He Lives… Do You? Fishing, or Following?

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!

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Easter Sunday: The Supernatural Power of God

2015-04-05
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory verse:
Matt. 28:6

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

An indisputable truth about Easter is that it doesn’t make sense. It flies in the face of all that we as humans believe. How is it that one man, who lived two thousand years ago, could pay a debt that we owe today? You see, it doesn’t make sense that He could do this for you and me. It’s just not natural. For something like that to be real,  it would have to be supernatural. And indeed, it was!

Matt. 28:1
“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.’ 11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, ‘Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”

Just three days before the events of Matthew 28, Jesus hung on a cross. His body being drained of every ounce of life. He cried out on that cross, He suffered excruciating pain. As soon as Jesus died on the cross, all creation shook, all of hell’s fury raged, all of heaven cried out in mourning, the rocks literally split wide open, the graves rumbled – King Jesus was dead. And even in His death, there was the supernatural. Today, let’s see if we can make sense of what doesn’t make sense. The Supernatural Power of God.

1. Supernatural power
“2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.”

– The earth shook because of this power

– An angel had been sent to reveal to the world that King Jesus had risen

– He spoke to those gathered in that graveyard…

“6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

– It takes supernatural power for someone to come back from the grave

– Whenever supernatural power of God is revealed, something else quickly happens…

2. Supernatural presence
“7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

– Christ’s resurrection was amazing in itself, but it’s purpose was not to simply prove a point, it was so that humanity can be in the presence of God.

– The veil in the temple was ripped to shreds when Jesus died. Why? Because when Jesus paid that price, it paid the entrance fee for all of us to stand in His presence.

– And not only in His presence today…but in His presence forever. But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.

– His death was to give us peace.

3. Supernatural peace
“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.”

Everything within us tells us we don’t deserve this. Everything within us tells us it doesn’t make sense. Everything within us tells us it can’t be this easy. Everything within us tells us that He just can’t desire to be with me. (Luke 24:13-36 – Jesus appeared and it still didn’t make sense to them.)

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Philippians 2:9-11
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

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Walking The Road: Getting Ready For Arrival

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?

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The Road To The Cross: Going A Little Farther

2015-03-22
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
Mark 14:35
He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him

Last week, “Walking The Road” requires discipline, respect and obedience. Today, we talk about that road again, but how to go a little farther in our faith. For many Christians, their faith walk begins either in a moment of crisis or at a very young age. While the first few steps are celebrated, for many, the walk seems to become mundane, difficult, painful or pointless.

Christ’s death on the cross is proof positive of ultimate victory for all believers. Quitting is not an option, giving up is not acceptable. Going the distance is the only way to go.

Mark 14:32 (NKJV)
Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mark 14:32 (NLT)
They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before.40 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say. 41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

What does it mean to “Go A Little Farther” In Our Faith?

1. Pain is a normal part of the journey
14:34 …and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”
– Many Christians misunderstand pain as God’s absence
– They will take their current situation as proof of God’s abandonment or worse, evidence that He doesn’t exist
– However, pain is a natural pathway to perfection

1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

2. God’s will is always better than our desires
14:36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
– Allowing our natural wants to supersede God’s supernatural will
– Jesus, in His humanity, didn’t want to suffer this death but He knew that God’s will was necessary and ultimately far better

3. Going the distance is the only option
14:41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough!
– Too many Christians give up one step short of God’s best
– The road becomes too hard, too difficult, too painful

4. Are you willing to go a little farther?
14:35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.

– What does it mean?
1. Accepting our current state because we are promised future glory
2. Knowing that God is the ultimate source…we need him, period!
3. Being willing to finish what He started

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The Road to the Cross: Walking The Road

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?

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Don’t Give Up On God!

2015-03-08
Dr. Ben Gutierrez

We have all experienced difficult circumstances that have made us ask, “Why God?!” We have all experienced disappointments and have wondered why God is allowing us to go through this season of our lives. We have all experienced such profound pain that has made us wonder if God even cares. We have all cried out, “I believe, but help my unbelief!”

Dr. Ben Gutierrez presents John 14:1-3 in its cultural context and shows how Jesus comforted His disciples who were experiencing the very same emotions we often do – pain, doubt, fear. See how Jesus responds to their questions, “God, are you there? God, do You care?” Listen to the teaching of John 14 and learn how it is God’s character to comfort, protect and provide for His children and how He promises to care for them for eternity!

John 14:1-3
1 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

The Heart of Jesus

1. Compassion
John 14:1a
“Let not your heart be troubled…”

2. Trustworthy

John 14:1b
“…you believe in God, believe also in Me.”

3. Selfless

John 14:2
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

4. Faithful

John 14:3
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

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And The Greatest of These Is Love

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.”

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God’s Love And Its Impact On Others

2015-02-22
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Memory Verse:
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.”

Last week, we talked about God’s amazing love. To recap briefly…

Part 1: God’s Love And Its Impact On Us
1. He loves us as His own – think of it, God considers us His children.

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.

3. His love should change us, so what should we do?
– Purity within
– Purity in our relationships with others

Today, let’s move to the second part of 1 John 3 and talk about the way God’s love for us and within us should impact those around us.

1 John 3:11
“This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. 13 So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 14 If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. 15 Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them. 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. 23 And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. 24 Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.”

1. Loving others is commanded by God
11 “This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.”

2. Love is a sign of the transformed life
14 “If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead.”

3. Love is a verb
18 “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.”

4. Your love for others is the path to experience God’s perfect plan for you
24 “Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.”

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God’s Love And Its Impact On Us

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.

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Prayer Emphasis Service: The Marks of the Believer

2015-02-08
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today will be a day of worship, recognition, repentance and prayer. These are all vital elements of the Christian walk yet rarely practiced in totality. Most people incorporate some of these elements, few incorporate all. When we do not incorporate all of these elements into daily living, we become like a man from the book of Mark who desperately needed a miracle.

Mark 9:14-29
“And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?” 17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” 19 He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. 21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” 26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ 29 So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’”

Worship, recognition, repentance and prayer.

The Marks of the Believer

1. Worship
– 15a “Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed…”
– In order to consider our lives to be amazing, we must first consider our God to be more amazing

2. Recognition
– 15b “and running to Him, greeted Him.”
– Total recognition and acceptance of God as the giver of life, the creator of all, the Savior of the world

3. Repentance
– 24 “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’”
– Sin is a primary factor in the unfulfilled life
– Calling sin by its right name and eradicating it from our lives is job #1 of the believer
– The wonder of our God is revealed through the wonder of forgiveness

4. Prayer
– 29 “So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’”
– Miracles in our lives can never be self-made, they come from God

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.’”

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Get Fit: Trusting God For Your Future

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.

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Get Fit: Where’s Your Treasure?

2015-01-25
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Our Get Fit series has been all about what we can do to get in shape in a lot of ways. We’ve discussed getting fit spiritually, getting fit relationally, and last week, getting fit physically.

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Today, we’re going to take some time talking about getting fit financially. There’s a great parable given in Matthew 25 that helps illustrate the idea of financial health and of putting Matthew 6 into practice.

Matthew 25:14-29

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. 16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. 19 After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ 21 The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 22 The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more. 23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 24 Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

1. Recognize the importance

19a “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy”

– It is vital that we understand the Biblical imperative to handle our finances properly

– 1Cor. 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

Pastor Chris Brown said, “Don’t worship the provision, worship the provider by stewarding the provision.”

2. Determine where you really are

Prov. 27:23 “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; 24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.”

– Be brutally honest
– Don’t make excuses in your own mind
– This is a healthy exercise, not a plan for depression

3. Decide where you want to be

Proverbs 21:5 “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

Proverbs 22:27 “If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.”

– Be realistic
– Take baby steps
– Shoot for the moon

4. Plan out what it’s going to take to get there

Luke 14:28 “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it, 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

5. Put safeguards in place

Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 19:21 “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. 22 Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. 23 Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.”

– Most important step
– Our natural desires and habits got us into trouble in the first place

6. Get help

– There really is strength in numbers

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Everything we have been talking about is really a condition of the heart. If our hearts aren’t in the right place with Him, we’ll never be in the right place with anything else.

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Get Fit: Physically

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

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Get Fit: Others Matter

2015-01-11
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Last week, we talked about getting fit spiritually. Let me take a moment to refresh your memory on the elements required to be fit spiritually.

1. Avoiding Sin
2. Worship
3. Pursuing God
4. God’s Word

We began a year long effort to memorize God’s Word for what it can and will do in our hearts, lives and church. Let’s look at that verse again.

Psa. 119:11
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Today, let’s talk about Getting Fit in our relationships. The first step in putting our relationships in order is getting our own lives in order. That’s why we talked about the spiritual element last week. A natural result or consequence of being fit spiritually is that our relationships will be stronger, but only if we put into practice what we have learned from pursuing God.

1Pet. 3:8 (NKJV)
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

1. Care about their feelings as much as your own

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

2. Respond in a God-honoring way

9  Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

3. Be honest and uplifting

10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

4. Know that good relationships take work

11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

5. God honors those who honor Him

12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

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Get Fit: Your Spiritual Health

2015-01-04
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Last week, we spent a bit of time talking about our mission statement and our core values as a church. Today, this first Sunday of 2015, let’s spend some time discussing our spiritual health, making sure we are spiritually fit. The greatest thing each of us can do for the new year is to start with the intention of pursing Christ more than last year. To know Him better. To be more like Him daily.

Over the coming year, our desire as a church should be that we will grow in our relationship with Him, that we will thrive in our relationships with each other, and that we will succeed in bringing others into a relationship with Him through sharing our story of God’s love and salvation for us.

Psa. 119:1 (NKJV)
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. 4 You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently. 5 Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments. 7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly! 9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Psa. 119:1 (NLT)
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. 2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. 3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. 4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully 5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! 8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! 9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

1. Spiritual health requires avoiding sin

v1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD! 2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! 3 They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. 4 You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently. 5 Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments.

2. Spiritual health requires worship

v7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly! 9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

3. Spiritual health requires pursuing Him

v9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

4. Spiritual health requires God’s Word

v11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “What lies behind you and what lies before you, pales in comparison to what lies inside you.

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