Mercy Me

Notes: Mercy Me

Pastor Jeff L

Harvest OC

Valor

April 2, 2019

We can’t separate doctrine and duty - they always go together.

If we seek our roots down deep into Romans 1-11 well produce much fruit in our obedience of Romans 12 - 14

“Mercy is not something God has, got something God is.” - A.W. Tozer

Romans 12:1 NKJV

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Paul is appealing to us through the mercies of God shown in Romans 1 through 11.

Response #1 to God’s mercy - A surrendered life.

Romans 12:1-2 NKJV

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Christ died for us and shed His blood so we could be safe.

What’s does it mean to be a living sacrifice.

We present or bodies. Living sacrifices.

Since 2005, about 90,000 Christians per year have been martyred. That’s about 2 million people, or one every 6 minutes!

We are to live holy lives, set apart for a special purpose.

1 John 1:9 NKJV

[9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We are to live acceptable to God. Emphasis of that sentence is “to God.”

Living a committed life to Christ, is a logical response to Christ.

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose” - Jim Elliot

Whatever passage you read, do these four things:

Read it through.

Think it clear.

Pray it in.

Live it out.

Response #2 to God’s mercy - A serving heart.

Romans 12:4-8 NKJV

[4] For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, [5] so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. [6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; [7] or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; [8] he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking about yourself less.” - C.S. Lewis

The church is very diverse, but it should work in unison like an orchestra.

We all receive a spiritual gift as believers. We don’t always start out knowing what our gift is. God decides what our gift is.

We don’t chose our gift, but it’s our responsibility to find out what it is.

Gifts our given to us to use them.

Romans 12:6 NKJV

[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;

Response #3 to God’s mercy - a spiritual mind.

Romans 12:9-21 NKJV

[9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. [10] Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; [11] not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. [16] Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. [19] Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We work to think and act and have attitudes that our Godly and Spiritual.

Love is to be done without hypocrisy and with humility.

J.O.Y.

Jesus 1st

Others 2nd

Yourself last

Romans 12:12 NKJV

[12] rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Koinonia is one of the richest words in the New Testament. More than just hospitality and fellowship.

Entertaining people in your home is not the same as hospitality. Entertaining is showing off your home, hospitality is sharing your home that was a gift from your Savior.

Romans 12:15 NKJV

[15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Rejoice, don’t become envious. When one is weeping do not be uncaring.

Romans 12:16 NKJV

[16] Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Unity, humility and honesty.

Romans 12:17 NKJV

[17] Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Our society does not agree with that. The devil says repay evil for good.

Society says repay evil for evil, good for good. God says repay good for evil.

Never stop asking God for forgiveness. His mercy is greater than our sins.

Best regards, 

Adam

God Keeps His Promises!

Notes: God Keeps His Promises!

by Greg Laurie on Mar 31, 2019

Event:

Sunday morning

Scripture:

Romans 11

Series:

Relentless Grace: Paul

https://harvest.org/resources/webcast/god-keeps-his-promises-2/

Promises, easily made, not easily kept.

1. God has promised you will never be alone in life.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

[10] Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Hebrews 13:5 NLT

[5] Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."

2. God promises to get us through whatever we’re facing.

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

[2] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Psalm 23:4 NLT

[4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

3. Jesus promises he will come again

John 14:1 NLT

[1] "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

John 14:3 NLT

[3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

He keeps His promises. He shows it with the Jewish people. In Romans 9-11 God shows this relationship with the Jews.

Genesis 12:3 NKJV

[3] I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Genesis 12:7 NKJV

[7] Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." And there he built an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

There is a new theology that’s tries to says the church has replaced the Jews, that is wrong.

1. If God could reach a Jewish man like Paul, there is hope for everyone!

Romans 11:1-2 NKJV

[1] I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. [2] God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,

Paul could of been considered “a Jews, Jew” he has a real resume that was very impressive. Everything changed when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Acts 9:4-6 NKJV

[4] Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" [5] And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." [6] So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

Elijah the prophet was another example.

2. Sometimes you May feel you are the only one, who stands for God but you aren’t.

Romans 11:2-4 NKJV

[2] God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, [3] "LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life"? [4] But what does the divine response say to him? "I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

3. As gentiles, we have been brought into the promises of God.

Romans 11:17 NKJV

[17] And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,

Many Jews in our times feel like we as Christians are against them. We aren’t and should not be.

I am thankful our government has recognized Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel. Also, that the Golan Heights belong to Israel.

4. God uses us to bless the people who have blesses us.

Romans 11:14 NKJV

[14] if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.

When a Christian walks with God it should be the most attractive thing ever to a nonbeliever.

Watching someone in a blessed life should make others want a blessed life.

Israel is the “epicenter” for the world.

Romans 11:22-32 NKJV

[22] Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. [23] And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. [24] For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? [25] For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. [26] And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; [27] For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins." [28] Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. [29] For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. [30] For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, [31] even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. [32] For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

Ezekiel 5:5 NKJV

[5] "Thus says the Lord GOD: 'This is Jerusalem; I have set her in the midst of the nations and the countries all around her.

Ezekiel 38:14 NKJV

[14] "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it?

5. Israel plays a key role in the last days.

Romans 11:25-26 NKJV

[25] For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. [26] And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;

Messianic Jews believe in Jesus.

Many young people today do not even know what the holocaust is.

May 14, 1948 Israel miraculously became a nation again.

Ezekiel 37:11-12 NKJV

[11] Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, 'Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!' [12] Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

That is a very specific prediction. Never has an ancient nation been able to do that. The Jewish people did!

Ezekiel 38:18 NKJV

[18] "And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel," says the Lord GOD, "that My fury will show in My face.

Ezekiel 39:29 NKJV

[29] And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,' says the Lord GOD."

Romans 11:25 NKJV

[25] For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

God’s not done with Israel. He is working on His people. Before God pours His spirit out on the Jewish people, He is going to finish His work with the Gentiles.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NKJV

[17] Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

If Jesus came today, would you be one of us caught up in the air?

If you are not ready, you can get ready right now!

Restless for Rest

Notes: Restless for Rest

Pastor Brad Ormonde Jr

March 26, 2019

Acts 3

https://harvest.org/resources/webcast/valor-relentless-grace-session-13b/

Acts 3:6-7 NKJV

[6] Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." [7] And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Acts 3:19-20 NKJV

[19] Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, [20] and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,

Refreshing and Repent

Refreshing in this verse means breathing space.

We all desire to be refreshed

Do you seek out the source of refreshment?

Acts 3:19 NLT

[19] Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

When you take your eyes off the problem and focus on Christ, you will be refreshed.

Happy Feet

Notes: Happy Feet

by Greg Laurie on Mar 24, 2019

Event:

Sunday morning

Scripture:

Romans 10

Series:

Relentless Grace: Paul

https://harvest.org/resources/webcast/happy-feet-032419/

The word Saved is a great Bible Word.

“Saved” in the Bible is referencing our salvation.

In the Bible we are either saved or lost. Headed to Heaven or headed to Hell.

1. If you want to see people saved, you need to start with prayer.

Before you share with them you should be praying for them.

Matthew 9:36-38 NKJV

[36] But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. [37] Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. [38] Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Jesus says to pray for nonbelievers.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NKJV

[4] whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Nonbelievers are not the enemy, not along ago we were one of them.

Jonah looked at Ninevites as the enemy.

Jonah 4:2 NKJV

[2] So he prayed to the LORD, and said, "Ah, LORD, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.

2. When you seek people to be saved, you will face obstacles.

Jesus is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 10:3 NKJV

[3] For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

3. There is only one way to be saved.

Romans 10:8-9 NKJV

[8] But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): [9] that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

You have to believe it and profess it.

Have you openly done that?

Jesus is Lord! Say it out loud...

Jesus is Lord!

4. We must tell people that they need to be saved.

Romans 10:14-15 NKJV

[14] How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"

Beautiful feet! Feet that deliver the Gospel are beautiful to the Lord.

Those feet are in “full bloom” or “lively” can be the translation of the word “beautiful” in that scripture.

You will be refreshed when you share the Gospel. It changes your perspective.

Sowing and reaping seeds is all we can do. God gets the credit.

The devil tries to steal the seed.

Romans 10:14 NKJV

[14] How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

You don’t have to yell to preach.

1 Corinthians 1:21 NKJV

[21] For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

Be a good example. The best bridge you can build may be your good example.

Paul and Silas were a great example to the jailer while they were imprisoned. He even asked what he had to do to be saved.

When you go through hardships and keep your faith in tact it can effect the people around.

John Harper was a real life hero on the Titanic. He was an evangelist that was asking people if they were saved as the boat was going down. He was helping save people for the Lord as he was in the sinking ship. John Harper died that night.

Romans 10:13 NKJV

[13] For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

Are you saved?

Every Generation Needs Jesus

Notes: Every Generation Needs Jesus

Pastor Greg

Sunday morning

Scripture:

Romans 9

Series:

Relentless Grace: Paul

https://harvest.org/resources/webcast/every-generation-needs-jesus/

Did you know you have been chosen by God?

He chose you to be His child.

Good knows all things, and He STILL chose you!

Deuteronomy 7:7-8 NLT

[7] "The LORD did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! [8] Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the LORD rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

He chose you because He loves you.

Try to explain election and you may lose your mind, try to explain it away and you may lose your soul!

John 3:16 NLT

[16] "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:6-8 NLT

[6] When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [7] Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. [8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Christ died for the whole world.

Revelation 22:17 NLT

[17] The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let anyone who hears this say, "Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.

God wants all to believe.

God predestines every man to be saved. The devil predestines every man to be damned. Man casts the deciding vote.

Lord save the elect, and then elect some more. - D.L. Moody

1. God chose me to become more and more like Jesus everyday.

2. God chose you so you will become a Spiritually fruitful Christian.

Romans 10:13 NLT

[13] For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."

Romans 9:3 NLT

[3] for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed-cut off from Christ!-if that would save them.

1. Everybody needs to hear the Gospel, no matter who they are.

Psalm 145:4 NLT

[4] Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

2. The religious person needs the Gospel as much as the pagan person.

You need to have your own faith.

One of the easiest places to get your hearts hardened is in the church.

Romans 9:17 NLT

[17] For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, "I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth."

After miracles being witnessed, Pharaoh hardened his heart. Eventually God helped harden Pharaoh’s heart.

Harden can be translated to, strengthen or stiffen.

Romans 9:19-20 NLT

[19] Well then, you might say, "Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven't they simply done what he makes them do?" [20] No, don't say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, "Why have you made me like this?"

We are like a lump of clay on a potters wheel.

God’s plans for you are better then your plans for you, but you can sabotage His plans.

Philippians 2:12 NKJV

[12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

“Don’t wrestle, just nestle” - Corrie ten Boom

Have you been chosen by God?

The greatest inoculation against the Gospel is the Gospel when it is heard but not heeded.

Jesus Christ holds the missing piece to your life.