Ecclesiastes: SatisfiedBetter TogetherMay 12, 2013Please turn in you Bibles to Ecclesiastes 4:7-16:I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27App: Pray for God to make us one.Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6Why We’re Better Together (vs. 9-12)1.We get a better return for our work (vs. 9)App: “One is too small a number for greatness.” Together we can do more.2. We will enjoy the walk (vs. 10)App: Thank God for your encouragers. 3.We will stay warmer (vs. 11)4.We will be better prepared to withstand threats (vs. 12)App: Identify the enemy and fight together.I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11 App: For God’s desire for oneness to become ours.One: a Lonely Number (vs. 13-16)Plans fail for lack of counsel,but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Ecclesiastes: SatisfiedAre We Mere Beasts?May 5, 2013Please turn in your Bibles to Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:6: “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil.Ecclesiastes 4:63 Observations: Observation #1 (3:16-22): Men have a tendency to behave like beasts. “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.”Ecclesiastes 8:11App: God has us in His scales to show us how desperately we need a Savior: We are less like God and more like beasts. Let’s make it our purpose to love God and love others.App: All Eyes on Jesus: Hold on to your future hope of glory. (ref. John 11:25 and 14:2b-3)Observation #2 (4:1-3): When men are like beasts oppression becomes a real problem.App: God has us in His scales to show us how desperately we need a Savior: We are less like God and more like beasts. Let’s make it our purpose to love God and love others.Observation #3 (4:4): Envy: What feeds our beastly nature.Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4App: God has us in His scales to show us how desperately we need a Savior: We are less like God and more like beasts. Let’s make it our purpose to love God and love others.App: To repent of all envy 3 Possible Responses (4:5-6):Option 1: Laziness: fold your hands and do nothing (4:5)(ref. Proverbs 6:10-11)Option 2: Workaholism: endless striving (4:6b)Option 3: Balance: “…a handful with tranquility” (4:6a) (ref.Proverbs 17:1) App: Practice being content with a handful and learn to enjoy your work with peace of mind. Jesus warned. (ref. Luke 12:15, 21 and 1Timothy 6:6-10)What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Ecclesiastes: SatisfiedGod’s Great Plan for YouApril 28, 2013Please turn in you Bibles to Ecclesiastes 3:1-15:Vs. 1-8: God’s Great Plan for You Problem 1: For those who reject the reality of God this suggests that there are things that are out of our control and must be accepted as such.Problem 2: What’s the point of my existence if in the end it all goes back in the box?Vs. 2: Birth and death aren’t human accidents, but divine appointments.Vs. 3: Times of setbacks and times to move forward are ordained by God. (ref. Romans 12:15)Vs. 5: Times to come (Pull) together and times to be apart are ordained of God.Vs. 7: God give us wisdom to know when to speak.Vs. 8: Do Christians hate? Yes. We hate injustice, evil, abuse, etc.Vs. 9-15: The How and Why of Times1.Life is an opportunity for us to learn to trust God. Vs. 11a2.Life is an opportunity for us to get the big (eternal) picture. Vs. 11bNow we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1Corinthians 13:123.Life is an opportunity for us to learn to enjoy the ride. Vs. 12-13(ref. Isaiah 40:31)4.Life is an opportunity for us to revere God in all things. Vs. 14But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Galatians 4:4-5“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. John 7:30It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had comefor Him to leave this world and go to the Father. John 13:1You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which God will bring about in His own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1Timothy 6:13-16What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Ecclesiastes: SatisfiedLife in the Fast LaneApril 14, 2013Please turn in you Bibles to Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26The Great ExperimentExperiment #1: Can Wisdom be the Primary Source of Fulfillment? 1:12-18, 2:12-16: Conclusions: 1:13: God has placed a heavy burden on man.1:18: The more you know the more responsibility you have.From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:481:14: Knowledge, in and of itself, cannot provide fulfillment. 1:15: God is in the mending business. “Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low.The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.6And all mankind will see God’s salvation.” Luke 3:5-6App: Let Christ straighten your bent, broken life and fill the void in your soul.2:13: Wisdom is the better choice.App: Choose Bible-centered wisdom.There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12, 16:252:14: Wisdom is a light for our path.Experiment #2: Can Pleasure be the Primary Source of Fulfillment? 2:1-3 App: Let your laughter flow from the greater works God is doing in you and through you.Experiment #3: Can Work be the Primary Source of Fulfillment? 2:4-11 App: Be about knowing God and pushing others up. 2:10b App: Learn to enjoy what you do, or change it.Final Thoughts vs. 2:17-26:2:24 App: Accept life as a gift from God. Give thanks. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17Vs 26: Pleasing God…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6“The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” John 6:29What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

EcclesiastesI Can’t Get “No” SatisfactionApril 7, 2013Please turn in you Bibles to Ecclesiastes 1:1-11:Author: pretty much attributed to Solomon in his old ageV 1-3: Setting the StageV 2: “Utterly meaningless” (redundancy): “meaningless as meaningless can be.” App: What are the things in life you tend to take too seriously?What would you like to be remembered for long after you’ve gone?V 3: The words “under the sun”: life void of a relationship with GodApp: A life void of a relationship with God is a life void of meaning. “gain” (yi-thron) “getting ahead”, “surplus” or “advantage” “labor” travail: wearing one’s self out in an effort to stake a claim (compare with healthy work described in 3:22)V 4-8: A poem that supports the premise: “Is this all there is to life?”V 9-11: There is nothing “new”: Meaning: in light of the repetitive nature of history, any allegedly new thing is simply a variation of something from the pastJesus Christ the very Son of God is a new thing.“You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. John 8:23bHe gives a new Word: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32He offers a new birth: …if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 1Corinthians 5:17Through a new covenant: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:20To prepare us for a new place: (ref. Revelation 21:1-5a)What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

EasterEaster HopeMarch 31, 2013Michael: “He is risen!”Your response: “He is risen indeed!”3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8and last of all He appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1Corinthians 15:3-8A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. Mark 15:21Mark and Paul wanted their readers to know that Jesus had indeed risen and that there were many eyewitnesses to prove it.“Indeed”: Greek adverb on-toce: “It really happened”“…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” 1Corinthians 15:17“Because I live, you also will live.”John 14:19bWhat does the Resurrection mean for us today?1.Your worth doesn’t fluctuate.For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1Peter 1:18-212.Your future can be secure. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (NKJV)3.Your past is forgiven.6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6, 8What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Palm SundayMatthew 21:1-17, God in a Box March 24, 2013Please turn in your Bibles to Matthew 21:1-17:Vs 1-3: Spiritual Significance of a Donkey1. Objects used for sacred purposes are often not used prior.2. It shows His dominion over creation. App: Have you allowed the shadow of the cross to fall upon you? “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:34a-35Vs 4-9: Why Jesus Suddenly Goes Public as Messiah1.According to prophecy it was time.2.It would force the religious leader’s hands. They wanted to wait until after Passover, but Jesus must be the ultimate Passover Lamb.App: Let this day remind us to guard against any superficial acclaim of Christ.Save (yaw-shaw) now (na), I pray, O LORD;O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.26Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Psalm 118:25-26aApp: Give thanks in those times that God doesn’t perform according to your expectations. He has a better plan.Vs 10-17: Silencing Stones “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”Luke 19:40 (ref. Vs 22-24)App: Either you’re trying to silence Jesus by your lack of faith, or you’re silencing stones by declaring Him Savior.22The stone the builders rejectedhas become the capstone;23the LORD has done this,and it is marvelous in our eyes.24This is the day the LORD has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25Save now , I pray, O LORD;O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.26Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!Psalm 118:22-26a App: Cling to the cross my friend.What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Summit Vision Matthew 5:14-16, You Are the Light of the WorldMarch 17, 2013Please turn in your Bibles to Matthew 5:14:14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16Who exactly is the light of the world?1.It isn’t who “the world” may think it is. (ref. Isaiah 41:1-3)3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called sons of God.10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12…longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:162.Jesus is the Light of the World.“…I am the light of the world.” John 8:12a3.His followers are the Light of the World.“…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12Verb “to have” (Gr. Echo): Not only bearers, but reflectors Vs 14: You are the light of the world: You have influence whether you realize it or not.Vs 15: Bowl = Peck Measure (2 gallon bucket) What types of buckets might you tend to hide your light under?Summit’s Core Value #4: Outreach - Equipping believers to be contagious bridge builders to the un-churched.What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Summit VisionActs 2:46-47, What God NeedsMarch 10, 2013Please turn in your Bibles to Genesis 14:18-201.Tithing is about grace and not law. It’s way older than the law or MosesThen Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine.He was priest of God Most High, 19and he blessed Abram, saying,“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.20And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Exodus 14:18-20Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:172.Tithing in the law became God’s way of supplying for the priests and the ministry.3.Tithing is supported in both the Old and New Testaments.“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:424.Jesus and His disciples were supported by the faithful giving of His female followers. (ref. Luke 8:1-3)5.The Apostle Paul commands support of the ministry. (ref. 1Timoth 5:17-18)Why does God want us to give? 1.He wants us to be Christ-like.For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV2.It’s a reminder of ownership.3.It’s about spiritual warfare.For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1Timothy 6:10“I will rebuke the devourer for your sake…” Malachi 3:114.It’s a part of our worship.God loves a cheerful giver. 2Corinthians 9:7Cheerful (Hil-ar- os) = hilariousWhat is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Summit VisionActs 2:46-47, Connecting House to HouseMarch 3, 2013Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 2:46.Summit’s Vision Statement: App: All Eyes on Jesus! The Command of Christ: App: John 13:34-35“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35Summit Core Value #5: Care groups- Experience the Christian life in a warm, friendly environment that nurtures believers apart from the larger church.(All 6 Core Values may be viewed at www.estesparkchurch.org)Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47It’s through our 5th Core Value that our other values are met.Example: 3rd Core Value- Lay Ministry Mobilization: faithfully serving the Lord with our talents and spiritual gifts. This best happens in Small Groups.11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…—16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJVSmall (Care) Group defined: A small group is anytime that two or more believers get together apart from our larger weekend worship times.4 Things Each Small Group Should Consider Implementing:•An element of Worship (Core Value 2)•An element of Care for each member (Core Value 5)•An element of Ministry (Core Value 4)•An element of Spiritual Growth for each member (Core Value 6)And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25App: Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?