Sunday AM Worship Services

Announcing Humility: The Series

Living Out the Character of Christ

Join us the next Four Sundays for messages on

• Humility
• The Believer’s Ultimate Example of Humility
• The Enemy of Humility
• Humbling Ourselves Before an Awesome God

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:5-13; Romans 15:4; Exodus 31:18 – 32:22

1. Defining Undercurrent

Undercurrent:

• A current of water below the surface, moving in a different direction from any surface current
• An undercurrent is not an obvious hazard but strong undercurrents can be very dangerous
• Some undercurrents are fast and strong enough that they actively pull you along with them

Recognizing an Undercurrent –

• Water with an undercurrent is more likely to be still or have only small waves due to movement of water under the surface
• You may see clumps of debris or streaks of mud or sand moving through the water

Defining an Undercurrent of a Different Kind:
An underlying feeling or influence, especially one that is contrary to the prevailing atmosphere and is not expressed openly

• Something below the surface
• Moving in a different direction
• Not an obvious hazard, but can be very dangerous
• If strong enough can pull you along with them
• Movement under the surface

2. When Undercurrents Exist in the Church:

A. Gossip – Spreading of unfavorable information about someone else

• Making negative comments about someone that doesn’t need to be said
• Will what I am about to say tend to tear down or build up the person I’m about to talk about?

B. Slander – Making a false statement or misrepresentation about another person that defames or damages the person’s reputation

C. Sarcasm and Ridicule (“just kidding”) – speech that tends to put down, humiliate, belittle or hurt another person

D. Complaining – Not happy with what God is allowing in my life at this moment

E. Discontentment

F. Frustration – The result of some immediate event that has blocked plans or desires

G. Undermining God’s Established Authority

H. Cliques – Small exclusive circle of people

I. Unforgiveness

• Resentment – Anger that is held on to (internalized)
• Bitterness – Smoldering resentment, animosity

J. Critical or Judgmental Spirit

• Looking to find fault with someone or something

K. Negativity

• Glass stays half empty person

L. Controlling – Seeking to control others or circumstances to our advantage or to get what we want

M. Carrying out ministry in the flesh

3. The Danger from Undercurrents in the Church:

A. Division
Strikes at the heart of unity and being in one accord as a body

B. Distraction

• God’s glory is diminished
• The gospel and reaching the lost are not priority
• The hand of God is not acknowledged

C. Desertion (from the truth and application of God’s Word)

D. Derailment

• Those on the sidelines that are being exposed to the undercurrents
• Those that are being influenced or pulled along by the undercurrents

E. Dissolution (a breaking or into parts; disintegration) – Church Splits

Here are the completed notes from the Sunday Morning Worship Service August 7, 2016:

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6

Wake up to the presence of the living God!

1. God exists – Hebrews 11:6 “Believe that He is”
The God of Scripture is the only real and true God who exists

• A deep conviction that God is real.

2. Apply an understanding of who this God really is to life:

“O God, who is like unto Thee!” -Psalm 71:19b

• Infinite – Limitless (Jeremiah 23:24; 1 Kings 8:27)
• Holy – Separate, set-apart, absolute purity (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:16)
• Eternal – Everlasting, always was, always is, always will be (Deuteronomy 33:27)
• Immutable – Unchanging (Malachi 3:6)
• Omniscient – All knowing (Psalm 139:3)
• Omnipresent – Everywhere present (Psalm 139:7)
• Omnipotent – All powerful (Revelation 19:6)
• Righteous / Just – Always does what is just and right (Deuteronomy 32:4)
• Faithful – Firm, certain, trustworthy, dependable (Deuteronomy 7:9)
• Wise – The ability to rightly apply knowledge (1 Timothy 1:17; Jude 25)
• Sovereign – Absolute control, supreme authority and sole ruler (Psalm 135:6)
• Merciful – Compassion, pity, not getting what we deserve (Ephesians 2:4)
• Gracious – Unmerited favor, getting what we don’t deserve (Ephesians 2:7, 8)
• Love – Seeks the highest good of the one loved, unconditional, sacrificial (1 John 4:8)
• Wrath -Righteous indignation at all evil, execution of judgment on unrighteousness (Romans 1:18)
• Incomprehensible – No one can remotely understand and comprehend God (Isaiah 55:8)
• Glorious – Weighted down with brilliance, brightness, radiance, shining (Psalm 8:1)

3. What the reality of God’s existence means to you personally:

A. God knows all about you

B. God absolutely loves you

C. God has a plan for your life (that plan unfolds in the pages of Scripture)
Conform you to the image of His Son – Romans 8:29

• This begins with salvation
• Serve Him with your life – Ephesians 2:10; 4:11, 12; Matthew 28:19, 20
• Glorify Him in all you do – Revelation 4:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31

4. How God is completely missed

A. Going through the motions
B. Complacency
C. Not taking sin against God seriously
D. Not being intentional about your relationship with Him
E. Not being intentional about spiritual growth
F. Not making God’s plan – a part of your plans
G. Atmospheric revival but unchanged lives
Warning About Demon Faith – Scripture: James 2:19

• The devils (demons) believe and tremble
• Counterfeit Faith – Faith that does not result in salvation
• They believe in God
• They face His judgment – Matthew 8:29b

What is Demon Faith?

• Belief in the one true God and tremble at its implications

Demons know the identity and truth about Jesus
Demon Quotes:
“I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God” – Luke 4:34b
“Thou art Christ the Son of God” – Luke 4:41
“Jesus I know” – Acts 19:15
Demons have a belief that does not change their direction

• Demons tremble but do not repent
• Saving faith brings repentance, which results in change

2 Reasons Demon Faith does not result in Salvation:

1. Demons believe in God, but are in rebellion against Him
   One third of heavens angels joined Lucifer in rebellion against God
2. Demons believe in God, but want nothing to do with Him
   Demon Quote: “Let us alone, what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth”-Luke 4:34a

15 Questions to Consider when Deciding
If Something Is Right or Wrong
(Part #2 of a 2 Part Series)

Opening Scripture Text:
Review Part # 1 (Questions 1 – 8)

1. What does the Bible say about this? (2 Timothy 3:16)

2. Can I do this knowing that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in me? (1 Cor. 6:19, 20)

3. Can I do this for the glory of God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)

4. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus comes? (1 John 2:28)

5. Can I do this in Jesus name? (Colossians 3:17a)
“Name” – Representing Jesus with His approval

6. Can I thank God for this? (Colossians 3:17b)

7. Is this wise use of my time? (Ephesians 5:16)

8. Is this wise use of my money? (Matthew 6:20, 21)

Part # 2 (Questions 9 – 15)
15 Questions to Consider
When Deciding If Something Is Right or Wrong:

9. Could this cause someone else to stumble? (Romans 14:12, 13)
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his
brother’s way.

10. Could this lead me to lust? (Matthew 5:28)
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

11. Am I properly separating myself from the influence of unbelievers? (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

12. Is this acceptable for me to think about? (Psalm 19:14)
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

13. Could this desensitize me to sin? (Hebrews 3:13)
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14. Is this setting wickedness before my eyes (Psalm 101:3)
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

15. Is there still question in my mind about this? (Romans 14:23)
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Bonus Question –
Has your guard went up at all during this series?

15 Questions to Consider when Deciding
If Something Is Right or Wrong
(Part #1 of a 2 Part Series)

Opening Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:31

Reminder of what it means to Glorify God:

To honor, magnify, exalt, elevate, to shed radiance or splendor on God To acknowledge His attributes and praise Him for whom He is

According to Dr. Charles Stanley (Living the Extraordinary Life):

“Disobedience is rebellion against God – irreverence toward Him.  It is a statement from your heart proclaiming that you have chosen your way over God’s way. When you are disobedient, you are essentially refusing to acknowledge God’s authority, right, and power in your life.”

Last week – How God Communicates
1. The Word of God (The Bible) – 2 Timothy 3:16
This is the primary way God speaks today
2. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit will never lead you where the Word of God forbids you to go . . . NO EXCEPTIONS
3. Other People
4. Circumstances

Part # 1
15 Questions to Consider
When Deciding If Something Is Right or Wrong:

1. What does the Bible say about this? (2 Timothy 3:16)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2. Can I do this knowing that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in me?
(1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which
is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are
bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit,
which are God’s.
3. Can I do this for the glory of God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Glorify God: To honor, magnify, exalt, elevate, to shed radiance or splendor on God
4. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus comes? (1 John 2:28)
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
5. Can I do this in Jesus name? (Colossians 3:17a)
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
“Name” – Representing Jesus with His approval
To act consistently with who Christ is and with what He wants
6. Can I thank God for this? (Colossians 3:17b)
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
7. Is this wise use of my time? (Ephesians 5:16)
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
8. Is this wise use of my money? (Matthew 6:20, 21)
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also

Introduction:
It is important, from the standpoint of understanding past history and being able to defend our faith that we understand the events that took place in Noah’s day.

• The majority of scientists claim there never was a global flood. They claim that Noah couldn’t have fit all the animals on board the ark.
• The “bathtub” image that many have of the Ark may contribute to the rejection of the Bible’s account of the flood?
• To the majority of modern intellectuals, Noah is merely a legendary character and the Ark and its animals nothing but a story for children.

Scripture: Genesis 6:5-14a

Conformation of the historical account of Noah

• The prophet Isaiah wrote of Noah- Isaiah 54:9
• The prophet Ezekiel mentioned Noah – Ezekiel 14:14, 20
  (More than 1,700 years after the flood)
• Jesus referred to Noah – Matthew 24:37-39
  (About 2,400 years after the flood)
  He also likened the days before the flood, to what life would be characterized by just before His return.
• Luke lists Noah on the genealogy of Christ- Luke 3:36
• The writer of Hebrews confirmed Noah’s existence – Hebrews 11:7
• The Apostle Peter wrote of both Noah and the flood – 2 Peter 2:5
• There are flood legends from all parts of the world (Most have similarities to the Genesis account)
• All over the earth there is evidence of Noah’s flood

The physical feature of the earth’s terrain clearly indicates a catastrophic past (canyons, fossils, etc.)

1.God is not oblivious to wickedness
God saw the wickedness of man – Genesis 6:5-6

• The wickedness of man was great in the earth (vs.5a)
• Evil thoughts continually (vs.5b)
• The earth was corrupt before God (vs.11a)
• The earth was filled with violence (vs.11b)

2.God is touched by the sin of man

God’s response – Genesis 6:6b, 7

• God saw and it grieved Him at His heart – vs. 5, 6, 12

According to Henry Morris – The first mention of the word “heart” occurs here, connecting the evil in man’s heart with the grief in God’s heart.

• “It repented the Lord” – vs.6, 7
• “Repented” does not imply that God changed His mind, for He is changeless
• God was sorrowful
• Judgment – vs. 7,13, 14a – Judgment by the flood

3.God extends grace
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (vs.8)

The Character of the Man, Noah – Genesis 6:8, 9

• Just – 6:9
  • Noah was a just man – “Just” means to be genuine, sincere, right with God
• Obedient – 6:22; 7:5
• Belief / Faith – Hebrews 11:7
  • Divinely warned by God of things not seen
• Fear of God
  • Sense of awe, reverence toward God
• Relationship – walking, listening
  • Noah walked with God (vs.9b)
• Faithfulness
  • Steadfast, dedicated, dependable and worthy of trust (Henry Blackaby)
  • It could have taken up to 75 years for Noah to build the Ark
  • Faithfulness – a lifelong goal
• Servant of the Lord / Witness – 2 Peter 2:5
  • Noah was a preacher of righteousness

4.Just because God’s judgment is delayed does not mean it will not come

The Physical Cause of the Flood: Where did the water come from?

2 Sources- Genesis 7:11

• Below the earth – “All the fountains of the great deep broken up”
  • The earth’s crust was split open all around the globe and water burst forth from inside the earth
  • Great subterranean pools of water were broken up volcanic and earthquake activity
• Above the earth – “The windows of heaven opened”
  • Torrential global rainfall

Reasons to believe it was a Global Flood:

A. God said, He would destroy all flesh with the earth – Genesis 6:13
B. The Ark would not have been needed if it were only a local flood – Genesis 7:1-7

• Noah, his family and the animals could have just migrated away from the region to be flooded

C.The size of the Ark testifies to more than a local flood Genesis 6:15, 16
The Ark was far too large to accommodate only a local or regional evacuation
Ark Measurements:

• 450 Feet long
• 75 feet wide
• 45 Feet high
• 3 Stories
• Total deck of 97,700 square feet (Equivalent to 20 standard basketball courts)
• The volume of space in the Ark was 1.4 million cubic feet, equal to the capacity of 522 railroad stock cars, which could carry 125,000 sheep

A.Jesus testified that the flood killed every person not on the Ark – Matthew 24:37-39
B.The water rose above the mountains- Genesis 7:19, 20
C. Marine fossils found on mountains

• The Himalayas (reaching up to 30,000 feet above sea level)- Marine fossils buried in limestone beds

D. Universal flood traditions
E. God promised not to send such a flood again – Genesis 9:9-17
There has since been many local floods
God’s Covenant with Noah – vs.8 – 17
The first mention of the word “Covenant” in the Bible – 6:18

• Actually made and explained here in Genesis 9:9-17

Covenant: An agreement between two or more people that involves promises on the part of each to the other
God would not send a global catastrophe by flood again – vs. 11
The sign of the covenant – the rainbow – vs.12-16

Present Day Condition:

• Deviating from God’s design and plan – Homosexual, transgender lifestyle
• Sexual sin ramped
• Pornography
• Abortion
• Murder
• Greed/ materialism (lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God)
• Idolatry
• Misuse of God’s Holy Name
• Apostasy – Falling away from the truth (churches compromising)

The World Wide Destruction Future
2 Peter 3:10-14; Matthew 24:35; Revelation 21:1

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 – The Rapture
• Revelation 4–18 – The Tribulation (7 years)
• Revelation 16:14-16; 19:11-21 – The Battle of Armageddon
• Revelation 19:11 – The Coming of Christ
• Revelation 19:20 – Antichrist cast alive into the Lake of Fire
• Revelation 20:1-3 – Satan bound in the bottomless pit
• Revelation 20:4-6 – Christ reigns on earth 1000 years (Millennium Reign)
• Revelation 20: 7-9 – Satan’s final rebellion
• Revelation 20:10 – Devil cast into the Lake of Fire
• Revelation 20:11-15 – The Great White Throne Judgment
  • Verse 11 – “The earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them”
• Revelation 21:1 – A new heaven and new earth (the first earth was passed away)

See 2 Peter 3:10-14
A.The Day of the Lord will have a surprise arrival (as a thief in the night) – vs.10

• Sudden, unexpected
• Disastrous for the unprepared

B.The elements will melt with fervent heat – vs.10

• Possibly an atomic reaction that disintegrates matter
• The heavens refer to the physical universe
• The earth and the works that are therein shall be burnt up (the physical earth in its present form with its entire universe will be consumed)

C.Challenge to Christians to conform their lives to God’s standards in view of the reality of coming judgment and eternity – vs.11-14

• Holy conduct
• Godliness
• Without spot – Spotless character
• Blameless – Reputation

The Ark is a Picture of Salvation in Christ

Noah was saved by God’s grace – Genesis 6:8
We are saved by God’s grace – Ephesians 2:8, 9

God provided the plans for the Ark – Genesis 6:14-16
God provided the plan for salvation through Christ – 1 Peter 1:17-21

The judgment of the Flood was decreed by God – Genesis 6:7, 13
The final judgment of mankind is decreed by God – Acts 17:31

Noah preached righteousness and one way to be saved – 2 Peter 2:5
Jesus preached righteousness and one way to be saved – John 14:6

The Ark had only one door that led to safety – Genesis 6:9; 7:7
Jesus referred to Himself as the door that leads to salvation – John 10:9

All who were not in the Ark perished – Genesis 7:21-23
All who are not in Christ will perish – 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9

Here are the completed noted from the Sunday Morning Worship Service May 22, 2016:

Scripture: Jeremiah 30:1-3

1. The Establishment of the Bible’s Authority

A. The Bible claims to be no ordinary book, but claims to be the Word of God.
Phrases such as “Thus saith the Lord” or “God spake these words” appears over 2,000 times in the OT
In the NT –

• 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God”
• 2 Peter 1:20, 21“The prophecy came no in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”
• 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “When ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the Word of God”
• Galatians 1:11, 12 “The gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ”

If the Bible is not God’s Word, it is no longer a good book, but a lying book.

Why Believe the Bible is the Word of God? (Outside of the fact that it claims to be)

1. Manuscript Support (Manuscript – a handwritten copy of scripture)
   1. Quantity and date of manuscripts
2. Archaeology
3. Scientific Accuracy of Scripture
4. Fulfilled Prophecies of Scripture- Isaiah 48:3-5
5. The testimony of Jesus to the Scriptures

Supporting Scripture:
Matthew 4:3-10; Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27; John 5:39, 45-47; John 17:17

• In His recorded words, He referenced 14 OT books
• Jesus quoted from the OT
• He believed the history of the people and events recorded in the OT
• Jesus informed the Pharisees that they erred “not knowing the scriptures”
• Jesus used the Scriptures as His weapon of choice against the devil
• Jesus anticipated the NT writings –John 14:26; 16:12-15

B. Scripture is God breathed – 2 Timothy 3:16a
Lit. “God Breathed” or “Breathed out by God”

• When Scripture speaks, God speaks
• The authority behind the Bible is God Himself – God’s Word

2. The Acceptance of the Bible’s Authority- 2 Tim. 3:16b

• Doctrine – Tell us what to believe
• Reproof – Tells us what is wrong
• Correction – Tells us how to correct the wrong
• Instruction in righteousness – Tells us how to live

God’s Word provides guidance – Psalm 119:105
The Word of God provides comfort – Psalm 119:50

Key Statement: Since the Scriptures are God’s Word, they inherently possess His authority as His speaking (Practical Christian Theology – Floyd H. Barackman, Pg.31)

God communicates Himself to us through Scripture

• Who He is
• What He is like
• How to have a relationship with Him
• How to live
• What He wants for our lives

3. The Perversion of the Bible’s Authority

1 Timothy 4:1 – Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

When?
Latter times – the period from the first coming of Christ until His return

What?
Some shall depart from the faith

• Depart – falling away from an original position
• Apostasy – Falling away from the truth

Doctrines of Demons: Teaching that originates from demons

1- Evolution – Genesis 1, 2
Supporting Scripture:
Psalm 19:1; Psalm 148:4-6; Isaiah 40:28; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16; Acts 17:24, 25; Romans 1:20; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 4:11

2- Homosexuality, transgender, bisexuality
Supporting Scripture: Genesis 19:1-25; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26, 27; 1Corinthians 6:9-10; 1Timothy 1:9, 10

3- Sexual immorality (accepted as a way for life) Co-inhabitation is a way of life
Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:4
Sexual Sin:

• Grieves the Holy Spirit
• Displays a graphic self-centeredness
• Dishonors those made in God’s image
• Violates God’s plan for marriage
• Total opposite love which is a fruit of the Spirit

4- Abortion – Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5
5- Denial of the Deity of Christ – John 14:9
6- Denial of the resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
7- Denial of eternal punishment in Hell – Luke 16:23, 24
8- Denial of Scripture
9- Reinterpret the Bible
10- Compromise with sin
11- Toleration of sin in the church
12- No need for repentance
13- Get to heaven by your own self-worth and good works

2 Timothy 4:3, 4 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Not endure sound doctrine

• People becoming intolerant of the confronting, demanding preaching of God’s Word

Why?

• Driven by their own lusts
• Desiring preaching and teaching that offer them God’s blessings apart from repentance  (Pleasant sensations that leave them feeling good about themselves)
• People will want what they want to hear not what they need to hear

Ears tickled

• Wanting to hear what is culturally acceptable
• People will have an itch to be entertained but not challenged with Biblical truth

Turn away from the truth

See Jude 3 – Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

In Closing

Corner Stone Statement of Faith
The Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God.  The Bible is our sole and final authority for faith and practice.

George Washington (1st President) –
“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without the Bible.”

What authority does the Bible, the Word of God have in your life?

• None
• Selective
• Partial
• Complete

Here are the completed notes from the Sunday Morning Worship Service May 15, 2016:

Scripture: Colossians 2:6

8 Marks of Someone Living Out the Reality of Christ:

Review from Part #1

1- Reverence for God

• 1 Peter 2:17 “Fear God” (Awe & Reverence)
• Acts 9:31 The early church walked in the fear of the Lord

Fear Defined: Fearing God is having a sense of awe or reverence toward Him.

2- Priority of Relationship – Matthew 22:37

John 14:21a – He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:
23a – Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:
24a – He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:

3- Moment by Moment Sensitivity to the Spirt – Galatians 5:16

4- Disgust of Sin – Romans 6:12, 13

Proverbs 8:13 – “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil”
A. Why Sin should be Disgusting to the Christian:

• Sin separates from God
• Sin leads to death
• Sin deceives
• Sin destroys families
• Sin enslaves
• Sin changes futures
• Sin has infected you
• Sin lead to the crucifixion of Jesus

B. Characteristics of Someone Who Tolerates Sin:

1. Puts their happiness and self before their holiness and God
2. Resists the convicting work of the Holy Spirit
3. Rationalizes their sin
4. Excuses their sin
5. No longer shocked at the presence of sin in their life
6. Abuses the gift of forgiveness

C. When Sin is not Dealt with in a Believers Life:

1. Fellowship (closeness) with God hindered
2. Impacts our relationships & affects others
3. Physical impact – Psalm 32:3-5
4. Escalation of sin
5. Inviting God’s discipline – 1 Corinthians 11:31, 32; Hebrews 12:5-11
6. Grieved inwardly
7. Contradicts who we are “In Christ”

5- Passion for Holiness – 1 Thessalonians 4:3a, 7

Holiness – “Absolute purity of your walk before God, the words coming from your mouth, and every thought in your mind – placing every detail of your life under the scrutiny of God Himself” (My Utmost for His Highest)

Holiness – Conformity to the character of God

• Though absolute holiness can never be achieved in this life, all areas of the believer’s life should be in the process of becoming completely conformed to God’s perfect and holy will.
• To be morally blameless – Separated from sin and separated to God

Sexual Sin:
1- Grieves the Holy Spirit
2- Displays a graphic self-centeredness
3- Dishonors those made in God’s image
4- Violates God’s plan for marriage
5- Total opposite love which is a fruit of the Spirit

6- Commitment to a Community of Believers – local church

A. Commitment to Christ at Salvation should be followed by a commitment to His visible body, the local church – Acts 2:41

• Baptism
• Public declaration of your faith in Christ

B. Indications of Being Connected to a Local Church in the New Testament:

1- The phrase “whole church” indicates a verifiable membership – Acts 15:22
2- Records kept – Acts 2:41
3- The responsibility for pastoral oversight and spiritual leadership – 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17
4- Instructions given for church discipline – Matthew 18:15-17

C. The Benefits:

1- To be challenged – Hebrews 10:24, 25
2- To be equipped – Ephesians 4:11, 12 – Systematically taught the Word of God
3- To be held accountable – Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5
4- To have a loving, compassionate support system – Galatians 6:2, 10
5- Enables you to take part in the church’s business and become fully engaged in the church’s ministry

D. The Responsibilities:

1- To exercise their gifts and abilities – 1 Peter 4:10, 11

• Church is not a “spectator sport”

2- To financially support the church’s ministry – 2 Corinthians 9:7
3- To carry out God’s mission in the world – Acts 1:8 (Local and abroad)

7- Participation in Missions

A. The Purpose of Christ’s Coming

• Luke 19:10 – For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
• Matthew 18:11 – For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost
• 1 Timothy 1:15 – This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief

B. The Command Prior to Christ Leaving

• John 20:21 – Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
• Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

C. Vital part of the believer’s life

8- Living with an Eternal Perspective – Colossians 3:1, 2

“Resolved, never to do anything which I would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.” – Jonathan Edwards

A. Life is short especially when considered from an eternal perspective

B. The Lord’s return being imminent (could happen at any moment)
1 John 2:28 – Little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed at his coming.

C. Essential that we manage our lives well

• Our Time (how we use it)
  • Time: Measurable period in which something takes place.
  • Ephesians 5:16 – “Redeeming the time”
  • Time is space in eternity.
  • We live in time but belong to eternity
  • Time is an opportunity to invest in eternity
  • Time: “An earthly trust which, if invested wisely, will produce eternal treasures”
  • Time = Opportunity (To waste time is to miss opportunities)
  • How we manage our time reflects our values and priorities
• Our Treasure (how we use our money and possessions)
  • Matthew 6:19-21
  • You will never find a hearse pulling a U-Haul. Why? Because you can’t take it with you.
• Our Talents
  • 1st – Natural Talents: Any God given natural ability
  • Given by God at birth through parents to benefit mankind generally
  • 2nd – Spiritual Gifts:  An extraordinary gift(s) of the Holy Spirit given to believers at salvation to equip them for service in and through the church – 1 Corinthians 12:11
  • Our Investment in lives (impacting lives for eternity)
  • “The best use of one’s life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”
  • Life’s value is not its duration but its donation.

Here are the completed notes from the Sunday Morning Worship Service May 8th, 2016:

Practical Principles for Mothers and their Children

Scripture: Proverbs 31:28

General Principles:

1. Watch your tongue and tone

2. Invest in the relationship – Be honest and transparent

• Giving one another the freedom to express their
  thoughts and feelings when they see inconsistency
  in us (without defending ourselves)

3. Always restore

4. Live with no regrets

5. Consistently communicate love for one another (Regardless) – People are impacted by what we communicate to them with our attitudes and actions

6. Be considerate of one another – Philippians 2:3, 4

7. Be concerned about their eternity

Specific Principles for Mothers:

• The home marks a child for life.
• Howard Hendricks
  • Be consistent
    A. In Discipline
    B. In Testimony
  • If we profess to believe God’s Word but ignore
    His instructions, our children will be confused

2. Ask God for wisdom when to intercede and when to allow
them to reap the results of bad decisions

Specific Principles for Children:

1. Honor her by listening and evaluating what’s being said – Proverbs 6:20-23; 23:22; 31:26a

• Old fashion
• Out of touch
• Not relevant

2. Be there – spend time with her

3. Make sure she is taken care of – 1 Timothy 5:8

• Example of Jesus – John 19:25-27
• Physical, emotional, spiritual