2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: A Grand Production

TITLE:  The Unknowns

Scripture: Luke 2: 8-20; Mt. 2:1-12

I.   SIMPLE MEN AND A BIG SURPRISE     

Here is the key and Rome missed it: “Christmas is a powerful reminder that what is important in heaven is often unimportant on earth.”

“Sheepherding was one of those occupations that everyone needed but no one wanted.”  (Jeremiah)

What can we learn from the shepherds?

1.     They (heard) well.

2.     They (listened) well.

3.     They (worshiped) well.

II.  WISE MEN AND A SMALL SURPRISE     

Who were these guys?

1)     The name wise men is the word magos in Greek. It typically means “those who have wisdom through investigation and interpretation of the movements of heavenly bodies.”  Fancy way of saying they were (star-studiers) or (astronomers).

2)     They were from the east.

3)     Doubtful just three of them.

What do we know?

1.     They had an earnest desire to find the (King of the Jews).

2.     The prophecy of a star is found in Numbers 24:16-17

3.     Their desire to follow the star let them (place they never thought possible).

4.     What they found let them filled with (worship and joy).

Next Week: Series: “A Grand Production”

The C-Stars- Matthew 1: 18-25; Lk. 1:26-38

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: A Grand Production

TITLE:  The Supporting Cast

Scripture: Mt. 1:1-17; Luke 1: 1-25

I.    THE MESSY PEOPLE    

5 ladies are mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy:

1.     (Tamar)- Gen.38

2.     (Rahab)- Joshua 2 & 6

3.     (Ruth)- Ruth

4.     (Bathsheba)- 2 Samuel 11

5.     (Mary)

One word describes this whole scene: (grace).

II.   THE “GO BEFORE” PEOPLE    

This couple could be “poster people” for a (righteous) couple and a (quiet) God.

The name Zechariah means (the Lord has remembered).

He is told several things:

1)     He would have a son and call him John.

2)     John was to be different. He would be great before the Lord; he must refrain from wine and strong drink; be filled with the HS from mother’s womb.

3)     John’s mission? Turn many of the (children of Israel) to the Lord. He would be the (forerunner) to the One who was to come.

What was Zechariah’s reaction? (Fear)

Next Week: Series: “A Grand Production”

The Unknowns- Luke 2: 8-20; Matthew 2: 1-12

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Ingratitude?

Scripture: 2 Cor. 9:6-14

I.    THE BENEFITS OF BLESSINGS    

A review from last week:

1.     God’s blessings are numerous and varied.

2.     God’s blessings are beyond what we deserve.

3.     God’s blessings are poured out on the just and the unjust.

4.     God’s blessings have a purpose.

II.   THE INCONSISTENCY OF INGRATITUDE     

Biblical examples of ingratitude:

1)     (Korah’s rebellion) Number 6:9-12

2)     (The people of Israel) Deut.6:12

3)     Joshua 8: 33-35 (The people of Israel)

4)     Psalm 78 (A history lesson)

5)     Hosea 6: 3-5

6)     (10 lepers) Luke 17

7)     Romans 1:21- “For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

8)     2 Tim.3:2 “For people will be loves of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful…”

Next Week: Series: “A Grand Production”

The Supporting Cast- Matthew 1: 1-17; Luke 1: 1-25

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Being Blessed?

Scripture: Psalm: 103; 67

I.    WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO COUNT OUR BLESSINGS?

“Memory is very treacherous, by a strange perversity-it treasures up the refuse of the past and
permits priceless treasures to lie neglected.” Spurgeon

What do we know about God’s blessings?

1. His blessings are (numerous and varied).
2. His blessings are (beyond what we deserve).
3. His blessings are poured out on the (just and unjust).
4. His blessings have a (purpose).

II.   WHAT ARE THE WAY WE COUNT OUR BLESSINGS?

Psalm 103: What are some of the benefits of God?

1) (Forgiveness of sins) [v.3a]
2) (Healing) [v.3b]
3) (Redemption) from the pit. [v.4]
4) He satisfies with (good things). [v.5]

Additional blessings from Psalm 103:

1. God works righteousness and justice for the oppressed. [v.6]
2. God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. [v.8]
3. God does not always accuse us nor stay angry with us. [v.9]
4. God does not deal with us as we deserve. [v.10]

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”
What about Ingratitude? 2 Cor. 9:6-14

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Troublemakers?

Scripture: 3 John 9-10; Romans 16: 17-20

I.    TROUBLEMAKERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN

“For the wolves to worry the lambs is no wonder, but for one lamb to worry another, that is unnatural and monstrous.”

II.  TROUBLEMAKERS WILL ALWAYS BE   

A comparison between Gaius (G) and Diotrephes (D):

G was graciously hospitable; D was ungraciously inhospitable. G loved the truth and loved everyone humbly; D refused the truth and loved himself, and threatened everyone from his position of self-appointed authority in the church. One submitted to the words of truth; the other spouted off words of contempt.

What can we learn from God’s Word about troublemakers?

1.     Being in ministry is (messy).

2.     Two actions are suggested toward divisive people: (Observation) and (Isolation).

3.     Know what hills you (you want to die on).

4.     Check your own (heart and attitude).

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”

What about Being Blessed? Psalm 103

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Searing Loss?

Scripture: Job 1:20-22; 2:9-10

I.    THE TRUTH OF JOB

“God whispers to us in our pleasure, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”  C.S Lewis

What can we learn from Job’s experience?

1.     There is no way to prepare for (trials).

2.     Job is not a book about suffering-it’s a story of (triumphant faith) amid suffering.

3.     God does not exist to make us (healthy and happy). He exists to (glorify His name).

Turn to James 1:2-4.   Lesson to learn: Your trial can become your friend when it drives you closer to God.

II.   FOUR TRUTHS TO CLING TO

“God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”

Four truths in the midst of a storm (from Pastor Greg Laurie)

1)     #1- Life is full of trouble, just as (Jesus promised).   John 16:33

2)     #2- They knew (God loved them).

3)     #3- They knew Jesus (wept with them).

4)     #4- They knew God can be glorified, in some mysterious way, by (human suffering).

“The life of faith is not what you purchase or produce. Faith consists in knowing your heavenly Father is at work for His glory and for your good, to mold you into the image of His Son.” (From “What If…?” by Chuck Swindoll- p.40)

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”

What about Troublemakers?  3 John 9-10; Romans 16:17-20

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Worry?

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42; Matthew 6:23-34

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrows; it empties today of its strength.”  Corrie Ten Boom

I.    WHAT DOES WORRY LOOK LIKE?

Worry means “to take a thought” or “to be careful.” Gk -> (to be divided)

Worry can be seen in various ways:

1.     It can be seen as (anger and impatience).

2.     It can be seen as (rush and hurry).

3.     It can be seen as (fear and panic).

4.     It can be seen in (pessimism and criticism).

II.   WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN OVER WORRY?

What does Matthew 6: 25-34 tell us?

1.     Worry is (inconsistent).

2.     Worry is (irrational).

3.     Worry is (ineffective) and (illogical).

4.     Worry is (irreligious).

So what can we do to deal with stress?

1)     Don’t dwell on tomorrow’s (stress).

2)     Don’t dwell on yesterday’s (mess).

3)     Don’t dwell on yesterday’s (success).

4)     Do focus on (today).

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”

What about Searing Loss? Job 1:20-22; 2: 9-10; various Scripture

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about OVCF?

Scripture: Eph. 3:20-21

“IF YOU CAN EXPLAIN WHAT’S GOING ON, GOD DIDN’T DO IT”

Church Growth strategies that cost zero dollars (adapted from an article by Carey Nieuwhof)

1. 1. Exude more passion
   2. Embrace the mission.
   3. Express enthusiasm.
   4. End the fighting.
   5. Engage with guests.
   6. Extend an invitation to attend.

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”

What about Worry? Luke 10: 38-42; Matthew 6: 23-34

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Anger?

Scripture: Eph. 4:26-27

I.    BASIC TRUTHS ABOUT ANGER     

“What makes anger so elusive and so incredibly dangerous is that it flares suddenly, powerfully, and irrationally.” (David Jeremiah)

5 stages of anger:

1.     (Mild irritation)

2.     (Indignation)

3.     (Wrath)

4.     (Fury)

5.     (Rage)

A few observations from Eph. 4:26-27

1)     Anger is a (God-given) emotion.

2)     Anger is not necessarily (sinful).

3)     Anger must have (safeguards).

II.   BIBLICAL TRUTH ABOUT ANGER

When is anger justified?

1.     When God’s Word and God’s will are (knowingly disobeyed) by God’s people.

2.     When God’s enemies take over (jurisdiction) where they have no rights.

3.     When (children) are dealt with unfairly.

When is anger wrong?

1)     When it comes from (wrong motives).

2)     When things don’t (go your way).

3)     When we react too quickly without (investigating the facts).

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”

What about OVCF?

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Doubt?

Scripture: Psalm 13; Mark 9:20-24; John 20:24-29

I.    THE PRESENCE OF DOUBT         

Two stories of doubt and faith:

1.     Mk. 9:20-24

-Sometimes what we have to do is take (what little faith we have) and (bring it to God).

2.     John 20:24-29

-Be like Thomas. Don’t take something at (face value). (Investigate it). Study it. Stew on it.

II.   THE ANSWER TO DOUBT             

An analysis of Psalm 13:

• • • • Verse 1: “forgotten” -> Verse 5: steadfast love
      • Verse 1: God hides face -> Verse 6: dealt bountifully with him
      • Verse 2: wrestled with thoughts -> Verse 6: “sing to the Lord”
      • Verse 2: enemy triumphing -> Verse 5: God delivering

There is often a difference between (how we feel) and (what is true).

Feelings are (unreliable) and can be (deceptive).

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”

What about Anger?  Eph.4: 26-27