CrossPointe Church Austin Texas Sermons

The Race That Matters

Tech Ministry — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:10:00 GMT

It seems all eyes are focused on the winter Olympics. Nations from every corner of the world come together to compete for a medal that marks them as Olympic champions. For some there will be glory and riches; for most, even many of the winners, not much beyond their medal. The scriptures often use images from the athletic arena to demonstrate the Christian experience. So this morning we consider a few of the lesons we learn from the areana.

Scripture for Today:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)

²⁴Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

²⁵Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. ²⁷No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)

⁶For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 3:7-14 (New International Version)

⁷But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. ¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Pressing on Toward the Goal
¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:7-14 (The Message)

^7-9The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness.
^10-11I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.
Focused on the Goal
^12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

Get Off My Back, Old Man!

Tech Ministry — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:12:00 GMT

Get off my Back, Old man!

Sometimes things don't always turn out the way we want them to. We know hwat we want to do. We work hard to make it happen. And then for some reason, we do exactly the opposite of what we wanted to do. Why? This week we look at what happens when failure consumes the best of intentions.

Scriptures for Today:

Romans 7:21-25
Psalm 51:1-12
Colossians 2:13-15

Digging Deeper:

Did you make any resolutions at the beginning of the new year? If so, how are you doing on them? If not, why? What experience have you had in keeping resolutions?
David was God's chosen leader. He soared though the heights of God's anointing and yet fell to the depths of sin and despair. Read the account of David's triumph in 1 Samuel 17 and then his fall in 2 Samuel 11. Then read his reaction to his sin in Psalm 51.
How can David be acclaimed as a great king in light of his great sin (i.e., adultery, murder and convetousness)?
Read Romans 6 and 7. What is the purpose of the Law? What is the Christian's relationship to the Law?
Is faith an act of works? And if so, what is faith's relationship with grace?

Catechism Question:
Q. 27. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consists?
A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under thepower of death for a time.

True Christian Discipleship

Tech Ministry — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:54:38 GMT

True Christian Discipleship

Our message today is delivered by CrossPointe's Youth Pastor, Tim Sharp. Tim, his wife Shellee and their 3 sons moved to Round Rock from Southern California in 2007, and they became members of CrossPointe in January of 2008. Tim has served as Youth Pastor since early 2009, fearlessly leading our "Tribe 3:16" Jr. & Sr. High Youth!

We are blessed to hear Tim's message today, and we give thanks for the blessing that Tim and his family are to CrossPointe!

Today's Scriptures
John 6: 26-69

Digging Deeper:

What reaons do you think led Jesus to feed the 5,000 men with 2 fish and 5 loaves?
Jesus was the best teach and evangelist to ever walk the earth. With this in mind, explain his "hard sayings" in verses John 6:53-58 and 64-65. Why Jesus would say these things, knowing the response of the crowd?
What are some wrong reasons that people follow Jesus? In contrast, what are the "right" reaons for following Jesus.
Peter makes a strong case for Christian discipleship in vs. John 6:68-69. Think about the ways in which Peter's commitment to Christ is challenged later in his life. Did you think Peter really meant what he said in vs. 68-69? Then explain some of his inconsistent behavior as he attempts to follow Christ. Can you relate? Consider what Paul says in Acts 21:11-14. Have you, or would you, make the same statement with Paul that he makes in v.13?

FOCUS: Obey the Call!

Tech Ministry — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:16:00 GMT

What does it mean to be "called"? We sometimes hear that ministers have a "higher calling", or missionaries are "called" to foreign lands. But is that right? Are only full-time, vocational ministers called? What about the rest of us? Are we called? To what are we called? And how do we live that out - how do we obey the call of God on our lives?

Scripture For Today
Matthew 20:20-28
Ephesians 2:8-10
Matthew 5:14-16
James 1:26-27
Isaiah 58:5-10
2 Thessalonians 1:9-12

6 Reasons to become a servant:

Because Jesus Did
Jesus told us to
That's why we were saved
Because the world will notice
It releases the power of God
It Glorifies the Lord Jesus

Obey the call: Serve somebody!

Also the contact information for Trustworthy, Known Haitian Ministries

I Am Change - Haiti Support Fund
mail support to:
6001 W. Parmer Lane
Suite 370-136
Austin, TX 78727
www.iamchange.ort/haiti to contribute online

Mission to North America (MNA)
1700 N. Brown Road
Suite 101
Lawrenceville, GA 30043-8143
mail your check to MNA designated for Haiti 2010 Earthquake Relief
www.pca-mna.org to contribute online

Christian World Outreach
earmark for Haiti disaster and mail it to:
Christian World Outreach
PO Box 2716
Centennial, CO 80161
www.cwomissions.org

Digging Deeper:

In the following passages Jesus teaches on what it means to be the "greatest" in the kingdom of heaven. Read each passage carefully; see how many principles or examples of greatness you can write down from each. Pay close attention to passages which are similar. Note any differences in the similar (often called "parallel") passages. How do the differences add to our understanding of "greatness"? Matthew 20:20-26; Mark 10:35-45; Mark 9:33-37; Matthew 18:1-5; Luke 9:46-48; Matthew 23:1-12; Luke 22:24-30
Is greatness about who we are or what we do? Why? Based on the answers to question #1 write a definition of "Biblical greatness by finishing the following sentence: "Biblical greatness is _________________." What would motivate us "to pursue Biblical greatness? Is that what we are "called" to do? (How do the following passages help answer that question; 1 Peter 2:20-21 (hint - note the relationship of Christ's serving us and His suffering); Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians 2:8-10.
These two passages (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12) discuss what we commonly call "spiritual gifts." What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? Are they used primarily within the church or outside the church? What does that tell us about what we should be doing with our giftedness? Where is the primary place for that to happen? How are you using your gifts to serve His church? Is He calling you to more? How will you answer that call?

FOCUS: Friends of God

Steve Sparks — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:58:00 GMT

As we begin a new year and a new decade we also begin a new series that is designed to help us bring focus to the year 2010. Everything in life begins and ends with God, and so we begin with Him as our focus. The Bible tells us that God called Abraham his friend. Jesus also declared that His disciples were His friends. So what does it mean to be God’s friend? What does that look like? Is it automatic, or something which must be pursued?

(2 Chronicles 20:5-7 NIV) "5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said: "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?”

(Isaiah 41:8-10 NIV) ""But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, 9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

(James 2:20-24 NIV) "You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone."

(John 15:12-17 NIV) "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other."

(Exodus 33:11 NIV) The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
(James 4:1-4 NIV) "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."

(John 15:18-21 NIV) "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

Digging Deeper

1. What does it mean to be a friend? How would you define it? What do you have to do to have someone as a friend? How does that translate to being a friend of God? What kinds of things must we do to be considered His friend?

2. Jesus’ teaching in John 15 leads to His statement that He considers His disciples as friends. Read John 15:1-17 several times, at least once out loud. What does He mean when He tells us to “remain in me”? What does verse 7 tell us about remaining in Him? (Note two key phrases: “my words in you” and “ask what you wish.” What do those phrases teach us about remaining in Him?

3. What specific things does Jesus say that His friends do in John 15:1-17 (note especially verses 7-17)? What would that look like in your life today? Which of these are you doing as part of your friendship with Him? Which do you need to start doing?

4. Are you a “friend of God”? A friend of Jesus? Why or why not?

FOCUS: Friends of God

Steve Sparks — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:58:00 GMT

Digging Deeper

4. Are you a “friend of God”? A friend of Jesus? Why or why not?

Words That Wound

Steve Sparks — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:57:00 GMT

Last week we looked at the healing power of our words – that words well spoken bring joy and life. This week we examine the opposite reality – that words carelessly or selfishly spoken bring pain and death. Words themselves are generally neutral – their power is derived from their context, the motives behind them and the parties involved in the conversation. This morning we consider not only the importance of what we say, but also how and why we say it.

Digging Deeper

1. Jerry talked about the power of our words. Do you agree with Proverbs 18:21 - that words contain the power of "life and death?" How do our words bring death? How do they bring life? Has there ever been a time in your life when someone said something that hurt you deeply? Why did it hurt? What were the consequences of their words in your life? Read Proverbs 12:18. What does it compare words to? In what ways do we (or those we know) use words like weapons?
2. Read Matthew 12:33-37 and Matthew 23:25-28. What do these verses teach us about our words and what our words reveal about us? Why would that be true? Can you change your speech habits without changing your heart? How would we go about changing our heart? (Hint: Read Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:25-27; 2 Corinthians 15:7).
3. What does it mean in Matthew 12:36 when Jesus says we will "give an account" of the things we say? When will that happen (Hint: read Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11; Matthew 12:36). How might knowing this truth change the things we say and the way we use our words? Prayerfully consider – is there someone you may have wounded with your words? Do you need to go and ask their forgiveness? Are there habits of speaking that you have developed that need to be changed? Do you need to be more careful with your words?

From the book of Proverbs

18:20-21 "From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

15:4 “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

12:18 “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

10:19-20 “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.”

26:20-22 "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. 21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. 22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."
16:27-28 "A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."
6:16-19 "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."
20:19 "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."
10:19 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

Words That Heal

Steve Sparks — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:16:00 GMT

Words that Heal
Pastor Jerry Rahm

Looking to the Future

Steve Sparks — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:37:00 GMT

As celebrates its 25 Years of serving God's Kingdom, Please enjoy Dr. John Hannah, Professor from Dallas Theological Seminary has he examines Proverbs 30:24-28

The future is a bit tricky. Don't you know that Cars ware out?

A Rock Badger, something like a prairie dog would be dead meat to a hawk. Its safety is measured in how close it is to its home in the Rocks.

God is our refuge, How Close are we?

An Ant knows what time it is, do we?

Proverbs 30:24-28 (English Standard Version)

24(A) Four things on earth are small,
   but they are exceedingly wise:
25 the ants are a people not strong,
   yet they provide their food in the summer;
26(C) the rock badgers are a people not mighty,
   yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
27the locusts have no(D) king,
   yet all of them march in(E) rank;
28the lizard you can take in your hands,
   yet it is in kings’ palaces.

Cross references:
Proverbs 30:24 : Proverbs 30:15
Proverbs 30:25 : Proverbs 6:6-8
Proverbs 30:26 : Lev 11:5; Psalm 104:18
Proverbs 30:27 : Proverbs 6:7
Proverbs 30:27 : Joel 2:7, 8, 25

Looking to the Past

Steve Sparks — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:30:00 GMT

As Crosspointe Church celebrates its 25 Years of serving God's Kingdom, Please enjoy Dr. John Hannah, Professor from Dallas Theological Seminary examine Psalm 23.

Psalm 23 (English Standard Version)

Psalm 23
The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1The LORD is my(A) shepherd; I shall not( want.
2He makes me lie down in green(C) pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3He(D) restores my soul.
He(E) leads me in(F) paths of righteousness[b]
   for his(G) name’s sake.
4Even though I(H) walk through the valley of(I) the shadow of death,[c]
   I will(J) fear no evil,
for(K) you are with me;
   your(L) rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

5You(M) prepare a table before me
   in(N) the presence of my enemies;
you(O) anoint my head with oil;
   my(P) cup overflows.
6Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I shall(Q) dwell[f] in the house of the LORD
   (R) forever.[g]

Footnotes:
Psalm 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest
Psalm 23:3 Or in right paths
Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
Psalm 23:6 Or Only
Psalm 23:6 Or steadfast love
Psalm 23:6 Or shall return to dwell
Psalm 23:6 Hebrew for length of days
Cross references:
Psalm 23:1 : Psalm 78:52; 80:1; Isa 40:11; Jer 31:10; Ezek 34:11, 12, 23; John 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25; 5:4
Psalm 23:1 : Psalm 34:9, 10; Matt 6:33
Psalm 23:2 : Ezek 34:14; John 10:9
Psalm 23:3 : Psalm 19:7
Psalm 23:3 : Psalm 5:8; 31:3; 139:10, 24; 143:10; Isa 40:11; 49:10
Psalm 23:3 : Prov 4:11; 8:20
Psalm 23:3 : Psalm 25:11; 31:3; 79:9; 109:21; Ezek 20:9, 14
Psalm 23:4 : Psalm 138:7
Psalm 23:4 : Job 3:5
Psalm 23:4 : Psalm 3:6; 27:1, 3; 118:6
Psalm 23:4 : Exodus 3:12; Isa 43:2
Psalm 23:4 : Mic 7:14
Psalm 23:5 : Psalm 78:19; Prov 9:2; John 6:51; 2 Sam 17:27-29
Psalm 23:5 : Psalm 31:19
Psalm 23:5 : Psalm 45:7; 133:2; Luke 7:46; Psalm 92:10
Psalm 23:5 : Psalm 16:5
Psalm 23:6 : Psalm 27:4
Psalm 23:6 : Psalm 21:4

Declaring the Praise of God

Steve Sparks — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:46:00 GMT

Pastor Jerry Rahm shares a very personal message that includes his personal history and how the Gospel has impacted him and how God his planned his and Linda's life and their experience with Linda's illness.

Scripture

Ephesians 5:25-27 (New International Version)
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God,and to enjoy him forever.

Proof Notes
Psalm 86. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. Show me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me. Isaiah 60:21. Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. Romans 11:36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 1 Corinthians 6:20, 31. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.... Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Revelation 4:11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

[2] Psalm 16:5-11. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 144:15. Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. Isaiah 12:2. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Luke 2:10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Revelation 21:3-4. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

[3] Matthew 19:4-5. And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? With Genesis 2:24. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Luke 24:27, 44. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.... And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 1 Corinthians 2:13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 14:37. If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 2 Peter 1:20-21. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 3:2, 15-16. That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.... And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

[4] Deuteronomy 4:2. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Psalm 19:7-11. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Isaiah 8:20. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. John 15:11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 20:30-31. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Acts 17:11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 2 Timothy 3:15-17. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 1 John 1:4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

[5] Genesis 1:1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. John 5:39. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 20:31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Romans 10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 2 Timothy 3:15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

A Plea from the Past

Steve Sparks — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:49:00 GMT

Jesus is God, don't be deceived.

The Apostle John wrote 3 letters which are preserved for us in the New Testament. This morning we look at the second of those letters, a very short book we call “2nd John.” While this letter is only 13 verses long (245 words) it contains some very profound Biblical truths, and a warning to all of us that we hold fast to those truths.

Digging Deeper

1. Read the letter of 2nd John again, and as you are reading answer these questions: “Does this epistle (letter) declare Jesus to be God, and if so, in what ways or how many ways?” “What is the relationship of Jesus to the Father?” “How is God mentioned and in what ways is that term used with respect to Jesus and to the Father?” “Could anyone reading this letter think that John is referring to Jesus simply as a man? Why or why not?”

2. Does John mention the Holy Spirit or refer to Him in this letter? Does that mean that John does not believe in the Holy Spirit or the Trinity (Father, Son AND Holy Spirit)? Read the following passages (all written by the Apostle John) and see if you can state what John believes about the trinity: 1 John 3:24 (compare John 14:16-17, 26, and 15:26); 1 John 4:13-16 and 1 John 5:6-10.

3. Why is an understanding of who Jesus is, the trinity, and their role in our salvation important? How does this truth (or should this truth) impact our lives (see 2 John 3, 4-6 and 10-11). What would it look like to stand up for the truth in our culture? To reject the “antichrist” (verses 7-11)? What kind of deception was happening in John’s day? Is that happening today? In what ways?

Scripture

(2 John NIV) "The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth--and not I only, but also all who know the truth-- 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.

12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your chosen sister send their greetings."

2 John 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (English Standard Version)

(2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 NIV) "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God."

(John 13:34-35 NIV) ""A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.""

The Power of Community

Steve Sparks — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:22:00 GMT

Today we will have a meal together. We will hear about opportunities to engage in relationships and community. Why would we do that? Why would we take the risk to know and be known? Is it worth it? Or as our culture might say, “What’s in it for me?” Today we consider the joy and the pain, the gain and the challenge of living in genuine community.

(Luke 6:37-42 NIV) "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 39 He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

(Mark 11:25 NIV) And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

(Colossians 3:12-13 NIV) Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

(Ephesians 4:1-2 NIV) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

(1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 NIV) We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

(2 Corinthians 6:11-13 NIV) We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also.

(Acts 20:35-38 NIV) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" 36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

(Proverbs 17:17 NIV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

(John 15:13 NIV) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

(1 John 3:16-18 NIV) This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

(Romans 12:6-8 NIV) We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

(Hebrews 10:25 NIV) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Digging Deeper

1. Read Galatians 5:22-23. How many of these would require another person in your life for you to demonstrate that fruit? For example: love. Do you need someone else in your life in order to demonstrate love? For each of the fruits, see if you can list 2 or 3 ways that fruit would be practically demonstrated in a relationship or community.

2. Pastor Jerry listed 3 benefits to being in community. Can you list them? (Hint: see Proverbs 17:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Hebrews 10:25. They are not the only benefits to being in community. How many more can you name? Which one is most important for you? Why? Which one is the hardest for you to live out in your life?

3. What do the following relationships in the following passages teach you about genuine community? 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 20:1-4; Acts 20:17-38; Ruth 1:6-18; John 13:36-38 with John 18:10-11 and 21:15-19.

At the End of Our Hope

Steve Sparks — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:50:00 GMT

We have talked about hope for several weeks, and as we bring our discussion to a close, we must consider our ultimate hope – our joy with Christ for all eternity. Jesus will return. We will be with Him forever. The wrongs of this world will be made right. The pain of this world will finally be removed. Did I mention that Jesus is coming back and we will be with Him forever? Take hope!

Digging Deeper

1. What did the writers of the New Testament believe about how close they were to the return of Jesus Christ? See 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:17; 2 Peter 9-13; 1 Corinthians 7:29; Philippians 4:5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5. What did Jesus say about His return? (Note: “Son of Man” is Jesus’ name for Himself – see Mark 8:31). Matthew 24:36-44; Luke 12:35-40. Why do you think we don’t talk about His return much in the church today? Should we talk more about it? Why or why not?

2. What will happen at the return of Christ? Read the following passages and see if you can list the events in order (note that these passages are not necessarily in order). 1 Thessalonians 13-17; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 20-22.; Matthew 24:1-51.

3. What should our response be to the future reality of His return? ! Thessalonians 4:18; 5:8-11; Matthew 24:43-44; 1 John 3:1-3; Hebrews 10:23-25; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Philippians 3:20-4:1; Luke 12:35-48. Are you ready? Are those response you just listed evident in your life? Are you willing for them to be?

Scripture

(Titus 2:11-14 NIV) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

(Matthew 24:29-31 NIV) "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' 30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

(1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 NIV) We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

(Acts 1:9-11 NIV) After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

(1 John 2:28 NIV) And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

(1 John 3:2-3 NIV) Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

(Revelation 20:11-15 NIV) Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

All Things Made New

(Revelation 21:1-6 NIV) Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

A Community of Hope

Steve Sparks — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:04:00 GMT

For several weeks we have been considering hope and how we can live hopeful lives. Until now we have spent most of our time considering hope in light of the Person and promises of God. We have seen that our hope is found in God, built on God, and fueled by the promises of God. This morning we consider another source of hope: each other. The community of God is critical in keeping hope alive. We need especially need each other when our hope is fading.

Digging Deeper

1. At least 8 times in the Bible the words “hope” and “encourage” occur within five verses of each other. Read the following passages, and see if there is a connection between those two words in each context. If they are connected, state a principle or two from each passage that explains the connection: For example: “Because we have hope we should encourage each other.” (Jeremiah 29:8-13; Romans 12:8-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-3:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-21; Titus 2:13-18; and Hebrews 10:24-29).

2. Read 1 Corinthians 13:13. Why does Paul connect these three great words? As you consider the answer, skim over the entire chapter (13). Now re-read Hebrews 10:19-26. See how many life principles you can list, which are based on the connection of those three words/truths. Does your life reflect this kind of faith, hope and love? In what ways does your life reflect those life principles? In what ways does it not reflect them?

3. Bonus question: This connection occurs most often in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Why do you think that is true? How might this truth change the way you live your life, or view the events of your life?

(Hebrews 10:19-26 NIV) Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Third Letter of John
The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. 10 So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone--and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem

Steve Sparks — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:31:00 GMT

Have you ever been asked to do something that you thought was below your pay scale?

In today’s text the disciples were horrified that Jesus would wash their feet because it was perceived to be a task that was reserved for the lowest of the low. Jesus was their Lord and teacher, not their servant, or so they thought. As usual, Jesus turned things upside down and challenged us to rethink his role and ours. In so doing, he set the bar very high and called us to love and serve one another in the same way.

Scripture

John 13:1-17
1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
8 "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." 9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

John 13:31-35
31 When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
33"My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Philippians 2:5-11
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1 John 4:7-11
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Mark 10:45
45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Hope: A Matter of Perspective

Steve Sparks — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:50:00 GMT

Why do so many people lose hope? Why does it seem so hard to keep hope alive? And if we have lost hope how do we regain it? What is the secret of hopeful people? As we take up these questions this morning we will discover that how we see life is a huge part of keeping or regaining hope. Actually it’s not so much how we see life; it’s more a matter of what we are choosing to look at.

(2 Kings 6:8-17 NIV) "Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, "I will set up my camp in such and such a place." 9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: "Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there." 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, "Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?" 12 "None of us, my lord the king," said one of his officers, "but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom." 13 "Go, find out where he is," the king ordered, "so I can send men and capture him." The report came back: "He is in Dothan." 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

Digging Deeper

1. In each of the following passages the people were discouraged or afraid – they had lost hope. See if you can discover why they lost hope, and what helped (or would help) them to regain it. Numbers 13:26-14:9; 1 Samuel 8:1-22 (note verse7-8 for remedy); 2 Chronicles 32:6-8 and 16-22; Luke 24:24-35; 1 Peter 4:12-19.

2. Read Philippians 4:8-9. Now make a list of 10 things that meet the criteria listed in those verses. Now list the opposite of those 10 things. For example: I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) is true and right; OR “I am not pretty, too short, not smart enough, etc.” is probably not true and right. It certainly is not praiseworthy. Now consider your list: which side do you think about most often?

3. The “power of positive thinking” has been and is a very popular concept. Is Philippians 4:6-7 the same as positive thinking? Why or why not? How might Philippians 4:4-7 change or impact your answer to that question? How might asking God to change the way you think impact your life?

Scripture

(2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV) ""Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said."

(Psalms 39:6-7 NIV) "Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. 7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."

(Philippians 4:8 NIV) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

(Ephesians 1:15-19 NIV) "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Who’s In Charge Here?

Steve Sparks — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:22:00 GMT

One of the reasons we lose hope is that we often hold on to and trust in the things we can see. As we learned last week we live our lives as if we can control them. We try to manufacture outcomes through our own strength and wisdom, and yet we know in our hearts that the idea that we are in control is just a myth. The truth is that when we forget that God is in control it is easy for us to lose hope. And we can really lose hope when we forget that the God who is in control loves us more than we can imagine.

Digging Deeper

1. According to the following passages what do Christ’s people hope for? Psalm 130:7-8; 2 Peter 1:2-4; John 14:1-4; Titus 2:12-14; 2: Corinthians 1:20-22; Deuteronomy 31:6 (see also Hebrews 13:5); Ephesians 5:25-27.

2. What do you hope for? Write an honest list about the things you spend time thinking about, hoping for, trying to make happen. Things like a better job, that certain boyfriend/girlfriend, a nicer house, etc. Be honest! When you think about those things do they increase your hope or decrease your hope? Do they increase your zeal for living or decrease it?

3. Read Ephesians 2:19-22. How does our being citizens relate to having hope? (Hint: see Ephesians 2:11-13). How does the image of our being built into a house give us hope? (Hint who is doing the building, and on what foundation – see Matthew 7:24-27). Now ask yourself who is building your “house.” What foundation does your “house” have? How do the answers to those questions either give you hope or weaken your hope? What needs to change to give you more hope?

Scriptures

(Psalms 33 NIV) Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-- 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

(Isaiah 14:24-27 NIV) The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand. 25 I will crush the Assyrian in my land; on my mountains I will trample him down. His yoke will be taken from my people, and his burden removed from their shoulders." 26 This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. 27 For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

(Luke 12:22-32 NIV) Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Hope Lost

Steve Sparks — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:41:00 GMT

Last week we begin a discussion about how important it is for us to have hope. Yet when we look around we see lots of people living their lives without hope. And even God’s people sometimes seem to lose hope! Where does hope go? Why does it go away? Why is it so hard to hold on to? This week we look at the things that would steal away our hope, and more importantly, how we can take hope back.

Digging Deeper

1. Read Romans 8:23-25. How many facts can you discern about hope from these verses? See if you can list at least ten observations about hope from those three verses. Now, based on what you have learned about hope from these verses finish this sentence: “Hope is __________ .”

2. Read the following verses and list a principle about hope from each one: Proverbs 13:12; Job 27:8; Proverbs 11:7; Psalm 62:5; Romans 15:4-6.

3. We as believers have some very specific things we hope for. See if you can list some of those from the following verses. Ephesians 1:18-21; Romans 8:20-25; Colossians 1:27; Titus 2:12-14; Titus 3:4-7 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.

4. How could the things you listed in questions 2 and 3 help you today? Or tomorrow when you go to work? See if you can take each of those and apply it to your daily living. For example: if you suffer with a physical illness 1 Corinthians 15 promises you a new body – that can become your hope. Ask God to give you hope in an area of your life that feels hopeless, and claim one of God’s promises for that hope as you pray.

Scripture

(Numbers 13: NIV) "Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders."

17 When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, "Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. 19 What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land." (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) 21 So they went up and explored the land from the Desert of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo Hamath.

27 They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.

(Numbers 14:1-8 NIV) That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.

(Ezekiel 37:11-14 NIV) Then he said to me: "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.'"

(Genesis 3:1-4 NIV) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" . . . 4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman.

(Romans 8:18-25 NIV) I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Hope: Sunshine for Our Souls

Steve Sparks — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:27:00 GMT

Sermon title: Digging Deeper

1. Read the following passages: 1 Corinthians 13:13; Hebrews 11:1; Colossians 1:3-6; Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:21. These passages seem to demonstrate that faith and hope are connected, but different. What do you think the difference is between faith and hope? Which is more important and why do you think so? How are they related? Does faith come before hope, or after hope or are they unconnected?

2. Where does hope come from? Consider unbelievers in your answer. We know that God is the ultimate source of hope, but does that mean that unbelievers have no hope in anything? What are the sources of hope for the believer? See Romans 15:4 &13; Psalm 62:5-6; Ephesians 2:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20; Psalm 33:20-22.

3. How would you describe your life at this moment with respect to both faith and hope? Where is your faith – in other words what do you believe in? Does the way you live your life demonstrate what you said you believe in? Now consider hope - what are you hoping for? Would you say you are mostly hopeful or that you have lost hope? Why do you think that is the case? If you have lost hope, does anyone else know that? Would you tell someone, and ask them to pray for you that your hope might be restored?

This morning we start a new series, “Living with Hope in a Hopeless World”. Throughout history there have been ups and downs in terms of hope. There are times when it appears that all is right with the world, and people have great hope in the future. There are times when things seem to be spiraling downward and people have little hope in the future. This same cycle is true of our lives. Some days we have great hope and optimism; some days are dark. What do Christians do when their life seems hopeless? We will explore that question over the next few weeks. We begin today by recognizing how very important hope is.

(Psalms 42 NIV) "For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" 10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"

11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

(Psalms 130 NIV) "A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; 2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins."

(Romans 5:1-5 NIV) "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

(1 Peter 1:18-21 NIV) "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God."

(1 Timothy 6:17 NIV) "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."

(Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.""