Jesus’ Prayer for His Followers 

John 17

He prayed that we would be protected. (v. 11)

Christ prayed that this protection would be under the authority and Name of God.

Christians have an obligation to keep themselves within the authority of God and Christ. (John 15:4-5; Col. 3:17; Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22-23)

Jesus’ prayer proves we cannot be protected unless:

He prayed that we would have joy. (v. 13)

Entirely too many people think of Jesus only in terms of solemnness or sorrow. (Isaiah 53:3)

His joy was not based on external conditions or circumstances.

True disciples have that same joy.

He prayed that we would be Sanctified. (v. 17)

Sanctify.

Christ must be sanctified in our heart as Lord and ruler of life. (1 Pet. 3:15)

Jesus’ prayer reveals way for us to be sanctified.

He prayed that we might be ONE. (Just as He and the Father are ONE.) (vv. 20-21)

There is only one way.

We must strive for unity. (Eph. 4:1-3)

Seat’s Taken!

James 2:1-10

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

When was the last time you felt like the new kid?

Church Leadership, “The top reasons why people leave a church have to do with not being connected in the church.”

If what you believe is the Gospel, then you cannot neglect the image of God in others

Who has the image of god? (Gen. 1: 26-27)

We all were created in the image of God

The church, become the ones that deny the image God; even if it’s just a little bit!

How do I know we’ll do this? (Psalm 8:4-5)

James says that favoritism may see others as objects (v.2)

Why do we sometimes show favoritism?

RICH v. POOR

Fine clothes & jewelry says a lot?

James is saying is that we should examine our relationships and make sure they’re genuine!

James says favoritism puts us in the place of God!

Only God can look at the heart, and yet

Do we think we are equipped to determine someone’s worthiness?

When we pass this kind of judgement on others, we put ourselves in the place of God

Good example: Matt. 25:31-46

You see, because of God’s great love for us, His position towards us is always one of GRACE AND HE HAS CALLED TO DO LIKEWISE!

ACTION ITEMS: PRAYING FOR SOMEONE DIFFERENT IN YOUR LIFE; Changing seats regularly; GOING SOMEPLACE NEW

Why ‘What You Believe’ Affects the Church

Titus 3:3-11

3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

A.      Starts with the question of last week’s sermon; “What do you believe?”

Does your life reflect Titus 2:11-14 or do you only ‘intellectually’ agree?

Because what you believe, the Gospel demands a life change.

B.      Why does what I believe affect the church? (Titus 3:3-7)

It keeps us from looking down on others (non-believers & believers)? (v.3)

Reminds us of what is possible (vv.4-5)

Points us to the future (vv.6-7)

C.      The Gospel works itself out in good works toward others. (v.8)

When we read a passage like Titus 2:11-14, we typically stop at salvation.

We are to live, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:12, 14 & 3:8 & 14)

D.      Why personal preference and self-centeredness must be avoided? (vv.9-11)

We misunderstand our role in the church (Titus 1:6-9)

We misunderstand the composition of church (Titus 2:1-10)

We misunderstand the nature of the church (Acts 2:42-47)

E.       Why misunderstandings about the church cause visitors to see something differently

What are we communicating to visitors when there are conflicts?

What are you/we really saying?

HOMEWORK: List some of your preferences (service times, music types, Pastor/teacher, order of worship, where you sit, etc.). How do this affect my church?

What Do You Really Believe?

John 12:12-15; 23-28

Causes of a failed belief system.

False concepts and lack of understanding. (vv. 32-34)

Jesus’ closest disciples had this same problem. (Matt. 16:22)

The fear of man proves to be a snare.

Proverbs 29:25

We must boldly confess what we believe. (v. 42) 

There is an unwillingness to pay the price. (vv. 42-43)

The fear of the cost.

The fear of losing control.

Because Christ Died for Me...I Want to Work for His Kingdom - Part 2

Matthew 25:34-46; John 9:4; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:22

Christ expects His disciples to work.

New Testament principles.

Areas of responsibility.  

Why Some “Christians” won’t work.

No conversion. 

A wrong view of the local church.

A lack of understanding of individual responsibility.

A failure to understand that the success of the local church demands individual involvement.

A lack of sincere dedication and commitment.   

5 essentials of working for God.

A powerful faith.

A joyful heart. (Phil. 4:4)

A continual reliance on prayer.

A personal love.

A persistent effort.

“But what can I do?”

Take initiative.

Some suggestions.

Teach someone the gospel.

Clean the building, mow the lawn, attend workdays.

Extend hospitality.

Visit the sick and elderly.

Show concern for the weak and/or stumbling.

Help in the Church responsibilities.

Develop your skills.

Because Christ Died for Me...I Want to Work for His Kingdom

Matthew 25:34-46; John 9:4; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:22

Christ expects His disciples to work.

New Testament principles.

Areas of responsibility.  

Why Some “Christians” won’t work.

No conversion. 

A wrong view of the local church.

A lack of understanding of individual responsibility.

A failure to understand that the success of the local church demands individual involvement.

A lack of sincere dedication and commitment.   

5 essentials of working for God.

A powerful faith.

A joyful heart. (Phil. 4:4)

A continual reliance on prayer.

A personal love.

A persistent effort.

“But what can I do?”

Take initiative.

Some suggestions.

Teach someone the gospel.

Clean the building, mow the lawn, attend workdays.

Extend hospitality.

Visit the sick and elderly.

Show concern for the weak and/or stumbling.

Help in the Church responsibilities.

Develop your skills.

Excuses

Ex. 3:1-14, 4:1-14

The 5 Excuses of Moses

1)  Who am I? Self-Identity

God's Response: v.12 "I will be with you!"

2) v.13 - Who are You? IGNORANCE "I don't know!"

God's Response: v. 14 "I AM WHO I AM"

3) What if they don't listen? REJECTION

God's Response: vv. 2-9 When I'm finished, they'll listen; it's my reputation!

4) v. 4:10 - I've never been a good speaker! ANTI-CHARISMATIC

God's Response: vv. 11-12 "Guess who made your mouth!"

5) v 4:13 - Please, find someone else! INFERIORITY

God's Response: v14 "Ok, I will let Aaron go with you... but I'm still calling you!

Pastor Niccole Franklin of The Oaks Wesleyan in Goose Creek, South Carolina is visits to share their vision for a church plant.

Because Christ Died for me...I Want to Be Forgiving

Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26

Humans are created with the need for forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a characteristic of humanness.

Charles Spurgeon’s Wisdom.

Every believer has a forgiving heart.  (Eph. 4:32)

There are four fundamental and indisputable reasons to be forgiving.

God commands it. (Mark 11:25)

The example of Christ. (1 Pet. 2:21; Phil. 2:3-5; Luke 23:34)

We have been forgiven.

It’s required to have future forgiveness. (Matt. 6:14-15)

What it means to forgive.

Forgiveness is more than just speaking the words.

Forgiveness is an attitude.

Forgiveness involves forgetting. (Heb. 8:12)

Forgiveness should be given by “the golden rule.” (Matt. 7:12)

One should always be willing to forgive.               

Biblical examples of forgiveness.

Joseph. (Genesis 50)

David. (1 Samuel 24)

Stephen.

Jesus Christ.

In all of these examples, serious offenses were committed yet forgiveness was extended.

Because Christ Died for me...I Want to Respect His Authority

Matthew 28:18-20

The Authority of Christ was given by God the Father. (v. 18) (Exousia)

“All authority is *given unto me* in heaven and earth.”

Jesus had full God authority when he was on earth.

The Authority of Christ includes Heaven and Earth. (v. 18)

“All authority [exousia] is given unto me in *heaven and earth*”

What does authority in the Heavens mean?

Authority over angels.  (Hebrews 1:6)

Authority over Principalities and Powers. (Ephesians 1:20)

Why do so many Christians live in fear of the devil?

What does authority over the earth mean?

Authority over the church.  (Colossians 1:18)

Authority over society.

What does authority under the earth mean?

 

The church is not defeated.

What does that mean?

It means that the church, while it may seem like it sometimes...is not ineffective.

So, what should the church be doing now?

The Church has the Authority to save and to judge.

Believers and unbelievers will be judged by Jesus Christ.

Believers and unbelievers will be judged separately.

Jesus does execute judgment.

Believers will be judged for what they did and did not do. (Matthew 25:34-36)

Unbelievers will be judged for what they did not believe. (Matthew 25: 41-43, 46)

We must live life knowing that Christ not only saves, He judges.

We must Believe in Christ’s Authority.

The key to have spiritual authority in our lives.

Faith for victorious living.