How to Have Peace with God

Notes: How to Have Peace with God
Greg Laurie
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Series: Relentless Grace: Paul's Letter to the Romans
Romans 5
Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/how-to-have-peace-with-god

Why did Jesus come to Earth.
1. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem to save us from our sin.

How can reach a sinner if you don’t spend some time with them.

2. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to bring life in all of its fullness.

Christmas is at best. A promise of things to come.

3. Jesus was born in Bethlehem so we could become God’s friends and have peace.

Romans 5:1-11 NKJV
[1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; [4] and perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

[6] For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. [10] For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. [11] And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

God is a true friend that will be there when you need Him.

True friends have communication.

1. We have friendship with God because Jesus made it possible.

Romans 5:1 NKJV
[1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2. This friendship with God brings us personal peace.

Romans 5:1 NKJV
[1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

We have peace through very difficult circumstances.

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.

We have to have peace with God before we can have peace through God.

Romans 5:10 NLT
[10] For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

Stop fighting with God, stop running from God.

Luke 2:14 NLT
[14] "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."

Romans 5:5 NLT
[5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Instead of praying for more love, how about you do more loving things.

Do the loving thing, don’t wait on the emotion.

1. You have peace with God.
2. You are free and have open access to his presence 
3. You have the hope of glory.

3. A true friend is always there for you.
Romans 5:3 NLT
[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

You have an all access pass to God.

4. True friends stick together through thick and thin.

Romans 5:3-4 NLT
[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

I can’t control what happens around me, but I can control how I react.

Luke 22:42 NLT
[42] "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Job had hardships but he still praised the Lord.

Everything you go through in life is preparing you for something else.

God is preparing you for something that is yet to come.

Romans 5:3-4 NLT
[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

Character means, “testedness.”

In a spiritual battle, the goal is to win, not to lose.

Hope grows in the garden of adversity.

This hope is no fantasy, God will never let us down.

We are sinners.
Romans 5:8 NLT
[8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

We were God’s enemies.

We were utterly helpless.

1. God has justified us.
2. God has given free admission into His presence at all times.
3. God has taken care of my past.

Serving God and Country

Notes: Serving God and Country

Tony Clark

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Acts 10:1–8

Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/serving-god-and-country

Acts 10:1-8 NKJV

[1] There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, [2] a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. [3] About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius!" [4] And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, lord?" So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. [5] Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. [6] He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do." [7] And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. [8] So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius was a very popular name in that time.

Acts 10:2 NKJV

[2] a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

Cornelius was a devout religious man, but lost.

The fear of the Lord will govern our homes. We will fear what we bring our homes because of the fear of the Lord.

There is no conflict in serving God any your country.

Acts 13:22 NKJV

[22] And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'

If all it took to get into heaven was to be a good guy, then Cornelius would have no worries. That’s not the case though.

If Cornelius didn’t need to be saved, then why would he need to send for Peter?

Religious but lost!

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 NKJV

[15] But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. [16] For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Despicable Me.

Notes: Despicable Me.

Pastor Jeff

Harvest OC

11/6/18

Romans 3:10 NKJV

[10] As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one;

1. Our Character.

Romans 3:10-12 NKJV

[10] As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; [11] There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. [12] They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."

2. Our Conversation

Romans 3:13-14 NKJV

[13] "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips"; [14] "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."

The devil knows our name, but calls us by our sins. God knows our sins but calls us by our names.

3. Our Conduct

Romans 3:15-17 NKJV

[15] "Their feet are swift to shed blood; [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways; [17] And the way of peace they have not known."

Three Words That Can Change Your Life!

Notes: Three Words That Can Change Your Life!
Greg Laurie
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Series: Relentless Grace: Paul's Letter to the Romans
Romans 3
Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/three-words-that-can-change-your-life-110418

“Pain lead me to my greatness, my greatness lead me to my destruction.” - Darryl Strawberry 

“I didn’t become a man until I met Jesus. When I met Jesus, I became a man.” - Darryl Strawberry 

“People may be finished with, but God is never finished with you.” - Darryl Strawberry 

“God is always going to use people to help people.” Darryl Strawberry 

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

“God loved me in my brokenness” - Darryl Strawberry 

“God said to me, how dare you not forgive him when I forgave you.” Darryl Strawberry 

7 things you may have thought were in the Bible, but are not:
1. The apple in the garden.
2. The 3 wise men.
3. A whale swallowed Jonah.
4. The saying, “money is the root of all evil.”
5. The saying, “God works in mysterious ways.”
6. The saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
7. The saying, “God helps those that helps themselves.”

Romans 3:21-22 NLT
[21] But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. [22] We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

The Gospel is a bright light in a dark place.

Despite our sin, God never stopped loving us.

Three Words That Can Change Your Life: Justification, Redemption, Propitiation 

1. Justification

God has both pardoned me and changed my relationship status.

God has changed your spiritual status.

God has removed your sins.

Hebrews 8:12 NLT
[12] And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins."

Justification is not only speaking of what God has taken from you, it is also referring to what has been put in its place.

God transferred His righteousness on to you.

2. Redemption
Jesus paid the price for us and set us free.

You have to want to change. 

Do you not think that Christ can break the cycle of sin in your family?

3. Propitiation
“To appease the wrath of.”

At the cross, the judge took the judgement.

Romans 3:27-28 NLT
[27] Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. [28] So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

We are made right with God through faith, not through the law.

Philippians 3:8 NLT
[8] Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ

That is your old life, your own righteousness, even your best efforts - worthless when compared to what Christ did for you! 

Keeping it Real

Notes: Keeping it Real

Pastor Jeff L.

Romans 2

Harvest OC Valor

October 23, 2018

The Heathen, The Hypocrite, The Hebrew

Practicing hypocrisy is wearing a mask.

Be careful not to judge someone because they sin differently then we do.

Romans 2:1 NKJV

[1] Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

Romans 2:2 NKJV

[2] But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

Romans 2:3-4 NKJV

[3] And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? [4] Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

We are not to make judgments for condemnation, we are to make judgments for identification.

Sinning is not necessarily hypocrisy, hypocrisy is pretending to not sin.

Why does our sin look so much uglier on other people?

Religion begun in hypocrisy will most surely end in apostasy.

The best of saints can be tempted to the worst of sins.

Romans 2:9 NKJV

[9] tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;

Romans 2:12 NKJV

[12] For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law

God has given evidence:

1. Creation

Romans 1:20 NKJV

[20] For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

2. Conscience

Romans 2:15 NKJV

[15] who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

3. Christ

Romans 2:16 NKJV

[16] in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

The most scathing words Jesus used were towards the religious leaders.

What about us? Where is our heart?

You are a sinner saved by grace.

: Everybody Needs Jesus!

Notes: Everybody Needs Jesus!
Greg Laurie
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Series: Relentless Grace: Paul's Letter to the Romans
Romans 1
Music: Harvest Worship Band

Are people basically good? 80% of Americans believe we are. Romans clearly shows how we are all sinners.

The early church our prayed and out lived Rome.

Romans 1:16-20 NKJV
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." [18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, [19] because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. [20] For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

1. Salvation is not earned, it is given to us as a gift from God.

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

Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV
[11] Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'

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

John 3:36 NKJV
[36] He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

3. There is no excuse for living in rebellion against the God who loves you.

Romans 1:19 NKJV
[19] because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

God will reveal himself to the true seeker.

Proverbs 8:17 NKJV
[17] I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.

4. When you are out of fellowship with God, you have conflicts with others, too.

Romans 1:28 NKJV
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

5. When you reject God, ruin follows

Romans 1:21 NKJV
[21] because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

6. When you reject God, you lose perspective in the way you think and live.

7. God will not force you to believe, but rather, will let you go your own way.

You are not defined by your temptations. 

Romans 2:1-4 NKJV
[1] Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. [2] But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. [3] And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? [4] Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Everybody needs Jesus!

All of these sins of Romans 1 flow out of unbelief.

The worst sin is unbelief!

Blasphemy is the only unforgivable sin.

Sweet and Sour Christians

Notes: Sweet and Sour Christians
Pastor Tim Harding
October 9, 2018
Harvest Valor

We can do things our way or Gods way. 

This scripture has some heavy eternal balances

Romans 1:18-32 NLT
[18] But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. [19] They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. [20] For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. [21] Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. [22] Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. [23] And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. [24] So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. [25] They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. [26] That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. [27] And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. [28] Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. [29] Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. [30] They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. [31] They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. [32] They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

1. Reality Check
Paul is building out the case against us.

There is no excuse!

We need a reminder and remind others.

Psalm 19:1-4 NLT
[1] The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. [2] Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. [3] They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. [4] Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

All creation points to a creator.

2. The Brilliance of Bitter

God’s wrath here is an abandonment.

Separation from God is the worst case scenario. Separation from God is Hell.

When you turn to other things other then God, things will get worse.

3. Sweet Motivation 

Romans 1:32 NLT
[32] They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

We should be motivated. 

We all have things we need to work on. But we should all still work to bring people to Christ. 

Let the sweet smell of all the things God has done for us motivate us to be about our Fathers business. Knowing God and making Him known.

1. The man 2. The call 3. The message 4. The power 5. The faith

Notes:

Pastor Adam Eaton

Romans 1

October 2, 2018

Romans was written to help its readers have a better understanding of the Gospel.

Romans 1:1-17 NLT

[1] This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. [2] God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. [3] The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David's family line, [4] and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. [5] Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. [6] And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. [7] I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. [8] Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. [9] God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. [10] One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. [11] For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. [12] When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. [13] I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. [14] For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. [15] So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. [16] For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile. [17] This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."

1. The man

2. The call

3. The message

4. The power

5. The faith

1. Paul, was Saul. He used to hunt down Christians. He was converted on the road to Damascus.

2. Called to be an apostle. A slave of Christ.

Stand with the Bible

Notes: Stand with the Bible
Jeff Lasseigne
Sunday, September 2, 2018
2 Timothy 3
Music: Mack Brock

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NKJV
[14] But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, [15] and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Knowledge is knowing tomatoes are a fruit, wisdom is not putting them in your fruit salad.

You greatest role in God’s kingdom may not be what you do but who you raise.

Point 1. God’s Word is holy 

How you treat the scriptures is how you treat God!

The Bible doesn’t save us, Jesus does.

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Point 2. God’s Word is inspired 

All scripture is God breathed.

When you read the word of God, you are inhaling what God has exhaled.

Every book, verse, word, and promise in the Bible is the breath of God.

If you couldn’t trust all of the Bible the, you couldn’t trust any of the Bible.

How is the Bible proven true:
1. Manuscripts
Over 24,000 manuscripts.

The Dead Sea Scrolls have every book except Esther.

2. Unity
The message is the same over all books and over the 1500 years it was written.

3. Prophecy 
27% of the Bible is prophecy.

Many prophecies have been fulfilled 

4.Archaeology 

No discovery has ever contradicted the Bible.

5.Science

Science is slowly catching up with the truth in the Bible.

Some of the greatest scientists will admit the more they know the more they believe in God.

Point 3. God’s Word is Profitable 

Doctrine: what is right
Reproof: What is not right
Correction: How to get right
Instruction: How to stay right

1. Commit to daily devotions. 
Equivalent to not eating or drinking and complaining you are weak.

2. Make a plan

The best Bi Le reading plan is the one you actually use!

3. Choose a place and time

Be consistent 

4. Don’t just read - study.

Invest in a good study Bible

5. Begin with Prayer

6. Use a helpful translation 

The best translation to use is the one you can understand and get something out of.

7. Eliminate distractions 

Give God your undivided attention.

8. Sign up for Harvest Small Groups.