Two HUGE LIES in Modern Culture -And Why We Can't Afford to Believe Them. -A. Our culture and its dialogue is absolutely immersed in two HUGE LIES. -1. If you disagree with someone 's lifestyle, you must either hate them, fear them, or be intolerantly and irrationally prejudiced against them.2. If you love someone, you must agree with or silently tolerate everything they believe and do.B. These are lies that disciples of Christ simply cannot afford to believe. Why?- I. These lies fail to acknowledge the objective ------------given by our Creator. -II. These lies elevate our definition of -----------------above God's prescription for holiness. -Ill. These lies distort the -------of God's written revelation to mankind.

The Last Words of Jesus and Why They Still Matter A. Famous "last words" are a special form of quotation and perspective that fascinate many people. B. Have you ever considered the last words of Jesus and what we can learn from them?I. Words from the Cross A. Luke 23:33-34- words of that encapsulate his entire mission. B. Luke 23:39-43- words of that there is more than meets the earthly eye. C. John 19:25-27 -words of that reveal his concern for his loved ones. D. Matthew 27:45-46-words of that convey the horrific consequences of sin. E. John 19:28- words of that demonstrate his relatable humanity . F. John 19:30- words of that reflect the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose. G. Luke 23:45-46 -words of in anticipation of a reunion with his heavenly Father. II. Words after His Resurrection -A. Matthew 28:10- words of that there is nothing to fear. -B. Luke 24:36-39 -words of that he had indeed conquered death. -C. Luke 24:44- words of on the big picture of God's revelation to mankind. -D. John 20:29- words of for those who believe though they have not seen. -E. John 21:15-17 -words of that testify to the grace of God. -F. Matthew 28:18- words of supreme as the central figure in all of human history. -G. Matthew 28:19-20-words of that shape the rest of his disciples' time on earth. Ill. Words at the Close of God's Revelation to Mankind A. Revelation 22:12- words of coming and inescapable accountability to God. -C. Revelation 22:13 -words of that focus the universal reason for everything on him. -D. Revelation 22:16-words of for his churches. -E. Revelation 22:20- words of that he is coming again.

When You're Criticized ...A. Not many of us enjoy being criticized, but criticism periodically comes our way. Sometimes it's deserved. Sometimes it's not.- B. The big question is this: How should we handle criticism as Christians?1. Be quick to -___ . (James 1:19) - 2. Be slow to _____. (James 1:19) - 3. Be slow to become ______. (James 1:19-20) - 4. Don't ______ back. (1 Pet 2:23) - 5. Give a gentle"______ . (Prov 15:1) - 6. Don't ______ yourself too quickly. (Prov 18:13) - 7. Humbly _______ what might be true in the critique, even if it's given in a poor way. (Prov 17:10) - 8. Remember the fact that you have _____ spots. (Psa 19:7-14) - 9. Ask others for their honest _____. (Prov 28:26) - 10. _____ about the criticism. (Psa 139:23-24) - 11. Remember the _______. (1 Pet 2:21-25) - 12. Consider the ______. (Matt 23:27-28; James 4:1-4)

Could Your Home Use a Good Spring Cleaning. A. The home was God's idea (gen 2). B. But life at home isn't always perfect. Or easy. Or pleasant. Or like we expected it to be. C. Might the Bible provide some help. -----------------------------------------------------------A Spring Cleaning Checklist -------What sort of _______ has built up. (Luke 8:4-8, 11-15). Is your _______ disposal working. (James 1:21). Are your _______ clean. (James 1:22-25). Are you keeping an eye on your ________. (Phil 4:8/?). Is your _______ system functional. (Prov 22:3). What just needs to be thrown _______ for good. (Gal 5:19). How's the _______ coming. (Col 3:5-14). Are you getting the fresh ______ you need. (1 Cor 13:4-8a). Have all the necessary _______ been installed. (Eph 5:3-4). Are things as ______ as they need to be. (Prov 4:23, 4-6). How's the _________ . (Matt 7:24-29). Some God-breathed Perspective: - A. "For what does it profit...." (Mark 8:36-37; Psa 127:1). - B. It's not too late. (1 Cor 6:9-11; Acts 2:37-38). - C. You've got to be the one to answer the door. (Rev. 3:20).

Why Your Knowledge of God Matters A. An ancient admonition: "Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD " (Hos 6:3). B. In 2 Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ shows us why our knowledge of God matters. I. and Are Multiplied to Us in the Knowledge of God and Jesus (1:2) A. Vital God-breathed connections to knowledge in the Bible:1. The starting point: God's existence and authority (Rom 1:28; Prov 1:7).2. An indispensable compliment to for God (Rom 10:1-3; 2 Tim 3:6-7)3. Putting to death what is and putting on what is godly (Co/ 3:5-17)4 . An escape from the of the world (2 Pet 2:20)5. Experiencing the unity of the faith and spiritual (Eph 4:11-16)6. Manifestations of abounding to the glory and praise of God (Phil 1:3-11)B. In these practical, real-life ways , grace and peace are multiplied to those who are of Christ.II. All Things That Pertain to and Godliness Are Granted to Us By the Power of God Through the Knowledge of Him Who Called Us to His Own Glory and Excellence (1:3-11)A . Our to God's own glory and excellence (1::3)B. The precious and very great of God (1:4a)C. The opportunity to become of the divine nature (1:4b)D. An escape from the that is in the world because of sinful desire ( 1:4c)E. The opportunity to grow in our to King Jesus (1:5-10)D. An into the eternal kingdom (1:11).Conclusion:A. It's no wonder, then, that Peter would draw his second letter to a close like he did in 2 Pet 3:17-18.B. The most important question of the week : What will I do to grow in this grace and knowledge?C. A warning to the citizens of Christ's kingdom (Heb 10:26-29; 2 Pet 2:19b-22) .D. The clearly expressed desire of God for all (1 Tim 2:3-6).

The Folly of Men "Playing God" Introduction: A. Little boys often pretend to be cowboys, policemen, or firemen. Little girls frequently pretend to be mothers, teachers, or princesses. B. Too often, we as adults are guilty of "playing God" (Rom 1:16-25; 2 Thes 2:1-4; 1Pet 5:1-3). 1. God is -------; I am not. 2. God is -------; I am not. 3. God is -------; I am not.Conclusion: I need to let God be God and be content to stay in my place.

Was Peter the First Pope? A. The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has made headlines around the world in recent days. The appointment of a new pope will continue to make news in the days and weeks to come.B. Sprinkled throughout the news coverage are references to Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ,as "the original pope" and Benedict XVI being the 264th successor in a long line of popes.C. Is that true? What can we find in the New Testament to determine if Peter was the first pope?I. "In Later Times Some Will Depart From the Faith"A. The of Jesus Christ isn't hard to find in the New Testament (Matt 16:18; 1Cor3:11; Eph 1:22-23; Jude 3; Acts 11:26; 1Pet4:16; John 17:20-21; Eph 4:3-6).B. The Holy Spirit warned that would be disrupted (Acts 20:27-31; 1Tim4:1-3; 2 Tim 4:1-4).II. The Historical Development of Roman CatholicismA. The establishing of "presiding elders," "bishops," "dioceses," "metropolitans," and "patriatchs."B. Pivotal consequences of the Council of Nicea in 325 AD.C. The rise of an "infallible" Pope, "Father of princes and kings, Ruler of the world, Vicar of Christ."Ill. Much-Needed Input From the New TestamentA. The office of pope is never mentioned , unlike (Matt 10:1-4; Eph 4:11; 1Cor12:27-28)elders (Acts 14:23; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1-7) deacons (Phil 1:1; 1Tim3:8-13) evangelists (2 Tim 4:5).B. Christ alone is exalted as the of his church (Eph 1:22-23; 5:22-24; Heb 4: 15; 13:20; Matt 23:1-12; 2 Thes 2:3-4; Matt 4: 10).C. Was Peter the first pope? Consider a few easily-discovered facts about Peter:1. Peter was (Matt 8:14; 1 Cor 9:5).2. As an , Peter didn't exalt himself above other elders (1Pet5:1-2).3. Peter was most certainly (Matt 26:69-75; Gal 2:14).4. Peter refused the of his fellow man (Acts 10:25-26).D. In several ways, would have been more "qualified" to be the first pope than Peter!E. Thanks be to God that we are not ! (2 Tim 3:16-17; 1Pet5:4; John 18:36; Heb 13:8; Matt 28:18-20).

The Path, Presence, and Pleasures of God I. Psalm 16-A Miktam of David A. 16:1-2-David's -----1. A plea - "Preserve me, 0 God..."2. A declaration - "...for in you I take refuge."3. Based on a personal relationship- "/ say to the LORD, 'You are my Lord ..."'4. An acknowledgement of total dependence - "I have no good apart from you. "B. 16:3-4- David, in relation to other , in light of his relationship with God1. The saints in the land -"they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."2. Those who run after another god - "I do not and will not travel the pathway of idolatry."C. 16:5-6 - David's satisfaction in God's ------D. 16:7-8-David's delight in God's -----E. 16:9-10-David'scomplete in GodF. 16:11-David's of his relationship with God1. "You make known to me the path of life."2. "In your presence there is fullness of joy. "3. "At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. "II. Four Practical Takeaways for This Week From Psalm 16:11A. Every path does not lead to _B. Every tidbit of "joy" cannot be characterized as _C. Every pleasure will not last _D. Don't -----for less than life, full, and forever!Ill. Acts 2:22-36- The New Testament Connection to Psalm 16A. "David says concerning him" -Psalm 16:8-11 finds its greatest fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth.B. "Every spiritual blessing" (Eph 1:3) is available through the "Lord and Christ, this Jesus" (2:36).1. The path of God (Matt 7:13-14).2. The presence of God (John 14:8-9; 1 John 1:1-4; Matt 6:9; Rom 8:31).3. The pleasures ofGod (Heb 12:1-2; Phil 1:18-23; 3:7-11; Matt 25:21).C. "When they heard this they were cut to the heart . .. 'What shall we do?"' (Acts 2:37-39) .

Standing Firm in the True Grace of God - Introduction:A. "I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God." (1 Pet 5:12).B. What better way to understand "true grace " than to survey these declarations and exhortations? I. of the Gospel of the Grace of GodA. Jesus of Nazareth is God's anointed Savior, Prophet, Priest, and King -the (1:1a).B. King Jesus has a -citizens of his kingdom - "elect exiles " (1:1b) .C. These ordinary people have come to be Christ's in accordance with (1::2):1. "The foreknowledge of God the Father"2. "In the sanctification of the Spirit"3. "For obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood "D. We have been" again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus " (1:3).E. Being guarded through faith, we are looking forward to a perfect (1:4-5).F. Life on this earth is difficult ( 1:6-8), but the outcome of our faith will be (1:9).II. to Live as the People of God, to the Glory of GodA. Prepare your minds for action and set your hope on coming (1:13).B. Live for the remainder of your time on earth as obedient of God (1:14-2:3).1. Not conforming to the passions of your forme r ignorance ( 1:14).2. in all of your conduct , as your Father in heaven is holy (1:15-16).- 11- Never forgetting the cost of your ransom-the precious blood of Christ (1: 17-21).4. Having tasted the Lord's goodness , one another from purified hearts (1:22-2:3).C. Live for the remainder of your time on earth with a new, Christ-centered (2:4-12).1. Like living stones, being built up as a spiritual house (2:5a).2. A holy , to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (2::5b) .3. A people for God's own possession , that we might proclaim his excellencies (2:9-10).4. Sojourners and exiles in the present, whose matters (2:11-12).D. Live for the remainder of your time on earth in submission to ultimate (2: 13-3: 17).1. To every human institution , as servants of God (2:13-25).2. At , as fellow heirs of the grace of life (3: 1-7).3. In relation to each other , as the family of God (3:8-12) .4. In relation to unbelievers , as those who are dedicated to (3:13- 17).E. Walk for the remainder of your time on earth in the of Christ (3: 18-5: 11).1. Living no longer for human passions, but for the will of God (4:1-7).2. Above all, loving and one another to the glory of God (4:8-11).3. In trials, entrusting our souls to a faithful Creator while doing good (4:12-19).4. , as shepherds of the flock of God among them (5:1-5a).5. Clothed with humility, resisting the devil, firm in faith, dependent upon God (5:5b-11) .

Intro - Psalm 37:7#55#48#1 (supp)#81 (supp)#87PrayerPsalm 63:1-4#647#608 (1&3)#363Psalm 62:1-7 Prayer#378#16#462 (1,2,4)#18Invitation#301#166 (1&2)Announcement#439 (1)PrayerReflections from the Book of Psalmupp) upp)"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him."The Lord Is In His Holy TempleOn Zion's Glorious Summit (All Verses Before Chorus) I Stand In AweIn His Presence Be Still My SoulThe Way That He Loves The Love of GodHe Hideth My SoulThe Solid RockA Mighty FortressGod Will Take Care of You The Great RedeemerSoul, A Savior Thou Art NeedingHe Loved Me So(Invitation)(CommunionPsalm 19 (Closing)