Church of The Open Door Sermons

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Jesus is Coming“Iconic Living”1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Iconic Living Internally:

Joyful = ALWAYS ⇐ God’s

Prayerful = CONTINUALLY ⇐ will for YOU

Thankful = ALL circumstances ⇐ in Christ Jesus

⇑Iconic Living Corporately:

As we are joyful, prayerful, thankful together

We avoid:

Being firefighters of God’s Spirit,

Disregarding prophecy

We invite:

Diligent testing & proving

Testing everything

The final and authoritative prophetic Word is Jesus as revealed in the Bible and against which all other “word’s from God” are tested and proved! (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Iconic Living in the Community:

As we are joyful, prayerful, thankful in the world

Test everything

Hold on to the good

Reject ALL evil - every form

“For to worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open up the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.” - William Temple

Core CHRIST-like Characteristics: Connected to God through the Word and prayer, Heart of Worship, Relates with other-centered love, Spirit-led servant.

LifeGroup Questions

Icebreaker: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “icon”?

Do you find yourself pursuing happiness, or pursuing God?How can you tell the difference?

How can we be joyful, prayerful, and thankful even during the difficult times of life?

Are there any areas of your life in which you are disregarding what God has said in the Bible, His Word?

What does it mean to quench the Spirit?Has this ever happened in your life?What was the result?

How should we go about “testing” what we hear regarding God and Jesus?

What does it practically mean to reject every kind of evil? Is there any evil in your life that you have allowed to stick around, or that you need to reject today?

As you close your time together, be reminded that now, in the moment that you’re reading this, is a time to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful toward God. With just your voices, sing or read aloud the words of the Hymn printed below as a response to who God is and what He is doing in your lives.(If you’d prefer to listen, you can listen along with this video!)

Holy, holy, holyLord God almightyEarly in the morning my song shall rise to theeHoly. holy, holyMerciful and mightyGod in three persons, blessed Trinity

Holy, holy, holyAll the saints adore TheeCasting down their golden crowns around the glassy seaAll the cherubim and seraphim are falling down before TheeWhich wert and art and evermore shall be

Holy, holy, holyThough the darkness hide TheeThough the eyes of sinful man Thy glory may not seeLord, only Thou art holy and there is none beside TheePerfect in power, in love and purity

Holy, holy, holyLord God almightyAll Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea

Holy, holy, holyMerciful and mightyYou are God in three persons, blessed TrinityYou are God in three persons, blessed TrinityOh, God in three persons, blessed Trinity

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Sermon Notes

Jesus is Coming

“Relationships in the End Times”

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

While we wait for Jesus to return, don’t ignore relationships in the church.

The leaders’ relationships with the church: Work hard to lead well

Work hard among the people

Lead in a caring, loving way

Lovingly warn, correct error, and instruct

The people’s relationship with the leaders: Honor your leaders

Know/appreciate/honor them

Hold them in the highest regard

Love them

Everyone’s relationship with each other: Patiently care for one another

Live in peace with each other

Admonish the unruly

Encourage the discouraged

Help the weak

Be patient with everyone

Practice the Golden Rule

The way we do relationships in the church speaks volumes to a watching world.

Core CHRISTlike Characteristic: Relate with Other-Centered Love/Loving People

LifeGroup Questions

Icebreaker: What topic do you find uncomfortable to talk about in group settings?

Why did God set up the Church with leaders?

Which extreme do you tend toward, and why:

Dishonoring, disregarding, and denigrating leaders; or giving leaders celebrity status and idolizing them?

How do you know when you’re honoring your leaders well?

Have you ever tried to admonish a brother or sister in Christ?

What went right?

What went wrong?

What would you do next time?

When do you find it most difficult to treat others as you would want to be treated?

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

Paul commands Timothy to pray for leaders—both leaders in the church and those outside the church!

As you close your time together, honor those in any kind of leadership over you by praying for them as a group.

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Sermon Notes

Jesus is Coming“Live in the Light and Look for the Day”1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Heroes of the Day

Their faith was known everywhere.

They had turned from idols to the true and living God.

They experienced severe suffering.

Labor prompted by love and faith.

Endurance inspired by hope.

Wake up!

Times and dates - the timeline of events preceding the day of the Lord.

The day of the Lord - his second coming and the events that follow.

the time of judgment on sin

and victory for the cause of the Lord

and untold blessing for His faithful people

Sober up!

People of the light know the truth.

People who live in darkness.

Asleep: moral indifference and carelessness about spiritual things.

Drunk: no inhibitions, just living for the flesh.

Let us be sober and alert

Faith: fix your eyes on the eternal

Love: love for God and man

Hope: eagerly wait for Jesus’ return

Look up!

Each morning resolve

Each evening reflect

LifeGroup Questions

Icebreaker: Would you want to know how long you’re going to live?Why or why not?

When you consider Jesus’ return, does it make you want to “sit back” and relax or “suit up”?

Read 1 John 2:28.What does it mean to “continue in Him” as we await His return?

Are there areas of your life where you are living like someone who is “asleep” like it says under point three of the sermon?

Are there things that you occupy yourself with that you wouldn’t want to do on your deathbed?Why do you occupy yourself with them, and why wouldn’t you want to do them on your deathbed?

Read Hebrews 11:24-27, where Abraham demonstrates what it means to “suit up” with faith.Spend a few minutes reading and re-reading this passage, and consider the following prompts: Is there a…

Sin I need to confess?

Promise I need to believe?

Attitude I need to adopt or adjust?

Command I need to respond to?

Example I need to follow?

As you close, close in prayer, responding to Jesus in faith and saying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

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Sermon Notes

Jesus is Coming“Jesus’ Coming Changes Everything”1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

What happens when Jesus comes back?

Jesus’ first coming changes the way we grieve

Not ignorantly, but informed

Not with despair, but with hope

Jesus’ first coming changes the way we believe

Jesus’ resurrection is the basis for our hope

Jesus’ word is the source of our knowledge

Jesus’ second coming changes the way we hope

The King will be returning

Personally, visibly, universally, dramatically (not secretly)

The dead will be resurrected

Because of Jesus’ resurrection

Because of Jesus’ command

The living will be raptured

The Rapture, the Second Coming, the Parousia, the Day of Christ, and the Day of the Lord all describe the same event.

We will return with Jesus to be a part of the New Heavens and New Earth.

The result will be reunion

We will be with the Lord forever.

Jesus’ second coming changes the way we live

Encouraged

Expectant

Core CHRISTlike Characteristic: Connected to God through the Word and Prayer/Loving God

LifeGroup Questions

Have you ever seen a movie on the return of Christ or the End Times?Tell your group about it.

The Christians in Thessalonica were experiencing grief and sorrow due to their lack of knowledge in Scripture.What are some examples today where ignorance of biblical teachings creates confusion and grief?

Read Matthew 24:36-44.Why do you think the Father has kept the time of Jesus’ coming secret?

Why do you think Jesus chose to ascend to heaven (Acts 1:9-11) for a time and then return to earth (Second Coming) rather than staying with his disciples after his resurrection and preaching the gospel throughout the world with them?

What is the most exciting thing to you about Jesus’ Second Coming?What’s the most distressing?

What is Jesus’ biggest concern about the End Times expressed in Matthew 24?What should be ours?

What does the fact that Jesus is coming back in triumph do for your faith?How does it affect the way you live?

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Sermon Notes

Stronger Love“Strengthen Your Love”1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

The goal of Christlikeness isn’t to BE loved. It’s to BECOME love.

What we know about love is determined by our teacher.

Followers of Jesus must learn to love from Jesus.

Show

Tell

The nature of a “little Christ” is to lose our life and become like Him.

A quiet life is built upon knowing you don’t need love because you’ve been loved so you can become love.

Transformed people transform people.

Core CHRIST-like Characteristics: Relates with other-centered love. Spirit-led servant.

LifeGroup Questions

Name a teacher who had an impact on your life and explain why.

What is one takeaway you had from God’s Word today?How did He speak to you?

Jesus taught us “love your enemies”, “forgive 70x7” (ALWAYS!), and “turn the other cheek” and then lived what he taught.The world teaches bomb our enemies, ‘unfriend’ your brother, and hit back.Who would those who know you best say is your teacher?Why?

Read 1 John 4:17.Do you truly believe this verse? Quietly reflect on all your relationships (spouse, children, friends, relatives, co-workers etc.) for a few minutes.Be honest—Are you loving them like Jesus?What needs to change?

How does our ability to grow in loving others produce a ‘quiet life’?

Read Hebrews 10:24.Read it a few times.If THIS is why we meet together, stir one another up in love before you go.Each member, give someone else a practical challenge to love (call your mom, forgive your co-worker, break bread with a neighbor etc.) before you go.

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Sermon Notes

Getting Stronger

“Strengthen Your Love”

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Paul confirms their obedience.

Paul challenges them to grow!

HOW do we love others well?

Don’t be a trouble-maker. Instead, seek balance.

Don’t be a busybody. Instead, concentrate on your own affairs.

Don’t be a burden. Instead, work to provide for your own needs.

WHY do we love others well?

Requirement

Reputation

Responsibility

Core CHRISTlike Characteristic: Relates With Other-Centered Love

LifeGroup Questions

In 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, Paul confirms the believers’ love for those inside the church.

How have you experienced this kind of brotherly love in the past?

What are some good things that come out of this kind of love within the church?

This week’s message describes 3 ways to love well:

Don’t be a troublemaker – make it your ambition to live a quiet life …

Don’t be a busybody – mind your own business . . .

Don’t be a burden – work diligently

How do each of these contrast with the way our world functions?

How might following these three guidelines change the way we live our lives on social media platforms and in face-to-face settings?

Which of these 3 comes easiest to you?How so?

Which of these 3 is your biggest challenge?Why?

What is the most significant step you can take to make real progress in that area?

How does the way we love our brothers and sisters inside the church affect our reputation/witness in the community?

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Sermon Notes

Actions Speak Louder“Strengthen Your Love”1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

As we follow Jesus together, what should our love look like?

Love for brothers and sisters (9a)

Love that dies to self (9b) = God-taught

Love that flows naturally (10a)

Love that increases without end (10b)

Love on display (11-12)

Chooses obscurity

Stays focused

Keeps hands productive

Gets the attention of outsiders earning respect

Dependence → interdependence → independence

Strong love is a result of strong Presence = God with us!

Core CHRIST-like Characteristics: Connected to God through the Word and prayer, Relates with other-centered love, Living Surrendered

LifeGroup Questions

Begin Life Group with prayer—invite the Holy Spirit to speak and move among you.

Describe a time in your walk with Jesus when it was difficult to love others?Why?What have you learned looking back on that?

What makes loving so much less when we learn it from man?

What changes when love is God taught?How does His love transcend anything we attempt as love?

What describes my example as a Jesus follower and lover of others?

At rest or restless

Focussed or floundering

Productive or obstructive

Respected or disregarded

How can you grow in making dependence on God priority one?

Share ideas with one another and pray for each other to become more dependent on each other out of a total dependence on God so the world would be attracted to your freedom and independence in Christ!

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Sermon Notes

Getting Stronger“Stronger Love”1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

We need stronger love for one another because…

It is pleasing to God.

We tend to settle for less.

It points outsiders to Jesus.

Our love for one another must impact our lifestyle.

Brotherly love prompts us to lead a life of peace.

Brotherly love prompts us to humble focus.

Brotherly love prompts us to receive the blessing of work.

God’s unconditional love teaches us brotherly love.

God’s desire is for the church to be defined by love so that it can demonstrate love to a watching world.

Big Idea: If those around me are going to see the love of God in action, my daily life must be transformed by God’s love for me in Christ.

Core Christlike Characteristic: Loving People | Relates with Others-Centered love.

LifeGroup Questions

Icebreaker: What would you do if you were convinced the world was going to end soon?

Who comes to your mind when you think about “leading a quiet life?”Why that person?

The Christian Church has gotten some bad press recently. How should we respond when the daily lives of Christians haven’t been “winning the respect of outsiders?”

What makes it more difficult for you to live at peace with other believers?

Is there anything in your life that distracts you from loving those around you?

Read Romans 12:18.Knowing that the biblical concept of peace involves living in harmony and not just ending conflict, what is one step you can take toward peace this week?

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Getting Stronger“Stronger Sex”1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Sex is so deeply spiritual, it needs to be taught and learned as a part of discipleship.

Learning to please God

God is pleased when we do His will

God is pleased when we pursue sanctification

Learning to live a sanctified life

Sanctification is the process of being made holy

Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ

Sanctification includes avoiding sexual immorality

Learning to avoid sexual immorality

Begin with God’s vision for sex

Sex was invented by God as good.

Sex within marriage is beautiful and blessed.

Sex glues our soul to another person.

Sin distorts and deforms what is good.

Understand sexual immorality

Sexuality + sin = sexual immorality

starts in our hearts and minds

shows up in our actions: premarital sex, adultery, hookup culture, pornography, abuse, homosexuality, incest, etc.

“Any kind of sexual activity outside the context of one man and one woman in a marriage covenant.”

Realize the destructive power of sexual immorality

It destroys community

It damages your soul

It devastates real intimacy

Pursue God’s purpose for your life

God’s purpose for your life is holiness

God’s gift is the Holy Spirit

He convicts us of our sin

He points us to Jesus

He applies forgiveness to our hearts

He heals our shame

He empowers us to live holy lives

LifeGroup Questions

Icebreaker: What was the first time that you realized that culture and Christianity had different views about sex?

What is the difference between viewing sex as recreational versus viewing it as sacred?

Do you actually prefer the Christian teaching on sex?Why or why not?

Ultimately, we do the things that we most deeply want at that moment.What does what you do sexually demonstrate about what you value?

What makes sexual immorality so destructive?

Read Hebrews 13:4.What practical steps can we take to keep our marriage bed pure, whether or not we are currently married?

What have you found helpful in your journey to avoid sexual immorality?

What should you do when you’re caught in a pattern of sexual sin? (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:2)

All of us have dealt with sexual sin in our lives. But every day, Jesus offers a new beginning! A liturgy for group confession is provided below, and can help give words to our sorrow and repentance. We encourage you to read through this liturgy together, to contemplate what it says, and to pray it together to God with sincere hearts. As you do, remember John’s words: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Leader: Gracious God, we have come to see that our lives fall far short of your glory.Group: Have mercy and forgive us.

Leader: You have given your Son for us, and poured out your Spirit, yet we fail to return your love with all our heart.Group: Have mercy and change us.

Leader: Too often we are selfish and proud, ignoring you and neglecting others.Group: Have mercy and cleanse us.

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Sermon Notes

Getting Stronger“Strength to love”1 Thessalonians 3:10-13

Whenever you identify a need, immediately turn to God in prayer.

Two prayers each of us need:

May God increase your love:

So you can love people well.

Because people are messy.

Because people need to be loved.

So we can obey Jesus’ command.

May God strengthen your hearts:

So you are ready for Jesus’ return.

Because life can weaken us.

Because only God can give you the strength you need.

God’s part: Give you strength to love.

Your part: Give God your heart.

To those who are fully committed: God sees you and will strengthen you.

To those who are tired and weary: God sees you and will strengthen you.

Core CHRISTlike Characteristic: Connected to God through the Word and Prayer

LifeGroup Questions

Icebreaker: When is the right time to say “I love you” in a relationship?

How might your life be different if you immediately turned to God in prayer after identifying a need?

Why should prayer be our response when we encounter weakness, deficiency, and neediness?What is the goal?

What do you do when you want to be filled with God’s love?

How do you sense the Enemy or the world attempting to weaken your faith?

Which of the four poor ways of loving do you find at work in your life (feeling-focused love, self-centered love, conditional love, controlling love)?How would the kind of love God provides be better for you and those around you?

Do you find yourself in one of the two groups (fully committed, tired and weary)?How can you do your part of giving God your heart this week?

If people in this world are going to receive the love they need, they must be loved by people filled with the love of God. As you close, take a few minutes in the silence of your heart to open yourself to God, to remember the truth of the gospel, and to receive the love displayed by Jesus on the cross. Consider reading Romans 5:1-11, meditating on the truth of what Jesus has done. Then, before you leave that moment with the Lord, ask Him to bring someone to mind who needs you to love them with God’s love, which you have just received. Take a moment to pray for that person, considering how you can love them like Jesus this week.

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