Raise Them Up (Defining Success)

Psalm 127

Pastor Jayson Workman

 May 9, 2021

Introduction

Every family has FAILURES but it is our FOCUS that defines and directs.

1. A successful home focuses on GOD — v. 1

Quote — “God didn’t give you your children to build your reputation but to publicly proclaim his.” — Paul Tripp

A focused faith is the only hope our children have in the future.

1. A successful home focuses on the GOSPEL — vv. 3-4

Our inheritance (heritage) is our kids knowing and believing the gospel.

Quote — “The home is where kids see the gospel lived out and learn to believe in its power.” — JD Greear

1. A successful home focuses on the GOAL — v.4

“What is a quiver full of but arrows? And what are arrows for but to shoot? So with the strong arms of prayer, draw back the bowstring and let the arrows fly — all of them, straight at the enemy’s hosts.”

Treat your children less like ACCESSORIES and more like ARROWS.

Quote — “Our kids were given to us for the purpose of mission. When you accept the call to Jesus, you accept the call to missions. That’s the truth that should shape the way we raise our children.” — JD Greear 

Quote — “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you sow, but someone you raise.” — Andy Stanley

Recalculating Faith

Student Minister Robert Varner

Acts 16:6-10

Recalculating faith means . . .  

I.  . . .  listening to God . . . (vv. 6–8)

      1.  God says no to good plans . . .

      2.  . . . To make way for the best plans

II.  . . .  to receive a new vision for the future . . .   (v. 9)

      1.  Paul focused on the mission.

      2.  Paul focused on the future.

 III.          . . .  and responding in obedience.  (v. 10)

1. They trusted the calling.

Recalculating: Moving Forward

Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75; John 21:15-19

Pastor Jayson Workman

South Gate — April 25, 2021

Introduction

Romans 5:20 but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Instead of seeing your struggle and past as a stopping place, begin to view it as a starting point to learn, grow, and recalculate.

It’s not that our desires or the destination are wrong—it’s that God has to develop our faith before we can move forward into the future.

1. Mistaken Declaration (Matthew 26:33–35)

• We often don’t know ourselves like God knows us.

• We often don’t know where we need to grow.

Quote: “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” —John Bradford

1. Making a Mess (Matthew 26:69-75)

1. Moving Forward (John 21:15-19)

We often need GRACE to begin moving forward in the right direction.

Life isn’t always about WHERE you are going or WHAT you are doing, but WHO you are becoming. When your faith is deepening, God will direct you!

“When you make mistakes, don’t let them get you down. And don’t let yourself think of them as stigmas. Make each failure a step to success.”

God uses people who fail—'cause there aren’t any other kind around.

Recalculating: When Doubt Sets In

Matthew 11:1-11

Pastor Jayson Workman

April 18, 2021 — South Gate

Introduction

Recalculating means we measure our success by devotion, not destination.

1. Recalculating with DOUBT

Experience doesn’t always add up to the version of faith you were raised on.

1. Recalculating with DISTORTION

Our unmet expectations can cause distortions about who Jesus is.

1. Recalculating with DECLARATION

We often want deliverance, and instead, God offers to deepen our faith in Him.

Recalculating—Part 1

James 4:13-17

Pastor Jayson Workman

April 11, 2021

Introduction

When CONSIDERING the future, make sure to include the One who CONTROLS the future.

1. Understand foolishness (v. 13)

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

2. Understand fragility (v. 14)

Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

We will either SPEND our lives, WASTE our lives, or INVEST our lives.

Recalculating includes knowing that this life is short, and God is in control.

3. Understand faith (vv. 15–17)

Our faith is integrated in all we do and consider, & we set our mind to it.

The will of God is not an OPTION, but an OBLIGATION.

When you DEPEND on God, He will DIRECT your life.

Recalculating means knowing that God is guiding us into a future He controls.

The Final Days of Jesus — Resurrection

Matthew 24

Pastor Jayson Workman

Introduction

The foundation of our faith is an event.

1. He is risen with power over confusion. (v. 4)

1. He is risen with power over doubt. (vv. 9–12)

If the disciples had doubt, so will you!

1. He is risen with power over sadness. (vv. 15–17)

Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Genesis 22:7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We know God is FOR us, because Jesus DIED for us; not because everything WORKS out for us.

The Final Days of Jesus

John 19:17-30

March 28, 2021

Pastor Jayson Workman

Introduction

A life defined by the cross is transformed and lives with eternal purpose.

1. The cross reveals our sin. (vv. 17–19)

Justice and forgiveness meet in harmony at the cross of Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:9-10 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

1. The cross reveals God’s love.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

     3. The cross redeems us.

1. The cross requires our attention.

      Committed (v. 17)

Luke 23:46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.

Psalm 31:5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

      Compassion (v. 18)

Luke 23:34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

       Complacency (vv. 23–24)

The Final Days of Jesus – Rejection

Matthew 26:57-68; 27:1-2, 11-26

Robert Varner

03-21-2021

Main Point: The life of Jesus shows us that the world will reject us because of the truth.

1. The world has rejected Jesus

 III.         Your response should be: 

1. Christlike humility and compassion

The Final Days of Jesus—Betrayal

Matthew 26:47-56

March 14, 2021—South Gate

Introduction

The life of Jesus shows us how we can turn betrayal into blessing.

1. Yielded to the plan of God (vv. 49–50)

1. Yielded any retribution (vv. 52–53)

We cannot accomplish the plans of God with the ways of the world.

Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.

God’s people are called to REDEMPTION, not REVENGE.

1. Yielded alone (vv. 55–66)

2 Timothy 4:16-17 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me . . . .

Greatest Month of Generosity

Joshua 14:6-15

Pastor Jayson Workman

South Gate — March 7, 2021

Introduction

Vision is the ability to dream about the future and what could be.

BIG IDEA: A mountain-conquering, visionary faith is committed to and confident in the promises of God. 

1. People of Faith Have Confidence in God’s Word. (v. 6)

            patient with the promises of God (v. 7–8)

Quote: “Faith isn't primarily a function of how you feel. Faith is living out and believing what truth is despite what you feel.” —Tim Keller

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

            personal confidence in God’s Word can be developed

1. spiritual maturity

Matthew 16:18  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

1. People of Faith Aren't Afraid of Challenging (vv. 8–12)

            a refusal to live by fear (v. 8)

1 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

            A relinquished will (v. 8)

            A resilient spirit (vv. 10–12)

            A recognition of risk (v. 12)

1. People of Faith Crave for Opportunities to Glorify God. (v. 9)