Sunday, December 14, 2014

This Christmas: Be Like a Kid Again!

Isaiah 9:1-7

Focus: Let's be like kids again this Christmas.

I. Children have a SECRET.

II. The WEIGHT of the WORLD is carried by SOMEONE ELSE.

III. Put the GOVERNMENT on CHRIST'S SHOULDERS.

4

9 [a]Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

2 The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation

and increased their joy;

they rejoice before you

as people rejoice at the harvest,

as warriors rejoice

when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,

you have shattered

the yoke that burdens them,

the bar across their shoulders,

the rod of their oppressor.

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle

and every garment rolled in blood

will be destined for burning,

will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

will accomplish this.

 

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Intentional Grace

There is an audio note for this entry.

Doug Freeman sermon: Dec 7, 2014.

2 Samuel 9

Focus: We have been given Grace that we might be Grace Dispensers.

 

GOD is the God of all Grace.

 

REDEMPTION is all about Grace.

 

ACKNOWLEDGE your need for Grace.

 

CALLED to dispense Grace.

 

EXERCISE intentional Grace.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

WEiRD Love

Matthew 5:43-48

Focus: WEiRD Loveis selfless and sacrificial

I. NORMAL Love

II. WEiRD Love

The POWER OF ONE (Blast from the Past)

Ministry Fair


Matthew 5:43-48New International Version (NIV)

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

Sunday, November 2, 2014

WEiRD Outside

WEiRD - Because Normal isn't Working Matthew 5:7-16

Focus: We are blessed to be a blessing; Let your WEiRD light shine!

I. WEiRD ENHANCES LIFE

II. WEiRD is OBVIOUS

III. WEiRD is A BLESSING

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

LISTEN

EAT

SERVE

STORY

 

Matthew 5:7-16 New International Version (NIV)

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

 

Sunday, October 19, 2014

WEiRD in a God Way

WEiRD (Because Normal Isn't Working) Matthew 7:13-14, 5:1-10

Focus: Being WEiRD in a God way goes way beyond being weird in a good way.

I. If you want what NORMAL people have, do what NORMAL people do. But if you want what FEW people have, do what FEW people do.

II. WEiRD looks like...

...Admision gained by ADMISSION

Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version (NIV) The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matthew 5:1-10 New International Version (NIV) Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Lift Off - How Does Faith Relaunch?

Acts 4:1-20, Acts 5:27-39

Focus: Faith is the most confused, misused, and abused concept in religion.

I. The BIBLE tells me so? Faith like a CHILD.

II. His followers were convinced that JESUS was not the MESSIAH. Luke 24:19-21

III. His followers felt COMPELLED to spread the news of the RESURRECTION.

IV. His followers didn't teach what JESUS TAUGHT they taught HIS RESURRECTION.

V. Who is JESUS?

 

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Rocket Fuel

Lift Off, Part 3; Genesis 12-15

Focus: The story of faith has a launch point in history.

I. Can I know where I stand with God?

A. Is it BIRTH?

B. Is it BEHAVIOR?

C. Is it BELIEF?

D. Is it ?

II. The Rocket Fuel is TRUST!

 

Sunday, August 3, 2014

I Am Victorious

www.wycliffe.org

 

Identify Series

 

Focus: Life is a war, but I already have victory in Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

I. Be STRONG

Sunday, July 27, 2014

I Am Dressed For Success

Identity, Part 6 - Ephesians 4:17-32

Focus: Change is necessary, change is hard, but in Christ change is possible!

I. In CHRIST you CAN CHANGE.

II. In Christ you can THINK DIFFERENTLY.

III. DARKENED minds leat to CALLOUSED hearts.


Ephesians 4:17-32New International Version (NIV)

Instructions for Christian Living

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Follow Him (Sheep)

How to Hear God's Whisper, Part 4

John 10

Focus: Jesus sheep look and listen to Him and follow.

A + B = C

A) If I believe in God, AND

B) Try my best, THEN

C) God will bless the rest

OR

A) If I believe in God, AND

B) Try my best, THEN

C) God will FOLLOW ME (no)

I. His Sheep LISTEN TO HIS VOICE

John 15:10 "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love."

  • Romans 8:14 "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."
  • Galatians 5:18 "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."

II. His Sheep LIVE IN DANGEROUS COUNTRY

  • John 10:10 "10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
  • John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—"

III. Best Assumption

A) LISTENING SHEEP, AND

B) GUIDING SHEPHERD, EQUAL

C) SAFETY IN DANGEROUS COUNTRY

 

John 10

New International Version (NIV)

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

10 "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Therefore Jesus said again, "Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a]They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flockand one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided.20 Many of them said, "He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?"

21 But others said, "These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"

Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims

22 Then came the Festival of Dedication[b] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."

25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one."

31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,32 but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"

33 "We are not stoning you for any good work," they replied, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."

34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are "gods"’[d]? 35 If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside 36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?37 Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father.38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." 39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.

40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed,41 and many people came to him. They said, "Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true." 42 And in that place many believed in Jesus.

Footnotes:

  1. John 10:9 Or kept safe
  2. John 10:22 That is, Hanukkah
  3. John 10:29 Many early manuscripts What my Father has given me is greater than all
  4. John 10:34 Psalm 82:6

 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

One Step at a Time - Isaiah

How to Hear God Whisper, Part 3

Isaiah 30

Isaiah 30:21 NIV Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it."

Focus: This guiding voice is more than a sensitive conscience; it is God himself calling for a response.

I. TRUSTING is a better way than TRYING

II. How do I hear God's whisper 30:11

A. REPENT 30:15

B. Find QUIETNESS then QUIT and WAIT 30:15, 18

C. CRY for HELP 3:19

 

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Static to Signal (Elijah)

Series: How to Hear God Whisper, Part 2

1 Kings 17-19

Focus: In our lives filled with noise and static interference we can recover God's strong but quiet signal. (God's voice is not always obvious, but something that you can learn to recognize.

I. Elijah HEARD God's WHISPER (James 5:16-17)

II. It was HIJACKED by LOUD STATIC (Deuteronomy )

III. God's STRONG SIGNAL was not LOUD

IV. But RECOVERED in His QUIET WHISPER

 

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Therefore 6 - Kill' Em with Kindness

Romans 12:17-21

Focus: Loving your enemy is the ultimate payback.

I. What our EMOTIONS say...

II. What GOD says...

III. Why GOD SAYS it...

IV. DRAW from the WELL of MERCY

 

 

 

 
 

 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Therefore 5 - Don't Fake It

Romans 12:9-16

Focus: Don't just pretend to love others, really love them.

The Real Deal Responses

  1. SINCERE LOVE
  2. X
  3. X Your FERVOR
  4. TACKING into the WIND
  5. PURSUING, PRACTICING, and PITCHING in
  6. Extraordinary POSITIVITY
  7. EMPATHY

Romans 12:9-16 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

9 Your love must be real. Hate what is evil. Do only what is good. 10 Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself. 11 As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him! 12 Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time. 13 Share with God’s people who need help. Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes. 14 Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them. 15 When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too. 16 Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.

 

THE ME PATH

THE EM PATH

EM - PATHY

 

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Therefore 4 - "On Your Mark..."

Romans 12 (Part 4) Romans 12:3-8

Focus: God has given each Christ-Follower gift packages for his or her race in his or her lane.

I. "On your mark" (A SOBER Self-Evaluation)

II. "Get set" (In your LANE ASSIGNMENTS)

"Measure of faith that God has given you"

Measured ability

III. "Go" (RUN your RACE)

 

John 15:5

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.

 

 

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Therefore 2 - Forget Moderation

Romans 12 Series, Part 2 (Romans 12:1)

Focus: Jesus Christ offers a complete remedy for those who would otherwise be ruined, therefore, a radical response is reasonable.

"Extra ordinary people are those people who do ordinary things repeatedly and regularly and with a consistency that yields results that the masses of people fail to grasp."

I. HOLD nothing BACK (main action)

II. What these SACRIFICES look like (3 Modifiers)

A. Fully ALIVE offerings...

B. Of EXTRAORDINARY services...

C. AIMED to please God

 

Sunday, March 23, 2014

"Therefore" 1

In View of God's Mercies

Romans 12:1 and Romans 1-11

Focus: Seeking, experiencing and reviewing God's mercies will completely change your life for the better forever.

I. To keep His mercies in view,

A. We have been completely RUINED by sin.

B. But God's perfect REMEDY is Jesus Christ. (SALVATION)

II. Review the "Therefore" Romans Bookmark

1. Nobody Bats 1000 - Romans 3:23

2. Even your best isn't "Good Enough" - Romans 3:10

3. God gave the remedy - Romans 6:23

4. Jesus provides Peace - Romans 5:1-2

5. Religion is spelled D-O, Christianity is spelled D-O-N-E! Romans 5:6-8

6. Baptism says "I'm all in." - Romans 6:3-4

7. No more guilt or helplessness! - Romans 8:1-4

8. It's receivable, not achievable - Romans 10:9-11

9. God works everything out - Romans 8:28

10. "Therefore", we CAN live a new life - Romans 12:1

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Legacy Principles

"Principles that lead to a legacy of faith"

Jim Jessup - William Jessup University

Three truths I learned from my parents and grandparents that I am passion to others:

1. You are a living EXAMPLE 1 Cor 11:1

2. People are more important than THINGS Hebrews 13:5

3. Keep looking FORWARD Phil 3:13

 

"Keep aiming at the things in life to create a legacy of faith in Jesus."

 

Sunday, March 9, 2014

What a Mess!

"Recalibrate" Part 5, Luke 5:27-32

Focus: If we are really to be obedient to the things Jesus asks us to do, we have to be ready for the messiness that will come along with it.

I. Relationships are MESSY because people are MESSY!

II. Grace is MESSY

III. Obedience leads down a path that might get MESSY

A. Obedience leads us to LOVE

B. Obedience leads us to ACT

IV. Some of the best things are MESSY

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Love Your Actual Neighbor

Recalibrate - Part 3
Luke 10:25-37

Focus: Let's recalibrate this great commandment literally.

I. The Great Commandment is SIMPLE and POWERFUL

II. Take the Great Commandment SERIOUSLY

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Facing the Giant: A Contrast of Two Hearts

Speaker: Doug Freeman

1 Samuel 17-18


Focus: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


I. An ANOINTED Heart.


II. An OBEDIENT Heart, or a COMPROMISING Heart?


III. A HEART after GOD'S OWN Heart