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Weekly sermons from our Pastor, Barry Wilkinson.
Episodes
Sunday Sep 23, 2018
Sunday Sep 23, 2018
Series: Life With the King
Sermon: How the Kingdom is Coming in Me
Scripture: Matthew 10:24-25
Date: September 23, 2018
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! (Matthew 10:24-25)
"There should be no way to talk about you and not talk about Him." -Tony Evans
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 1:28-29)
Praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
The early Christians after Pentecost had beautiful lives - not beautiful churches. Their lives - not their church buildings - were attractive.
Let's look today at how King Jesus grows us into Kingdom people. Let's see how the Kingdom comes in our lives:
- Desire
- When we think about the mind boggling truth that Jesus has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of light, there should be a response to Him.
- A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! (Matthew 10:24-25)
- "It is not enough simply to say, 'I'm on my way to heaven.' The question is, are you becoming like the One who is taking you to heaven?" -Tony Evans
- spending time with the Savior
- submitting to the Spirit
- "A person who is changed becomes an agent of change." -Ed Stetzer
- Daily Desire
- A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! (Matthew 10:24-25)
- How do I avoid escalating this conflict and diffuse it instead?
- Life is hard.
- Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
- "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? "Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." (John 12:28-29)
- Doing the Daily Things
- Becoming like Jesus is not just learning things about Him. It's actually doing thigns like Him.
- Here are two helps:
- Spend time with people that are becoming like Jesus.
- If you really want to pick up your spiritual pace, run with someone who is faster than you, who can set a brisk pace.
- Loving actual people that are different from me.
- "One of the greatest things I've learned in life is this: people are more important than the point." -Ed Stetzer
- Spend time with people that are becoming like Jesus.
- WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Pray this often this week: "Lord, fill my heart with Your love, and help me to give it away to the next person I meet."
Wednesday Sep 12, 2018
Wednesday Sep 12, 2018
Series: Freedom in Jesus
Sermon: I Need to be Free from Me
Scripture: Romans 8:1-2
Date: September 9, 2018
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:15, 18-19; NLT)
The key to Romans 7 and 8 is that the words "I," "my," and "me" (in Romans 7) occurs a lot (over 20 times), and the word "Holy Spirit" or "Christ" (in chapter 8) occurs a lot (over 15 times).
Best intentions are not enough. Decisions and actions determine your life.
7 weapons of self-destruction (from Rick Warren):
- shame
- uncontrolled thoughts
- compulsions
- fear
- hopelessness
- bitterness
- insecurity
Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: in my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. (Romans 7:24-25)
Notice he says who - not what - will free me.
Here are 7 mental habits to help us understand and live out the magnificent truths of Romans 8:
- Grace versus Shame: I must remind myself daily what Jesus did for me
- So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving SPIRIT has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. The Law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so the requirement of the law would be fully accomplished for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow THE SPIRIT. (Romans 8:1-4, NLT)
- Jesus doesn't have to condemn you because He was condemned for you.
- You can ask the Holy Spirit to put good thoughts into your mind: friends, revival, family, witnessing, prayer.
- Spirit-controlled thoughts versus Uncontrolled thoughts: Ask the Holy Spirit to give me better thoughts
- Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the SPIRIT have their minds set on what the SPIRIT desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the SPIRIT is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6, NIV)
- The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. (Romans 8:7-8, NIV)
- Spirit-controlled actions versus Uncontrolled desires: I realize I have a new ability to say no
- So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. (Galatians 5:16, NLT)
- But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are now controlled by the SPIRIT if you have the SPIRIT of God living in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ living in them does not belong to Christ. (Romans 8:9, NLT)
- So, dear brothers, you have no obligations anymore to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. (Romans 8:12, LB)
- Spirit-controlled faith versus Fear: I need to turn my thoughts to God whenever I'm afraid
- The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (Romans 8:14-16, NIV)
- Antidote to fear:
- Remember whose family you are a part of
- Call out to your Father in trust
- When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 58:3)
- Spirit-controlled long-term focus versus Fleshly short-term focus: I will focus on the long-term not the short-term
- Since we are his children, we WILL possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we WILL also possess with Christ what God has kept for him! For if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory! I consider that what we suffer at the present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:17-18, TEV)
- Remind myself that God is good and in control
- 4 things to help you get over bitterness:
- Remember the Holy Spirit is praying for me.
- Also, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself speaks to God for us, and even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. God can see what is in our hearts...and the Spirit speaks to God for his people in the way God wants. (Romans 8:26-27, NCV)
- God is using it all for good.
- And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28-29, NASB)
- God wants me to succeed.
- So what can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (Romans 8:31, NLT)
- God will give me what I need.
- Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? (Romans 8:32, NLT)
- Remember the Holy Spirit is praying for me.
- 4 things to help you get over bitterness:
- Trust that God will never stop loving me
- I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39, NLT)
Sunday Sep 09, 2018
Sunday Sep 09, 2018
Series: Life With the King
Sermon: Who's First
Scripture: Matthew 6:33
Date: September 9, 2018
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
"To live life to its fullest and accomplish and experience all that God has created you to do, God and His Kingdom must be first in your life, not one among many." -Tony Evans
"Royalty is my identity. Servanthood is my assignment. Intimacy with God is my life source." -Bill Johnson
Seeking God's Kingdom first means:
- Preeminence
- And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18)
- Jesus is the King...not our personal assistant. There can only be one King in my life: me or Jesus.
- "Winning a Super Bowl won't change me. I'm still me. I still want to be grounded and humble. So if I'm having a bad day, I can refocus my attention on Christ. It makes me a better husband, a better father, and a better coach...My relationship with Christ is what my world revolves around." -Coach Doug Pederson of the Eagles
- Where do you turn when you have a decision to make, a problem to resolve, or guidance to seek?
- Power
- We need power to: control our tongues, control our tempers, curb our desires for things we should not be doing (or doing as much), be patient with people (including ourselves), do the things that we know we should but maybe don't like to.
- As a Jesus-follower, we need some power in other ways as well: to share our faith; to forgive other people; to love people that are not like us; to serve people that are not appreciative; to be generous instead of selfish.
- Why are so many Christians so weak?
- The key to kingdom success and the power for kingdom living is found in the simple word "first," prioritizing God in every area of life.
- Purpose
- I surrender my will to you to obey you this day.
- Let me see what you want me to see. Let me say what you want me to say. Let me hear what you want me to hear. Let me be what you want me to be. Let me go where you want me to go. Let me do what you want me to do.
- WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Pray this daily this week: "I surrender my will to you to obey you this day. Let me see what you want me to see. Let me say what you want me to say. Let me hear what you want me to hear. Let me be what you want me to be. Let me go where you want me to go. Let me do what you want me to do."
- Path
- Jesus talked about it in terms of carrying your cross.
- I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (1 Corinthians 15:31)
- "Without seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first, we are wandering aimlessly around without the support and the backing of our King." -Tony Evans
Wednesday Sep 05, 2018
Wednesday Sep 05, 2018
Series: Freedom in Jesus
Sermon: Set Free from Emotional Strongholds
Scripture: Luke 4:16-19
Date: September, 2, 2018
So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:16-19)
A stronghold develops when we agree with a lie of the enemy.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed..." (Luke 4:18)
The lie can be things like:
- Nobody really loves me
- I'm not worth loving
- I don't matter
- Nothing good ever happens to me
- God doesn't really answer prayer
- God's way is not best
Let's see how Jesus breaks these emotional strongholds:
- Detect
- insecurity
- pride
- independence
- touchiness
- anger
- excessive shyness or loneliness
- a neet to control
- Diagnose
- A stronghold develops when we agree with a lie of the enemy.
- You will never amount to much
- If anything can go wrong, it will. (Someone added to it: at the worst possible time)
- Everyone is stupid. The world is full of jerks.
- Nothing I do really matters.
- I'm not enough.
- I'll never be happy.
- Nobody likes me.
- I don't have anything to offer. I can't talk well enough. Nobody cares what I think.
- God can't be trusted.
- God's way is not best.
- A stronghold develops when we agree with a lie of the enemy.
- Deliverance
- Invite Jesus into that place, let Him expose the lie, renounce that lie, and ask Jesus to heal you. Many times having someone pray a healing prayer for your heart over you is very helpful.
- Invite Jesus into your stronghold: "Lord, this is the lie that I've been believing. Can you show me where this started?"
- "Lord, would you come into that place right now and speak truth to me?"
- After repentance, we need to close the door to that agreement.
Sunday Sep 02, 2018
Sunday Sep 02, 2018
Series: Life With the King
Sermon: The Priority of God's Kingdom
Scripture: Mark 1:14-15
Date: September 2, 2018
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
He talks about the kigndom more than eighty times in just over eighty chapters. That's a lot of kingdom talk.
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
He "went about all Galilee...preaching the gospel fo the kingdom" (Matthew 4:23)
The unifying central theme, the common thread, throughout the Bible - from Genesis to Revelation - is the glory of God through the advancement of His kingdom
Let's talk about 3 truths that will help us repent and live life with the King:
- the King is sovereign
- Throughout the Bible, the kingdom of God is His rule, His plan, and His program. There is a ruler and some rulees.
- the King desires
- A kingdom person says not my will but your will be done.
- I can't tell you what following God's kingdom agenda will mean for you. I just know that whatever it is, you must be willing to do His will.
- The most crucial battle for the kingdom is won every time a human being repents, believes, and submits to the lorship of Jesus, becoming a new center for the reordering of life on earth as it is in heaven.
- Families disintegrate because they exist for their own fulfillment rather than for the kingdom.
- Churches are having a limited impact on society because they fail to understand that the goal of the church is not the church itself but the kingdom.
- Getting into God's kingdom is through conversion, but experiencing God's kingdom in your daily life is through love, fatih, and commitment.
- "You don't get to enjoy the blessings of the King if the King cannot enjoy the blessing of you." -Tony Evans
- WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Spend some time in your alone time with the Lord telling Him you like Him. Pray for revival. If you don't have a regular alone time with the Lord, start today.
- If you need suggestions on what to read in your alone time with the Lord, try googling Daily Hope with Rick Warren, Upwords with Max Lucado, or daily devotions with Charles Stanley.
- "Royalty is my identity. Servanthood is my assignment. Intimacy with God is my life source." -Bill Johnson
- "As Christians, we don't join an illegitimate rebellion. Instead, we live for King Jesus in contrast to those around us. We live in loyalty to the very One the world rebels against." -Ed Stetzer
- the King's plan is for the kingdom to operate for His glory
- You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. (Revelation 4:11)
- When you do His will, you become His representative in a world that longs to see a better way to live.
Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
Series: Freedom in Jesus
Sermon: Set Free From Pride
Scripture: Proverbs 16:18
Date: August 26, 2018
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
"This sin - the sin of pride - does more to hold back revival, more to destory homes than any other sin, causes more Christians to live in defeat than any other sin and does more to fill hell than any other sin." -Adrian Rogers
Here are a couple of things that pride is not:
- Pride is not a good self image
- Pride is not being glad about a job well done
Pride is the most destructive thing in the universe.
Here's what pride is:
- Pride is an attitude of independence from God
- Pride is a spirit of ungratefulness to God
- "When entitlement is high, joy is low." -Steven Furtick
- Pride is esteeming (valuing) yourself better than someone else
Indications of a proud person:
- A proud person becomes irritated when corrected for mistakes
- A proud person accepts praise for things for which he/she has no control: beauty, talent, intellect, abilities
- A proud person will not admit mistakes
- A proud person says when there is a disagreement: I can get along without you
- A proud person has an ungrateful spirit
- A proud person refuses to accept counsel from other people
- A proud person does not want more - just more than someone else
3 ways pride devastates your life:
- Pride defies God
- These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-17)
- The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 16:5, NIV)
- 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." (1 Peter 5:5)
- Pride divides society
- "There's never been an argument, war, divorce, or a church split that pride was not the major factor." -Adrian Rogers
- Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10, NIV)
- There is no problem too big to be solved, just people too small to solve them.
- Pride destroys souls
- The Lord will destory the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. (Proverbs 15:25)
- No one is so bad they can't be saved
- But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
- No one is so good they don't need to be saved.
- If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
- How to get set free: come to Jesus
- realize
- repent
- rely
"It's not about you." -Rick Warren
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
Series: Life with the King
Sermon: The Priority of God's Kingdom Pt. 1
Scripture: Mark 1:14-15
Date: August 26, 2018
Now after John wa sput in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
He talks about the kingdom more than eighty times in just over eighty chapters. That's a lot of kingdom talk.
Now after John wa sput in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
He "went about all Galilee...preaching the gospel of the kingdom" (Matthew 4:23)
The unifying central theme, the common thread, throughout the Bible - from Genesis to Revelation - is the glory of God thorugh the advancement of His kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is basically the rule of God. It is the story of a King and His people.
Let's talk about 3 truths that will help us repent and live life with the King:
- The King is sovereign
- Throughout the Bible, the kingdom of God is His rule, His plan, and His program. There is a ruler and some rulees.
- This world is God's house and it operates on God's rules. His rules are to make us meaningful not miserable.
- But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. (Psalm 115:3)
- "It is not unusual that this unusual action was taken by this very unusual King, because His is an unusual kingdom." -Tony Evans
- The King doesn't adjust to us; we adjust to Him. This is called repentance.
Sunday Aug 19, 2018
Sunday Aug 19, 2018
Scripture: Luke 24:28-35
Date: August 19, 2018
Today, Hopewell celebrates it's 160th anniversary. Our guest speaker is Bro. Richard Collier, a former member and interim pastor who has had a profound and lasting impact on our church. While Bro. Richard doesn't have notes, you will find some common themes: doubting God, an "Emmaus road" experience, experiencing God first-hand. It is our hope that you hear God's voice speaking to you through Bro. Richard, and that you respond to His voice in a way that pleases and honors Him!
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Series: Freedom in Jesus
Sermon Title: Free to Live
Scripture: John 8:36
Date: August 12, 2018
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)
1st Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
We live in a free country, but too often we don't live free.
Here are some freedoms Jesus has already given us and what it means to live in His freedom:
- Jesus set me free to live with a clear conscience
- You can't feel guilty and happy at the same time.
- You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave (some?)* all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14, NLT)
- He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:7, NLT)
- Jesus set me free to have personal access to God
- Talk to Him
- Cry to Him
- Praise Him
- Tell Him a joke
- Complain to Him
- Confide in Him
- Request from Him
- You have an all-access pass to God when you were saved.
- Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)
- Jesus set me free to have the power to do what is right
- "If you play, you can't stay." -Barry's dorm friends
- "God's laws are not to make you miserable but meaningful." -Rick Warren
- Freedom is the power to say yes and no.
- Freedom is the power to do the right thing and to stop doing the self-destructive things.
- His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4, NIV)
- No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV)
- Jesus set me free to live with meaning and purpose
- Our lives are not meant to just be day-to-day existing.
- For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV)
- You don't have to fit in with everybody else to find happiness.
- Jesus set me free to live with no fear of death or the devil
- God did not put you here on this planet to live forever.
- For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
- "Satan can only control areas where I believe his lies." -Rick Warren
*Emphasis added by pastor.
Sunday Aug 12, 2018
Sunday Aug 12, 2018
Sermon Title: Am I For Real?
Scripture: Acts 9:20-25
Date: August 12, 2018
Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destoryed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?" But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. (Acts 9:20-25)
You can add nothing to what Jesus did for your salvation.
When you truly meet Jesus you will change.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Let's see some things in Paul's life and, hopefully, ours that provide evidence that we are for real and maybe how real we really are.
- Sides
- Immediately he preaced the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20)
- Paul tried to put the church out of business but ended up being the church's most significant missionary.
- I speak the truth in Christ - I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit - I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race. (Romans 9:1-3, NIV)
- The person he is against is the devil.
- You can't really have a useful faith and act like and agree with what everyone else says and does.
- There are some things that Jesus is against and some things Jesus is for.
- Serious
- Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. (Acts 9:23)
- You have a personal relationship with Jesus but not a private relationship with Jesus.
- "It's not enough to believe it privately; you have to behave it publicly." -Andy Stanley
- Serving
- But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 9:22)
- When's the last time you said something to someone about Jesus?
- When's the last time you served someone hoping it would help them come to Jesus?
- When's the last time you posted something on social media to help people see Jesus in a positive light?