RewardsNovember 20, 2011Please turn to Luke 19:11-27:Vs 11-13: Be productive until Christ returnsServants (dou-los): followers, disciplesThen God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28App: God entrusts certain things into our care, expecting increaseVs 14: Enemies of GodServants Vs. Subjects (Pol-ee-tace): political constituents, townsmen (ref. John 19:14-15) App: Is Jesus your King, or your enemy?Vs 15-17: Faithful in small stuff Mina: 3 month’s wages (“a very small matter” Vs 17)“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…”Luke 16:10 App: God expects productivity with whatever He givesVs 18-21: Proper motivatorGod is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1John 4:16-18 (see Prov. 11:24-25 The Message)App: If you are not being fruitful, then perhaps you don’t know the Father?Vs 22-27: The way to fruitful livingWhat good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? James 2:14… I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5App: Are you surrendered to His will? Do you trust His intentions? Do you put Kingdom interests ahead of personal security? What is His Spirit saying to you this morning?

Friend to SinnersNovember 13, 2011Please turn to Luke 18:31-19:10Vs 31-34: Divine Revelation: the capacity to only understand certain things whenGod reveals them“Who do you say I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:16-17Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day…” Luke 24:45-46What they could see: Isaiah 9:7What they couldn’t see: Isaiah 53:3App: Psalm 86:11Vs 35-43: Important stuff along the way (ref. Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18)App: To see the opportunities along the wayApp: To go after Jesus regardless of what others say“…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16App: That we may see the hand of God in such a way that the natural response is, “Yeah God!”Luke 19:1-10: Friend to Sinners“…anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:17“There is no one righteous, not even one; 11there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.” Romans 3:10b-11“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 App: To shift from, “What’s the least I can do”, to, “What’s the most?” …my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJVWhat is His Spirit saying to you this morning?

The Problem of IdolatryNovember 6, 2011Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 18:18-30Q 1 (Vs 18): “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (ref. Ephesians 2:8-9)D-O vs. D-O-N-EReligion is spelled D-O: It’s all about trying to D-O enough to please God.The trouble with D-O: When will you know that you’ve done enough? The Bible tells us we can never D-O enough .All of us have become like one who is unclean,and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags… Isaiah 64:6True Christianity is spelled D-O-N-E:Jesus has D-O-N-E for us what we could never D-O. He lived the perfect life. He died on the cross to pay for all the wrong stuff we’ve done.But it’s not enough just to know this: (ref. John 1:12-13, John 3:16)oEach of us must choose to put our faith in who Christ is and what He has done.oThis includes accepting the forgiveness He bought for us on the cross and asking Him to become the leader of our lives.oRepentance: to exchange stubborn self-will for the life for which He created us APP: What must you D-O to inherit eternal life? Put your hope in what God has D-O-N-E through Christ.Q 2 (Vs 19): “Why do you call me good?” Is Jesus not good, or is He God? (ref. Matthew 16:16-17, Colossians 1:15-17, John 1:1, 14; 10:30, 36-38; 14:9b)APP: Why do you say Jesus is good? Is He not good, or is He God? Youdecide.…no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 1Corinthians 12:3bQ 3 (Vs 20-26): “Who then can be saved?” (ref. Matthew 22:3-8, Ephesians 2:8-9)Notice Jesus excluded the 10 Commandments related to loving God.“You shall have no other gods before me…, you shall not make for yourself an idol…, you shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God… and remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…” Exodus 20:3-8 APP: “Who then can be saved?” “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” What is His Spirit saying to you this morning?

Proper Posture Before GodOctober 30, 2011Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 18:9-17Vs 9:To delude: To mislead the mind or judgment ofThe primary cause of pride: Spiritual Amnesia. We tend to forget 3 things:1.We forget where we’ve come from 1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1-2App: Never forget the pit from which God has rescued you2.We forget who saved usBut because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5App: Never forget, if God can save you, He can save anybody3.We forget what proper fruit looks likeBe imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2App: To love and give grace the way God has loved and given grace to usVs 10-12: Deluded Thinking1.Deluded about prayer (11a) (ref. Matthew 6:5)App: To get beyond ourselves in prayer and onto Him2.Deluded about position before God (11b) (ref. Psalm 51:17, Luke 17:10App: Never come to God on the basis of your goodness, but rest in His3.Deluded about “worst of sinners” (11b-c) Vs 13-14: Healthy Perspective (ref. Isaiah 57:15, 1Peter 5:6)App: Christ is enough for allHere is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 1Timothy 1:15-16 Vs 15-17: Children are the StandardWhat is His Spirit saying to you this morning?

Pray and Not FaintOctober 23, 2011Luke 18:1-8 (ref. Luke 17:31-32)Vs 1 : Pray, don’t faintApp: All Eyes on Jesus3 Contrasts in Today’s TeachingContrast 1: Will we pray or will we faint? “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.” Luke17:37 “Pray without ceasing” 1Thessalonians 5:17Pray without ceasing: When prayer becomes as natural to us as breathing. It’s about enjoying God wherever we are and in whatever we’re doing. It’s an oasis of thanksgiving and praise that is like beautiful music playing in the background as we do life. It’s not so much the words of our mouths, as it’s the desire of our hearts, and the desire of our hearts should be Him.(ref. Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV))Contrast 2: Will we live our lives like desperate widows, or like children of God? (ref. James 1:27)This woman was a stranger; we are sons and daughters(ref. Matthew 7:11)This woman had no access to the judge, but we have access (ref. Hebrews 10:19-22b)This woman had no friend in the courtroom, but we have the Holy Spirit (ref. Romans 8:26-27)This woman came to a court of law, but we come to a throne of grace (ref. Hebrews 4:16)Contrast 3: Will we view our Creator as a harsh judge or a loving Father?He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) App: Pray; don’t faint (ref. 1Timothy 4:1, 2Timothy 3:1-5)What is His Spirit saying to you this morning?

The Return of Our LordOctober 16, 2011Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 17:20-37Vs 20: When will the Kingdom of God come?Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:7-8Birth pangs: indicators that the baby is coming. As the moment draws near birth pangs come with greater levels of intensity and frequency.Webster: “2a disorder and distress incident that precedes major social change.” We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23App: Be Ready. Observe the intensity and frequency of birth pangsVs 20-21: The Kingdom is within vs. among youWithin (En-tos): Probably better translated here “Among you.” Where Jesus is, there is the Kingdom. Jesus wants to take up residence in the lives of those who will trust Him (ref. Romans 6:23, John 1:4, Acts 2:38-39, Ephesians 4:18-19, 2:12-13) App: Rather than trying to dig some good thing from within yourself, call on the name of the Lord and discover the good things He longs to pour into youVs 22-25: The Day of the Kingdom will be evident to allApp: Rather than obsessing over when the Kingdom will come, simply be readyVs 26-29: Noah and Lot as examples of how Christ will come (ref. 2Peter 2:4-10,Romans 10:8-9)App: Put your faith in ChristVs 30-32: No turning backApp: All Eyes on Jesus and never look backVs 33-35: Taken by judgmentVs 37: Eagles or vultures?App: Be ready!What is His Spirit saying to you this morning?

Give Thanks to the LordOctober 2, 2011Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 17:11-19Vs 11-12: Sin, like leprosy, isolates people (ref. 1John 1:7-10, James 5:16a)App: Vulnerability is the doorway to deeper fellowship…confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16aVs 12-14: God and healing (ref. Luke 5:12-14)App 1: God isn’t into formulas. Trust Him, not some program or methodApp 2: God has given a story only you can tell App 3: Obedience often precedes healing! (ref. 2Kings 5:10-15)Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:15-15App 4: Receive prayers for healingVs 15-16: When fellowship transcends differencesApp: Learn to fellowship in our brokennessVs 17-18: Praise and thanksApp 1: Do we really want God, or just His stuff? App 2: Thanksgiving is a natural response to God being at work in one’slife1Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;His love endures forever…8Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing loveand His wonderful deeds for men,9for He satisfies the thirstyand fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:1, 8-9 4Delight yourself in the LORDand He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4App 3: Pause together at meals and give thanksFor although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21App 4: Have you glorified Him as God, or given Him thanks? What is His Spirit saying to you this morning?

Give Thanks to the LordSeptember 25, 2011Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 17:11-19Vs 11-12: Sin, like leprosy, isolates people (ref. 1John 1:7-10, James 5:16a)App: Vulnerability is the doorway to deeper fellowship…confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16aVs 12-14: God and healing (ref. Luke 5:12-14)App 1: God isn’t into formulas. Trust Him, not some program or methodApp 2: God has given a story only you can tell App 3: Obedience often precedes healing! (ref. 2Kings 5:10-15)Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:15-15App 4: Receive prayers for healingVs 15-16: When fellowship transcends differencesApp: Learn to fellowship in our brokennessVs 17-18: Praise and thanksApp 1: Do we really want God, or just His stuff? App 2: Thanksgiving is a natural response to God being at work in one’slife1Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;His love endures forever…8Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing loveand His wonderful deeds for men,9for He satisfies the thirstyand fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:1, 8-9 4Delight yourself in the LORDand He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4App 3: Pause together at meals and give thanksFor although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21App 4: Have you glorified Him as God, or given Him thanks? What is His Spirit saying to you this morning?

Doing Something about TomorrowSeptember 4, 2011Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 16:19-31App: We can’t change our past, but we can prepare for our future.App: The poor and oppressed become opportunities for us to invest in their own tomorrows.Vs 19-21: Seeing Needs App: What are the obvious needs that are lying at your gate? Vs 22-24: Heaven and Hell “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. Mark 13:26-27Hades: a temporary realm where the dead await judgmentHell: eternal lake of fire13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:13-15Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV…the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10The question isn’t how could a loving God send people to Hell, but how could people turn away from so loving a God?Vs 25-27: Holding on to Me (ref. Romans 3:10-13) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 App: Have you come home to God through Christ? Vs 29-31: Signs of Deity For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20What is His Spirit saying to you this morning?