(Science agrees with this)The universe must have had a beginning therefore it must have had a beginner (God) Cosmological Argument
The basic argument here is that every effect has a cause unless it is eternal and does not need a cause (God).
So that leaves us three options
1. The universe is eternal which is not held by any credible scientists
2. An eternal principle of chance or blind intelligence. Large degree of faith 100 dials all falling on the same ##. Richard Dawkins
3. An Eternal being
The Bible tells us a few things about the creator.
1. We can learn about Him from creation. Psalm 19:1-6 General Revelation Because of the clues many other writings, civilizations and people groups have a creation story, such as the “Enuma Elish” the Mesopotamian creation story. And Phoenician Creation Story
Lets break down this passage and see what the clues are…
Vrs 1 The Heavens declare beauty, like a fine painting inspires emotions in us. The beauty of creation gives us a clue that there is something or someone larger and more powerful than us who made it all.
Clue 1: Beauty: He want to inspire us
Vrs 2-3 Each creature and thing in creation speaks forth that there is a creator and there is no language barrier.
Clue 2: what creation communicates to us. Design & Purpose
Vrs 4-6 the regularity of nature-David Hume and Bertrand Russell secular men both admit that they don’t have the slightest idea why natural-regularity is happening today. And can only assume that these things will happen tomorrow. But the Scripture tells us that God is the one who set that in motion
Clue 3: Regularity in Nature: He is Unchanging
2. What happens when people turn from the idea of a Creator?
Romans 1:18-25
v18 –Wrath of God revealed-Because of sin and a rejection of the One who created. If someone does not acknowledge the creator God they fail to Worship Him and the sin that keeps us from Him will be our rejection of Him.
Vrs 19-20 How do we know there is a God, creation
Vrs 21-23 Because of creation people know about God but and don’t thank Him, but they shake their fist at Him when something goes wrong.
Trying to be wise they became fools. The tables are turned in our society people who believe in a creator look simple and foolish and the people who believe it is by chance appear to wise.
Vrs 24-25 Catch this in order to bring people to the knowledge and understanding of how Good He is He allows us to see for ourselves how evil sin is. When people see how wrong things are then they wake up and see how right God is. *New Born ill Hedonistic society
Exchanged the truth for the lie and the lie will grow. **Talk about ales
Survival of the fittest is actually the opposite of the what the Bible teaches.
So where does this leave us? It seems then that there is no hope.
3. The Creators name is Jesus
John 1:1-3 & 14
Col 1:15-17 This earth was created by Him and through Him. Jesus is the agent of creation. (firstborn is rank, inheritance)
Gospel Col 1:19-23 blood shed on the cross pleased the Father and if we have faith we are brought into a right relationship God
Sunday, November 30, 2008
UFC Series: "Fight the Good Fight"
Matthew 10:40-42
Based upon what Jesus told the disciples about persecution they would face the stakes are pretty high for the people who welcome them or receive them.
Vrs 40 So in the midst of a persecuting antagonistic world Jesus reminds them some will welcome you with open arms and they will receive Me
Two issues
1. Jesus is letting us join with Him and taking how people treat them/us personally. Paul on Damascus Acts 9:4
2. Making us beautiful to others Isaiah 52:7
There will be those who for the first time trust Jesus
“feet” Personal salvation ill, my wife
Bob Dylan
Precious angel, under the sun,How was I to know you'd be the oneTo show me I was blinded, to show me I was goneHow weak was the foundation I was standing upon?
Vrs 41 The reward that a prophet and righteous man receives is salvation, Jesus here is saying the people who trust in the message will receive the same reward at the one preaching… salvation
Speaking of rewards… When Fighters fight and win they get rewards
Soul winners crown 1 Thess 2:19 - Phil 4:1 In these two passages Paul calls the believers he witnessed to “his crown”
Vrs 42 The outworking of salvation is good deeds and God rewards good deeds, no matter how small “cup of cold water” The concept here is “hospitality”
“Hospitality is making your guests feel at home, even though you wish they were”
There is some truth in that joke because many times hospitality takes sacrifice.
Cathrine Ryan Hyde wrote a book in 1999 called “Pay it Forward” which was released as a movie in 2000
This concept was one that Jesus originated-Gospel
Someone once said “That only people who are basically at home, and at home in themselves, can offer hospitality” The only way you can offer anything about Jesus is to know Him for yourself
Ways we are helping you reach out
Series invite cards 1. You can invite a friend 2. Use this as an opportunity to arm yourself with Biblical truth so you can fight,
Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Christmas Eve Service 5pm & NIB
Ways you can help us extend hospitality
-In NIB
-Greeters for new visitors table
-Small group leaders for 2009
According to a recent study, there is a plague of loneliness sweeping our country today. This outbreak of isolation has infected our closest relationships. The number of people who said they had no one with whom to discuss important matters has doubled, to nearly 25 percent. Another 25 percent are just one person away from nobody and the number of close friends for the average American has gone down from three to two.
Bill Hybels writes: “There is nothing like the local church when it’s working right. Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the context of community…It provides resources for those in need and opens its arms to the forgotten, the downtrodden, and the disillusioned…”
We want offer hospitality to the people that come in.
2 Tim 4:7 Fought the good fight Lets join in the fight and make a difference our community for Jesus lets be Ultimate Fighting Christians
Based upon what Jesus told the disciples about persecution they would face the stakes are pretty high for the people who welcome them or receive them.
Vrs 40 So in the midst of a persecuting antagonistic world Jesus reminds them some will welcome you with open arms and they will receive Me
Two issues
1. Jesus is letting us join with Him and taking how people treat them/us personally. Paul on Damascus Acts 9:4
2. Making us beautiful to others Isaiah 52:7
There will be those who for the first time trust Jesus
“feet” Personal salvation ill, my wife
Bob Dylan
Precious angel, under the sun,How was I to know you'd be the oneTo show me I was blinded, to show me I was goneHow weak was the foundation I was standing upon?
Vrs 41 The reward that a prophet and righteous man receives is salvation, Jesus here is saying the people who trust in the message will receive the same reward at the one preaching… salvation
Speaking of rewards… When Fighters fight and win they get rewards
Soul winners crown 1 Thess 2:19 - Phil 4:1 In these two passages Paul calls the believers he witnessed to “his crown”
Vrs 42 The outworking of salvation is good deeds and God rewards good deeds, no matter how small “cup of cold water” The concept here is “hospitality”
“Hospitality is making your guests feel at home, even though you wish they were”
There is some truth in that joke because many times hospitality takes sacrifice.
Cathrine Ryan Hyde wrote a book in 1999 called “Pay it Forward” which was released as a movie in 2000
This concept was one that Jesus originated-Gospel
Someone once said “That only people who are basically at home, and at home in themselves, can offer hospitality” The only way you can offer anything about Jesus is to know Him for yourself
Ways we are helping you reach out
Series invite cards 1. You can invite a friend 2. Use this as an opportunity to arm yourself with Biblical truth so you can fight,
Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Christmas Eve Service 5pm & NIB
Ways you can help us extend hospitality
-In NIB
-Greeters for new visitors table
-Small group leaders for 2009
According to a recent study, there is a plague of loneliness sweeping our country today. This outbreak of isolation has infected our closest relationships. The number of people who said they had no one with whom to discuss important matters has doubled, to nearly 25 percent. Another 25 percent are just one person away from nobody and the number of close friends for the average American has gone down from three to two.
Bill Hybels writes: “There is nothing like the local church when it’s working right. Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the context of community…It provides resources for those in need and opens its arms to the forgotten, the downtrodden, and the disillusioned…”
We want offer hospitality to the people that come in.
2 Tim 4:7 Fought the good fight Lets join in the fight and make a difference our community for Jesus lets be Ultimate Fighting Christians
Sunday, November 16, 2008
UFC Series: "Tap Out"
Matthew 10:32-39
Vrs 32-33 When a person hears about Christ and does not trust Him as Savior and denies the fact that they need Him on the day of Judgment Christ has to deny them. Jesus is teaching that He is just and there is truth
That denial Jesus is talking about is persistent unbelief ex Peter
Jesus then says you guys are going to cause some serious trouble. And here are some of the responses you will encounter when bringing others the message
Vrs 34 “bring peace” John 14:27 Jesus brings peace to our soul and He also wants us to live at peace with others Romans 12:18 “depends on you” the content of the message is on God and it in many senses will actually cause a problem and here are some of the things that you will run into… They will “tap out”
Vrs 35-36 “Tap out” #1 Not wanting to Trust in Jesus because of family pressure
Jesus is speaking about the divisions that will come, even among family members, over their belief or lack of belief about Him. .
Enemies The concept here is also when people are not for God they are against Him and if you are now for Him they are actually against you.
At this point many “Tap out” I can’t take not having my families support
As a Christian “enemies will be of your house” Many times family treat us the worst when it comes to our faith. **** The will Mock us, guilt us, challenge us and in extreme cases they disown us.
Vrs 37 His advice… focus should be on Jesus twofold application here if your family is not supportive of your faith you need to focus on the fact that your relationship with the Lord needs to be more important.
2nd is even if your family is supportive they are still second to the Lord
How do you deal with this ongoing issue in your family as a Christian? Prayer, Live at peace, bring them to Jesus and be respectful
Vrs 38 “Tap out” #2 “Take up cross and follow” When someone was crucified and they carried their own cross they were admitting to their wrongdoing and claiming that the law was right and they were wrong and deserve this death. In the same sense people are called to admit that Jesus has the right over their life.
When Jesus carried the cross it was illustrating that He as taking our sin upon Himself. The Cross is the symbol of death.
Jesus is telling them unless someone admits their sin they are not worthy of Him. This is when people “tap out” I am not a sinner, I can do this myself, I am a good person.
This is something that Christians deal with Luke 9:23 says “daily” part of the Christian life is daily admitting our inadequacy and need for Jesus.
Vrs 39 “Tap out” #3 I like my life if I give it to Jesus it will not be fun.
Paul: the old is gone the new has come. Old will creep up on you
When we give our lives fully to Jesus and His will that is when we fully live.
It is said of missionaries of the Nineteenth Century pack a coffin.
How would you look in the airport with a coffin in tow at an airport
Edward Hopper’s ministry at Land and Sea Church on Market street in NYC was primarily to Sailors so He wrote a hymn of assurance that they could sing while they were away at sea.
Jesus, Savior, pilot meOver life's tempestuous sea;Unknown waves before me roll,Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.Chart and compass come from Thee:Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
He knew the people he was ministering to and wanted to encourage them that Jesus wants to pilot them
All these things are going to make you want to “tap out” but Jesus is saying to the disciples teach them what you learned in 8:26 I am the one in control
We are called to tell people that Jesus can be in control of your life and be your pilot
He is your pilot and will guide you as you go out to bring the message to others
Vrs 32-33 When a person hears about Christ and does not trust Him as Savior and denies the fact that they need Him on the day of Judgment Christ has to deny them. Jesus is teaching that He is just and there is truth
That denial Jesus is talking about is persistent unbelief ex Peter
Jesus then says you guys are going to cause some serious trouble. And here are some of the responses you will encounter when bringing others the message
Vrs 34 “bring peace” John 14:27 Jesus brings peace to our soul and He also wants us to live at peace with others Romans 12:18 “depends on you” the content of the message is on God and it in many senses will actually cause a problem and here are some of the things that you will run into… They will “tap out”
Vrs 35-36 “Tap out” #1 Not wanting to Trust in Jesus because of family pressure
Jesus is speaking about the divisions that will come, even among family members, over their belief or lack of belief about Him. .
Enemies The concept here is also when people are not for God they are against Him and if you are now for Him they are actually against you.
At this point many “Tap out” I can’t take not having my families support
As a Christian “enemies will be of your house” Many times family treat us the worst when it comes to our faith. **** The will Mock us, guilt us, challenge us and in extreme cases they disown us.
Vrs 37 His advice… focus should be on Jesus twofold application here if your family is not supportive of your faith you need to focus on the fact that your relationship with the Lord needs to be more important.
2nd is even if your family is supportive they are still second to the Lord
How do you deal with this ongoing issue in your family as a Christian? Prayer, Live at peace, bring them to Jesus and be respectful
Vrs 38 “Tap out” #2 “Take up cross and follow” When someone was crucified and they carried their own cross they were admitting to their wrongdoing and claiming that the law was right and they were wrong and deserve this death. In the same sense people are called to admit that Jesus has the right over their life.
When Jesus carried the cross it was illustrating that He as taking our sin upon Himself. The Cross is the symbol of death.
Jesus is telling them unless someone admits their sin they are not worthy of Him. This is when people “tap out” I am not a sinner, I can do this myself, I am a good person.
This is something that Christians deal with Luke 9:23 says “daily” part of the Christian life is daily admitting our inadequacy and need for Jesus.
Vrs 39 “Tap out” #3 I like my life if I give it to Jesus it will not be fun.
Paul: the old is gone the new has come. Old will creep up on you
When we give our lives fully to Jesus and His will that is when we fully live.
It is said of missionaries of the Nineteenth Century pack a coffin.
How would you look in the airport with a coffin in tow at an airport
Edward Hopper’s ministry at Land and Sea Church on Market street in NYC was primarily to Sailors so He wrote a hymn of assurance that they could sing while they were away at sea.
Jesus, Savior, pilot meOver life's tempestuous sea;Unknown waves before me roll,Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.Chart and compass come from Thee:Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
He knew the people he was ministering to and wanted to encourage them that Jesus wants to pilot them
All these things are going to make you want to “tap out” but Jesus is saying to the disciples teach them what you learned in 8:26 I am the one in control
We are called to tell people that Jesus can be in control of your life and be your pilot
He is your pilot and will guide you as you go out to bring the message to others
Thursday, November 6, 2008
UFC Series "We've got Spirit"
Matthew 10:16-31 Jesus elaborates on what will happen to us when we share the message with others, but He also informs us that “We’ve got the Spirit” we have to tap into that power
Vrs 16 Sheep among wolves – it is going to be tough to be out there to bring this message. Let me tell you how tough it is going to be.
But remember your natural reactions toward other people when they are hurtful, antagonistic and rude to you are
1. Get back at them. Revenge is like biting the dog that bit you
2. Shrink back and not continue on in bringing the message to other people.
Jesus gives us some advice
“wise as serpents” sly, quiet & contemplative - As Christians we need to be wise in the way that speak to others and not pull trouble on ourselves for foolish reasons.
“harmless as doves” As Christian we do not want to harm anyone but we want to do good to them. Remember when Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove, this phrase foreshadows where the disciples and us get our power to bring the message to others.
Vrs 17-18 Jesus is saying this will happen to then disciples
What is going to happen to you? Harm can come our way. People will…make fun of, criticize, ignore, stay away from you, you will loose friends, you will make enemies.
Vrs 19-20 The Spirit’s role especially when times get tough
-Guaranteed the promise and sealed for the day 1 Cor 1:22, Eph 1:13, 4:30
-Guidance John 16:13 what to do and when
-Comforts us Acts 9:31 when people are brutal to you
-Helps us John 15:26 when you don’t know what to say
-Intercession Rom:8:26 a prayer on behalf
Got fruit challenge November topic posted on the website
Vrs 22 Jesus is not teaching a loss of salvation be He is teaching that a proof of our salvation to others is the fact that we can endure persecution and also salvation is the reward we look toward during persecution
John 15:18 Jesus says it hated me first
Vrs 23 Flee persecution- as a believer God does not want us to be gluttons for punishment, He wants us to be effective witnesses in places where we can be effective. Pearls to swine Matthew 7:6
The point is that the evangelizing of the Jewish nation will not be finished by them and Jesus will come a second time. 2nd view is that the coming refers to God’s judgment in the destruction of the Temple in ad 70
“Son of Man” Jesus favorite title for Himself and it comes from Daniel 7
Vrs 24-25 Look at the way they treated Jesus, can we expect to be treated better. We are not greater the Him Gospel
They called Him Beelzebub “god of flies” “the devil” what do you think they are going to call you.
What do people call Christians now? Closed minded, judgmental, conservative, hypocrites, exclusive, misled, simple, arrogant etc. You will get discouraged
Vrs 26 Don’t worry about what people do to you, they will get their just punishment “Sticks and Stones”
Vrs 27-28 Tell the message to others and inform others that there is a loving and just God who can save your soul.
Vrs 29-31 Jesus will provide and take care of you and give you the Holy Spirit that you need to do the work He wants you to do.
Tactic 2 “We’ve got the Spirit so tap into that power”
Vrs 16 Sheep among wolves – it is going to be tough to be out there to bring this message. Let me tell you how tough it is going to be.
But remember your natural reactions toward other people when they are hurtful, antagonistic and rude to you are
1. Get back at them. Revenge is like biting the dog that bit you
2. Shrink back and not continue on in bringing the message to other people.
Jesus gives us some advice
“wise as serpents” sly, quiet & contemplative - As Christians we need to be wise in the way that speak to others and not pull trouble on ourselves for foolish reasons.
“harmless as doves” As Christian we do not want to harm anyone but we want to do good to them. Remember when Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove, this phrase foreshadows where the disciples and us get our power to bring the message to others.
Vrs 17-18 Jesus is saying this will happen to then disciples
What is going to happen to you? Harm can come our way. People will…make fun of, criticize, ignore, stay away from you, you will loose friends, you will make enemies.
Vrs 19-20 The Spirit’s role especially when times get tough
-Guaranteed the promise and sealed for the day 1 Cor 1:22, Eph 1:13, 4:30
-Guidance John 16:13 what to do and when
-Comforts us Acts 9:31 when people are brutal to you
-Helps us John 15:26 when you don’t know what to say
-Intercession Rom:8:26 a prayer on behalf
Got fruit challenge November topic posted on the website
Vrs 22 Jesus is not teaching a loss of salvation be He is teaching that a proof of our salvation to others is the fact that we can endure persecution and also salvation is the reward we look toward during persecution
John 15:18 Jesus says it hated me first
Vrs 23 Flee persecution- as a believer God does not want us to be gluttons for punishment, He wants us to be effective witnesses in places where we can be effective. Pearls to swine Matthew 7:6
The point is that the evangelizing of the Jewish nation will not be finished by them and Jesus will come a second time. 2nd view is that the coming refers to God’s judgment in the destruction of the Temple in ad 70
“Son of Man” Jesus favorite title for Himself and it comes from Daniel 7
Vrs 24-25 Look at the way they treated Jesus, can we expect to be treated better. We are not greater the Him Gospel
They called Him Beelzebub “god of flies” “the devil” what do you think they are going to call you.
What do people call Christians now? Closed minded, judgmental, conservative, hypocrites, exclusive, misled, simple, arrogant etc. You will get discouraged
Vrs 26 Don’t worry about what people do to you, they will get their just punishment “Sticks and Stones”
Vrs 27-28 Tell the message to others and inform others that there is a loving and just God who can save your soul.
Vrs 29-31 Jesus will provide and take care of you and give you the Holy Spirit that you need to do the work He wants you to do.
Tactic 2 “We’ve got the Spirit so tap into that power”
Monday, October 27, 2008
UFC Series "Ground Fight"
Matthew 10:1-15 “
Vr 1- Commissioning the disciples
Gave them power over the devil and demons and the power to cure the world of disease The design of the gospel was to conquer the devil and to cure the world.
Our enemy is the devil and our sickness is sin and the cure is the cross of Jesus
“it is a ground fight –tactic is the Message”
Vrs 2-4
This fight is fought by individuals not just the Pastors, The job of a pastor is to teach, train & equip, that is not to say that we don’t do the other things but if we are the only ones doing it, it will be impossible to really reach the people.
We are all part of the “ground fight”
Vrs 5-6 Jesus was commissioning them to go to the Jews first, part of God’s plan is that message goes to the Jews and after they reject it will go to the Gentiles. After Pentecost we see the message going to the Gentiles. Notice Jesus has compassion on them by using the phrase “Lost Sheep”
Principle-Realize who you are effective with, usually the people around you
Vrs 7 Jesus gave the message “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” That was the part of the message they had Tactic 1 Know the message: GOSPEL
Vrs 8 This was apostolic gift. This was a power Jesus gave them to confirm to their doctrine or that they were preaching truth. But today we can apply this by saying meet the needs of the people in Jesus’ name, this will confirm to them that you really believe what you are preaching. When you are telling others about the love of Jesus we should be willing to help them with their needs.
“freely” the apostles were commanded to use their power freely with people and not use it for their own self promotion.
Principle-God has blessed us now we are to freely give to others. Do you think God blesses us so we can hoard and squander? He gives so that we can give. Our society tells us the more we acquire the more we have for ourselves. Remember God is the one who has given it to you.
Vrs 9-10 Jesus wanted them to trust that their needs would be met and their journey was not going to be long. “Workman” As they spread the Word people would notice the work and feed them
Principle- Rely on God he will provide and your time here on earth is not long and you should not spend most of your life worrying and striving to have more. If you are doing what is right God will bless
If you are pursuing full time ministry, God will provide for you
Vrs 11-14
Vrs 11 Find the house with the good reputation and go there.
Vrs 12 Greet the household,
Vrs 13 If they are not warm toward your greeting they will probably not be warm toward the message
Vrs 14 Don’t be annoying and push the message on them & Don’t waste your time arguing, they need prayer, keep praying
In the case that someone is antagonistic Matthew Henry says The dust of the apostles' feet, which they left behind them, would witness against them, and be brought in as evidence, that the gospel had been preached to them,
Principle- there are going to people in your spear of influence that are just going to be cold to you because you are a Christian, we have to be sensitive to that, if you become too annoying and too pushy you cold actually do more damage then good.
Vrs 15 the inevitable results of not trusting in the message of Jesus is eternal judgment.
“The Ground Fight” Bring the message to people around us. Challenge: Christmas Series
Vr 1- Commissioning the disciples
Gave them power over the devil and demons and the power to cure the world of disease The design of the gospel was to conquer the devil and to cure the world.
Our enemy is the devil and our sickness is sin and the cure is the cross of Jesus
“it is a ground fight –tactic is the Message”
Vrs 2-4
This fight is fought by individuals not just the Pastors, The job of a pastor is to teach, train & equip, that is not to say that we don’t do the other things but if we are the only ones doing it, it will be impossible to really reach the people.
We are all part of the “ground fight”
Vrs 5-6 Jesus was commissioning them to go to the Jews first, part of God’s plan is that message goes to the Jews and after they reject it will go to the Gentiles. After Pentecost we see the message going to the Gentiles. Notice Jesus has compassion on them by using the phrase “Lost Sheep”
Principle-Realize who you are effective with, usually the people around you
Vrs 7 Jesus gave the message “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” That was the part of the message they had Tactic 1 Know the message: GOSPEL
Vrs 8 This was apostolic gift. This was a power Jesus gave them to confirm to their doctrine or that they were preaching truth. But today we can apply this by saying meet the needs of the people in Jesus’ name, this will confirm to them that you really believe what you are preaching. When you are telling others about the love of Jesus we should be willing to help them with their needs.
“freely” the apostles were commanded to use their power freely with people and not use it for their own self promotion.
Principle-God has blessed us now we are to freely give to others. Do you think God blesses us so we can hoard and squander? He gives so that we can give. Our society tells us the more we acquire the more we have for ourselves. Remember God is the one who has given it to you.
Vrs 9-10 Jesus wanted them to trust that their needs would be met and their journey was not going to be long. “Workman” As they spread the Word people would notice the work and feed them
Principle- Rely on God he will provide and your time here on earth is not long and you should not spend most of your life worrying and striving to have more. If you are doing what is right God will bless
If you are pursuing full time ministry, God will provide for you
Vrs 11-14
Vrs 11 Find the house with the good reputation and go there.
Vrs 12 Greet the household,
Vrs 13 If they are not warm toward your greeting they will probably not be warm toward the message
Vrs 14 Don’t be annoying and push the message on them & Don’t waste your time arguing, they need prayer, keep praying
In the case that someone is antagonistic Matthew Henry says The dust of the apostles' feet, which they left behind them, would witness against them, and be brought in as evidence, that the gospel had been preached to them,
Principle- there are going to people in your spear of influence that are just going to be cold to you because you are a Christian, we have to be sensitive to that, if you become too annoying and too pushy you cold actually do more damage then good.
Vrs 15 the inevitable results of not trusting in the message of Jesus is eternal judgment.
“The Ground Fight” Bring the message to people around us. Challenge: Christmas Series
Friday, October 24, 2008
Jonah 4: "Player Hater"
Jonah responds to what God does with resentment-a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will.
He feels this way towards God
He feels this way towards the Nineveh because they did not in his mind deserve the break.
Three reasons why people hold onto resentment and bitterness
Someone did something to you and you are not forgiving them
You think someone did something to you
You are jealous because you want to be in their position or have what they have.
Who are you harboring resentment against? Your parents, spouse, sibling, friend, teacher, enemy, boss, co-worker, team mate, person in your class
What does resentment do to your life? Look at what it did to Jonah
Vrs 1 anger-destroys our peace
V3 ruins our purpose
Become unproductive
Perspective gets messed up
How do we get over it? ART
Admit it, maybe confide in someone else and tell them how you feel. This does two things 1. Accountability 2. Prayer
Repent of it, call sin sin
Turn toward God and look at the things he has done
Lets look at what God said to Jonah
How does God respond to Jonah’s resentment?
He is in control and good
God is Sovereign and He is good. Jonah knew this and apparently did not like it
God is in control 3,6,7,8
God is good-2,9-11
What we can take away from this book is that God is in control and He desires to do no harm
The book abruptly ends
He feels this way towards God
He feels this way towards the Nineveh because they did not in his mind deserve the break.
Three reasons why people hold onto resentment and bitterness
Someone did something to you and you are not forgiving them
You think someone did something to you
You are jealous because you want to be in their position or have what they have.
Who are you harboring resentment against? Your parents, spouse, sibling, friend, teacher, enemy, boss, co-worker, team mate, person in your class
What does resentment do to your life? Look at what it did to Jonah
Vrs 1 anger-destroys our peace
V3 ruins our purpose
Become unproductive
Perspective gets messed up
How do we get over it? ART
Admit it, maybe confide in someone else and tell them how you feel. This does two things 1. Accountability 2. Prayer
Repent of it, call sin sin
Turn toward God and look at the things he has done
Lets look at what God said to Jonah
How does God respond to Jonah’s resentment?
He is in control and good
God is Sovereign and He is good. Jonah knew this and apparently did not like it
God is in control 3,6,7,8
God is good-2,9-11
What we can take away from this book is that God is in control and He desires to do no harm
The book abruptly ends
Monday, October 13, 2008
Jonah 3 " Second Chances"
V1-2 God gives second chances & hearing the same Scriptures over
V3 Obedience of Jonah, Three day journey region 55 miles or every door in the neighborhood
V4 40 days. God’s wrath but He was giving them time showing mercy
Jonah was the enemy, sometimes God uses very interesting ways to bring us His message
Always have an open heart to what God wants to teach you and where it is coming from
Nineveh’s response could have been kill this lunatic
Their response
Vrs 5-6 “Believed God” That is the Gospel believing God Matthew 12:41
Judgment- believers will judge with Christ
Jonah is type of Christ
Nineveh responded how we should respond when we find out we are doing something wrong. Repent change your mind about what you are doing.
Fast=giving up of food to focus on prayer. It is also he concept of giving up our own desires to met our own personal needs. A kind of self emptying “Kenosis” Phil 2 Christ did that for us. They were begging for mercy from God
Sackcloth=mourning over what they have done or their coming judgment. When we sin we mourn over the fact that we did it and the fact that there is usually a consequence.
Ashes=repentance turning back on old and going towards new. Burt the idols and sat in the ashes
Verses 7-9 The King of Nineveh displayed leadership. One true sign of a leader is when there is danger He takes the lead to bring his people out of danger.
Sin messes things up, relationships Shopping illustration
We feel like we have gone so far that we can’t turn back Hit the reset button
V10 How God responds when we realize our sin. He relents
If you are an unbeliever and feel that God would not want you. He does
God gives us all a second chance
If you are a believer and feel like you have gone to far God wants you to hit the reset button.
We understand that Jonah’s perspective on God in 4:2b is correct
V3 Obedience of Jonah, Three day journey region 55 miles or every door in the neighborhood
V4 40 days. God’s wrath but He was giving them time showing mercy
Jonah was the enemy, sometimes God uses very interesting ways to bring us His message
Always have an open heart to what God wants to teach you and where it is coming from
Nineveh’s response could have been kill this lunatic
Their response
Vrs 5-6 “Believed God” That is the Gospel believing God Matthew 12:41
Judgment- believers will judge with Christ
Jonah is type of Christ
Nineveh responded how we should respond when we find out we are doing something wrong. Repent change your mind about what you are doing.
Fast=giving up of food to focus on prayer. It is also he concept of giving up our own desires to met our own personal needs. A kind of self emptying “Kenosis” Phil 2 Christ did that for us. They were begging for mercy from God
Sackcloth=mourning over what they have done or their coming judgment. When we sin we mourn over the fact that we did it and the fact that there is usually a consequence.
Ashes=repentance turning back on old and going towards new. Burt the idols and sat in the ashes
Verses 7-9 The King of Nineveh displayed leadership. One true sign of a leader is when there is danger He takes the lead to bring his people out of danger.
Sin messes things up, relationships Shopping illustration
We feel like we have gone so far that we can’t turn back Hit the reset button
V10 How God responds when we realize our sin. He relents
If you are an unbeliever and feel that God would not want you. He does
God gives us all a second chance
If you are a believer and feel like you have gone to far God wants you to hit the reset button.
We understand that Jonah’s perspective on God in 4:2b is correct
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