Week 3: A Christmas Carol -"O Little Town..."

MICAH 5:2

“O Little Town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie,
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light,
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

I. God chose a little town in which the Savior was to be born.


II. God chose a little town and a peasant couple.
“For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love.”



III. God chose to enter the world as a helpless infant.
“How silently, How silently, the wondrous gift is given;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still?
…the dear Christ enters in.”

Why did God choose to enter the world a tiny, helpless infant?

1. To humbly identify with our struggles and sympathize with our pain.

2. Demonstrated His power and wisdom

3. Demonstrate how God still normally works in our lives.

"O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today; We
hear the Christmas angels, the great, glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us; Our Lord Emmanuel."

Week 2: a Christmas Carol..."Joy to the World"

II Corinthians 7:4 reads “…in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”

This song was not inspired by the Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus, it was actually inspired by Psalm 98. Psalm 98 reads, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the LORD, the King."

There is joy when the King is received.
"Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing.”

The wise men received Jesus as king. “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route” (Matthew 2:11-12).


There is joy when the Savior reigns.
"Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy:"

There is a difference between receiving Christ and allowing Christ to reign.
QUOTE: Someone said “You can keep one foot in two different canoes for a while but eventually you’re going to get real uncomfortable.” And you can keep one foot in the church and one foot in the world but I guarantee you—you will not be joyful for very long!


There is joy when the sinner repents.
"No more let sins and sorrow grow. Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found."

Sin ALWAYS promises happiness but it delivers sorrow.

SIN BRINGS A CURSE AND SORROW!
But there is a wonderful experience of joy when a sinner genuinely repents.
Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”

There is joy when the truth rules with grace.
"He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove, the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love."

There has to be a balance of truth and grace for there to be joy. And you only find that in Jesus Christ!
Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “I don’t condemn you but go and don’t sin any more.”
He said to the greedy, deceiving Zacchaeus: “I want to go to your house,” but your house is going to be vastly different from now on…”
And Christ says to us, “I want you to speak the truth…but speak it in love! I want you to stand for what is right—but do it with compassion.”

Week 1: A Christmas Carol -“Hark the Herald Angel Sings”

What biblical Truth can we learn from this Christmas Carol?
I. The first stanza - Announcement of Jesus' birth.
"Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."

Luke 2 that says, “There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shown round about them and they were terrified! But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David, a savior has been born to you. He is Christ, the Messiah, the Lord! This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’”


II. The second stanza - Who Jesus Is.
"Christ by highest heav'n adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgin's womb: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail, the incarnate deity; Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel."

His deity (Jesus is God)

His incarnation

His virgin birth

The humanity of Jesus


III. The third stanza - What Jesus does for us.
"Hail! heav'n born prince of peace!
Hail! the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings."

Jesus brings light

Jesus brings life

Jesus brings healing

Jesus brings victory over death

Week 1: Get Your Hands Dirty...

Text: Luke 10:25–37

1. He Took A Risk


2. Willing to get Personal Involved


3. Gift of Time


4. Willingness to Pay The Cost

Week 4: God Of This City - 6styles of Evangelism

1. The Confrontational Style
A great biblical example of someone who loved this style is Peter in Acts 2.


2. The Intellectual Style
Biblical Example: the Apostle Paul in Acts 17.


3. The Testimonial Style
Biblical Example: Man Born Blind in John 9


4. Interpersonal Style
Biblical Example: Matthew in Luke 5.


5. The Invitational Style
Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.


6. The Serving Style
Dorcas in Acts 9

Week 3: God of This City - "Good Fishin in the City"

Acts 8:26-40

1) Availability



2) Alert



3) Being Focused on Jesus
Acts 2 – sermon delivered by Peter
John 4 - Women at the Well


4) Act on It

Week 2: God of This City

You Were Sent to This City

LUKE 5:27-32

“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20.

Formula HP + CP + CC = MI

1. High Potency
His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9b


2. CLOSE PROXIMITY
If you never have close proximity, if you never have any contact with lost people, will you ever have the opportunity to lead someone to Christ and fulfill your mission? NO! So what’s it gonna take? The latest statistics say that 7 years after you become a Christ-Follower you no longer have any non-Christian friends.

We must learn to love lost people the way God does!

The Bible says, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all.”


3. CLEAR COMMUNICATION
Bridge illustration!
US God

US ////////////// God

US man trying get back to God

US wages of sin is Death God

US Jesus came and died on Cross God

US Bridges the gap God

US
Response:
Hear
Believe
Leadership
Baptism

God
Gifts:
Forgive
Eternal Life
Holy Spirit
Community (The Church)

Learning to clearly communicate the gospel should be a priority in the life of every Christ-Follower.


4. MAXIMUM IMPACT
Acts 13:36 “David served God’s purpose in his generation.”

Paul wrote in Acts 20:24, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Week 1: God of this City - God is working in this City

Don't forget your FAV5 cards -List 5people who need to know Jesus, Show God's love to them in a practical way, Pray for them frequently


John 6:44

I. GOD IS ALREADY SPEAKING
Psalm 33:6-7, 9
Romans 1:18-20
Gal.2:20
John 15:4


II. GOD IS THE PRIME SEEKER
Ezekiel 34:11
Luke 19:10
Luke 15


III. GOD INCLUDES US IN THE WORK
1. We are included through the work of prayer.
1 Timothy 2:1

2. We are included through divine appointments.
1 Corinthians 3:5-9


IV. GOD JOINS US IN EVANGELISM
No one ever comes to Jesus without the human touch!

Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”


V. GOD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RESULTS

Week 4: Miracle 4

John 2:1-9

This miracle has a lot to do with people’s Expectations.

Recognize that things may get worse before God makes them better.

Understanding how to live through unmet expectations.

We have to look to Jesus for our solutions.


We have to do what Jesus says to do.

Understand this key thought, “Because the servants obeyed, a miracle happened.


Jesus reveals Himself to others through Us.

Week 3: Miracle 3

John 5:1-9

“What is your handicap?”

“Do you want to get well?”
Exodus 15:26, it says, “For I am the Lord, who heals you.”

“How big is your God?”
Psalms 33:6-7, 9, says, “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; for he spoke, and it came to be.”

“What is God telling you to do?”
John 10:27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Do you really, do your really want to get well? Because, Jesus can heal you, no matter what you are dealing with.

Week 2 - Miracles 2

Mark 9:14-29

Three quick obstacles to real faith.

The first one, is what I call sign demanding faith.

Others of you, you will have what I call second-hand faith.

There’s a third obstacle, and that is what I call self-centered faith.

How do we live with a child-like faith?

The first thing that we do is, we have to immerse ourselves in God’s word.

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing the word of God.”

The second thing that we do is, we must also act on it.

James 2:26 says this, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead,”

Week 1 - Miracle 1: Jesus calms the storm!

Mark 4:35-40

“What storms are you facing?"

Three things to remember when you are in the storm:

Remember that you are in the storm by God’s appointment.

You are in the storm with His presence.

You are there for His purposes.

James 1:2-4


‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’

Week 2 - Unstoppable Part 2

Ephesians 4:11-12

How many of you feel like God is calling you to ministry?

“God doesn’t call the prepared, but He prepares the called.”

Acts 4:13

Luke 5:8

Luke 5:8

First thing is, we will do anything short of sin to reach those who are without Christ. Anything short of sin to reach people who are without Christ.

We agree that we can do more with less. We are not going to be confined to one location, but we are going to take the message of Jesus all over the world.

Number three, we agree to do more together than alone. We are taking every bit of the resources we can and making them available to churches around the world.

Number four, we agree that we are a church with a mega vision to reach lost people for Jesus Christ.

And number five, we agree that we will make a difference. We are going to make a difference, and as a church, we are going to realize that the church does not exist for us, but that we are the church, and we exist for the world and we are going to give generously in the community, and we are going to be loving, and we are going to be full of grace!

Week 1 - Unstoppable: Acts 2

Acts 2:42-47
Our mission is to help People see Jesus Christ in a way the have never seen or experienced Him before. We will do anything short of sin to reach those who are without Christ.

So!

Everyone is welcome!

Everyone is needed!

Everyone is changed!

Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

I Samuel 10:6, “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will be changed into a different person.”

Week 4 - Jonah 4

In 4:10-11, “But the Lord said, ‘You have been concerned about this vine, but you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and it died overnight.’ “But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

Jonah was only concerned about Jonah and didn't see that it was really about Nineveh!

For us we get so concerned about us! What we want! What we like or dislike that we lose sight that it's not about us but it is about Nineveh! What is Nineveh to us? It could be a family member or a neighbor or a co-worker. Being concerned about Nineveh in our life could mean extending grace to someone we don't think deserves it! It could mean painting for someone or developing a relationship to open the door to share the Gospel!

So is it all about you? Before you answer no! Here is a little test for you to take to see if it is all about you

Look at your checkbook.

Look at how you spend your time, and then answer.

Is life all about you? Is it all about your house? Is it all about your remote control? Is it all about where you want to eat, all about where you want to go, all about your Facebook, all about your Twitter, all about that you’re married, all about that you’re not married, all about your work?

I could keep going but I think Jonah 4 makes it very clear not only to Jonah but to us that life is not about you but about the Nineveh that God has called us to go!

Week 3 - Jonah 3

"The the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: Get up and go to the great city Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you. This time Jonah obeyed the Lord's command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowd: 'forty days from now to Nineveh will be destroyed!' The people of Nineveh believed God's message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.
When the king of Nineveh heard what Jonah was saying, he stepped down from his thrown and took off his royal robes. He dressed himself in burlap and sat on a heap of ashes. Then the king and his nobles sent this decree throughout the city: 'No one, not even the animals form your herds and flocks, may eat or drink anything at all. People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence. Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will change his mind and hold back his fierce anger from destroying us.' When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened." Jonah 3:1-10

Verse 1, God showed Jonah grace. Verse 10, we see God show Nineveh grace, God wants to show us grace. God is coming to us a second time. God is giving us a second chance. If we repent and we turn to Him, watch as He does more than we could ever imagine.

Week 2 - Jonah 2

"He said, 'I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble , and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me! You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was burried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, 'O Lord, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy temple.' I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But, you O lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone."

What did he vow? We don’t know. Probably, what he vowed was, “God, if You tell me to speak, I will speak. If You tell me to go, I’ll go.” He said, “Whatever it was, what I vowed I will make good.” Some of you, there’s something that you are going to make good! I don’t know what it is, but you know that God has put something on your heart, and you need to make good. You know what it is, but you haven’t done it. “I will make it good.”

Week 1 - Jonah

Jonah 1

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

God is a speaking God - God has often spoken with the audible voice. God has often spoken through His prophets. God has spoken through circumstances. God has spoken through the voice of His Holy Spirit. If you’ve never, ever heard the voice of God, you can, if you simply open up His Word.

God will often ask you to do some things that you don’t want to do.

Delayed obedience is really disobedience

God may send a storm to grab your attention.

Sometimes our worst nightmare maybe exactly what we needed.

WHY? all because He loves us, because He has something for us to do, and He has a city or a group of people for us to impact. We’ve got a choice. We can keep running, or we can come back to Him.

For Study: Jonah 2

Week 8: One Prayer - God is Passion

Ecclesiastes 9:10. It simply says this, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.”

What, if we became an and-then-some church? And-then-some Christ-Followers? And-then-some worshipper?

Reminder: We serve an and-then-some God!!!!

Week 7 - One Prayer: God is Awake..

Acts 20:7-12

Ephesians 5:14 says, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

You are asleep spiritually.

Sleeping to knowing God.
(Snoozing will cause your growth to stop. Ignore the alarm, and stay in bed. You’ll never reach your potential, you sleepy head.)
-Asleep to sowing
-Asleep with our time
-Asleep with our abilities

Week 6 - One Prayer: God is first

Luke 7:11-16

We’ve got to be willing to walk with Jesus.

We’ve got to be willing to listen to Jesus.

We’ve got to believe in Jesus.

Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Week 5 - One Prayer: God is Unity, Part 2

John 17:20-24

What would unify the church, and that would be one enemy.

It would take one heart.

Acts 4:32,34

John 13:34-35

It would take one purpose.

Matthew 28:19, Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.”

In Acts 2:42-47 we read, "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship , and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of AWE came over them all, and the apostles performed many miracles signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They Sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved"

Week 4 - One Prayer: God is Unity

I Corinthians 1:10-13


Satan loves for Churches, Christ-Followers to compete against each other

What does God like? God loves for churches to complete each other

Our Challenge!!!
Number one -Let’s stop just talking about the name of Jesus, but let’s show Jesus in our communities. And so, will you make a difference? Get out into the community, and serve in the name of Jesus. Number Two, make every effort to pray daily, to make a daily time of prayer. And I pray that over the next month, you would be more devoted in your prayer time before God than ever in your entire life. Number Three, make every effort to fast weekly for the rest of One Prayer. Fasting is a Biblical principle that Jesus assumed we would do. He said, “Whenever you fast, do it this way.” He didn’t say if you fast, but He said when you fast. If you’ve never fasted, I can’t wait to hear what God does in your life when you fast with us. And, Number Four, make every effort to give offering to help those in need. Make every effort to give. Financially to benevolence, school supplies collecting through July and August, Cloths for Care Closet, Food for Food Pantry. Number Five, make every effort to comment on our Church web-site prayer wall. And, what I would like for you to do is, I want you to go there every single day, starting this week, you can go there and watch all the people requesting prayer. And I want you to pray for them, and I want you to tell them, and I want you to dialogue with them. I want you to be a voice of encouragement. I want you hovering all over that place. I want you to be - facebooking it – twitter- email it – text it- or call someone about it – facebook a prayer – twitter a prayer- email a prayer- text a prayer- or pray with someone on the phone-talkbok a prayer time with people.

Week 3 - One Prayer- God is My Banner

“Moses built an altar there and called it The Lord is, “My Banner.”
-Ex. 17:15

The banner is something that stands as a symbol, stands to inspire, and keeps us in the fight.


“What is your fight?” Write it down!


The Lord inspires you to never give up.


The Lord empowers you to victory.
Psalms 60:4 says, “But you have raised a banner for those who honor you, a rallying point in the face of attack.”

Week 2 - One Prayer: God is Righteousness

Jeremiah 2

Jeremiah says, “Why? After all that God has done, why have you walked away from him?”

Question?
Why is it that you’ve gone so far away from Me?

Maybe it is complacency for you.

Maybe it’s sin in your life that you have been struggling with that is separating you from God right now.

Maybe,You are angry with God.


God is calling you back to the path of righteousness.


Will you accept His robe?

Jesus says, “I know what you’ve been through. I know your pain. Here’s a robe. I know your addiction. Here’s your robe. I know your struggle. I know what is going on in your family right now. Here’s a robe. You are forgiven. I know your past. Here’s a robe to cover that

One Prayer - week 1: God is our Shepherd

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23

3 Thoughts!

The Shepherd cares for us with His provision.

The Shepherd will calm us with His peace.

The Shepherd comforts us with His presence.

Week 2 - "Inspire"

“Yet, a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth.” He said, “True worshippers, true worshippers will worship in Spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father sees.”


Worship with awe!

Worship with abandonment!

Worship with your life!
Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- This is your spiritual act of worship.”

Week 1 - Inspire: Why is worship so important?

War for your worship!

It is why you were created!

“Blessed is the king,” as they pointed to Jesus, “who comes in the name of the Lord!” And they raised their eyes to Heaven and they said, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
-Luke 19:38

Romans 12, He said, “Therefore, I urge you brothers in view of God's mercy”.

God created you, because He wanted intimacy with you. As many things as you’ve done to mess up your life, He loves you. With everything that you’ve done in your life to shame Him, He passionately loves you and desires to be intimate with you. He has not given up on you, and He never will.

Week 5 - Wisdom

Patients!!!!!

Proverbs 16:32


“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23).


1 - Commit to saying fewer words...
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19


2 - Being a person who sets aside time to journal and pray and read from God’s truth in Scripture develops patience.

Week 4: Wisdom

Proverbs and it’s emphasis on friendship!

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm”
- Proverbs 13:20


“Faithful are the wounds of a friend" 27:6
"A righteous man is cautious in friendship” 12:26
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" 17:17

To be wise you have to be good at friendship!

There are a lot of things that make a friend a real friend, but I’m going to suggest three marks of real friendship, the kind that is so crucial to living a wise life and making life work.

Availability: We must become intentional and make time for these relationships.

Authenticity: Authenticity: Friends will be vulnerable with you about their lives and vulnerable to the pains in your life, where they truly feel for you and are emotionally connected with you and allow you to do the same.

Accountability: A friend won’t stand idly by as you mess up your life. Like we talked about last week, they’ll speak the truth in love even if we don’t want to hear it.


Three challenges:
1. Make it a point to make yourself available to someone you consider a friend or a potential friend this week.
2. Make it a point to be more open and authentic with a friend than you usually would. Take a chance to share more of yourself this week with one person.
3. Make it a point to be accountable.

Week 3 - Wisdom: "Speak Truth"

Proverb 12:19, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

“Speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4.15)

Reaction:

The Truth Sets Us Free!
God says, “You can trust me to tell the truth to someone else who needs it or about yourself when the thing to do seems to be to conceal it. I’ll be there for you. Your life isn’t about making everything work, it’s about trusting me!” Proverbs 3.5-6

“You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.32).

Week 2 - Wisdom: Kind

“A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself” (Proverbs 11:17)

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
(Proverbs 15:1)

Jesus unmerited kindness for us is the only place I know to find kindness when harshness seems like the only way. "The Cross"

Week 1 - Wisom...

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” - Proverbs 3:3

Reaction -

Spend the next 30 days reading Proverbs!

Week 3 - The Straight Up On ?orship: Baptism, Communion

"Do this in Remembrance of Me"

Reaction:
Helpful hints when taking communion to help us remember -
1) Look back
Romans 6:6 “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that we should no longer be slaves to sin”.

2) Look within
1 Cor 11:28 says, “You should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.”

3) Look around
Look around and know you are part of something bigger than yourself.

4) Look ahead
(1 Cor. 11.26) “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Baptism -
“All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead though the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom. 6.3-4)

Mark 16.16 says, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.”

“Those who accepted His message were baptized, and about 3000 were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2.41) “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8.12)

Baptism is how the Bible says to give myself to God, And if you haven’t your missing out on what it means to be buried with Christ and to give myself publicly to him. Jesus says “If you confess me before men I will confess you before the father.”

Easter Weekend...

Thought I would share what is going on at Lpcc this upcoming weekend!!!!

Lpcc Troy Campus:

April 10th - Good Friday Fest - 6:30-8:30pm (blow-ups, face painting, food/drinks, guitar hero and rock band and Wii bowling plus 4 services 25 minutes in length with communion served at each)

April 11th - Saturday Night Worship 6:10 pm

April 12th - Prayer Walk 6:00am (2020 West Hwy. 47 Troy)
Worship 8:15am, 9:15am, 10:45am

Lpcc Moscow Campus:

April 11th - Saturday Night Worship

April 12th - Worship 10:00am

Lpcc Online Campus Times: Saturday 6:10pm; Sunday 8:15am, 9:15am, 10:45am
http://www.lifepointetroy.com/

Week 2 - The Straight Up On ?orship: Giving!

“‘Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Arawnah the Jebusite.’“When Arawnah looked and saw the king and his men coming, he went and bowed down before the king and said, ‘Why has my lord the king come to his servant?’ ‘To buy your threshing floor,’ David answered, ‘so I can build an altar and make sacrifices and worship the Lord.’ Arawnah said to David, ‘Let my lord the king take whatever pleases him and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. O king, Arawnah gives all this to the king.’ (2 Samuel 24.18-23)

(vs. 24) “But King David replied, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God that which costs me nothing.

In Malachi chapter 3 verse 8 God says to the people, “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me?” But you ask, “How do we rob you?” In tithes and offerings.

(v.10) “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

Reaction:

Does what I give God cost me anything?
I gotta ask if what I give to God is something that costs me something, something that's an actual sacrifice, or is what I put in the bag something that I won't really miss? This is about you and me and worship: and gifts of love always cost me something. And that's why God talks about tithing: there's something about that particular percent.
It's about “God, you're my God, you've given so much to me, I wanna give back to you.” Worship is responding to the God who really is my God. If a person is gonna tithe, odds are there's some things things they're gonna have to do without. It's gonna really cost us something.

Week 1 - The Staight Up On ?orship: Singing

What does God want? Look at what God says about singing:

· “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3.15-16).

· Or “Sing to the LORD, you saints of His: praise His holy name” (Psalm 30.4).

· Or “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King…”
(Psalm 47.6).


Reaction: Worship through singing should be -

A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE


A RELATIONAL EXPERIENCE


A COMMUNAL EXPERIENCE

Week 3 - =Transformation: Pslam 119:103

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
(Psalm 119:103)


· “logos” = the unique expression of God’s heart and mind.
· “rhema” = when someone speaks directly to a person.

Reaction:

God wants us to ask. “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Keep going back for more.

Don’t hold on to it – don’t hoard it, share with people what you’ve found.

Week 3 - =Transformation: Exodus16

“Remember how the LORD your God led you in the desert … feeding you with manna to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

God’s Word is meant to be a daily thing!


God's Word is meant to be shared!

Week 1 - =Transformation: Matthew 4:1-11

The Bible – becoming part of us… Matthew 4:1-11

“Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him” (Matthew 4:ll).

“Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Information+Application=Transformation

Week 4 - Nehemiah: "Ripples That Change"

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, But Christ lives in me. This life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)

“I consider it worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24)

Reaction:

Stretch Me!

Crush me with a burden!

Heal and Grow me!

A call to action this week - Lpcc Striving for "Genuine Community, Reckless Generosity, and Making God Famous"

Week 3 - Nehemiah: "The Struggles"

Reaction:

Re-Group - "Then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, the exposed places, and I stationed the people in families with their swords, spears, and bows." (Neh 4:13)


REMEMBER - “When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome." (Neh. 4:14)


RESIST - "Fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses." (Neh. 4:14)

"I am doing a great work, and I won't come down." (Neh. 6:3)

Week 2 - Nehemiah: "God's Vision"

Nehemiah 2

He said, “Then I prayed to the God of Heaven.”

Reaction:

PLANNING THRU PRAYER


PLANNING THRU CONSULTING
Remember, Nehemiah had a strong relationship with the king of Persia - he was the trusted, respected cupbearer. And so when Nehemiah needed help, the king of Persia was the right man to provide wisdom and counsel.

“If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."

Week 1 - Nehemiah: Heart Broken

“Dear friends, The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)


“Does our heart break for our city?”


Does my heart break for where I live?


Reaction: Prayer - "God help me feel it."

Week 5 - Leave Boldly

What allowed Paul to face his death with anticipation was his understanding of what happened when he died. I think it’s because we rarely talk about death that many of us have accepted some false teachings about what happens when we die. As a result, it’s kept us from anticipating death.

· False Teachings about Death

o Universalism

It’s basically the idea that when everyone dies, everyone goes to heaven. There are different variations of this. Some people would say, “Well, you have to believe in God. It doesn’t matter what God you believe in as long as your belief is sincere. But when you die, every person…every good person…goes to heaven, and you’re relationship with Jesus really isn’t a determining factor. Everyone goes to heaven.” This belief becomes very popular at funerals and at visitations, because we just want to say something that makes everyone feel better.

But the Bible says that “There is one name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved.” Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

o Annihilationism

Another false teaching is annihilationism. It’s this idea, the teaching, that says when you die you just don’t exist. The candle is blown out and you are simply no more. More popular than this belief is this philosophy where people just live as if this life is all they really have. But Daniel 12:2 makes it clear that there is life after death. Daniel says (paraphrased), “Some will go on to everlasting life, and some to everlasting contempt.”

o Reincarnation

Another false teaching is reincarnation. It says when you die you come back. Then you die and you come back, and you die and you come back. And what you come back as depends upon your moral behavior, or the karma, of your previous life. But the Bible teaches us in Hebrews that we are appointed once to die and then we face judgment.

o Purgatory

Another false teaching is purgatory. Some believe that when a believer dies you do not go to heaven or you do not go to hell, but you go to a place called purgatory. In purgatory you suffer as a way to pay God back for the sins you committed here on earth. Besides the fact that this is not taught anywhere in Scripture, it is also insulting to the death of Jesus. It says the death of Jesus isn’t sufficient to save you of your sins. Instead, when you die you go to a place of suffering where you pay for some of the things that you’ve done wrong. Jesus makes it clear in Luke 16 that when a person dies their destination is determined and it cannot be changed.

o Soul sleep

Another false teaching…or some would even say this is a matter of interpretation…but it is called soul sleep. The idea is that when a Christ-Follower dies they basically go into a soul coma while they wait for Jesus to return, and upon the return of Christ then they wake up and then they go to be with Jesus in heaven.

Reminder:
Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Paul said, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Week 4 - Lead Intentionally

Reaction:

#1: “Model the way.” In Luke 9:23 Jesus says, “If anyone would follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” And if we’re going to follow Jesus, it means doing what He has done. The good news is He has not asked us to do anything that He didn’t do first.

#2: Inspire a shared vision. Jesus called the disciples to leave their fishing nets and to become fishers of men. He called them to something greater than what they were doing. He inspired them to the highest calling.

Are you doing that in your circles of influence?

#3 “You challenge the process.” Jesus continually challenged the religious people of His day to examine whether they were simply following rules or whether they were in a genuine relationship with Christ. And He wasn’t afraid to have a difficult conversation. An intentional leader doesn’t just sweep things under the rug. An intentional leader doesn’t just let things go. Instead they will challenge the person and the process when necessary.

# 4, “Enable others to act.” Jesus was the Son of God, yet He ultimately put the future of His kingdom and the beginning of the church on the shoulders of eleven, very ordinary men. But He didn’t just leave it to them; He provided them with what they needed to be successful. He provided them training. Most importantly, He provided them the Holy Spirit. Then He gave them opportunities throughout the ministry to lead. Are you putting people that you have leadership over in a position where they can act on what they’ve been taught?

# 5, “Encourage the heart.” Jesus encouraged Peter for his confession. He encouraged Zacchaeus for his change. He encouraged a Gentile soldier for his faith. Intentional leadership means that you notice the growth and the contribution others are making and you celebrate it.

Week 3 - Laugh Regularly

Psalm 126:2, 3: “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations…the LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.


”The church should do two things: reflect a reverence for who God is and cause a celebration for what He has done. That’s worship as God intended.

Reaction:

Reflect a reverence for who God is!

Celebrate what He has done!

Your Mission if you so...

Your first choice is to write a letter to communicate your love—maybe it’s an email that verbalizes to someone that you love and appreciate them. It may be a family member or a friend, it might be a teacher who impacted you in your adolescence, it may be a mentor who challenged you, it may be the individual who led you to Christ…whoever it is, take five minutes to put on paper or email that you love and appreciate them. Track them down and get it to them.


Your second choice is to show love to someone who is not expecting it. By this I mean an act of service, perhaps it’s a friend or it may be a stranger who you feel like could use some encouragement or love —in fact, let’s be on the lookout for those with whom we wouldn’t typically cross paths or befriend.

One Month to Live - Week 1 - Love Passionately

Things to Help You Take Action:

1- If you were certain your life as you know it would end in a few weeks, what would be your biggest regret? Why?

2-In what area of your life are you suffering from the Someday Syndrome? Make a decision today never again to use the phrase “someday, when things settle down.” Realize that today is your someday!

3-How are you doing in the areas of communication and confession? How would you practice them differently if you only had one month to live?

4-When have you been disappointed by God? How did He not come through for you the way you wanted Him to? How did this affect your relationship with Him? How can you exercise trust in Him as your loving Father even when you feel disappointed? Spend sometime in prayer this week relating your disappointment and asking Him to help you trust Him more fully.

5-Write a letter or prayer to God, being as honest as you can about your present disappointments and frustrations. Consider how these problems or issues might be preparing you for a more fruitful season.

6-Write down one risk that you believe God is calling you to take presently in your life. Describe your fears about taking this risk. Describe the worst-case scenario if you take this risk and fail. Pray that God will help you face your fears so you can do what He wants.

7-Write down a description of a dream you have that you believe is from God. How has it “floated to the top” in your life? How does it require faith on your part for it to be realized? How does it serve others?

8-Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal one thing you can do this week to further your pursuit of His dream for your life.

9-Make a list of all the things you can think of that prevent you from fully trusting God with your life: past disappointments and hurts, losses, doubts, and so on. After you finish, ask your self what it would take for you to trust that somehow God can use each of them to fulfill His purpose in who He made you to be. Spend a minute in prayer for each item, and ask for help in releasing it.