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“Christmas Waiting”

I. Waiting on Christmas: Black Friday: heightened sense of what it means to wait. We don’t like to wait, but….!

a. Kids verses adults: what am I going to get…what am I going to give

b. Time and Sovereignty...never change no matter what… 60/24/365/3600/86400…In the fullness of time/ Gods sovereign plan for all of eternity Gods sovereignty in the life of humanity. Gods sovereignty in your life and mine

Psalm 139:16¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

II. Waiting in Silence

Luke 1:5-23

⁵ In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. ⁶ Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.( Right with Lord)

⁷ But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. (Had lived a life of unfulfilled waiting…ostracized but the choose to believe to put up with the shame—knowing God is worth it) 1 cor. 1²⁶For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: ²⁷But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

⁸ Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, ⁹ he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰ And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. ¹³ But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. ¹⁴ He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, ¹⁵ for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. ¹⁶ He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Not exactly want Zech much less Elizabeth were expecting….After all this time….now our waiting is over? Biggest fear we have sometimes when trying to figure out Gods will—what will he ask us to do!)

¹⁸ Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” (Later, Mary would say she was too young. Perhaps the story of Abraham and Sarah come to mind)

¹⁹ The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. ²⁰ And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” ²¹ Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. ²² When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

²³ When his time of service was completed, he returned home. ²⁴ After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. (They had waited on the Lord, then given up on the Lord, now they were called once again to live up top their righteous standing before God) ²⁵ “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

III. Waiting on God or God waiting on Us

a. We can spend our entire lifetimes waiting on God to show us His will for us?

b. Elizabeth and Zechariah show us a life of God’s waiting on them: for the right time, the right place.

c. Waiting still is not easy….are we willing to say, Lord, My life is in too big of a hurry….everything I need you direction I wait and wait, But I want that to chance. I want a righteous heart, I’m willing to put all my life in your hands.

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“Risk-taking Mission and Service”

I. Sacred Movements: Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations---Robert Schnase—UMC

1. Radical Hospitality

2. Passionate Worship

3. Intentional Faith Development

4. Risk-Taking Mission and Service

5. E________ Generosity

Matthew 25 ³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. ³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

II. Timothy Keller, The Gospel in Life

a. 3 Ways to “act justly” and to “love mercy” or ways that we as a church can be involved in Risk taking Mission and Service:

1. RELIEF: This is direct aid to meet physical/material/social needs. The Good Samaritan prides physical protection, emergency medical treatment, and a rent subsidy for the man he finds beaten and half dead in the street (Luke 10:29-37). Relief includes helping at temporary shelters or food pantries, or clothing closets for the homeless, providing medical services or counseling, and so on. (This is helping those in need)

2. DEVELOPMENT: This is more about what is needed to bring a person to self-sufficiency. In the Old Testament when a slaves debt was erased and he was released, God directed that His former master sent him out with grain, tools, and the resources for a new, self-sufficient economic life (Deut. 15:12-14). Development includes, for example, providing education, job creation, housing development and home ownership, and so on in the community. (This is helping people to get e fresh start)

3. REFORM: This is about changing social conditions and structures that aggravate or cause poverty and dependency. Job told us that he not only clothed the naked but he “broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victim from their teeth” (Job 29:17). The prophets denounced unfair wages ( Jer.22:13), corrupt business practices (Amos 8:6), legal systems weighted in favor of the rich and influential (Deut.24:17) and a system of lending capital that gouges the person of modest means (EX.22:25-27). Reform includes, for example, working for a particular community to receive better police protection, fairer banking practices, and better laws and so on. (This is being politically active for those who cannot help themselves)

III. 4 Questions

1. Who is your neighbor? Make a list of people or groups that are in need around you.

2. How do you typically view these people or groups? What emotions come to mind?

3. How does your view differ from God’s view?

4. How can you (our church) be a neighbor to them? Be practical…

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“Intentional Faith Development”

I. Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations---Robert Schnase—UMC

1. Radical Hospitality

2. Passionate Worship

3. Intentional faith Development

4. R____-________ Mission and Service

5. E________ Generosity

Acts 2:42 ⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

II. Present “Teachings and fellowship” Opportunities

Sunday School

Kids Age appropriate Classes (2)

Youth (1)

4 adult classes

Agape Group
1st and 3rd Tuesday
of each month 1:00 P.M.
Women of Faith
4th Monday of the Month
Various studies in homes
Lilly Housing Bible Study
Every Monday 1:30 P.M.
Lilly Housing Community Room
Youth Group
Sundays 7:00 PM twice monthly
Grades 7-12
Meetings and Various Activities

Kids for Christ
Sundays 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Grades: Kindergarten thru 6th
Bible Lessons, Crafts, Songs & Activities

Paul's Bible Study
Thursdays 7:00 PM

Charity Crafters
First and Third Monday

Cancer Support Group
Meets second Monday at 7:00 PM

III. New Year “Teaching and fellowship” Opportunities

Wednesday Night Services

January TBD—Various teachers

IV. Devoted themselves…? Matthew 11:29 ²⁹ 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.

Paul Baloche - To The Cross

Where can I go
But to the cross to the cross
For there my shame
You have washed away

Where can I go
But to the cross to the cross
For there You gave
Up Your life for me
You gave Your life for me

You stretched Your arms out wide
I lift my hands up high to my Savior
You stretched Your arms out wide
I lift my hands up high to my Savior

So Lord I run
To the cross to the cross
Surrender all to my Savior King
Be my everything

Chains are broken
Shame has fallen
All my sins are gone

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“Passionate Worship II”

I. “For the Love of God…”

II. Loving God in Worship: How I have seen others:

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

III. Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations---Robert Schnase—UMC

1. Radical Hospitality

2. Passionate Worship

3. I__________ faith Development

4. R____-________ Mission and Service

5. E________ Generosity

IV. Loving God: ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

V. Loving God in Worship: How I wish I could see myself….

1. _______________________________

2. _______________________________

3. _______________________________

4. _______________________________

5. _______________________________

VI. Loving God in Worship: I feel led to do something!

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

VII. Loving God: I feel led to offer something!

o Me

o Time

o Treasure

o Commitment

o Attitude

o More of Me

o Willingness

o Abilities/Gifts

o Ideas

o My hands

o Secret sins

o Fear

o Most of Me

o Phobias

o Shyness/Overbearing

o My goodness

o My Past

o Worry

o All of Me

o Family

o Every Idol known or unknown

o Heart

o Cynicism

o Unbelief

o Apathy

o Obsessions

o Every bit of Me

o ____________

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“Passionate Worship I”

I. “For the Love of God…”

II. Loving God in Worship: How I have seen others:

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

6. _________________________________

7. _________________________________

8. _________________________________

9. _________________________________

10. _________________________________

III. Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations---Robert Schnase—UMC

1. Radical Hospitality

2. Passionate Worship

3. I__________ faith Development

4. R____-________ Mission and Service

5. E________ Generosity

IV. Loving God: ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

V. Loving God in Worship: How I wish I could see myself….

1. _______________________________

2. _______________________________

3. _______________________________

4. _______________________________

5. _______________________________

VI. Loving God in Worship: I feel led to do something!

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

Notes

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“Radical Hospitality II” notes

I. Sacred Movements: Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations---Robert Schnase—UMC

1. Radical Hospitality

2. P_________ Worship

3. I__________ faith Development

4. R____-________Mission and Service

5. E________ Generosity

II. Successes we have:

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

6. _________________________________

7. _________________________________

8. _________________________________

9. _________________________________

10. _________________________________

III. Scriptural Mandate:

John15:1-17 ¹ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. ⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other.

IV. Spiritual Meaning: Fruit-bearing Discipleship is Jesus invitation and His Insistence. Fruit-Bearing Disciples create Fruit-bearing Churches (Fruit bearing is fruit ripening to the point where it is supposed to be and as such then possesses the seed within it to create more of itself. In Christianity as Disciples of Christ we are to mature to where we are supposed to be and as such possess the seeds to create other Disciples)

V. Suggestions we May Consider:

1. Inside the Building__________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

6. _________________________________

7. _________________________________

8. _________________________________

9. _________________________________

10. _________________________________

VI. Scriptural Mandate II: Romans 15:7(Amp.) ⁷Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God.

VII. Sole Soul…? _____Yes _______No

Collective Soul _______Yes

(Answers: Radical, Passionate, Intentional, Risk taking, Extravagant)

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“Radical Hospitality”

I. Scriptural Mandate:

II. Spiritual Meaning: Fruit-bearing Discipleship is Jesus invitation and His Insistence. Fruit-Bearing Disciples create Fruit-bearing Churches (Fruit bearing is fruit ripening to the point where it is supposed to be and as such then possesses the seed within it to create more of itself. In Christianity as Disciples of Christ we are to mature to where we are supposed to be and as such possess the seeds to create other Disciples)

III. Sacred Movements: Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations---Robert Schnase—UMC

1. Radical Hospitality

2. Passionate Worship

3. Intentional faith Development

4. Risk-Taking Mission and Service

5. Extravagant Generosity

IV. Successes we have:

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

6. _________________________________

7. _________________________________

8. _________________________________

9. _________________________________

10. _________________________________

V. Suggestions we May Consider:

1. Inside the Building__________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

6. _________________________________

7. _________________________________

8. _________________________________

9. _________________________________

10. _________________________________

VI. Scriptural mandate: Romans 15:7(Amp.) ⁷Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God.

VII. Sole Soul…? _____Yes _______No

Collective Soul _______Yes

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“Caller I.D.: God”

Romans 11:28-30 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, ²⁹ for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. ³⁰ Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience,

Ex. Jury Calling, God Calling…Surprise!

I. Irrevocable by God… for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

a. Context: Children of Israel

b. Syntax: first word in sentence: αμεταμελητα^: (ametameletos) not possible to revoke : unalterable, not subject to recall

c. Second word in sentence: χαρισματα(charisma); spiritual endowments: gifts

d. Third word in sentence: κλησις(klesis); invitation…calling

e. Fourth word in sentence: τουθεου (of God)

Literally: It is an impossibility to revoke the gifts and calling of God: Emphasis on 1) impossible 2) gifts 3) call. Why the word order?

a. What God has stated and started will come to pass…John 15: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Point#1…God has chosen you to be His child…He will literally do whatever to takes to convince and convict you of His deep love and His deep desire for you to walk with Him.

Point #1a…God expects you to mature in your faith. Maturity is not growing old its growing up. In Gods definition, it’s not becoming religious but righteous, not a do- “gooder” but a dependant, dependable servant who while walking with God does good things.

Maturity is letting God slowly create in you the heart and eyes of Jesus…You see folks from His point of view…

Point #2b…You do not have to mature in your faith (Baby, carnal) Your willingness to mature in Christ is in direct portion of your depth of love for Christ. The way up is down. Mark 2:7 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Conclusion: To know Christ and to Grow in Christ both have the same foundation; Gods calling which He will not revoke. However, you and I have to see ourselves totally and completely in need of a Savior. Self-Righteous people save themselves… churches are full of them!

B. χαρισματα(charisma); spiritual endowments: gifts

Romans 12: ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. ⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. ⁹ Love must be sincere

Called, Maturing Christian understand:

Point #1 God has given them at least one gift(Special ability to be developed and used by you for Him)

Point #2: We have to step up to the plate (stop playing church) and receive and desire to know which gift(s) God has given us so we can be Help build and build up the family of God in our generation. PERIOD!

Conclusion: Those who love Christ will ever desire to be used of Christ to introduce others or to help other Christians in their service to Christ. Our gifts allow us to focus less on us and more on Him; satisfaction, joy, purpose are all tied to our willingness to lose our life for His sake.

a. : κλησις(klesis); invitation…calling τουθεου (of God)

Conclusion: God will never give up on us,, but we have the tragic ability to give up on Him. Syntax emphasizes the frosting then points to the cake. Have you heard, have you responded, are you growing, are you happy? Surprise!

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“Lifting up our Government”

Isaiah 9:6 ⁶For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

I. The Injuries:

1) World trade Center:2606

2) American 11: 87

3) United 175: 60

4) Pentagon: 125

5) American 71: 59

6) United 93: 40

7) Total: 2977

II. The Injustice:

1. 2000 Years Ago: Attack on HIM

a. Premeditated?: Plots and Plans

b. Prejudices?: Clash of Civilizations

c. Permanent?: Wounds and Scars

d. Painful?: Individual and Collective

e. Preordained?: Probably’s and Maybe’s

i. Did God Let it happen? Yes: Permissive Will

ii. Did God Want it to happen? No: Permissive Will

iii. Did God Need it to happen? Yes: Perfect Will

f. Positives? Call to become God’s people

i. Reconnection with God

ii. Re-visioning of others

iii. Rededication of Ourselves: Need for Prayer

2. 10 years Ago: Attack on U.S.

g. Premeditated?: Plots and Plans

h. Prejudices?: Clash of Civilizations

i. Permanent?: Wounds and Scars

j. Painful?: Individual and Collective

k. Preordained?: Probably’s and Maybe’s

iv. Did God Let it happen? Yes: Permissive Will

v. Did God Want it to happen? No: Permissive Will

vi. Did God Need it to happen? No: Permissive Will

l. Positives? Call to be God’s people

iv. Reconnection with God

v. Re-visioning of others

vi. Rededication of Ourselves: Need for Prayer

III. The Instructions:

Pray for the Instigators: Luke 6 ²⁷ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Pray for the Influencers: President. VP, Senate and House Majority Leaders, Governors, senators, congressman, mayors, town councils

Pray for the Innocent: 115 nations lost people on 911…we need to lift all our world governments onto the shoulders of Jesus, but we need to lift all the world’s peoples into His arms.

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“Praise You in the Storm”

Matthew 28:23-27 ²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” ²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. ²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

I. Big Storms: Irene

a. The Physical Cost: Silver Spring-based Kinetic Analysis Corp., which predicts disaster impact, said its latest estimates put the cost to insurers from Irene at about $2.6 billion. Total economic losses may be about $7 billion

b. The Psychological Cost: Feelings: Helplessness, Fearfulness, Discouragement, Uneasiness, Anger, Depression, Eventually: Grief….

i. The 7 Stages of Grief:

a. Pain and Guilt

b. Anger and bargaining

c. Depression, Reflection, Loneliness

d. Upward Turn

e. Reconstruction and

Working Through

f. Acceptance and Love

II. Small Storms : Disciples

a. The Physical Cost: perception: “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

b. The Psychological Cost: Feelings: Short burst of overwhelming feeling of Helplessness, Fearfulness, Discouragement, Uneasiness, Anger, Depression

III. Life Storms: Big and Small

a. Job: Job 5:7 Yet man is born to trouble
as surely as sparks fly upward.

b. Jesus : John 16:33 ³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

c. James: James 1: 2-4 ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Summary: Inevitable, Unavoidable, Doable

IV. Life Storms: Categories and Reactions

Category 1: Just need to See through .

Category 2: Just need to Fight on .

Category 3: Just need to Sit tight .

Category 4: Just need to Hang-On.

Category 5 : Just need to Hang Out.

V. All Storms: Dealing with as a Christian

a. Pause: Get a real Angle (Perspective) I am A child Of God…Even in this shadow He is with me…

b. Pray: Get some real Assurance (Promise) Let go and Let God, All things do work together, I don’t know how but I choose to trust

c. Praise: Get the real Access (Presence) God inhabits to praise of His people…prayer touches God’s heart…Praise loosens God’s hand

Consider the Cross… For the joy set before Him…

“Praise You in the Storm”—Casting Crowns

I was sure by now God you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain “I’m with you”
And as You mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away I’ll praise You in this storm And I will life my hands
For You are who You are No matter where I am Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry You raised me up again My strength is almost gone How can I carry on If I can’t find You As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain “I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away I lift my eyes unto the hills Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth

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“Jesus’ Family Prayer…Final exam”

Introduction: Last week Jesus talked about us being with Him in heaven—Him penultimate message to the Disciples before His time on the cross. He taught us that we are Selected, Saved, and Sealed. Heaven is going to be a New Time….as we are caught up, in a new Place…as we are carried up, with a New Body…as we are cleaned up, and into a new Order…as sins curse is cleared up. The invitation however is as old as time, whosoever…the question being are we really clued in? Now we come to Jesus last words in His prayer and He brings the future into the present…

John 17: 25-26 ²⁵ “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you…

a. The World of the Father---Holiness (Righteousness)

God let Humanity choose. Humanity chose Sin and died though they lived. God gave His Law to further prove that obedience could not change the heart. God gave His Son to fix what we could not fix—our broken relationship with Him. Righteousness is granted (justification); Holiness is strived for (sanctification), and Humbleness is rewarded (glorification).

…I know you, and they know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I have made you known to them…,

b. The Work of the Son---Deliverer (Lord, Savoir, and Introducer to the Father)

Jesus still lets humanity choose. Some choose His deliverance for them and live though they die. Jesus did what the Law could not do; change the heart (Conversion). He fixed what we could not fix—our broken relationship with the Father. The Father still grants Righteousness. Jesus however rewards the Humble.

…and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them….

c. The Ways of the Spirit---Compeller (woo to Jesus, convince of Jesus, win to Jesus, The Changer of Heart, the Convict-or of Sin, the Prover of Work of the Son and Mentor into the world of the Father)

The Holy Spirit helps humanity choose Jesus. He grants new life now and continued life in heaven. He joins with the Converted in striving for Holiness. He continually fixes the heart of saved sinner and continuously woos those back to the Cross and back into the relationship with the Father .

…and that I myself may be in them

d. The Wisdom of the Trinity—Partner

Jesus takes us beyond “Emmanuel” ---“God with Us(Jesus)” to God for us(Father) and God in Us (Holy Spirit).

Theologians call this the Holy Dance. When one moves they all move, when one desires they all desire, when one acts, they all act. The significance of this “dance” at the end of Jesus’ discourse is overwhelming. It’s His invitation to you and to me to come join the dance…

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“Jesus Family Prayer –Bring Us There!”

John 17: 24 Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

I. Heavenly Hints …

Father, I want those you have given me…

a. God Selected

b. Jesus Saved

c. Hoy Spirit. Sealed

John 15: 16 ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Ephesians 2 :8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God

Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

…to be with me where I am…

Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

John 14:2-6 ²In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Conclusion: Jesus love and desire to be with His beloved extends beyond earthy ties and human limitations. His love calling lasts beyond the grave to a place far better, a paradise far greater, an eternal home far beyond all we can imagine. But be assured it is a place.

…and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

I John3:2² Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Conclusion: Heaven includes bodies like His, thus we can assume we will have the ability to see, hear, touch, smell, and taste, but mostly heaven must be a place of newness, re-creation, love, happiness and worship.

II. Heavenly Realms: “Some Good “News”

1. A New Time:

1 Thess. 4: ¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever

2. A New Place:

Rev. 21 ¹ Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”^[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

3. A New Body

Philippians 3: ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

4. A New Order:

Rev. 21 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5. A Old Invitation:

Rev. 22 ¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

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“Jesus Family Prayer –Bring Me Near!”

John 17: 20-23²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

I. A Fathers Love for His Son…. even as you have loved me.

εμε ηγαπησας

1. The Father Loved His Son with Passion

Matthew 17: 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

John 3 ³⁴ For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God^[a] gives the Spirit without limit. ³⁵ The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. ³⁶ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

4 Terms for Love: Eros (ἔρως érōs) (from the Greek deity Eros) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. Philia (φιλία philía), a dispassionate virtuous love, includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality, and familiarity. Storge (στοργή storgē) is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring. Agape (ἀγάπη agápē) means love in modern-day Greek. It generally refers to a "pure," ideal type of love. Giving solely for the Other w/o expecting a return…

1. Manifestation of Love: Oneness

a. One in Heart,

2. Manifestation of Love: Unity

b. One in Mind

EX. #1 Joel EX. #2 three-legged race

2. The Father Had a Unique Plan for His Son.

Matthew 1 ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Luke 2 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

A. There are more than 360 O.T. prophecies that Jesus fulfilled…Virgin Birth…Spat upon…Egypt. All were dots in Life that Jesus saw were being connected by God the Father. The role of Messiah grew in Jesus heart and Mind and understanding.

B. There are still prophecies to fulfill….”It is finished” is the half way point of the Fathers Plan.

3. The Father Sent His Son a Paraclete Mark 1 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

A. Holy Spirit was bestowed for Presence, Power, and Peace for Jesus. Why? He submitted to the father and Him work in, through, and for Him.

4. The Father Filled His Son with Heavenly Significance and Holy Purpose Philippians 2 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A. In His Humanness, Jesus life was more significant than He ever thought possible! Yet, he had an inkling…. for the Joy set before Him he endured the Cross…

II. A Father’s Love for His Children. and have loved them

1. The Father Loves ____________with Passion. John 3:16

2. The Father Has a Unique Plan for ______Life.

a. Think of all the dots He has connected in your life first to come to know Him and second to continue to walk with Him. Our “it is finished” moment is only the ½ way point!

3. The Father has sent _____ a Paraclete (Holy Spirit) to grant us presence, power and peace.

4. The Father wants to fill _______with Heavenly Significance and Holy Purpose.

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“Jesus Family Prayer –Bring them In!”

I. Introduction : Vs.20-23 3 points:

1. Verses 1-5: Jesus prays For Himself

2. Verses 6-19: Jesus prays for His Disciples… (Though to original 12 in context, we find Jesus’ words are for us as well)

3. Verses 20-26: Jesus prays for all Believers… (Believers in each generation who come to know Him and whom he has chosen that their life purpose is to show Him)

Conclusion: Each generation of believers is important. Each individual believer has always been cherished. God is counting on us! Also, God does not change. God is neither a God of the past nor simply the God of the future, but always the God of the Present. Q= How do you and I choose to view God?

II. Observation #1: The unity of the Scriptures: Salvations story begins with an invitation to faith…who will believe. And concludes with the inspiration of faith: Love Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Familiar Example: John3 ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ that everyone who believes (Faith) may have eternal life in him.” ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes (Faith) in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸

III. Observation #2: The Unity of Discipleship (Disciples through the ages: connecting 19-20)

1. Then and Now: One in Message ²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message

a. The “Their” is simply every believer.

b. The Message is simply the never changing Gospel: 1) God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their life. 2) We all are sinners and separated from God and cannot know that love and plan. 3) Jesus died in our place to bridge the gap so we can know Gods love and plan. 4) We must individually receive Jesus as our personal Savoir. And then we can know and experience God’s wondrous love and plan.

c. The implication is Jesus works in and through every person who comes to know Him and Love Him so that in each generation there is a remnant of those who will bear witness to what God has done, will do, and wants to do…if…

Q= How are you and I doing in our generation to share the message?

2. Then and Now: One in Make-up: ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us How are we “One “in Christ and “One” with each other. Unity and unified!

Familiar example: John 14 ¹⁵ “If you love me, keep my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. ²¹ Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

In each generation what makes a real disciple of Christ remains the same: A life that has a witness of Christ inwardly (Through the witness of the Holy Spirit), which leads to a desire to witness for Christ outwardly. Jesus said you will be my witnesses…What makes us “one” in Christ is an open acknowledgement that the same Jesus who I accepted into my heart, the same Holy Spirit who came and filled and sealed me, and the same Heavenly Father whom I have come to realize was behind it all from the beginning, is the same Dynamic Trinity that has done the same in your life (Unified). What makes us “one” with each other is the determination to keep that bond of unity despite the world around us, the lingering sinfulness within us, and the Enemy against us. We have a collective story to tell and a life of compassion to share. (Unity)

3. Then and Now: One in Mandate so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Familiar Question: Jesus points beyond His role as God/ Man, Savoir and Lord to the Almighty God of Creation. Why is it important for us to know that Almighty God sent Jesus?

a. Christ is assuring us that there is a Bigger Reality, an eternal plan unfolding, behind His death and resurrection and His ability to continue to change people’s hearts and lives. There is something more ominous, something more incredible, something more worth both living and dying for.

b. Here is the key: Our Life Message and Mission deal with the answer to the greatest mystery of all: Life’s meaning and Death’s mystery. Unbelievers may not understand the consequences of not coming to know Christ, and God the Creator’s role in the process, but we should and must. People souls are in the balance in each generation. We are God’s only spokespeople! As a modern day disciple you and I should have a feeling of quiet Desperation—time is running out.

Q= Have you faced you own mortality and have you faced the desperate, dire reality that others lives are continuing on in the march toward a time when they will step off into eternity? Everyone dies! For a church and for an individual Christian becoming a Christian is not an option of one among many…that is a lie from the pit of hell…No true believer in Christ would ever, ever put Christianity on the same level as other religions. Other religions are at best a unrealistic set of rules or philosophies that provide an illusion of hope—but nothing of reality! For a modern day Disciple, the mission of the church is to come to grips with the fact that our message, make-up and mission are a life and death situation, We’re dealing with a real heaven and a hell---Do you and I care that family members, friends and even our current foes eternal destinies are at stake!

4. Then and Now: One in Mission

Lords Army

I may never march in the infantry,
Ride in the cavalry,
Shoot the artillery.
I may never fly o'er the enemy,
But I'm in the Lord's army!
Yes Sir!

I'm in the Lord's army!
Yes sir!
I'm in the Lord's army!
Yes sir!

I may never march in the infantry,
Ride in the cavalry,
Shoot the artillery.
I may never fly o'er the enemy,
But I'm in the Lord's army!
Yes sir!

I'm in the Lord's army!
Yes sir!
I'm in the Lord's army!
Yes sir!

Heaven’s Draft card

Jesus Christ hereby extends to you the offer to become a soldier of the cross, a member of the greatest army ever assembled. The call is to make a difference for heaven in as many people’s lives as He puts in our path. The commitment is that He will save if you will share. He will protect if you will pray. He will give you life eternal if you give all of your life to Him and to the Gospel’s.

Name___________________________________

Signed __________________________________

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“Jesus Family Prayer –Get Out!!”

John 17: 13-18 ¹³ “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. ¹⁴ I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by^[a] the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

1. Joy is the Fundamental Heart-Set that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.

Ex. Last Week: Mark 8:35 : For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it..

a. Happiness can be derived from Knowing about Christ, for the Baby and Carnal Christian

b. Joy however can only be known by Knowing and getting to Know Christ of the Maturing Christian.

2. Joy is the Foundational Mind-Set

Ex. To Make the decision to truly live totally for the Lord has a Codifying effect on how we approach life…Ex. To codify is to organize or collect together into a system…basically its getting our spiritual ducks in line…its beginning to be and do what our new Christian heat has always wanted to be and do.

I. A Christian Life according to Jesus is going to be a Conundrum, a Choice, and a Challenge.

1) It’s a Conundrum (a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun) ¹⁴ I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

a. To be like Jesus is to be loving, holy, forgiving, only wanting to best for others, who would ever find fault with such an attitude?

1. World: people want what you have but resent that you have it: i.e. Love, joy, etc.

2. Evil One: Fallen angel of God who now hurts the Father by hurting you and I.

a. Light vs. Darkness

b. Aroma of Life vs. Stench of Death

c. Godliness vs. ungodliness

The Conundrum is how to live a life of love in the midst of so much misunderstanding, dislike and yes, even hatred. How to stay loving when others are so unloving, how to be forgiving when people are so cruel, how to walk with Christ and proclaim His perfect Grace when people can only see Him through your oft times imperfect life.

2) It’s a Choice ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by^[a] the truth; your word is truth.

a. Choice to Walk or Waffle… They are not of the world …Accept the fact that you are not of the World.

b. Choice to Study or Stagnate…¹⁷ Sanctify them by^[a] the truth; your word is truth…Accept the fact that you must become a student of the Word, be faithful and involved in a bible believing church, Build your most intimate relationships with Bible believing Brothers and Sisters.

c. Choice to Give in or Give up… Sanctify them…Accept the fact that God has chosen you for two reasons: He wants to pour His love in you and He wants to pour His love through you.

The Choice is coming to understand God’s choice of you but more. Will, you make life choices for Him. Will you and I make daily make it our life goal and propose to let Him have more of His way in our life that we can become more like Jesus. The goal is not just heaven…the goal from God’s point of view is how many will you and I influence for heaven.

3) It’s a Challenge (Individually and Corporately) ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. Are we joyfully ready to:

Matthew 28 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Rick Warren: Church growth is a natural result of church health. Church health can only occur when our message is biblical and our mission is balanced. Churches grow warmer through fellowship, deeper trough discipleship, stronger through worship, broader though ministry, and larger through evangelism.

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“Jesus Family Prayer –Joy!”

^{John17:6-13 6} “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸ For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. ⁹ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰ All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. ¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. ¹² While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. ¹³ “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.

I. Joy 242x Familiar verses

Ps 51, Ps 126, Isa. 35 , Matthew 13 , Luke 2, Luke 10, Acts 13 Romans 14, James 1, 1 Peter John 17 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them

a. Greek Wording: χαραν “ Chara” =translated; joy: calm delight, cheerfully, gladness, exceeding joy….

b. πεπληρωμενην “Playroo” = translated; full measure: replete, crammed full as in a net of fish, level up as with a hollow, fully supply …

My own definition: such a welling up of inner gladness that it literally is too much for us to hold; an overflowing giddiness that literally takes control and only increases as time goes by

c. Not Happiness:

1. Happiness is based on outward circumstances; Joy simply bubbles out from within.

2. Happiness is a matter of the mind that makes its way down to the heart. Joy is a matter of the heart that makes its way to the mind.

3. Happiness is at best temporal, easily dissuaded, and subject to continuous stimulation. Joy is a product of a bonding between the HS and our Spirit, which Jesus crams into us when we come to know Him…in the least it is the hearts freedom from shame and guilt that we have because of the sins that are now forgiven. And at best it is the finding out that God is interested, in love and in touch with little Ole us, and that when Jesus claimed us for His own, when he wooed us and claimed us and cleansed us and filled us, life just got better, just got clearer, just got able to handle all the disappointments that may come along, because if God be for me, who can be against me. PTL

II. Why aren’t most Christians Experiencing real joy? Most Christians are loving, most have the assurance that they are going to heaven, most of them are pretty happy, content, but joyful and joy filled?

III. The simple answer and this is our closing thought….Joy is a choice; it also then challenges us with other choices, and it’s the willingness to make the same choice over and over and over again that allows the bubbling up of joy to become a more pronounced part of who we are.

1. Here’s the choice: Jesus put it this way in Luke 9: For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

The first choice that we have to make is not who will be our Savior, its coming to real grips with who is going to be our Lord.

2. It’s also a choice that challenges us with other choices, and the willingness to make the same choice over and over and over again. And it can be simply put

J.O.Y. J=_____, O=_____ Y=________ But more: over V. _______, over your F. ______, over your H._________, over your W. ______ over your C _________ over S. ________,

Mark repeated Jesus words about life when he said in Mark 8:35 : For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.. The question is what are you not only willing to let go, but also what are you willing to Take Up.

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THE NAMES OF GOD

OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD

ELOHIM...Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1 meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.

ADONAI...Malachi 1:6 meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.

JEHOVAH--YAHWEH...Genesis 2:4

a reference to God's divine salvation.

JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.... Exodus 31:13 meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"

JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1 meaning "The Lord my shepherd"

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH... Ezekiel 48:35 meaning "The Lord who is present"

JEHOVAH-RAPHA....Exodus 15:26 meaning "The Lord our healer"

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU... Jeremiah 23:6 meaning "The Lord our righteousness"

JEHOVAH-JIREH...Genesis 22:13-14 meaning "The Lord will provide"

JEHOVAH-NISSI...Exodus 17:15 meaning "The Lord our banner"

JEHOVAH-SHALOM...Judges 6:24 meaning "The Lord is peace"

JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH... Isaiah 6:1-3 meaning "The Lord of Hosts"

JEHOVAH-GMOLAH...Jeremiah 51:6

meaning "The God of Recompense"

EL-ELYON....Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14 meaning "The most high God

EL-ROI....Genesis 16:13

meaning "The strong one who sees"

EL-SHADDAI...Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1 meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"

EL-OLAM.....Isaiah 40:28-31 meaning "The everlasting God"

MORE NAMES OF GOD

ABBA...Romans 8:15
ADVOCATE...I John 2:1 (kjv)
ALMIGHTY Genesis 17:1
ALPHA......Revelation 22:13
AMEN.....Revelation 3:14
ANCIENT OF DAYS...Daniel 7:9
ANOINTED ONE...Psalm 2:2
APOSTLE...................Hebrews 3:1
ARM OF THE LORD.... Isaiah 53:1
AUTHOR OF LIFE.....Acts 3:15
AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH....Hebrews 12:2
BEGINNING..... ..Revelation 21:6
BLESSED & HOLY RULER....1 Timothy 6:15
BRANCH.....................Jeremiah 33:15
BREAD OF GOD.........John 6:33
BREAD OF LIFE.....................John 6:35
BRIDEGROOM........................Isaiah 62:56
BRIGHT MORNING STAR.........Revelation 22:16
CHIEF SHEPHERD.....................1 Peter 5:4
CHOSEN ONE.........................Isaiah 42:1
CHRIST.............................Matthew 22:42
CHRIST OF GOD......................Luke 9:20
CHRIST THE LORD....................Luke 2:11
CHRIST, SON OF LIVING GOD..........Matthew 16:16
COMFORTER..........................John 14:26(kjv)
COMMANDER..........................Isaiah 55:4
CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL...............Luke 2:25
CONSUMING FIRE......................Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29
CORNERSTONE.........................Isaiah 28:16
COUNSELOR...........................Isaiah 9:6
CREATOR.............................1 Peter 4:19
DELIVERER..............................Romans 11:26
DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS.................Haggai 2:7
DOOR...................................John 10:7(kjv)
END....................................Revelation 21:6
ETERNAL GOD............................Deut. 33:27
EVERLASTING FATHER.....................Isaiah 9:6
FAITHFUL & TRUE........................Revelation 19:11
FAITHFUL WITNESS.......................Revelation 1:5
FATHER.................................Matthew 6:9
FIRSTBORN (3)........................................Rom.8:29,Rev.1:5,Col.1:15
FIRST FRUITS............................1 Cor.15:20-23
FOUNDATION.............................1 Cor. 3:11
FRIEND OF TAX COLLECTORS & SINNERS.....Matthew 11:19
GENTLE WHISPER.........................1 Kings 19:12
GIFT OF GOD............................John 4:10
GLORY OF THE LORD......................Isaiah 40:5
GOD....................................Genesis 1:1
GOD ALMIGHTY...........................Genesis 17:1
GOD OVER ALL...........................Romans 9:5
GOD WHO SEES ME........................Genesis 16:13
GOOD SHEPHERD..........................John 10:11
GREAT HIGH PRIEST......................Hebrews 4:14
GREAT SHEPHERD.........................Hebrews 13:20
GUIDE..................................Psalm 48:14
HEAD OF THE BODY.......................Colossians 1:18
HEAD OF THE CHURCH.....................Ephesians 5:23
HEIR OF ALL THINGS.....................Hebrews 1:2
HIGH PRIEST............................Hebrews 3:1
HIGH PRIEST FOREVER....................Hebrews 6:20
HOLY ONE...............................Acts 2:27
HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.....................Isaiah 49:7
HOLY SPIRIT............................John 15:26
HOPE...................................Titus 2:13
HORN OF SALVATION......................Luke 1:69
I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58
IMAGE OF GOD............................2 Cor. 4:4
IMAGE OF HIS PERSON.....................Hebrews 1:3 (kjv)
IMMANUEL................................Isaiah 7:14
JEALOUS..............................Exodus 34:14 (kjv)
JEHOVAH..............................Psalm 83:18 (kjv)
JESUS................................Matthew 1:21
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD................Romans 6:23
JUDGE................................Isaiah 33:22, Acts 10:42
KING.................................Zechariah 9:9
KING ETERNAL.........................1 Timothy 1:17
KING OF KINGS........................1 Timothy 6:15
KING OF THE AGES.....................Revelation 15:3
LAMB OF GOD...........................John 1:29
LAST ADAM.............................1 Cor. 15:45
LAWGIVER..............................Isaiah 33:22
LEADER................................Isaiah 55:4
LIFE..................................John 14:6
LIGHT OF THE WORLD....................John 8:12
LIKE AN EAGLE.........................Deut. 32:11
LILY OF THE VALLEYS...................Song 2:1
LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH............Revelation 5:5
LIVING STONE..........................1 Peter 2:4
LIVING WATER..........................John 4:10
LORD..................................John 13:13
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.....................Revelation 15:3
LORD JESUS CHRIST.....................1 Cor. 15:57
LORD OF ALL...........................Acts 10:36
LORD OF GLORY ........................1 Cor. 2:8
LORD OF HOSTS.........................Haggai 1:5
LORD OF LORDS.........................1 Tim. 6:15
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS..............Jeremiah 23:6
LOVE.................................1 John 4:8
MAN OF SORROWS.........................Isaiah 53:3
MASTER..................................Luke 5:5
MEDIATOR................................1 Timothy 2:5
MERCIFUL GOD............................Jeremiah 3:12
MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT................Malachi 3:1
MESSIAH................................. John 4:25
MIGHTY GOD...............................Isaiah 9:6
MIGHTY ONE...............................Isaiah 60:16
NAZARENE.................................Matthew 2:23
OFFSPRING OF DAVID.......................Revelation 22:16
OMEGA....................................Revelation 22:13
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON........................John 1:18(kjv)
OUR PASSOVER LAMB........................1 Cor. 5:7
OUR PEACE................................Ephesians 2:14
POTTER...................................Isaiah 64:8
POWER OF GOD.............................1 Cor. 1:24
PRINCE OF PEACE..........................Isaiah 9:6
PROPHET..................................Acts 3:22
PURIFIER.................................Malachi 3:3
RABBONI (TEACHER)........................John 20:16
RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY..................Heb.1:3
REDEEMER.................................Job 19:25
REFINER'S FIRE...........................Malachi 3:2
RESURRECTION.............................John 11:25
RIGHTEOUS ONE............................1 John 2:1
ROCK.....................................1 Cor.10:4
ROOT OF DAVID............................Rev. 22:16
ROSE OF SHARON...........................Song 2:1
RULER OF GOD'S CREATION..................Rev. 3:14
RULER OVER KINGS OF EARTH................Rev 1:5
RULER OVER ISRAEL........................Micah 5:2
SAVIOR...................................Luke 2:11
SCEPTER OUT OF ISRAEL....................Numbers 24:17
SEED.....................................Genesis 3:15
SERVANT..................................Isaiah 42:1
SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS....................1Peter 2:25
SHIELD...................................Genesis 15:1
SON OF DAVID.............................Matthew 1:1
SON OF GOD...............................Matthew 27:54
SON OF MAN...............................Matthew 8:20
SON OF THE MOST HIGH.....................Luke 1:32
SOURCE...................................Hebrews 5:9
SPIRIT OF GOD............................Genesis 1:2
STAR OUT OF JACOB........................Numbers 24:17
STONE....................................1 Peter 2:8
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.....................Malachi 4:2
TEACHER...................................John 13:13
TRUE LIGHT................................John 1:9
TRUE WITNESS..............................Revelation 3:14
TRUTH.....................................John 14:6
VINE......................................John 15:5
WAY........................................John 14:6
WISDOM OF GOD..............................1 Cor. 1:24
WITNESS....................................Isaiah 55:4
WONDERFUL..................................Isaiah 9:6
WORD.......................................John 1:1
WORD OF GOD................................Revelation 19:13

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“Jesus’ Family Prayer—Old Glory!

John 17: 8b-11a They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. ⁹ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰ All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. ¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.

Old Glory: The national flag of the United States of America (or the American flag) consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the "union") bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars. The fifty stars on the flag represent the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy and became the first states in the Union.^[1] Nicknames for the flag include the "Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory,"^[2] and "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Iconic meaning… At first….The modern meaning of the flag, was forged in December 1861, when Major Robert Anderson, acting without orders, moved the American garrison from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, in defiance of the overwhelming power of the new Confederate States of America. Goodheart argues this was the opening move of the Civil War, and the flag was used throughout the North to symbolize American nationalism and rejection of secessionism. But then…

Inspirational meaning: The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from "Defense of Fort McHenry",^[1] a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships in Chesapeake Bay during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.

Intended Meaning: This original Old Glory was made and presented to the young Captain Driver by his mother and some young ladies of his native Salem, Massachusetts.^[1] The year is uncertain, but it was probably sometime in the 1820s. It is a large flag, measuring 10 feet by 17 feet, heavily constructed and designed to be flown from a ship's mast. It originally had 24 stars and, symbolic of its nautical purpose, includes a small anchor sewn in the corner of its blue canton. The captain was very pleased with his gift, and always kept it with him. By most accounts, he first hailed the flag as "Old Glory," when he left harbor for a trip around the world in 1831-1832, as commander of the whaling vessel Charles Doggett. Old Glory served as the ship's official flag throughout the voyage. Some weathering and fraying almost certainly occurred during this severe service, and the flag shows evidence of patching on more than one occasion. There really was an “Old Glory!”

I. Glory: How had the disciples brought “Glory” to Jesus?

1. They Believed in Him: Iconic understanding of who Jesus represented as the coming Messiah. He would be a King, a Deliverer. A Mighty warrior to throw off the years of oppression by the Romans. Jesus knew they had it ½ wrong, but…He would use the opinions that they had before the cross to teach them the real meaning of who He was, and what He had come to do after the cross. Fact: They Believed in Him

2. They Believed Him: Inspired by Jesus ability to perform miracles, to teach, to heal, and to raise the dead. The put their hope in Him ; they entrusted their heart to Him. Little did they know how disappointed they would be at the cross, but how inspired they would be at the resurrection. Fact: They believed Him.

3. They Bought into Him: Jesus was a real person to them. They witnessed His Life….Later they would be His witnesses to His resurrection, His Ascension, the Promise of His return, and the coming of the Holy Spirit that literally changed their hearts and enlightened their minds. At this point in Jesus prayer, it was enough for the disciples to have believed, Believed in, and Bought into Jesus. That was the glory they bought. But the real “glory bringing” was manifested as they spent the rest of their lives .

II. How did the Disciples continue to bring Glory to Jesus? The y simply Brought Him to others. What Jesus had taught them about Life: John 15:1-17

¹ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. ⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other.

III. The real question is Why?

1. They understood His choice of them.

2. They reveled in the fact that He loved them. Called them His friends.

3. They saw that Jesus would want others to know about Him. Thus the call to bear fruit…

4. They spent their lives sharing the iconic, inspirational but intended meaning of who they knew Jesus was to them….and later to all who would listen, who sensed a need to know a forgiving, loving God who was real.

IV. How do we as modern day disciples bring “New” glory to Him?

1. Determine where you are at in your opinion of Him? An iconic view…an inspirational view? Or the intended view?

2. Dig into the scriptures and more into your own heart to find out for sure that you can answer the “why” question. His choice of you? His love for you? His call for you to bear fruit.

3. His real question is not what will you do for me as it is what will you do with Him. As we walk, we’ll simply tell others what you know and have discovered about me. The real question is, will you?

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“Jesus’ Family Prayer—God’s Word, God’s Way”

John 17: 6-8a ⁶ “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸ For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them.

I. Bible Grant: Word of God (Father) Passed to Son (Jesus) presented to us (Born again Believers) but more…

II. Bible Gift:

a. For the Curious: Light on Who Christ is…(Savoir)

b. For the Converted: Light on Who Christ is…(Lord)

Little by Little, every day, Little by little in every way, I am becoming more like Jesus… Nana

III. How we Approach the Bible (Get into Bible)

Ex. Bible Study Methods: 12 Methods Rick Warren

Devotional, Chapter Summary, Character Qualities, Thematic, Biographical study, Topic, Word Study, Book Background, Book Survey, Chapter analysis, Book synthesis, Verse by Verse.

IV. How we Apply the Bible (Bible Get into us) 5 keys

1. Know the Author

2. Have a Place and a Plan

3. Pray for Understanding

4. Determine Obedience upfront

5. Have faith in your family role as Child and Disciple:

V. How we Assume the Posture of Being His (Bible out from Us)

Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

1. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, Settle the Issue of Who Jesus is for YOU! John 14:6⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…Know Him, know yourself…No Him, know nothing. Truth is not a concept, it’s a person

2. with the breastplate of righteousness in place: Protect Your Heart. Seat of decisions. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. The Bible does not teach is to DO righteous things, it teaches us to BE righteous people. If your heart is righteous your actions will be as well. Ask Jesus into your heart? What do you really love in life?

3. and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace: Decide whose Shoes you are going to walk in. My Shoes—Where I am going, being a nice person, but it’s my life to live for Him. His Shoes—Where He is leading, being a holy person, it’s His life living through me. Gospel shoes are pumps, not loafers… Life purpose..as you got take the gospel

4. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one... Settle the issue of Who You are for Jesus. Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Jesus wants us to burn bright, Satan wants us to burn up. What is it that “burns” you up? Jealously, anger, bitterness, disappointment…These are the arrows! Are you willing to be satisfied with God providing all your needs?

5. Take the helmet of salvation. Protect your Mind. 1 John 3:1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Cherish don’t Cower…When I know that I am His, then I can know that all my life is in his hands, He has a purpose for my life, He loves me, and Satan, though he wants to defeat me, is a loser, and I am a winner! Without assurance of your salvation—Gods choice of You, your mind will always be unsure.

6. and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Claim your Birth Right . Know your Birth Right. How!? Back to John 17---Approach the Bible, Apply the Bible, Assume the Role. It’s a grant, it’s a gift, its Gods Word, and God’s Way.

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“Jesus’ Family Prayer—Dad’s idea!”

John 17: 1-5 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. ² For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ⁴ I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. ⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

I. Introduction: Joel and His Dad: baby, youth, teen, man

II. Jesus and His Dad

a. *A Relationship built on Love : John 3:35, 5:20, 10:17, 14:21-24, 15:7-10, 16:27

b. Love revealed in “Glory” δοξη Def: Dignity, Honor Praise. Glory was something the Father lovingly Bestowed upon His Son. He was a decent and good Dad who sought the very, very best for His Son!

III. The Glory that the Father has given….to His Son

1. Crown (favor) John3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Μονογενους: Sole, Begotten, only, “special of special”

A. Jesus was and will be a King: Mark 15:2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied

B. Jesus is THE King of Kings: Revelation 1 To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, ⁶ and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

The Father bestowed a Crown, gave extreme favor to the Son. The Father loved His Son, believed in His Son, and endued a sense of confidence in His Son.

2. Kingdom (fidelity: loyalty) John 17:9-20 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰ All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.

a. A King needs to Work with and for His Kingdom… (Gen 1: God rested on the seventh day)

b. A King needs to Enjoy and Delight in His Kingdom…. (Gen 1: God saw that it was good!)

c. A King needs to Love and be loved in His Kingdom…(Gen 1: And God created man and woman…)

The Father gave His entire Kingdom to His Son. “All I have is yours.” But He taught His Son that maintain a kingdom takes work, play, and love.

3. Crowds (friends) Luke 12:31-32 ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. ³² “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

John14 ¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

The real glory that the Father gave was the depth of Love that that transcends mere self satisfaction, but moves out to others and includes others. In giving the glory of a crown, a kingdom and a crowd to His Son, the Father then said, let’s include all your friends. They can become my sons and daughters as well. We will teach them how to love and be like us

a. What Glory earthly Father’s really give..to their Sons and daughters…

Favor (The crown of Life): Good dads let their kids know:

1. They are a special of special., one of a kind son or daughter

a. Good dads love them, believe in them, and help them to face the world with confidence.

Fidelity: Loyalty (How to live in this world kingdom) Good dads give their all in sharing their life experience and expertise in teaching their sons and daughters not only how to do but how to be.

1. Good Dads know that kids need to know how to work hard

2. Really Good Dads know that kids need to be able to enjoy and play as well as work.

3. The Best Dads know that kids need to see and know that real life, good life only happens when one can love and be loved.

Friends (The Crowd we choose to be with determines whether we will falter or fly)

1. Good Dads watch their sons or daughters choice in friendships

2. Good Dads accept and become surrogate fathers in the life of their children’s fiends.

3. Good Dads love their kids in front of their friends in order to show and to teach that “family” can include many, many others….

End Notes

John 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.

John 5:20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

John 10:17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again

John 14:21-24 ²¹ Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” ²² Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” ²³ Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

John 15:7-10 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. ⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

John 16:27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God

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“Jesus’ Family Prayer—Life!”

1. Context: John 17=High Priestly Prayer; an exegetical study of Jesus prayer for His family

After Jesus said this…

a. Next Chapters: 18: Jesus is arrested…time with Pilate, 19: Jesus is sentenced…time on the Cross, 20 Jesus is resurrected…time after death, 20 Jesus is alive…time with the disciples….Acts 1 Jesus is ascended…time with the Father (preparing, interceding, readying for His return)

b. Previous Chapter: 16

Passion Of Jesus revealed Perception Of Jesus realized

1. Structure: Vs.1-5 Jesus Prays for Himself; Vs. 6-19 Jesus Prays for His Disciples, Vs. 20-26 Jesus Prays for All Believers: J = “Family Truths”

a. Jesus Prays for Himself…Vs1-5 5 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come; Death was knocking on the Door…and Jesus knew it!

² For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

I. Life’s True Meaning VS 2 For you granted him authority

a. Authority ἐξουσίαν : Ability to assert influence, power J It was and is His idea for you to belong

b. Issue ? CONTROL . We love being autonomous: claiming our right to exert free WILL, It’s my Life.

Luke 9:23 ²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. ²⁵ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him

J John 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Head knowledge will never let you truly believe in Jesus. It has to go deeper. Jesus eyes, invites, initiates, indwells and invests…in those you have given him

a. To “accept” Jesus to Believe what you already know

b. To “ know” Jesus is to Bestow what you already long to give, not just your heart, but your entire life…We can never know our Savoir until we make Him our Lord.

II. Life’s True Motion ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (God the Father, God the Son, How? Answer God the Holy Spirit)

a. Know γινώσκωσι Might recognize or perceive. This is striking, that eternal life consists in knowledge, or rather the pursuit of knowledge, since the present tense marks a continuance, a progressive perception of God in Christ.

If you want a sheer knowledge about Christ: go to the Catholics

If you want a sheer experience of Christ: Go to the Pentecostals

If you want a sheer philosophy about God: Go to the Liberals

If you want a sheer work ethic for Christ: Go to the Baptists or Wesleyans

J But what about us…here at UPC. When we determine to be we can then have something to offer. Can we not offer the following: If you want to know and grow, to mature and to experience, to study the Bible, to be disciples and be about making disciples, then come and be a part of our family

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“Jesus’ Family Prayer—Part 1”

I. Context: Family issues…the past two weeks….today we continue of the subject of being in the “family”

1. John 17=High Priestly Prayer; an exegetical study.

After Jesus said this…

a. Next Chapters: 18: Jesus is

arrested…time with Pilate, 19: Jesus is sentenced…time on the Cross, 20 Jesus is resurrected…time after death, 20 Jesus is alive…time with the disciples….Acts 1 Jesus is ascended…time with the Father (preparing, interceding, readying for His return)

b. Previous Chapter: 16

Passion Of Jesus revealed (Vs. 7) ⁷Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Perception Of Jesus realized (Vss.29-31) Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. ³⁰ Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” ³¹ “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied…From this verse on, Jesus enters a family discussion and prays for those who “Believe”

II. Structure: Vs.1-5 Jesus Prays for Himself; Vs. 6-19 Jesus Prays for His Disciples, Vs. 20-26 Jesus Prays for All Believers: J = “Family Truths”

III. Jesus Prays for Himself…Vs1-5 5 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come

a. Death was knocking on the Door…and Jesus knew it!

1. Humanly: Jesus did not want to die: He was shaken, He was scared, he was Distraught but finally He was resigned J Jesus can relate to you and I when there is trouble: He knows of feeling of uncertainly, fear, and doubt, and stands by us His family

2. Divinely: Jesus was already feeling the dividing, dark weight of the sins of the world on Him. J Your sins and mine…Jesus Knew that Satan’s grandest Desire was coming true: He could hurt the father by hurting the Son J Satan can still try to make us stumble but never can he condemn, nor can he possess one of the family---

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies

3. L The God/Man: Jesus’ greatest fear was not death, not the weight of our sins, not the sacrifice but more…the time that for a few moments when Jesus would bore our sins, the Father would have to turn away… (The Father turned his head but not his back)… Mark 15

³⁴ And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).^[

…those feelings of abandonment, isolation, loss of fellowship, loss of intimacy, loss of His Love in Life may have been understandable reason for Jesus to change His mind….But J It’s what he came to fix…in your life and mine. That is the Good News—His death gave us life, His isolation brought us restoration, His despair, brought us hope, confidence, the chance to know God and walk with Hi m now and forever….and thus endured. For our Eternal Rewards, but more …

J Life here and now: What are you feeling today, what have you lost? In the battlefield of life where are you wounded…? ALL TO JESUS

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“Belonging in a Good Family” Part II

a. God’s Family Origins: What makes a family?

NOT…Never

1. Economic Positions (makes alike?)

2. Exhibited Propensities (thinks alike?)

3. Emotional Personalities (acts alike?) Rather…more intense

1. Blood Connection (A Part of life) 1 Peter 1 To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, ² who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

2. Generational Cohesion (A Place in life) Romans 8 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

3. Innate Compassion (A Passion for life) Romans 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, (Love for Jesus, love for enemies, mostly love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ---the greatest marker of a true growing, family of God is the love they have one for another—and its not hard….God pours into us the ability to want to love)

Our church family---this family of God….becomes a place of journeying together as family members….sharing the Rigor of the trip, striving to fulfill the task of drawing family member’s back and helping them Reconnect, Reminiscing about life’s trek and what Christ Has individually and collectively done for us and what we are doing and being for Him, and finally always coming back to the take of eye opening and heartwarming Realization 1) Thought: Even the Family of God is imperfect, so very important, so incredibly imperative…where I find and you find the roots of our security in life, sanity in trials, and solace in all we do . 2) each of us should wholeheartedly come o the Conclusion: I love my family, it is what it is, but it is what I have…its life’s greatest privilege to be a part of for not only the here and now…but more, or the now and later!

I. Family Circles: Dealing with Difficult earthy and Heavenly family members….the Bigger Picture….See all of life: How does a church stay alive, active and relevant for 110 years? How has our church survived in the past?

a. Begins with a Collective Focus: Hebrews 12; Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

b. Requires a Conscious Agreement:

1. Jesus: John 13:35 ⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

2. Paul: Ephesians 4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace

3. Writer of Hebrews: Hebrews 3: See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. ¹³ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. ¹⁴ We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

4. Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer John 17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. ² For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ⁴ I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. ⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. ⁶ “I have revealed you^[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸ For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. ⁹ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰ All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. ¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of^[b] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. ¹² While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by^[c] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. ¹³ “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. ¹⁴ I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by^[d] the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. ²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. ²⁴ “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. ²⁵ “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I have made you^[e] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

c. We flourish with a Life devoted to the right point of view :

Circle of Family: We don’t have a choice…Learn to love and accept

Circle of Friends: We do have a choice…love and accept

Circle of Faith: …is a choice…there is love and acceptance

What makes a family great? People willing to see others through the lens of God’s love: Love for whose you are, Acceptance of who you are…

In Your Mind: See life as God’s challenge to be used by God to move the family member (or possible family member) from the role of family, to friend, to faith….here because of God’s love and acceptance they may accept and love you. You love God for their sake.

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In Your Heart: Go the opposite direction: Because you are loved and accepted in the circle of faith, live life reaching out to them as friends , seeing them as the family members that you had no choice in the matter. Or in other words, You deliberately make the decision to continue to love them for God’s sake.

Family Fixin’s…____________________

(Answers: Origins, connection, cohesion, compassion, focus, agreement, Mind, Heart)

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“God lent us life, but Gave Us a Son”

Matthew 28: 1-8

¹ After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. ² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. ⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” ⁸ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples

EX. The eyes of the over-data-ed ; unsettled, too much going on to grasp; lost the art of contemplation…lack of peace…

Joy =Greek: Chara, Calm delight, gladness…

I. Question: What are Christian people so happy? Answer: They have settled 4 basic issues

1. They have settled the Jesus Issue.

EX. Adrian Rogers…

a. Admittedly, it does not make sense Intellectually

b. Admittedly. It does not make sense Interpersonally

c. But, there comes a time when it seems to make sense Inwardly. A settled-ness within the heart….it could be true…

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

2. They have settled the Sinner Issue

Save=Greek, sode-zo, deliver, protect, heal, preserve, do well, be made whole…

a. Awareness of being aware…compare; we’re not as bad as so-and –so….not a bad person: I could be worse!

b. Awareness of being aware…contrast: scales: we’ve never really done something terrible: I have done more good things than bad…

Romans 3 There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

c. Awareness of being aware… I’ve done something wrong, I’m not perfect, yet God is, and in my heart I know He expects and wants me to be perfect…NO way can I EVER be good enough: I am a sinner, I need a way out!

3. They have settled the Savoir issue

¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn (ME)the world, but to save (ME) the world through him.

Could it be…Christianity is not about measuring up as it is giving up, not about “getting it right” as it is about seeing the “right Jesus got for me”

For God so loved the world (Me) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever (If I) believes in him, (I) shall not perish but have eternal life

EX. Back to the Cross….

The call out….Father forgive them….I will

The cry out…Father forgive others….I will

The cry….Father forgive__________. I will

It was personal for Him, He becomes personal to us.

a. Not just the Savoir, but MY savoir

4. They have settled the Scripture issue.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

a. Book of Instruction on how to live now(B.I.B.L.E.)

b. Book of Promises on how to die later

c. Book of Images on how to find Chara, Calm delight, gladness

EX. Wordless Book

Question: How’s your life? Has your heart been strangely warmed this morning? Answer: “God lent us life, but Gave Us a Son”

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“Satan Lent us a Substitute- Who is it?” Part 2

Luke 10: 17-20 ¹⁷ The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” ¹⁸ He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Introduction: The Wordless Book….

I. Part I: Satan’s Goal for the Unbeliever: Blinds

II. Part II: Satan’s Goal for the Believer: Binds

Because God Loves YOU personally …

1. Written account of Our Salvation: Selected

i. Instantaneous: Heavenly Dictation

ii. Imperative: Earthly Decision

Rev. 3:5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.

Rev. 13:8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

Rev. 17:8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come.

Rev. 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

Rev. 20:15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire

Rev. 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

2. Theological Account of Our Salvation: Saved

Rom. 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

i. We are Justified : Not innocent but declared: not guilty

ii. We are being Sanctified

Titus 3:5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

iii. We will be Glorified

Rom. 8: 18-28 ¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that^[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. ²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. ²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

3. Practical Account of our Salvation: Sealed

i. Sins are forgiven (Past, Present, Future) Right standing with God

ii. Holy Spirit Dwelling inwardly as a guarantee: God stands with Us (Rom.8, Ephesians 1:13)

iii. The Bible comes alive and stays alive as an owner’s manual (Hebrews 4:12) God helps us to make a stand

iv. Our Prayers have direct access to the Father (John 16:24) Our standing in life is God blessed

v. We have Peace with God: Peace with ourselves: Peace concerning others. (Rom. 1:7, 14:17) Right standing with ourselves

vi. We can be lived not endured; because we know when this life is over we will be with God forever. (1 John 5:11,12) God stands to welcome us personally “home”

Because Satan hates YOU Personally…

1. When one comes to God you automatically depart from Satan.

i. His Kingdom rule and earthy Influence:

Ephesians 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient

John 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

2. Satan hates your Guts: He often will attack your character

i. Guilty by association…

1 Peter 5 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

a. Remember, Satan really does not want to hurt you as much as He wants to hurt our Heavenly Father. Cosmic battle

3. Satan hinders your Confidence. He often will attack your emotions

Romans 7 ²¹ So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

C. S. Lewis “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

i. The antithesis is always present:

1. Satan will always inflate our failures, heap guilt upon our stumbling, and fan to flame our areas of weakness….

2. At the same time, Satan will always trivialize our strengths, make us feel that we have never done enough, and fill our minds with thoughts of futility.

a. Remember, Satan wants you to keep your mind, will and heart focused on anyone or anything but Jesus. The substitute for both unbeliever and believer is the same: ourselves.

4. Satan hammers away at your Giftedness. He often will attack your mind.

Ephesians 6 ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

4. Satan’s main goal is for you to not have faith in God, nor in yourself. He knows that God’s people are here to encourage one another and to be God’s voice in telling the Gospel.

a. Remember, Satan wants to keep God’s children ineffective, incorrigible, and inept. Why, to keep others unredeemable.

Always Remember…James 4 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you.

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“Satan Lent us a Substitute” Part I

Who is it?

Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be temptedby the devil

Introduction: A Kid without hope….

I. Part I: Satan’s Goal for the Unbeliever

II. Part II: Satan’s Goal for the Believer

1. Difference: Satan Blinds the Unbeliever: Keeps them ever searching for the “Truth”

2. Satan Binds the Believer: Keeps the confused concerning the “Truth”

In other words Satan keeps the would-be believer from seeing who Jesus Christ really is, and at the same time keeps the child of God from being all that Jesus Christ has said that they are. 5 points

I. Satan is Real: Devil is diabolical: wives tales…ignorant?

Matthew 4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. ³ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone…… When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time

John 13 ² The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

Ephesians 4 ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold

Ephesians 6 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

Hebrews2 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death

James 4 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 John3 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

Rev 20 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

II. Spiritual battle is Real: Parable of the soil Luke 8

¹¹ “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. ¹² Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. ¹³ Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. ¹⁴ The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. ¹⁵ But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

III. Salvation is Real: Jesus’ “Born from Above…Again means:

a. Transfer from Kingdom of darkness to Kingdom of Light

b. Becomes a true child of God

c. Filled with HS as a guarantee that one belongs to Jesus

d. Eternal Destiny is changed from Hell to Heaven

However: Notice the connection between salvation and hearing Romans 10 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

EX. Andy Stanley: The Gospel message is not intrinsic; someone has to tell someone about Jesus, God’s plan, the Cross, the resurrection, the offer of the gospel and the invitation of the gospel.

IV. Substitute is Real: Who is it? For the unbeliever, They are their own God, charting their own path…It’s my life!

V. Solution is Real: Work of the Holy Spirit with the Words of the faithful Christian combines with the Prayers and life witness of God’s church….Are we being the church….are we Living AND Speaking AND Praying?

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“The Disciples Lent us a Friend”

Acts 1:1-5 ¹ In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ² until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³ After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. ⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

I. In the beginning: The church begins here….Acts 1

On the mountain…

a. Words with Jesus (1-5)

b. Work for Jesus (6-8)

c. Return of Jesus (9-11)

In the upper room…

a. Praying then Picking (12-25)

b. Pondering then Power (2:1-4)

Our discussion today focus on the period between Jesus ascension and the following event of Pentecost some 40 days later…the disciples had time to consider their lives. He was their King but before that He was their friend…a good lesson for us!

II. Being a friend of Jesus.

Before they were a friend, they were among those called Disciples: Latin: discipolus: pupil

Once they became a friend, they were called Apostles:

Greek: apostolos: one who has been dispatched from the motherland to and on a mission to foreign places…

III. Becoming a Friend of Jesus…the pondering before Pentecost….

a. They each were individually Called.

1. God whispered their name

i. Calling in the Old Testament: Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah,

II. Calling in the New Testament: Each Disciple

Matthew 4:18-22 ¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him. ²¹ Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Lesson: They each were called not just to serve Him but first just to know and to get to know Him. He cherished them before they cherished Him

b. They each were individually Chosen.

1. Jesus believed in their heart.

i. “ Chose” for Salvation: God gave the ability to choose Him

ii. “Chose” for Service: John 15: 5….., I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you

Lesson: They each were called not just to know but to serve Him. He Chooses and changes to make changers of the Chosen.

c. They each were individually Commissioned.

1. Jesus counted on their Friendship. The history of the 12

Simon Peter: Gaul/Great Britain, Andrew: Greece, James Son of Zebedee: Lost, John: Ephesus, Philip: Asia Minor, Matthew: Ethiopia, Thomas: India, Bartholomew: Armenia, James Son of Alphaeus: Syria, Thaddaeus: Edessa, Simon the Zealot: Egypt, Judas Iscariot, nowhere.

2. Jesus counts on our Friendship:

Matthew 28“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Conclusion: Friendship with Jesus always progresses from friendship to service; from having a disciple’s heart to living an apostolic life. Have you been called, chosen, and commissioned? You can tell you know? If you really, really want to make a difference for Him because He has made such a difference in you…..

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Mom Lent her Son

Luke 2: ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart

I. Mary treasured…the Greek work here is “sunatero” it means keep closely together…the words of who this baby was: the Son of the most high, the Deliverer of His people, great One who will save His people from their sins…and the reality of this is a baby…an infant—how to keep what has been prophesied about Him and the reality of the years ahead of raising a child, feeding him, loving his, cuddling with him…O she would have to keep close the dream and the reality. The reality is that she had been chosen not only to give birth but also to raise this child.

II. Mary not only treasured but also pondered. The Greek word here is “sumbello” means to combine all the implications…O I’M sure she pondered what is in store for this baby that I am holding, and more what is in store for me?

III. A Chiasm to follow: ABCDDCBA

A: Mary Loved God was willing to serve Him in whatever manner He saw fit.

B: As a Baby, Mary held her Son; she was to love him, to cry with him….

C. As an infant Mary was to dedicate her Son and herself….to the Lord.

D: As a young boy she was to simply be with Him

D: As a grown Man she was to simply be with Him.

C: As an Accused Son she was to dedicate her Son and herself to God

B: As A Crucified Son, Mary held her Son, loved Him and cried for Him…

IV. And now the rest of the story and the final lesson. The natural conclusion would be:

A: Mary Loved God was willing to serve Him in whatever manner He saw fit... Acts 1 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” ¹² Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk^[c] from the city. ¹³ When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ¹⁴ They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

V. As a Resurrected Son, Jesus allowed Mary to be present when at this place and in this time the day of Pentecost came and God the Spirit was born into the world. And o my Mary had new and wondrous new things to treasure and to ponder. The lesson: Life wasn’t over for Mary once the children had gone. Her advice to you and me? Love God first and foremost, walk with those whom He has placed in your life. Be a mother, a model, and in the end, you too will see that with God all things are possible and the future, weather here or in heaven is a glorious one, indeed! There is so much to treasure…so much worth pondering.

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“20/11 Vision—“Making HIM Known--II”

a. Exodus Vision : Making HIM Known: Overachieving

John 3:14-17 ¹⁴And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: ¹⁵That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. ¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ¹⁷For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Last Week: 1 Timothy 4 ² Preach the word; be prepared in season (Church) and out of season (Church); correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

A Godly heart for 3 Groups outside of Church: Foes, Friends, Family

I. Priorities of the Lord: why we exist as a church…

The Great Commandment: Matt. 22:36-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The Great Commission: Matt.28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

To : “‘Love the Lord is Worship (Magnify)

To : ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ is Ministry

To: “ go and make disciples” is Evangelism (Mission)

To: baptizing them is Fellowship (Membership)

To: teaching them is Discipleship (Maturity)

We Believe a great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will grow a Great Church---Rick Warren

II. Positioning Before the Lord---Lean and speak (2 Chairs)

Ex. John 13:23-25 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. ²⁴ Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” ²⁵ Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

A. Love induces Intimacy: Freedom of Conversation

B. Love increases Worship: Freedom of Conscience

The Lean and the Speaking: Lord, I Love you…

Heart: Worship

III. The Programs for the Lord

Oval: Member Oval: Mission Heart: Worship
Magnify Oval: Ministry

Oval: Maturity

a. Magnify (Worship) : Celebrating God’s Presence

1. Our Part: Worship Team, Musician, Sound Tech, Dancer, Greeter, Parking lot, Usher, Decorator

The Lean: Lord, I want to help magnify your Name. I desire that you would use me to help others experience your presence…

The Question: Lord, you know me, is this where you want me to serve you?

b. Membership :( Fellowship) Assimilating into God’s family

1. Our part: Fellowship Team, cook, baker, candle stick maker…, planner, prayer ministry, helps, information desk, event planning, administration, advertisement , web work

The Lean: Lord, I want so much for people to not just believe but belong. I desire that you would use me to help others enjoy our fellowship in hopes that they would feel loved by you and me and others.

The Question: Lord, you know me, is this where you want me to serve you?

c. Maturity : ( Discipleship) Educating God’s people

1. Our part: Christian Ed. Team, teaching , small group leader, assistant, host, love for children, researcher, in reach, ecumenical passion, mentor, Elder

The lean: Lord, I want so much to help your people grow in their faith. I desire that you use me to make others more like you; understand you better, understand your Word better, understand themselves as children of Your’s better…

The Question: Lord, you know me, is this where you want me to serve you?

d. Ministry : Demonstrating God’s Love

1. Our part: Deacon, discernable spirit, helps, unlimited because the goal is to have everyone serving in some capacity within the church: From prayer partners to parking lots attendants.

The lean: Lord, you have give s.h.a.p.e. to my life (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences. O God, I desire that you lead me to help me find my place within this church family. I desire to do something with you and for you.

The Question: Lord, you know me, is this where you want me to serve you?

e. Mission (Evangelism) Communicating God’s love and message

1. Our part: Evangelism team, artist, sign maker, outreach coordination, love for lost, seniors, teens, children, hospital visitation, organization, prayer coordinator, speaker

The Lean: Lord, I want so much to help others come to know and then to grow in you. I desire that you use me in whatever capacity you want in partnering with you to have others come to you.

The Question: Lord, you know me, is this where you want me to serve you?

IV. Partners of the Lord : Just a partial list…

Deacon Chairperson: Cathy King; All the Deacons: Membership Minister—Evangelism Team: Dexter Nowak, Maturity Minister: Betty McCarrick , Worship Team: Charlie King, Chuck White, Ed Shagott , Fellowship Team: Ed Shagott, Tim Lent, Christian Education Team: Betty McCarrick, SS Super: Judy Jacobik, Julie White., Bob and Jean Sensor, Youth Group leaders Chuck, Julie, Rick, Jean , Buildings and grounds: Tim Lent, Jim Hilty , Bill Young , Nancy Gill, Stewardship and Finance: Bill Plarr , Food Ministry: Elaine Hilty, Bev Walters , Judy Lumadue, Frances Trayford, Cheryl Murphy , Kids for Christ, Lisa Young, Amy Bradley, Edie Donaldson, Francis Amaro,

V. Priorities of our Church: Mission Statement

To bring people to Jesus and Membership in His family, develop them to Christ like Maturity, and equip them for their Ministry in the church and life Mission in the world, in order to Magnify God’s Name

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“20/11 Vision—“Making HIM Known 1”

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed by my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want thee: I long to be filled with longing: I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, “rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.” The give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wondered so long.

A. W. Tozer The pursuit of God

In summation: God, pull me out of myself….God give me a heart that beats for the things that are precious to you…make me like you….Then, grant me a will to be busy pursuing those precious things. God, pour yourself into me. Let me ask you, is this your heart’s desire? If it is then we can begin talking about…overachieving for God

a. Exodus Vision: Leadership: Mind of God: Organization

b. Exodus Vision: Heart Matters: Heart of God: Orientation

c. Exodus Vision: Crossroads: Call of God: Overcoming

d. Exodus vision: Knowing HIM: Comfort of God: Overwhelming.

e. Exodus Vision: Wanting HIM: Claiming God: Overseeing

f. Exodus Vision : Making HIM Known: Overachieving

I. The World through God’s eyes…

A. Precipitated Moses Action: Numbers 21

1. People were tired and worn on their journey (Physically tired)

2. People had fought and won and fought and lost some battles (Emotionally drained)

3. People considered God’s way of running things too convoluted (Spiritually depleted)

4. God provided a healing solution in the midst of trouble…an act of faith… ⁸And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. ⁹And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

In Gods sight people are valuable but vulnerable, tired, drained, and depleted. And more, the enemy has His teeth into them…..They need a healing, but more they need someone to tell them of this great act of deliverance offered to them… To see the world through God’s eyes is to see hurting people, but more, to have a heart , a will and ultimately a plan to do something about it. Making him known what being a Christian and a church is all about. The real question is will we have ….

II. A heart for the things of God: People before Programs

1 Timothy 4 ² Preach the word; be prepared in season (Church) and out of season (Church); correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

i. A Godly heart for 3 Groups outside of Church: Foes, Friends, Family

a. Foes: the Easiest! Jesus: Love your enemies….Do good to those who persecute you. Stand up but don’t put down

Pray Act above-board Teach by example Invite them to church Endure for the sake of Christ Notice areas of hurt Communicate with other Christians Escape when it warrants…..PATIENCE

b. Friends: the Costliest! Be careful who you hang with because in 5 years you’ll be just like them! Friends are a choice…. Stand by but don’t give in

Preach by action Reveal your struggles Affirm their doubts Yield in unimportant areas Enjoy your Christian Life Rely on the HS to provide and opening for you to share your faith…PRAYER

c. Family: The Hardest! Stand Firm but don’t give up!

Pray unceasing Enlist the church family Rely totally on the HS Sit and talk Inspire anyway possible Stand your convictions Tell them in words how to know Christ Admit past failures Never bring up “you’d better” Consider writing them a letter Ever tell them you love them… PERSISTANCE

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“20/11 Vision—“Wanting HIM”

a. Exodus Vision: Leadership: Mind of God: Organization

b. Exodus Vision: Heart Matters: Heart of God: Orientation

c. Exodus Vision: Crossroads: Call of God: Overcoming

d. Exodus vision: Knowing HIM: Comfort of God: Overwhelming.

e. Exodus Vision: Wanting HIM: Claiming God: Overseeing

Week after week Bulletin: Purpose Statement

Knowing Him (Wanting Him is Choosing Him) and Making Him Known

Ex. The Call, the Choice, the Charge, the Change…

I. The big Battle grounds:

a. Our World around us: Sin-filled Eph.2 :1-3

b. Our Enemy beside us: Sin-enticing 1 Pet 5:9

c. Our Nature within us: Sin-bent Rom.12:1-2

II. The big Choices we make: Lessons from the Exodus text

Deuteronomy 30: 11-20

¹¹ Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. ¹² It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” ¹³ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” ¹⁴ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

A. When it comes to God and the things of God choose to not make those things more Complicated than they are. It just takes a choice. (Be ye Holy as I am Holy—an invitation not a command!)

B. Choose to have ears that will listen, hearts that yearn to be obedient, minds that love choosing and then doing the Right things. Jesus put it this way, 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.³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Isn’t it what you really want?

¹⁵ See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. ¹⁶ For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

A. Choose to Love God beyond any and everything else. (Jesus said we have to be willing to give up everything to be his disciple—be thankful for what is temporality yours, but hold onto things with a lose grip, if need be, be quick to give it away)

B. Choose to Believe that God wants you to increase, to really live, to be a blessing to others but also a recipient of His specific blessings to and for you!)

¹⁷ But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, ¹⁸ I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

"Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter" ---Tim Kizziar

A. Choose to Redeem and Reclaim your heart for God, not giving in to the myriads of “silent and secret idols” that we all have, letting our hands grab onto Christ and at the same time, letting go of everything else)

B. Choose to be a Conqueror, not a Casualty for the Kingdom of Christ, a repossess-or of stolen lands and lives, knowing that this life will be good, but the rewards in heaven will be incredible!)

¹⁹ This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live ²⁰ and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

A. Choose to give yourself, finally, the Permission to choose this life God has for you, has had for you, and will have for you.

B. Most importantly, Choose to Want to live knowing the reality : the LORD is your life

Ex. Francis Chan “Crazy Love”

III. The big Test 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸ Love never fails.

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“20/11 Vision—“Knowing HIM”

a. Exodus Vision: Leadership: Mind of God: Organization

b. Exodus Vision: Heart Matters: Heart of God: Orientation

c. Exodus Vision: Crossroads: Call of God: Overcoming

d. Exodus vision: Knowing HIM: Comfort of God: Overwhelming

Week after week Bulletin: Purpose Statement

Knowing Him and making Him Known

Basis for our life as a church family: Whose we are and why we are…

EX. Tale of Two Sons: I’m the Dad….Knowing and Being Known

I. What does it mean to Know and Be known?

Knowing Him is Plausible, and Possible It’s HIS Idea

John 6:37 ³⁷ All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. The Father Gives !

John 6:44 ⁴⁴ “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. The Father Draws!

John10:28 ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all^[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. The Father Secures!

John3:3 ³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Jesus Changes Us!

John 6 38: All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. ³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. Jesus Accepts ,Protects, and will someday Project!

The Point is simple, The Father and the Son cherish, choose, call and draw….Even before we knew it, we were on His mind and in His plans! He Knows You! Knowing Him is HIS idea!

1 Cor. 12:3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our Convincer!

John 14:26 ¹⁵ “If you love me, keep my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—The Holy Spirit is our Helper!

John 14:26 ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher! The point is simple, The Holy Spirit comes to woo our hearts, convince our minds, and teach and lead in our lives. He wants us to Know Him who calls, Him who was crucified, and Him has claimed us as His own. Knowing Him is the goal of life itself. We can if we want too….

II. Knowing Him is Practical and Possibly the greatest treasure we will ever discover….It’s OUR Ideal Lessons from the Exodus…

Hebrews 8:1-13 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, ² and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being. ³ Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. ⁴ If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. ⁵ They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain ⁶ But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. ⁷ For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. ⁸ But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. ⁹ It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. ¹⁰ This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. ¹¹ No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. ¹² For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. ¹³ By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon isappear.

Practical: The Old did not work, from the external top the internal. Thus, The new covenant begins internally, but naturally flows externally.

Possibly the Greatest Treasure? What makes it so Overwhelming?

What if it’s really true? What if the Kingdom of God is not just something that we will experience someday….what if we would realize that the “unshakeable” Kingdom of God is something that is already started, for us and in us? What if knowing Him is ultimately an invitation to know the King. We will only share what we know for certain….Knowing Him?

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“20/11 Vision—Crossroads”

Ex. Crazy Love Francis Chan

a. Exodus Vision: Leadership: Mind of God: Organization

b. Exodus Vision: Heart Matters: Heart of God: Orientation

c. Exodus Vision: Crossroads: Call of God: Overcoming

I. The Book of Joshua picks up with the children of Israel finally entering the promised land…The “Enterdos” Chapter review:

(1) Joshua accepted, (2) Rehab Protected, (3) Red Sea Dissected,

(4) Altar erected, (5) Go to Jericho, (6) 7 Time round makes the walls fall down….Chapter 7 is all about Character, Choices, and Crossroads

II. A frustrating failure….? Or a hidden opportunity?

Pre-Chapter 7: Great Victory at Jericho, but a secret sin (Achan) had infected the camp …

Vs. 2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.

Well placed Confidence to act with God, results in Misplaced Confidence to act without God: prayerlessness….

Vs.3-5 ³ When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.” ⁴ So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, ⁵ who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.

Confidence to Coward-ness : faithlessness…distrust gets in the mind …

Vs.6-7 ⁶ Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. ⁷ And Joshua said, “Alas, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!

Coward-ness to Self-pity …forgetfulness…distrust takes over thinking

Vs. 8-9a ⁸ Pardon your servant, Lord. What can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? ⁹ The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth

Self Pity to Blame...fearfulness…distrust twists the heart

Vs.9b What then will you do for your own great name?”

Blame to Self-Loathing… Uselessness…distrust infects the soul

Crossroad, Choices, and Character, Vs.10 The LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?

Character=Will we choose to listen to God?

Choice=Will we get up and move on, or stay in our pity party?

Crossroad= Will we be honest enough to explore all the implications as to the why of our failure…do we have the courage to be honest with ourselves and with one another and with God? God says I believe in you! Let’s go!

EX. Failing Forward Dr. John C. Maxwell

How to learn from your failure and mistakes…

1) What caused the failure: the situation, someone else, or self (us)?

2) Was what happened truly a failure, or did I (we) just fall short?

3) What successes are contained in the failure?

4) What can I (we) learn from what happened?

5) Am I(we) grateful for the experience?

6) How can I (we) turn this into success?

7) Who can help me (us) with this issue?

8) Where do I (we) go from here?

EX. Key to getting back on the right road: the Kinetic Krunch -Spiritual exercise…

1) Get on your face, not fall to your face: face the cross, humble yourself!

2) Get on your knees, confess your distrust, feelings and mistakes, be willing to take action is necessary…

3) Rise to your feet, admit that I am not perfect, but I am forgiven!

4) Start walking with God, determined to seek His counsel, His ways and His glory. We shall make it, we will overcome. He is for me and I am for Him!

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“20/11 Vision—Crossroads”

Ex. Crazy Love Francis Chan

a. Exodus Vision: Leadership: Mind of God: Organization

b. Exodus Vision: Heart Matters: Heart of God: Orientation

c. Exodus Vision: Crossroads: Call of God: Overcoming

I. The Book of Joshua picks up with the children of Israel finally entering the promised land…The “Enterdos” Chapter review:

(1) Joshua accepted, (2) Rehab Protected, (3) Red Sea Dissected,

(4) Altar erected, (5) Go to Jericho, (6) 7 Time round makes the walls fall down….Chapter 7 is all about Character, Choices, and Crossroads

II. A frustrating failure….? Or a hidden opportunity?

Pre-Chapter 7: Great Victory at Jericho, but a secret sin (Achan) had infected the camp …

Vs. 2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.

Well placed Confidence to act with God, results in Misplaced Confidence to act without God: prayerlessness….

Confidence to Coward-ness : faithlessness…distrust gets in the mind …

Coward-ness to Self-pity …forgetfulness…distrust takes over thinking

Self Pity to Blame...fearfulness…distrust twists the heart

Vs.9b What then will you do for your own great name?”

Blame to Self-Loathing… Uselessness…distrust infects the soul

Crossroad, Choices, and Character, Vs.10 The LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?

Character=Will we choose to listen to God?

Choice=Will we get up and move on, or stay in our pity party?

EX. Failing Forward Dr. John C. Maxwell

How to learn from your failure and mistakes…

1) What caused the failure: the situation, someone else, or self (us)?

2) Was what happened truly a failure, or did I (we) just fall short?

3) What successes are contained in the failure?

4) What can I (we) learn from what happened?

5) Am I(we) grateful for the experience?

6) How can I (we) turn this into success?

7) Who can help me (us) with this issue?

8) Where do I (we) go from here?

EX. Key to getting back on the right road: the Kinetic Krunch -Spiritual exercise…

1) Get on your face, not fall to your face: face the cross, humble yourself!

2) Get on your knees, confess your distrust, feelings and mistakes, be willing to take action is necessary…

3) Rise to your feet, admit that I am not perfect, but I am forgiven!

Start walking with God, determined to seek His counsel, His ways and His glory. We shall make it, we will overcome. He is for me and I am for Him!

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“20/11 Vision”

I. The Importance of Vision: Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version) ¹⁸Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he…(Amplified Bible)-¹⁸Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]--blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he

II. The Inversion of No Vision: Where there is vision, an understanding and adherence to the redemptive revelation of God the people are prosperous, successful and indeed happy!

III. An Investigation of Vision: The Exodus

Exodus 3:1-10

¹ Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. ² There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. ³ So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” ⁴ When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” ⁵ “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” ⁶ Then he said, “I am the God of your father,^[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

⁷ The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. ⁸ So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. ⁹ And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. ¹⁰ So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

IV. The Need for Vision: 2 Fold

1. The People of God are Oppressed: Society had squeezed them into its mold…No hope, No future

a. Solitude, Servitude, Suffering… was their lot as God’s people

b. Key problem: Familiarity about God had replaced familiarity with God

2. The God of the People had a better plan: Squeeze His people into His mold….Hope for today, Hope for future

a. A New land, a new Life, a renewed Love—was His goal for them

b. Key Solution: Familiarity with God was to replace familiarity about God

Even today, churches that refuse to simply know about God and put their energies into Knowing God are ones where Vision is clear and effectiveness abounds! There is no lack of crowds where Vision is caught!

V. God’s Vision Triangle: Leadership is critical…

Leader

Lay-Leadership People of God

In Israel Moses had Perfect Vision, the Lay leadership had Partial Vision and the people had Picky Vision : The ideal would have had everyone having perfect vision! The reality is, they did not!

Even Today, the need is to have pastors who have a great Vision who will in turn affect the lay leadership with , who in turn convince the people of God. The ideal is to have everyone have perfect vision. The reality is, it’s up to us!

Next Week: Vision Dimmers: Vision Demands, Vision Dream, Lessons on our Exodus

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“An Elderly Walk”

1 Peter 5:1-8

¹ To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. ⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

I. Scriptural Observations concerning Elders:

a. Vs. 1-3 As an Elder, Shepherding is main occupation

1) Patient Leadership, Persistent Leadership

b. Vs.4-6 As an Elder, Humble Submission is main attitude

1) Service for the Chief Shepherd

2) Submission to the more Experienced

3) Sincerity toward one another

c. Vs. 7-9 As an Elder, Spiritual Sensitivity is main duty

1) Cast all your cares…..For Elders not just others

2) Devil wants to devour…. For Elders not just others

3) Standing firm as a family …. For Elders not just others

II. Pastoral Observations concerning Elders: I appeal as a fellow elder

My calling is “building up” others by helping them to discover who they are in Christ, the gifts that He has given them, and where they can put those gifts to use within the church community. I am fully aware that to accomplish this task I need to have competent and compassionate people who share my “building up” vision for people. I am basically a quiet person, but one who likes to keep involved in the many aspects of church life. I enjoy working with others when we are working together toward a common goal. My greatest desire is to be associated with a group of people who have learned to provide Christ-like care and concern for one another. PIF 2005

III. What I have learned about WALKing with the Lord

Wide Open Eyes—High Calling means High Standards…spiritually

1) Called to be an Encourager

2) Called to be a Protector—Biggest Enemy: Apathy

3) Called to be a Supporter

4) Called to be His Representative

Arms wide open—Lovingly Chosen means Loving the Chosen

1) Love your Family; first family at home, next family at church

2) Love your Fellow Elders

3) Love your Foes

a. Arms open implies: Hugging Physically: Proactive

b. Arms open implies: Hugging Verbally: Promotion

c. Arms open implies: Hugging Spiritually: Protection

Leading to Christ ---Talking about God is wasted time unless….it becomes a mean to an end: as an Elder you MUST KNOW THE PLAN

1) God loves you and has a plan for your life

2) People are sinful and separated from God thus cannot know and experience Gods love and Plan

3) Jesus Christ is God’s ONLY provision for sin and you can know and experience Gods love and plan through Him

4) We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior to know and experience…

Knee Knowledge—High Standards means High Calling

1) Appreciate the Call; Recognize your inability; Be Content with His strength; The way up is Down….

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Psalm 139:1616 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

IV. Devoted themselves…? Matthew 11:29 29 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.

1. Jesus: John 13:35 5 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

C. S. Lewis “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

"Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter" ---Tim Kizziar

John 6:37 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. The Father Gives !

Psalm 139:16¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

IV. Devoted themselves…? Matthew 11:29 ²⁹ 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.

1. Jesus: John 13:35 ⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 6:37 ³⁷ All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. The Father Gives !