Jesus' Prayer for You

Notes: Jesus' Prayer for You
Greg Laurie
Sunday, January 28, 2018
John 17
Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/jesus-prayer-for-you-012818

Sometimes we get caught up on how we are praying in front of others. 

We should focus on who we are praying to.

Matthew 18:19 ESV
[19] Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

There is power in unified prayer.

Hebrews 7:25 ESV
[25] Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Romans 8:34 ESV
[34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

What does Jesus pray when He intercedes for us?

John 17 is the true “Lord’s Prayer”

Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer.

Luke 6:12 ESV
[12] In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

If Jesus who is perfect, prayed, how much more should we pray, that are sinful and imperfect.

1. Jesus first prayed for Himself.

You should start by praying for yourself.

John 17:1-5 ESV
[1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, [2] since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. [3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. [4] I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. [5] And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

Notice Jesus says, the hour has come.

John 2:4 ESV
[4] And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come."

John 7:6-8 ESV
[6] Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. [7] The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. [8] You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come."

He has done the work the Father has given Him to do.

God will use circumstances in our lives to keep us dependent on Him.

God loves to give us things. He loves to bless us.

It’s a good illustration to think of God as a grandfather sometimes. He loves to spoil us.

God wants us to go to Him, to have fellowship.

John 17:7-12 NLT
[7] Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, [8] for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me. [9] "My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. [10] All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. [11] Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. [12] During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold

What does Jesus want for you: points 1 to 4

1. Jesus prays for our preservation  
John 17:11 NLT
[11] Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.

God wants to keep you, but do you want to be kept?

If you stop feeding yourself spiritually, you will eventually start going backwards.

Psalm 121:1-5 NLT
[1] I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? [2] My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! [3] He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. [4] Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. [5] The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.

1 Peter 1:5 NLT
[5] And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

Jude 1:1 NLT
[1] This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.

You have a joint bank account with the creator of the universe.

If something is important to you, you will keep your eye on it.

God never forgets who He loves.

Though God will keep us, but we must want to be kept.

2. Jesus prays for our consecration 

John 17:13-17 NLT
[13] "Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. [14] I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. [15] I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. [16] They do not belong to this world any more than I do. [17] Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

1 John 2:16 NLT
[16] For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

The reality is when you become a Christian, you are not only saved, but you are also a much better version of yourself.

When you are a bright light, it will annoy  some people when you are shining.

John 17:17 NLT
[17] Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

2 Timothy 2:20 NLT
[20] In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.

Two big Bible words, Sanctified and Justified.

You become justified when you believe, you become sanctified over the years of living out your faith.

3. Jesus prays we will be unified

What a powerful witness it is when others see Christians unified.

The church is a family and it is also an army. 

Ephesians 4:16 NLT
[16] He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

One of the keys to spiritual growth is your engagement with the church. Not just attendance, but in participation.

“In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.”

John 17:20 NLT
[20] "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.

God keeps you saved, but you need to keep yourself safe.

4. He prays that we will reach out to others.

John 17:20 NLT
[20] "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.

How will people know how to accept Christ if no one tells them.

The church is not perfect, but we are still the best family going.

Stay Focused on Jesus

Notes: Stay Focused on Jesus
Nehemiah 11 and 12
Pastor Adam Eaton
January 23, 2018

http://podcast.harvestlive.net/mbf/2018/OCM180123.mp3

Recapping Nehemiah.
The people of Israel had been in exile up 70 years prior to Nehemiah. Many of the people had been in captivity or slavery during this time. Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel had written during this time. Then it was written in Ezra...

Ezra 1:1-3 NLT
[1] In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the LORD fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom: [2] "This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. [3] Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you!

God allowed this to happen to the people of Israel. It was punishment for the wicked ways of the people.

The book of Nehemiah and the book of Ezra in the past were one book. 

The walls being torn down were a symbol of God not being with the people during that time.

An impossible task was accomplished y the power of God.

1. Everyone do your part.

Nehemiah had everyone doing their part.

When God’s people rally together and everyone does their part, it all works and the glory goes to God.

Do your part in the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 12:14-27 NLT
[14] Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. [15] If the foot says, "I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand," that does not make it any less a part of the body. [16] And if the ear says, "I am not part of the body because I am not an eye," would that make it any less a part of the body? [17] If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? [18] But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. [19] How strange a body would be if it had only one part! [20] Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. [21] The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you." [22] In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. [23] And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, [24] while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. [25] This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. [26] If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. [27] All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it.

The impossible becomes possible in the body of Christ.

The wall was rebuilt at an impossible speed. 

Nehemiah 6:15 NLT
[15] So on October 2 the wall was finished-just fifty-two days after we had begun.

The wall was finished it the celebration had not started because Nehemiah made sure certain things were accomplished first.

Nehemiah 11:1-2 NLT
[1] The leaders of the people were living in Jerusalem, the holy city. A tenth of the people from the other towns of Judah and Benjamin were chosen by sacred lots to live there, too, while the rest stayed where they were. [2] And the people commended everyone who volunteered to resettle in Jerusalem.

Repopulating the city of Jerusalem was the next important step. Moving families was a large sacrificial step.

2. Go where God wants you to go.

There may be a time that God calls you to do something that may seem radical.

Once the people moved in, it was then time to celebrate.

Nehemiah 12:43 NLT
[43] Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.

3. Rejoice because of God’s work

God wants us to experience joy.

A joy that is incomparable can come from serving the Lord.

4. Stay focused on God...
That is what the people of Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s time missed.

In Ezra and Nehemiah three things were to be accomplished, Rebuilding the temple, reestablishing the law, and rebuilding the wall. 

God allowed His people to do these things because this was not His ultimate goal.

2 Chronicles 36:23 NKJV
[23] Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up!

The point is that we should stay focused on Jesus.

Zechariah 2:5 NKJV
[5] For I,' says the LORD, 'will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.'"

Israel wanted the walls of Jerusalem to be their glory, God wanted to be their glory.

Stay focused on Jesus.

How to Never Stumble of Fall

Notes: How to Never Stumble or Fall
Greg Laurie
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Series: Life: the Gospel of John
John 18, Luke 22
Music: Harvest Worship Band
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/how-to-never-stumble-or-fall

Many fall when that don’t plan on it. But, it appears many are setting themselves up for it.

Jeremiah 2:19 NKJV
[19] Your own wickedness will correct you, And your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing That you have forsaken the LORD your God, And the fear of Me is not in you," Says the Lord GOD of hosts.

Jeremiah 3:22 NKJV
[22] "Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, For You are the LORD our God.

One of the signs of the last days is that people will fall away from the faith.

If we are not moving forward in Christ, then we are naturally moving backwards.

Simon Peter famously backslides.

At Caesarea Peter rebuked Jesus.  

Peter, James and John went with Jesus to the transfiguration. Jesus was with Moses and Elijah. 

Matthew 17:4 NKJV
[4] Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

Simon Peter would either be knocking it out of the park or failing famously.

Luke 22:31-34 NKJV
[31] And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. [32] But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." [33] But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." [34] Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me."

Jesus dropped a bombshell on Peter when he said that.

It is unlikely many of us have personally be tempted by Satan himself.

Satan is NOT omnipresent so he cannot be attacking everyone at any time.

If Satan comes knocking at your door, make sure Jesus answers it.

The steps to Peter’s Fall
1. Self confidence 

Luke 22:33-34 NKJV
[33] But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." [34] Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me."

Peter tried to make himself look good by looking better than others.

Pride goes before a fall.

Recognize your weakness and your vulnerability. 

The devil didn’t make you do anything, he just tempted it.

2.Prayerlessness

Luke 22:39-42 NKJV
[39] Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. [40] When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." [41] And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, [42] saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."

Luke 22:45-46 NKJV
[45] When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. [46] Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."

They were “sleeping from sorrow”

John 18:15-18 NLT
[15] Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest's courtyard with Jesus. [16] Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in. [17] The woman asked Peter, "You're not one of that man's disciples, are you?" "No," he said, "I am not." [18] Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself.

3. Keeping his distance from Jesus

John 18:15 NLT
[15] Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest's courtyard with Jesus.

When you are the straggler that is usually when you become the prey.

Too much of the world to be happy with the Lord and too much of the Lord to be happy with the world.

4. Warming himself at the enemies fire.

John 18:18 NLT
[18] Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself.

He was in the wrong place, with the wrong people, about to do the wrong thing.

5. The first denial

Luke 22:56-57 NLT
[56] A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, "This man was one of Jesus' followers!" [57] But Peter denied it. "Woman," he said, "I don't even know him!"

Sin makes you stupid.

6. The last denial

John 18:25 NLT
[25] Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, "You're not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "No, I am not."

John 18:26-27 NLT
[26] But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Didn't I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?" [27] Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.

Luke tells us that a full hour had passed between the first and last denial.

Peter wanted to be near Jesus but he didn’t want to stand up for Him.

Luke 22:61-62 NLT
[61] At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord's words flashed through Peter's mind: "Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me." [62] And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

Peter was broken-hearted. 

The setback was temporary; Peter would be back.

Maybe you have fallen. Well you might not be able to get back up on your own, but God can lift you up.

Jesus has given us access to the Father. We don’t deserve it, yet Jesus still did it for us.

Jesus loves us all.

This is Not a Drill!

Notes: This Is Not a Drill!

Greg Laurie

 Nehemiah: The Rebuilt Life

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Nehemiah 10

Music: Harvest Worship Band

Share this: https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/this-is-not-a-drill

In Hawaii there was a false alarm sent out to All smartphones saying that a nuclear missile was heading towards them.

 In Nehemiah they were in a revival after the walls were rebuilt.

The evening of your life is determined in the morning of your life. The same is true in the Christian life.

You know you are growing spiritually when you know you need to grow spiritually, we all need to grow!

1. They surrendered to the word of God.

Nehemiah 10:28-29 NKJV

[28] Now the rest of the people-the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding- [29] these joined with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God's Law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes:

When you make your stand for Christ at Baptism.

When you make that stand of faith with your non believing friends.

2. They separated themselves from Ungodly Influences 

Nehemiah 10:28 NKJV

[28] Now the rest of the people-the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding-

The cause and effect: they separated in order to obey.

Proverbs 3:13-20 NKJV

[13] Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; [14] For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. [16] Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. [17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. [19] The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; [20] By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.

The believer does not pull the nonbeliever up; the nonbeliever pulls the believer down.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NKJV

[14] Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? [15] And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? [16] And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." [17] Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." [18] "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty."

While it’s a bad idea to marry a nonbeliever, this does not mean we have no contact. Separation does not mean isolation.

Because you love them enough to tell them the truth about what the Bible says.

Judging someone does not mean to condemn them. 

Galatians 6:1 NKJV

[1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

1 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV

[10] Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.

There are unbelievers, that frankly , don’t know any better.

3. They were invested in God’s kingdom.

Nehemiah 10:32 NKJV

[32] Also we made ordinances for ourselves, to exact from ourselves yearly one-third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God:

Everything we have came from God, yet we usually have such a hard time giving back anything.

Matthew 5:21 NKJV

[21] "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'

Every believer should give of their finances to the Lord.

1.  We are to give systematically.

1 Corinthians 16:2 NKJV

[2] On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

2. We are to give proportionally.

3. We are to give joyfully.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NKJV

[6] But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. [7] So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

4. If you want to be happy, do what God asks.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

God did not promise to meet our greeds; He promised to meet our needs.

Some of the Israelites started to go back to their old ways. They even let Tobiah back in.

Nehemiah 13:6-8 NKJV

[6] But during all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Then after certain days I obtained leave from the king, [7] and I came to Jerusalem and discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in preparing a room for him in the courts of the house of God. [8] And it grieved me bitterly; therefore I threw all the household goods of Tobiah out of the room.

Out with the old...in with the new.

Waiting for Christmas

Notes: Waiting for Christmas

Greg Laurie

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Luke 2

Music: Brennley Brown

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/waiting-for-christmas

Most people don’t like to wait for anything. Yet we all wait for things we want.

Somethings aren’t worth waiting for, somethings are worth the wait.

What are you waiting for this Christmas? Family, friends, gifts, for it to end?

Christmas is a promise.

What we really need is not Christmas, but Christ.

We are looking at two people today in this message...Rudolph and Frosty. Just joking...Simeon and Anna are the two that we will review.

Mary was in Nazareth, which was pretty much nowhere special and Mary was really a nobody until she was visited by the angel, Gabriel.

Luke 1:35 NLT

[35] The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.

Mary was told she was going to give birth to the Son of God, and to call Him, Jesus. Joseph was shown that Jesus was the Son of God.

Angels came and told the shepherds that Jesus was born.

Eight days after Jesus was born, He was presented to the Temple.

Then Simeon was at the temple. 

God rewards faithfulness as He did with Simeon.

1. Simeon 

Luke 2:25-27 NLT

[25] At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him [26] and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. [27] That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required,

If you have not heard from God in a while, it could be because of unconfessed sins in your life.

Isaiah 59:1-2 NLT

[1] Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. [2] It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

Never let go of The promises of God to you, they are true and trustworthy.

Simeon means, God has heard.

Luke 2:28-35 NLT

[28] Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, [29] "Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. [30] I have seen your salvation, [31] which you have prepared for all people. [32] He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" [33] Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him. [34] Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby's mother, "This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. [35] As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul."

Simeon was waiting with expectancy...

Luke 2:25 NLT

[25] At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him

If you haven’t heard from God...are you listening??

Jesus Christ is coming back a second time too!

Hebrews 9:28 NLT

[28] so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Are you eagerly waiting God’s return? The answer is a real test of where you are in your walk of faith.

2. Anna

Luke 2:36 NLT

[36] Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years.

Anna was an old woman waiting for the Messiah.

Luke 2:37-38 NLT

[37] Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. [38] She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Anna did the 4 things that we all need to do.

1. She studied Gods Word.

2. She prayed.

3. She want to church. 

4. She shared with others. 

To quote Jesus on why He came to us: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 NLT

God can forgive you of all of your sin. We don’t know if we will be here for next Christmas, so accept this gift now.

The Big Picture of Christmas

Notes: The Big Picture of Christmas

Greg Laurie

Sunday, December 17, 2017

John 1:1

Music: Phil Wickham

The detailed Christmas story is in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

John goes back way before that night in Bethlehem.

John 1:1-5 NLT

[1] In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He existed in the beginning with God. [3] God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. [4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

1. Jesus is God.

Before there was matter in this universe there was Jesus.

When He was born in Bethlehem He was deity in diapers.

2. Jesus, who was and is, be a,e flesh.

God literally walked among us.

1 John 1:3 NLT

[3] We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

You cam have fellowship with God.

Certain things get etched in our minds. Certainly a disciple walking with God could be one of those events.

The birth and death of Jesus is so significant that we divide human time by it.

Jesus’ life was recorded in the Gospels but secular writers also wrote about Him. Josephus was one of the most famous.

These accounts were written in the lifetimes of the people who could prove or dispute if they were true. The people of the time did not dispute these things written in the Gospels.

Deity was shown when Jesus woke from a nap and stopped a storm. He became human without ceasing being God.

The Father and Son were continually together.

John 1:1 NLT

[1] In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jesus came to our place, He took our place and then He invites us back to His place.

You follow a God that understands what you are going through.

This time of year can be a very stressful or sad time for many. This time is not about let snow or cheer. The message of Christmas is that God is with you.

God knows what your issues are and he wants to keep your life in order.

3. God, who became Man, shined his light on humanity.

John 1:4-5 NLT

[4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Man can not fix our problems.

John 1:5 NLT

[5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

A nonbeliever will never understand what happened to you when you put your faith into Jesus Christ.

Most nonbelievers will look at you as kind of a drag. Embrace the tension, it’s a good thing. Be loving and caring and be happy to be different. Shine that light.

Pray for the meal at Christmas, you will have the the attention of them all. It’s a great time to share the Gospel with everyone. 

John 1:9 NLT

[9] The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

The light is not “in” every person, it is “shined on” every person.

Jeremiah 29:13 NLT

[13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

3 ways you are not going to become a Christian:

John 1:12-13 NLT

[12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. [13] They are reborn-not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

1. “Who were born, not of blood.”

You aren’t born as a Christian just because your family is.

2. “Nor of the will of the flesh.”

It has nothing to do with desire. You must go humbly before God.

3. “Nor of the will of man”

We must go to God and ask.

Most gifts are forgotten, but some gifts last. They become more valuable with the passage of time. The gift of eternal life is a gift that becomes more valuable with the passage of time.

The gift of Eternal Life is the most precious gift you have.

How do you receive that gift; reach out and receive it, hold on to it, enjoy it, and remember to say thank you!