] And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' [28] "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. [29] So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. [30] But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' [31] "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. [32] It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"
There's probably no chapter that has done greater good to the souls of men.
More than 1/3 of the teachings of Christ came to us in forms of parables.
Parables are used to teach profound truths.
1st is "The parable of the lost sheep."
Luke 15:1 NKJV
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.
These people had no place in the Temple. Yet they were drawn to Jesus.
Before there was the passion of Christ, there was the compassion of Christ.
God knows you with an everlasting love. There is nothing you can do to change God's love for you.
Luke 15:2-3 NKJV
[2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
Luke 19:10 NKJV
[10] for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
The religious leaders were out of step with God and out of tune with Heaven.
Luke 15:10 NKJV
[10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
The parable of the lost son.
The prodigal son story has been stated to be the greatest short story ever written.
Many want God's blessings but they don't want God.
The father gave his son what he wanted.
We become like the prodigal son every time we look for happiness apart from God.
Sin will take you further then you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more then you want to pay.
Some people want to be saved from their misery but not from their sin.
The fathers mercy gave the boy peace, the fathers grace gave him a feast.
God is our creator.
Many use free will to run from God.
You can't work to receive God's grace and mercy, you can't work to receive God's forgiveness.
Our compassionate God will run to us if we come home.
It's not a parable of a prodigal son, it's a parable of a loving father.
John 6:29 NKJV
[29] Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
Legalism is to preach grace and practice law.
Christianity is not what we are outwardly, it's who we are inwardly.
How do we stop being the prodigal son and not turn into the brother.
Sinners will end up in Hell because they are unsaved, not because they are unloved.
You can't force a prodigal to come home, but you can pray for them.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Swipe Right
Notes: Swipe Right
Pastor Levi Lusko
4/2/2017
Exodus 2:12 and Genesis 2:24
Proverbs 4:23 NKJV
[23] Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the
issues of life.
"The life and death power of sex and romance"
What does it mean to swipe right? The average American touches their
screens on their phones over 150 times a day.
36% of the internet is people looking at pornography. The average
young person will be exposed to pornography as young as age 6.
Tinder has 100 million users. Its an application that you
"swipe right" to indicate you like someone and "swipe left"
that you don't. Tinder has had a trillion swipes to date.
Exodus 2:12 NKJV
[12] So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he
killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
Moses was beginning a pattern of doing what he liked to do per his
own desires.
We need to look up and not just swipe right or left.
God invented sex and He gave it to us as a gift.
Genesis 2:23 NKJV
[23] And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of
my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."
God knows sex is pleasurable. He also knows that it was powerful.
Genesis 2:24 NKJV
[24] Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined
to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
That is the arena where we should be having sex.
God tells us when and where to use sex in our lives.
Lies about sex that you may be lead to believe:
Lie 1: Sex is just a physical activity.
1 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV
[16] Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one
body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one
flesh."
Lust on any level impacts who you are. Addiction to pornography
results in a higher level of depression and physical issues.
Lie 2: I can do what I want and have what God wants.
Galatians 6:5 NKJV
[5] For each one shall bear his own load.
You don't get things out of your system and move on, you get things
into your system that you have to bear later.
Your past has a sneaky way of slipping into your future.
God does forgive you, but the best for your life is not that God
forgives you, it's that God wants to bless you now!
What you do today can bless your wedding one day or haunt it.
Lie 3: Sexual temptation and dating are only issues before you're
married.
It's not purity just till we are married, it is purity our whole
lives!
Working on your marriage, is working for a successful marriage.
The devil will do everything he can to get you to have sex with your
girlfriend prior to marriage. Then he does everything he can to keep you from
having sex with that exact same person after you are married.
Lie 4:" I've already messed up so there is no hope for
me."....Not true!!
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
[11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
More Jesus Equals More Joy
Notes: More Jesus Equals More Joy
Pastor Jason Powell
March 30, 2017
John 3:30
John 3:30 NKJV
[30] He must increase, but I must decrease.
Every person of all time has desired to be happy.
Psalm 107:9 NKJV
[9] For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
God is your source for satisfaction.
1 Peter 1:8 NKJV
[8] whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
When the root of your life is in Jesus then the fruit of your life is joy.
Faith will be replaced in Heaven with loving God face to face.
As a Christian you will always have a union with Jesus but you may not have communion with Him. We are the only ones who hold ourselves back from Jesus.
John 3:22-30 NKJV
[22] After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. [23] Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. [24] For John had not yet been thrown into prison. [25] Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. [26] And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified-behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!" [27] John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. [28] You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' [29] He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease.
1. Jesus the giver.
John 3:27 NKJV
[27] John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
He has given us everything.
Joy in Christ should not be lost when we experience bad things.
It's a small the to lose the gifts when you have the giver.
2. Jesus is the Christ
John 3:28 NKJV
[28] You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.'
John 1:29 NKJV
[29] The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
3. Jesus is the groom.
John 3:29 NKJV
[29] He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
Jesus provides our hearts needs. The groom is here.
John found joy that Jesus is here.
Jesus has come for you.
If you view Jesus as valuable, then give Him your time.
More Jesus equals more joy.
Pastor Jason Powell
March 30, 2017
John 3:30
John 3:30 NKJV
[30] He must increase, but I must decrease.
Every person of all time has desired to be happy.
Psalm 107:9 NKJV
[9] For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
God is your source for satisfaction.
1 Peter 1:8 NKJV
[8] whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
When the root of your life is in Jesus then the fruit of your life is joy.
Faith will be replaced in Heaven with loving God face to face.
As a Christian you will always have a union with Jesus but you may not have communion with Him. We are the only ones who hold ourselves back from Jesus.
John 3:22-30 NKJV
[22] After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. [23] Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. [24] For John had not yet been thrown into prison. [25] Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. [26] And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified-behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!" [27] John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. [28] You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' [29] He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease.
1. Jesus the giver.
John 3:27 NKJV
[27] John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
He has given us everything.
Joy in Christ should not be lost when we experience bad things.
It's a small the to lose the gifts when you have the giver.
2. Jesus is the Christ
John 3:28 NKJV
[28] You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.'
John 1:29 NKJV
[29] The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
3. Jesus is the groom.
John 3:29 NKJV
[29] He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
Jesus provides our hearts needs. The groom is here.
John found joy that Jesus is here.
Jesus has come for you.
If you view Jesus as valuable, then give Him your time.
More Jesus equals more joy.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
What to Do When the Odds Are Against You
Notes: What to Do When the Odds Are Against You
Greg Laurie
World Changers
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Judges 6
Music: Harvest Worship Band
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
God sees you differently then you see yourself. You see the past, God sees your future.
Gideon is a good representative of all the ordinary people out there.
God goes out of His way to take ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Judges 17:6 NLT
[6] In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
It was a lot like today, people living by their own truth.
God raised up 13 judges to guide His people through difficult times.
God raises up World Changers for every generation.
If God is not Lord of all then He is not your Lord at all.
Judges 6:1 NLT
[1] The Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight. So the LORD handed them over to the Midianites for seven years.
God let the Midianites rule over them.
If your in crisis, call on God.
Jeremiah 33:3 NLT
[3] Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
There is no shame in calling out for God in a time of crisis.
Judges 6:12-14 NLT
[12] The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, "Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!" [13] "Sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn't they say, 'The LORD brought us up out of Egypt'? But now the LORD has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites." [14] Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!"
We hear what God used to do, what is God doing now?
God is using us to do His work.
Judges 6:15 NLT
[15] "But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!"
Principle 1: God uses people who are humble.
Humble people see themselves as they are. They see their flaws and their short comings.
Judges 6:12 NLT
[12] The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, "Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!"
Gideon didn't see himself as a mighty hero.
Gideon was instructed to tear down the altar that his father had built to worship Baal.
Principle 2: World Changers are faithful in the little things.
If you can't do the small things then why could God trust you to do the greater things.
Luke 16:10 NLT
[10] "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.
Judges 6:27 NLT
[27] So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had commanded. But he did it at night because he was afraid of the other members of his father's household and the people of the town.
Gideon was defended by his father.
The hardest people to reach is your whole family.
There is a point where you preach sermons and there is a point where you live sermons.
Even Jesus' siblings did not believe in Him until His death and resurrection.
Judges 7:2-3 NLT
[2] The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. [3] Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.'" So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.
The Midianites had over 100,000 soldiers to fight them.
Why did the Lord want the fearful ones to leave? Because fear is contagious.
Hell should scare you more than anything.
Judges 7:4-8 NLT
[4] But the LORD told Gideon, "There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not." [5] When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, "Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream." [6] Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream. [7] The LORD told Gideon, "With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home." [8] So Gideon collected the provisions and rams' horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him. The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon.
Judges 7:19-23 NLT
[19] It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams' horns and broke their clay jars. [20] Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" [21] Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. [22] When the 300 Israelites blew their rams' horns, the LORD caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. [23] Then Gideon sent for the warriors of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, who joined in chasing the army of Midian.
It's like putting a pop warner team against the Super Bowl champs.
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
[12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Sometimes we try to battle a spiritual world with physical weapons.
Sometimes our most powerful weapon is with prayer.
The answer is not isolation, but infiltration... and permeation.
God is looking for people to share the gospel.
Give me 100 men who love God with all of their hearts and fear nothing but sin, and I will change the world. - John Wesley
Greg Laurie
World Changers
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Judges 6
Music: Harvest Worship Band
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
God sees you differently then you see yourself. You see the past, God sees your future.
Gideon is a good representative of all the ordinary people out there.
God goes out of His way to take ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Judges 17:6 NLT
[6] In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
It was a lot like today, people living by their own truth.
God raised up 13 judges to guide His people through difficult times.
God raises up World Changers for every generation.
If God is not Lord of all then He is not your Lord at all.
Judges 6:1 NLT
[1] The Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight. So the LORD handed them over to the Midianites for seven years.
God let the Midianites rule over them.
If your in crisis, call on God.
Jeremiah 33:3 NLT
[3] Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
There is no shame in calling out for God in a time of crisis.
Judges 6:12-14 NLT
[12] The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, "Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!" [13] "Sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn't they say, 'The LORD brought us up out of Egypt'? But now the LORD has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites." [14] Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!"
We hear what God used to do, what is God doing now?
God is using us to do His work.
Judges 6:15 NLT
[15] "But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!"
Principle 1: God uses people who are humble.
Humble people see themselves as they are. They see their flaws and their short comings.
Judges 6:12 NLT
[12] The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, "Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!"
Gideon didn't see himself as a mighty hero.
Gideon was instructed to tear down the altar that his father had built to worship Baal.
Principle 2: World Changers are faithful in the little things.
If you can't do the small things then why could God trust you to do the greater things.
Luke 16:10 NLT
[10] "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.
Judges 6:27 NLT
[27] So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had commanded. But he did it at night because he was afraid of the other members of his father's household and the people of the town.
Gideon was defended by his father.
The hardest people to reach is your whole family.
There is a point where you preach sermons and there is a point where you live sermons.
Even Jesus' siblings did not believe in Him until His death and resurrection.
Judges 7:2-3 NLT
[2] The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. [3] Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.'" So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.
The Midianites had over 100,000 soldiers to fight them.
Why did the Lord want the fearful ones to leave? Because fear is contagious.
Hell should scare you more than anything.
Judges 7:4-8 NLT
[4] But the LORD told Gideon, "There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not." [5] When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, "Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream." [6] Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream. [7] The LORD told Gideon, "With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home." [8] So Gideon collected the provisions and rams' horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him. The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon.
Judges 7:19-23 NLT
[19] It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams' horns and broke their clay jars. [20] Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" [21] Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. [22] When the 300 Israelites blew their rams' horns, the LORD caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. [23] Then Gideon sent for the warriors of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, who joined in chasing the army of Midian.
It's like putting a pop warner team against the Super Bowl champs.
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
[12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Sometimes we try to battle a spiritual world with physical weapons.
Sometimes our most powerful weapon is with prayer.
The answer is not isolation, but infiltration... and permeation.
God is looking for people to share the gospel.
Give me 100 men who love God with all of their hearts and fear nothing but sin, and I will change the world. - John Wesley
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