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Weekly sermons from our Pastor, Barry Wilkinson.
Episodes
Sunday Feb 17, 2019
Sunday Feb 17, 2019
Series: Unhindered
Sermon: Unhindered From What Might Happen
Scripture: Acts 4:1-4
Date: February 17, 2019
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28:31, series verse)
Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. (Acts 4:1-4)
Are you willing to get in trouble with and for Jesus?
WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Decide that you are willing to get in trouble with and for Jesus.
We saw that being unstuck was about a life of repentance.
Here are three ways I think God will use to unhinder us from what might happen:
- Prepare for the reality
- The Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people. Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. "You aren't one of this man's disciples too, are you?" she asked Peter. he replied, "I am not." It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. (John 18:12b-18)
- Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. (Acts 4:8)
- Is Jesus worth being thought of as a "big" weird?
- They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" (Acts 4:7)
- Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!" (Acts 4:8)
- "What's the difference in Peter now and Peter then before these guys? Before, he was outside, warming himself at a fire, denying the Lord; and now he is inside, on fire, declaring the Lord." -Skip Heitzig
- Pray to be filled with the Spirit daily.
- Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)
- "This all started the day before when two ordinary men went to church on an ordinary day with an extraordinary God." -Skip Heitzig
- What might an extraordinary God do with an ordinary person?
- Proclaim the resurrection
- The only way to get unhindered from what might happen is to face it.
- They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" (Acts 4:7)
- If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. (Acts 4:9-10)
- If you want to be unhindered from what might happen, do something good - something you think God wants you to do.
- Saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it." (Acts 4:16)
- The greatest argument for the power of Christ is a changed life.
- A person with a testimony beats a person with an argument any day.
- This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-12)
- The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:22-24)
- But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:17-18)
- But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. (Acts 4:19-22)
- What's the issue for Peter and John? What is right.
- We cannot speak or we cannot but speak.
- A witness is what you have seen and heard!
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
Series: Bring the Joy
Sermon: Joy in Trials
Scripture: James 1:1-4
Date: February 10, 2019
James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:1-4)
God can actually bring joy in the hard times of life. We are actually commanded to see joy in the hard times of life.
I will not leave you, and I will actually make this bummer a blessing.
"Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world." -John Piper
"Joy is a matter of attitude that stems from one's confidence in God - that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening, and will happen." -Charles Swindoll
"Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in all things." -Kay Warren
Let's see three things from these verses that will help us rejoice in Jesus during hard times:
- Decision
- My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. (James 1:2)
- Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. (James 1:2, NLT)
- When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! (James 1:2, Phillips Translation)
- You might think of stopping to count up what this will mean for you. What else will you do with the trials and where will that get you?
- It denotes deliberate and careful judgment stemming from external proof, not subjective judgment based on feelings.
- "Our values determine our evaluations. If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to 'count it all joy!' If we live only for the present and forget about the future, the trials will make us bitter, not better." -Warren Wiersbe
- "We are not just to act joyful, in reluctant pretense, but to be genuinely joyful. It is a matter of will, not of feelings, and should be the conscious, determined commitment of every faithful believer." -John MacArthur
- "The Joy I give you doesn't depend on what kind of day you're having. No matter what's happening in your life - whether wonderful or terrible - it's possible to be joyful with Me." -Jesus Calling
- "Father, I want to choose joy in my life. Rekindle hope in my heart. Help me to keep seeking the joy that belongs to me in Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus, amen." -Kay Warren
- Development
- James is not saying the trials are joyful in themselves but are a means to an end which is joyful. They are not to impair us but to improve us. Not to destroy us but to develop us.
- Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:3-4)
- Let's see two reasons we can rejoice in trials:
- we rejoice because of the revealing work
- Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. (James 1:2-3, The Message)
- "Trials and tribulations are very good for us in that they help us to know ourselves better than we knew ourselves before." -D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
- we rejoice because of the reforming work.
- Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:3-4)
- we rejoice because of the revealing work
- Here are a few places trials helps us to grow:
- Trials help us grow in patience.
- Perseverance is our supreme effort of refusing to believe that our hero is going to be conquered.
- Trials help us grow in maturity.
- Trials help us know what really matters and was is really important.
- Trials help us grow in patience.
- Desire
- "I'll admit I've told God, I'm okay with staying a spiritual baby; I'll live with remaining immature and underdeveloped because growing hurts. But in my heart of hearts, that's not what I want. I want my faith-life to be sturdy and strong, mature and well-developed." -Kay Warren
- About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25, NIV)
- The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:27-30, NIV)
- "Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in all things." -Kay Warren
- The jailer wanted what they had. Their settled assurance about God, their quiet confidence that ultimately everything would be alright, and their determined choice to praise God in all things opened the door of salvation for the jailer and his loved ones.
- The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God - he and his whole household. (Acts 16:34)
- What do you allow to hold you back from living a life of joy?
- "I would believe in their salvation if they looked a little more like people who have been saved." -Friedrich Nietzsche, commenting on the Christians he knew
Sunday Feb 10, 2019
Sunday Feb 10, 2019
Series: Unhindered
Sermon: Don't Get Stuck Here
Scripture: Acts 3:11-22
Date: February 10, 2019
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28:31, series verse)
Last week's weekly growth suggestion: Ask God regularly for divine appointments where you can share His love and/or message with someone. Give something away this week.
Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.'" (Acts 3:11-11)
The closer they are to what Jesus is doing in the life of His friends the more likely they are to get unhindered.
We don't want to be stuck:
...lost and not knowing Jesus.
...living in fear.
...living for other people's approval.
...living in apathy.
...living in procrastination.
...living in pride.
...living as a slave to busyness.
The Bible's key to not being stuck is to repent.
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19)
I want us to see three things to help us repent, keep getting unhindered, and not to get stuck:
- Stop setting Jesus as a threat
- Even after Jesus was raised from the dead, they held on to their old ways of doing things rather than give their life to Him.
- The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. (Acts 3:13-15)
- Is Jesus a threat to you today? Is He a threat to your lifestyle?
- Jesus is a threat to your:
- procrastination
- desire to not speak up for Him
- sexual immorality
- complacency
- tradition
- language
- The sins are the big threat!
- The procrastination is really not helping you.
- You really would like to say to your marriage partner that they are the only one.
- The fear really is no fun.
- The pride really does get in the way of good relationships.
- The complacency really is not getting you where you want to go.
- Hanging on to traditions can really get in the way of worshipping Jesus.
- Start seeing Jesus as someone to trust
- And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:16)
- When you and I repent, turn to Jesus, and allow Him to make some changes where we are stuck, we will be eternally glad we did.
- That backpack may have:
- fear of what others think
- need of other people's approval too much
- fear of letting go
- holding on to traditions or old ways of doing things
- closed into yourself
- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)
- Simply share what Jesus has done as a testimony
- And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:16)
- Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. (Acts 3:19-21)
- Let's not miss what Jesus offers us today.
Wednesday Feb 06, 2019
Wednesday Feb 06, 2019
Series: Bring the Joy
Sermon: Joy? Really? Me?
Scripture: Philippians 4:2-5
Date: February 3, 2019
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known all men. The Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4: 2-5)
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (verse 4)
"Joy comes from knowing God is in control of our lives." -Paul Sailhamer
"Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world." -John Piper
"Joy is a matter of attitude that stems from one's confidence in God - that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening, and will happen." -Charles Swindoll
"Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in all things." -Kay Warren
Let's see three helps for rejoicing in the Lord:
- Possible
- The question is do we believe it is possible? Is joy really possible in the crazy, mixed up, every day moments of life?
- "The story of your life is the story of a long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it." -John Eldredge
- When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (James 1:2, NLT)
- Joy is fully rooted in the truth.
- Did the Philippians have reason to believe Paul?
- But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25)
- Personal
- "Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in all things." -Kay Warren
- "You and I were created for joy, and if we miss it, we miss the reason for our existence! Moreover, the reason Jesus Christ lived and died on earth was to restore us to the joy we have lost." -Louis Smedes
- "Joy is meant to be ours, a joy that is defiant in the face of this broken world." -Staci Eldredge
- Profitable
- Joy is the heartbeat of the kingdom of God. Joy is what sustains us; it is our strength.
- "Joy is the serious business of heaven." -C.S. Lewis
- Why is joy so good for you and the people around you?
- Why not set a reminder on your phone that says "Bring the joy"?
- Who needs you to bring your A-game on joy?
- Who needs you to show up with joy?
Sunday Feb 03, 2019
Sunday Feb 03, 2019
Series: Unhindered
Sermon: Unhindered Generosity
Scripture: Acts 3:1-10
Date: February 3, 2019
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28:31, series' verse)
Last week's weekly growth suggestion: Take one of the habits we talk about today and, either start doing it, or add some meaning to how you do it.
Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them - walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (Acts 3:1-10)
The point is that the first church's idea of worship and prayer was not a once-a-week event; rather, it was their lifestyle.
To the Jew, almsgiving was the most sacred of all religious duties. How sacred it was may be seen from the fact that the Jews used the same word - tzedakah - for both righteousness and almsgiving. To give alms and to be righteous were one and the same thing.
However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. (Acts 4:4)
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
A stingy people will not see many people come to Jesus. A generous people will see God's blessings much more.
Let's see three applications from Acts 3 to help us live unhindered by being generous:
- Give to who you can
- Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." (Acts 3:1-4)
- A couple of lessons here:
- Give the gift of attention.
- Are you open to God interrupting your day to be generous to someone?
- Do for one what you wish you could do for all.
- Give the gift of attention.
- WEEKLY GROWTH SUGGESTION: Ask God regularly for divine appointments where you can share His love and/or message with someone. Give something away this week. "I ask that today an opportunity to give will come my way, that I will recognize it when it does, and that I will have the courage to jump in and give."
- "Give daily, in small ways, and you will be happier. Give and you will be healthier. Give, and you will even live longer." -Dr. Stephen Post
- "Opening our eyes and ears to the people around us and asking 'How can we give?' is a profoundly life-giving and satisfying way to live." -Brad Formsma
- Give what you can
- You have a lot to give.
- And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them - walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:4-8)
- Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. (2 Timothy 4:20)
- There are several things in this story they gave worth noting:
- attention
- healing
- praise
- So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them - walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:8)
- gospel
- So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12)
- "You make a living by what you earn and a life by what you give." -Winston Churchill
- Joy doesn't come from filling your life with stuff. Joy comes from giving your life away.
- Give for God's glory
- Let's be generous so people will see how wonderful Jesus is.
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Sermon: Helpful Humility
Scripture: Isaiah 57:15
Date: January 27, 2019
For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15)
"Deflating inflated egos is so important to God that He offers to help." -Max Lucado
The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts." (Isaiah 57:15, NLT)
Let's see several advantages of humility:
- Humility helps us to be aware of God's presence
- As I walk into a room, am I thinking about something related to me or how I can walk with God here?
- We say it's all about Him, but is it...really?
- Where does pride show up in our lives?
- appearance
- family looking better than someone else's
- kids doing better
- being right; refusing to apologize
- not willing to share a prayer request
- "Being obsessed with what people think is the quickest way to forget about what God thinks." -Craig Groeschel
- Humility enables us to be teachable
- The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15, NIV)
- He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. (Psalm 25:9, NIV)
- Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. (Proverbs 26:12)
- Are you growing?
- Humility enriches relationships
- Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3)
- Humility means I'm concerned about you. I want what is best for you. I'm willing to be a servant to others. Is that not what Jesus said for us to be?
- "Why make assumptions about people - instead of making room for people? Why do we disrespect, dismiss, and devalue each other instead of declare each other's dignity? Our work in the world is to see the worth in each other. To see the image of God in each other. Our calling is always to answer everything in the world with love." -Ann Voskamp
- Humility will build gratefulness
- Can you clap and cheer when
- you wake up in the morning with God as your Father?
- you get an opportunity to talk about Jesus?
- you get an opportunity to serve Jesus through His church?
- you see an old friend?
- you see a gorgeous sunrise or sunset?
- you see a small child smile and laugh?
- someone else gets a raise?
- someone else gets the attention for a job well done?
- So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, "We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do." (Luke 17:10)
- Can you clap and cheer when
- Humility will help us take risks
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
Sunday Jan 27, 2019
Sunday Jan 27, 2019
Series: Unhindered
Sermon: Practices for the Unhindered Life
Scripture: Acts 2:40-47
Date: January 27, 2019
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28:31)
And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:40-47)
These practices are to bring us into contact with God, and He uses them to unhinder us.
WEEKLY GROWTH SUGGESTION: Take one of the habits we talk about today and, either start doing it, or add some meaning to how you do it.
So, let's look at some habits that will help us develop an unhindered relationship with God:
- Time in the Word
- And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
- They were teaching the things they had learned from Jesus and about Jesus.
- But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel... (Acts 2:16)
- For David says concerning Him: 'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.' (Acts 2:25)
- What is God saying to me today?
- What will I do as a result?
- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46:1-2, 10-11)
- Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you. (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
- What do these verses tell us about the Lord?
- What do these verses help us understand about following Jesus and getting to know Him better?
- Time in worship
- And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
- When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30)
- If we are to live unhindered, we have to stay sensitive to the Spirit.
- When was the last time the Spirit nudged you, and you obeyed?
- Get lost in worship, and let God unhinder you.
- "When you use your life for God's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship." -Rick Warren
- Time with warriors
- And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
- Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. (Acts 2:44-46)
- They were helping each other live unhindered.
- Some people that you can ask questions of each other, questions like:
- What helps you in your alone time with the Lord?
- What are you reading in your quiet time these days?
- How do you start conversations about Jesus with people?
- How do you handle your anger, frustration, or irritations?
- What do you do when you are feeling out of touch with the Lord?
- The times that I have grown the most are those times when I was having meaningful alone time with the Lord and meaningful friendships with people who were growing in the Lord.
- Time in witnessing
- Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
- When was the last time you invited someone to church?
Saturday Jan 26, 2019
Saturday Jan 26, 2019
Sermon: Watch out for the Little Foxes
Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:15
Date: January 20, 2019
Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes. (Song of Solomon 2:15)
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:5-9)
Let's look at 1 Peter 5 and talk about how to handle things that can ruin your day:
- Care
- God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5b)
- Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
- We often give power to things to ruin our day that should never have that power.
- Think how absurd it is to expect other people to act a certain way so that I can be happy.
- "Astronomers have yet to find a star sufficiently similar to the sun that it could be a candidate to host advanced life on a hypothetical planet in orbit around it." -Hugh Ross
- To date, astronomers have discovered more than 100 just-right features of the Milky Way Galaxy that make it suitable for our existence.
- Instead of fighting what life has given you, try appreciating it.
- Cast
- Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? (Romans 11:33-34, The Message)
- Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)
- Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
- We can cast or carry.
- Instead of stuffing these things down, try casting them on Jesus.
- Do I care more about God's glory than I do about today going my way?
- "I am always doing something new in your life. So try to keep an open mind when you encounter things you have not seen before - or even imagined." -Jesus Calling
- Compassion
- Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
- But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)
- He pursued Rahab with a scarlet cord even after she had been a prostitute.
- He pursued Gideon with an angel even after he had been terrified.
- He pursued David with a prophet from God even after he committed adultery and murder.
- He pursued Jonah with a fish even after he disobeyed the word of the Lord.
- He pursued Lazarus with resurrection power even after he had been in the tomb for four days.
- He pursued Peter with a beach breakfast even after he had denied him three times.
- He pursued Thomas with nail-scarred hands even after he had doubted him.
- He pursued Paul with a blinding light from heaven even after he had killed Jesus' followers.
- And he pursued Judas by washing his feet even as his love was being betrayed.
Here I am
All my intentions
All my obsessions
I want to lay them all down
In Your hands
Only Your love is vital
Though I'm not entitled
Still You call me Your child
God You don't need me
But somehow You want me
Oh, how You love me
Somehow that frees me
To take my hands off of my life
And the way it should go
Sunday Jan 20, 2019
Sunday Jan 20, 2019
Series: Unhindered
Sermon: Let Loose by the Spirit
Scripture: Acts 2:1-4
Date: January 20, 2019
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28:31, Series's Key Verse)
LAST WEEK'S WEEKLY GROWTH SUGGESTION: Identify and write down your biggest hindrance to going all in with and all out for Jesus on a note card.
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
In Acts 2, this early group of followers are baptized and turned loose by the Spirit.
This is the birthday of the church.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4)
He was empowering this group of people to be His witnesses in the world.
This is the greatest need of the church. It is the greatest need of my life and your life. It is to live in the Spirit. It is to be unhindered by the Spirit - to be let loose by the Spirit.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
How does the Spirit unhinder us? Let's see three actions that are involved when we are let loose by the Spirit:
- Believing
- And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:4-5)
- These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:14)
- He will cleanse your sinful actions.
- He will cleanse your sinful motives.
- Receiving
- And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4)
- God filled them when they were ready for Him to use them.
- The Spirit comes to be in charge, and He comes with change.
- And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?" (Acts 2:5-8)
- WEEKLY GROWTH SUGGESTION: Lift up your biggest hindrance to the Spirit in prayer, and trust Him to unhindered you.
- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Do you believe God will do that with you?
- Achieving
- You receive and God achieves.
- Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine." Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy."'" (Acts 2:13-18)
- "Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." (Acts 2:22-24)
- The Spirit turns cowardly Peter into courageous Peter.
- When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:37-39)
- The biggest thing for me is how badly do I want the Spirit to fill me and use me?
Sunday Jan 20, 2019
Sunday Jan 20, 2019
Sermon: Getting To What You Really Want (Which Is Hopefully What God Wants For You)
Scripture: Haggai 1:3-15
Date: January 13, 2019
Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?" Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes." Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified," says the Lord. "You looked for much, but indeed it came to little and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says the Lord of hosts. "Because of My house that is in ruins, while everyone of you runs to his own house. Therefore the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands." Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord. Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, spoke the Lord's message to the people, saying, "I am with you, says the Lord." So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius. (Haggai 1:3-15)
What do we really want and how do we get there?
They got used to life without a Temple. Let's not get used to life far from God.
Let's talk about getting what we really want - and, hopefully, that is what God wants.
- Clarity
- What is one thing that you want above everything else?
- "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?" Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes." (Haggai 1:4-6)
- Is this what you really want?
- It's so easy to not only get distracted but to live distracted.
- What helped you get closer to God the most last year?
- What hindered you the most from getting close to God last year?
- What are you most glad you did?
- What do you wish you had done?
- What one thing do you most regret about last year and what will you do about it this year?
- Was there a book or a Bible verse that was especially meaningful?
- What service did you do for the Lord that was especially meaningful?
- What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
- What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
- In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
- Let's try to get past what we think we want and what makes us happy right now to what we want deep down - not only now, but for the rest of our lives, remembering we will live forever.
- I have a hunch that what many of you really want is:
- to see your family members and friends get saved
- to see your family members and friends really love Jesus
- to see your family members and friends walk closely with Jesus
- to see God use you to touch someone else's life
- to see God use Hopewell to make real difference in the world
- Commence
- Shortly after that, God said more and Haggai spoke it: "How is it that it's the 'right time' for you to live in your fine new homes while the Home, God's Temple, is in ruins?" (Haggai 1:3-4, The Message)
- I will change that one day.... One day often means never.
- Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord. Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, spoke the Lord's message to the people, saying, "I am with you, says the Lord." So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God. (Haggai 1:12-14)
- Is what you are doing not getting you to where you want to be? What is one practice you can start this week that will help you start moving toward what God wants and hopefully what you really want?
- "No one can tell you how much time you've got for what matters. Only you can tell how much time you'll make for what matters." -Ann Voskamp
- Change
- Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, spoke the Lord's message to the people, saying, "I am with you, says the Lord." (Haggai 1:13)
- Here are a few changes for you to consider:
- Have intention about this day.
- Review your day.
- Say "I won't," not "I can't."