Notes: Just Do It!
Greg Laurie
Discipleship: The Road Less Taken
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Matthew 28
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/watch/just-do-it-2017
So far smartphones, have not had a real positive affect on us. People are disconnecting from real life and depression is coming along with it.
People want to be loved, needed and appreciated.
Six things disciples of Jesus do:
1. A disciple of Jesus loves God more than anyone or anything else.
2. A disciple of Jesus takes up his cross daily.
3. The disciple has turned the title deed of their life over to Jesus.
4. A disciple impacts their culture.
5.A disciple brings forth spiritual fruit.
6. A disciple will carefully read, study and live according to God’s Word.
If you are following Jesus as a real disciple then you are leading others to Christ.
If you want to win some, then you need to be winsome.
We always need to be looking for ways to build a bridge.
Don’t ever try to harvest a seed that is not ready, but don’t neglect to harvest a seed that is ready to be harvested.
Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Discipleship simplified...
We are to lead others to Christ, establish them spiritually, and do it again.
Like a newborn baby, new believers need...
1. They need assurance.
1 John 5:13 ESV
[13] I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
2. They need protection.
Galatians 4:19 ESV
[19] my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!
New believers are vulnerable to their emotions. They need protection.
3. They need food.
Healthy people are hungry people.
Believers have the hope and assurance of Heaven.
4. They need an example.
Some things are taught and some things are caught.
They need to see what things we do as Christians.
2 Timothy 3:10 ESV
[10] You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
Many times people don’t want to disciple others because they don’t want to change themselves.
Sometimes as believers we can be guilty of overeating. We are taking in so much and not sharing it with others.
Give and you will receive, Jesus said...
Luke 6:38 ESV
[38] give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
We need to have a life that is welcoming to new believers.
With a new believer you will discover things you take for granted.
They need you to stabilize them and you need them to revitalize you.
“Lord, save the elect, and elect some more.” - D.L. Moody
A new believer doesn’t need just a Bible scholar, they really just need a friend.
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Sunday, September 24, 2017
Sunday, September 10, 2017
What is a Disciple
Notes: What is a Disciple
Greg Laurie
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Matthew 28, Luke 14
Music: Harvest Worship Band
Watch: https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/watch/what-is-a-disciple
God isn't your copilot, he is so much more than that. He is he master, you are the slave. He is the potter, you are the clay.
1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT
[19] Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,
Your possessions, family, and future belong to God.
Our goal is to find out God's goals and align ourselves with it.
Never be afraid to give an unknown future to a known God.
All who are called to salvation are called to discipleship no excuses and no exceptions.
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
[19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
You can't make a disciple until you are a disciple yourself.
Be a disciple or be a disciple-maker.
1. Being baptized
... baptizing them in the name of the Father...
2. Are you obeying his commands?
Luke 14:26-27 NLT
[26] "If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else-your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. [27] And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
As a disciple...
1. You must love Jesus more than anyone or anything else.
If you love Jesus more, He will expand your heart.
2. The disciple must take up his cross, and follow Jesus.
Luke 14:27 NLT
[27] And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
When you bear the cross, you will find life.
You already love yourself, but the goal is to deny yourself and lose yourself.
Luke 9:23-24 NLT
[23] Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. [24] If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
The symbol of the early church was the fish. The early church did not wear crosses, they died on them.
That's why Jesus said...
Luke 14:28-30 NLT
[28] "But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? [29] Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. [30] They would say, 'There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!'
Salvation is free and it cost you nothing, but following Jesus has a cost and could eventually cost you everything.
The cross symbolizes one thing: deny yourself
Taking up your cross and dying to yourself, means doing things for Jesus instead of yourself. Setting aside your wants and doing what Jesus asks.
3. The disciple must turn the "title deed" of their life over to Christ.
Luke 14:33 NLT
[33] So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
If you are a car guy, that means handing the pink slip over to Christ.
The only obsession a disciple should have is Jesus Christ.
4. A disciple must Impact their culture.
Luke 14:34-35 NLT
[34] "Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? [35] Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!"
What good is salt if it is not salty? What good is a half hearted Christian.
Jesus is saying you are valuable!
What does salt do? It preserves and stops rotting.
5. A disciple will bring forth spiritual fruit.
John 15:8 NLT
[8] When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
If you were arrested for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?
Who can live up to the standards of a disciple? You can!
Galatians 2:20 NLT
[20] My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
God gives you the gift of eternal life.
Greg Laurie
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Matthew 28, Luke 14
Music: Harvest Worship Band
Watch: https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/watch/what-is-a-disciple
God isn't your copilot, he is so much more than that. He is he master, you are the slave. He is the potter, you are the clay.
1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT
[19] Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,
Your possessions, family, and future belong to God.
Our goal is to find out God's goals and align ourselves with it.
Never be afraid to give an unknown future to a known God.
All who are called to salvation are called to discipleship no excuses and no exceptions.
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
[19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
You can't make a disciple until you are a disciple yourself.
Be a disciple or be a disciple-maker.
1. Being baptized
... baptizing them in the name of the Father...
2. Are you obeying his commands?
Luke 14:26-27 NLT
[26] "If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else-your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. [27] And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
As a disciple...
1. You must love Jesus more than anyone or anything else.
If you love Jesus more, He will expand your heart.
2. The disciple must take up his cross, and follow Jesus.
Luke 14:27 NLT
[27] And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
When you bear the cross, you will find life.
You already love yourself, but the goal is to deny yourself and lose yourself.
Luke 9:23-24 NLT
[23] Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. [24] If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
The symbol of the early church was the fish. The early church did not wear crosses, they died on them.
That's why Jesus said...
Luke 14:28-30 NLT
[28] "But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? [29] Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. [30] They would say, 'There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!'
Salvation is free and it cost you nothing, but following Jesus has a cost and could eventually cost you everything.
The cross symbolizes one thing: deny yourself
Taking up your cross and dying to yourself, means doing things for Jesus instead of yourself. Setting aside your wants and doing what Jesus asks.
3. The disciple must turn the "title deed" of their life over to Christ.
Luke 14:33 NLT
[33] So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
If you are a car guy, that means handing the pink slip over to Christ.
The only obsession a disciple should have is Jesus Christ.
4. A disciple must Impact their culture.
Luke 14:34-35 NLT
[34] "Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? [35] Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!"
What good is salt if it is not salty? What good is a half hearted Christian.
Jesus is saying you are valuable!
What does salt do? It preserves and stops rotting.
5. A disciple will bring forth spiritual fruit.
John 15:8 NLT
[8] When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
If you were arrested for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?
Who can live up to the standards of a disciple? You can!
Galatians 2:20 NLT
[20] My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
God gives you the gift of eternal life.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Are You His Disciple?
Notes: Are You His Disciple?
Greg Laurie
Discipleship: The Road Less Taken
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Luke 14 and Matthew 28
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/watch/are-you-his-disciple-090317
Over 10,000 people made a profession of faith at the SoCal Harvest last month.
It's not enough to just go forward in accepting your faith, it takes a life time of following Jesus.
In stand up paddle boarding, there is a phrase, "stall you fall."
It's the same thing in your Christian life and walk.
New believers can be compared to babies. Babies act like babies but as they grow up they need to act grown up.
1 Peter 2:2 NLT
[2] Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,
That very hunger for the Spirit of God is a great indication of your spirituality.
Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
[1] So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. [2] You don't need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. [3] And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
To be a new believer is wonderful, but we all need to grow up spiritually.
We are all commanded "to go and make disciples"
Matthew 28:16-20 NLT
[16] Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him-but some of them doubted! [18] Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
To make a disciple you first need to be a disciple.
Every disciple is a Christian, but not every Christian is necessarily a disciple.
A disciple could be called a New Testament Christian.
Discipling is not only the road to the Christian life, but it is the road to life itself.
When Jesus walked our planet, He spent time with His disciples.
A lot of people are interested in Jesus, but many don't take the next steps.
Curious. Convinced. Committed.
Curious - many people came to see Jesus and his miracles. Many left still curious.
Convinced - know it's real, and believe. But don't live the Christian life.
John 2:11 NLT
[11] This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Committed- living the Christian life.
Luke 14:26-27 NLT
[26] "If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else-your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. [27] And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
Do you want to be a fair weather follower or a committed Christian?
A fair weather follower will many times pray in only times of crisis. When things go well, they are no where to be seen.
Jesus wants you to be there as a follower at all times.
Jesus seems to have a lot of "Facebook" kind of friends.
1. The disciple must love Jesus more than anyone or anything else.
Luke 14:26 NLT
[26] "If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else-your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.
Your love for Jesus must be so strong that your love for others would be like hatred in comparison.
Anyone that would keep you from Christ is not someone you need to have in your life.
Jesus came to bring conversion. Before there is conversion, there is friction.
You will either have friction with people and harmony with God, or you can have harmony with people and friction with God.
I want to be a disciple.
Greg Laurie
Discipleship: The Road Less Taken
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Luke 14 and Matthew 28
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/watch/are-you-his-disciple-090317
Over 10,000 people made a profession of faith at the SoCal Harvest last month.
It's not enough to just go forward in accepting your faith, it takes a life time of following Jesus.
In stand up paddle boarding, there is a phrase, "stall you fall."
It's the same thing in your Christian life and walk.
New believers can be compared to babies. Babies act like babies but as they grow up they need to act grown up.
1 Peter 2:2 NLT
[2] Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,
That very hunger for the Spirit of God is a great indication of your spirituality.
Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
[1] So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. [2] You don't need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. [3] And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
To be a new believer is wonderful, but we all need to grow up spiritually.
We are all commanded "to go and make disciples"
Matthew 28:16-20 NLT
[16] Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him-but some of them doubted! [18] Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
To make a disciple you first need to be a disciple.
Every disciple is a Christian, but not every Christian is necessarily a disciple.
A disciple could be called a New Testament Christian.
Discipling is not only the road to the Christian life, but it is the road to life itself.
When Jesus walked our planet, He spent time with His disciples.
A lot of people are interested in Jesus, but many don't take the next steps.
Curious. Convinced. Committed.
Curious - many people came to see Jesus and his miracles. Many left still curious.
Convinced - know it's real, and believe. But don't live the Christian life.
John 2:11 NLT
[11] This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Committed- living the Christian life.
Luke 14:26-27 NLT
[26] "If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else-your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. [27] And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
Do you want to be a fair weather follower or a committed Christian?
A fair weather follower will many times pray in only times of crisis. When things go well, they are no where to be seen.
Jesus wants you to be there as a follower at all times.
Jesus seems to have a lot of "Facebook" kind of friends.
1. The disciple must love Jesus more than anyone or anything else.
Luke 14:26 NLT
[26] "If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else-your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.
Your love for Jesus must be so strong that your love for others would be like hatred in comparison.
Anyone that would keep you from Christ is not someone you need to have in your life.
Jesus came to bring conversion. Before there is conversion, there is friction.
You will either have friction with people and harmony with God, or you can have harmony with people and friction with God.
I want to be a disciple.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
A View from Another World
Notes: World View: A View from Another World
Pastor Jack Graham
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Hebrews 1:6, Hebrews 1:7–14
We are to set our minds on things above.
There are almost 300 references to angels in the Bible. Way more references than there are to demons.
Hebrews 1:14 ESV
[14] Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
That is for believers, we can celebrate the fact that angels are around us.
When we understand the ministry of angels, then we see that God is in control of the universe. Angels are to engage us in our lives to let us we are not alone.
God gives us angels to minister over us in ways we do not understand. They administer Devine blessings over us.
Angels were present before the creation. Here before Genesis.
Angels are there but never the actual topic of the story. The focus is what God is doing.
The more we study angels, the more we learn about God. It's not about them, it's always about Jesus.
When Jesus conquered Satan in the wilderness, it was an angel that showed up to minister to Jesus.
Only three angels are named in all of scripture, Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer before he fell.
The prophet Elijah prayed for God to open the eyes of the servant to see all of the angels around him.
Revelation 4:8 ESV
[8] And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!"
The angels pray to God in His great glory. We will praise God for His grace.
If the angels can rejoice in Christ, oh how we should rejoice in our salvation through Christ.
The Bible never references baby angels. They are only worshippers and warriors.
Prayer should be worship but is is also spiritual warfare.
We should pray and not give up.
There are times we can't figure out how we were protected from a tragic event, maybe it was an angel.
We are not to worship angels, they are from God. We are to worship God.
When Jesus returns, Gabriel will blow a mighty horn.
Angels also execute judgment. As the angels did in Sodom and Gomorra.
We are witnesses of the grace of God in our lives. Even angels don't have that story to tell.
Acts 8:26-27 ESV
[26] Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place. [27] And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
An angel took Philip to the man, but it was Philip that was the witness.
Somebody you know, needs to know Jesus and you are the one that needs to share the Gospel with them.
Pastor Jack Graham
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Hebrews 1:6, Hebrews 1:7–14
We are to set our minds on things above.
There are almost 300 references to angels in the Bible. Way more references than there are to demons.
Hebrews 1:14 ESV
[14] Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
That is for believers, we can celebrate the fact that angels are around us.
When we understand the ministry of angels, then we see that God is in control of the universe. Angels are to engage us in our lives to let us we are not alone.
God gives us angels to minister over us in ways we do not understand. They administer Devine blessings over us.
Angels were present before the creation. Here before Genesis.
Angels are there but never the actual topic of the story. The focus is what God is doing.
The more we study angels, the more we learn about God. It's not about them, it's always about Jesus.
When Jesus conquered Satan in the wilderness, it was an angel that showed up to minister to Jesus.
Only three angels are named in all of scripture, Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer before he fell.
The prophet Elijah prayed for God to open the eyes of the servant to see all of the angels around him.
Revelation 4:8 ESV
[8] And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!"
The angels pray to God in His great glory. We will praise God for His grace.
If the angels can rejoice in Christ, oh how we should rejoice in our salvation through Christ.
The Bible never references baby angels. They are only worshippers and warriors.
Prayer should be worship but is is also spiritual warfare.
We should pray and not give up.
There are times we can't figure out how we were protected from a tragic event, maybe it was an angel.
We are not to worship angels, they are from God. We are to worship God.
When Jesus returns, Gabriel will blow a mighty horn.
Angels also execute judgment. As the angels did in Sodom and Gomorra.
We are witnesses of the grace of God in our lives. Even angels don't have that story to tell.
Acts 8:26-27 ESV
[26] Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place. [27] And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
An angel took Philip to the man, but it was Philip that was the witness.
Somebody you know, needs to know Jesus and you are the one that needs to share the Gospel with them.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
The Biblical Worldview on the Afterlife
Notes: The Biblical Worldview on the Afterlife
Greg Laurie
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Revelation 20
Music: Phil Wickham
There are many incorrect views of the afterlife.
Many people today don't believe in God but they do believe in Heaven.
Just because people believe in something does not have an impact if it does or doesn't actually exist.
What happens when we die?
When you die and your a Christian you go straight to Heaven. When you die and your not a Christian, you go to Hell.
According to scripture, more people are going to Hell than Heaven.
Knowing Hell is real, you would think that would motivate people to want to go to Heaven.
The price has already been paid by Jesus Christ for all of us to get to Heaven.
2 Corinthians 5:8-9 NKJV
[8] We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. [9] Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
1 Corinthians 15:42-43 NKJV
[42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. [43] It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
Heaven is the earthly life of the believer glorified and perfected.
All of the clouding and damaging effects of sin will be removed.
What happens to the nonbeliever...
Revelation 20:11-15 NKJV
[11] Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. [14] Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
John sees a "Great White Thrown"
When the nonbeliever dies they go to Hades.
1. People in Hell suffer
Luke 16:23 NKJV
[23] And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
2. Once you are in Hell you cannot cross over to Heaven.
3. You are conscious in Hell and fully aware of where you are.
Luke 16:28 NKJV
[28] for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'
Who will be at the Great White Throne of judgement? Everyone who has rejected Christ.
There are different kinds of sinners:
1. Out and out sinners.
The garden variety sinner.
2. Self righteous people
More refined people that were more moral to some degree. They think they are good people.
3. Procrastinators.
4. Unsaved church members.
Going to church doesn't get you to Heaven. Accepting Jesus Christ gets you to Heaven.
John 3:18 NKJV
[18] "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Rejection gets you in front of the Throne of Judgement.
All who go to Hell chose it.
Diluting the Gospel has horrible ramifications.
Jude 1:23 NKJV
[23] but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
We have the hope of Heaven but we don't want anyone to go to Hell.
Do your due diligence to keep those around you from Hell.
Greg Laurie
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Revelation 20
Music: Phil Wickham
There are many incorrect views of the afterlife.
Many people today don't believe in God but they do believe in Heaven.
Just because people believe in something does not have an impact if it does or doesn't actually exist.
What happens when we die?
When you die and your a Christian you go straight to Heaven. When you die and your not a Christian, you go to Hell.
According to scripture, more people are going to Hell than Heaven.
Knowing Hell is real, you would think that would motivate people to want to go to Heaven.
The price has already been paid by Jesus Christ for all of us to get to Heaven.
2 Corinthians 5:8-9 NKJV
[8] We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. [9] Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
1 Corinthians 15:42-43 NKJV
[42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. [43] It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
Heaven is the earthly life of the believer glorified and perfected.
All of the clouding and damaging effects of sin will be removed.
What happens to the nonbeliever...
Revelation 20:11-15 NKJV
[11] Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. [14] Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
John sees a "Great White Thrown"
When the nonbeliever dies they go to Hades.
1. People in Hell suffer
Luke 16:23 NKJV
[23] And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
2. Once you are in Hell you cannot cross over to Heaven.
3. You are conscious in Hell and fully aware of where you are.
Luke 16:28 NKJV
[28] for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'
Who will be at the Great White Throne of judgement? Everyone who has rejected Christ.
There are different kinds of sinners:
1. Out and out sinners.
The garden variety sinner.
2. Self righteous people
More refined people that were more moral to some degree. They think they are good people.
3. Procrastinators.
4. Unsaved church members.
Going to church doesn't get you to Heaven. Accepting Jesus Christ gets you to Heaven.
John 3:18 NKJV
[18] "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Rejection gets you in front of the Throne of Judgement.
All who go to Hell chose it.
Diluting the Gospel has horrible ramifications.
Jude 1:23 NKJV
[23] but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
We have the hope of Heaven but we don't want anyone to go to Hell.
Do your due diligence to keep those around you from Hell.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
The Biblical Worldview on Finding Contentment
Notes: The Biblical Worldview on Finding Contentment
Greg Laurie
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Are you content?
Do you think something you are trying to achieve will finally make you content?
Or is there always an "if only" thing in life?
The secret to happiness and joy for the Christian is in the way we think.
The good life does not begin with circumstances change, but when our attitudes do.
Philippians 4:10-13 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. [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.
Real contentment is not a state of account it is a state of heart.
Contentment is not our ability to change our circumstances, but in our ability to live with them.
1. Paul found contentment because he rejoiced in the Lord.
Grateful people demonstrate less envy, materialism and self-centeredness.
Philippians 4:11 NKJV
[11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
What you have in Christ is far greater than anything you don't have in life.
A sure sign of spiritual growth is when you recognize you need to grow spiritually.
2. Contentment does not necessarily come naturally.
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 found contentment because he learned to take life as it came.
3. Contentment does not come from what we have it comes from who we know.
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
[5] Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
4. Contentment comes from leaning on Christ, not leaning on yourself.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I'm sure no one in Heaven wants to come back to earth.
5. Contentment is knowing if I'm not content with what I have, I will never be content with what I want.
Jesus cares if "one light goes out" and so should we.
6. Contentment is not from getting but from giving.
Getting more stuff does not bring happiness or contentment; giving more stuff does.
Happiness and contentment does not come from seeking happiness and contentment. It comes from seeking God.
When you have Christ, you have everything.
Greg Laurie
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Are you content?
Do you think something you are trying to achieve will finally make you content?
Or is there always an "if only" thing in life?
The secret to happiness and joy for the Christian is in the way we think.
The good life does not begin with circumstances change, but when our attitudes do.
Philippians 4:10-13 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. [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.
Real contentment is not a state of account it is a state of heart.
Contentment is not our ability to change our circumstances, but in our ability to live with them.
1. Paul found contentment because he rejoiced in the Lord.
Grateful people demonstrate less envy, materialism and self-centeredness.
Philippians 4:11 NKJV
[11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
What you have in Christ is far greater than anything you don't have in life.
A sure sign of spiritual growth is when you recognize you need to grow spiritually.
2. Contentment does not necessarily come naturally.
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 found contentment because he learned to take life as it came.
3. Contentment does not come from what we have it comes from who we know.
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
[5] Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
4. Contentment comes from leaning on Christ, not leaning on yourself.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I'm sure no one in Heaven wants to come back to earth.
5. Contentment is knowing if I'm not content with what I have, I will never be content with what I want.
Jesus cares if "one light goes out" and so should we.
6. Contentment is not from getting but from giving.
Getting more stuff does not bring happiness or contentment; giving more stuff does.
Happiness and contentment does not come from seeking happiness and contentment. It comes from seeking God.
When you have Christ, you have everything.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
The Biblical Worldview on Overcoming Worry
Notes: The Biblical Worldview on Overcoming Worry
Greg Laurie
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Philippians 4:1–9
Music: Harvest Worship Band
We all know what it means and feels like to be afraid. Worry and fear go along with it.
People die everyday doing things that aren't dangerous. Falling out of bed kills 600 people a year, choking on hot dogs kill people.
The number one thing people said they worry about in a survey was their appearance.
Worry can keep your body from fighting off illness. So worry can kill you!
Worry comes from an old German word that means to strangle or choke.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties the strength for today.
Australians have a great saying "no worries, mate"
Philippians 4:4-7 NLT
[4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! [5] Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. [6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
When Paul wrote this, he was on house arrest in Rome.
God commands us to rejoice in all things.
Philippians 4:4 NLT
[4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!
Rejoicing is an act of obedience, and worry can actually be a sin.
Paul had every reason to worry, he was facing trial, yet he rejoiced in the Lord.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT
[17] Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, [18] yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Gods plans for you are still good, even when you choose to worry.
Psalm 42:8 NLT
[8] But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
Take your worries and turn them into prayers. Send them straight to God.
When you are in pain, it's not the easiest time for a worship service.
1. Right praying.
2. Right thinking.
3. Right living.
1. Right praying
Right praying can be taught to become a conditioned reflex. A natural reflex to turn worries into prayer.
Put it in Gods hands, trust in Him.
Philippians 4:6 NLT
[6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Nothing is too big or too small to pray about.
Little problems can turn into big problems.
Great reason to pray for your child is because they grow up and have to face bigger and bigger problems.
Keep bringing your child to Jesus, because they need our prayer.
We are supposed to give thanks before we even offer the prayer. Your prayer will be answered with Gods perfect knowledge.
If you have big problems, you have a small god. With a big God, are problems are small.
Daniel got thrown in prison for praying during his time. Daniel didn't let that deter him.
Philippians 4:7 NLT
[7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
2. Right thinking.
Philippians 4:8 NLT
[8] And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Think about what you think about.
Run it through a grid of grace. Is it true, is it helpful.
Proverbs 23:7 NLT
[7] They are always thinking about how much it costs. "Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it.
Genesis 3:1 NLT
[1] The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?"
Protect your minds. Fill your minds with things that are true and God's word.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
[5] We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Psalm 42:5 NLT
[5] Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again- my Savior and
Remind yourself of what the Bible says.
3. Right living
Philippians 4:9 NLT
[9] Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
85% of what you worry about, will never happen.
Tomorrow marks 9 years of when Pastor Greg's son, Christopher, died.
What happens when your fears come true? God never promised us a pain free life.
Send your prayers and fears to God. Don't panic, God will be there for that. God will give you the strength you need when you need it.
Your lives will be changed forever by some tragedies. What will you chose to do with it? Give it to God and He can use it for good.
Your best days can always be ahead of you when you give them to God.
Even when death comes, we don't have to be afraid. We are leaving the land of the dying and going to the land of the living.
Revelation 1:17-18 NLT
[17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the living one. I died, but look-I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.
Jesus has the keys.
1 Peter 5:7 NLT
[7] Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Greg Laurie
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Philippians 4:1–9
Music: Harvest Worship Band
We all know what it means and feels like to be afraid. Worry and fear go along with it.
People die everyday doing things that aren't dangerous. Falling out of bed kills 600 people a year, choking on hot dogs kill people.
The number one thing people said they worry about in a survey was their appearance.
Worry can keep your body from fighting off illness. So worry can kill you!
Worry comes from an old German word that means to strangle or choke.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties the strength for today.
Australians have a great saying "no worries, mate"
Philippians 4:4-7 NLT
[4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! [5] Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. [6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
When Paul wrote this, he was on house arrest in Rome.
God commands us to rejoice in all things.
Philippians 4:4 NLT
[4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!
Rejoicing is an act of obedience, and worry can actually be a sin.
Paul had every reason to worry, he was facing trial, yet he rejoiced in the Lord.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT
[17] Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, [18] yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Gods plans for you are still good, even when you choose to worry.
Psalm 42:8 NLT
[8] But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
Take your worries and turn them into prayers. Send them straight to God.
When you are in pain, it's not the easiest time for a worship service.
1. Right praying.
2. Right thinking.
3. Right living.
1. Right praying
Right praying can be taught to become a conditioned reflex. A natural reflex to turn worries into prayer.
Put it in Gods hands, trust in Him.
Philippians 4:6 NLT
[6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Nothing is too big or too small to pray about.
Little problems can turn into big problems.
Great reason to pray for your child is because they grow up and have to face bigger and bigger problems.
Keep bringing your child to Jesus, because they need our prayer.
We are supposed to give thanks before we even offer the prayer. Your prayer will be answered with Gods perfect knowledge.
If you have big problems, you have a small god. With a big God, are problems are small.
Daniel got thrown in prison for praying during his time. Daniel didn't let that deter him.
Philippians 4:7 NLT
[7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
2. Right thinking.
Philippians 4:8 NLT
[8] And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Think about what you think about.
Run it through a grid of grace. Is it true, is it helpful.
Proverbs 23:7 NLT
[7] They are always thinking about how much it costs. "Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it.
Genesis 3:1 NLT
[1] The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?"
Protect your minds. Fill your minds with things that are true and God's word.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
[5] We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Psalm 42:5 NLT
[5] Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again- my Savior and
Remind yourself of what the Bible says.
3. Right living
Philippians 4:9 NLT
[9] Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
85% of what you worry about, will never happen.
Tomorrow marks 9 years of when Pastor Greg's son, Christopher, died.
What happens when your fears come true? God never promised us a pain free life.
Send your prayers and fears to God. Don't panic, God will be there for that. God will give you the strength you need when you need it.
Your lives will be changed forever by some tragedies. What will you chose to do with it? Give it to God and He can use it for good.
Your best days can always be ahead of you when you give them to God.
Even when death comes, we don't have to be afraid. We are leaving the land of the dying and going to the land of the living.
Revelation 1:17-18 NLT
[17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the living one. I died, but look-I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.
Jesus has the keys.
1 Peter 5:7 NLT
[7] Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
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.
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.
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.
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