12/31/17-The Gift of a New Day and a New Year

"The Gift of A New Day and A New Year." (Luke 2:41-51.)

Achieving a blessed New Year…….

• Some things never CHANGE!

Mary's question gives us the right to ask God, "WHY?"

* Best way to overcome regret and guilt, is to respond to the past struggles with TRUST.

We must respond with trust because:

God often answers our question in a way that we DON’T EXPECT.

God is IN CONTROL.

Adversity that brings about a POSITIVE change is a good bad.

• We should wholeheartedly RESPOND to the New Year with thankfulness and excitement.

Respond with thankfulness because each day is a GIFT from God.

Respond to the FUTURE with a sense of excitement.

Step into the future…..

• Thank God for all the tough times, trusting that they had a PURPOSE.

• RECOUNT the blessings that have occurred as a result of those tough times.

• Think of something you can begin TO DO for Christ and do it.

• Go beyond putting your life in His hands and put your ETERNITY there as well.

12/24/17-Born To Die For You

12/24/17-Born To Die For You

“Born to Die FOR You.” (Luke 2: 8-11; Mark 10:41-45)

Jesus came…

• Jesus came to be our SUBSTITUTE.

• Jesus came to SHOW us how to live.

• Jesus came to SERVE us.

This Means that…

• For the Christian, Jesus is our SERVANT.

• Jesus PROMISES that when we ask anything in accordance to His will, and in His Name, it is

ours.

• Jesus will GIVE US everything that we need.

How to respond to Jesus coming…

• Trust Jesus to SERVE you.

• Trust Jesus to SAVE you if you never have.

12/17/17-Shattered Dreams to Greatest Blessings

12/17/17-Shattered Dreams to Greatest Blessings

From Shattered Dreams to Greatest Blessings. (Matthew 1:18-25)

A SHATTERING discovery……

• God’s plans for us are always BEST, even when they hurt us deeply.

A SOBERING deliberation.. . . . .

• When life seemingly goes wrong from our perspective is the time when God can reveal our

TRUE selves.

• When life presents us with difficult choices, our duty is to:

LISTEN to the voice of God.

Seek to do the ONE thing He wants us to do in our situation.

A SATISFYING declaration.. . . . .

• When dreams are shattered and hopes are dashed, trust that God is in PERFECT control.

• It is from the wreckage of greatest hurts that God often builds FOR YOU the greatest

blessings.

A SHOCKING decision.. . . . . .

• True FAITH does not shrink from the call of God just because others do not understand.

• True faith willingly puts aside its own DESIRES to do the will of God.

GIVE and TRUST God. . . .. . . .

• Give to God your unanswered desire, broken dream, or persistent anxiety or DOUBT.

• Trust God to TRANSFORM it to be your greatest blessing.

12/10/17-Settling Out of Court

12/10/17-Settling Out of Court

“Settling Out of Court” Romans 2:1-16

Truths of Judging…….

• There is a serious DANGER in judging others.

Man’s judgment is BLIND.

Man’s kindness leads to ABUSE.

• God has called a “truce” on His Judgment, it is called REPENTANCE.

The Bible always looks to the judgment as certain though not always IMMEDIATE.

The VERDICT on the day of God’s Judgment will be either:

God’s gift of ETERNAL LIFE.

The RECEIPT of God’s wrath and anger.

• The demand of God’s Law is that we be judged by ACTIONS.

God’s demand is not to hear His word–but OBEY His word.

A faith that does not issue forth in righteous deeds is NOT Biblical faith.

God has written His law on every human heart—it is called the CONSCIENCE.

• When you stand before God He will judge you IMPARTIALLY.

Settling out of Court.

• When noticing the sin of others look first at YOURSELF.

• Take the PLEA BARGAIN offered and settle “out of court.”

Admit you are a sinner, GUILTY as charged by the Word of God.

Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and LEAN upon Him for salvation.

12/3/17-Ignorance, Unbelief & Its Consequences 12/3/17-Ignorance, Unbelief & Its Consequences

Ignorance, Unbelief and Its Consequences! (Romans 1:18-25)

The Wrath of God……

• Is currently, today, operative in the lives of the UNGODLY.

• Anticipates God’s FINAL withdrawal from unbelievers.

• Hell is the single greatest tragedy in universe.

Truth and reality of God.. . . . .

• Every person has ENOUGH truth and light about God to know about Him.

God’s CREATION is a universal outward witness .

God has put in everyone’s hear a CONSCIENCE as an internal witness to Him.

• Light REFUSED increases darkness.

When spiritual truth is REVEALED, you must use or lose it.

A darkened heart produces degenerate HABITS:

The WORSHIP of created things.

The dishonoring of their body through SEXUAL impurity.

• Light OBEYED increases light.

Anyone who turns toward the light, gets CLOSER to God.

Anyone, anywhere who follows light they have can find the FULL TRUTH about God!

• Every person will be JUDGED according to the light they had.

11/26/17-The Lords Supper and the Cross

11/26/17-The Lords Supper and the Cross

The Lord’s Supper and the Cross. (Matthew 26: 17-30.)

The Lord’s Supper……..

• The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus on the occasion of partaking of the last

PASSOVER.

• Because Jesus instituted it Himself, the BIBLE gave it the name Lord’s Supper or Lord’s

Table.

• Since it was the Lord’s Table, Jesus PUT IT where He wanted it.

The Table is in the CHURCH in the Kingdom of God.

The church must come together in ONE PLACE to observe the Lord’s Supper.

• Jesus Himself issued the INVITATIONS to His Supper.

• Jesus prescribes the terms of ADMISSIONS to His Supper.

The Cross of Jesus Christ……..

• At the Cross Jesus bore the GRIEF of sin.

• At the Cross Jesus stood in YOUR place.

• At the Cross:

Your GUILT is taken away.

Your sin has been ATONED.

Your sin is REMEMBERED no more.

11/26/17-The Miracle of Thanksgiving

11/26/17-The Miracle of Thanksgiving

The Miracle of Thanksgiving (John 6:5-23.)

Giving thanks in face overwhelming needs

• Do not PANIC.

The disciples saw themselves as HELPLESS, as ones lacking ability and power.

The sense of helplessness is often the beginning of Divine STRENGTH.

• Throw away your SAFETY NETS.

Safety nets are those JUST-IN-CASE solutions we

maintain in case the Lord doesn't come through.

Needs reveal true object of our TRUST.

• Keep your eye on the LORD.

They became DISTRACTED from basic truths of

faith.

• Choose to thank God for ALL things

There was the miracle of the inadequate becoming more than ADEQUATE.

There was the miracle of UNDERSTANDING.

• Do it TOGETHER.

Some lessons can be mastered ALONE, others are learned in fellowship with other believers.

The Lord is allowing them to know their part in MINISTRY to the world.

Responding with thanksgiving…..

• Experience the miracle of SALVATION.

• Experience the miracle of LORDSHIP.

• Experience the miracle of GIVING.

11/5/17-God-given Privileges to All Christians

11/5/17-God-given Privileges to All Christians

God-given Privileges to All Christians. (Romans 1:2-7.)

• Christians are LOVED by God.

God simply loves us because of who He is and not because of WHO WE ARE.

Christians are loved by God in the same way He loves CHRIST.

• Christians are CALLED by God.

God’s GENERAL call is for all who hear to turn from their sin and trust in Jesus Christ.

God’s EFFECTUAL call is specific by which a person hears and responds by becoming a

Christian.

• Christians are SAINTS.

Being a saint always means being SEPARATED by God to God and to his work.

Christians LIVE for God and work for God in this world.

• Christians are the recipients of the GRACE of God.

We must live SPIRITUALLY moment by moment drawing on God’s favor.

• Christians are the recipients of the PEACE of God.

When you became a Christian, God made peace WITH you.

When you became a Christian, you HAVE peace with God.

11/5/17-God-given Privileges to All Christians

11/5/17-God-given Privileges to All Christians

God-given Privileges to All Christians. (Romans 1:2-7.)

• Christians are LOVED by God.

God simply loves us because of who He is and not because of WHO WE ARE.

Christians are loved by God in the same way He loves CHRIST.

• Christians are CALLED by God.

God’s GENERAL call is for all who hear to turn from their sin and trust in Jesus Christ.

God’s EFFECTUAL call is specific by which a person hears and responds by becoming a

Christian.

• Christians are SAINTS.

Being a saint always means being SEPARATED by God to God and to his work.

Christians LIVE for God and work for God in this world.

• Christians are the recipients of the GRACE of God.

We must live SPIRITUALLY moment by moment drawing on God’s favor.

• Christians are the recipients of the PEACE of God.

When you became a Christian, God made peace WITH you.

When you became a Christian, you HAVE peace with God.

10/29/17-Evidence of being a Real Christian

10/29/17-Evidence of being a Real Christian

“Evidence of being a Real Christian.” (Romans 1:1.)

Characteristics of a real Christian……..

• A real Christian is someone who has been CHANGED by Jesus: SALVATION.

Changed from RELIGION to a relationship.

Changed from GUILT to grace.

Changed from HATRED to humility.

• A real Christian is CHAINED to Jesus: SUBMISSION.

Their position is that they have been CONQUERED by Jesus.

Their position is that they are CONTROLLED by Jesus.

• A real Christian is someone who is CALLED by Jesus: SERVICE.

When you become a Christian God wants you to BE: a disciple, a follower of Jesus.

When you become a Christian God wants you to DO: share the good news.

10/15/17-Lion Chaser Opportunities

10/15/17-Lion Chaser Opportunities

Grabbing and Subduing Lion-chaser Opportunities.” (2 Sam 23:20-23.)

Lion-chaser lessons……..

• Your greatest opportunities are often disguised as GOD-SIZED challenges.

>God-sized challenges cannot be faced without the supernatural POWER of God.

• Your greatest fear to conquer is the fear of FAILURE.

>Fear and FAITH are mutually exclusive and cannot occupy the same place in your mind

simultaneously.

• Your greatest satisfaction in life will come from accumulating EXPERIENCES, not

possessions.

>Real heroes and lion-chasers are the ones who willingly lay down their LIVES for others.

• Whenever you TRUST God the reward outweighs the risk.

>What the world calls risky behavior the Bible simply calls it FAITH.

Take the opportunity……..

• To acknowledge your “lion” and STEP OUT in faith to subdue it.

• To pray and ask God to help you to CONQUER your fear.

• To trust God to walk you through whatever “PIT” you are in right now.

10/8/17-The Heart of a Christian

10/8/17-The Heart of a Christian

“The Heart of a Christian” Romans 1:7-15

God’s calling…….

• The ultimate purpose God’s calling is that the Christian becomes like Him in HOLINESS.

• Holiness is the single GOAL that is to direct the life of every true believer.

• Means that we are saints TOGETHER, set apart for God’s service.

The Heart of a Christian………

• Is to be a THANKFUL heart.

>The growth of a church is always contingent upon the openness of believers to express their

FAITH.

• Is to be a SERVANT’S heart.

>God ALWAYS deserves our BEST.

>A servant’s heart results in total SURRENDER.

>Serving God is not our duty, but it is our PRIVILEGE.

• Is to be a PRAYING heart.

>Without God’s help, even the most faithful person can FALL.

>Prayer is not just an act, it is a constant ATTITUDE.

• Is to be a SUBMISSIVE heart.

>The Christian’s heart desires to do only those things which are GOD’S WILL.

• Is to be an UNSELFISH heart.

>One reason we come to church is for MUTUAL encouragement.

* Is an OBLIGATED heart.

>We have an obligation to SHARE the Good News.

>We have an obligation to give CREDIT to those who help us.

10/1/17-Holding on to Your Ebeneezer

10/1/17-Holding on to Your Ebeneezer

Holding on to Your Ebeneezer. (I Samuel 7:12.)

The memorial, Ebenezer, was set up….

• To remember the PERFECTLY timed intercession of God’s help.

• To remember how OFTEN God’s help when needed was provided.

• To remember how often God allows us to arrive at the point of DESPERATION.

>To teach us the very truth about OURSELVES.

>To produce in us a perfection of our FAITH.

>To provide an occasion for a more impressive demonstration of God’s power and GRACE.

>To remember how COMPLETELY God’s help met our need and accomplished our

deliverance.

• To remember how much we OWE to God---everything.

• As a permanent RECORD of God’s help and provision.

• To ENCOURAGE ourselves in times of conflict and crisis.

• As a TESTIMONY to others in similar circumstances.

Present and future challenges……

• To BUILD UPON the stones others have left for our benefit.

• To be used by God to become EVERLASTING monuments to God’s power and grace.

9/24/17-A Truly Life Changing Experience

9/24/17-A Truly Life Changing Experience

“A Truly Life-changing Experience!” (Lk 24:36-53)

Jesus’ life-changing offer……

• Jesus offers you PEACE when you are troubled.

>Peace comes when you are willing to EXAMINE Jesus.

>Peace continues when you truly EXPERIENCE Jesus.

• Jesus offers to open your mind to SCRIPTURES.

>The simple human mind cannot UNDERSTAND God’s Word.

>Reading and understanding God’s Word must begin with:

...A DEDICATED mind and heart.

...A WILLINGNESS to listen as God speaks.

>All Scripture is about JESUS.

• Jesus offers POWER to be His witness.

>We must be filled with Holy Spirit power because God COMMANDS it.

>We must be filled with Holy Spirit power because God’s WORK demands it.

• Jesus offers to REPLACE your sadness with joy.

>Happiness comes and goes but joy is DEPENDENT only on Jesus.

>When you have a truly life-changing experience with Jesus, joy will be a NATURAL witness.

Accepting Jesus’ offer……..

• OPEN your heart to Jesus and His life-changing Word.

• Ask Jesus to take your WEAKNESS and turn it to strength

9/10/17-Rising from the Water

9/10/17-Rising from the Water

Rising from the Water: Isaiah 57: 14-21

• God promises to revive, lead, heal, and encourage His HUMBLED.

• God enables us to be the RIGHTEOUS people He has called us to be.

• God is a TRUSTWORTHY refuge for people who truthfully seek Him.

Prepare to rise……...

• Preparation makes it possible for people to RETURN to God.

• God wanted His people to ACCEPT the obstacles in their path and trust their God.

• UNCOMMITTMENT is a major stumbling block that must be overcome.

• A committed heart is a DECIDED heart.

Rising from the water……

• Come to Christ for REFUGE.

• Turn your thoughts away from yourself and FOCUS on God.

• Get INVOLVED.

• SHARE your blessings with those having difficulty rising from the water.

8/20/17-Learning to Trust God, No Matter What

8/20/17-Learning to Trust God, No Matter What

“Learning to Trust God, No Matter What!” (2 Cor 1:8-11)

God’s purpose for allowing suffering and valleys….

• To make me FOCUS on God because He knows what’s really important.

• To prove to me that I cannot RELY on my own strength to endure the valley experiences.

• To teach me and convince me to confidently trust IN GOD ALONE—no matter what!

• To teach me that throughout this Christian life I need the HELP of others.

• To PREPARE me to help others who struggle through their own valley experiences.

Your scars……..

• God uses our scars to tell a story of his love and FAITHFULNESS to others.

• Scars are not finish lines of death, they are CHECKPOINTS of life along the way.

• Scars are not a sign of weakness; they are signs of TRUST and survival.

8/13/17-Comfort/Encouragement for Turbulent Times

8/13/17-Comfort/Encouragement for Turbulent Times

Comfort and Encouragement for Turbulent Times. (2 Corinthians 1:1-7)

Be Comforted and Encouraged……

• God our Father is the God of ALL compassion, comfort and encouragement.

>God is intimately concerned in EVERY detail of your life.

>God’s compassion means that He FEELS your pain.

>God has a strong DESIRE to comfort, encourage, and sometimes alleviate or calm your

troubled waters.

• God is with you and working IN all of your troubles.

>God comes alongside of you to FORTIFY you.

>God can totally TRANSFORM the ruins or garbage of your life into a garden of His Grace.

• God can use you to be a CHANNEL of His comfort and encouragement to others.

>God doesn’t comfort you to make you COMFORTABLE—but to make me a comforter!

>God fortifies you so that you can encourage others to TRUST Him.

Personal opportunities to encourage and comfort……..

• Identify someone who is going through TURBULENT times.

• Identify someone who has been a BLESSING to you.

• Identify someone who has been struggling and come

ALONGSIDE of them.

8/13/17-6th Seal: The Great Earthquake (pm)

8/13/17-6th Seal: The Great Earthquake (pm)

• The REASON for fear.

>Each of the first 5 seals involved HUMANS in one way or another.

>The 6th seal will be so devastating and terrifying that it will be attributable ONLY TO GOD.

>This event will SHAKE the heavens as well as the earth.

>There will be six devastating and terrifying DISASTERS that will occur.

• The RANGE of fear.

>There will be a great EARTHQUAKE.

>The SUN will turn as black as a mourner’s robe.

>There will be a total ECLIPSE of the sun and moon that will add more reason for the world to

panic.

>An asteroid or meteor showers BOMBARD the earth.

>The earth’s ATMOSPHERE is affected.

>The whole unstable CRUST of the earth begins to move and shift.

• The REACTION of fear.

>The debilitating fear will affect all UNBELIEVERS.

>The debilitating fear will embrace all CLASSES of society.

>The reaction of the unbelieving world to the terrors will not be REPENTANCE, but panic.

Not altogether hopeless……

• The CHURCH will be delivered from that time.

• Great multitudes will be SAVED.

8/6/17-Holding Onto Courageous Faith

8/6/17-Holding Onto Courageous Faith

Holding on to Courageous Faith. (Hebrews 3:1-6).

Gospel Truths of faith . . . .

• You CAN walk faithfully and confidently with God---morning to night---all day---every day.

• You cannot be faithful to God if you allow ANY unbelief take root in your heart.

• Faithfulness is simply BELIEVING God will keep His Word.

Courageous faith……….

• You do not ENTERTAIN the lies of the devil.

>Lie No. 1: "You're not making any SPIRITUAL progress."

>Lie No. 2: "God is not with you- you've GRIEVED Him away."

• You allow God to EXAMINE and reveal His findings to you.

• You know beyond a shadow of doubt that you have FULL ACCESS to the throne of God !

• You never have to EXPLAIN anything to God.

• You can just kneel before God and PRAY boldly:

7/30/17-Living in the Midst of Thorns

7/30/17-Living in the Midst of Thorns

“Living in the Midst of Thorns.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Your Thorn(s)…….

• Your thorn(s) is any AFFLICTION in your life that could produce self-pity and bitterness, IF

YOU allow it.

>It is not INCONSISTENT in the Christian life to be lifted up to the third heaven in one moment

and experience the thorn in the next.

• Your thorn(s) can be used by God for His glory and your great BLESSING, IF YOU allow

Him to do so.

>God ALWAYS has a valuable lesson for you in the midst of your thorn.

>God always PROMISES His presence, power and strength.

The Good of your thorn……

• It keeps you from being PROUD.

• It drives you to PRAY.

• It makes you depend on God’s GRACE, presence and power—no matter what!

• It allows you to offer a sacrifice of PRAISE.

• It allows the POWER of God to work in your life.

• It allows God to use you to MINISTER to others.

7/23/17-Fifth Seal: Martyred Tribulation Saints

7/23/17-Fifth Seal: Martyred Tribulation Saints

PM SERVICE

Fifth Seal: Martyred Tribulation Saints (6:9-11)

The Fifth Seal…….

• Marks the MIDPOINT of the tribulation.

• Portrays a FORCE of the prayers of God’s saints.

The Persons….

• Refers to the MARTYRS who have been killed in the last days.

• John described the martyrs underneath the altar as SOULS.

• The martyrs are the firstfruits of those who will be SAVED during the tribulation.

• The martyrs will be slain because of:

? The WORD of God.

? The TESTIMONY which they had maintained.

The Petitions……..

• The force involved in the fifth seal is the PRAYERS of the tribulation martyrs for God to

enact vengeance.

• God will respond to their prayers because their prayers were urgent and consistent with His

PURPOSE.

The Promise…….

• The long, brilliant white robes were a reward of GRACE.

• God’s spoken word was an invitation for the martyrs to stop and enjoy Heavenly REST.

7/23/17-Developing Great Christian Habits-AM serv

7/23/17-Developing Great Christian Habits-AM serv

Developing Great Christian Habits (Heb 5:11-14)

The Power of Habits

• Mature Christians learn to live the Christian life in one FLUID motion rather than an awkward

series of movements.

• In order to experience the power of good habits, training in STERN self-discipline is first

required.

• Who you will be in five, ten, twenty years will be determined by the habits you CULTIVATE

beginning today.

Six Good Habits that Cultivate Grace

• Give to GOD the first and best part of your day.

• Get the TRASH out of your life.

• CLEANUP your own dishes.

• WRITE down your responsibilities and opportunities.

• Do the things NOW that “never get done.”

• Turnoff the conditions that keep you from RESTING.

Practical Steps to Greatness

• Identify one bad habit you have NEVER gotten rid of.

• Write it on a sheet of paper & tell yourself it has to be BROKEN.

• Ask God which one of the six good habits He wants you to DEVELOP first.

• Ask someone to help keep you ACCOUNTABLE.

• Don’t get DISCOURAGED with setbacks.

7/16/17-Dream Great Dreams

7/16/17-Dream Great Dreams

Dream Great Dreams (Acts 2:14-17)

The Birthing of Great Dreams. . . . . .

When we begin to believe:

• God is ABLE.

• God is DESIROUS.

• God has PROMISED.

• God INVITES us.

Principles to Dream and Live by. . . . . .

• God commands us to step out of our COMFORT ZONE.

• God puts His DREAM in your heart.

• God teaches us through adversity to love the DREAM-GIVER more than the dream.

• God often uses our worst FAILURES as the platform of His future fulfillment.

Getting Started on Dreaming Great Dreams. . . . . . .

• WRITE your dream down.

• Read dreams over REGULARLY.

• PRAY over your dreams.

• Watch for God’s INTERVENTION.

7/9/17-Enjoy Great Moments

7/9/17-Enjoy Great Moments

Enjoy Great Moments (Ecclesiastes 3:1-13)

Reasons to enjoy great moments . . . . .

• It reminds us of God’s GOODNESS.

• It sustains us in ADVERSITY.

• It honors God as the SOURCE of joy.

• It connects our hearts to those WE LOVE.

• God uses the joy of great moments to RENEW us.

Factors that undermine our ability. . . . . .

• A DISTORTED view of God.

• A WARPED theology of pleasure.

• Unwillingness to FACE false beliefs and unhealthy behavior.

How to enjoy great moments. . . . . .

• SLOW down and enjoy the great moment.

• SLIM down by simplifying your schedule.

• SIT down and learn to live in the present.

• LOOK around at little things you often take for granted.

• PLAN into your schedule great moment.

7/2/17-Why Would God Bless America?

7/2/17-Why Would God Bless America?

Genesis 12:3

God’s blessings of America…..

• We have a godly HERITAGE.

• Our land is blessed with plentiful NATURAL resources.

• America is blessed with a FREE enterprise system.

• We enjoy the liberty to speak our minds and WORSHIP as we choose.

America’s response…..

• The sin of citizens who are SELF-CENTERED.

• Removal of PRAYER and the Word of God from our schools.

• America has legalized SIN that God considers an abomination.

• America has tolerated LIBERALISM from spiritual leaders.

The Christian’s response to a disintegrating nation…

• We are to live in PRAYER.

>Pray for both our LEADERS and the “peace of Jerusalem.”

• We are to live CHRIST-like lives.

>EXAMINE our own life and live by God’s Word.

>Walk in FAITH.

• STAND courageously and share the Gospel.

And God will continue to bless America….

• Because of His GODLY people.

SERMON OUTLINE > 6/18/17-Motivated to Greatness

6/18/17-Motivated to Greatness

Motivated to Greatness. (Phil 4:8-9)

Thinking Great Thoughts. . . . . .

• God COMMANDS great thoughts.

• You are what you THINK.

Sources of Great Thoughts. . . . . .

• Start with SCRIPTURE.

• Take time to notice BEAUTY.

> Consider the enormity and goodness of GOD.

> Focus on the PROMISES of the Promiser.

• Meditate on SPIRITUAL insights.

>Look for SECURITY in Christ rather than in the opinions of others.

>God LOVES ME at this moment as much as He ever had or ever will.

>COMPARISON is at the core of carnality.

Tips to Get You Started to Greatness. . . . . .

• Memorize and meditate on SCRIPTURE.

• Use your DRIVE time.

• Listen to great MUSIC.

• Take WALKS in nature.

• PERSONALIZE scriptural truth and promises.

6/11/17-How Much Do I Have to do for Approval

6/11/17-How Much Do I Have to do for Approval

How Much Do I Have to do for the Lord’s Approval?

Mk 14:3-9, Jn 12:1-8

Necessary requirements for Lord’s approval……

• Do what you CAN.

>The OPPORTUNITY that is placed within their hands.

>LOVE has to do something.

>Lord demands nothing more from you than He Himself has GIVEN YOU in the first place.

>All Christian living and Christian service is simply my GIVING BACK to God what He has

given me.

• Do that MUCH.

>She has done ALL she could.

• Do it NOW.

>We don’t really have any idea what we are REALLY doing.

>Whatever you pour out on Jesus will ALWAYS come back on you.

6/11/17-Rider on Red Horse (pm service)

6/11/17-Rider on Red Horse (pm service)

• He loves to infiltrate the CHURCH.

• He DIVIDES congregations and forces church splits..

• Forces MISSIONARIES to leave the field in discouragement.

The Rider on the Red horse…….

• Symbolizes bloodshed and WAR.

>If the White Horse is conquest from without, the Red

Horse maybe INTERNAL revolution.

>Unless God intervenes forcibly to stop it, all of

humanity would DIE.

6/4/17-Windows of Opportunity

6/4/17-Windows of Opportunity

Windows of opportunity. . . . . .

• Every Christian’s life is marked by windows of opportunity

that demand a RADICAL STEP of faith.

>God often brings windows of opportunity at times when you are DESPERATE.

>The Lord will bring you to the edge of a DECISION.

>At a critical point in life you will have a decision that pits OBEDIENCE against comfort or

convenience.

Consequences of a Risk Free Life. . . . .

• Remember where there is no:

>Risk there is no POWER or joy or intimacy with God.

>Risk there is no REWARD.

>Risk there is no PLEASING God.

• All great Christians risk takers always have in common:

>They FEAR what might happen.

>They have faith to STEP OUT in spite of fear.

>They have God’s FAVOR, reward and blessing on their life.

Rejuvenating or sustaining your faith……..

• Start with the LITTLE things.

• Ponder the BIG things.

• Remember the MAIN thing is pleasing God.

• RECALL God’s Faithfulness.

5/21/17-God’s Truth Demands a Response

5/21/17-God’s Truth Demands a Response

"God’s Truth Demands a Response." (Matt 15:21-28.)

Faith’s positive response to God’s promises……..

• Accept the PROMISE.

>The Saints of the Old Testament were commended for their faith because they SAW the

promises.

>Take the promise into our arms and EMBRACE IT.

>Our acceptance of God’s promise is a commitment to OBEY.

>Seeing yourself as God sees you is the KEY to living, perfect, victorious faith.

• Renounce all confidence in HUMAN resources.

>Perfect faith not only trusts God, it DISTRUSTS human abilities.

>We will never have faith in God’s ability until we renounce ALL FAITH in our own.

• Face the problem but focus on the PROMISE.

>True faith becomes stronger when confronted with IMPOSSIBILITIES.

>It is the trial that determines the AUTHENTICITY of our faith.

• REST on God’s faithfulness.

>It isn’t our PERFORMANCE that matters, it is God’s.

>When God makes a promise the RESPONSIBILITY is His.

5/14/17-Perfecting Your Faith

5/14/17-Perfecting Your Faith

SERMON SERIES—“Living by FAITH.”

Perfecting Your Faith. ( Hebrews 11:17-19; James 2:21-22.)

Levels of Faith….

• LITTLE faith.

>On this level of faith the Christian is WRESTLING.

>A person stays on level one because their FOCUS is on themselves and their circumstances.

>Somebody SUFFERS as a result of little faith.

• GREAT faith.

>On this level of faith the Christian is REACHING.

>Great faith is being willing to STAND on truth of God’s word

>Great faith does not need any PROOF.

>Great faith is FOCUSED on God and not on circumstances.

>Great faith is willing to WAIT.

>Great faith is TRUSTING God with expectancy that He will do what He says because He is

who He says He is.

• PERFECT faith.

>On this level of faith the Christian is RESTING.

>On this level of faith you watch for a Divine Promise to become a REALITY.

>On this level of faith you have reached a place in your relationship to God where wrestling and

doubt CEASE.

Stepping on up to perfect faith …….

• Focus on God’s WORD.

• Focus on God and not on CIRCUMSTANCES.

• Pray for discipline and courage, and then ACT.

5/7/17-Steps to Great Faith

5/7/17-Steps to Great Faith

SERMON SERIES—“Living by FAITH.”

Steps to Great Faith. (Heb 10:38; 11:1,6.)

Living faith…..

• Is leaning your entire personality upon God in ABSOLUTE

trust & confidence in His power, wisdom & goodness.

• It is by Living Faith we receive ALL God promised us.

Levels of Faith….

• LITTLE faith.

> On this level of faith the Christian is WRESTLING.

> A person stays on level one because their FOCUS is on themselves and their circumstances.

> Somebody SUFFERS as a result of little faith.

• GREAT faith.

> On this level of faith the Christian is REACHING.

> Great faith is being willing to STAND on the truth of God’s word.

> Great faith does not need any PROOF.

> Great faith is FOCUSED on God and not on circumstances.

> Great faith is willing to WAIT.

> Great faith is TRUSTING God with expectancy that He will do what He says because He is

who He says He is.

Stepping on up…….

• Focus on God’s WORD.

• Focus on God and not on CIRCUMSTANCES.

• Pray for discipline and courage and then ACT.

4/30/17- Living by Faith

4/30/17- Living by Faith

—“Living by FAITH.”

The Walk of Faith. (Heb 10:38; 11:1-6; 2 Cor 5:7; Gal 2:20.)

“Faith is believing something is so when it is not so in order for it to be so because God says it is

so.” (Manley Beasley.)

Living faith…..

• Is the IDENTIFYING mark of the Christian.

• Is the MASTER key of the Christian life.

• Is leaning your entire personality upon God in ABSOLUTE

trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness.

• Is not just believing God can do something, it is ACTING on the

basis of what God has said.

Types of Faith.

• The GRACE of Faith.

>Is the God-given ability to convert TRUTH into reality.

>Is the God-given ability to receive a word from God for a

particular NEED.

• The IMPARTATION of faith.

>The instrument God uses to impart faith is His WORD.

Why is living faith so critically important?…

• It is by faith that we PLEASE God.

• It is by faith that the things possible to God become POSSIBLE to us.

• It is by faith that we OVERCOME the world.

• It is by faith that we RESIST the Devil.

• It is by faith that we CONQUER the problems of life.

• It is by faith that we are made SECURE.

• It is by faith that we RECEIVE all that God has promised us.

• It is ONLY by faith that we receive salvation and eternal life.

4/16/17-The Open Door of the Empty Tomb!

4/16/17-The Open Door of the Empty Tomb!

Remarkable truths of the Resurrection……

• Resurrection happened without intervention of another HUMAN BEING.

• Jesus FORETOLD the Resurrection.

• After the Resurrection Jesus never DIED again.

• Jesus was resurrected in a CHANGED, identifiable body.

• The Resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian BELIEF.

The Resurrection……

• Provides a definitive way to escape our PAST.

• Answers the most important question of life: Is there LIFE beyond the grave?

>There is ETERNAL life.

>Assures us that the living Christ gives us HOPE in the midst of hopelessness.

• Changes the way we face our own MORTALITY.

>For the believer it is a matter of FINISHING well.

• Changes the way we deal with the death of those we LOVE.

• Opens the door with a new POWER and confidence for everyday living.

Resurrection responses……..

• You can OPEN the door and invite Christ to save you.

• You can WALK away from God’s gift of salvation.

• You cannot NOT CHOOSE,

4/9/17-Riders of the Apocalypse (Cont'd)-pm servc

4/9/17-Riders of the Apocalypse (Cont'd)-pm servc

4 Horsemen of Apocalypse……

• Four horsemen present a picture of man's

INHUMANITY to man.

• 4 Horsemen PAUSE for God's order to begin

journey.

>The judgment of the 4 horsemen is part CONDITIONAL.

>The Judgment of the 4 Horsemen is

CORRECTIONAL.

The Rider on the White Horse……

• The Rider bears SOME resemblance to the appearance

of Jesus on His great white horse--- but he isn't Christ.

• The rider is given a BOW, but there is no mention of

ARROWS.

• The rider is sending his AGENTS into every corner of the

globe.

>He loves to infiltrate the CHURCH.

> He DIVIDES congregations and forces church splits,

enjoying every minute pain and heartache.

>He FORCES missionaries to leave the field in

discouragement and entices ministers to forsake pulpits for higher paying jobs.

4/9/17-Three Crosses—Two Roads to Somewhere!

4/9/17-Three Crosses—Two Roads to Somewhere!

Three Crosses ………

• The Cross of REJECTION.

>The road leads straight to HELL.

>The decision is FINAL and irrevocable.

• The Cross of REPENTANCE.

>The road of FAITH.

>The thief’s prayer:

“I am GUILTY!”

“Jesus, You are HOLY.”

“I trust You with my FUTURE”

>The amazing truths:

Jesus SAVED the thief even while he was on the cross!

Jesus gave the thief much more than he ASKED for.

• The Cross of RECONCILIATION.

>

Three Promises of Christ…….

• TODAY is the best TIME.

• TODAY you will be with Me in My PRESENCE.

• TODAY you will be with Me in PARADISE.

One irrevocable choice……..

• The road to “somewhere” that I am on is the road to ___________.

4/3/17-Living the Christian Life as a Blind Man

4/3/17-Living the Christian Life as a Blind Man

“Living the Christian Life as the Blind Man Sees It!”

(Lk 18:35-43)

The blind man’s life changing actions…….

• By faith he capitalized on the opportunity GOD provided.

• The blind man ignored DISCOURAGERS.

• The blind man BOLDLY exercised all the faith he had.

Principles for living a life-changing Christian life……..

• Faith is hearing and believing even when you cannot SEE.

>In faith the blind man took his DESPERATE need to Jesus.

• When you seek to follow Jesus, RESIST people who try to hinder you.

>In the face of opposition, the blind man shouted all the LOUDER.

• By faith believe that Jesus is never too busy to STOP for you.

>Jesus ALWAYS meets us at our point of desperation.

• In order to live a changed life you must ADMIT your need.

>Never be afraid to ask God for something MIRACULOUS.

• When you see the face of Jesus, BY FAITH, follow Him wherever He leads.

>If you hesitate, even for a moment, your OPPORTUNITY may be gone.

3/26/17-Riders of the Apocalypse (pm servc)

3/26/17-Riders of the Apocalypse (pm servc)

Riders of the Apocalypse (Rev 6:1-11)

4 Horsemen of Apocalypse……

• Four horsemen present a picture of man's

INHUMANITY to man.

• 4 Horsemen PAUSE for God's order to begin

journey.

>The judgment of the 4 horsemen is part CONDITIONAL.

>The Judgment of the 4 Horsemen is

CORRECTIONAL.

The Rider on the White Horse……

• The Rider bears SOME resemblance to the appearance

of Jesus on His great white horse--- but he isn't Christ.

• The rider is given a BOW, but there is no mention of

ARROWS.

• The rider is sending his AGENTS into every corner of the

globe.

>He loves to infiltrate the CHURCH.

> He DIVIDES congregations and forces church splits,

enjoying every minute pain and heartache.

>He FORCES missionaries to leave the field in

discouragement and entices ministers to forsake pulpits for higher paying jobs.

3/26/17-The Danger of Spiritual Deception

3/26/17-The Danger of Spiritual Deception

The Danger of Spiritual Deception. (Matthew 7:13-27)

The Danger of Spiritual Deception…

• We gravitate toward that which is EASY and popular.

>The way of Christ is HARD to follow.

>The way of Christ is HATED by many.

• We assume salvation without biblical FOUNDATION.

>The way of Christ is DEPENDENT on His Word.

>The way of Christ is OBEDIENT to His Word.

The Path to Spiritual Authenticity…

• LISTEN TO your Savior.

• EXAMINE yourselves.

• PRAY for your souls.

3/19/17-Press On To Win the Prize

3/19/17-Press On To Win the Prize

Don’t Waste Your Life: “Press On To Win the Prize.” (Phil 3:7-14)

• They look forward to the PRIZE of His praise.

>The two-fold prize of the life that counts…

--The COMPLETION of our salvation.

We live to the manifestation of His GLORY.

--The CROWN of their salvation.

We live to multiply His GOSPEL.

One Prayer:

God, even if it costs us everything,

don’t let us waste our LIVES

and don’t let us waste Your CHURCH.

3/12/17-Developing a Passion for Christ (am serv)

3/12/17-Developing a Passion for Christ (am serv)

Don’t Waste Your Life: “Developing A Passion For Christ.” (Phil 3:1-14)

One Truth:

God wants to raise up men and women in His church whose lives COUNT for His glory

on the landscape of human history.

Four Characteristics of Lives That Count. . . . .

• They TREASURE Christ above everything this world has to offer.

> Only treasure of life that counts: CHRIST.

• They TRUST in Christ to provide everything they could ever need.

> God delights in showing His greatness THROUGH those who trust in Him.

• They PURSUE Christ with obsessive passion.

> The question we ask: WHY follow hard after Christ?

> The qualities we need:

- A holy DISSATISFACTION with casual Christianity.

- A fresh understanding of the DEGREE to which

Christ has followed hard after us.

- A single-minded DISCIPLINE that governs our lives

3/12/17-The Lion and the Lamb (pm service)

3/12/17-The Lion and the Lamb (pm service)

THE LION AND THE LAMB

REV 5:1-10

Key Observations. . . . .

• God has absolute ______________ of all of the future and everything that happens in it.

> The scroll represents the of God concerning what will happen in the future.

> God wrote the script for what will take place and no one can CHANGE it.

.

> The THRONE represents God’s right, authority and power to govern the world in the way He

sees fit.

> The COMPLETENESS of God’s rule and perfection of His decrees is signified by the fact

that the scroll is written front and on back.

Key Lessons…….

> We ought to SUBMIT to the authority of our King, our

Creator, and our Ruler.

> A picture of God's sovereign rule over all that will

happen should bring us to our FACE in reverence and fear.

> The life we are involved in on earth is SERIOUS

business---war.

• No creature in the universe is WORTHY to reveal and execute the final decrees of God.

Key Lessons…….

> God’s love and mercy are shown because He will not open the seals of history without hands

of SAVIOR.

> Without Jesus in your life, all of life is meaningless and FEARFUL.

• The SEVEN HORNS are the symbol of strength and power throughout the book of

Revelation.

SERMON OUTLINE > 3/5/17-The Greatness of Trusting God

3/5/17-The Greatness of Trusting God

Don't Waste Your Life: The Greatness of Trusting God

Phil 3:1-14

One Truth:

God wants to raise up men and women in His church whose lives COUNT for His glory on the

landscape of human history.

Four Characteristics of Lives That Count. . . . .

• They TREASURE Christ above everything this world has to offer.

>The many treasures of the wasted life:

FAMILY heritage.

SOCIAL status.

BIBLICAL knowledge.

RELIGIOUS activity.

A MORAL lifestyle.

>Only treasure of life that counts: CHRIST.

>We have found something worth LOSING everything for.

• They TRUST in Christ to provide everything they could ever need.

>His righteousness covers our SIN.

>His power guarantees our RESURRECTION.

>His satisfaction transcends our SUFFERING.

>God delights in showing His greatness THROUGH those who trust in Him.

> 2/26/17-The Throne of God and 24 Elders (pm serv)

2/26/17-The Throne of God and 24 Elders (pm serv)

The Throne of God and Twenty-four Elders

REV 4:1-11)

The Throne of God…

• Throne seems to be a FIXED point, with everything else in heaven located in relationship to

it.

• Judgment Seat of Christ before which ALL Christians will stand immediately after Rapture to

receive rewards or have them "burned up.

• The Throne is OCCUPIED.

Who Are the Twenty-Four Elders?…..

• The exalted ANGELIC order worshiping and serving God there.

• Redeemed SAINTS of both the Old and New Testaments.

>Twelve elders of ISRAEL.

>Twelve APOSTLES to represent the Church.

Crowns for Believers……

• The crown of INCORRUPTION for those who live a disciplined life.

• The crown of REJOICING, the soul winners crown.

• The crown of RIGHTEOUSNESS for those who are eager to fullfill His calling before He

returns.

• The crown of LIFE given to those who endure trials.

• The crown of GLORY given to those who faithfully minister the Word of God.

2/26/17-Making Your Life Count

2/26/17-Making Your Life Count

Making Your Life Count. (Phil 3:1-14)

One Truth:

God wants to raise up men and women in His church whose lives COUNT for His glory on the

landscape of human history.

A Characteristic of Lives That Count. . . . .

• They TREASURE Christ above everything this world has to offer.

>The many treasures of the wasted life:

-- FAMILY heritage.

-- SOCIAL status.

-- BIBLICAL knowledge.

-- RELIGIOUS activity.

-- A MORAL lifestyle.

>Only treasure of life that counts: CHRIST.

2/19/17-Living on the Edge of Whatever Happens

2/19/17-Living on the Edge of Whatever Happens

• God can make something out of NOTHING.

>If God can start off with nothing in nature, He can do the same with YOUR LIFE.

>We believe in a God who can make the IMPOSSIBLE possible.

>Your zip code may change, but your address IN CHRIST is permanent.

>The greatest challenge you will face is God's opening one door that you must GO THROUGH

while other doors are more appealing or tempting.

• You must live a life of EXCLAMATION, not interrogation.

>God can use you to further His Word WHEREVER you are.

• The Holy Spirit choreographs our LIVES.

>Your place has been ESTABLISHED by the divine choreographer, that's why you can handle

everything that comes your way.

• Life is lived forward and UNDERSTOOD backward.

>If you live long enough and LOOK FAR enough, you can see why God has done some things.

>You have to TRUST Him and know that your life is in his hand.

• Just as Jesus Christ lived a life of "whatever happens," SO MUST WE.