Four Words That Can Change Your Marriage

Notes: Four words that can change your Marriage

Ephesians 5

Philippians 2

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

Sunday, April 24, 2016 — 10:00 a.m.

A successful marriage takes effort. Storms will come in marriage, so it is important to make sure that our marriages are built on a firm foundation. In today's message, Pastor Greg shares the four words that can change a marriage for the better.

Why do smoke alarms always go off in the middle of the night to change the battery? Do we even listen to the alarms anymore?

There are many marriages that are riding on fumes today. We need to pay attention to alarms going off in our marriage.

We need to continually work on our marriages.

Marriage requires that we apply effort.

People can't believe that marriages can last for over forty years now.

The evening of the marriage is determined by the work done in the morning of it.

A strong marriage is the result of obedience to the Word of God.

Focus on the work you need to do in your marriage, not what your spouse needs to do.

God said to leave and cleave.

1. Leave all other relationships.

2. You are to cleave to your spouse.

You still have your old relationships, they just aren't as important as your marriage is.

Lay this foundation right, get it right. You may have to remodel but it is worth it!

There is a devil that wants to destroy your marriage.

God can restore your marriage.

There is hope for every hurting marriage.

H.O.P.E.

Hanging On with Patient Expectation

Victory is not won by evacuation.

Four words that will change your marriage:

Ephesians 5:25 NKJV

Husbands, love your wives...

Ephesians 5:25-33 NKJV

[25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, [26] that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, [27] that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. [28] So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. [29] For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. [30] For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. [31] "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." [32] This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. [33] Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Four times in eight verses we are simply told to love our wives.

How are we to love our wives? As Christ loved the church.

We can not do that on our own...we need the Holy Spirit.

It all starts with loving our wives.

Agape is the Greek word the Bible uses to describe love this way.

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.

Forget about that loving "feeling"... Get back to that loving reality!

1. Eros: love on a physical plane.

We get the word erotic from Eros.

That's how most of us became attracted to our spouse.

Proverbs 5:15 NLT

[15] Drink water from your own well- share your love only with your wife.

2. Phileo:

A love that comes as a result of what we do towards each other.

3. Agape:

We love each other regardless of anything else.

The worlds love is always act-oriented

God loves unloveable and unattractive people.

In marriage a need will always arise that needs unconditional love.

Agape is the divine solution for marriage populated by imperfect human beings.

Philippians 2:2-4 NLT

[2] Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. [3] Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. [4] Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

We are to look out for the interest of others. This is the opposite of what culture has taught from the Greeks till today.

Humble yourself...put others before yourself.

A truly humble person wouldn't say that they are humble.

Jesus practiced meekness. Meekness is power under constraint.

Meekness for us is submitting our wills to God.

Do what God tells you to do.

The problem with marriages today is selfishness. The solution is selflessness.

1. Don't allow your marriage to be overcome by selfishness.

Philippians 2:2 NLT

[2] Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

2. Put your mate above yourself in marriage.

Philippians 2:3 NLT

[3] Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

We are the biggest problem in our marriage!

1 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

[5] or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

Shouting matches and hitting is wrong and needs to stop.

God can give you control over your temper.

9 words to a successful marriage:

I am sorry, please forgive me. I love you.

Philippians 2:5-8 NLT

[5] You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. [6] Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. [7] Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, [8] he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.

The ultimate example is God's love for us.

Jesus was God among us. He was never a man becoming God. He was God becoming man.

Why Wait Till Tomorrow

Notes: Why Wait Till Tomorrow 

Christian Hosoi

Shine - Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

April 7, 2016

2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT

[2] For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.

The Bible says today is the day of salvation. Accept God today because tomorrow is not promised.

Christian has been saved and sober for 16 1/2 years. Before he was a believer no one ever spoke to him about Jesus.

He was in prison for 2 weeks before he accepted Christ, he had a 5 year sentence.

He said he was in a prison cell for the beginning of his life, he was set free that day he accepted Christ.

Why do people struggle? They struggle because the struggle is real.

How hard is it to decide on Heaven or Hell? It should be easy. But whatever you feed is stronger. If you feed the flesh, it's stronger than the spirit.

Most people negotiate with Gods word. We negotiate privately with God. 

Sin will always take you further than you want to go. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, would you give your life tonight.

Romans 6:23 NLT

[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

How much sin is too much sin to God. The answer is black and white, yes and no.

The Holy Spirit guides you into truth when you are saved.

We can either honor God or give in to sin.

We are in a battle to fight the good fight in faith.

Christian was super competitive, he wondered if you can be the best Christian. He would try to pray to be the best in a humble way.

The wages of sin is death, the contract of sin is very clear.

The real relationship with God is in our love and obedience. It's not a list of rules.

Why do I obey God? Because I love Him.

John 14:15 NLT

[15] "If you love me, obey my commandments.

To say you obey God is almost a trick question. It's really hard to do.

There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ.

Being an example of a changed life is so important. Saying something sometimes blows it. We just need to show up and be sincere.

There is a purpose to all of us, whether we think about it or not. Peoples eternal life are attached to us whether we like it or not.

John 14:15 NLT

[15] "If you love me, obey my commandments.

Why should we do this? Because God loves us first.

We should be free from legalism. It's a relationship not a job.

Life is a test of faith.

Matthew 6:33 NLT

[33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

When we seek first the kingdom, all the other things will be added.

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.

If you don't take a step, how can God control your steps? You can't steer a parked car.

Four things to fight the good fight:

1. Faith

Romans 10:17 NLT

[17] So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Someone who believes in Christ.

2. The local church 

That is where you hear the Word of God.

You don't hear the Word on the street.

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

[6] And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek him.

3. You must believe

Jesus Christ is God, you must believe.

John 14:6 NLT

[6] Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

There is no negotiating with that.

4. We have to diligently seek Him.

That's being in the word, in prayer, in Church.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

[11] For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Don't ever take for granted the situation you are in. God is thinking about you. 

You can't try to love God...that's an out for failure. You just have to do it!

Why turn down a deal to an eternal lifetime?

Matthew 28:19 NLT

[19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

James 1:12-15 NLT

[12] God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. [13] And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. [14] Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. [15] These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:21-25 NKJV

[21] Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. [25] But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

I want to be blessed in what I do!

Heed the voice of God. Meet the conditions and reap the promise.

Matthew 24:13 NKJV

[13] But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Grace is a power word. Grace is a verb. You have overcome your (fill in the blank with your issue) because of the Grace of God.

It gets easy if you do what God tells you to do. It's in the long haul that it gets easy.

2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

[2] For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Hello from the Other Side

Notes: Hello from the Other Side

Matthew 28

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

Sunday, March 27, 2016 — 10:00 a.m.

When someone dies, we don't expect them to be alive again.

What do you think happens after we die?  Believers go to Heaven and one day they will return to earth with Jesus to the new Jerusalem.

Where do people go when they die? Can  they say hello from Heaven? Why is it people who say they died and came back to life always claim they went to Heaven?

There was a recent survey that showed more people don't believe in God yet they do believe Heaven is real.

How can there be one without the other? The word Heaven comes from the Bible.

What is Heaven like? Heaven is not an imitation of earth, Earth is an imitation of Heaven.

Heaven is a real place doing real things.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4 NKJV

[2] I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows-such a one was caught up to the third heaven. [3] And I know such a man-whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows- [4] how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

There is only one person that has been to Heaven that we can rely on, Jesus.

John 6:38 NKJV

[38] For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

God was the master of ceremonies at the Cross.

Isaiah 53:10-11 NKJV

[10] Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. [11] He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.

Jesus died as a substitute for us and our sins.

Matthew 16:21 NKJV

[21] From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

God always keeps His promises.

Jesus appeared to many after His resurrection.

Matthew 28:9-10 NKJV

[9] And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me."

Jesus comes back and says hello to the people in a cordial way.

Because of the Resurrection of Jesus:

1. You will have life after death in Heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 NKJV

[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.

A believer doesn't have to fear death any more than they do a nap.

The Bible often calls death for a Christian a nap...falling asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 NLT

[51] But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! [52] It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. [53] For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

One day Heaven will come to Earth.

Revelation 21:4-5 NLT

[4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." [5] And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true."

One day it will be out with the old and in with the new.

No more death, disease, drugs, abuse or sadness because of the resurrection of Jesus!

2. You can live life to its fullest on Earth!

Romans 8:11 NLT

[11] The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

John 10:10 NLT

[10] The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

3. There will be a final judgement.

Acts 17:31 NLT

[31] For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."

There will be a judgement for believers and nonbelievers.

Believers will be rewarded on that day.

If you live an ungodly life, you will be judged for that and sent to Hell.

It's not if you lived a good life, it's if you asked Jesus to be forgiven of your sins.

Jesus died on the cross and resurrected so that you could go to Heaven; He died and resurrected so you don't have to go to Hell.