LWC Podcast

Savior SeriesPart 4 - Timing is Everythingby Pastor James RuizScripture Text: John 12:12-19

Part 3: No Other Name! Scripture Text: Acts 4:12 NIV “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NIVFour truths about the Name of Jesus:Truth 1: No Other Name can Save you and reconcile you to the Father.John 14:6 NIV“…the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this. He was a great prophet who had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually, Christ doesn’t allow you that. He doesn’t let you off that hook. Christ says, ‘No. I’m not saying I’m a teacher, don’t call me a teacher. I’m not saying I’m a prophet. I’m saying: I’m the Messiah. I’m saying: I am God incarnate.’ And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet we can take. So what you’re left with is either Christ was who He said he was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase.” –Bono, U2Application:Settle the fact that you’re lost without JESUS and make the choice to follow Him today.Romans 10:9-10 NASBPray this prayer or something similar:God, I’m lost without You! I’m tired of trying to find my own way. Today I’m choosing Your Way! Thank You for Sending Jesus to save me from my sins. I confess He died for all of my sins on the Cross at Calvary. I believe He rose again on the third day just like the scriptures said He would. I choose to follow Him from this day forward in the fellowship of His church. Amen.Tell someone and you can also mark-it on the “connection card!”Matthew 10:32-33 NLTGet Baptized!Acts 2:38 NLTRomans 6:4 NASBTruth 2: No Other Name can mediate for you to the Father.1 Timothy 2:5 NIVLuke 22:31-32 NASBApplication:Allow Jesus to intercede for you in the circumstances that are beyond your control.Hebrews 7:25 NLTTruth 3: No Other Name assures you that your prayer is heard and powerful. Matthew 6:7-13 NLTJohn 15:16 NIVApplication:Start praying in the Name of Jesus!“The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is pray. It is not the only thing; but it is the chief thing. The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray.” –S.D. GordonTruth 4: No Other Name has the power of God to heal.Acts 3:12-13a, 16 NLTApplication:Allow Jesus an opportunity to heal you in those places in your life that need the power of God for restoration.Psalm 41:3 NLTTrust in the Name of Jesus to bring the restoration you need.Jeremiah 17:14 NIVTake a step of faith and pray for those around you “in the Name of Jesus!” and trust that He is able to heal and restore. Acts 9:17 NLTPrayer:God, thank You for sending Jesus to save me from my sins! No Other Name is like the name of Jesus. His Name has the power to save. His Name has the power to restore. His Name has the power to heal. Help us to trust in His Name… Lead us into the truth of His Name. And enable us to bring glory to His Name.Amen

Luke 19: 1-10Point #1: Jesus came to save you in spite of your vocation.Luke 19:2 NLTIF OUR identity is found in our work— we are lost—and have not found what truly matters.Application: 1.Do not let your life be defined by your vocation or title!2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV 2.If you’re constantly bringing your work home—STOP!Luke 10:41-42Point #2: Jesus came to save you despite of your reputation.Proverbs 22:1 ESVLuke 19:7 NLTRevelation 3:20 NLTApplication:1.Put a greater emphasis on what God says about you than what people have said or are saying. Jeremiah 31:3 NLTJohn 8:10-11 NLTJohn 3:17 NIVPoint #3: Jesus came to save you in spite of your Compulsion.Luke 19:8 NLTJohn 4:34 NIVApplication:1.Make an personal inventory today or this week of things that are unhealthily excessive or compulsive and surrender them to God.1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT

JESUS’ purpose for coming to the earth was to be: SAVIOR!Seven things JESUS came to save us from:1.Our IgnoranceProverbs 14:12 NIVProverbs 3:5 ESVJeremiah 17:9 NLTHebrews 1:1-2 NIVApplication: Allow Jesus to save you from walking in the dark.John 8:12 NLTMake a commitment to daily Bible reading.Psalm 119:105 NLTDownload an app of a Bible plan and start following it.2.The WorldJohn 3:16-17 NIVJohn 17:15-17 NIVApplication:Allow Jesus to help you take the necessary steps to overcome the negative effects of this world.Romans 12:2 NLTSurround yourself with people who will reinforce God’s purposes for your life. “Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for your best interests.” –Derek Jeter3.The LawMatthew 5:17 NLTApplication:Embrace Grace“When granted many years of life, growing old in age is natural, but growing old with grace is a choice. Growing older with grace is possible for all who will set their hearts and minds on the Giver of grace, the Lord Jesus Christ.” –Billy Graham4.Our SinMatthew 1:21 The Message Bible“You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” C.S. LewisApplication:Make the daily choice to run to Jesus—when you sin!1 John 2:1 NIV5.Satan our enemy1 John 3:8 NLTApplication:Choose to live with the assurance that God has your back!1 John 4:4 NASBUnderstand that the blood of Christ is powerful!Revelation 12:11 NLT6.HellMatthew 10:28 NIVApplication:Because Hell is a real place…we should do everything we can to keep people from going there. 7.The wrath of God1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIVPrayer:God, I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness! I admit that I have sinned against You but You have been so merciful and have sent Your Son Jesus to Save me and forgive me! I choose to receive Him as my Lord and Savior today. I confess that Jesus died for all my sins on the Cross at Calvary. I believe He rose from the dead on the third day…just like the Scriptures said He would. I choose to follow Him from this day forward in the fellowship of His church. Amen

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 “Again, I saw vanity under the sun: one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”(ESV) We are better together:1. When we realize the danger of living for SELFApplication: Isolated, enslaved, and never satisfied. Vanity. Ecclesiastes 4:7,8 Step back and objectively prioritize the things that are fighting for your time Focus your attention and energy to the things in life that really matter Cultivate relationshipsWe are better together:2. When we realize the value of relationships Application: Genesis 2:18 Four benefits: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 You have a choice between the worldly system and God’s designHumbly accept that God has designed for us to live in relationship. First with God and then with othersWithin these relationships we can experience greater reward, help, comfort, and protectionChoose to live in God’s design for relationshipsWe are better together:3. When we choose to live in genuine community The Church is to be the place of relational oneness Acts 2:42-47 Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus’ prayer in John 17 Hebrews 10:24, 25The health of your relationship with God – is determined by the health and maturity of yourrelationships with the people God has put in your life Matthew 5:23-241 John 2:9-11John 13:34-35Application:Living in genuine community requires that we put aside selfishnessLiving in genuine community requires genuine loveLiving in genuine community requires that we live under God’s grace and extend that grace to others

Better Together SeriesPart 3: We are Better Together when we walk in Unity! Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1-7( NLT)“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25( NIV)Point #1: We’re Better Together when we have One Goal.John 17:21 (NLT)Ephesians 4:3 (NLT)Application:1. It takes humility Ephesians 4:2 (The Message Bible)2. Quit throwing tantrums Proverbs 14:17 (ESV)Proverbs 14:29 (ESV)3. Be quick to mend fences James 4:6 (NASB)Point #2: You can never be Better Together if you have your own agenda.John 6:38 NIVJohn 4:34 NIVMatthew 17:5 NIVJohn 16:13 NASB1 Corinthians 12:3 NLTEphesians 4:11-13 NLTApplication:1. Rebuke the temptation of a personal agenda.Philippians 2:3 (NIV)2. Strive to always embrace the Big Picture 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)Point #3: We are Better Together when we are devoted to embrace a Christ centered vision. Ephesians 4:14-15 (NLT)Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)Application1. Embrace the reality that you’re a necessary part of the work of Christ!1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)2. Embrace the vision.John 12:32 (NLT)3. Don’t get frustrated with the methods…let truth be your guide. 1 Peter 4:10-11 NLTPrayer God, Thank You for revealing to us—just how important your church is to You. And also— just how important I am to the church. I realize that you’ve called me to make a positive difference with the gifting you’ve given me. I want to use my gift with a grateful heart and serve others. I also choose to promote unity and will continually rebuke the temptation of having my own agenda. I submit my will and my heart to the Bigger Picture…the beauty of the Cross of Christ which reveals that if Jesus is lifted up…He will draw all men and women to Himself. I am devoted to this cause. We are Better Together.In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

Better Together: Series Part 2: Diversity makes us Better Together! Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NLTPoint #1: God never intended the church to be a cookie cutter organization.I Corinthians 12:12-14(NIV)Galatians 3:28 (HCSB)Application:1. Embrace the reality that diversity is healthy.Revelation 7:9 (ESV)2. Guard your heart from making external judgments.James 2:1-4 (MSG)Point #2: Different gifts and abilities enable us to be Better Together!I Corinthians 12:25-26 (MSG)I Peter 4:10 (NLT)Application:1. Embrace God's giftsI Timothy 4:14-15 (NLT)2. Your gift is found in your SHAPE! Spiritual gift, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences. 3. Make it a priority to take class 301.Point #3: Don’t let differences divide the church allow them to make you Better Together.Acts 11:1-4a, 18 (MSG)Application:1. Confess to God any prejudice that you may have.I John 1:9 (NLT)2. Confess to others any partiality that you may have held.I Corinthians 1:10,12-13James 5:16PrayerGod, thank You for making me different than everyone else—this means I’m special. I’m sorry for not realizing how diversity is actually a good thing. And that diversity is a God-thing. It really helps us to embrace that we’re Better Together. Because, each of our unique gifting(s) are needed for the body of Christ to function like it should. Today, I embrace the fact that you’ve called me to serve in the church. So I put all prejudice aside and rebuke all partiality so that I can come along side others in Your church and make it Better Together.In Jesus Name Amen.

Everybody can accomplish more than somebody.“The achievements of an organization are the result of the combined efforts of each individual.”- Vince LombardiWe're BETTER TOGETHER becausePoint #1: Growth should be expectedActs 6:1 (NLT)Acts 2:47 (NLT)Acts 5:14 (NLT)Application: 1.Don’t be surprised when your church grows.2.Expect it! 3.Embrace it!Point #2: Growth comes with challengesActs 6:1 (MSG)Application:1.Don’t run from challenges in the (your) church2.Choose to be a part of the solution—not the problem.Point #3: Growth presents opportunities“We're all working together; that's the secret.” –Sam WaltonActs 6:2-4 (MSG)Acts 6:7 (MSG)Application:1.Take then next step.2. Embrace the BETTER TOGETHERreality.I desire to serve God at LWC by volunteering with: Students (I enjoy working with teenagers) Children Pre-K kids Nursery (babies) Seniors (I want to get involved with Senior’s ministry) Small Groups (I desire to help small groups Pastor) Musicians (I play an instrument) Singing (I like to sing) I’m a teacher Sermon Research Team (I enjoy doing research and Bible study). Sunday Worship Experience (set-up) Greeter Sound (I’ve got an ear for music) Media (I’m good with computers) Lights (I’m willing to learn the lightboard) Grounds & Maintenance (I enjoy working with my hands) Café (I enjoy making coffee). Office volunteer (I enjoy office work) Driving (I’m able to drive van for trips, youth, children) Other (I enjoy doing this): ______________________________________________For more information on how you can get more involved in serving visit http://lwcoracle.org/#/serve

"Take the energy of the Super Bowl and turn it to introduce people to a Super God"-Steve WIlson John 10:10 (HCSB)Two Keys to unlock your potential and enable you to become a champion of faithKey #1: How you believe is instrumental to your success.Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)"Once people learned how to believe in something, that skill started spilling over into other parts of their lives until they started believing they could change. Belief was the ingredient that made a reworked loop into a permanent behavior."- The Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggApplication1. Start SmallMatthew 17:20 (NIV)2. Increase your faithLuke 17:5 (NASB)3. Concrete your faithRomans 10:17 (NIV)Key #2: Who you believe can be detrimental to your success.Hebrews 11:7 (NLT)Hebrews 11:31 (HCSB)Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)"When people join groups where change seems possible, the potential for that change to occur becomes more real. For most people who overhaul their lives, there are no seminal moments or life-altering disasters. There are simple communities - sometines of just one other person - who make change believable."- The Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggApplication1. Keep your eyes on JesusHebrews 12:2 (NLT)2. Make church attendance a priorityActs 2:42a (NIV)3. Join a small group; host a small groupHebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

The average NFL play lasts 7 secondsThe average game lasts 20 minutesThe Word of God lasts foreverGod's P.L.A.N. for your lifePreparationPrepare for successJeremiah 29:11Are you reading your Playbook (God's Word)Lead with expectaionShow them the way; expect great thingsAttitude of excellanceAre we simply existing, or are we excelling?We are called to live a life of excellance.Never give up