Click here to download the sermon file.
Notes from April 13, 2008:
1. For access to “The Bridge” illustration and for many other downloadable tools to help you in your spiritual growth go to http://www.navigators.org/, under “Grow Deep With God” click “Tools,” under “Discipleship” click “bridge.pdf”.
2. A hallmark of the early church was fellowship. Isolation leads to stagnation.
3. Fellowship is what we share with each other because of what we share in Christ. In fellowship we open our lives to another believer; we connect with another Christian though we may have just met them; we share a common bond.
4. In the scripture 'fellowship' is used of: sharing a relationship (such as in the Body of Christ, marriage, partners in a business or venture, and with God); of sharing material goods with teachers and saints in need; and of sharing in others' deeds (negatively, sharing in the sins of others; positively, sharing in the sufferings of Christ).
Monday, April 14, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 10
Click here to download the sermon file.
Notes from April 6, 2008
1. To be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks the reason for the hope we have in Christ we need a ready plan to share the gospel.
2. Robert Foster in Essentials of Discipleship cites the following advantages of having a ready plan:
- “It enables you to be prepared at all times to witness.”
-“It enables you to go through a biblical presentation point by point without leaving anything out.”
-“It serves as a set of tracks that provide direction.” It helps to “avoid rabbit trails or tangents.”
3. Three plans are: The Roman Road (all verses from Romans which establish the gospel: Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9,10 – covers sin, death, Christ’s death for sin, and our response in believing); the Bridge Illustration (see Navigators 2:7; Robert Foster, Essentials of Discipleship; or go to www.navigators.org, click “Search” and type in “bridge.pdf’); or use a gospel tract.
Notes from April 6, 2008
1. To be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks the reason for the hope we have in Christ we need a ready plan to share the gospel.
2. Robert Foster in Essentials of Discipleship cites the following advantages of having a ready plan:
- “It enables you to be prepared at all times to witness.”
-“It enables you to go through a biblical presentation point by point without leaving anything out.”
-“It serves as a set of tracks that provide direction.” It helps to “avoid rabbit trails or tangents.”
3. Three plans are: The Roman Road (all verses from Romans which establish the gospel: Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9,10 – covers sin, death, Christ’s death for sin, and our response in believing); the Bridge Illustration (see Navigators 2:7; Robert Foster, Essentials of Discipleship; or go to www.navigators.org, click “Search” and type in “bridge.pdf’); or use a gospel tract.
Monday, March 31, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 9
Click here to download the sermon file.
Notes from March 30, 2008
1. “Relationship Evangelism” (an article in the Navigator’s 2:7 series) suggests the following attitudes necessary to effectively sharing the gospel: must be willing to initiate relationships; must show the same kind of acceptance toward sinners that Jesus did; must be willing to identify with Christ early in a relationship; and must depend upon God in prayer for the process.
2. Two things are essential to sharing our faith: a ready testimony (1 Peter 3:15,16), and a plan for sharing the gospel.
3. Navigator’s 2:7 suggests three formats as an outline for most testimonies::
-adult conversion
-early conversion/adult full commitment
-early conversion/consistent growth
Notes from March 30, 2008
1. “Relationship Evangelism” (an article in the Navigator’s 2:7 series) suggests the following attitudes necessary to effectively sharing the gospel: must be willing to initiate relationships; must show the same kind of acceptance toward sinners that Jesus did; must be willing to identify with Christ early in a relationship; and must depend upon God in prayer for the process.
2. Two things are essential to sharing our faith: a ready testimony (1 Peter 3:15,16), and a plan for sharing the gospel.
3. Navigator’s 2:7 suggests three formats as an outline for most testimonies::
-adult conversion
-early conversion/adult full commitment
-early conversion/consistent growth
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Love’s Triumph or Why I’ve Stopped Worrying About Death
Click here to download the sermon file.
Notes from the Easter morning sermon:
Matthew 27:45-28:20
1. From noon till 3:00 on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion a supernatural darkness covered the land. This darkness signified: that Jesus had become the sin-offering for the world (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24,25; 3:18); that Jesus was forsaken by the Father (vs. 46; Psalm 22); and that Jesus was separated from the Father judicially. Jesus became a curse for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him, through faith in Him.
2. Three other events signified the uniqueness of Jesus’ death and His victory over sin and death:
-the Temple curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom signifying that the way to God is now open to all. We now go to God directly, not through man nor ritual (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus’ death provided forgiveness of sin and fellowship with God.
-the earth shook and rocks split (even Creation (which is itself awaiting redemption, Romans 8:19, reacts to Jesus’ death)
-tombs broke open and many righteous were raised to life
Notes from the Easter morning sermon:
Matthew 27:45-28:20
1. From noon till 3:00 on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion a supernatural darkness covered the land. This darkness signified: that Jesus had become the sin-offering for the world (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24,25; 3:18); that Jesus was forsaken by the Father (vs. 46; Psalm 22); and that Jesus was separated from the Father judicially. Jesus became a curse for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him, through faith in Him.
2. Three other events signified the uniqueness of Jesus’ death and His victory over sin and death:
-the Temple curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom signifying that the way to God is now open to all. We now go to God directly, not through man nor ritual (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus’ death provided forgiveness of sin and fellowship with God.
-the earth shook and rocks split (even Creation (which is itself awaiting redemption, Romans 8:19, reacts to Jesus’ death)
-tombs broke open and many righteous were raised to life
Monday, March 17, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 8
Click here to download the sermon file.
Notes from the March 16, 2008 sermon:
(Based in part on Selwyn Hughes, Everyday Light: Water for the Soul)
1. We weren’t meant to bottle up the truth, when we do we become stagnant in our Christian walk (John 7:36-39).
2. We must share the hope of the gospel with unbelievers and we must share the lessons God is teaching us with fellow believers and unbelievers alike.
3. We must be ready to respectfully share a reason for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15,16)
4. We do this best in the context of relationship (Friendship Evangelism or Relationship Evangelism).
5. According to Navigators 2:7 series article, “Relationship Evangelism,” we must understand that: “Evangelism is not an event but a process. This process may take months, and even years. To be successful in this type of evangelism we must be willing to establish relationship with unbelievers; and we must “show the same type of love and acceptance toward sinners that Jesus displayed.”
Notes from the March 16, 2008 sermon:
(Based in part on Selwyn Hughes, Everyday Light: Water for the Soul)
1. We weren’t meant to bottle up the truth, when we do we become stagnant in our Christian walk (John 7:36-39).
2. We must share the hope of the gospel with unbelievers and we must share the lessons God is teaching us with fellow believers and unbelievers alike.
3. We must be ready to respectfully share a reason for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15,16)
4. We do this best in the context of relationship (Friendship Evangelism or Relationship Evangelism).
5. According to Navigators 2:7 series article, “Relationship Evangelism,” we must understand that: “Evangelism is not an event but a process. This process may take months, and even years. To be successful in this type of evangelism we must be willing to establish relationship with unbelievers; and we must “show the same type of love and acceptance toward sinners that Jesus displayed.”
Monday, March 10, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 7
Click here to download the sermon file.
Notes from the March 9, 2008 sermon:
(Based in part on Selwyn Hughes, Everyday Light: Water for the Soul)
1. In dealing with frustration and adversity, we must realize that:
-all the circumstances of our lives are useful for maturing us
-God give us the strength we need to deal with the frustrations of our lives (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
-God can turn negatives into positives (Romans 8:28)
-we can share what we have learned with someone else in need.
2. “Suffering produces something. It is of value; it changes us.” (Philip Yancey)
3. If we have a positive attitude, we draw people to ourselves and to God. If we have a negative, complaining attitude we block God’s work and drive people away from us and God.
4. Problems are an invitation to grow.
Notes from the March 9, 2008 sermon:
(Based in part on Selwyn Hughes, Everyday Light: Water for the Soul)
1. In dealing with frustration and adversity, we must realize that:
-all the circumstances of our lives are useful for maturing us
-God give us the strength we need to deal with the frustrations of our lives (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
-God can turn negatives into positives (Romans 8:28)
-we can share what we have learned with someone else in need.
2. “Suffering produces something. It is of value; it changes us.” (Philip Yancey)
3. If we have a positive attitude, we draw people to ourselves and to God. If we have a negative, complaining attitude we block God’s work and drive people away from us and God.
4. Problems are an invitation to grow.
Monday, March 03, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 6
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of the March 2, 2008 sermon:
1. The importance of caring for our physical needs of rest, food, etc. is seen in 1 Kings 19:1-8 where Elijah is depleted physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. God’s answer for him is food, water and rest.
2. Christians are not exempt from facing problems, frustrations, adversity (2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 7:5,6; 12:7-10). (Selwyn Hughes)
-Christians should not bring problems on themselves (1 Peter 4:12-16)
-Christians are just as subject to sickness, accidents, death as non-Christians (these are the results of being fallen beings in a fallen world) (Matthew 5:45; Luke 13:1-5)
3. How we deal with frustration and adversity will affect our spiritual vitality.
4. John Maxwell has said, “The quality of your life and the duration of your success depend on your attitude, and you are the only person in the world with the power to make it better.”
Recap of the March 2, 2008 sermon:
1. The importance of caring for our physical needs of rest, food, etc. is seen in 1 Kings 19:1-8 where Elijah is depleted physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. God’s answer for him is food, water and rest.
2. Christians are not exempt from facing problems, frustrations, adversity (2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 7:5,6; 12:7-10). (Selwyn Hughes)
-Christians should not bring problems on themselves (1 Peter 4:12-16)
-Christians are just as subject to sickness, accidents, death as non-Christians (these are the results of being fallen beings in a fallen world) (Matthew 5:45; Luke 13:1-5)
3. How we deal with frustration and adversity will affect our spiritual vitality.
4. John Maxwell has said, “The quality of your life and the duration of your success depend on your attitude, and you are the only person in the world with the power to make it better.”
Friday, February 29, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 5
Click here to download the sermon file.
Notes from February 24, 2008
1. Believers are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (i.e. to willingly place themselves under the control of the Holy Spirit). Ephesians 5:18
2. The issue is not how much of the Holy Spirit do we have (we will never have more of the Holy Spirit than we do at the moment of salvation). The issue is how much of us does the Holy Spirit have?
3. The conditions for being filled with the Spirit are: we must deal with sin in our lives (Ephesians 4:30); we must acknowledge God’s right to our lives and consciously yield to God (Romans 12:1; 6:13; Galatians 2:20); and we must live a life of dependence allowing the Spirit to have full control (Galatians 5:16).
4. The results of and evidences of being filled with the Spirit are: Christlike character (Galatians 5:22,23); worship, praise and thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:19,20); and right relationships in marriage, the home on the job and in the church (Ephesians 5:21ff).
Notes from February 24, 2008
1. Believers are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (i.e. to willingly place themselves under the control of the Holy Spirit). Ephesians 5:18
2. The issue is not how much of the Holy Spirit do we have (we will never have more of the Holy Spirit than we do at the moment of salvation). The issue is how much of us does the Holy Spirit have?
3. The conditions for being filled with the Spirit are: we must deal with sin in our lives (Ephesians 4:30); we must acknowledge God’s right to our lives and consciously yield to God (Romans 12:1; 6:13; Galatians 2:20); and we must live a life of dependence allowing the Spirit to have full control (Galatians 5:16).
4. The results of and evidences of being filled with the Spirit are: Christlike character (Galatians 5:22,23); worship, praise and thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:19,20); and right relationships in marriage, the home on the job and in the church (Ephesians 5:21ff).
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 4
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of the sermon from February 17, 2008:
Rick Warren in his book, The Purpose-Driven Life, suggests the following steps in overcoming temptation:
-refuse to be intimidated, all are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13)
-recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it (when, where, in what situations, and who are you with when you are tempted?)
-request God’s help (Hebrews 4:15,16)
-re-focus your attention on something else (Philippians 4:8)
-reveal your struggle to a godly friend or group (Ecclesiastes 4:11.12)
-resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7)
-realize your vulnerability (1 Corinthians 10:1-12, especially 12)
Recap of the sermon from February 17, 2008:
Rick Warren in his book, The Purpose-Driven Life, suggests the following steps in overcoming temptation:
-refuse to be intimidated, all are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13)
-recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it (when, where, in what situations, and who are you with when you are tempted?)
-request God’s help (Hebrews 4:15,16)
-re-focus your attention on something else (Philippians 4:8)
-reveal your struggle to a godly friend or group (Ecclesiastes 4:11.12)
-resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7)
-realize your vulnerability (1 Corinthians 10:1-12, especially 12)
Monday, February 11, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 3
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of February 10, 2008
1. Every temptation is an opportunity to do good, to grow into the character of Jesus Christ. It is as much an opportunity to do the right thing, as to do the wrong thing. (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life)
2. Temptation in itself is not sin. It’s what we do with the temptation. Jesus was tempted, yet He was without sin.
3. Sin begins in the thought life, the heart. James 1:13-15; Matthew 15:16-19
4. Satan’s part in temptation is to cause us to doubt the seriousness of sin or to question, misuse and misquote the Word of God. This can clearly be seen in Genesis 3 and Matthew 4.
5. Three areas of temptation we face are: temptation to fulfill a legitimate need in an illegitimate way; temptation to test God rather than believe Him; and temptation to seek success without holiness.
“Maintaining Your Spiritual Edge” (pt. 4)
(selected Scripture)
1. Do I have a regular daily time with God where I replenish my spiritual resources? Mark 1:21-35
2. Is there someone I need to forgive? Am I holding a grudge? Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:22-32
3. Is there something in my life (an attitude, an activity) of which God cannot approve? Romans 6:2, 11-14
Recap of February 10, 2008
1. Every temptation is an opportunity to do good, to grow into the character of Jesus Christ. It is as much an opportunity to do the right thing, as to do the wrong thing. (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life)
2. Temptation in itself is not sin. It’s what we do with the temptation. Jesus was tempted, yet He was without sin.
3. Sin begins in the thought life, the heart. James 1:13-15; Matthew 15:16-19
4. Satan’s part in temptation is to cause us to doubt the seriousness of sin or to question, misuse and misquote the Word of God. This can clearly be seen in Genesis 3 and Matthew 4.
5. Three areas of temptation we face are: temptation to fulfill a legitimate need in an illegitimate way; temptation to test God rather than believe Him; and temptation to seek success without holiness.
“Maintaining Your Spiritual Edge” (pt. 4)
(selected Scripture)
1. Do I have a regular daily time with God where I replenish my spiritual resources? Mark 1:21-35
2. Is there someone I need to forgive? Am I holding a grudge? Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:22-32
3. Is there something in my life (an attitude, an activity) of which God cannot approve? Romans 6:2, 11-14
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 2
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of Part 2 from February 3, 2008
(credit for the outline to Selwyn Hughes, Every Day Light: Water for the Soul)
1. On the basis of God’s forgiveness of our enormous debt of sin against Him at the cross, we are to forgive others without limit.
2. Having an unforgiving spirit produces negative consequences in our lives; physically, emotionally and spiritually.
3. Those we may need to forgive: parents; ourselves; God; our mate; those in authority over us; others. (source: Happiness is a Choice).
4. We forgive by: admitting our hurt, anger or bitterness; asking God for His grace and help; forgiving, yielding up, letting go of our hurt by an act of the will; foregoing the right to strike back; replacing feeling of resentment and anger with good will seeking the good of the other person, not harm; and by taking steps to start over at an appropriate time.
Recap of Part 2 from February 3, 2008
(credit for the outline to Selwyn Hughes, Every Day Light: Water for the Soul)
1. On the basis of God’s forgiveness of our enormous debt of sin against Him at the cross, we are to forgive others without limit.
2. Having an unforgiving spirit produces negative consequences in our lives; physically, emotionally and spiritually.
3. Those we may need to forgive: parents; ourselves; God; our mate; those in authority over us; others. (source: Happiness is a Choice).
4. We forgive by: admitting our hurt, anger or bitterness; asking God for His grace and help; forgiving, yielding up, letting go of our hurt by an act of the will; foregoing the right to strike back; replacing feeling of resentment and anger with good will seeking the good of the other person, not harm; and by taking steps to start over at an appropriate time.
Monday, January 28, 2008
How to Maintain Your Spiritual Edge, Part 1
Click here to download the sermon file.
Sermon re-cap from January 27, 2008
“To know God, it is necessary to spend consistent time with Him.” Robert D. Foster
Time spent in reading and meditating upon Scripture.
Time spent in prayer, both in:
-responding to Him about what we are reading in His Word
-and bringing our praise and requests to Him (A.C.T.S.-adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication)
Taking time to pass on to others what God is showing us
Begin by choosing a time and place that fits your schedule, make this time a priority.
After a busy day and before another busy day, Jesus took time, early in the morning, to spend time in prayer. (Mark 1:21-35)
Sermon re-cap from January 27, 2008
“To know God, it is necessary to spend consistent time with Him.” Robert D. Foster
Time spent in reading and meditating upon Scripture.
Time spent in prayer, both in:
-responding to Him about what we are reading in His Word
-and bringing our praise and requests to Him (A.C.T.S.-adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication)
Taking time to pass on to others what God is showing us
Begin by choosing a time and place that fits your schedule, make this time a priority.
After a busy day and before another busy day, Jesus took time, early in the morning, to spend time in prayer. (Mark 1:21-35)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Spiritual Accounting 101
Click here to download the sermon file.
The final sermon in the Philippians Series. Recap of Philippians 4:14-23, January 20, 2008:
Principles of Giving
1. Giving is to be done willingly, not under pressure, vv. 14,16
2. Giving is participating in another’s ministry, vv. 14,15
3. Giving is a two way street, as we give God rewards us spiritually and materially [not with wealth, as in the prosperity gospel, but with more to give, 2 Corinthians 9:6ff; Galatians 6:6], vv. 17,19
4. Giving is our priestly duty (one of the sacrifices we offer as NT believers), vs. 18
5. Giving should be sacrificial, vs. 19 (2 Samuel 24:24)
The final sermon in the Philippians Series. Recap of Philippians 4:14-23, January 20, 2008:
Principles of Giving
1. Giving is to be done willingly, not under pressure, vv. 14,16
2. Giving is participating in another’s ministry, vv. 14,15
3. Giving is a two way street, as we give God rewards us spiritually and materially [not with wealth, as in the prosperity gospel, but with more to give, 2 Corinthians 9:6ff; Galatians 6:6], vv. 17,19
4. Giving is our priestly duty (one of the sacrifices we offer as NT believers), vs. 18
5. Giving should be sacrificial, vs. 19 (2 Samuel 24:24)
Monday, January 14, 2008
An Unfamiliar Virtue, Part 2
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of Philippians 4:12,13, January 13, 2008:
1. Signs of discontentment:
-when what we have is never enough
-when we are in a constant state of debt-can’t pay our bills
-when primary relationships are affected (marital, children, etc.)
-when we seek friends for the wrong reasons, for what they have rather than for their character
2. Steps to contentment
-evaluate our view of possessions/money
-understand the temporary nature of money/possessions
-cultivate thankfulness/gratitude toward God for provisions of necessities
-test our priorities (look at our checkbook and calendar), are we living for what will pass away or for the eternal
-find our security in what lasts, the presence of and promises of God
-abide in Christ and allow Him to strengthen us
Recap of Philippians 4:12,13, January 13, 2008:
1. Signs of discontentment:
-when what we have is never enough
-when we are in a constant state of debt-can’t pay our bills
-when primary relationships are affected (marital, children, etc.)
-when we seek friends for the wrong reasons, for what they have rather than for their character
2. Steps to contentment
-evaluate our view of possessions/money
-understand the temporary nature of money/possessions
-cultivate thankfulness/gratitude toward God for provisions of necessities
-test our priorities (look at our checkbook and calendar), are we living for what will pass away or for the eternal
-find our security in what lasts, the presence of and promises of God
-abide in Christ and allow Him to strengthen us
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
An Unfamiliar Virtue
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of Philippians 4:10,11, January 6, 2008:
1. When it comes to contentment; having things is not the issue, loving things is.
2. Contentment is not natural but learned. Paul learned that:
-God would give him what He thinks is necessary for him to have
-The Lord would strengthen him to face every situation
- he must not depend upon circumstances, which can change, for contentment
3. Six wrong assumptions about possessions from Luke 12:13-34:
-thinking that the priority of life was gathering more and more for ourselves
-thinking that possessions can provide satisfaction
-thinking that possessions would last for many years
-thinking that we will live to enjoy possessions
-not recognizing that our provision is from God
-forgetting the importance of spiritual riches
Recap of Philippians 4:10,11, January 6, 2008:
1. When it comes to contentment; having things is not the issue, loving things is.
2. Contentment is not natural but learned. Paul learned that:
-God would give him what He thinks is necessary for him to have
-The Lord would strengthen him to face every situation
- he must not depend upon circumstances, which can change, for contentment
3. Six wrong assumptions about possessions from Luke 12:13-34:
-thinking that the priority of life was gathering more and more for ourselves
-thinking that possessions can provide satisfaction
-thinking that possessions would last for many years
-thinking that we will live to enjoy possessions
-not recognizing that our provision is from God
-forgetting the importance of spiritual riches
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)