The Parable of Spiritual Growth

Notes: The Parable of Spiritual Growth

January 16, 2014 

Pastor Greg 

Luke 8

We have all lost things- God loses things to (people that want to grow spiritually) - hunger for the word is good for you.

The most famous of Jesus parables about spiritual growth.

It's up to us if we want to grow, not God's choice, he gives us that choice.

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV)

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;

You have to be filled with the Holy Spirit like a car needs to filled, meaning constant.

Luke 8:4-15 NKJV

[4] And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: [5] "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. [6] Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. [7] And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. [8] But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" [9] Then His disciples asked Him, saying, "What does this parable mean?" [10] And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.' [11] "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. [12] Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. [13] But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. [14] Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. [15] But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

It would appear that only one out of four of these seeds make it.

As evangelist we are to try and reach as many as we can. It's the Holy Spirits job to fill them with God, not ours.

1 John 2:19 (NKJV)

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

A prodigal will stray and then come home.

People that go and never come back, we're they ever really a Christian.

John 3:1 (NKJV)

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

Judas Iscariot was a follower when Nicodemus was not.

John 19:39 (NKJV)

And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.

Category 1: Highway Hearers

Luke 8:11-12 (NKJV)

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. [12] Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Like a seagull picking up your crumbs.

Notice the devil comes,

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV)

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.

Satan blinds them, binds them and then grinds them.

There are those that act like they don't want to hear but do want to.

Category 2: Rocky Road Hearers

Luke 8:13 (NKJV)

But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.

These are the "I tried the whole Christianity thing" people.

These can be described as the impulsive people. Try it for a while and give up or move on.

1. It is possible that they built their faith on the wrong foundation.

2. Persecution comes.

Matthew 13:21 (NKJV)

yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

If you are never persecuted are you a Godly person???

3. The cost of discipleship.

John 6:66-68 (NKJV)

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. [67] Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" [68] But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

4. Just unbelief sets in.

Category 3: Choked out by Cares

Luke 8:14 (NKJV)

Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.

It's not wrong to care for yourself, it's wrong if that's all you do.

Philemon 1:23-24 (NKJV)

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, [24] as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.

2 Timothy 4:10 (NKJV)

for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica-Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

Demas loved things of the world

A "thorn" or "weed" is anything that crowds Jesus out. It can be a good or bad thing.

Job 14:5 (NKJV)

Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This is not having possessions, this is possessions having you.

God created us to love people and use things, not have things use people.

Luke 18:22 (NKJV)

So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

He said that to the Rich Young Ruler because he was obsessed by his possessions.

1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NKJV)

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

Do your giving while your living; then you will be owning where you are going.

Category 4: Fruitful Hearers

Luke 8:15 (NKJV)

But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

We should hope to be in this category.

Many many do not listen.

When your life depends on something you listen.

Luke 12:48 (NKJV)

But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Like coming here to church is a great thing, but it adds to your responsibility.

Meditate means to chew and take it in. We want to bring forth fruit.

John 15:16 (NKJV)

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Which of the four are you?

The Unforgivable Sin

Notes: The Unforgivable Sin
Pastor Greg Laurie
May, 25 2014
Matthew 12

Pastor Greg tells a story, he says how you do not have to teach children how to sin. We all seem to just know how to sin.

J Vernon Magee said, "If you knew me as well as I knew me, you would never let me preach to you. But, if I knew you as well as you know you then I would not want to preach to you."

God is forgiving!

Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Exodus 34:6–7 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

Micah 7:18–19 Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. 19 He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our[a] sins Into the depths of the sea.

God throws our sins into the depths of the ocean. Then post a sign that says no fishing allowed.

Israel’s history is one of God’s forgiveness. This is the essence of the Gospel.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.)

God will forgive all sin if it is confessed.

No sin can not be forgiven. He even forgave the killing of his own son. God will only not forgive an unconfessed sin.

The only unforgivable sin is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Read: Matthew 12:22–32 22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and[a] mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” 24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub,[b] the ruler of the demons.” 25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. 31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

Jesus says they will never be forgiven for the blasphemy of God.

Matthew 27:18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

Mark 12:37 Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?” And the common people heard Him gladly.

Pastor Greg says he does not understand why some pastors will be boring, when the gospel is suppose to be inviting.

The religious leaders in Matthew 12 were jealous of Jesus and they wanted to discredit Him.

When you live a Godly life people will make things up about you!

Daniel 6:4–5 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”

Jesus had performed miracles, this was the first time there were miracles in over 400 years from the old testament prophets.

Pastor Greg talks about how people will criticize him for things that are not true. It is really hard when the people are accusing him of things and he agrees with them are bad things and he clearly does not do those things.

To critics: Be careful you do not attribute these things to Satan as these Pharisees did. Pharisees were men that were dedicated to God, they just did not believe Jesus. Their hearts had grown so hard that they were in danger of committing the unforgivable sin.

Luke 12:48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Why did you come to church today? If you have not to come grow spiritually then church can be dangerous.

Knowledge demands responsibility!

Pastor Greg talks about how church can be dangerous for some, he uses the illustration of “the same sun the softens the wax, hardens the clay”. The message goes out and a critical attitude can harden your heart. Such as “and Pharaoh hardened his heart” then eventually the story changes to “and God hardened Pharaoh’s heart” God will honor your free will, in Pharaoh’s case He strengthened Pharaoh heart against God.. 

The Pharisees didn’t want to hear about Jesus because they didn’t want to change their lives.

People don’t want to go to Christ, because it is a threat to their life style. 

Doubt is a matter of the mind.
Unbelief is a matter of the will. It is actually a choice one makes.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

The bible identifies sins that can be committed against the Holy Spirit:

1. The sin of resisting the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.)

John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

The Holy Spirit is there to help you identify your sins and to lead you from sin.

Genesis 6:3 And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive[a] with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”

2. The sin of insulting the Holy Spirit.
(Hebrews 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?)

When we say “no” to Jesus, we are actually insulting the Holy Spirit.

3. The sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

These three things are all interconnected resist, insult and then the blasphemy.

Blasphemy is the rejection of Jesus Christ as the holy lord. 

Pastor Greg speaks of Balshazar and the writing on the wall in the book of Daniel

Revelation 16:9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

Matthew 12:31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

Hebrews 12:16–17 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

Read: Matthew 12:33–36 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

“For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” (v.34)

There are no secrets with God!

Matthew 12:36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

When you have a heart that is getting hard, you will find yourself getting bitter! Bitter people can not keep their bitterness in and they always seem to want to tell people whats on their mind.

1 Peter 3:9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Ephesians 4:30–32 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Pastor Greg talks about how he has been spoken bad of over the years, he says he does not focus on that. He puts that in God’s hands.

Jeremiah 7:16 “Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you.

1. We must come to church to worship God and to learn and grow spiritually. (Show up on time and don’t leave early, take notes. That is attention with intention.)

2. Never take for granted the blessing of what God has done. (The fact that God has saved me is such a blessing, and I should not take that for granted.)

3. Instead of resisting the Holy Spirit, I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Everyday we need to yield to God)

Pastor Greg says as his grandmother says, “Get home before dark"

Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

What side are you on?

Do You Love Me?

Notes: Do You Love Me?
Greatest Stories Ever Told

Pastor Greg - Harvest May 15, 2014

John 21 

Pastor Greg talks about how much he loves breakfast. He talks about how in this story Jesus made breakfast for his disciples. He says we know that Jesus loved food, how He used food to prove He was alive and a body after the resurrection.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Greg talks about how eating in those times there was no fast food, that meals were a lot more of a time of gathering with others.

Greg talks about after the crucifixion how all of the disciples were let down, they didn’t seem to get the memo that Jesus was coming back. They had all been back sliding. The disciples were all together and discouraged.

Greg then talks about how Peter denied Jesus as described in the Bible.

Greg is now talking about when Jesus and Peter met together and Jesus forgave Peter.

John 21:1-17

1 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.[a] This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),[b] Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows,[c] have you caught any fish?”

“No,” they replied.

6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards[d] from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?[e]”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. -

—————————————————————

This story reminds us of the first time Jesus called to Peter. 

Sometimes when you have fallen, its good to go back to where it all began.

He talks about how we do that in our relationships and it helps with our spouses.

The three Rs of discipleship: Remember, repent, repeat.

Did you know God likes to ask questions? Greg is dying that is like playing hide n seek with a one year old.

God wants confession.

His questions identify the problem.

Before we get restoration, we must admit our need.

When God tells us to do something, we need to do it. 

We always need to do God’s work, in God’s way, in God’s timing.

God wants us to have personal integrity.

To do God’s will is God’s way.

John 21:6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

John 21:9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

John 21: 12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 

Jesus made them breakfast. He is the creator of the universe in human form, He is resurrected, yet He takes the time to make them breakfast.

Did he need their fish? No, but He takes what we have and uses it. 

This is about our need, not Gods need.

If you have no place for God’s kingdom then there is a problem. 

Martin Luther said we need three conversions, the conversion of our mind, the conversion of our heart and the conversion of our wallet. 

A lot of us don’t use the wallet. God can do a lot with a little.

God does not need us, He wants us. 

This story was the last miracle Jesus performed. His first miracle was turning water into wine, the last was when He said throw the net on the other side of the boat.

Romans 10:14-15

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

John 21: 15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Notice Jesus didn’t call Peter, Peter here. He calls him Simon son of John. Peter was not being the rock, so Jesus was not calling him that.

Don’t boast of your commitment to the Lord at the expense of someone else. Just say “I love you Lord”

Sometimes we underestimate how strong our faith is. Like when we hear someone is going through cancer, or lost a child and we say, “I can’t handle that.” But God, is there with us. 

God will give you what you need, when you need it.

Other times we over estimate our strength. When we say “I never would do that” and then we do it.

With that: Lets trust in God

Six test question if you love the Lord:

1. A person who loves the Lord will long for personal communion with God. (If we love God we will want to be in fellowship with God.) Psalm 63:1 My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
2. A person who loves the Lord will in turn love the things He loves.
3. A person who really loves the Lord will love other Christians. (1 John 3: 14-15 14 If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. 15 Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them.)
4. A person who really loves the Lord will in turn hate the things that He hates. (Psalm 97:10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.)
5. A person who really loves the Lord will long for Christ’s return. (2 Timothy 4:8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.)
6. A person who loves the Lord will keep His commandments. (John 14:21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”)

If you love God, you will do what God says. If you do not do as He says, then one should wonder if you love God.

Would you like Jesus to come into your life?

If Jesus Lived In My House

Notes: If Jesus Lived In My House
Mothers Day Service - May 11, 2014

Guest Lee Strobel at Harvest

Matthew 5:13

Jesus commanded Christians to be salt and light to the world. What does that look like for us in the 21st century? Does it affect the way we care for our home, kids, work?

Believers Are Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

God wants us to shine as Christians. What does that look like in the 21st century.

Lee wrote a book about this subject, he named it the “Unexpected Journey” because that is what it is like in these times.

When you live on the evangelistic edge, when you live to be the salt and the light, you don’t know where it will lead you.

When your prayer life takes a whole new dimension you don’t know where that takes you.

So what does that look like in the 21st century? What would it look like if Jesus Christ lived in my house.

1. If Jesus Christ physically lived in my house, I believe before He talked to his neighbors about His Heavenly Father, He would talk to His Heavenly Father about His neighbors. He would pray.
1. Jesus’ prayers were repeated over and over again, even from the cross.
2. We need to pray the same prayer over and over for others.
1. We seem to make the decision for others that they won’t come to Christ.
2. Who have you stopped praying for, that you used to lift up to God but have now just given up?
1. If Jesus showed up in your room and said I will answer all of your prayers from last week, would there be anyone else new in the kingdom of God? Lee finds that to be a convicting question.
2. Jesus prayed for lost people until He was physically killed.
2. If Jesus physically lived in my house He would let people know that His door is always open for any questions. Any question or doubts just come in and ask.
1. John the Baptist would be one that you think would never doubt who Jesus was.
1. When John the Baptist was thrown in prison and then sent his friends to ask Jesus if he was the One they were waiting for.
1. Jesus replied to them, to go tell John the evidence they saw that He is the Messiah. 
2. It is okay for us to have questions and occasional doubts.
1. Only though if we pursue answers. You can’t let the doubts just stop you.
1. Lee told us a story about him having a debate with an atheist. Dr. William Craig was the Christian, Professor Ziegler was the atheist.
2. Atheist commentator from another debate between atheist and Dr. Craig stated that Dr. Craig spanked the atheist in the debate.
2. Christians have an unfair advantage, because we have truth on our side.
1. For us followers, the key word is not debate, it is dialogue and friendships. Praying that God would use as salt and light.
3. Jesus would be authentic, He would not just proclaim the gospel he would live the gospel.
1. Your neighbors are scanning you with the hypocrisy radar 24/7 when you say you are a Christian.
1. Lee read a letter from a girl named Maggie, about how the bad Christians that she grew up with repelled her from wanting to be a christian.

Lee invited her to join a small group that was lead by a christian couple and she joined and then wrote him again. She said she needed to see people who’s actions match what they say. She said the christian couple in her group did those things, in fact she didn’t know why, she gave them tough questions and they were just kind to her.

Maggie's poem:
Do you know
do you understand 
that you represent Jesus to me, 

do you know 
do you understand 
that when you treat me with gentleness 
it raises the question in my mind, 
well Maybe He is gentle to, 
Maybe Hee isn’t someone who laughs when I get hurt, 

Do you know 
do you understand 
that when you listen to my questions 
and you don’t laugh 
that I think well, 
what if Jesus is interested in me too. 

Do you know 
do you understand 
that when I hear you talk honestly 
about arguments and conflicts 
and scars from your past, 
that I think well maybe I am just a regular person 
instead of a bad no good little girl who deserves abuse, 
if you care, 
then maybe I think He cares 

then there is this flame of hope 
that burns inside of me 
and for a while I’m afraid to breathe 
because it might go out, 

do you know 
do you understand 
that your words 
are His words 
that your face is His face 
to someone like me, 

please be who You say You are, 
please God 
do not let this be another trick this time. 

Do you know
do you understand 
that you represent Jesus to me.

1. That poem made Lee cry and made him think of his neighbors.
1. He called Maggie and she told him that she came to Christ
1. It wasn’t the debates of Christ and atheist it was the love of Christians that brought her to Christ.

A sinner saved by grace living your life as Christ has saved you is all you need to do to bring many to Christ. 

Are you a Maggie running the other way?

Do you need a loving God that will love and validate you. 

Christ will not only redeem your soul but also will bring you on a serious of unexpected adventures that will be the joy of your life.

Bitterness of Soul

Notes: Bitterness of Soul

Pastor Pancho Juarez - 1 Samuel 1 - Subject of Bitterness - 5/4/2014

Pancho ask us to think of someone that makes us bitter. He describes how sometimes when he is the pastor at funerals that he has to break up fights.

Job was put through great trials and he said: Job 7:11 “Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Hezekiah was bitter: Isaiah 38:3 and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

When a lot of people get bitter the get bilingual - they get Johnny Walker or Jose Cuervo, or they get over medicated. People get an erupting volcano inside them of bitterness.

Paul the Apostle tells men not to get bitter to their wives, it does not tell women not to get bitter. Pastor Pancho says us men should know why it says that.

Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 

1 Samuel 1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu,[a]the son of Tohu,[b] the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there. 4 And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb. 

When there is preferential treatment in the family then we all know there is a problem, if we are preferential to one kid the other kids know and have resentment.

1 Samuel 6 And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. 

We do not know why God closed her womb.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

1 Samuel 7 So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat. 

We read that Hannah is emotionally distraught and does not eat.

1 Samuel 8 Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 

Her husband, like most of us husbands, does not understand why she is upset. He thinks that his love is enough.

1 Samuel 9 So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord. 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. 

She basically and emotional basket case, the Bible describes her soul as being bitter. The heart is in anguish. Then she comes to a point of pouring her heart out to the lord. Before you get to that point, many have lashed out at others, hurting family and friends, becoming alienated from those they love.

Bitterness causes a loss of many of the emotional blessings of God. 

Ruth 1:20 But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi;[a] call me Mara,[b] for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”

Pastor said when someone told him to turn to Jesus and his problems would go away, but Pancho said he did not do that, he decided that getting high could make his problems go away. But that was only temporary, drugs make problems go away for some temporary and then they are an additional problem.

When you become a Christian your problems will not go away, but you do have a leader a counselor and someone to turn to. His name is Jesus Christ.

3 Reasons from the Bible for suffering:

Produce fruit

Glorify God

Rebuke our sin

God can remove the bitterness from your heart, He gets it and loves you and you are not alone.

1 Samuel 11 Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” 12 And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. 13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” 15 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 “Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman,[d] for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” 17 Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” 18 And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 19 Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.” 21 Now the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the Lord and remain there forever.” 23 So Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him. Only let the Lord establish His[f] word.” Then the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 24 Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of theLord in Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.28 Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

Hannah’s son Samuel became one of the greatest prophets of the Bible.

Pastor Pancho said when he accepted Jesus into his life, he went from a drunkard that woke up at 2 pm that afternoon 39 years ago to accepting Jesus into his life that evening and has not looked back.

Have you accepted the grace of Jesus Christ yet?

What Easter Means to You

Notes: What Easter Means to You
Pastor Greg Laurie
Easter at the Bren
April 20, 2014
Mark 16

Pastor Greg was talking about how he likes to tell bible stories. When he tells kids the bible story he puts funny things in there, so that the kids stay interested.

He talks how the Easter story reminds people of different things, some people its a thankful day, some know this day as a marker in time of something sad such as the loss of someone. Some are sitting there being very skeptical, Greg says Easter is for skeptics so he is happy those people are here.

Mark 16:1–11 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” 8 So they went out quickly[a] and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. 9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

Who is Easter for:

1. Easter is for those who have been devastated by death.

Greg is talking about how devastated it is to lose a loved one, like how he lost Christopher. How there are so many that are suffering through things like that. 

He says, death is not the end, it is just a bend in the road. Jesus had told his disciples this and they did not seem "to get that memo." 

Jesus did bring Lazarus back from the dead, he did that after he saw the devastation it caused us. But, those in Heaven are not wanting to come back. Death hurts the ones that are left here. Believers are in Heaven as soon as they die.

Mark 16:6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.

1 Corinthians 15:20–22 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Skeptics say that the disciples wanted to start a new religion, however, all of the disciples besides John died a martyrs death, not one of them recanted. Not really the result one goes for if they are trying to start a new religion.

The resurrection of Jesus was the death of death!

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

Luke 24:39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Jesus has beaten death.

2. Easter is for the person who has failed spiritually.
(Mark 16:6–7 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”)

“But go, tell His disciples; and Peter.”
(Mark 16:7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”)

Some people are a little ashamed that they are at church only for Easter.

One person said that most Americans only attend church three times, when they are hatched, latched and dispatched. 

Peter needed a word of encouragement because he denied the Lord, he swore that he was not a disciple, and Jesus gives second chances. Jesus even predicted the denial.

Easter is a time of second chances. 

3. Easter is for the person who feels as though God has let them down.

Examples of those that are single and don’t want to be, those divorced that did not want to be, thinking that Jesus may have let them down.

Disappointment is Gods appointment. 

Mark 16:12–13 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

God restores hope to our broken hearts by His Word.

Luke 24:32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

Mark 16:14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

Every step away from the cross is a step in the wrong direction! Meaning if you are sinning, then go back closer to God, He will accept you and forgive you. 

4. Easter is for doubters!

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson,They shall be as wool.

Some think that to believe, "you need to check your reason at the door."

Skepticism is looking for light; unbelief is content with darkness.

Doubt is not a sign that man is wrong, it is a sign that a man is thinking.

Unbelievers have no intention of changing or believing, they don’t want to believe. Skeptics will believe if they are presented the facts.

Mark 16:11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

You are in the Easter story: John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas,[a] because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

That is us, we have not seen yet believe!

There is hope for the Christian, death is not the end. 

Jesus has absorbed your wrath from sin when he hung on the cross at Calvary.

Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

He is not forcing Himself on you, but He is standing there waiting for you to invite Him in.

Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Jesus died on that cross and rose from the dead for you!