Mission Possible M4 Acts 1:8 “Your Circle” Judea, Southern Kingdom of Israel, Home for most of the Jews. They were under Roman rule.
Our Judea is: Family, friends, co-workers & classmates.
“Be My witnesses” with family, friends, classmates and co workers.
Matthew 13:57 It is tough in our circle
Three questions which are three challenges.
1. What does my Christian walk look like among them?
1 Timothy 3:6-8 “good reputation” 1 Timothy 4:15
Acts 5:33-42 Gamaliel
Areas to focus in on:
-Am I compassionate? Jesus had compassion on people.
-Am I judgmental? Quick to point out others wrongs where I am right
-Am I practicing what I preach? Don’t only be hearers but be doers (you have a responsibility, they don’t)
During trouble -Mt. 10:17-19 problems happen so you can be a testimony. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.
Acts 22:11-13 God will use you if you have a good testimony
2. Do I look for opportunities to bring up spiritual conversation or invite them to events that may bring up spiritual issues?
Romans 1:16
3. Do I regularly pray or them?
Col. 4:2-6
Monday, October 29, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Mission Possible M3 "Our Community"
Mission Possible M3 “Our Community”
Acts 1:8 “You will be my Witnesses... in Samaria”
Samaria Background. Because of the fall of (Northern Kingdom) Israel to the Assyrians they started to intermarry. The Jews disliked them because they were half breads
Did the message get to Samaria Acts 8:4-13
Vrs 4-5 “Those who were scattered preached” Troubling time helped them live out purpose in their lives. How do we handle when trouble hits. Do we proclaim the hope we have? Is it an opportunity to share with others.
Vrs 6-8 Philip was preaching and healing doing amazing things in the name of Jesus.
This is a message coming from the Jews who were known to hate Samaritans. Now they were hearing a message of love forgiveness and help. The Jewish testimony among the Samaritans was not very good.
The Christian testimony to outsiders is not very good. Christians have a testimony of hate, judgment, being close minded and infringing on others people’s rights
We have to break that barrier down if we are going to have people listen to the message. How do we do this? And where do we need to do this?
Lets look at what happens if we don’t
Vrs 9-11 Simon who previously astonished people.
People looked to a sourcer and thought he was “from God”
If the people of God are not in their community and impacting it then people will look elsewhere to find meaning and purpose in life. If Christians are in the community the results is the message is preached and people believe. Most Christians think that being out in the community means political activism.
God has trusted us with this message.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Message of reconciliation. Committed us to the word of reconciliation.
Vrs 12-13 people believed not only the ones who where looking in the wrong direction for meaning, but also the one who was leading believed as well.
1. Gets the message out
2. Encourages other believers to follow suit
3. Encourages others Christians in their ministries
Our Samaria is Lacey Township & the surrounding area.
Demographics of Lacey 60% of population are young families
Examples of what a community focus has done in our church our church has many ministries but I want to focus on these specific ministries because they are very open to the community.
-Youth Ministry Robert Oliver old Pastor
-Kids Club
-Mops
Nothing is impossible with God
Two ways that we can focus on to minister to people in Lacey.
1. Help them with their middle class problems James “show me your faith” John “let your light shine”
2. Help them with their spiritual needs Mark 6:33-35
Acts 1:8 “You will be my Witnesses... in Samaria”
Samaria Background. Because of the fall of (Northern Kingdom) Israel to the Assyrians they started to intermarry. The Jews disliked them because they were half breads
Did the message get to Samaria Acts 8:4-13
Vrs 4-5 “Those who were scattered preached” Troubling time helped them live out purpose in their lives. How do we handle when trouble hits. Do we proclaim the hope we have? Is it an opportunity to share with others.
Vrs 6-8 Philip was preaching and healing doing amazing things in the name of Jesus.
This is a message coming from the Jews who were known to hate Samaritans. Now they were hearing a message of love forgiveness and help. The Jewish testimony among the Samaritans was not very good.
The Christian testimony to outsiders is not very good. Christians have a testimony of hate, judgment, being close minded and infringing on others people’s rights
We have to break that barrier down if we are going to have people listen to the message. How do we do this? And where do we need to do this?
Lets look at what happens if we don’t
Vrs 9-11 Simon who previously astonished people.
People looked to a sourcer and thought he was “from God”
If the people of God are not in their community and impacting it then people will look elsewhere to find meaning and purpose in life. If Christians are in the community the results is the message is preached and people believe. Most Christians think that being out in the community means political activism.
God has trusted us with this message.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Message of reconciliation. Committed us to the word of reconciliation.
Vrs 12-13 people believed not only the ones who where looking in the wrong direction for meaning, but also the one who was leading believed as well.
1. Gets the message out
2. Encourages other believers to follow suit
3. Encourages others Christians in their ministries
Our Samaria is Lacey Township & the surrounding area.
Demographics of Lacey 60% of population are young families
Examples of what a community focus has done in our church our church has many ministries but I want to focus on these specific ministries because they are very open to the community.
-Youth Ministry Robert Oliver old Pastor
-Kids Club
-Mops
Nothing is impossible with God
Two ways that we can focus on to minister to people in Lacey.
1. Help them with their middle class problems James “show me your faith” John “let your light shine”
2. Help them with their spiritual needs Mark 6:33-35
Monday, October 15, 2007
Mission Possible: M2 "Ask the Master"
Mission Possible M2 “Ask the Master”
Matthew 6:5-15
Verse 5 “When you pray” don’t be like the hypocrites Main reason for their prayer is so others can observe how spiritual they are. They have received their reward because they were just doing it so others can see.
Verse 6 What should we do in personal prayer? Clear ourselves from distractions. Psalm 91 “The secret place” Getting yourself right with God.
God will answer those prayers.
Why do we pray in public when the Bible seems to say not to?.
John 11:38-44 for the benefit of others teach
Matthew 18:19-21 get together with others believers Join with me
Acts2:42 The first church “prayers” part of worship
Verse 7 Vain repetitions “Centering prayer” Tony Campola Saying Jesus’ name over and over.
As Willard says in his book. “Prayer is an intelligent conversation”
Verses 8 God Knows your needs. Like a parent knows their child’s needs and it is not necessary to use a lot of words or some elaborate case. Eph 3:20 Able to do more
Verse 9 This is how we pray
“our Father in heavens”
1. Recognizing God’s position in our life “Abba” Mk 14:36, Rom 8:15, Gal 4:6
2. “Heavens” He is not far from us Acts 17:27
3. Hallowed Name is to be revered
In Biblical times names meant something
Word “hallow” is set apart. Nothing can compare to Him
Verses 10 “Thy Kingdom come” God’s promise is that His kingdom will be established and we want to pray for that to come quickly. This keeps our focus on what is to come. End times events
“thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” pray that our lives are according to the will of God and that we don’t fall out of it by doing what is wrong. Everything must be brought into obedience of Him.
Verse 11 “give us this day our daily bread” Provide for my needs today. In some senses what good is knowing that our needs will be met tomorrow if we are supposed to live for the present.
Verses 12 Forgive our debts. Because of our sin we owe God death. Asking for God’s pardon and grace and in return we want the ability to forgive those who have wronged us.
Have pity on me because sometimes I can’t help it. If we look at other people in this manner we may be able to not hold their sin against them. Homeless peoples decisions.
Verses 13 Keep us from bad situations. This prayer starts with the Glory and power of God and ends with our weakness and feebleness. It is helping us to realize that we must not be prideful.
“deliver” protect us from Satan Eph. 6
Verses 14-15 The phrase “As we forgive our debtors” was a new phrase and not found in Jewish devotions or communication with God.
God will not forgive you if you do not turn from your sin of un-forgiveness toward another. God only forgives what we have remorse or sorrow for.
As a believers we have to follow the Master and daily pray. As far as our mission we need to be praying.
If you have prayer requests please e-mail mike@the5church.com
Matthew 6:5-15
Verse 5 “When you pray” don’t be like the hypocrites Main reason for their prayer is so others can observe how spiritual they are. They have received their reward because they were just doing it so others can see.
Verse 6 What should we do in personal prayer? Clear ourselves from distractions. Psalm 91 “The secret place” Getting yourself right with God.
God will answer those prayers.
Why do we pray in public when the Bible seems to say not to?.
John 11:38-44 for the benefit of others teach
Matthew 18:19-21 get together with others believers Join with me
Acts2:42 The first church “prayers” part of worship
Verse 7 Vain repetitions “Centering prayer” Tony Campola Saying Jesus’ name over and over.
As Willard says in his book. “Prayer is an intelligent conversation”
Verses 8 God Knows your needs. Like a parent knows their child’s needs and it is not necessary to use a lot of words or some elaborate case. Eph 3:20 Able to do more
Verse 9 This is how we pray
“our Father in heavens”
1. Recognizing God’s position in our life “Abba” Mk 14:36, Rom 8:15, Gal 4:6
2. “Heavens” He is not far from us Acts 17:27
3. Hallowed Name is to be revered
In Biblical times names meant something
Word “hallow” is set apart. Nothing can compare to Him
Verses 10 “Thy Kingdom come” God’s promise is that His kingdom will be established and we want to pray for that to come quickly. This keeps our focus on what is to come. End times events
“thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” pray that our lives are according to the will of God and that we don’t fall out of it by doing what is wrong. Everything must be brought into obedience of Him.
Verse 11 “give us this day our daily bread” Provide for my needs today. In some senses what good is knowing that our needs will be met tomorrow if we are supposed to live for the present.
Verses 12 Forgive our debts. Because of our sin we owe God death. Asking for God’s pardon and grace and in return we want the ability to forgive those who have wronged us.
Have pity on me because sometimes I can’t help it. If we look at other people in this manner we may be able to not hold their sin against them. Homeless peoples decisions.
Verses 13 Keep us from bad situations. This prayer starts with the Glory and power of God and ends with our weakness and feebleness. It is helping us to realize that we must not be prideful.
“deliver” protect us from Satan Eph. 6
Verses 14-15 The phrase “As we forgive our debtors” was a new phrase and not found in Jewish devotions or communication with God.
God will not forgive you if you do not turn from your sin of un-forgiveness toward another. God only forgives what we have remorse or sorrow for.
As a believers we have to follow the Master and daily pray. As far as our mission we need to be praying.
If you have prayer requests please e-mail mike@the5church.com
Friday, October 12, 2007
Mission Possible M1 "Far Out"
Mission Possible: “Far Out” “to the end of the earth”
“with God all things are possible”
Acts 1:4-8 Context of passage.
Vrs 5 John baptized with water
Believers will be baptized with the Holy Sprit.
Vrs 6-7 Will Jesus restore Israel (reference to Abrahamic promise)
This is not the time for that but this is the time to start your mission.
Vrs 8 The Focus. The Last thing Jesus said.
“You shall receive power” Promise
What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?
Seals us for the day of redemption Eph. 4:30
Guides us into truth, understand the Word John 16:13
Helps us John 15:26
Convicts us of sin John 16:8
In the context of 1:8 gives us power to be His witnesses
What are we Jesus’ witnesses of.
The Gospel
- we are sinners, because of our sin we deserve death, Jesus came to die for us, he rose again, if we believe we have eternal life.
What He has done in our lives.
We all have a story
Bless others with the resources we have
“to the end of the earth”
Hudson Taylor missionary to China
Campus Crusade for Christ
Isaiah 49:6 “to the Gentiles”
People who are not like us. In our case it is the less fortunate.
New Jersey
2nd highest average income in 2006
1st in income over a three year average
76% of people make over the national average
Lacey Township
Average household 56k
A great way to impact the “ends of the earth” is by using our resources in order to soften people to the Gospel message.
3 opportunities
2 short term and one long term, 1 long term
Long term commitment www.WorldVision.org
Sponsor a child $30 a month
Short term Operation Christmas child Take a box today
$20 a box www.samaritanspurse.org
How are you impacting “the ends of the earth”
“with God all things are possible”
Acts 1:4-8 Context of passage.
Vrs 5 John baptized with water
Believers will be baptized with the Holy Sprit.
Vrs 6-7 Will Jesus restore Israel (reference to Abrahamic promise)
This is not the time for that but this is the time to start your mission.
Vrs 8 The Focus. The Last thing Jesus said.
“You shall receive power” Promise
What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?
Seals us for the day of redemption Eph. 4:30
Guides us into truth, understand the Word John 16:13
Helps us John 15:26
Convicts us of sin John 16:8
In the context of 1:8 gives us power to be His witnesses
What are we Jesus’ witnesses of.
The Gospel
- we are sinners, because of our sin we deserve death, Jesus came to die for us, he rose again, if we believe we have eternal life.
What He has done in our lives.
We all have a story
Bless others with the resources we have
“to the end of the earth”
Hudson Taylor missionary to China
Campus Crusade for Christ
Isaiah 49:6 “to the Gentiles”
People who are not like us. In our case it is the less fortunate.
New Jersey
2nd highest average income in 2006
1st in income over a three year average
76% of people make over the national average
Lacey Township
Average household 56k
A great way to impact the “ends of the earth” is by using our resources in order to soften people to the Gospel message.
3 opportunities
2 short term and one long term, 1 long term
Long term commitment www.WorldVision.org
Sponsor a child $30 a month
Short term Operation Christmas child Take a box today
$20 a box www.samaritanspurse.org
How are you impacting “the ends of the earth”
Saturday, October 6, 2007
"The Water is Warm" Baptism
“The Water is Warm” Baptism
Acts 8:26-40
“Eunuch” word can also be used for a government official. He was returning from Jerusalem from worshipping. Leads us to believe he may not have been emasculated Deut 23:1
Was reading from Isaiah 53:7-8 & Philip shared the Good News
1 Cor. 15:1-4 realize something is wrong.
His response… Faith then obedience, he asked to be baptized.
What does the Bible say about baptism.
Baptism does not save a person v 36-37 And is not necessary for salvation, criminal on the cross.
Passages that support John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9
The Baptism that saves is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 1 Cor. 12:13?
Makes you a part of the Universal Body of Christ
Problem passages: “Baptism that saves” 1 Peter 3:21 Not physical baptism but spiritual baptism
Baptism is a response to faith in Christ as an act of obedience. It is a command
What about infant baptism? Acts 2:38-39 Context 40-42
We don’t see this practice until the 3rd century and it has some roots in the idea that infant circumcision of Jews.
Churches that practice this are relying on what church fathers have taught not the Biblical texts.
Baptism is an outward symbol of what happens at the moment we are saved. Romans 6:3-4 Purification of sins.
Water=death, Dunking = dead to sin, Raising out = new life with Christ. “Baptizo” Greek Immerse yourself in God.
Baptism is a distinctive time in a persons life.
John the Baptist’s baptism was that people were identifying with his message and what he taught.
Jesus’ Baptism displayed His humility, obedience and started His earthy ministry.
If you trusted in Christ and have not been baptized this is a good starting point to say now it is time for me to start living the way God wants be to live.
So who should be baptized? Anyone who has trusted in Christ and is taking their faith seriously.
Acts 8:26-40
“Eunuch” word can also be used for a government official. He was returning from Jerusalem from worshipping. Leads us to believe he may not have been emasculated Deut 23:1
Was reading from Isaiah 53:7-8 & Philip shared the Good News
1 Cor. 15:1-4 realize something is wrong.
His response… Faith then obedience, he asked to be baptized.
What does the Bible say about baptism.
Baptism does not save a person v 36-37 And is not necessary for salvation, criminal on the cross.
Passages that support John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9
The Baptism that saves is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 1 Cor. 12:13?
Makes you a part of the Universal Body of Christ
Problem passages: “Baptism that saves” 1 Peter 3:21 Not physical baptism but spiritual baptism
Baptism is a response to faith in Christ as an act of obedience. It is a command
What about infant baptism? Acts 2:38-39 Context 40-42
We don’t see this practice until the 3rd century and it has some roots in the idea that infant circumcision of Jews.
Churches that practice this are relying on what church fathers have taught not the Biblical texts.
Baptism is an outward symbol of what happens at the moment we are saved. Romans 6:3-4 Purification of sins.
Water=death, Dunking = dead to sin, Raising out = new life with Christ. “Baptizo” Greek Immerse yourself in God.
Baptism is a distinctive time in a persons life.
John the Baptist’s baptism was that people were identifying with his message and what he taught.
Jesus’ Baptism displayed His humility, obedience and started His earthy ministry.
If you trusted in Christ and have not been baptized this is a good starting point to say now it is time for me to start living the way God wants be to live.
So who should be baptized? Anyone who has trusted in Christ and is taking their faith seriously.
"Matters of the Heart" Part 2: Revenge
Matters of the Heart” Part 2: Revenge
Step beyond anger is taking revenge.
-Someone spread a rumor about you
-Someone physically hurt you or a family member
-Someone misrepresented you and made you look bad
-Someone made an underhanded comment right to your face to purposely hurt you.
-a boyfriend or girlfriend broke up with you
-an ex-husband or wife is making it tough for you to see your children.
“revenge is sweet”
Matthew 5:38-48
V38 OT passages Ex. 21:24, Lev. 24:20 & Deut. 19:21
Not of revenge but punishment for crime. It limited what the offender had to endure. It was not a command it was more like restitution for the offended if they desired it. Lex talionis “law of retaliation”.
That was the external and it became a means to get even with the offender.
Jesus then brings this to the next level. Where is your heart and why do you feel the need to get even.
V39a Evil people need love too.
Jesus is asking us to look at this person and have compassion on them because they are evil (as we are)
Jesus the example of this Luke 23:34, 1 Peter 2:22-23
Two things Christ is trying to teach us
We must not take revenge but have a loving and forgiving heart. V39b-41
Show the person who has wronged you that you will go to the greatest degree to keep or restore peace.
-we are not doormats, we can defend ourselves but the main goal is to restore peace and not take revenge.
Romans 12:17-21. God takes care of that.
V42 Go to the next step and do good to them.
Sometimes it is easy not to pay people back but how easy is it to do something for them?
Not taking revenge or seeing revenge can be our best teacher
Hungarian immigrant
Richard Petty’s win
V43 “hate your enemy” is not in the law of Moses but it was something that the Pharisees practiced. They hated the enemies of Israel.
V44 In order for our hearts to be in the right place Jesus gives us commands on what to do.
1. Love –
2. Bless – make them happy
3. Do good
4. Pray – that prayer will change how you feel
V45 “that you may be sons” is saying that you may be like God who still blesses evil people. Every good gift comes from above
V46-47 Even the worst of the worst can love someone who shows them love. There is no reward for that.
V48 “be perfect” God’s requirement
In order to live in a way that is pleasing to God and worthy of His Kingdom we would have to be perfect in all these situations. We know we can’t be. That does not mean we should not try but we have to rely on Jesus no come to our rescue.
Step beyond anger is taking revenge.
-Someone spread a rumor about you
-Someone physically hurt you or a family member
-Someone misrepresented you and made you look bad
-Someone made an underhanded comment right to your face to purposely hurt you.
-a boyfriend or girlfriend broke up with you
-an ex-husband or wife is making it tough for you to see your children.
“revenge is sweet”
Matthew 5:38-48
V38 OT passages Ex. 21:24, Lev. 24:20 & Deut. 19:21
Not of revenge but punishment for crime. It limited what the offender had to endure. It was not a command it was more like restitution for the offended if they desired it. Lex talionis “law of retaliation”.
That was the external and it became a means to get even with the offender.
Jesus then brings this to the next level. Where is your heart and why do you feel the need to get even.
V39a Evil people need love too.
Jesus is asking us to look at this person and have compassion on them because they are evil (as we are)
Jesus the example of this Luke 23:34, 1 Peter 2:22-23
Two things Christ is trying to teach us
We must not take revenge but have a loving and forgiving heart. V39b-41
Show the person who has wronged you that you will go to the greatest degree to keep or restore peace.
-we are not doormats, we can defend ourselves but the main goal is to restore peace and not take revenge.
Romans 12:17-21. God takes care of that.
V42 Go to the next step and do good to them.
Sometimes it is easy not to pay people back but how easy is it to do something for them?
Not taking revenge or seeing revenge can be our best teacher
Hungarian immigrant
Richard Petty’s win
V43 “hate your enemy” is not in the law of Moses but it was something that the Pharisees practiced. They hated the enemies of Israel.
V44 In order for our hearts to be in the right place Jesus gives us commands on what to do.
1. Love –
2. Bless – make them happy
3. Do good
4. Pray – that prayer will change how you feel
V45 “that you may be sons” is saying that you may be like God who still blesses evil people. Every good gift comes from above
V46-47 Even the worst of the worst can love someone who shows them love. There is no reward for that.
V48 “be perfect” God’s requirement
In order to live in a way that is pleasing to God and worthy of His Kingdom we would have to be perfect in all these situations. We know we can’t be. That does not mean we should not try but we have to rely on Jesus no come to our rescue.
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