Overflowing Heart

Overflowing Heart

Opening questions: What are you passionate about? Sports? politics? Food? Kids? Grandkids? Work? Money? Jesus? How often do you post on social media about these things? How often do you think about them? Talk about them?
• What consumes your thoughts through out the day?
• What do you talk about?
• When is the last time you've shared your testimony with someone?
• When is the last time you shared a scripture with someone?

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
Luke 6:45 NIV
• Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks!
• What we talk about, think about, those are the things on our heart.
• What good things are you storing up in your heart?
• Philippians 4:8 "…whatever is true, whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
• God is all of these things at once!
• What do you turn too first in the morning?
• Share about Diana

"May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous."
Psalms 119:171-172 NIV
• David says i will sing of your word, all of your commands are righteous!
• To know God's word you have to study it.
• When is the last time you memorize scripture? Like words to a song!

"Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead."
Psalms 86:11-13 NIV
• This is the way we should approach God's word daily!
• With passion and praise!
• This is the way the first century christians worshipped, studied God's word, and lived their lives!
• Full of passion and praise!
• Too much passion?

"What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people."
1 Corinthians 14:26-33 NIV
• So much to share, so much to say, so much praise it was overflowing!
• No text messages, no phone calls, the spirit welling up in each of the believers all week, ready to burst out when they finally got to be with the body!
• Heads up - in a moment we will practice this and allow 3 or 4 people to share a scripture, a word of encouragement, a praise towards God for something he's done in your life this week!
• Is this our church? We've become really good at orderly worship! Maybe too orderly?
• We show up to worship through songs picked by someone else, hear a good message pared by someone else, fellowship by talk about where we're we will go for lunch or where to watch the game…etc
• I remember a time in our church when people had the word of God burning on their minds and overflowing in their hearts ready to share a word of encouragement…etc.
• Who wants to do the welcome, pray, preach, share a scripture, sing a hymn, give instruction, or an interpretation!
• What is the difference from the first century to today? From then til now?
• Now…..Who wants to share a favorite scripture, a word of encouragement, a praise towards God for something he's done in your life this week?

"A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere."
Mark 1:40-45 NIV
• This guy had a big problem in his life! He recognized the problem and he knew who could heal him!
• He was desperate for help and saw his need for God in his life!
• His perspective was in the right place.
• Have you lost this perspective.
• Have you lost sight of how much you need God in your life?
• How much he has saved you?
• Jesus asked him not to tell anyone, but this guy could not contain his love and gratitude for what Jesus had done in his life!
• He shared the good news so much that Jesus had to go into hiding!
• When is the last time you gave deep consideration to the grace and mercy God has shown you?
• So much so that it lead you to share your testimony with someone?
• Communion is one of the opportunities that God has given us to help get the right introspective and perspective on who we are before God and how much he loves us!

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
1 Peter 2:21-25 NIV

• Who wants to pray for us?
• Lets fill our hearts with the goodness of God daily this week to the point that it is overflowing in every area of our life!
• Any closing thoughts?

Never forget!

Never forget!

Luke 13:1-5 bad things can happen to us, even worser things than we can imagine at times. Jesus says the worst of what could happen in this world is nothing compared to not repenting and our fate if we don't!

Top ten list of things we forget.
1. Keys, wallet, cell phone?
2. Walk into a room and forget what you came in there for?
3. Forget where you parked?
4. Forget to defrost meat for dinner?
5. Forget a name?
6. Forget a number?
7. Forget what you went to the store for?
8. Forget to pay a bill?
9. Forget to feed your dog?
10. Forget birthday and anniversary?

The Ten Commandments were written down so that we do not forget!

Nehemiah 8:1-12; 2 Kings 22:1-13; Deuteronomy 4:1-21

Idolatry is only making God into some thing that we like or want in our life! Do you love God for who he is or for something we want him to be! We want the blessings and not the judgement. We want love with no punishment or discipline…etc!

Matthew 5:17-18 the Ten Commandments have not gone away! Jesus takes the fulfillment of the law and goes deeper!

1 Peter 2:1-25

Build on the Lord or trip over him! He is an unmovable cornerstone! Its our choice whether we build or stumble!

The Word

The Word

In the beginning was Christ!

John 1:1-18

Gods word is not just words! It is God. It is who he is. It is Jesus! Words spoke by God that have action and accomplish something. There is power and authority in them!Pay very close to Gods word so the we don't drifting away!

Psalms 33:4-9

John 1:4-9 the word is light and darkness cannot overcome it! If you are in the word and the word is in you, darkness cannot overcome it! Same with God. If you are in God and God is in you, darkness cannot overcome it!

Everyone needs the light! We were designed to need Gods light!

John 10:10-13

The word levels all. We are all the same regardless of economic status, education, race, culture…etc

John 1:14-15

Path to peace
Stage One 1 peter 5:6-7
Stage Two mark 4:35-41
Stage Three Psalms 107:23-30

See the connection between the old and New Testament. Peter shares a God principal, David prays through a psalm about casting your anxiety on God, Jesus shows us Gods word in action!

Lead by the spirit

Lead by the spirit

As christians our goal should be to be moved and guided by the holy spirit! When the holy spirit moves it is often unexpected. The holy spirit often times leads us in to areas or in a direction that is unexpected!

Acts 8

Phillip is one of the first missionaries. Philip was scattered and sent to an unexpected place! Philip and the other disciples that were scattered were sent in all directions. It appears to chaos but the holy spirit is using this chaos to send disciples to places the spirit wants them to go. This scattering came from persecution and the death of Steven. Hard times!

The spirit lead him to preach the gospel to Samaritans! The holy spirit wanted to go to Samaria. Philip was just the vessel that was use to accomplish what the spirit wanted to do!

Sometimes the spirit calls you to go to places you may not want to go! What is it about Philip that made him the person to be use by the spirit? Philip was not interested in going where he wanted to go. He submitted to follow the spirit to where the spirit wanted him to be.

Following the spirit is following the light. Following the fire! We are walking in the dark! We need the spirit to give us direction in our life! To follow the spirit we have to die to ourselves! The disciples were scattered like seeds from the hand of the farmer by the holy spirit!

Who will love him more?

Who will love him more?

Luke 7 "So Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." He replied, "Say it, Teacher." "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." Jesus said to him, "You have judged rightly.""
Luke 7:40-43 NET

Jesus has a question for you today. Who will love him more?

God is the lender and you are the debtor. God has given you life and breath and everything else!

Acts 17:24-27 "The God who made the world and everything in it, who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives life and breath and everything to everyone. From one man he made every nation of the human race to inhabit the entire earth, determining their set times and the fixed limits of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope around for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."
Acts 17:24-27 NET

God doesn't need you! He wants you! What does he want? He wants your heart! Your devotion, worship, love! He wants you to see who he is and what he has done for you. Not an intellectual knowledge but a deep understand that settles into your heart and shakes you to the core!

Two people who are both debtors. Who both want to know Jesus but who have two different perspectives. Who are you in this story?

Luke 7:36-50

Simon and an unnamed woman!
Simon the pharisees, a "good man" devout man. Highly respected in the community. Memorized the torah

The woman who had no name. Why? was labeled, "a sinner", we don't know her past, we don't know why she chose the life she lived up to this point.

Simon has invited Jesus into his home. Into an environment that he controls. He wants to know more about this Jesus. He's views Jesus as a great teacher. Someone he can study with, debate, and have an intellectual relationship with. Better himself, increase his knowledge of God. Reclined at the table, place of honor. Intellectual debate. He offers Jesus a few things. He offers his house to recline at, he feeds Jesus for a day, he will not kiss him, he will not wash his feet, he will not anoint him

The woman seeks Jesus in a place of ridicule. She has no formal religious education. She views Jesus as much more than a teacher, she sees her savior! She's not there to recline at a table with Jesus, she's there to weep at his feet! Why was she crying? Why was her heart aching? She offered Jesus everything she had, her heart and emotions, her beauty and security, her finances, her love and devotion. She worshiped Jesus! From his head to his feet. You anointed someone with oil to show them honor, a servant wiped the feet. This woman did both!

Who are you in this story?

Luke 7:40-43 two debtors

Jesus by your side!

Jesus by your side!


Is the cross fresh to you today? Is the sacrifice Jesus made for you fresh to you today?

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Paul knew his life was coming to a close. Look at what he is thinking about and what he is concerned with! What would you be concerned with in your last days?

Paul was willing to give everything to Jesus! Even his life!

2 Corinthians 11:16-29

Here is what paul has suffered for God and his church! Who are you fighting for? Who am I helping, encouraging, praying with…etc! Am I fighting the good fight? What does that good fight look like for me? What do I need to change? Who do you need to forgive?

2 Timothy 4:8

What kept paul going? He looked forward to meeting Jesus! Why we do what we do?

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Paul was convinced! Are you still convinced in the love of christ? Do you long for Jesus? If you are then it should show in your life!

We have Jesus now in his word and we have the hope of being with Jesus forever!

2 Timothy 4:16-18

Paul had hope in God and was able to face any challenge and any circumstance!

2 Peter 1:3-11

When will the storm come?

When will the storm come?

We don't get to chose when the storms come. However, we must be prepared for when they come!

John 11:1-27

Martha is telling Jesus, you could have stopped this! What was it that Jesus was teaching Mary and Martha through raising Lazarus that he couldn't teach by bring Lazarus back to good health?

Psalms 13:1-6

How did Jesus respond to the pain and anguish?

John 11:28-37

Hebrews 5:7-9

John 11:38

Psalms 12:1-5

Put away the sword!

Put away the sword!

Hebrews 4:15

Jesus became full human. Jesus understood temptation and suffering. He lowered himself and came down to our level! Just becoming a man was not enough! He needed to defeat sin! Jesus remained righteous and remained faithful!

Matthew 26:47-56
Judas betrays Jesus with an intimate greeting! With a kiss! Jesus responds with love and calls him friend. How tempted was Jesus through this whole process? Jesus could have cursed Judas. Jesus could have responded with authority to the ones who wanted to arrest him! Put away the sword! How tempting would it have been for Jesus to use his power? So many temptations.

Mark 10:42-45 Jesus is inviting us to partner with him to be a peace maker!

1 Peter 2:21-25

Have I entrusted myself to him who judges justly? Peter once carried a sword to defend himself and control a situation! Here Jesus has taught him to put down his sword and trust God plan!

The word is the sword we have been given to fight the spiritual battle. Our battle is not against flesh and blood! We have been given the spiritual weapon that we need to fight!

When we have been wronged how do we respond? Jesus fought back with love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, meekness, and with his own life!

Philippians 2:6-11

Jesus would be exalted but his exaltation did not come until he death and resurrection!

Overflowing Heart

Overflowing Heart

Opening questions: What are you passionate about? Sports? politics? Food? Kids? Grandkids? Work? Money? Jesus? How often do you post on social media about these things? How often do you think about them? Talk about them?
• What consumes your thoughts through out the day?
• What do you talk about?
• When is the last time you've shared your testimony with someone?
• When is the last time you shared a scripture with someone?

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
Luke 6:45 NIV
• Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks!
• What we talk about, think about, those are the things on our heart.
• What good things are you storing up in your heart?
• Philippians 4:8 "…whatever is true, whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
• God is all of these things at once!
• What do you turn too first in the morning?
• Share about Diana

"May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous."
Psalms 119:171-172 NIV
• David says i will sing of your word, all of your commands are righteous!
• To know God's word you have to study it.
• When is the last time you memorize scripture? Like words to a song!

"Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead."
Psalms 86:11-13 NIV
• This is the way we should approach God's word daily!
• With passion and praise!
• This is the way the first century christians worshipped, studied God's word, and lived their lives!
• Full of passion and praise!
• Too much passion?

"What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people."
1 Corinthians 14:26-33 NIV
• So much to share, so much to say, so much praise it was overflowing!
• No text messages, no phone calls, the spirit welling up in each of the believers all week, ready to burst out when they finally got to be with the body!
• Heads up - in a moment we will practice this and allow 3 or 4 people to share a scripture, a word of encouragement, a praise towards God for something he's done in your life this week!
• Is this our church? We've become really good at orderly worship! Maybe too orderly?
• We show up to worship through songs picked by someone else, hear a good message pared by someone else, fellowship by talk about where we're we will go for lunch or where to watch the game…etc
• I remember a time in our church when people had the word of God burning on their minds and overflowing in their hearts ready to share a word of encouragement…etc.
• Who wants to do the welcome, pray, preach, share a scripture, sing a hymn, give instruction, or an interpretation!
• What is the difference from the first century to today? From then til now?
• Now…..Who wants to share a favorite scripture, a word of encouragement, a praise towards God for something he's done in your life this week?

"A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere."
Mark 1:40-45 NIV
• This guy had a big problem in his life! He recognized the problem and he knew who could heal him!
• He was desperate for help and saw his need for God in his life!
• His perspective was in the right place.
• Have you lost this perspective.
• Have you lost sight of how much you need God in your life?
• How much he has saved you?
• Jesus asked him not to tell anyone, but this guy could not contain his love and gratitude for what Jesus had done in his life!
• He shared the good news so much that Jesus had to go into hiding!
• When is the last time you gave deep consideration to the grace and mercy God has shown you?
• So much so that it lead you to share your testimony with someone?
• Communion is one of the opportunities that God has given us to help get the right introspective and perspective on who we are before God and how much he loves us!

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
1 Peter 2:21-25 NIV

• Who wants to pray for us?
• Lets fill our hearts with the goodness of God daily this week to the point that it is overflowing in every area of our life!
• Any closing thoughts?

Communion

Communion

What is love? 1999 Foreigner — I want to know what love is. Its a question that we all have! Love is something that we all seek.

"In my life, there's been heartache and pain, Can't stop now, I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life"

"Gotta take a little time
Little time to look around me…"

"I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me"

Video starts with romantic love and ends with an interracial community of brothers and sisters loving each other.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
1 John 3:16 NIV

"This is how we know what love is"!
"Laid down his life"
1. Willingly went to the cross
2. Not just the act of physical death
3. Laid down his power.
1. Glory
2. Power
3. Status
4. Rights
5. Desires
6. Comfort
7. Judgement
4. Lay down your life!

No matter where you are today…

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
1 John 4:9-12 NIV

The Character of Jesus

The Character of Jesus

List of character traits:
1. Bold/fearful
2. Respectful/disrespectful
3. Self controlled/Angry
4. Honest/dishonest
5. Loving/unloving
6. Patient/impatient
7. Friendly/rude
8. Unselfish/selfish
9. Humble/proud
10. Giving/stingy

Question: What is your greatest character trait? What would you want people to say was your greatest character trait?

Lets look at the character of Jesus and let his life challenge us?

"As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village."
Luke 9:51-56 NIV

1. How did Jesus respond to opposition in this story?
2. Great power kept under control, what is a good word for this trait?
1. Meekness
2. The greek word was used to describe a war horse that was under control and willing to submit.
3. Are you meek in character?
1. 2 Timothy 1:7
1. How does this relate to being meek?

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.""
Matthew 16:21-23 NIV

1. Here we see Jesus sharing the details of the sacrifice that he is about to make and he is tested with a lack of compassion or appreciation.
1. Peter rebukes Jesus instead of comforting him or showing gratitude.
2. He knew he would die for them and yet he received no compassion or appreciation.
2. What motivated Jesus to be willing to sacrifice his life for them?
1. What is your motivation for sacrificing for others?
1. Are you willing to sacrifice for others when they do not appreciate it?
2. Romans 12:1
1. What is the motive that we should have based on this passage?

"On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
Matthew 14:6-14 NIV

1. Jesus hears about the death of his cousin John the baptist.
1. What do you see in this passage about the character of Jesus?
2. Do you love those that are hard to love?
3. What are some situations where people are hard to love?

Closing:
1. We've looked at three story's that show a few character traits of Jesus.
1. He's meekness, unconditional love, endless giving…etc
2. What other character traits describe Jesus character?
1. Unselfish, humble, faithful, trustworthy, compassionate…etc
2. To be more like Jesus, what two or three character traits do you need to grow in the most?

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
1 Peter 2:21

Seeking God — A Father better than a best friend!

Seeking God — A Father better than a best friend!

Acts 17:16-34

We create other gods and idols often times because of our insecurities. We want something to turn to and the more we have a pseudo security. Some say that the greeks had all these gods because they didn't want to miss out on something!

The one true God provides everything we need if we only have faith in him. Paul's counter argument is that God does not need us but that we need God!

Paul is also addressing spiritual ignorance. These greeks were full of religion and yet missed the tru nature of God. They were spiritually ignorant. Paul was distressed by the spirit because of their ignorance. Do you allow Gods spirit to distress you over the lost and their ignorance towards God!

How do you worship God?

John 4:21-24 many people bring pagan ideas into their worship. We worship God for what he provides or for what we get out of the relationship.

David worshiped because because he loved him for who God was. Psalms 63:1-5

Luke 11:5-13
1 John 5:13-15

Sermon on the mount

Sermon on the mount

Matthew 5-7

Jesus's longest recorded sermon! Topics he discussed, being blessed through the be-attitudes, for-filling the law, seeking the kingdom, and salvation!

Each ofJesus teachings was something new and from a heart perspective.

Matthew 7:13-18

This is not a fork in the road. The two roads are going in different directions. Its only one road or the other! How do you know which road you are on? Jesus describes a tree and its fruit. We can look at the fruit and know with out question.

There is no such thing as a christian whose long term life is characterized by sin. Not that anyone is perfect, but a good tree will produce good fruit!

Matthew 7:22-25

Just saying the right things do not matter. Just being religious is not what God wants. "Not everyone" who says Lord will make it on that statement alone! "Everyone" who puts this into practice! How well do you know Gods word vs how much do you live out Gods word?

The storm is coming, what you built your house on will show how you weather the storm. What are you building your life on? What fruit are you producing? What road are you on?

Full

Full

Opening question: What are you full of? What does full mean? How do we use that word?

1. He has a full life…
2. You're full of it…
3. I'm full…

We all want…
1. A full tank of gas.
2. A full bank account.
3. A full stomach

The opposite of full is empty, right?

What are you filled with?

Body:

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
Psalms 81:10 NIV

God wants to fill us! He wants to be the source of our fulfillment!

What does that mean?

What does God want to fill us with?
Galatians 5:22
• Filled with the spirit
• Filled with joy
• Filled with love
• Filled with peace
• Filled with kindness
• Filled with gentleness
• Filled with self control

What does the world want to fill is with?
Galatians 5:19
• Immorality, impurity, anger, envy…

All those things leave you filling empty!

Share about being full of angry

What are you filled with?

It's our choice what we are going to be filled with! "Open wide your mouth"

How do we open our mouths wide to God?
• Prayer, Gods word, faith and deeds, seeking his will, etc…
• Full with no room for anything else!

Why do you think that God started the verse by pointing back to Egypt? What was/is God trying to communicate to them and us?

Closing:

What are you filled with today?
What will you be filled with tomorrow?
Make a decision to open your mouths wide to God and let him fill you up!

Ambassadors for Christ

Ambassadors for Christ

Opening Question: What kind of foods do you really hate?

Fun Fact: Our sense of smell is responsible for about 80% of what we taste.


2 Corinthians 5:16-21

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

• Who is the "US" in vs 18?
• You and I, right?
• What does it mean to be reconciled to God?
• What is the "ministry of reconciliation" in vs 18?
• Is this just for ministers?
• How cool is that to be chosen by God to deliver his message of reconciliation to the world
• Vs. 20, "we are therefore, Christ ambassadors"
• What is an ambassador?
• an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.
• Do you feel accredited as a christian? You should!
• What is the role of an ambassador?
• To represent, role model, show best face, advocate, communicate…etc
• How should Christ's ambassador behave?
• When your on the highway?
• When you have a dispute with your neighbor?
• When your order is wrong in the restaurant?
• When there is a conflict at work?
• Where is the hardest place for you to be Christ ambassador?

Closing:

• Vs 20 - God is making his appeal to the world through us?
• That puts us into two categories
• The ones who are doing the appealing and the ones who need to be appealed.
• How you determine which one you are depends on if you have been reconciled with God?
• Vs 21. Reconciliation is through Jesus
• "We might become the righteousness of God"

The Prophets!

The Prophets!

The law of Moses was so much more than just laws. It was Gods justice, morality, heart, and passion! From social boundaries that were written to create a thriving nation to rules and order on how to worship!

The prophets were sent to call people back to Gods original desires to have a sanctified people to himself.

2 Kings 2:11

Elisha requested a double portion of God's spirit. Only Jesus was a man that walked the earth with more!

Elisha was one of those profits! Many of Elisha's miracles were similar to the miracles Jesus performed!

2 Kings 6:8-15
Ephesians 6:13

When we are focused on the things and troubles of this world we are permanently surrounded! Fight with spiritual weapons and you are able to defend yourself!

2 Kings 6:16-17

Elisha refuses to be drawn into a worldly battle from a worldly perspective! I have to approach worldly problems and conflicts with the spiritual forces that God has supplied!

What did it take for the servants eyes to be open? Prayer! Prayer is not of this world! Prayer is the start of spiritual action. Prayer is more important than action!

2 Kings 6:18-23

Elisha fought for a spiritual victory! What is victory in this moment? It did not end with Elisha killing anyone! What is victory in my moment?

What victory are you looking for? A worldly victory or a spiritual one? They are not the same and they do not look anything alike!

Just like Elisha, Jesus walked into jeruslam and purposely got himself surrounded by people that wanted to kill him!

God’s righteousness

God's righteousness
What are we saved from? God's righteous judgement!

• Normally we reflect, lets experience it as well.

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Hebrews 4:13 NIV

• Everything you have done and ever will do is known by God and some day you will have to give Him an account!
• In this court room, God is the judge, the bible is His law and you are the defendant!
• Court is in session!
• What are the charges against the defendant?!?

sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
Galatians 5:19-21 NIV

• God asks, "Who will defend this man?"
• Will you represent your self?
• I've tried to be a good person. I'm not as bad as…a murderer
• You cannot defend yourself.
• Guilty as charged!
• You need a savior!

"Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Romans 8:34-35 NIV

• Jesus stands between you and God
• I represent him!
• Your Honor/Father he is guilty as charged; however, on April 7, 1991…
• Justice has been served, I have paid the price for his sins!

"God made (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God."
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

• What should our response be?
• Have you made Jesus Lord of your life? Have you accepted Jesus as your savior?
• How are you going to respond?

Let the good times roll!

Let the good times roll!

Keys to a great marriage!

It starts with a foundation built on Gods word!

Matthew 7:24-27 storms are coming so be prepared! Foundation is the key to weathering those storms! God is the third party in our relationships. God uses other people to be an objective third party as well to help us refocus on the right foundation!

After a storm there is nothing better than when the sun pops out! There is hope!

Being righteous is another key!

Isaiah 48:17-18 we find peace when we do what is right. We find turmoil when we chose not to be righteous! We all made a decision to make Jesus Lord and that should govern all of our actions and decisions! Do you trust that your spouse will chose what is right?

Genesis 4:6-7 doing what is right! Seems so simple! Praying together is a great way to chose what is right together!

Being best friends is key!

Philippians 4:4; proverbs 17:22

Be happy with the spouse God has given you! Enjoy the journey together!

Let the good times roll!

Let the good times roll!

If Jesus was married what would his marriage look like? Think of all the examples of Jesus life that would describe they way he would treat his wife? Jesus was patient. He was never self seeking! Jesus was never easily angered! Jesus never kept a record of wrongs! Jesus would never fail his wife! Jesus is the standard for us as husbands!

Ephesians 5; Colossians 3:19

What areas do you need to be more like christ in? What do you need to apologies to your wife for? Our marriage relationship belongs to God! Maybe ask your wife what she thinks you need to work on!

1 Peter 3:7 i need to treat my wife the way God would want me to treat his daughter!

1 Corinthians 7:3-5; songs of songs 8:10 if you are not content with your wife there is a spiritual issue!

Let the good times roll!

Let the good times roll!

Keep on rolling! Communication is key. Words matter!

James 3:3-6 our tongues and the words we use have power! We need to resolve disagreements before this conflict! Proverbs 15:1 our words can control whether we have a good time or bad time!

As Christians we need to not allow our feelings to take priority. This is the order we should live by: scriptures then reason then feelings!

Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:11

Being considerate is key!

Philippians 2:4-8; Hebrews 10:23-24

Dealing with conflict is key! The little foxes that ruin the vineyard Songs of songs 2:15; Ephesians 4:16; Hebrews 12:15;

Be gracious and grateful!

1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:15

Make a list of the top 10 things that you are grateful for about your spouse!

Old Negro Spirituals!

Old Negro Spirituals!

Many of the negro spirituals songs we sing were written from the spiritual perspective of men and women who were kept captive in slavery. They provide spiritual truths that come from a place deep in passion and connection to God through suffering! The longing for freedom and to see the kingdom of God ushered into the world with all the rights and privileges for its citizens!

The spirituals don't just long for a resurrection but also a desire for justice and repentance. Many of their views were directly tied to Israels story of breaking free from Egypt! The spirituals echoed the language of the prophets in the Old Testament about God providing deliverances! Other themes of repentance now and resurrection later. God's comfort, compassion, and faithfulness! A new heaven and a new earth to come!

Examples:

Read this from the perspective of a slave longing for freedom and better days! Listen to the language and the parallel themes that transcend from one generation to another!

Isaiah 2:1-4; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hosea 2:16-23

We need to see through all of this that the kingdoms of this world for what they are. Condemn the kingdom's of tis world and call for repentance! Speak of and look forward to the kingdom that is coming!

Forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation!

Forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation!

Forgiveness: stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for (an offense, flaw, or mistake).
Restore: return (someone or something) to a former condition, place, or position.
Reconcile: restore friendly relations between.


1. Do you have a hard time forgiving people that hurt you?
2. How do you know when you have forgiven someone?
3. What about when there is no reconciliation or restoration in the relationship?
4. Is there a connection between the three?
5. Can you have one without the other?
6. Share personally.
7. Is your forgiveness conditional and dependent on restoring or reconciling.
8. What do you do when you chose to forgive and there is no reconciliation or restoration.
9. What do you do when someone doesn't ask for forgiveness, want to reconcile or restore the relationship?
10. Should you give up trying to reconcile or restore the relationship? Can you and still be forgiving?
11. Matthew 6:14-15 "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
12. Forgiveness releases you just as well as the forgivee.
13. We have to forgive to be reconciled to God!
14. Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in christ God forgave you.
15. Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
16. Praying for those that hurt you! What do you pray for? Do you only pray that you can forgive them?
17. In order for them to be reconciled God they need to forgive and reconcile with you!
18. Forgiveness is not dependent on anything other than your decision to forgive. Without forgiveness you cannot restore a relationship or reconcile.
19. We have to forgive regardless.

Repentance

Repentance

1. What is repentance?
2. What is it not?
3. Repentance is not just a thought or a statement. I'm sorry. I feel bad…etc
4. Repentance is an action. A decision to do the opposite. It requires doing something.
5. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 "Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."
6. What are the action parts of repentance that we see in this scripture?
7. Foundational biblical concept that we teach.
8. When is the last time you dealt with a specific sin in your life with that much intensity?
9. What do some of these Godly sorrow characteristics look like in action?
10. Which one is the hardest for you?
11. How do you move from worldly sorrow to godly sorrow?
12. 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
13. Our power and motivation to have Godly sorrow comes from looking at the cross.
14. What sins in your life have you settled for worldly sorrow in?

God is with us

God is with us

What has been the most painful or difficult thing for you over the past two years?

Matthew 1:23; 2:13-23

Matthew is trying to teach us that God is with us. No matter what you're going through, God is with you! Put yourself in this story. As a teenage bride having to run to another country for safety. Roman soldiers coming to your town to kill your baby. You have to flee in the middle of the night. Maybe you knew people in your village that had their sons killed. What would you be thinking?

This is the three year period of Mary's life until she returned. You go back but are not able to go back to normal. You have to settle in a new town, Nazareth. You have to learn to deal with a new normal. Would your faith be challenged? Would you question whether God was with really you?

In each of the turning points in this story, matthew provides a prophesy from the Old Testament. This first reference in vs 15 is being brought out of Egypt, Hosea 11.

Look at the comparisons. In the mist of all this Matthew is saying that God is still there!

The next reference in vs 18, Jeremiah 31:15. One of the worst time in Israels history, the exile to Babylon. Who's Rachel. Why is Jeremiah talking about Rachel? Matthew picks this up and shows that Rachel is still morning but there is hope! God is right there in the middle of our pain. He mourns with us!

The third reference in vs. 23, has no specific prophet given credit. It appears that Matthew is referencing a theme in the prophets that Jesus would come from a place that was unexpected. With nothing to attract us to him. Stricken by God. A tender shoot. Without the material wealth, worldly honor or glory that we would expect of a King. Nonetheless, God was with Him and God is with us!

Jesus was born with a price on his head and He died with a price on his head. Jesus trusted his father in every moment in his life! We have no idea where we God is leading us at times. We have no control. Only the control to make a decision to trust and have faith that God is with us!

Remember and Sacrifice

Remember and Sacrifice

The bible talks a lot about remembering. Remember is a biblical concept that God calls us to. What is the opposite of remember? Some would say to forget and that is true but a better opposing word would be dismember. To not only forget but to take things apart. To remember is in a sense to put everything back in its right place in our minds!

Sacrifice is another biblical concept that God calls us to. There are examples all over the bible. Examples of sacrifice in many different things. Money, time, desires, and even life itself! Genesis 29:14-20 sacrifice of time. Love can be measured by sacrifice!

Hebrews 10:1-18
Sacrifice causes us to remember and put back in to order the things that important to God! One sacrifice above all others is the blood of christ. A once for all sacrifice thats motivates and calls us to live a life of sacrifice!

Hebrews 10:19-25
The therefore is Jesus sacrifice and if we remember that it should lead us to sacrifice our lives. Confidence to come near to God. Sacrifice our time. Meeting together!

Acts 2:36-47

Prophets to Jeroboam

Prophets to Jeroboam

1 Kings 11:26-40

God blessed because and did not completely curse because of David's righteousness. This is a profound statement because David was not a righteous man morally as we would define it. David was a sinful man who was really good at repenting. His actions were not always righteous but his heart was soft and moldable!

Jeroboam, on the other hand, was not a righteous man. He turned away from God!

1 Kings 13:1-34

Many of Gods prophets embody the words of God through their life. One prophet testifies naked for several years to make a point. Another prophet marry's a prostitute to show how hurt God is with his bride Israel. Many more examples like this in the bible. The man of God in this story's life was taken for the same sin as Jeroboam. Not obeying the word of the Lord! It was done in such a way that all the details were shocking and notices by everyone. A direct message again for Jeroboam!

Lessons from Jeroboam:
1. Don't forget what brought you to Gods Kingdom? Jeroboam was raised up for a specific reason and he forgot the Lord and did the exact opposite of what God told him to do!
2. Watch how God is active in the lives around you! Look around you at the people that have lives that you don't want and ask the question, how did they get there? God is still using events in other peoples lives to speak to you! Who's life is God speaking to you through right now?
3. Listen to the people God puts in your life! Jeroboam listen to the people he wanted to and ignored the people he wanted to.
4. Only listen to the people that speak from God.

Even Jesus used scripture to confirm Gods will. He constantly used scripture to show what God's will is!

Renew in 2022

Renew in 2022

What are the marks of a renewed church? The church is the body of Christ and is paramount to faith! The church is here to represent the body of Christ!

Renew means to make new again. To know the marks of a renewed church we have to look at the marks of the early church. The first mark is a spirit filled church!

Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles. This was a bible filled church of believers that studied the scriptures intently! They submitted to the authority of the apostles. Some of us spend too much time studying books about the bible instead of reading the bible! Do your convictions come directly from the bible or another book? Through the scriptures we teach, rebuke, and deal with sin!

They devoted themselves to fellowship! Its members love and care for one another! We are involved in each others lives! We unified through fellowship. Knowing each other and calling each other to the same standard. To be in fellowship you have to be unified. Fellowship leads to breaking bread together.

Devoted to pray is a worshiping church. Through prayer we connect spiritually. We communion together in prayer through the spirit. Through prayer we unite in focus and objectives. Through prayer we find faith, trust, and surrender to God!

God is with us

God is with us

What has been the most painful or difficult thing for you over the past two years?

Matthew 1:23; 2:13-23

Matthew is trying to teach us that God is with us. No matter what you're going through, God is with you! Put yourself in this story. As a teenage bride having to run to another country for safety. Roman soldiers coming to your town to kill your baby. You have to flee in the middle of the night. Maybe you knew people in your village that had their sons killed. What would you be thinking?

This is the three year period of Mary's life until she returned. You go back but are not able to go back to normal. You have to settle in a new town, Nazareth. You have to learn to deal with a new normal. Would your faith be challenged? Would you question whether God was with really you?

In each of the turning points in this story, matthew provides a prophesy from the Old Testament. This first reference in vs 15 is being brought out of Egypt, Hosea 11.

Look at the attached picture for comparisons. In the mist of all this Matthew is saying that God is still there!

The next reference in vs 18, Jeremiah 31:15. One of the worst time in Israels history, the exile to Babylon. Who's Rachel. Why is Jeremiah talking about Rachel? Matthew picks this up and shows that Rachel is still morning but there is hope! God is right there in the middle of our pain. He mourns with us!

The third reference in vs. 23, has no specific prophet given credit. It appears that Matthew is referencing a theme in the prophets that Jesus would come from a place that was unexpected. With nothing to attract us to him. Stricken by God. A tender shoot. Without the material wealth, worldly honor or glory that we would expect of a King. Nonetheless, God was with Him and God is with us!

Jesus was born with a price on his head and He died with a price on his head. Jesus trusted his father in every moment in his life! We have no idea where we God is leading us at times. We have no control. Only the control to make a decision to trust and have faith that God is with us!

Repentance

Repentance

1. What is repentance?
2. What is it not?
3. Repentance is not just a thought or a statement. I'm sorry. I feel bad…etc
4. Repentance is an action. A decision to do the opposite. It requires doing something.
5. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 "Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."
6. What are the action parts of repentance that we see in this scripture?
7. Foundational biblical concept that we teach.
8. When is the last time you dealt with a specific sin in your life with that much intensity?
9. What do some of these Godly sorrow characteristics look like in action?
10. Which one is the hardest for you?
11. How do you move from worldly sorrow to godly sorrow?
12. 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
13. Our power and motivation to have Godly sorrow comes from looking at the cross.
14. What sins in your life have you settled for worldly sorrow in?

Justified and sactified

Justified and sactified

Luke 18:9-14

1. What does justified mean?
2. Vs. 9 How do we know if we are justified? Is it based on our opinion or someone else?
3. Vs 10 - two men going to the same place, doing the same thing. Going to the temple to pray. One a respected religious man, the other a despised tax collector. One morally right the other morally wrong.
4. Two different prayers, only one was justified.
5. How do we become self righteous?
6. How do we stay grounded in who we really are in our sinful natures?
7. Justified by our definition or someone else's?
8. Being justified supersedes law. You can break a law if you are justified!
9. What justifies us before God?
10. Justification through the cross. Being justified by God.
11. Justification does not change what happened, (we sinned and deserve death) it just changes Gods view on what happened.
12. God sees Jesus sacrifice and views us as justified.
13. If someone is late they are late. Nothing can change that. If they have a good reason for being late (car accident..etc) it changes our view of why they are late and justifies them for being late!

Romans 4:24-5:2
1 corinthians 6:9-11