What the Bible Says about Singleness and Marriage

Notes: What the Bible Says about Singleness and Marriage

Ephesians 5

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: Live, Love, Fight

Thursday, May 21, 2015 — 7:00 p.m

One happy marriage...is that even possible?

Most marriages have not been done God's way and it shows in our culture.

Greg has been married for 41 years.

He says he has seen lots of married couples. Most could have been saved from divorce if they followed the Bible’s advice.

Irreconcilable differences are always in all marriages and it is not a reason for divorce.

Good marriages are the fruit of a lot of effort and hard work.

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."

We are called to be content where we are now!

Singles need to look for a Godly person. Look for someone more Godly than you.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 NLT

[32] I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him. [33] But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. [34] His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. [35] I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

It is practical to say you need to think about your spouse.

Proverbs 18:22 NLT

[22] The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.

If you are single, use your time for God's glory.

Every marriage is going to be tried and tested. If you build it on the relationship of Jesus Christ, it will survive.

Matthew 7:24-27 NLT

[24] "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."

If you build a marriage on shifting emotions and feelings then it will collapse.

Is your marriage on the Rock or is it on the rocks?

Greg says he has been married to 5 different women, the same woman that has changed over time 5 times.

When life is over, the three things that really seem to matter are, faith, family and friends.

Wedlock should be a padlock.

If marriage is miserable, the fault lies with the participants, not the institution.

We all need God's help to do it God's way.

Ephesians 5:13-21 NLT

[13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, [14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." [15] So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. [16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. [17] Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. [18] Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, [19] singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. [20] And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [21] And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

If you want a successful marriage:

1. Shine the light of God's word on it.

Ephesians 5:13 NLT

[13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,

It's no good to search for something if you are looking in the wrong place. If you need counseling, get Biblical counseling.

The advice Greg gives: If you don't agree with what the Bible says, then you are wrong!

2. Wake up!

Ephesians 5:14 NLT

[14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

The moment you neglect it, it will suffer.

Culture doesn't support the family.

3. Walk carefully.

Ephesians 5:15 NLT

[15] So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.

When we read the scriptures we can see what God has approved.

Victory is not won by evacuation.

4. Use your time wisely.

Ephesians 5:16 NLT

[16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Is your house in order?

5. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 NLT

[18] Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

We need the power of the Spirit.

If you are a Spirit filled person then you will be a submitting spouse.

The spirit filled spouse puts the needs of the spouse above their own.

Marriage is not so much about finding the right person; it's about being the right person.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

[13] The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

We have all given into temptation. But there is always a way out.

Sometimes the way out is as simple as walking away from a temptation.

Acts 4:8 NLT

[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of our people,

Acts 4:29-31 NLT

[29] And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. [30] Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." [31] After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

1. The word used to say, "filled" by the Spirit is the same that would be describing filling a sail with wind.

2. It describes the idea of permeation, like salt permeating meat.

3. It carries the idea of total control

Galatians 5:16-17 NLT

[16] So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. [17] The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

The Holy Spirit in our lives has come to show us what we need to do.

Get your house in order.

When you are right with God then you don't have to be afraid.

Acts 28: The End of the Beginning

Notes: Acts 28: the End of the Beginning

Pastor John Collins

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Valor

Are we asked to do something great? In Acts we are.

In these chapters we met challenges, perseverance and commitment.

Most commentators believe that Paul was released from his house arrest at the end of Acts, around the age of 60.

This would have been at the time when the Roman Empire would have been beginning to crumble.

Here is where Paul wrote many of the Epistles that we learn from today in the Bible.

Acts 28 is the end of the beginning, we are all living out Acts 29 now.

We see cycles, proclaiming the Gospel, accepting it, denying it and the Apostles being chased out of town.

Acts 28:1-10 NKJV

[1] Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. [2] And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. [3] But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. [4] So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." [5] But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. [6] However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. [7] In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. [8] And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. [9] So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. [10] They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

Paul was received by happy people, they showed him unusual kindness.

Many received healing from Paul, so it would be safe to assume that they heard and received the Gospel willingly.

Acts 28:11-16 NKJV

[11] After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. [12] And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. [13] From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, [14] where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. [15] And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. [16] Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Puteoli is modern day Naples.

Acts 23:11 NKJV

[11] But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

Jesus was teaching His disciples all throughout Acts that even though He was not in the flesh, He was always there. Paul understood this throughout his ministry.

Acts 27:24 NKJV

[24] saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

Paul could move with confidence and continue to encourage those around him. All the men with Paul were on this crazy adventure of faith.

Paul was moving with a bold, crazy, leap of faith.

Acts 28:14 NKJV

[14] ... And so we went toward Rome.

After all the amazing things that have happened to these men they were finally headed to Rome.

God used the boards of the broken ships to bring His people to shore.

God uses old used parts to accomplish His purposes.

God has a mission for all of us in our Christian walk.

God draws straight lines with crooked sticks.

All of the events and tragedies in Acts were used by God to accomplish His purposes.

Acts 28:17-29 NKJV

[17] And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, [18] who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. [19] But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. [20] For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain." [21] Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. [22] But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere." [23] So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. [24] And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. [25] So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, [26] saying, 'Go to this people and say: "Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; [27] For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."' [28] "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" [29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

Paul has faced this story many times. Some believed and some rejected.

It is the law itself that pointed to their freedom in Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:30-31 NKJV

[30] Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, [31] preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Being in his own rented house was significant because he was free from the influence of the government.

Paul's primary objective was preaching and teaching.

Our mission at Harvest is knowing God and making God known.

A Hellfire and Brimstone Message

Notes: A Hellfire and Brimstone Message
Luke 16
Pastor Greg Laurie
Series: God Came Near
Sunday, May 17, 2015 — 8:00 a.m.

Greg says he plans on giving us a message about hell today.

We have to talk about hell because the Bible talks about it.

Jesus spoke more about hell then any other preacher in the Bible.

When a believer dies, they go directly to Heaven.

When the nonbeliever dies, the Bible says, they go straight to hell.

We need to let people know that in a loving way so that they understand.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: [2] A time to be born, And a time to die;A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

We all will die someday, but none of us can know when. 

3 people die every second. They are all going to Heaven or Hell.

Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
[13] "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. [14] Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

God doesn't want any person to go to hell. It is a persons decisions that get them to hell.

Hell is a joke to many people, but it is no joke. It is a miserable place of torment that will last all of eternity.

Many say they think that it is a contradiction, that a God of love would not send a person to hell.

It is said that in our times that divine judgement is one of the most offensive doctrines.

You can't pick an endless Heaven and reject an endless hell.

Atheists say that the doctrine of hell is a cruel teaching of the Bible and has brought cruelty into our world.

Yet, do you think if the horrible people in this world knew that they would be actually sent there that they would do the horrible things that they are doing. 

Matthew 5:22 NKJV
[22] But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 5:29 NKJV
[29] If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

This is not a parable:
Luke 16:19-22 NKJV
[19] "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. [20] But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, [21] desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

A story of two men, one has everything and one has nothing.

Heaven is a place of paradise and Hell is a place of torment.

Luke 16:22-31 NKJV
[22] So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. [23] And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' [25] But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. [26] And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' [27] "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, [28] for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' [29] Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' [30] And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' [31] But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'"

The rich man's sin was not of being rich, it was of loving his stuff. He not just had wealth but he flaunted his wealth.

Lazarus was cripple and begged for his food.

Luke 16:22 NKJV
[22] So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

The Angels help carry us to Heaven too. 

As fathers we want to protect and make sure our children are ok.

1. People in Hell suffer.

Luke 16:23 NKJV
[23] And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

People don't go to purgatory, or eternal sleep, there is no reincarnation.

How can a God of love send people to Hell?

Hell was not invented for people it is for the devil and his angels.

1. God is giving to people in the afterlife, what they wanted in this life. 

If you don't want God's direction in this life, then He will make sure you don't have to in the afterlife.

2. Once you are in Hell then you can not cross over to Heaven.

3. You are conscious and fully aware that you are in Hell.

Luke 16:28 NKJV
[28] for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'

He was blaming that he did not know that hell existed.

Luke 16:29 NKJV
[29] Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'

We have the only reliable source in, scriptures, about Heaven.

To promise Heaven and not warn about Hell, is a false message and false doctrine. 

This is not bad news as a believer, because you know you are going to Heaven.

You put your faith in Jesus Christ and you get to choose your eternal address in Heaven.

Jesus was forsaken so I can be forgiven.

Jesus doesn't want anyone to go to hell.

He came so that we can go to Heaven with Him!

Put your faith in Jesus and you can know for certainty that you will go to Heaven!

The road to hell is paved with excuses.

If you don't want to go to hell, then make the choice to go to Heaven.