2017-03-05
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse: John 9:39 NKJV
And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”

Today, I’d like to spend some time talking about the importance of a story. How a story can change everything in the eyes of others. How an honest story of God’s love and redemption can change the world.  And, one of the greatest stories to emphasize this truth is found in John 9.

John 9:1-27 NLT
1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. 5 But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. 7 He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing! 8 His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!” But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!” 10 They asked, “Who healed you? What happened?” 11 He told them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!” 12 “Where is he now?” they asked. “I don’t know,” he replied. 13 Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees, 14 because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. 15 The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, “He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath.” Others said, “But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?” So there was a deep division of opinion among them. 17 Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, “What’s your opinion about this man who healed you?” The man replied, “I think he must be a prophet.” 18 The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. 19 They asked them, “Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?” 20 His parents replied, “We know this is our son and that he was born blind, 21 but we don’t know how he can see or who healed him. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue. 23 That’s why they said, “He is old enough. Ask him.” 24 So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, “God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner.” 25 “I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” 26 “But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?” 27 “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”

1. The Beginning of a Story

vs 7 He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!

– Story begins with Jesus seeing a man who had always been blind

– It is also a story that begins in Christians judging someone

– But Jesus took what the world sees as a sinful, punished man and turns it into the miraculous

– This took belief and action on the part of the man

2. The Power of a Story

vs 8 His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!” But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!”

– Instantly the man wanted everyone to know about this miracle

– He had spent his entire life blind, and now he sees, and couldn’t stop sharing.

– This story turned the community upside down

3. The Faith of a Storyteller

vs 10 They asked, “Who healed you? What happened?” 11 He told them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!”

– There was no fear to share this story, no worry over being ridiculed

– The formerly blind man was now a spokesman for Jesus, who was not there

– This man had absolute faith in what had happened because he could see

4. The Courage of a Storyteller

vs 15 The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, “He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!”

vs 25 “I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”

vs 26 “But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?” 27 “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”

– His testimony took great courage. His own parents were afraid (vss 18-20)

– Anyone who acknowledged Christ would be put out of the synagogue.

– Yet the man continued to tell the same story…I once was blind but now I see

– The man not only continued to share the story, he pushed back against the Pharisees. (vss 30-34) He was even thrown out for it, yet he stood and believed. (vs 35)

5. The Importance of a Storyteller

vs 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

– Jesus made it clear, time is short, we must share our stories NOW!

2017-02-19
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:1
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. 2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. 4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. 5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” 6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

Living our lives in the overflow means we can…

1. Truly love one another

v1 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.

– philadelphia – brotherly love is encouraged here

– What does brotherly love look like?

– relationship (not helicopter relationships)

– genuine care and concern

– provision of needs

2. Have room to help others

v2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

– When we are not “bogged down” by the burdens of life, we are free to help others, care for others, spend time with others

– These two verses focus on the importance of kindness to all and the importance of helping those who are less fortunate

– Service, Missions, Outreach

3. Have the marriages we’ve always dreamed about

v4a Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage.

– honor = timios (TEAM-eeh-os = valued, costly, prized)

v4b God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

4. Have the right attitudes about “stuff”

v5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

– encouragement to “not be greedy, selfish” about money

– 1 Corinthians 4:2 calls us to be “stewards” over what God gives us

– 1 Timothy 6:10 says the “love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”

– Money not that important. Why? Because He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us

5. Have the right attitude about God

v6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

– This is reference to Psalm 118

– Our dependence is on Him, not ourselves, not our money, not our status, not our power, not our job

– Therefore, nothing to fear. No one can destroy us.

Application:

1. Get rid of pride

– If it is a struggle, pray for deliverance

(If it’s all about you, it’s all about over)

2. Look for the opportunities to bless others

– Don’t just wait for the random opportunities, go make those opportunities

3. Look at your spouse as a gift from God, not a burden

– And treat and respect them as such

4. Stop caring so much about things

– There are scores of marriages and families that have been destroyed because they are so focused on “having” rather than “being”

5. Start caring about your relationship with Him

– Take it seriously

– A haphazard faith leads to a hazardous future

– Word/prayer/group/service/sharing

2017-02-05
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Memory Verse:
Heb. 12:11 (NKJV)
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:5 (NLT)
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

The Right Correction for the Right Direction

Today, is a message on discouragement. There are two major forms of discouragement in our lives: 1) discouragement brought on by our own actions, 2) discouragement brought on by the actions of others. Today we’re going to deal with the first form, and next week will deal with the second. And, the way that we bring on discouragement as a result of our own actions comes from the consequences of our actions.  That is, the price we pay for the things we do.

Heb. 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

1. All sin has consequences

– The sinfulness of sin is equal before God, but the consequences can be different

vs 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.”

– Newton’s Third Law – For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

– There are bad decisions we make that may not be sin, but still bad

2. Those consequences can leave us discouraged if we don’t see their value

vs 6 “For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

– every reaction from our action should be an opportunity to learn

Proverbs 3:11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

– rarely does one see a negative reaction to our action as a positive

3. God’s discipline is a clear picture of His love for us

7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.

– This should be one of the most eye opening and frightening verses in all of Scripture

4. This discipline will ALWAYS make us better

vs 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

– The purpose of discipline is to bring correction, not simply punishment

– God’s plan is to allow our bad to shape our good

– If we don’t allow this process to happen, our bad will only create our “WORSE”

– “discipline” paideia (pie-DAY-o) – punished for the purpose of improved behavior

– BUT, this is your choice

5. Don’t allow these moments to get you down, let them raise you up

vs 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

– the picture of discouragement (tired hands and weak knees)

– God says “Therefore, stand up, keep moving, and let the past shape you for a better future”

Action Points

1. Make a list of consequences you are facing, or have faced, as a result of bad decisions

2. Evaluate each one from the viewpoint of what you learned from those consequences

3. If you can’t find something you’ve learned, take some time to determine what you should learn

4. If there is unconfessed sin that is part of this, confess it and ask forgiveness

5. If you need to seek forgiveness for something you’ve done to others, do so

6. Is there an action you need to take to move past it

7. Move on

2017-01-22
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Last week’s Memory Verse:
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Today’s Memory Verse:
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;* then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

Losing Weight To Win

1. You’re Not Alone

1a Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…

– one of the greatest hindrances to living a “freed: life is being bound by loneliness

– byproducts of loneliness
– discouragement
– fear
– inadequacy
– apathy

2. Let It Go

1b …let us strip off every weight that slows us down…

– weight (onkos – impediment, encumbrance)
– Typical “weights” that slow us down
– financial
– health
– lack of wisdom
– double-mindedness
– sin

3. Clean It Up

1c …especially the sin that so easily trips us up…

– sin will always stop us from winning
– our tolerance of sin grows exponentially as our lack of repentance grows

“Never confuse God’s patience in punishing sin as God’s tolerance and acceptance of our sin” – Steve Gaines

– Daniel 4:27 ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’ 28 “But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later…”

4. Never Quit

1d …And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

– endurance (hypomonē – perseverance, capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances)

– Why should we never quit? Because this is God’s plan!
– the race God has set before us.

5. Know What Matters

2a We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus…

ACTION POINTS

1. Look for the weights (i.e. discouragement, financials, health, relationships, anger)

2. Come up with a game plan to fix it

3. Stop sin
– getting into God’s Word will help you avoid sin
– right crowds will help you avoid sin
– “Garbage in/Garbage out”

4. Seek the race God has for you
– prayer
– discernment

2017-01-08
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Last week, we talked about “A New Walk For A New You” in this new year. We discussed making sure that we are making room for God, family, others and that we are living with eternity in mind. Today, I want to talk about the church, specifically, this church.

Eph 4:23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Rev. 2:1 Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands: 2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. 4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. 6 But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. 7 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.

Rev. 3:14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

Two churches with two different and distinct problems, but those problems are directly related to one another. And, every church that starts down the road where the church at Ephesus found itself will eventually find itself in the same condition as the church at Laodicea. We cannot, and will not, allow that to happen to this church.

1. Doing the good things doesn’t always equal doing the right things

2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.

2. The right things always spring from the heart

4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!”

5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.

3. Lacking the right thing will always turn your heart the wrong way

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!

17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

4. Make the right thing the main thing

16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

Eph 4:30b Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

2016-12-25
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Over these past few weeks, we looked at Zecherias and Elizabeth’s miraculous story in the birth of John the Baptist. We’ve talked about the Angel’s appearance to Mary, her time of personal worship after hearing of God’s plan and His faithfulness. Last week, we heard from Matt Willmington about the calling on all of our lives to point people to Christ. All of these sermons have been based out of Luke chapter 1. Today, we’ve heard from the children the amazing story of Christ’s birth, that great appearing of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords in the form of a baby born in a manger.

In all these passages, the one person we haven’t discussed that much is Joseph. If anyone had the opportunity to throw his hands up in disgust and walk away from this story, putting himself first, it was Joseph. His bride to be, the love of his life, was now pregnant and he knew this baby was not his. So today, let’s look at the angel’s announcement to Joseph that changed his heart, and that today, should change all of ours as well.

Matthew 1:18-21 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
1. The Purpose of His Coming
21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Heb. Yeshua), which means Yahweh is salvation or “the Lord saves”
God’s purpose in the birth of Jesus was to fulfill all of the OT prophecies of the coming messiah
God’s purpose in the birth of Jesus was to redeem what He had created, to provide a way out and a way back for all of us

Romans 5:12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 13 Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. 14 Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. 20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2. The Promise of His Coming

23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
A fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14

A reminder that because of this “Greatest Gift”…
a. God is here with us
b. He can be known by us
c. He put on flesh and became one of us, yet without sin
d. He will never leave us
e. We can run to Him anytime (Heb 4:16)

The greatest of all gifts is that without Christ we all die, without hope, without a future…but with Christ we have eternal life, eternal hope, eternal joy…if we believe!

2016-12-11
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Luke 1:49 (NKJV)
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

For the past few weeks, we have been looking at Luke 1. We started with a discussion of the Angel’s appearing to Zacharias about the gift of a son, John the Baptist. Last week, we talked about another appearing. This one from the Angel Gabriel to Mary about the gift of THE SON, JESUS. Over these couple of weeks, we’ve seen the promise of God in the gift of Christmas. Today, I’d like to talk about a response to that gift.

Luke 1:46 (NLT)
Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47   How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

In order to “empty ourselves of ourselves,” – – to put ourselves on the shelf – –  it requires worship. Mary responded to all the angel had told her and all that Elizabeth said to her through worship and praise. The kind of worship that had nothing to do with a show, nothing to do with a church service, nothing to do with performance, but had everything to do with the condition of the heart.

1. Worship comes from within

v46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47   How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”

– Many look at worship as what we are led to when a church service begins, Mary saw worship as a response to what welled up inside her, from her very soul.

– This is a lesson for all of us. She took time to reflect on what the Angel had told her, what God was doing for her, and it changed her from within.

2. A life of worship results in a response from God

v48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.

– The key word in this passage is “LOWLY”

– Her humility and love of Him caused Him to bypass all others in His choice

– Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

3. This response is needed in our daily struggle

v50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.

– Mary recognized His mighty power and knew that it was necessary for life

– This is true of our journey as well..His mercy overcomes anything we might face

4. This response is all that is needed

v52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.

– Many fear retribution or criticism from the world, Mary understood that everyone is subject to His power

– She recognized that those who truly love and worship Him will be taken care of, those who depend only on themselves and their own abilities will come to ruin

– God’s response to our worship, to our love for Him, is not only promised, not only needed, it’s a promise

5. This response is permanent

v55 “For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

– Mary recalled her study of Old Testament promises of God and His faithfulness to all that had come since, and all that will ever live. His promises are forever.

– She was about to return home, three months into a pregnancy as a single young girl

– She worshipped God because she knew she needed His promise, protection and provision for the days ahead

– Her worship was in advance of what she knew God would do, not simply in thankfulness for what He had already done.

“My soul doth magnify the Lord.” Here is an occupation for all of us who know the Lord, and have been born into His family. It is an occupation which may be followed by all sorts of people. This humble woman speaks of her low estate, and yet she could magnify the Lord. All believers, of every rank and condition, can attend to this work. This is an occupation which can be followed in all places. You need not go up to the meeting-house to magnify the Lord, you can do it at home. You may be tossed about upon the sea in a storm, but you may trust His name, and be calm, and so magnify Him. Or, you may be no traveller, and never go a hundred yards out of the village in which you were born, but you may magnify the Lord just as well for all that. This is not an occupation which requires a crowded congregation, it can be fitly performed in solitude. I suppose this sonnet of the Virgin was sung with only one to hear it, her cousin Elisabeth. There is quorum for God’s praise even where there is only one; but, where there are two that agree to praise God, then is the praise exceeding sweet.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

2016-11-27
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The common theme at Christmas is “What’s In It For Me?” This view of the beginning of the most beautiful love story in all of history has destroyed countless Christmases and as many lives. Today, we begin a four week series entitled “Self on the Shelf” to spend some time trying to refocus our attention on what really matters Christmas…not what’s in it for me but rather, “what’s in it for others from me?”

1 John 2:15 (NLT)
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

The World’s View

v16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

God’s View

17b …But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

So, in light of the Spirit of Christmas, let’s refocus ourselves on that which pleases God! Let’s take some time to put our selfish ambitions on the shelf and focus on God’s plan for our lives. And, it starts with living right, no matter what!

Luke 1:5 (NLT)

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. 6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. 8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. 9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. 11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

1. A refocused heart is one fixed on Him

v6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.

– As we read from 1 John 2 this morning, the world is not interested in what is righteous in God’s eyes nor in obeying all of the Lord’s commands. However, to live our lives in a way that god recognizes as righteous is the right focus for all of us.

2. Even when things don’t go your way

v13b …God has heard your prayer.

– It is obvious that Zechariah and Elizabeth had been crying out to God over the fact they didn’t have children. Yet, their hearts were in the right place. They were “righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all…”

– They didn’t trust God only when things were good, they trusted God completely, and it made all the difference in the world

3. Refocus or Regret?

– what about you? Where is your heart in the midst of disappointments and shortcomings?
– The typical response is anger, discouragement, a lack of trust, an accusing heart.
– The right response is righteousness and obedience

This Christmas season has many opportunities for the right heart or the possibility for discouragement and disappointment for the heart of regret. Let’s be sure to focus, not on the things of this world but on the things of God.

1 John 2:16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

2016-11-13
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory verse:
Galatians 5:14 NKJV

As you walk the streets of this city, it is guaranteed that there are very few people you pass who are truly filled with joy. I’m not talking about happiness, that’s a different thing altogether. I’m talking about true joy. The kind of joy that fills your heart to overflowing. The reason, in my opinion, is that most people have allowed circumstances, situations, conflicts etc., to crowd out any room for joy. The focus is on here rather than on Him!

Our constant battle for personal preferences and desires has led us to conflict with one another, even in the church, which can do nothing but stop us in our pursuit of joy. The book of Galatians was written by Paul to encourage believers to let go of the burdens of the past and of sin and cling to the freedom that comes from Christ. As a result of living in this way, all will be able to experience the joy that Christ came to give. While Galatians is a powerful book full of theological truths, today we’re going to focus in on one specific passage that I believe is particularly relevant for this day.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-26 (NLT)
13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Let’s talk about what it takes to make room for joy. It doesn’t happen by accident, nor does it happen naturally by default, it happens through action.  How?

1. To serve in love
13b …Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

– To make room for joy, we must be willing to do for others, to recognize that true joy does not come in what you can get for yourself or through what others can do for you but rather through what you can do to serve

Q. – What can I do today for someone that will put a genuine smile on their face?

2. To speak in love
15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

– Our actions, and reactions, determine the room for joy in our life

– this verse was a direct reference to those in the church who were destroying one another through their attacks on one another

– biting, devouring, destroying (Greek references to fights of wild animals to the death)

Q. – What can I say to someone today that will encourage them, to lift their spirit?

3. To act in love
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

– Simple words. Easy to say so hard to actually do.

– How do we have this fruit in our lives?

– Always see the good in others, even when you want to see the bad

– Make efforts to stop a conflict rather than feed it

– Be a genuinely kind and good person

– When your personal desires are at war with what is right, take a breath, then do the right thing

The opposite:
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

Q. – How can I change my actions today to show these fruits of the spirit to others?

4. To reflect Christ in love

25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

– The only way to find joy is to find Him and follow

14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

2016-10-30
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

There is no question that our world today is in desperate need of “peacemakers.” This is a role that has been occupied so many times in history by the church, yet in today’s world, there seems to be a conspicuous absence of the church in this area.  Today, I believe it would be encouraging, and challenging, to us all to spend some time in James chapter 3 seeing what our role should be as the church and as Christ followers in world lacking peacemakers.

Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

James 3:13-18
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Living in peace

1. Serving and humility

v13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

– “prove” is a critical word here because it encourages action

– “doing good works with the humility…” means serving others with no ulterior motive and no desire for recognition

– this is the kind of service that comes from Godly wisdom and also the kind of service that is so often missing in our world today

2. Pure Heart

v14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

– “don’t cover up the truth” – this is a condemnation against hypocrisy

– the elements of hypocrisy do nothing but lead to disorder and evil

3. Desire to live as Christ lived

v17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

– To be pure, (hog-NOS = free from moral defect) believers must separate themselves from the vices of earthly wisdom.

– “peace loving”

Those who work for shālôm (wholeness and harmony rather than strife and discord in all aspects of life) and who reconcile others to God and each other will “be called sons of God.” Others will identify them as God’s true ambassadors, as those who are being conformed to his likeness.

– “no favoritism” indicates that we must see all as Christ sees all

– definition is without partiality AND non-judgmental

The Result

4. A changed world

v18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

– the defining term for all Christ followers

– Acceptance of Christ

– Seeking after Him

– Doing His will

– Changing His world

“A church that is rich in reconciling activities, that is, evangelism, the defense of the poor, counseling the troubled, offering hospitality to the stranger, providing shelter for the battered, sending gospel missionaries throughout the world, and many more, certainly reaps a rich harvest of righteousness. Wherever the church of Christ is doing these things, the kingdom of God is in evidence. This harvest precisely is what Jesus meant by the admonition to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness:”

2016-10-16
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
2 Timothy 4:5
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:1-5
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
1. Our Command (vs 2a)

2a Preach the word!

– It is important that each of us understand our responsibility as it relates to the Gospel
– “Preach” is not just a command to me, it’s a command to us all

2. Our Commission (vs 2b)

2b Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching

– “In season and out of season”
– How do we?
– What does this preparation look like?
– What does the implementation look like?
– Convince
– Rebuke
– Exhort
– With long-suffering and teaching

3. The Time Is Now (vs 3-4)

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

– The world is already moving away from what we know and believe
– There is only one thing that can call them back – the power of the Gospel

Romans 10:13-14
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
14a How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?

4. Your Time Is Now (vs 5)

5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

– We are here for such a time as this!
– What will you then do?

Romans 10:14b
And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

2016-10-02
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

It’s a simple choice really. Flee and pursue or allow sin to stop you dead in your tracks. Today, our focus is on a world that is desperate for righteousness, holiness, truth. But it is also a world that takes the easy way out, seeking personal pleasure over spiritual strength.

2 Timothy 3:1-9
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

1. Sin will keep you from the presence and the power of God (vs 2-4)

v2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

– A description of the self centered life

– when given the opportunity to either do the right thing or to please themselves, they will always choose themselves

2. Self-deception doesn’t make things better (vs 5a)

v5a “having a form of godliness but denying its power”

– this is nothing more than making the declaration – “I don’t need God!”

– BEING RELIGIOUS IS NOT THE SAME AS BEING RIGHTEOUS!

– In the current church….people who value authenticity more than valuing what’s right

– Accepting the sin of others and themselves by wrapping it in conversations of being true to themselves

What was Paul’s response to this situation?

3. Turn Away! vs 5b

v5b And from such people turn away!

The three steps of TURNING AWAY!

– Finishing the unfinished work of God requires repentance

– In essence, a “turning away” from sin

– Finishing the unfinished work of God requires diligence

v7 lways learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

– knowledge is not a replacement for truth

– don’t just learn, “study to show yourself approved”

– the Bible is the source of truth

– the Holy Spirit will do His work in you

– Prayer

– Finishing the unfinished work of God requires dependence

v9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

– Dependence on God develops character

– Who we are is all about our character

– Character can never be developed when we are nothing more than “Lovers of Self”

– Get to know God’s definition of love, seek His love and acceptance, Live according to His truth, and the unfinished work He has set out for us will be accomplished.

2016-09-18
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV
For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Last week, we began walking through the book of 2 Timothy, a letter written by Paul to Timothy from a jail cell in Rome. Nearing death, Paul’s desire was to encourage Timothy to continue the important work of reaching others for Christ. It was a work that was unfinished and Paul wanted to be sure never stopped. And, it’s a work that even today we have a duty to continue.

2 Tim. 1:8-18 NKJV
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me.18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day-and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

From last week, we ended with verse 7…For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. …THEREFORE:

1. Never be ashamed

vs 8a Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord

– While the world might attack, might laugh, the Gospel must be proclaimed
– Why? (Romans 1:16) It’s the only way
– Timothy had not yet been ashamed but Paul knew it was possible because of what was not underway, Paul wanted to remind Timothy what an important role he had
2. Because you are called

vs 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

– It is a great honor, a holy calling, to pursue Him and reach others
– 2 Characteristics of Christ listed here:
1. He has always been…
2. He was always be the only way…
3. With the message of life

vs 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

– The effect of the Gospel – “Death has been defeated”
– Still physical death, but not eternal
– nothing to fear

4. Though the journey might be tough

vs 12a For this reason I also suffer these things;

– what reason? The sake of the Gospel
– “Use the pain of now to strengthen the hope of the future”
5. God is faithful

vs 12b nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

– Even with Paul knowing he would soon be executed, he was not afraid
– Nothing to lose
– ABLE TO KEEP

6. You are not alone

vs 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

– Don’t let culture or compromise destroy or diminish
– When it seems to much to bear, you are not alone!

2016-09-04

Matt Willmington

Memory Verse:
Nehemiah 4:14b
“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

WORK

Nehemiah 2:17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.

WAR

Nehemiah 4:13 Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

WORD

Nehamiah 8:1 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. 4 So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place. 8 So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.

2016-08-21
Charles Billingsley

Keep Calm and Carry On: Overcoming Fear with Faith

Today we will start a sermon series called “Plugged In”. For the next three weeks we will study ways how we can:

1. Plug deeper into our faith walk with Jesus as individuals.
2. Plug deeper into our faith walk with others
3. Plug deeper into our faith walk with our fellow church members

This week we tackle the idea of plugging deeper into our faith walk with Jesus as individuals. Specifically, we will talk about how to live a life above the chaos and the anxiety and the fear we all face in a very uncertain and troubled world.
We will be looking at Psalms chapter 46 to be our guide.

Question: When fear comes knocking at your door, will faith answer?

Psalms 46:10 – Be Still and Know that I am God.

“BE” – Life is not just about doing, but it is about being…being who God wants us to be.

“Still” – Comes from the Hebrew word “Raphah” It means to stop fighting; cease striving – God is firmly telling us to let go of anything that is capturing our attention away from Him. He demands our undivided attention so He can shape us into who He created us to be. We do this by learning to practice the discipline of solitude.

“And Know” – The word ‘know’ comes from the Hebrew word ‘Yada’. It carries with it the idea that we are to know God with the intimacy of a husband and wife who’ve been married for 50 years. Knowing God is not just an intellectual thing, but it is emotional, practical, and spiritual.

To Know God is of utmost importance. Knowing Him will dispel a multitude of fears. Set a time and place each day to get to know Him.

“I AM God” – The last part of this first phrase in Psalms 46:10 is the most powerful. It reminds us of the awesomeness of God. He is the great I AM. Yahweh – or I AM – is the greatest name that’s ever been. This name is only given to one who has supreme power, supreme authority, and supreme position. It is our job as His children to trust, worship, and truly know the great I AM.

2016-08-07
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Exodus 18:11 NKJV
“Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.”

In this series, we mentioned last week that for the first several weeks, we looked at the internal elements of being an overcomer but last week we began looking outward. We talked last week about overcoming the attacks that are certain to come. Today, I want to build on that topic by continuing to discuss how to overcome when things keep hitting us head on.

13 The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” 15 Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. 16 When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.” 17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. 20 Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.2 2 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

1. It is difficult to overcome when you are overwhelmed

13 The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.

– 76% of Americans feel stressed
– Nearly half of Americans say they don’t have enough time in the day
– 1/3 of American teens are stressed out
– Media consumption of 15.5 hours per day!

2. Living life in a whirlwind rarely leads to accomplishment

14a When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here?”

– When we are constantly overwhelmed, we rarely accomplish what really matters
– We may feel as if we’re making progress but at the end of the day it seems as if there’s more on us than when we began
– This is not only true of daily tasks, it is true of the problems in life

We must:
– Take a time out to evaluate what really is important
– Prioritize the major issues in our lives
– Make everything we do and everything we face a matter of prayer
– Never allow our stress and our “stuff” to crowd out God
– Seek help from others…

3. Building Godly relationships is a great first step in finding your way out

21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

– God’s plan is for us to surround ourselves with Godly people that can help us navigate
– Family, friends, professionals
– Sometimes it is nothing more than having people we can have fun with
– We all need people we can grow in our faith with
– Sometimes we need to seek help for the deeper issues and pains that life brings

4. Overcoming together is God’s plan

23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

– Jesus Himself chose 12 to walk with him through His ministry
– Did He need them? Probably not, other than to give us the example of how we are to live
– Are you building those types of relationships?

2016-07-24

ststor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we continue our series, “Overcomers,” looking at the life of Moses. What an amazing life story he leaves to us. A life of truly overcoming every type of challenge and obstacle one can imagine. It is important that we use these stories, this inspiration, to lead us in overcoming as well.

Memory Verse:
Exodus 4:31
So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.

Every person on the face of the earth has moments of insecurity. None of us are immune to this fact of life. From the youngest to the oldest, from the richest to the poorest, from the most successful to the just starting out… we’ve all faced those moments of believing we weren’t good enough. Today’s message is not a self help seminar, it is a sermon that will hopefully lead us all to spend less time doubting our abilities and more time trusting our God.

Let’s pick up the story from last week from the “burning bush” moment of Moses’ life. Last week, we focused on how to overcome our past. Today, we focus on how to push through to our future.

Overcoming Insecurity

1. I’m Not Good Enough or Smart Enough

Exodus 4:1 But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The LORD never appeared to you’?” 2 Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. 3 “Throw it down on the ground,” the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.

– Interesting start to this chapter… “But Moses protested again…”
– Moses really didn’t have great confidence in his ability to pull this off… sound familiar?
– Each of us battles the inner voice that tells we are not good enough, not smart enough

2. I Don’t Know What To Say

10 But Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” 11 Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

– This is an all too common response that we use…”I’m not very good with words”
– One of the the greatest reasons that the church doesn’t evangelize the way it should
– Lack of trust

3. I’m Too Scared, Someone Else Should Do It

13 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” 14 Then the LORD became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you. 15 Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do. 16 Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say.

– This is also a common response, the belief that someone else can do it better
– God was getting fed up with Moses’ lack of response, but never gave up on him
– How often do we excuse our inaction by assuming someone else will do it.

4. When You Trust God With Your Today, God Will Take Care Of Your Future

31 Then the people of Israel were convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

– After all of Moses’ protests, he finally relented and trusted God
– “Then the people of Israel were convinced that the Lord had sent Moses…”
– “…they bowed down and worshiped”
– God used Moses despite his insecurities and it changed the course of history

Overcoming Our Insecurities

No one is ever good enough or smart enough on their own
Our words will always be insufficient, what matters is our heart
Sure there are others who could do what God has called us to do, but He called us! Let’s get to it and see what can happen when we all show up to do what He wants.
It is only when we trust God fully that we begin to see how truly powerful He is…

– “God’s ability in our lives can only be revealed in the availability in our lives”

2016-07-17
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Exodus 3:12 NKJV
So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

Exodus 3:1 NLT
One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. 3 “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” 4 When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. 5 “Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the LORD told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” 13 But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” 14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.”

1. God doesn’t look at our past to determine if He wants to use us

vs 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. 3 “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” 4 When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied.

2. God’s holiness trumps our messiness

vs 5 “Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.

3. God’s plans will always be grander than ours

vs 10 “Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”
4. God’s power will always be enough

vs 11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.”

5. The only way to overcome our past is to know our future

vs 14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.”

2016-07-03
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Exodus 2:24
So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Today, we begin a series for the rest of the Summer on the life of Moses, one of the principal characters of the Old Testament and one of the greatest examples of being an OVERCOMER of all time. Moses lived in the mid-1400’s BC in a time when the descendants of Abraham, God’s chosen people, were an unorganized and enslaved people not the great nation that God had promised. Moses barely escapes death at his birth, grows up in opulence in the house of Pharaoh and very easily could have never become the great leader we know him to be. But there was something different about him, something that changed the trajectory of his life from being ordinary to overcoming. What was it?

Heb. 11:23
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.

1. Faith
23a By faith Moses…

Definition:
1. complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
2. strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

Biblical Definition:
“Being Sure Of What You Hope For And Certain Of What We Do Not See!” – Heb. 11:1

Charles Spurgeon once said: Not only in prayer, but in duty, the man who has great faith in God, and whom God has girded with strength, how gigantic does he become!

* Something Bigger than Yourself
* Confidence in the promises and protection of God
* Awareness of God’s presence in the darkest of moments

2. Looking to God for significance

vs 24b-25
…when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

* Moses was unwilling to give in to the pressures of culture
* He saw the affliction of the Jews and was willing to forgo what was certain in order to do the right thing
* He knew the value of life was not found in what others think of us but rather in what God thinks of us
* We will never overcome in life as long as we are dependent on acceptance from others. Man’s desperate desire for acceptance usually leads us to compromise in order to gain it or discouragement when we don’t.
* In Luke 9, Moses once again appears with Jesus and Elijah. He overcame so much because his focus was on God

3. Recognition of what matters

vs 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

vs 26 (NLT) He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

* He knew it was always the right thing to do the right thing, even if it began in suffering
* He knew that the value of God’s rewards were far greater than the value of man’s
* He was willing to walk away from the things of this world in order to find meaning and purpose

God had a plan for Moses from the moment he was born. Even in the midst of danger, uncertainty and fear, God provided the way to overcome. Knowing our salvation comes from and through Him is key to overcoming the problems of today.

To overcome requires faith!

2016-06-19
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
1 Kings 18:21
Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”

1 Kings 18:21 (NLT)
Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. 22 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only prophet of the LORD who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets. 23 Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. 24 Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!” And all the people agreed. 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “You go first, for there are many of you. Choose one of the bulls, and prepare it and call on the name of your god. But do not set fire to the wood.” 26 So they prepared one of the bulls and placed it on the altar. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning until noontime, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no reply of any kind. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made. 27 About noontime Elijah began mocking them. “You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!” 28 So they shouted louder, and following their normal custom, they cut themselves with knives and swords until the blood gushed out. 29 They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response. 30 Then Elijah called to the people, “Come over here!” They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down. 31 He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, 32 and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. 33 He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.” 34 After they had done this, he said, “Do the same thing again!” And when they were finished, he said, “Now do it a third time!” So they did as he said, 35 and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench. 36 At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. 37 O LORD, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” 38 Immediately the fire of the LORD flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The LORD—he is God! Yes, the LORD is God!”
1. Make a choice (vs 21)

vs 21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.

– Christians live their lives with one foot in, one foot out
– If we believe that God is truly God, what’s the problem?
– Silence is not following

2. Have confidence (vs 25)

25a Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “You go first, for there are many of you.”
– Elijah was not worried about public opinion
– He was sure of the outcome

3. Go all in (vs 30-35)

30 Then Elijah called to the people, “Come over here!” They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down. 31 He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, 32 and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. 33 He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.” 34 After they had done this, he said, “Do the same thing again!” And when they were finished, he said, “Now do it a third time!” So they did as he said, 35 and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench.

– Elijah didn’t hedge his bets
– He wanted this to be an “all or nothing” proposition
– He believed God fully and took God at His Word!
– ARE YOU?

2016-06-05
Matt Willmington

What is a CHRISTIAN? Are YOU a Christian?

Jesus prayed in John 17 for His followers, that they would be children of light, unified, have authority, etc. But what was His definition of “follower”? And, more importantly, are YOU His follower? Are YOU a Christian?

WHO? 
* young v.22
* wealthy v.22
* ruler Luke 18
* seeker Mark 10, Lk 10:25

QUESTION
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”

* “One good thing to gain eternal life?”
* JESUS – “God is good. Keep commands”
* Young Man – “Which ones?”
* JESUS – “Love your neighbor”
* Young Man – “I have. What do I lack?”

ANSWER
21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

* JESUS  “Sell – Donate – Follow”
* Wealth NOT issue
* $50k .31% [99] $25k 2% [98]  $12.5k 13% [87]
* HEART – IDOL
* Acts 2, 4 church did INSTINCTIVELY
* Mk10:21 “Then Jesus, looking at him, LOVED him, & said”

DECISION
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

* YM walked away sad…
* He asked the wrong question…

2016-05-22
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

Last week, we began looking at a prayer. A prayer that Jesus offered for us as we face the challenges of this world. Today, we’re going to continue looking at this prayer as we see how His words can guide us day by day.

John 17:7 NLT
Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, 8 for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me. 9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. 13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

Last week,
* we have authority
* we have a future
* we can make an everlasting impact
* the answer is Christ

1. The Message is clear (vs 7-8)

7 Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, 8 for I have passed on to them the message you gave me.

* The World needs to hear the Gospel
* The church must be the one to tell them

Ephesians 5:8
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

2. We must stand in unity (vs 11)

11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.

* a church that is not unified in message is a church that will never be unified in mission

3. Standing on the Word of God (vs 14-18)

14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.

* it really does matter that we read, learn and know God’s Word if we are going to be light in a dark world.

4. Only in Christ do we have hope (vs 19)

19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

Ephesians 5:1
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

2016-05-08
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Today is Mother’s Day and we certainly honor all of the amazing moms here who have had such great impact on all of us. We are blessed beyond measure to have been impacted by them. So today, I want to look at a passage that also discusses the impact of some special moms, but not for the sake of simply talking about moms, but to focus on why we should learn from others to have peace in life.

2 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

1. Looking Back for Strength

vs 3b as my forefathers did
-There are great lessons to be learned from looking back at influencers in our past
-But never allow those reflections into our past to keep us there

2. Influence Really Does Matter

5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also
-Be careful how we teach and influence others through our actions

3. In Order For Us To Be An Example To Others

6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

-Let your love for Him be an opportunity to bring others into a relationship with Him

4. Renews Our Strength

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

8a Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…
-Fear is the single greatest roadblock to experiencing God’s peace
-Fear of acceptance
-Fear of faith
-Fear of standing alone

5. He Protects Us Until The End of Time

12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

-He is “able to keep”
-“keep” = phylassō (foo-LAH-so) to guard a person (or thing) that he may remain safe; to guard from being lost or perishing

-He will never let us go; eternally secure

-What do you need Him to “keep” for you today?
-What lessons can you learn from your past that will move you closer to God today?
-What impact can you have on those around you today that will help them move closer to God?

2016-04-24
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Luke 5:11
So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

TODAY, we continue our series, Agents of Grace, on the topic of “Leading Grace.” This specifically discusses how we can all be used of God to lead in grace in every situation.

1. Jesus Restores

John 21:15-17
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

Jesus addresses & forgives Peter for each time Peter denied Jesus!

2. Jesus Empowers
– “feed my sheep”

Jesus asked Peter to take inventory of his heart and see if at his very CORE he deeply valued Jesus BEFORE he went out to tell others about loving Him. IN OTHER WORDS, If you are right in your heart, you will undoubtedly do what He has called you to do; namely, go out to serve & share Jesus’ love to the world!

3. Jesus Calls

– Jesus ends with the command to do what I had INITIALLY called you to do — “feed” believers — be a leader! Remember back 3 1/2 years ago, Peter accepted the invitation to be a spiritual leader – Jesus emphasizes not to quit on God’s Calling upon your life!

Luke 5:11
So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

“forsook” (ah-FEE-a-mee) = “to drop what is in your hands, to walk away and leaving something behind.” An action done with resolute commitment.

John 21:18-19a
“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

4. He Can Use Anybody!

Don’t think for a moment that this topic is just for those who have exceptional leadership skills are extremely gifted in leadership. God can empower anyone to lead in their homes, their workplace, their own lives, etc

Consider Peter & most of the Disciples:
Fishermen were looked upon as blue-collar, uneducated, untrained people …and definitely incapable of changing the world in any way/shape/form. But Jesus had different plan to reach the world – different than what the world would have thought of as success.

I Corinthians 1:26-27
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

God uses common people to do the most profound work for the Kingdom!

God’s Grace Is The Key For You To Be a Leader!

Don’t allow past failures to keep you from serving. Remember, the Evil One will ALWAYS want you to remember your sinful past so that you will never preach about the Grace of God. Because when you truly confess your sin and change your ways, you want to caution others of going down the same sinful path

Psalm 51:13-15 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

Peter was a perfect example of brokenness made whole and being used because of the Grace of God. As a result, he became an agent of grace to a broken world.

Acts 3:11-14a Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just…”

Peter took a stand for Christ – he was a leader publicly, unapologetically, unequivocally…all the way to the end!

2016-04-10
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Rev. 22:21
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Today, we continue our conversation on being Agents of Grace. Being recipients of the matchless grace of God, but also focusing on being representatives of that matchless grace.

The world today is dark and devoid of mercy, compassion, and grace. In a world filled with everything but grace, we are encouraging every child of God to take the 1st step and reach out to their friends, family, loved ones and strangers, and bless them by showing God’s grace.

A Characteristic of Christ: Forgiveness

Psa. 103:8
The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Eph. 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Our Response
Eph. 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

The story of Hosea and Gomer is one of the great messages of forgiveness and grace in all of Scripture. How do we transition the lessons of forgiving grace in the Bible to our everyday lives. Many times, we embrace the stories and inspiration of Scripture but don’t know how to apply it for today.

Matt. 18:21
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Quick application: How often should we show forgiving grace? Every Time!

1. Mercy is needed – vs 23-25

23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.

2. Mercy is wanted – vs 26

26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.”

3. Mercy is extended – vs 27
27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This is an amazing story that Jesus shared of mercy and grace extended when so desperately needed, when there was no hope outside of grace. But, we need to keep reading the story to see how this recipient of grace responded in his own life.

1. Mercy is needed – vs 28

28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ ”

2. Mercy is wanted – vs 29

29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.”

3. Mercy is withheld – vs 30

30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.

4. An opportunity missed, a testimony destroyed – vs 31-33

31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?”

The point of the story…verses 34-35

34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

It doesn’t mean you will lose your salvation, it means that you will miss out on being the recipient of the amazing grace of God extended in the midst of your daily challenges because you’ve not been representative of the amazing grace of God.

2016-03-27
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Matthew 28:5-6
Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Distraction, Division, Disillusionment…these are all things that each of us deal with on a daily basis. The world consistently robs us of what God wants to give because we focus on the things now, rather than Him. Our circumstances dictate our joy…or lack thereof. When we focus on the negative, we are robbed of the positive moments in life. When our hearts are distracted by the negative, division and disillusionment are guaranteed.

Matt 27:55-61
And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. 57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. 61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

– The women were watching from a distance, both at the crucifixion and at His burial.

Matthew 28:1
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

Mark 16:1
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

– The women came to anoint the body of Jesus. Why? Because they believed He was still dead, despite what He had told them.

– They were distracted by their current circumstances, they couldn’t see.

Matthew 28:2
And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

As they arrived, the Angel appeared and reminded them of what they already should have known.

Mark 16:10
She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

The women who had been radically changed by the presence of Christ told those who walked with Him what they had seen, but they did not believe. Why?

1. Distracted by circumstances
2. Divided by conflict
3. Disillusioned by life

A picture of our world. They did not remember.

Later He appeared…and everything changed.

Matthew 28:16
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Mark 16:12
After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. 14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

What changed?

They had an encounter with the risen Lord…and believed. With belief, everything is different. Life is different, focus is different…there is hope! Through faith, we can overcome distraction, division and disillusionment. We are a new creation!

Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.

They went, they told, God was with them…and the world changed. All through belief.

What do you believe?

2016-03-13
Charles Billingsley

After Jesus and His disciples shared their last supper together, they made their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is here where Jesus was arrested and taken for trial and eventually would endure the cross the following morning. What happens in the garden is of utmost significance in the life of Jesus and His disciples.

Today, we look closely at the suffering of Christ, His heartfelt prayer to His father, and His warning to his dearest friends, Peter, James, and John.

Mark 14

The SETTING

vs. 32 – “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane”

vs. 32 – 33a And he said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James and John with Him. The SUFFERING

vs. 33 – And He Peter, James and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.

vs. 34 – Then He said to them “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”

vs 35 – “He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.

1. Pray Faithfully

2. Pray authentically

3. Pray Intimately

vs. 36 – And He said, “Abba, Father”

4. Pray Fervently

vs. 36 – “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.”

5. Pray fearfully

vs. 36 – “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from me.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The SUBMISSION

6. Pray submissively

vs. 36 – “Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

The meaning of prayer, then, is not to force our will on God, but rather to surrender our will to His!!

vs. 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

The Supremacy

Pray Confidently

Matthew 26:47-56 (NKJV) 47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish[a] by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” 55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

Watch and Pray

36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” There is a two step formula to defeat temptation in your life:

1. Watch

1 Corinthians 16:13 – Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Peter 4:7 – But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

2. PRAY

1. Faithfully – Pray often

2. Authentically – Pray honestly

3. Intimately – talk to your dad

4. Fervently – it’s ok to be passionate

5. Fearfully – respect His power

6. Submissively – Seek His will, not your own

7. Confidently – He is in control.

2016-02-28
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Joshua 3:5
And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
Today, we begin the countdown to Resurrection Sunday. The day we celebrate our risen Lord. As we move towards that special day, we want to take a look at the week leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection. We will look at a few of the significant events of that Passion Week that have direct implications on how we are to live today.

Matthew 21:10-13
And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” 12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

Getting the House in Order

One of the first things that Jesus did during this week leading up to His death is to get His house in order. After His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He went up to the temple where he found people taking advantage of those who were there to worship. He used this as a teachable moment and emphasized holiness.
How do we get our house in order to make way for Jesus in our lives?

1. Recognize who He is

vs 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

– we must understand and be aware of the presence of Jesus in our lives in order to get ourselves in shape for
Him to do His greatest work

2. Recognize what He expects – HOLINESS!

vs 12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

Jesus expected the temple to be treated with the kind of respect for which it was created

Presence of God
Representation of God
Repentance
Preparation

Joshua 3:5a And Joshua said to the people, Sanctify yourselves…

1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

1 Peter 2:11 NLT Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

3. Recognize what brings Him sorrow

vs 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

Isaiah 53:7 NLT I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.

– When God’s people continue to live in sin as if there has been no transformation because of the Gospel, it brings Him sorrow

Luke 19:41 NLT  But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. 43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. 44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”

– The reason He died was to change us! “New Creation” – 2 Cor. 5:17

Matthew 26:28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

“Holiness, as taught in the Scriptures, is not based upon knowledge on our part. Rather, it is based upon the resurrected Christ in-dwelling us and changing us into His likeness.” – A.W. Tozer

4. Recognize what happens next

vs 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.

Joshua 3:5b … for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.

– Obedience brings joy, peace, contentment
Malachi 3:10b NLT … “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”

2016-02-14
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse: Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:1 (NLT)
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) 26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Today we continue talking on how to STAND STRONG ON GOD’S PROMISES. We’ve looked at trusting God, we’ve talked about his promise of salvation, his presence in our fears, his promise to answer our prayers…and today, we’re going to talk about His promise of victory.

2 Cor. 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

God’s Promise of Victory – How is this possible?  When we are IN CHRIST everything changes!

1. We Belong To God – As His children, He has given to us a life-giving spirit in the midst of suffering and pain… and temptation.

2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death

– AND freedom from the bondage of sin!

3b And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

We are not bound by the attacks of Satan and sin because we have been made free through Christ!

2. We Have A New Mind – The mind of Christ will change your present situation as well as your future destination

5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

3. We Have New Life – In our broken down state, we are promised a renewal, new life

11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

4. We Have Strength To Walk On – When it seems that there is no way, no reason, to carry on, God will bring us through in victory.

18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

5. We Have Hope – Through salvation, hope changes everything
23b…We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved.

28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

2016-01-31
Matt Willmington

In a world of fear and famines, we often wonder where our provision will come from. But Psalm 34 reminds us that God hears us and will deliver us if we look to Him.

promise = declaration to deliver
God is STRONG, but we must STAND
God’s WORD demands our WORK
Today: God’s Promise to PROVIDE: Fear / Famine
Psalm 34 NKJV David pretending insanity to Abimelech

1. FEAR =

Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

WE seek, look, cry, fear.

GOD hears, delivers, encamps

“angel of the Lord” = Hagar, Abraham, Moses, Balaam, Gideon, Manoah, Elijah, Zachariah / shepherds, Joseph, JESUS, Peter

Psalm 125:2
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people

2.FAMINE =

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

WE taste, see, trust, fear, seek.

GOD good, blessed, no lack of GOOD things

in NORMAL times – but there are TEMPT/TEST times

Isaiah 55:2
Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.

FEAR FORMULA =

11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord 12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good 13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

FEAR = listen+keep+speak+depart+do+seek+pursue

END…
God is STRONG, but we must STAND
God’s WORD demands our WORK
What’s your FEAR? seek, look, cry, fear
What’s your FAMINE? taste, see, trust, fear, seek

2016-01-17
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
2 Thess. 3:3 NKJV
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

Today, we begin a study for the next six weeks of the promises of God found in Scripture. Obviously we can’t discuss all of the promises, by some counts that are up to 7,500 promises found in Scripture. But, we will talk about the essence of God’s promises, some pretty important promises that we all need to be reminded of, and how we can be reassured that we can count on God to fulfill every promises.

Today, we’re going to talk about trusting God. We’re going to discuss the faithfulness of God. There’s no point discussing the promises of God if we can’t fully trust God to fulfill His promises. We’re in an election year, and unfortunately, often we hear promises made by politicians that we know will never be fulfilled. We almost expect them to renege on their promises. Not so with God. If God says it, you can count on it…both good and bad!

Psalm 89:1 NKJV
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

Psalm 89:1-2 NLT
I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. 2 Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

1. The Faithfulness of God is Worth Celebrating

vs 1a I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever…

1. The first step to standing on God’s promises is to remember what He’s already done.

Salvation
Family/Friends

b. If we fail to celebrate what God has done for us already, we are certain to fall into discouragement at the first sign of trouble

2. The Faithfulness of God is Worth Sharing

vs 1b …Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.

Why would we dare keep the promises of God to ourselves
We spoke a few weeks ago about how no one can thrive in isolation, sharing the faithfulness of God with others is a sure fire way to keep our hearts fixed on Him
Sharing with others helps to strengthen their faith as well, a duty of all believers

3. The Faithfulness of God is Guaranteed

vs 2 Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

a. This is a game changer. Few things in life are guaranteed. The old joke goes that only death and taxes are certain. Add one more thing to that list…the faithfulness of God.

Heb. 10: 23 NLT
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

b. All through the Bible, we see examples of God keeping His Word, even when unexpected

c. And yet, all through the Bible, we examples of God’s people forgetting His faithfulness and they turn their backs on Him yet again.

2 Tim. 2:11 NKJV
This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

d. And not only do we need to live with Him in the forefront…we need to recognize that His faithfulness is our only hope!

2 Thess. 3:3 NKJV
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

2016-01-03
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Matthew 15:8
These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

1. Read God’s Word Daily
2. Pray At Least 15 Minutes Daily
3. Have A Heart of Repentance
4. Find A Place To Serve Now
5. Look For Opportunities to Share Your Faith

How do we find our purpose, our place, in this world that is so full of distractions? Last week, we talked about the checklist for spiritual living. I encourage each of you to stick with that checklist, don’t let it drop or fall by the wayside. Stay committed to it and it will drive you to greatness. Today, I want to start 2016 with a conversation on how to fit. How do we find our place? And, once we do, how do we knock it out of the park. In other words, setting goals and making it happen.

1. P = Personality
Embrace Your Own Personality.  Celebrate the fact that God made you just the way you are. Know who you are.  Accept who you are.  And let God use you as you are.  Stop trying to be someone else.  You are exactly the person God wants you to be.  Accept yourself and enjoy your service.

Psa. 139:14a
I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…

2. L = Learn
Learn About the One Who Made You.  Get to know Him. Too many Christians today never get to know God. They know about Him, they pretend they know Him, but they never truly know Him.

John 17:1-3
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

3. A = Abilities
Discover the Abilities That God Has Blessed You With.  These are God-given gifts that should be used for His purposes.  Ministry, music, administration, business, serving. There are so many areas that God uniquely prepares us for ministry. Use your spiritual gifts and your abilities to carry out the work He has for you!

1 Cor. 7:7
For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

Phil. 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

4. C = Connect
Connect with Other Believers.  God didn’t save you to become a spectator.  Nor did He give you gifts and abilities to keep them to yourself.  Find a need and meet it. Connect with other believers to be strengthened and encouraged. Connect your passion with a ministry where you can be fulfilled in your spiritual life.

Rom. 15:30-32
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.

5. E = Experience
Experience God’s Best.  Don’t settle for a second-rate Christian life, when you can have God’s best right now.

Prov. 16:3
Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.

Psa. 37:4
Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

It’s time to find your PLACE of service. As you begin this new year, you have the awesome opportunity to discover what God wants to do through you and develop into that person, OR, you have the opportunity to descend into Satan’s trap of complacency that he has laid for you. Become a leader. Become a person of significance in God’s Kingdom.
Matthew 15:8
These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

Principles for achievement

1. Never confuse movement with accomplishment
2. The Bridge between vision and accomplishment is discipline
3. Passion trumps obstacles
4. Embrace change

2015-12-20
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Season of Generosity: Putting Grace Into Action

Memory Verse:
1 John 3:17
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing Generosity. What does it mean to live a life of generosity, to introduce a culture of generosity into our daily pattern of living. We’ve talked about what Christ called us to do, we’ve talked about the importance of it and last week, the results of living this type of life. Today, I want to talk about how to put it into action.

1 John 3:16
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

1. Keep your eyes open for those in need
1 John 3:17a
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need…

– It is difficult to see opportunities for generosity when we are distracted
– Knowing God’s heart is the first step to seeing others in need
– Take time this week to look at those around you to see what might be an obvious opening for you to live generously

2. Keep your heart open for those in need
1 John 3:17 …and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Luke 10:33
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

– Have genuine compassion, don’t let your generosity be controlled by guilt or obligation

3. Keep your calendar open for those in need
1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

– Actually schedule yourself some free time to see need
– Being too busy can keep you from living generously

4. Keep your arms open for those in need
1 John 3:23
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

1 John 3:16
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

– Be ready, at any moment, to help those in need
– When it doesn’t fit into your plan, your schedule, or your desires

2015-12-06
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

From Gratitude and Grace

Memory Verse:
Psalm 136:1
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Last week, we started talking about generosity, we talked about how to treat others.

Luke 6:31
And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Recognizing that above all, God’s intention for us is to treat others with love, respect and Christ-likeness. This what is summed up in the Great Commandment – – (Matt 22:37-39 and Mark 12:29-31). This is God’s plan for you and me. But, as we discussed last week, it is the opposite of our human nature, our sinful nature. The sinful nature tells us that its all about us, that we must look out only for ourselves. So, in light of that truth, where do find the inward strength and power to live out generous lives?

It’s is found in a life of Gratitude and Grace.

Psa. 136:1
1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. 3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: 4 To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever; 5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever; 6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, For His mercy endures forever; 7 To Him who made great lights, For His mercy endures forever— 8 The sun to rule by day, For His mercy endures forever; 9 The moon and stars to rule by night, For His mercy endures forever. 10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, For His mercy endures forever; 11 And brought out Israel from among them, For His mercy endures forever; 12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, For His mercy endures forever; 13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, For His mercy endures forever; 14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it, For His mercy endures forever; 15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, For His mercy endures forever; 16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness, For His mercy endures forever; 17 To Him who struck down great kings, For His mercy endures forever; 18 And slew famous kings, For His mercy endures forever— 19 Sihon king of the Amorites, For His mercy endures forever; 20 And Og king of Bashan, For His mercy endures forever— 21 And gave their land as a heritage, For His mercy endures forever; 22 A heritage to Israel His servant, For His mercy endures forever. 23 Who remembered us in our lowly state, For His mercy endures forever; 24 And rescued us from our enemies, For His mercy endures forever; 25 Who gives food to all flesh, For His mercy endures forever. 26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.

1. A life of gratitude requires work (verses 1-5)
– we must recognize the source of everything good

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Psa. 136:1
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Psa. 136:4
To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever; 5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever;

– But in a world such as ours, it is difficult to separate the trials of this age to recognize the mercy of God
– It takes deliberate effort

2. A life of gratitude requires humility (verses 6-9)

vs 6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, For His mercy endures forever; 7 To Him who made great lights, For His mercy endures forever— 8 The sun to rule by day, For His mercy endures forever; 9 The moon and stars to rule by night, For His mercy endures forever.

we must recognize the significance of Creator God in His great power and our great weakness

3. A life of gratitude requires dependence (verses 10-22)

vs 12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, For His mercy endures forever

– Without Him we are nothing, with Him…all things are possible!

4. A life of gratitude must be based in grace (verses 23-26)

verses 23 Who remembered us in our lowly state, For His mercy endures forever; 24 And rescued us from our enemies, For His mercy endures forever; 25 Who gives food to all flesh, For His mercy endures forever. 26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.

2 Cor. 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Eph. 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

– It is God’s grace and mercy that allows us to experience gratitude, generosity and love

2015-11-22
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory verse:
2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”

Wow what a promise! Today, we all need to be reminded of the faithfulness of God. Especially in light of the tragedies of this present age. We see heartache and hurt all around us, people searching for meaning, searching for hope. That hope is found in Christ and Christ alone.

Today, we are simply taking some time to worship, to celebrate, to be thankful…for all that God is to you and me. We will never truly understand how amazing our God is this side of Heaven, but it’s important to be grateful still. I just want to take a few moments today to focus on this verse…His faithfulness, He establishes us, He guards us. What a great truth!

1. He is faithful
“But the Lord is faithful…”

There is no question, no doubt about the faithfulness of God. In fact, there are approximately 277 references in the Bible to God making a covenant to man and in every case, He is faithful.

Deut. 7:9
Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

2. He will establish you
(stā-rē’-zō = to make stable, place firmly, set fast, to fix in place)

God’s promise is to “fix us in place” because of His faithfulness. In a world that is constantly batting us around, God holds us firmly in His grip.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. He will guard you
…and guard you from the evil one.

In a world that is so full of evil, so full of danger, so full of temptation…our God is faithful to protect us no matter what. He does this through His love for us and the forgiveness He offers.

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

2015-11-07
David Nasser

There is perhaps no better portrait of a man’s life than his reflective last words. Solomon’s confessions and conclusions in the book of ecclesiastes give us great insight from a man who attained one essential truth from the sum of his experiences. Through highs and lows, great triumphs and devastating failure, Solomon learned that life will only be fully lived “under the sun”, when it is fully attained from an “over the sun” perspective.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 (NIV)
1 The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:
2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!”
says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless.”
3 What do people gain from all their labors
at which they toil under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV)
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.

2015-10-25
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

IN this series, Portrait of a King, we’ve learned a great deal about leadership and relationships. And today, we continue learning from Solomon and his great wisdom as we talk about life. Life is a great gift that when done correctly, can bring immeasurable joy. But to live a life full of joy, we have to understand the seasons of life. Life has its amazing ups and its difficult downs. God allows these peaks & valleys, victories and defeats to shape us, to refine us, strengthen us, and teach us lessons we would have NEVER learned if life was always tranquil, calm, and predictable.

I Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

Solomon instructs with a summary of life:
vs 1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

– Life is change, but in the midst of change, God is constant

1. The Beginning and the End – Life is finite (is limited, it’s measurable) James 4:14
2a A time to be born and a time to die…

2. The Work & The Reward – Life requires work to succeed
2b …A time to plant and a time to harvest.

Proverbs 21:5-7 NLT
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap. 7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

3. Stopping & Starting – A time to terminate and a time to restore
3a A time to kill and a time to heal…

4. New Beginnings – Being ready for the new things God brings into our lives
3b  …A time to tear down and a time to build up.

5. A Time for Expression – Private & Public
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

6. A Time to Fight – gathering stones was used to describe preparing for battle
5a A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

7. Importance of Choosing the Right Relationships – choosing the right kind of friends
5b…A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

8. Time for Decision – (holding things lightly)
6b…A time to keep and a time to throw away.

9. Time to Mourn, Time to Rejoice
7 A time to tear and a time to mend
…and a time to be quiet and a time to speak.

So HOW DO WE COPE WITH THE EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF LIFE?
Depend on God!

Ecclesiastes 3:9-10 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all.
– God is the author of life!

Ecclesiastes 3:11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
– God is in control and has given us a spiritual window!

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
– Knowing God is in control brings peace!

Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. 15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.

WE SHOULD HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE IN OUR GOD! HE WILL LEAD US THROUGH THE SEASONS OF LIFE!

2015-10-11
Dr. Ben Gutierrez

“I thought It would never happen to me!”  
“How did I get to this place in my life?”
“I never saw this coming!”

So many people admit that they are in deep spiritual turmoil.  Many seek help from their pastor, friend, or other spiritual leaders to help them get out of their spiritual rut.  And these phrases are the most common words out of their mouths.  And after a review of the Scriptures, the struggling person quickly realizes that all their spiritual weariness all began by ignoring one small, little spiritual discipline in their life.  Dr. Ben Gutierrez rehearses the slippery slope of sin in the life of Solomon and reviews Ephesians 4:17-20 in order to learn how not to slide down the slippery slope of sin…and in the little things in life to always be careful to “Watch Your Step!”

“If left unchecked, sin will grow worse and worse!”

I Kings 3:9a NLT
Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.

I Kings 3:10-14 NLT
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”

I Kings 4:32-34 NLT
32 He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. 33 He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish. 34 And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.

I Kings 11:9 NLT
The LORD was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.

Proverbs 5:22 NLT
An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.

Proverbs 4:13 NLT
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.

Proverbs 9:12 NLT
If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

“If left unchecked, sin will grow worse and worse!”

“IF left unchecked…”

Six-Fold Digression of Sin

Ephesians 4:17-19
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Ephesians 4:17-19
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Step One – “futility of their mind” (v.17)
Produced by: Slight Dependence on Self!

Step Two – “having their understanding darkened…” (v.18)
Produced by: Frequent alienation from intimacy w/ God!

Step Three – “blindness of their heart…” (v.18)
Produced by: An unpracticed Christian walk!

Step Four – “who, being past feeling…” (v.19)
Produced by: A desensitized conscience!

Step Five – “given themselves over to lewdness…” (v.19)
Produced by: A disdain for all that is holy!

Step Six – “to work all uncleanness with greediness.” (v.19)
Produced by: A selfish desire for more!

“If left unchecked, sin will grow worse and worse!”

Ephesians 4:20
“But you have not so learned Christ!”

Proverbs 5:9-14 NLT
9 If you do, you will lose your honor and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved. 10 Strangers will consume your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor. 11 In the end you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body. 12 You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! 13 Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? 14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”

Watch Your Step!

2015-09-27
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory verse:
Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Last week, we continued our series focusing on lessons from the life of Solomon on how to lead with success. Today, I want to move over to 1 Kings 3 to talk about some foundational truths or understandings of what leadership really is if we are going to be Godly leaders.

We concluded our conversation last week talking about living out God’s Word in leadership and how to battle against a natural byproduct of leadership and success which is pride.

– Pride and feeling as if we are above others, better than others, smarter than others will always lead us to feel as if we don’t have to abide by the rules.

“Good leaders want true, honest feedback. Bad leaders see alternate opinions or disagreements as personal attacks.” – Justin Kintzel

– This natural result is a surefire way to destroy our leadership and our future

– Result of applying God’s Word in leadership – we won’t abuse authority, keeps you sensitive to sin, and guarantees Godly heritage

Today, in 1 Kings 3 we are given a glimpse of a very private moment between God and Solomon that shaped Solomon’s leadership forever.

1Kings 3:5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 10 The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

There are some foundational truths in the narrative that help us understand what really matters in life and leadership according to God’s Word. Here they are:
vs 5b …Ask! What shall I give you?

1. KNOW GOD – Know who God is and know God intimately

vs 6a And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You…

– David was a man after God’s own heart, this resulted in GREAT MERCY
– “mercy” = khah-sid – kindness, favor, blessing
– Knowing God intimately will transform your leadership potential in exponential ways

2. EMBRACE HIS PROMISES – never forget what God has done for you

vs. 6b …You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

– God fulfilled the promises spoken to David on the longevity of his leadership
– God can always be counted on to keep His promises
– It’s pretty important for everyone to be aware and familiar with these promises

1 Kings 2:4 that the LORD may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, “If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,

3. EMBRACE YOUR OWN INABILITY – Have the proper perspective

vs 7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.

– Solomon’s way of saying, “I don’t have a clue what I’m doing” and that’s okay!

– Recognizing your own inability is the first step to embracing God’s abilities
– 2 Cor 3:4-5 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. 5 It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

4. TRUST HIM – Trust that He will be all you need

vs 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

– Your leadership potential is directly related to and completely dependent on God working in and through you

Model for Christian Leadership
– Christ-centered in all aspects of life (a voluntary servant of Christ)
– Committed to serve the needs of others before their own,
– Courageous to lead with power and love as an expression of serving,
– Consistently developing others into servant leaders, and
– Continually inviting feedback from those that they want to serve in order to grow towards the ultimate servant leader, Jesus Christ.

2015-09-13
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
II Timothy 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Today, we begin a brand new series incorporating the life and lessons from King Solomon, the wisest man to have ever lived. (1 Kings 3-God asked, 1 Kings 4:29-wisdom as measureless as the sand on the seashore.) Over the coming weeks, we will be learning from Solomon, and ultimately from God, how we can be the leaders God intended for us to be, how we can love those in our lives in a Godly way and how we can live life to the fullest…all to honor Him! These are lessons from God’s Word that will encourage us, that will be uplifting to all of us, as we seek to be all that God intended for us to be.

To begin this journey, let’s go back to the beginning of Solomon’s journey as king. David is nearing death and he shares some parting words with the next king.

1 Kings 2:1-4 Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: 2 “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. 3 And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; 4 that the LORD may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, “If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

1 Kings 2:1 (NLT) As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon: 2 “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. 3 Observe the requirements of the LORD your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. 4 If you do this, then the LORD will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’

David gave his son, Solomon, some life lessons here that will help him be the leader that David knew God wanted Solomon to become. These lessons are not only for Solomon, they are for you and me as well.

1. Learn from those who’ve gone before
vs. 1 As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon: 2 “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man.

– You can learn from anyone, even those you don’t agree with
– Never dismiss the lessons learned from those of another generation
– 2 Chronicles 10, 1 Kings 12 Rehoboam’s rejection of the past

II Timothy 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. – Paul encouraging Timothy to learn from his walk

2. Follow God’s path, not man’s – While we learn from the past, we follow God not man

vs 3a Observe the requirements of the LORD your God, and follow all his ways.

1Cor. 11:1 Imitate me, just (but only) as I also imitate Christ.

3. Don’t allow the blessings of God to keep you from obedience to God
vs 3b Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.

– It is easy to allow our current success to leave us lazy, comfortable and apathetic
– Greatest hindrance to what God wants to do next is resting on what God did before
– Solomon even got to the point where he head everything but felt empty

Eccl. 1:12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Eccl. 1:16 I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind. 18 For in much wisdom is much grief, And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

4. Begin with the end in mind
4 If you do this, then the LORD will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’

vs 3b …you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.

Remember this, The victorious Christian life requires a commitment from you to stand on God’s truth, but also remember this, it is not dependent on past spiritual victories. START NOW!

– Starting now, what will you do differently to be the leader that God intended
– What changes are you willing to make?
– What disobedience, sin, do you need to seek forgiveness for?

2015-08-30
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse: 1 Cor. 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.

Over the past weeks, we’ve been walking through the booklet, the TRBC Playbook. A plan for who the church is, what the church should do, and how we should do it. We’ve defined the church, last week we talked about our vision, our mission and our message. Today I want to talk about our strategy. How will we actually accomplish God’s plan for our lives as individuals and as His church?

Acts 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Our strategy for impact

1. Being Versed In Our Values – If we don’t know what we value as important, we will be distracted by the unimportant. We must place real intrinsic value on the foundations of our faith.

42a And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread…

* Commitment to Scripture – Heb 4:12 – Word of God is living…

-If we do not believe that God’s Word is truly God’s Word and is the only authority on which we stand in faith, our faith is in trouble.

42b … and in prayers

* Culture of Prayer – James 5:16 – The effective fervent prayer…

-It is imperative that all Christ followers develop a regular line of communication

43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

* Lifestyle of Worship – 1 Cor 10:31 – …whether you eat or drink…

-We must recognize that everything we do is a potential act of worship

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart

* Connected in Community – Acts 2:42-47

-God did not intend for us to walk this journey alone

44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

* Heart for Serving – Mark 10:45 – …did not come to be served…

-Jesus made it clear, as our example, we should serve our fellow man as a bridge to life change

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

* Passion for Sharing – Mark 16:15-Go into all the world… Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me, To preach the gospel to the poor;

-If all we ever did was live our lives as Christ followers and never have a desire or passion to bring others into this relationship with Christ, in essence, we are devaluing the entire idea of following Christ.

2. Joined Together In Our Mission

* Gatherings – Corporate Worship (Hebrews 10:25 – forsaking not the assembling…)

* Groups – Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Eph. 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Eph. 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

1 Cor. 12:14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

Proverbs 27:17a As iron sharpens iron…

When we as Christ followers adopt a deliberate plan of encouraging one another, strengthening one another, praying with one another, doing life together, we will increase our impact exponentially.

3. With Eyes Wide Open

1 Cor. 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.

-We must recognize we live in a dangerous, sin loving, world.
-We must be examples of Christ-likeness if we have any hope of changing our world

-Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven

2015-08-16
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we’re going to begin a discussion about church. We’re going to talk about why the church is THE vehicle to push back the darkness and change our world. We’re going to answer a few questions over the next couple of weeks about church like:

What is church?
What’s the point of church?
How do I fit in?
What contribution can I make?
Is it worth the effort?

All of these are questions that have been asked many times by many people gathered in this place. Maybe not out loud, but they’ve been asked within our hearts and minds. I want to walk us through these questions and a few more so that we will all have a pretty clear answer about church.

Acts 1:8/ff Acts 2

Why Church?

1. Family – Being part of a church makes us part of a family that is pretty amazing.

Eph. 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
– No one will ever thrive in isolation
– Strength in numbers is not just a cliche it’s truth
– God didn’t intend for His children to grow alone

2. Authority – Being part of a church gives us a very powerful advocate in Christ

Eph. 1:22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

– God also didn’t intend for His children to face the world without power
– Acts 1:8
-We act on the authority of the King

fullness – plā’-rō-mä (play-roo-ma) = completeness, that which has been filled
Church is an institution given by God that brings completeness and fulfillment into our lives

3. Word – Being part of a church gives us real answers for real questions and real problems

Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2 Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
– God didn’t intend for His children to figure out all by ourselves
– The manual was written and handed to us

4. Mission – Being part of a church gives us purpose, a reason, to make a difference

Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
– God didn’t intend for His children to do nothing
– Changing our world is not an option, we are commanded
– Matthew 28, Mark 16, Acts 1

From Christianity Today:
Myth 1: The church is merely a human organization
Myth 2: The church is a supermarket for spiritual groceries
Myth 3: The church is just a gathering of a few believers
• Orthodoxy: the proclamation of the central truths of the Christian faith regarding God, the person and work of Christ, and salvation
• Order: the positions of biblically qualified and properly appointed leaders
• Ordinances: the practice of baptism as the rite of institution into the covenant community, and the Lord’s Supper as the rite of sustained fellowship.
• Evangelism: gathering others to God by the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ
• Edification: growing believers toward maturity in Christ through teaching and discipline in genuine community
Exaltation: glorifying God through adoration and service
Myth 4: The church is optional

2015-08-02
Charles Billingsley

Today we look at another Old Testament character in our Best Supporting Actor series:  Jonathan. As Prince of Israel, Jonathan took it upon himself to daringly attack the Philistine army with only the help of his armor-bearer. God used this surprise attack to bring about a great victory for the people of Israel that day. We will witness the incredible boldness and tremendous faith of Jonathan and will then draw several principles for how this story can apply to each of our lives.

God doesn’t bless us through our disobedience – I Samuel 14:1-23

Jonathan’s Boldness

“1 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, ‘Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.’ But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men, 3 among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left. 4 On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez, and the other Seneh. 5 One cliff stood to the north toward Micmash, the other to the south toward Geba.”

Jonathan’s Faith

Jonathan’s faith was remarkable, radical, and just a tad bit irrational.

“6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, ‘Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.’ 7 ‘Do all that you have in mind,’ his armor-bearer said. ‘Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.’”

Psalms 16:8 – “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

“8 Jonathan said, ‘Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.’”

Jonathan’s Action

“11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. ‘Look!’ said the Philistines. ‘The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.’ 12 The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, ‘Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.’ So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, ‘Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.’
13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. 14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre. 15 Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God.
16 Saul’s lookouts at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the army melting away in all directions. 17 Then Saul said to the men who were with him, ‘Muster the forces and see who has left us.’ When they did, it was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who were not there.
18 Saul said to Ahijah, ‘Bring the ark of God.’ (At that time it was with the Israelites.) 19 While Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, ‘Withdraw your hand.’
20 Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords. 21 Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 When all the Israelites who had hidden in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined the battle in hot pursuit. 23 So the Lord rescued Israel that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven.”

The easiest way to accomplish nothing is to try nothing. Those who change the world are the ones who see a need and consider it their job to do something about it.

With God, all things are possible.

1. Pick a fight

2. Partner with friends

3. Put feet to your faith

4. Trust God with the results

1. If you could accomplish anything, what would you like to do?

2. What goals are you setting in order to accomplish it?

3. What sacrifices are you willing to make so you can accomplish it?

4. What price are you willing to pay?

Ephesians 6

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

“The inability to do nothing.”

2015-07-19
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
2 Samuel 12:9a
“Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight?”

Today, we’ll continue our series entitled “Best Supporting Actor”. Today’s nominee is Nathan, a prophet in the time of King David. He was instrumental in calling David to establish the Temple, later putting that responsibility on Solomon (2 Samuel 7). But today, our focus is not about the Temple, it’s about a man – a man that God anointed, that God called and blessed, but a man who sinned. God used Nathan to call that man to account for what he had done, and to change his ways.

2 Samuel 12:1-14
“1 Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: ‘There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds. 3 But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it was like a daughter to him. 4 And a traveler came to the rich man, who refused to take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare one for the wayfaring man who had come to him; but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.’ 5 So David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘As the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! 6 And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.’ 7 Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! 9 Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. 10 Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’’ 11 Thus says the LORD:  ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.’’ 13 So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.’”

Clearly, this is a powerful story. It’s a story that gives great meaning to why we have chosen Nathan as our focus today. He provided David with what could have been the most meaningful and powerful moments in David’s life.

We know that David had a blessed life and we know of David’s amazing story. While his story was blessed and amazing to this point, David could have thrown it all away over sin. Today, let’s spend a few moments seeing why God used Nathan to change David’s life.

Nathan’s Point – His contribution to David’s life

1. Nathan pointed out David’s Hypocrisy – verses 1-5

a. Rarely are we as offended at our own sin as we are towards others’ sin
b. Sin in the church destroys our effectiveness in fulfilling our mission

What sin?
– Sexual sin – disrespecting marriage; porn, adultery, pre- and extra
– Racism – denying that God created everybody in His own image
– Jealousy
– Selfishness – what I want is more important
– Preference over principle
– Biblical illiteracy – denying, ignoring God’s Word
– Lack of prayer – denying, ignoring God’s power
– Disobedience – denying, ignoring God’s plan

2. Nathan caused David to Take A Look In The Mirror – verse 7

“You Are The Man!”

3. Nathan issued God’s Call To Repentance – verse 9a

“Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight?”

•  God said, “I’ve done all of this for you. How could you do this to me?”

David’s Response

1. Fear – verses 10-12 (fear over Nathan’s pronouncement of God’s disappointment)

2. Genuine Repentance – verse 13

“So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.'”

– Look how quickly restoration began!

The Ugly Truth

Here’s what Nathan pointed out, not only to David, but to us today….

3. The Church Is Always Damaged By Hypocrisy – verse 14a

“However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme…”

Our Response

• FEAR OF GOD – resulting in respect, holiness, obedience, being in awe of Him
• GENUINE REPENTANCE – setting aside what we want for what God wants
• GO AND SIN NO MORE – seeking daily to honor His Word

2015-07-05
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
2 Chronicles 7:15 NKJV
“Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”

2 Chronicles 33:1 NLT
“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. 2 He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. 3 He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had broken down. He constructed altars for the images of Baal and set up Asherah poles. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them. 4 He built pagan altars in the Temple of the LORD, the place where the LORD had said, ‘My name will remain in Jerusalem forever.’ 5 He built these altars for all the powers of the heavens in both courtyards of the LORD’s Temple. 6 Manasseh also sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the valley of Ben-Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the LORD’s sight, arousing his anger. 7 Manasseh even took a carved idol he had made and set it up in God’s Temple, the very place where God had told David and his son Solomon: ‘My name will be honored forever in this Temple and in Jerusalem—the city I have chosen from among all the tribes of Israel. 8 If the Israelites will be careful to obey my commands—all the laws, decrees, and regulations given through Moses—I will not send them into exile from this land that I set aside for your ancestors.’ 9 But Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the LORD had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land. 10 The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. 11 So the LORD sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. 12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed, the LORD listened to him and was moved by his request. So the LORD brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the LORD alone is God! 14 After this Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David, from west of the Gihon Spring in the Kidron Valley to the Fish Gate, and continuing around the hill of Ophel. He built the wall very high. And he stationed his military officers in all of the fortified towns of Judah. 15 Manasseh also removed the foreign gods and the idol from the LORD’s Temple. He tore down all the altars he had built on the hill where the Temple stood and all the altars that were in Jerusalem, and he dumped them outside the city. 16 Then he restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings and thanksgiving offerings on it. He also encouraged the people of Judah to worship the LORD, the God of Israel. 17 However, the people still sacrificed at the pagan shrines, though only to the LORD their God. 18 The rest of the events of Manasseh’s reign, his prayer to God, and the words the seers spoke to him in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, are recorded in The Book of the Kings of Israel. 19 Manasseh’s prayer, the account of the way God answered him, and an account of all his sins and unfaithfulness are recorded in The Record of the Seers. It includes a list of the locations where he built pagan shrines and set up Asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself and repented. 20 When Manasseh died, he was buried in his palace. Then his son Amon became the next king.”

1. God is Patient
vs 10 “The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings”

* God was patient with Manasseh even as he dishonored God.
* God’s protection remained even as they moved away from Him.

2. God will not be mocked
vs 11 “So the LORD sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.”

* Manasseh not only dishonored God, he dismissed God.
* God is a jealous God.

– Exodus 20:1 NKJV
“1 And God spoke all these words, saying: 2 ‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 You shall have no other gods before Me. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.'”

3. God is always faithful
vs 12 “But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed, the LORD listened to him and was moved by his request. So the LORD brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the LORD alone is God!”

* God never stops listening.
* He desperately desires for us to repent.
* Personal repentance and prayer is our only hope.

– 2 Chronicles 7:15 “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”

* Key word – “sincerely”

4. God is worthy to be praised
vs 14a “After this Manasseh rebuilt…”

* For the rest of Manasseh’s life, he tried to rebuild what he had torn down.
* Imagine what his legacy would be had he never torn down in the first place.
* What about you?

2015-06-21

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

John 14:12
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

Memory Verse:
John 14:13
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Power of the Local Church

Acts 5:42
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

HopeNow.tv

1957 Church Plant – Arnolds Valley

Purpose of the Local Church – “Gospel Proclamation”

James 5:20
“Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

Promise of the Local Church

Eph. 3:20
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Josh. 4:19
“Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they camped in Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. 20 And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal. 21 Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: ‘When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; 23 for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, 24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.’”

Stones of Remembrance

2015-06-07
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
James 4:17 NKJV
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Last week, we began a series entitled “Greater Things.” This series is based out of John 14:12 where it says:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” (NKJV)

In the sermon last week, we talked about three things to understand what Jesus was saying. Greater Things always come from God’s Authority, God’s Provision and God’s Plan.

I want to take a moment to review the last point from last week.

God’s Plan – Prayer!

vs. 13 “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

It’s interesting that immediately after Jesus said we would be able to do “Greater Works” in verse 12, He points us right back to prayer.

What can be surmised from this fact? Prayer is the key!

“Whenever there is little praying in the pulpit or in the pew, spiritual bankruptcy is imminent & inevitable.” – E.M. Bounds¹

James 5:16 NKJV

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”

Today, I want to draw from the last point to ensure that we are all aware that the Greater Things that Jesus talked about are impossible unless we prepare our hearts and lives for their occurrence.

James 4:8 NKJV

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? 13 Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

1. A double-minded heart will never see greater works

vs 8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.”

1. Sin will always keep you from the Greater Things that God has in store for you to do.
2. As a result, sin in the life of the believer will keep churches from the Greater Things that God has in store for them to do.

2. A proud heart will never see greater works

vs 10 “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

1. Pride is the declaration that I can do this on my own, that I’m better than I really am.
2. Pride will always result in being humbled, it is far better to humble ourselves than for it to happen another way.

vs 16 “But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.”

3. A judging heart will never see greater works

vs 11 “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?”

1. This is one of the great evils in the church today.
2. When you put others down, even when they’ve made bad choices, you are setting yourself up for failure and ridicule. Your sin, and that is what judging others is called by God, will keep you from being a great leader of impact in the Kingdom of God.

vs 17 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

“God’s plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God’s method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. ”
― E.M. Bounds²

—————————————————
Footnotes:
(1) – E.M Bounds on Prayer, page 212, Hendricksen Publishers, published in 2006.
(2) – Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds, Start Publishing, 2012.

2015-05-24
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
James 3:10 NKJV
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

James 1:26 NKJV
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless

James 1:26 NLT
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

James 3:8-18 NKJV
8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
1. Recognize the danger in words
v8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison

What is the danger?
– evil words
– criticism
– gossip
– lies
An out of control tongue reveals an out of control heart
Always destroys joy, reputation, opportunity

2. The problem
v9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

James 3:9 NLT
Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.

– It dishonors God
– It sets us up for failure and heartache

James 3:16 NLT
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

– Pushes others away from God
vs 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

3. The Solution
v17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

– We must seek forgiveness
– We must strive to stop
– Determine to be positive rather than negative
– Turn everything around

a. PURE
b. PEACEABLE
c. GENTLE
d. WILLING TO YIELD
e. MERCY
f. GOOD FRUITS (works)
h. WITHOUT PARTIALITY
i. WITHOUT HIPOCRISY

2015-05-10
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Prov. 31:30
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Prov. 31:10
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Today is Mother’s Day and I just want to talk about things I learned from my mom. These are important life lessons that have guided me, changed me, helped me, encouraged me and made me who I am today. I do this today, not so much to praise my mom (which I certainly do), but to encourage all of us to be better people, better in what we do and in how we do it. Not just for moms…but for all of us.

So, together, let’s take some of the truths from Proverbs 31 and see if we can’t make some practical application to our lives for today and for the rest of our lives.

1. Being honest is always better than being right
v11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her…
– Some people work very hard at never being “wrong” and will allow conflict to build just so that won’t have to admit they’re wrong
– You can’t be a person who is “safely trusted” if you never allow yourself to be vulnerable

2. Hard work is always better than just getting by
v13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
– Many people today want to do the minimum to get by, that doesn’t move us from ordinary to extraordinary

3. Helping is always better than ignoring those in need
v20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
– Turning a blind eye to the needs of those around us not only dishonors them, it dishonors God

4. Family is always better than fame
v23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
– What takes place within the home will always either make your family better or worse
– Realize the gifts from God that live within your home
– Spend more time focusing on your family than focusing on yourself

5. Kindness is always better than anger
v26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
– Some people are always filled with anger, conflict and jealousy
– Wisdom and Kindness go hand in hand
– You can’t be a person of wisdom if you are not also a person of kindness

6. Loving God is always better than anything
v30b …But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
– Putting God first is a requirement to loving life and loving others
– Putting God first will not only make you a better person, it will make those around you better people

Matthew 6:33

2015-04-26
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
John 20:29
“Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

We have been talking about what it truly means to live, not just exist, because Christ lives. Over the past two weeks, we’ve looked at Peter, Mary, the guards who were assigned to Christ’s tomb and others who encountered the risen Lord. Over these conversations, we’ve talked about following Him and how to live without fear. Today, we want to talk about living without doubt.

Doubt and uncertainty are issues that so many of us face in encountering the daily grind of life. Wondering if God cares, wondering if He’s going to help us, wondering if anyone cares for us are all issues that we must deal with. Many of us today even question if God made a mistake when he made us. What do we doubt? Our worth, our value, whether anyone truly loves us, if we can actually contribute.

When you doubt your value as a human being, you are really doubting God’s value as your creator.

It’s interesting to note that even those who walked with Christ as His disciples dealt with similar feelings.

John 20:24-31
“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord’ So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’ 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said,’Peace to you’ 27 Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing’ 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29 Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ 30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

No Doubt

1. The importance of presence
verse 24
“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.”

– Thomas missed out on the miracle because he wasn’t in God’s presence
– How many miracles of God do we miss out on because we are somewhere else besides the presence of God?

– In every moment of self doubt, in every moment of wondering whether you have value, make that a moment where you instantly start talking to God, asking for His perfect peace.

– Ephesians 2:10 – “We are His workmanship…” In some translations, it says we are “His masterpiece.”

– Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in His own image.”

2. The importance of encouragement
verse 25
“The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’”

– Even though Thomas knew the integrity of the men in that room, he doubted everything they said

– God places people into your life that can be an encouragement in your faith walk

– Don’t let your doubts and fears keep you from trusting in and being encouraged by others

– In every moment of self doubt, surround yourself with people who will lift you up, not bring you down. (Misery loves company)

– 1 Thess. 5:11 – “Therefore comfort one another…”

– Hebrews 10:23-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

3. The importance of faith
verse 29
“Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

verses 30-31
“30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

– Having faith in God is the single most important marker in living without doubt

Heb. 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

John 1:12
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”

G. Campbell Morgan had already enjoyed some success as a preacher by the time he was 19 years old. But then he was attacked by doubts about the Bible. The writings of various scientists and agnostics disturbed him (e.g., Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley, and Herbert Spencer). As he read their books and listened to debates, Morgan became more and more perplexed. What did he do? He cancelled all preaching engagements, put all the books in a cupboard and locked the door, and went to the bookstore and bought a new Bible. He said to himself, “I am no longer sure that this is what my father claims it to be–the Word of God. But of this I am sure. If it be the Word of God, and if I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself.” The result? “That Bible found me!” said Morgan. The new assurance in 1883 gave him the motivation for his preaching and teaching ministry. He devoted himself to the study and preaching of God’s Word.