Easter Sunday
For some this is about the kids, finding eggs, getting candy and baskets, seeing the Easter Bunny. For some it is about family, getting together with loved ones or ones we are obligated to see because they are in our families. For some it is about extra days off school and work, maybe going somewhere nice or just kicking back and relaxing at home.
There are a select few that Easter is a reminder 2000 or so years ago a “Man” named Jesus rose from the dead. This claim bothers them so they are known as the skeptic. Unfortunately this type of person is not always comfortable with the fact that many people do believe the claims of the Bible and they want to disprove that it happened and although they can’t they are many times successful in confusing people and casting doubt because they are educated people.
For example this past week The Discovery Channel, History Channel and CNN all ran programs that cast doubt about the Biblical records and dismiss or cast doubt on the resurrection. I want to share portions of a Testimony of a man named Lee Strobel who felt this way about Jesus and the Resurrection.
A journalist and an admitted atheist, his wife became a Christian. Listen to what he said about it.
And so she came to me in the fall of 1973 and said, "Lee, I've made a big decision. I've become a follower of Jesus Christ." I thought this was the worst possible thing that could happen to our marriage. I thought we were going to get divorced. I felt like I'd married one Leslie and now she's changed into something else. I wasn't ready for that. I didn't want that. And I said, "Look, if you can't face life on your own two feet, if you have to put your faith in a book of mythology and bad history and make-believe, then you go ahead and do that. But, number one, don't give them any of our money, because that's what they're after; and, number two, don't try to get me to go because I'm too smart for that."
His wife consistently invited him out to church and he finally went, he enjoyed it and this is what he thought after service.
“ I was twenty-eight years old. I had never heard the word grace explained before in my life. I thought grace was something Christians said before a meal. He explained it. I thought that, number one: I don't believe it, I'm still an atheist; but, number two: if this is true, this has huge implications for my life.”
So he decided to take his legal training and his journalism training and investigate: is there any credibility to Christianity? And especially the resurrection?
After almost two years of research he came to this conclusion
On November 8, 1981 I gave my life to Christ. I thought maybe my wife would be interested in the fact that I just did this; so I thought I'd tell her. So I came out and was walking down the hallway and turned into our kitchen, and my wife was standing there with our daughter who was almost five; and our daughter was standing in front of her reaching up and touching the faucet, for the first time...that's how tall she was. And she said, "Daddy, look I can touch it. I can reach it." And I said, "Oh wow you're getting so big." And I gave her a hug, and she ran off; and I said to my wife, "That's how I feel! I feel for a year and nine months I've been reaching out and reaching out, and I just touched Jesus Christ. It's real and it's true, and I just gave my life to him." She started crying and said, "You hardhearted son-of-a-*&#, I've been telling you this for two years." And it had turned out that she had met some women in her church, and she told them about her husband who is a hard-hearted, hard-headed journalist that she didn't have much hope for, and they said we will pray this verse Ezekiel 36:26 It says more over, "I will give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit within you. I'll remove your heart of stone, and I will give you a heart of flesh." And she said, "I've been praying that every day for two years."
Because the resurrection of Christ was a big hang up for Lee and other skeptics, based on the Scriptures Lee Strobel came up with The Five E’s to support the resurrection.
Execution - John 19:33 Specifically tells us that when the soldiers came to break Jesus’ legs He was “already dead” so they pierced his side to make sure was dead “blood and water flowed out” if He was alive only blood would have flowed out
Empty Tomb – John 20:1-3 Mary Magdelene and some other women went to the tomb and it was empty. They though someone took his body.
Early Accounts – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 This is a creed that the early church used that is dated as early as 2 years after the actual resurrection.
Eye Witnesses - 1 Corithians15:5-8 states over 500 people saw Jesus after He rose.
Emergence of the church- Acts 2:32 Peter preached to the crowd and stated that Jesus rose from the dead. 3000 people trusted in Jesus for forgiveness of sins. When Peter stated this people did not say “no He did not rise” they realized it was truth because it just happened.
Now that we have the evidence of the resurrection what does the resurrection do for us?
It tells us that Jesus speaks the truth
In Matthew 16:21, Matt 17:22-23 & 20:19 3 x He predicts that He will rise again.
So you can trust whatever we learn from Him.
It illustrates that we can have eternal life Matt 22:32 Jesus tells the Sadducees that “God is the God of the Living” there is a resurrected life for all who believe.
There is power in the resurrection Romans 1:3-4 This passage shows that Jesus has divine power. Jesus was able to declare He was the Son of God
There is hope for the sinner 1 Peter 1:3-4
Jesus can change even the most hopeless case. Share the Gospel
Remember our friend Lee Strobel lets look at what happened in his life.
“everything began to change so much so that my little daughter Alison had only known in her first five years a dad that was angry. I remember...so frustrated from work one day and I kicked the wall and I put my foot right through it, anger over life and frustration...that's all she knew of her dad. I'd come home drunk or I would come home angry and that's all she had known. And then five or six months after I became a Christian, having seen how God changed my attitudes and my life, she came up to my wife and said, "Mommy, I want God to do for me what he did for daddy." She gave her life to Christ at age five and now has graduated from college and is now in the ministry, trying to reach this generation for Christ.
Lee Strobel is now a teaching Pastor at a large Church in California and an apologetic author (defends the faith) and has wrote, The case for Christ, Creator and Faith
If you trust in Christ He can change your life. He has the power to put to death bad attitudes, deceitfulness, anger, gossip, depression, anxiety, dishonesty.
As believers in Christ many of you know this message but sometimes we grow callous to the change that God wants to make in our lives, what does the Bible say about that?
Eph 5:8-13
Vrs 8 Don’t fall back into old patterns and sinful ways in which you used to live.
Vrs 9-10 As a believer you are to search and find out what God desires from your life. It starts with the fruit of the Spirit, which if you come out to “The Five” you may know about our Got Fruit challenge. More info on the web
Vrs 11-12 Maybe you have been spending a little too much time with people who do not encourage your walk with God. Maybe you have been spending too much time watching, thinking about and talking about things that are not pleasing to God.
Vrs 13 Test those things that you are doing by the light of Jesus and His Word, what would He do in the situations that you are in.
Vrs 14 The resurrection is a call to live a life pleasing to God
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
"Nice Ride"
“Nice Ride” Triumphal Entry
Matthew 21:1-11 Luke 19:28-44
This event took place 5 days before Jesus was crucified
Matthew 21:1-6
Colt was a symbol of Peace Zech 9:9-10 Jesus was fulfilling this and also proclaiming Himself as the Messiah. Isaiah 62:11 This is also an answer to critics who say “Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah”. That is such a bad critisism because that is what he got crucified for.
The people would understand this and even the donkey owner would as well, that is why he allowed it to happen. The fact that Jesus “ride” was a donkey displays His humility.
That donkey symbolizes the peace that only Jesus can bring to our lives.
App. Only Jesus could bring peace
U2 line from “Peace on earth”
Heaven on Earth, we need it now I'm sick of all of this hanging around Sick of sorrow, sick of the pain I'm sick of hearing again and again That there's gonna be peace on Earth
Jesus can you take the time To throw a drowning man a line Peace on Earth
Jesus brings peace to our hearts. If you are struggling with something Jesus is the one who can help and bring peace to the situation.
Peace that Jesus gives is not the absence of trouble, but is rather the confidence that He is there with you always.
Duke University did a study on "peace of mind." Factors found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability are:
1) the absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness. If you can’t trust a person in your life you will not have peace.
2) Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression. No peace if we live with regret.
3) Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it. No peace if you worry.
4) Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress. No peace if you do not have fellowship with others.
5) Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal. Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune. No peace if you don’t accept and learn from bad situations.
6) Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues--love, humor, compassion and loyalty. No peace if you focus on the negative.
7) Do not expect too much of yourself. When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of inadequacy are inevitable. No peace if you don’t accept how God has made you.
8) Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Self-centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness. No peace if you don’t know Jesus.
So what does this event tell us about Jesus
Vrs 7 He is the king
Cloak 2 Kings 9:13 Jehu Jesus is the King A good king will bring peace to His people.
App. We need to have reverence and respect for who God is and what He has done in our lives. The peoples response to Jesus was a proclamation of who He is.
If you have peace your response will be to proclaim Jesus everyday in front of the people that are around you. Do people know that you believe in Jesus? Are you telling others about it? Are you proclaiming who Jesus is?
In 1555, Nicholas Ridley was burned at the stake because of his witness for Christ. On the night before Ridley's execution, his brother offered to remain with him in the prison chamber to be of assistance and comfort. Nicholas declined the offer and replied that he meant to go to bed and sleep as quietly as ever he did in his life. Because he knew the peace of God, he could rest in the strength of the everlasting arms of his Lord to meet his need.
Another thing about a Good King is that they get the job done. Phil 4:6-7 really shows us that when we bring our problems to the King Jesus He will give us peace
Vrs 8-9 He is the One who can save us
Hosanna Psalm 118:25 save us
Acts 4:12 He is the only way of salvation
Romans 5:1 Peace with God through Jesus
App. We all need salvation
but we as believers who have salvation. Ps 118:25b We need to be saved of our troubles, our temptations and our sinful nature on a daily basis. We can only live a life that is pleasing to the Lord with help from the Lord.
Vrs 10-11 jump to Luke 19:39-40
Beauty and beast ill.
They told Jesus to rebuke His followers and Jesus’ response was that creation would shout His name.
App. Jesus has power over the creation
Creation groans in pain because of the curse of sin it yearns for peace. Romans 8:20-22
Luke 19:41-44 He is the one who cares about us
Jesus values having peace with His people and wants them to know that only He can bring them peace.
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and predicts it’s destruction. This actually happened in AD 70
App. God weeps over our rejection and our disobedience because He realizes there are eternal consequences for rejection of Jesus and what he has done for us
Romans 1:18 suffer the wrath
God also mourns over a believers sinfulness and willful disobedience Eph. 4:30-31 We are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption and Jesus does not want us to let Him down by living a lifestyle that is displeasing to Him.
So lets look at the humility of the King and the Saviour who is able to bring not only eternal peace for our souls but also peace to our lives in the present time and ask Him for forgiveness and help to live today.
Matthew 21:1-11 Luke 19:28-44
This event took place 5 days before Jesus was crucified
Matthew 21:1-6
Colt was a symbol of Peace Zech 9:9-10 Jesus was fulfilling this and also proclaiming Himself as the Messiah. Isaiah 62:11 This is also an answer to critics who say “Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah”. That is such a bad critisism because that is what he got crucified for.
The people would understand this and even the donkey owner would as well, that is why he allowed it to happen. The fact that Jesus “ride” was a donkey displays His humility.
That donkey symbolizes the peace that only Jesus can bring to our lives.
App. Only Jesus could bring peace
U2 line from “Peace on earth”
Heaven on Earth, we need it now I'm sick of all of this hanging around Sick of sorrow, sick of the pain I'm sick of hearing again and again That there's gonna be peace on Earth
Jesus can you take the time To throw a drowning man a line Peace on Earth
Jesus brings peace to our hearts. If you are struggling with something Jesus is the one who can help and bring peace to the situation.
Peace that Jesus gives is not the absence of trouble, but is rather the confidence that He is there with you always.
Duke University did a study on "peace of mind." Factors found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability are:
1) the absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness. If you can’t trust a person in your life you will not have peace.
2) Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression. No peace if we live with regret.
3) Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it. No peace if you worry.
4) Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress. No peace if you do not have fellowship with others.
5) Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal. Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune. No peace if you don’t accept and learn from bad situations.
6) Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues--love, humor, compassion and loyalty. No peace if you focus on the negative.
7) Do not expect too much of yourself. When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of inadequacy are inevitable. No peace if you don’t accept how God has made you.
8) Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Self-centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness. No peace if you don’t know Jesus.
So what does this event tell us about Jesus
Vrs 7 He is the king
Cloak 2 Kings 9:13 Jehu Jesus is the King A good king will bring peace to His people.
App. We need to have reverence and respect for who God is and what He has done in our lives. The peoples response to Jesus was a proclamation of who He is.
If you have peace your response will be to proclaim Jesus everyday in front of the people that are around you. Do people know that you believe in Jesus? Are you telling others about it? Are you proclaiming who Jesus is?
In 1555, Nicholas Ridley was burned at the stake because of his witness for Christ. On the night before Ridley's execution, his brother offered to remain with him in the prison chamber to be of assistance and comfort. Nicholas declined the offer and replied that he meant to go to bed and sleep as quietly as ever he did in his life. Because he knew the peace of God, he could rest in the strength of the everlasting arms of his Lord to meet his need.
Another thing about a Good King is that they get the job done. Phil 4:6-7 really shows us that when we bring our problems to the King Jesus He will give us peace
Vrs 8-9 He is the One who can save us
Hosanna Psalm 118:25 save us
Acts 4:12 He is the only way of salvation
Romans 5:1 Peace with God through Jesus
App. We all need salvation
but we as believers who have salvation. Ps 118:25b We need to be saved of our troubles, our temptations and our sinful nature on a daily basis. We can only live a life that is pleasing to the Lord with help from the Lord.
Vrs 10-11 jump to Luke 19:39-40
Beauty and beast ill.
They told Jesus to rebuke His followers and Jesus’ response was that creation would shout His name.
App. Jesus has power over the creation
Creation groans in pain because of the curse of sin it yearns for peace. Romans 8:20-22
Luke 19:41-44 He is the one who cares about us
Jesus values having peace with His people and wants them to know that only He can bring them peace.
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and predicts it’s destruction. This actually happened in AD 70
App. God weeps over our rejection and our disobedience because He realizes there are eternal consequences for rejection of Jesus and what he has done for us
Romans 1:18 suffer the wrath
God also mourns over a believers sinfulness and willful disobedience Eph. 4:30-31 We are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption and Jesus does not want us to let Him down by living a lifestyle that is displeasing to Him.
So lets look at the humility of the King and the Saviour who is able to bring not only eternal peace for our souls but also peace to our lives in the present time and ask Him for forgiveness and help to live today.
"I Was Blind" This message was not recorded
I Was Blind Mark 10:46-52
Vrs 46-47 Son of David is a messianic title, the irony is a blind man who has spiritual insight while others who see the works of Jesus are spiritually blind.
Blindness can lead to frustration and often times disaster
On November 30, 1991 fierce winds from a freakish dust storm triggered a massive freeway pileup along Interstate 5 near Coalinga, California. At least 14 people died and dozens more were injured as topsoil whipped by 50 mile-per-hour winds reduced visibility to zero. The afternoon holocaust left a three-mile trail of twisted and burning vehicles, some stacked on top of one another 100 yards off the side of the freeway. Unable to see their way, dozens of motorists drove blindly ahead into disaster.
Because he was living this life as a blind man he realized he needed someone to heal him.
Vrs 47 He called out “have mercy on me”
Vrs 48 happened a second time
Vrs 49-50 Then Jesus called him then Bartimaus threw aside his garment
The crowd first discourages him then encourages him
Vrs 51 Jesus asked what do you want me to do for you?
Vrs 52 Your faith has healed you
There is a spiritual parallel to all of us here
2 Cor. 3:13-15
Ephesians 4:17-19
Vrs 52 Romans 3:21-23 it is always by faith that God lifts the blinders
I want to tell you about another kind of blind person. When I was in 2nd grade I remember sitting in class and the teacher yelling at me because I could not read the letters on the blackboard. Unfortunately I was not sure what seeing clearly was because I never did, so I didn’t know any better so I didn’t tell anyone. But then the teacher and my mom realized I could not see correctly so I got glasses.
My vision was corrected BUT I was not committed to wearing my glasses, I was afraid of what people would say or think so I left my glasses at home and suffered with blurry vision.
Many of us have a Christian walk that is like that. We accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and because of Him we can see clearly. But then we let other people say or think about us effect our commitment.
Because of this our spiritual life is blurred and inconsistent. A result of living this way will result in un-fullfillment.
So do you fall into this category, are you afraid of what others think of your commitment to Jesus, are you too lazy to be committed or maybe you are just so new in your faith that you don’t even know what commitment looks like.
Tonight we have four people that are taking a set in their commitment to Jesus. One of the first steps that a person who has faith in Jesus Christ can take is being baptized.
Acts 2:41 “those who received the Word were baptized”
The four tonight are displaying their
1. Obedience to Jesus
2. The Bible tells us that baptism symbolizes my old life is put to death and now they have a new life with Christ.
3. Outwardly showing to everyone that they believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for their sins and rose again three days later to prove that he is God and He and only He can forgive us of our sins.
That is what baptism is, it does not get a person into heaven it is an action that we do so others see our commitment to Jesus.
Remember it has always been by faith.
Vrs 46-47 Son of David is a messianic title, the irony is a blind man who has spiritual insight while others who see the works of Jesus are spiritually blind.
Blindness can lead to frustration and often times disaster
On November 30, 1991 fierce winds from a freakish dust storm triggered a massive freeway pileup along Interstate 5 near Coalinga, California. At least 14 people died and dozens more were injured as topsoil whipped by 50 mile-per-hour winds reduced visibility to zero. The afternoon holocaust left a three-mile trail of twisted and burning vehicles, some stacked on top of one another 100 yards off the side of the freeway. Unable to see their way, dozens of motorists drove blindly ahead into disaster.
Because he was living this life as a blind man he realized he needed someone to heal him.
Vrs 47 He called out “have mercy on me”
Vrs 48 happened a second time
Vrs 49-50 Then Jesus called him then Bartimaus threw aside his garment
The crowd first discourages him then encourages him
Vrs 51 Jesus asked what do you want me to do for you?
Vrs 52 Your faith has healed you
There is a spiritual parallel to all of us here
2 Cor. 3:13-15
Ephesians 4:17-19
Vrs 52 Romans 3:21-23 it is always by faith that God lifts the blinders
I want to tell you about another kind of blind person. When I was in 2nd grade I remember sitting in class and the teacher yelling at me because I could not read the letters on the blackboard. Unfortunately I was not sure what seeing clearly was because I never did, so I didn’t know any better so I didn’t tell anyone. But then the teacher and my mom realized I could not see correctly so I got glasses.
My vision was corrected BUT I was not committed to wearing my glasses, I was afraid of what people would say or think so I left my glasses at home and suffered with blurry vision.
Many of us have a Christian walk that is like that. We accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and because of Him we can see clearly. But then we let other people say or think about us effect our commitment.
Because of this our spiritual life is blurred and inconsistent. A result of living this way will result in un-fullfillment.
So do you fall into this category, are you afraid of what others think of your commitment to Jesus, are you too lazy to be committed or maybe you are just so new in your faith that you don’t even know what commitment looks like.
Tonight we have four people that are taking a set in their commitment to Jesus. One of the first steps that a person who has faith in Jesus Christ can take is being baptized.
Acts 2:41 “those who received the Word were baptized”
The four tonight are displaying their
1. Obedience to Jesus
2. The Bible tells us that baptism symbolizes my old life is put to death and now they have a new life with Christ.
3. Outwardly showing to everyone that they believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for their sins and rose again three days later to prove that he is God and He and only He can forgive us of our sins.
That is what baptism is, it does not get a person into heaven it is an action that we do so others see our commitment to Jesus.
Remember it has always been by faith.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
"Are others Laughing"- With My Mind on My Money Series
Matthew Chapter 6
In Matt 6:24 mammon = material wealth. Jesus is telling us if our focus is on our stuff or the burden of not having enough money to pay off our stuff or acquiring more stuff. Then we are trying to divide our time between two masters. Does God want our time divided?
Then He says vrs 25 “Therefore” read 25-32 this type of lifestyle with throw you into a cycle of worry. Sleepless nights, stressful days. Where is my next dollar coming from and who will it go to?
So what Jesus is saying, the key to conquering our time being divided is vrs 33 Seek the Lord first and He will take care of He rest.
With that being said how do we do that in the realm of our finances? Budget- Definition-
an estimate,
2.
a plan of operations based on such an estimate.
3.
an itemized allotment of funds,
Proverbs 27:23
We ended with a passage last week and I want to look more at what that means
Diligent= constant in effort to accomplish something and persistent in doing anything.
If we want to alleviant worry that is caused by financial slavery in our lives we have to live with a Budget. This is important because then we can focus in a things of God rather then things of earth. Serve God not mammon.
Look at what Jesus says about planning
Luke 14:28-30 when you are committing or starting something you should have a plan
So the question is: Is your budget a joke? If others saw the state of your finances would they laugh, maybe they would cry.
Principles to look at when you are making your budget
1. Take drastic measures- Matt 5:29-30 if you are haphazard with spending or don’t know the “state of you flocks” you have to get whatever is in your way out of the way and do it. Maybe it is procrastination. Cut up the credit cards
Tip: credit cards are tools. It takes a plan to make money
2. Proverbs 21:5 don’t act to quickly, Get a free night in hotel and just go through a 2 hour demonstration. The concept is they don’t want to give you time to think. And find out, this is a rip off. So think & pray before you spend 2 week principle $50
3. Proverbs 20:18 get advice. Ask other people who are good with money what their advice is.
4. Hebrews 13:5 contentment with what you have. Remember no matter what we have or don’t have Jesus loves us and was willing to die for us and if we trust Him He will be there for us.
So pray that you would be content with what you have
Challenge- Budget Sheet fill it out and live by it for 6 months.
Challenge 2- Become a crown financial counselor
In Matt 6:24 mammon = material wealth. Jesus is telling us if our focus is on our stuff or the burden of not having enough money to pay off our stuff or acquiring more stuff. Then we are trying to divide our time between two masters. Does God want our time divided?
Then He says vrs 25 “Therefore” read 25-32 this type of lifestyle with throw you into a cycle of worry. Sleepless nights, stressful days. Where is my next dollar coming from and who will it go to?
So what Jesus is saying, the key to conquering our time being divided is vrs 33 Seek the Lord first and He will take care of He rest.
With that being said how do we do that in the realm of our finances? Budget- Definition-
an estimate,
2.
a plan of operations based on such an estimate.
3.
an itemized allotment of funds,
Proverbs 27:23
We ended with a passage last week and I want to look more at what that means
Diligent= constant in effort to accomplish something and persistent in doing anything.
If we want to alleviant worry that is caused by financial slavery in our lives we have to live with a Budget. This is important because then we can focus in a things of God rather then things of earth. Serve God not mammon.
Look at what Jesus says about planning
Luke 14:28-30 when you are committing or starting something you should have a plan
So the question is: Is your budget a joke? If others saw the state of your finances would they laugh, maybe they would cry.
Principles to look at when you are making your budget
1. Take drastic measures- Matt 5:29-30 if you are haphazard with spending or don’t know the “state of you flocks” you have to get whatever is in your way out of the way and do it. Maybe it is procrastination. Cut up the credit cards
Tip: credit cards are tools. It takes a plan to make money
2. Proverbs 21:5 don’t act to quickly, Get a free night in hotel and just go through a 2 hour demonstration. The concept is they don’t want to give you time to think. And find out, this is a rip off. So think & pray before you spend 2 week principle $50
3. Proverbs 20:18 get advice. Ask other people who are good with money what their advice is.
4. Hebrews 13:5 contentment with what you have. Remember no matter what we have or don’t have Jesus loves us and was willing to die for us and if we trust Him He will be there for us.
So pray that you would be content with what you have
Challenge- Budget Sheet fill it out and live by it for 6 months.
Challenge 2- Become a crown financial counselor
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
DEBT- With my mind on my money series
Debt… it is the American way, buy (get) now pay later
The spiritual condition that we are in can sometimes brings to a pace where we make bad decisions that put us in debt
Matt 6:19-21 notice Jesus says this is a heart condition and now in our society we are able to store up stuff and not have the money to back it up.
Lets look at some warning signs that check our hearts to see if we may be headed toward a debt situation.
1.Outstanding loans on depreciating items or living on credit
2.Unable to give or save Mal 3:8
3.Prone to extravagant spending and indulging in things
4.Looking for get rich quick schemes
5.Care what other people thing about your financial situation
What does the Bible say about debt?
Romans 13:8 is a passage many quote in support that a Christian should never borrow money. I don’t believe this passage is saying that, look at vrs 5-6 and explain.
The principle here is pay your debts and have a plan to do so.
Proverbs 22:7 You are servant to whoever you borrow from. This is telling us that when you get up in the morning and go to work you are doing so to pay off your debts. The problem with this type of lifestyle is that you should be a servant to the Lord not to the creditor or your stuff.
1 Timothy 6:10 When we get to greedy and want to much stuff it harms our spiritual lives and brings trouble to our lives.
What do you do if you have debt?
1. Commit to a plan to pay off your debt. Psalm 37:21 it is sin not to pay your debts.
a. Credit cards.
How call creditors and get rates changed
Set up a payment plan that is more the minimums not only are you wasting on paying the interest you are also not making that money work for you in investments
Credit cards are not evil hey just need to be used properly. We will talk about that next week.
b. Cars- this is where we have been so tempted and duped
c. School loans
d. Home. The last step to financial freedom is paying off your home
2.Free up extra money to get rid of this debt. Sacrifice, sometimes in life sacrifice is a consequence of bad decision.
How to stay out of Debt.
Make a plan Proverbs 27:23-24
What is our greatest debt that we can never pay? 1 Cor. 7:22-23
The spiritual condition that we are in can sometimes brings to a pace where we make bad decisions that put us in debt
Matt 6:19-21 notice Jesus says this is a heart condition and now in our society we are able to store up stuff and not have the money to back it up.
Lets look at some warning signs that check our hearts to see if we may be headed toward a debt situation.
1.Outstanding loans on depreciating items or living on credit
2.Unable to give or save Mal 3:8
3.Prone to extravagant spending and indulging in things
4.Looking for get rich quick schemes
5.Care what other people thing about your financial situation
What does the Bible say about debt?
Romans 13:8 is a passage many quote in support that a Christian should never borrow money. I don’t believe this passage is saying that, look at vrs 5-6 and explain.
The principle here is pay your debts and have a plan to do so.
Proverbs 22:7 You are servant to whoever you borrow from. This is telling us that when you get up in the morning and go to work you are doing so to pay off your debts. The problem with this type of lifestyle is that you should be a servant to the Lord not to the creditor or your stuff.
1 Timothy 6:10 When we get to greedy and want to much stuff it harms our spiritual lives and brings trouble to our lives.
What do you do if you have debt?
1. Commit to a plan to pay off your debt. Psalm 37:21 it is sin not to pay your debts.
a. Credit cards.
How call creditors and get rates changed
Set up a payment plan that is more the minimums not only are you wasting on paying the interest you are also not making that money work for you in investments
Credit cards are not evil hey just need to be used properly. We will talk about that next week.
b. Cars- this is where we have been so tempted and duped
c. School loans
d. Home. The last step to financial freedom is paying off your home
2.Free up extra money to get rid of this debt. Sacrifice, sometimes in life sacrifice is a consequence of bad decision.
How to stay out of Debt.
Make a plan Proverbs 27:23-24
What is our greatest debt that we can never pay? 1 Cor. 7:22-23
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
"A basket full of reminders"
Text Deut 26:1-15
Vr. 1 End of Torah=law God is going to bring them into a land. The land will be prosperous and with that the Israelites will be tempted to forget what God has done in their lives.
So He gives a directive…
First Vr. 2 Take a basket and put in the “first fruits” of crops.
Talk about how a farmer must feel to wait for the crops and then give away the first ripe fruits to God. Not the leftovers. Dinner illustrations over for leftovers
=The first thing you need to do is give to the work of the Lord
Second Vr 3-4 Bring it to the priest and declare that God allowed me to come into this land and he gave it to me and fathers. In essence they were saying that God is the King in my life and I am bringing the King the best of what I have in this basket.
= Declaring that God is the King of your life.
Third Vrs 5-10 The worship liturgy that they were to say. The reminder of what is in that basket. Jacob was the Father.
Discuss the passge
=Every time you give to the Lord you should remember what the Lord has done for you and it is a time of worship for you
Susan Ehrnstrom Testimony
Forth Vr. 11 Give thanks for what the Lord has given you.
=Giving is our way of thanking God
Vrs 12-14 what were they giving to and how much was it Levite=rabbi or teachers aside from their temple duties, Stranger=outsider to Israel, Fatherless (orphans) and widows=those in need. So they can eat=support
So God’s people were directed to fund the ministers, the ministries that reach out to outsiders and the ministries that help people in need
Vrs 15 They are calling down a blessing from the Lord
So how did Israel do with this directive?
Duet 26 was written in 1200bc
1050 BC 1 Sam 8 Israel demands a king – shows their lack of reliance on God
700BC Hosea 5:3 Israel is corrupt in their heart because they were prosperous.
6:4 You have lost your heart you forgot your story. Your story is what keeps you connected to God
700 bcAmos – the basket 4:1-22 Cows of Bashon stingy oppressors Cows in region of Israel that were well bred.
So they forgot their King, forgot their story of what God did in their lives and they forgot about the basket and what was supposed to be in it.
What about you?
1. The King- if Jesus is not your King you should not give. That is exactly why we don’t pass the plate because we don’t want people who don’t trust in Christ to feel obligated to give.
2. Are you giving of your “first fruits” do you set aside money each week in proportion to what you earn? Or are you giving Him left overs? Where should you start?
Mal 3, Deut. 14, Numbers 18 23 & 1/3 %
What if you are in debt? Should you still give
3. When you give, every time you write that check or set aside that money are you remembering what God has done in your life and how he has blessed you?
4. Are you saying thank you or are you giving grudgingly?
5. If you are supporting the work of the Lord God will not forget you and He will bless you.
Ann Frank “no one has ever become poor by giving”
So the first step in dealing with your finances is bringing consistently an offering to the Lord.
Vr. 1 End of Torah=law God is going to bring them into a land. The land will be prosperous and with that the Israelites will be tempted to forget what God has done in their lives.
So He gives a directive…
First Vr. 2 Take a basket and put in the “first fruits” of crops.
Talk about how a farmer must feel to wait for the crops and then give away the first ripe fruits to God. Not the leftovers. Dinner illustrations over for leftovers
=The first thing you need to do is give to the work of the Lord
Second Vr 3-4 Bring it to the priest and declare that God allowed me to come into this land and he gave it to me and fathers. In essence they were saying that God is the King in my life and I am bringing the King the best of what I have in this basket.
= Declaring that God is the King of your life.
Third Vrs 5-10 The worship liturgy that they were to say. The reminder of what is in that basket. Jacob was the Father.
Discuss the passge
=Every time you give to the Lord you should remember what the Lord has done for you and it is a time of worship for you
Susan Ehrnstrom Testimony
Forth Vr. 11 Give thanks for what the Lord has given you.
=Giving is our way of thanking God
Vrs 12-14 what were they giving to and how much was it Levite=rabbi or teachers aside from their temple duties, Stranger=outsider to Israel, Fatherless (orphans) and widows=those in need. So they can eat=support
So God’s people were directed to fund the ministers, the ministries that reach out to outsiders and the ministries that help people in need
Vrs 15 They are calling down a blessing from the Lord
So how did Israel do with this directive?
Duet 26 was written in 1200bc
1050 BC 1 Sam 8 Israel demands a king – shows their lack of reliance on God
700BC Hosea 5:3 Israel is corrupt in their heart because they were prosperous.
6:4 You have lost your heart you forgot your story. Your story is what keeps you connected to God
700 bcAmos – the basket 4:1-22 Cows of Bashon stingy oppressors Cows in region of Israel that were well bred.
So they forgot their King, forgot their story of what God did in their lives and they forgot about the basket and what was supposed to be in it.
What about you?
1. The King- if Jesus is not your King you should not give. That is exactly why we don’t pass the plate because we don’t want people who don’t trust in Christ to feel obligated to give.
2. Are you giving of your “first fruits” do you set aside money each week in proportion to what you earn? Or are you giving Him left overs? Where should you start?
Mal 3, Deut. 14, Numbers 18 23 & 1/3 %
What if you are in debt? Should you still give
3. When you give, every time you write that check or set aside that money are you remembering what God has done in your life and how he has blessed you?
4. Are you saying thank you or are you giving grudgingly?
5. If you are supporting the work of the Lord God will not forget you and He will bless you.
Ann Frank “no one has ever become poor by giving”
So the first step in dealing with your finances is bringing consistently an offering to the Lord.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
"At the end of the day"
Matthew 7:21-23
Lets look at the context…
3 weeks ago we studied the preceding verses in which Jesus said you will know them by their fruits. We issued the got fruit challenge and I hope that many of you have taken the challenge.
We spoke about displaying “fruit” or evidence of the fact that you are a believer. In that passage it stated “beware of false prophets they come as sheep in wolves clothing” And their purpose is to lead you the wrong way, so we test them by their “Fruits” what they are teaching.
So Jesus in His conclusion of the “Greatest sermon ever preached” is saying some people who are viewed as religious, that seem to have it all together, that are doing things and claiming it is in Jesus’ name, still don’t know Jesus because they don’t believe the truth about Him.
Vrs 21 Not everyone who says “Lord Lord”
but he who does the “will of my father”
Lets look at what God’s will is John 6:40 “He who believes has everlasting life”
Vrs 22 The people who think they are doing what God wants
Like- keeping the ten commandments, feeding the hungry, giving to the poor, helping others, etc.
but really ignoring “God’s Will” which is belief in Christ.
Who falls into this category? Cults and false religion.
Another Jesus 2 Cor. 11:4
1 John 4:1 Test the spirits
How do we test them? Here are three ways
The Jesus of the Bible is prayed to (Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 116:4 and Zech. 13:9 with 1 Cor. 1:1-2).
The Jesus of the Bible is worshiped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; 28:9; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6)
The Jesus of the Bible is God (John 20:28; Heb. 1:8).
The Jesus of the Bible is the only way of salvation. Acts 4:12 not by works
Bottom line
Jesus is saying guess what “it’s not grandma” you are being fooled it’s the wolf and he is leading you to destruction.
Vrs 24-25 Sayings (what are the sayings? Flip back through the sermon) into practice will be equipped to deal with life’s storms.
1 Corinthians 3:12 you will also be rewarded for putting these sayings into practice they are like precious stones.
Vrs 26-27 The flip side if you don’t put these sayings into practice and don’t have a foundation with the true Jesus Christ you are foolish. You will not be able to weather life’s storms and in the end there will be destruction. You are building your life on the ways of the world and that is foolishness.
Vrs 28-29 People were astonished because His teaching had substance, unlike the scribes.
Lets look at the context…
3 weeks ago we studied the preceding verses in which Jesus said you will know them by their fruits. We issued the got fruit challenge and I hope that many of you have taken the challenge.
We spoke about displaying “fruit” or evidence of the fact that you are a believer. In that passage it stated “beware of false prophets they come as sheep in wolves clothing” And their purpose is to lead you the wrong way, so we test them by their “Fruits” what they are teaching.
So Jesus in His conclusion of the “Greatest sermon ever preached” is saying some people who are viewed as religious, that seem to have it all together, that are doing things and claiming it is in Jesus’ name, still don’t know Jesus because they don’t believe the truth about Him.
Vrs 21 Not everyone who says “Lord Lord”
but he who does the “will of my father”
Lets look at what God’s will is John 6:40 “He who believes has everlasting life”
Vrs 22 The people who think they are doing what God wants
Like- keeping the ten commandments, feeding the hungry, giving to the poor, helping others, etc.
but really ignoring “God’s Will” which is belief in Christ.
Who falls into this category? Cults and false religion.
Another Jesus 2 Cor. 11:4
1 John 4:1 Test the spirits
How do we test them? Here are three ways
The Jesus of the Bible is prayed to (Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 116:4 and Zech. 13:9 with 1 Cor. 1:1-2).
The Jesus of the Bible is worshiped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; 28:9; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6)
The Jesus of the Bible is God (John 20:28; Heb. 1:8).
The Jesus of the Bible is the only way of salvation. Acts 4:12 not by works
Bottom line
Jesus is saying guess what “it’s not grandma” you are being fooled it’s the wolf and he is leading you to destruction.
Vrs 24-25 Sayings (what are the sayings? Flip back through the sermon) into practice will be equipped to deal with life’s storms.
1 Corinthians 3:12 you will also be rewarded for putting these sayings into practice they are like precious stones.
Vrs 26-27 The flip side if you don’t put these sayings into practice and don’t have a foundation with the true Jesus Christ you are foolish. You will not be able to weather life’s storms and in the end there will be destruction. You are building your life on the ways of the world and that is foolishness.
Vrs 28-29 People were astonished because His teaching had substance, unlike the scribes.
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