RLCF Sermons

We can ask for anything (John 16:23-27): Father loves you because you love Jesus; love Jesus = love others as He loved you (John 14:15; 13:34). The crossroads at John 14:15: impossibly high standard; Jesus has already asked! (v16). The Baptism in the Holy Spirit: result: a baptism in love (Romans 5:5); the promise: rivers of life-giving water (John 7:38). Seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit requires: 1. Honesty (Luke 11:5-13): unashamed about your need; reject human, intellectual, theological arguments on dispensations, etc. 2. Hunger interested in more than just going to heaven when you die; dissatisfied with empty, powerless life (John 7:37; Isaiah 55:1-2); God gives Himself completely to those who have no other option (Jeremiah 29:13; Hebrews 11:6). 3. Humility: (James 4:5-6) water flows to the lowest place; your "worthiness" comes simply from the fact that God is a good Father (Luke 11:13). Life-Changing Power: before you “go into all the world” (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15)… wait to receive power (Luke 24:47-49; Acts 1:8). Changed into “another man” inside (I Samuel 10:6).

God sets the ball in motion by drawing us into a relationship ofFather-child love (Matthew 7:11). His purpose is that His love will snowball through us (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31). God has given us a blank check on His unlimited funds! (John 14:14) As proof, He gives us an initial deposit, signed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13-14) Your response to God’s blank check (unlimited promise) indicates whether you are truly His child or not: Your own pleasures : adulteress (James 4:3-5). Keep His commandments (John 14:15); one commandment: love (John 13:34); “Father, I want your “business” of love to prosper through me (John 14:12-13). The Endorsed Prayer: God’s “Yes” + my “Amen” = God’s glory through me (II Corinthians 1:20-22).

The mark of the New Covenant is soft-heartedness (Ezekiel 26:26-31): judge myself first (I Peter 4:17; I Corinthians 11:27-32); instead of judgment (John 3:17), God chose love (v16); true judgment comes from the Light of Christ (v19). Because we know only in part, we prove our Christ-likeness by loving, instead than judging! (I Corinthians 13:9) Practical love (I Corinthians 13:4-8): not impatience with others, but “suffering long”; not unkind words and actions, but thoughtful of others in word and deed; no root of bitterness and jealousy, but secure in the Father’s love; not bragging about self and family, but considering others more important; not seeking own interest, but interests of: 1. Christ and 2. others; not keeping track of wrongs, but covering the faults of others; not assuming worst in others, but hoping all things; not giving up easily, but committed to love for eternity. This is overcoming love (I Corinthians 13:8; Romans 12:21).

God alone has the right to judge (James 4:12). Yet, Jesus didn’t judge when He was on this earth, in order to be an Example to us (John 8:15). Judgment: associated with death (Hebrews 9:27), but God’s goal: give eternal life (John 5:21-24); so He delays judgment: to allow for repentance (Acts 17:30-31); to show mercy and compassion (Psalm 135:14). So He alone is a worthy Judge (John12:46-48). Judge based on what you cannot see (John 7:24): unfair judgment: one side of the story; unrighteous judgment: both sides of the story; righteous judgment: discernment (God’s side of the story). Discern: 1. Is the spirit of Christ in your actions? (II Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:1-4); 2. What external spirits influence you (I John 4:1-3): if fruit (words/deeds) is not Christ-like (Matthew 7:15-20); immoral or undisciplined in the church (II Corinthians 5:11; II Thessalonians 3:6); Christian psychology in teaching, songs, or conversation. 3. how to expose darkness (Matthew 7:6; Ephesians 5:11): know when it profanes God’s Name (Acts 13:44-52; 19:9).

http://rlcf.church/rlcf-church-vision-2015 "If Christianity is to receive a rejuvenation, it must be by other means than any now being used. If the Church in the second half of this century is to recover from the injuries she suffered in the first half, there must appear a new type of leader. The proper, ruler-of-the-synagogue type will never do. Neither will the priestly type of man who carries out his duties, takes his pay and asks no questions, nor the smooth-talking pastoral type who knows how to make the Christian religion acceptable to everyone. All these have been tried and found wanting. Another kind of religious leader must arise among us. He must be of the old prophet type, a man who has seen visions of God and has heard a voice from the Throne. When he comes (and I pray God there will be not one but many), he will stand in flat contradiction to everything our smirking, smooth civilization holds dear." (A.W. Tozer) Knowing the Fear of God: (II Corinthians 5:10-11) everything we do, say, or think; every motive and attitude – is being recorded for judgment; Your “New Year’s Resolution” will only be as good as the specific choices you make each moment of each day of the year ahead. (Proverbs 23:17) 1. life (Deuteronomy 30:15) the way that seems right to our natural inclination will lead us to death (Proverbs 14:12); the way of life is exciting (Proverbs 14:14 TLB). 2. abiding in God’s rest (Hebrews 4:9-11), not our own works. 3. joyful praise and thanksgiving (Phil. 4:4-6), not complaining (Philippians 2:12-14). 4. forgiving love (I Corinthians 13:5-7), not bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). 5. building up words (I Corinthians 8:1, 14:3),not gossip (Hebrews 4:9-11). 6. giving (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35), not waiting to be given.

In order to have Christ formed through her, Mary and Joseph: I. faced Poverty and Oppression (Luke 1:46-55; Luke 4:18-19). II. had to make the choice, and faced loneliness, and fear. (Lamentations 3:21-26). III : were those who believed the Lord’s words (Luke 1:37-38); handmaiden mentality is saying, "Why is it me God has asked? I am nothing!" (I John 1:6-7) fellowship is one Christian saying to another, “He is moving in me… and in you” (I Kings 19:11-12). IV. bore Christ’s reproach in silence with honor (Hebrews 11:25-26; Romans 15:3; Matthew 1:21) Jesus means, “He will save His people from their sins” (Philippians 2:12-13) God’s will for Christ to be formed in you is greater than any of your fears. V. became partakers of the sufferings of Christ (II Corinthians 1:3-5; Colossians 1:24-29) we labor to present everyone with Christ in them perfectly; (John 13:14-15) God forms Christ in those who wash the feet of others amid their own trials; (I Peter 4:12-13; Romans 8:18-30). VI. realized that Christ is for all mankind (Psalm 30:5b; Romans 6:23) "We have each been given a gift". Don't be afriad to let the world get their "grimy" hands on the Chrit in you. VII. slept in heavenly peace (Revelation 12:10-12) Satan will try to “end” God’s prophecy over your life through persecution; (John 7:30) every detail of Jesus’ life was planned by His Father; (Colossians 3:3; John 17:23; II Timothy 3:15-16) the mystery of godliness is Christ came in our flesh; (Romans 8:31-39). Are you a “wise man” simply following the star and bringing your gift to Jesus, or are you a bondslave in whom Christ is being formed?”

“The Prosperity Gospel”: God watches how you use worldly wealth (which is not yours) to see if He can entrust you with heavenly wealth (which is yours). (Luke 17:26-37) world: Self-absorbed with pleasure; disciples: like vulture watching the body. Every heresy has an equal and opposite heresy. “The Social Gospel”: (Matthew 7:13-23) world: Self-absorbed with philanthropy; disciples: absorbed with Father's purpose; (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20) The Great Commission: make disciples. Bring Them Home: (Luke 5:29-32) lead sinners to repentance; (Luke 15) Father brings lost home; (Luke 16) sons likewise bring lost into “eternal dwellings”... not just better earthly circumstances. The Brothers and Sisters of Jesus: (Matthew 12:48-50) who do the Father's will; (Matthew 25:40,45) least of “My brothers”; (Luke 16:9) Lazarus' was rich man's brother; (Galatians 6:9-10) first the household of faith; (James 2:14-16) works = “brother or sister”; (I John 3:16-18) love = your “brother”; (II Cor. 8:1-9 TLB) joy + poverty = giving; (II Cor. 9:13-15) result: glorify God.

Joyful Generosity: (Luke 15) God spares no expense on His lost; (Luke 16) He asks us to do likewise to them; (Luke 16:8) Mammon's “martyrs” put many Christians to shame by their shrewdness; (Luke 16:9) use “unrighteous wealth” to be generous to others to build God's kingdom; (Matthew 6:19-21) these are your treasures. Faithful in a “Very Little Thing”: (Luke 16:10-12)God watches how you use worldly wealth (which is His), to test whether He can entrust you with heavenly wealth (which is yours); (I Timothy 6:17-19) the generous are the truly rich; (Proverbs 13:7) there are those who “impoverish themselves” who are truly wealthy. (I Peter 4:7-11) love like your life depends on it; (Luke 12:35-48) “Don't die old. Die empty!" (Luke 16:9; Matthew 25:40; Galatians 6:9-10) this is not the “social gospel”... “these My brothers”.

Mammon: (Matthew 6:24-25) deceptively lures with Self-serving pride; puts YOU on throne, in control of your life and future. (Matthew 6:27) fine until something happens beyond your control; result: prison of anxiety about your life and future. (Matthew 6:26) solution: realize you are child of Heavenly Father! (Matthew 18:1-4) characteristic: humility, which leads to rest. (Psalm 131) when facing “great matters... too difficult for me”; little child is anxiety-free. (II Corinthians 11:3) root of anxiety: desire to know information, unfulfilled; the opposite is the Tree of Life = knowing God. (I Peter 5:5-7; Philippians 4:4-6) humility, meekness = cast your cares, no anxiety. (Matthew 6:34) Let God have your complete attention, here and now! (Psalm 121:3-4) “Sleep, child, for your Father never sleeps!” (Psalm 139 TLB) O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away You know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment You know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place Your hand of blessing on my head. This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me. If I try to hide in the darkness, the night becomes light around me. For even darkness cannot hide from God; to you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you. You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous – and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book! How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me! Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

What Defiles You? Mark 7:14-23 - not what you eat. Two absolute (“all or nothing”) sins: 1. an evil eye of envy 2. gossip. II Corinthians 12:20 - this is the Holy Spirit's concern. Gossip: James 1:26 - your religion is worth ZERO! James 4:11; 5:9 - don't even sigh. Proverbs 17:4; 26:20 - refuse to add wood. If you are not part of the problem or part of the solution, don't speak of it or listen to it. Envy: Matthew 6:19-24 - you know your treasure by your emotions (joy); the way you look at monetary situations determines how much of God you will see; Matthew 20:1-16 - testing your heart and treasure. The Evil Eye and the Clear Eye: evil eye – earthly-minded sense of fairness; thinks that material blessing > generosity; complains out of selfish ambition; clear eye – heavenly-minded sense of God; principle of giving > receiving (Acts 20:35); genuinely excited in God's generosity. If you love money, you hate God. If you love God, you will despise money. Dealing with the Problem of Envy: Results of Envy: disorder and every vile practice (James 3:16); no hunger for the word of God (I Peter 2:1-2); affects physical health (Proverbs 14:30). Overcoming envy: ask Jesus to heal your blindness (Mark 8:22-25); be a worshiper of God (Psalm 73:21-28); be filled with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:19-26).