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.

2015-04-12
Matt Willmington

Jesus resurrected “last week”, but have you “resurrected”? You’ve accepted the Savior – are you LIVING the resurrected life He intended?

SHOW YOUR OBEDIENCE

John 21:4-6
“4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’ 6 And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.”

FACE THE FIRE

John 21:9-13
“9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.’ 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, ‘Come and eat breakfast.’ Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, ‘Who are You?’ – knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.”

RECOMMIT YOUR LOVE

John 21:15-17
“15 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.’ And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’”

JESUS FORWARD

John 21:20-22
“20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, ‘Lord, who is the one who betrays You?’ 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ 22 Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’”

Are you Fishing or Following?
Get out of the tomb and into the upper room!
We need you for Acts 2!

2015-03-29
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we observe the ordinance of the church – communion. Earlier, we celebrated the ordinance of baptism. Both point us to the truth of the Gospel – that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again for our salvation.

Communion:
1 Cor. 11:23 (NKJV)
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.”

Memory Verse:
Mark 11:9 (NKJV)
“Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’”

Getting Ready For Arrival

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about walking the road with Jesus. We’ve talked about being sure we are “all in” in our commitment to serving and representing Him. Last week, we were in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus and the disciples in the hours leading up to His death. Today, we take a step back in time to earlier that week when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem.

Mark 11:7 (NKJV)
“Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! 10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’”

All of us play a role in preparing for His arrival. All of us must be making ourselves ready and helping to get the world ready for His coming. Today, let’s talk about what it takes to be ready for arrival.

1. Sacrifice
8a “And many spread their clothes on the road…”
– They were willing to give their all in order to pave the way for Christ
– This must be our heart attitude as well
– Willing to give, willing to make sacrifices, willing to do whatever it takes to point people to Christ.
– Prayer is essential

2. Work
8b “…and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road.”
– Giving is important. Going is also important
– Giving and praying make a huge difference, but faith without works is dead
– We must be willing to serve, to work, to bring people to Christ

3. Worship
9 “Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’”
– A continual recognition of who Christ is
– As they traveled the road that day in Jerusalem, there was no marketing, no commercials announcing the event, it was just ordinary people realizing He was different and they would do anything to mark His arrival and to be in His presence.
– Will we do the same?

2015-03-15
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verses: Mark 12:30

“‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:41 (NKJV)

“Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.’”

Mark 12:41 (NLT)

“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.’”

Walking the road of sacrifice requires giving all, not just what’s convenient, not just what’s left over. It takes an “ALL IN” mentality. That’s what Christ did on the cross; it’s what He wants from all of us.

Luke 14:27 (NKJV)

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

1. Following Christ requires discipline
– 42 “Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites,”

2. Following Christ requires respect
– 44 “for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

3. Following Christ requires obedience
Luke 5:4-6 (NKJV)

“When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.’ 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.”

Luke 14:27 (NKJV)

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

Christ has called each of us to lay it all down for Him. What is your response to this call?

2015-03-01
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse: John 13:35 (NKJV)

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)

“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

And The Greatest of These Is Love

1 John 4:7 (NLT)

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each other because he loved us first. 20 If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.”

1. Love is a sign – of God’s love within us.

vs. 7 “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

2. Love is a gift – that we have been given by Him.

vs. 9 “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

3. Love is a promise – that cannot be broken now or forever

vs. 15 “All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.”

4. Love is our hope – that everything will be okay regardless of our current situation.

vs. 17 “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”

Practical Ways To Live Out God’s Love

1. Always look for the best in others and in all situations.
2. Make forgiveness a habit.
3. Forgive even when they’re not asking.
4. When conflict arises, don’t let it settle in.
5. Look for ways to bless someone else for no reason.
6. When you see a need, meet the need without being asked.
7. Deliberately and diligently pray for others.
8. Read the Bible daily.
9. Find ways to show Christ’s love to those who don’t know Him.
10. Be known as a person of peace.

1 John 4:4

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”

2015-02-15
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

The culture has a distorted view of love. Many depictions of love, whether from Hollywood or a song on the radio, give a perspective that doesn’t fit within God’s plan for love. However, today’s is not a sermon on love and relationships, it’s a sermon about God’s love for us. This is important, because it is impossible to view love in its proper light without understanding God’s love.

Memory Verse: 1 John 3:2
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

As Christians, we often blame society for the breakdown of the family, of marriage or what we see in the media. We can’t really blame others…the blame really lies within each of us. Our natural state is to deny God’s love and His plan for us. So in effect, the fault is ours.

1 John 3:1 (NLT) See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.5 And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him.6 Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is. 7 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

Part 1: God’s Love And Its Impact On Us

1. He loves us as His own – Think of it, God considers as His children.
vs. 1 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!

2. He hasn’t even begun to show us how much – As great as God’s love is today, it’s nowhere near what it will be one day.

vs .2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.

3. His love should change us – So what should we do?
* Purity within
vs. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.
* Purity in our relationships with others
vs. 10b Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

2015-02-01
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse – Psalm 33:20-21 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.

Psalm 33:1 (NLT)
Let the godly sing for joy to the LORD; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. 2 Praise the LORD with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. 3 Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. 4 For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. 5 He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth. 6 The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. 7 He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. 8 Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. 9 For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. 10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. 11 But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever;  his intentions can never be shaken. 12 What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. 13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. 14 From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. 15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. 16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. 17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory— for all its strength, it cannot save you. 18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. 19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. 20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

Mark 10:27
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Trusting God for your Future – Living life on purpose, on mission, and in God’s will.

What must we do?

1. Know We Are Here To Worship Him
2. Live Our Lives To Accomplish For Him

What does this look like?

1. Worship Him For Who He Is (verses 1-5)

v1 Let the godly sing for joy to the LORD
v4 For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does

2. Worship Him For What He Has Done (verse 6-9)

v6 The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born
v8 Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him

3. Plan Your Days According To His Will (verses 10-12)

v10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. 11 But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever;  his intentions can never be shaken. 12 What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.

Four Questions

– What would I try to do if I thought I might succeed?

– What goals would I set if I knew I could not fail?

– What price am I willing to pay?

– What sacrifices am I willing to make?

(1) Vision is a bridge from the past to the future.
 
(2) Vision is the eye of faith to see the invisible and the decisiveness to make it visible.
 
(3) Vision is the power that causes people to make huge sacrifices in order to become all they can become for God.
  
(4) Vision is adopting an action-plan that will enable you to move forward in your Christian life and ministry.
 
(5) Vision is the inward fire which enables you to boldly communicate to your peers what the future will be like.
 
(6) Vision is the dynamic that enables you to translate your faith and dreams into a new and personal walk with God.
 
(7) Vision is the God-given energy which will make you become a risk-taker.

Spiritual Goal Setting
– Know what God wants you to do! (Richard Blackaby says, “the primary purpose of spiritual leaders is not to achieve their goals but to accomplish God’s will.”

– Write down measurable milestones in accomplishing those goals

– Develop habits that will get you to those milestones

– Know that you might just need to change along the way

4. Trust Your Future To Him (verses 18-22)

v18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. 19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. 20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

1 Cor 2:2
 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.

2015-01-18
Scott Bullman

Today is week 3 in our sermon series “GET FIT”. In week one we discussed our need to be Spiritually Fit and how avoiding sin and pursuing God through worship and His Word, we can strengthen our spiritual health.

Last week we talked about Getting Fit in our Relationships – putting our relationships in order by getting our own lives in order. We learned that a natural result of being fit spiritually is stronger relationships with others. When we care about others as much as we care about ourselves – which takes work – we not only build strong relationships, we honor God in the process.

Today we will look at Getting Fit Physically. Our choir director, Scott Bullman, has been made a physical transformation right before our eyes, losing over 200 pounds in less than 2 years. Today he shares his amazing story of God’s power in his life that helped him overcome this 40-year stronghold. We will hear about…

• His Dilemma
• His Decision
• His Discipline
• His Deliverance

We can’t ignore what the Scripture teaches about our body and our responsibility to take care of it.

1 Corinthians 6:19 – Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you…and you are not your own?

1 Corinthians 10:31 “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the Glory of God.”

1 Peter 1:13 – “Prepare you minds for action and exercise self-control.”

Ecclesiastes 11:10 – “Refuse to worry and keep your body healthy.”

Romans 6:12-13 – “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”

The point of decision came on Sunday, July 15, 2012 when Scott heard a message from guest pastor, Dr. Ken Whitten, titled “Getting Rid of Stinkin Thinkin”. In this message about making necessary change in your life, Scott learned that:

1. You have to CHOOSE to CHANGE
2. You have to CHANGE your MODEL
3. You CAN’T change ALONE
4. When YOU change, you help OTHERS change
5. You NEVER stop CHANGING

Thoughts to Take Away:

• With LEADERSHIP comes INFLUENCE…and with influence comes a RESPONSIBILITY to STEWARD that influence.

1 Corinthians 9:27 – “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

• “You can find inspiration from others, but determination is solely your responsibility.” – Dodinsky

• “We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing.” – Henry Cloud

• It’s hard to love others when you don’t love yourself.

• Our problem is not unanswered prayers…our problem is unoffered prayers.

• “The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you’re lost for good.” – Proverbs 10:17

• God doesn’t wait for perfection…He smiles at every act of obedience.

• Nothing tastes as good as obedience feels.

• “You’ll never break the SIN habit until you develop a PRAYER habit.” – Mark Batterson