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

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Storms?

Scripture: Psalm 18: 1-6

I.    THE STORMS CHASING DAVID

Setting #1- the deliverances of David from King Saul

Setting #2- the deliverances of David from his enemies

Setting #3- the deliverance from Absalom

II.   THE PROMISES OF THE STORM CHASER            

What can we find in this picture of God being our rock?

1.     He is our (protection and shade).

2.     He is our (refuge).

3.     He is our (sure foundation).

Breakdown of verses 1-2.

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”

What about Doubt?  Ps. 13:1-6; Mark 9: 20-24; Jn.20: 24-29

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Q & A

TITLE:  What about Words?

Scripture: Assorted Proverbs

I.   WHAT OUR WORDS DO SAY ABOUT US        

Main idea in Proverbs commentary and worth knowing: Harmful words damage (relationships) and reveal a (heart out of tune) with Jesus.

“The tongue holds the power of life and death.” Pr.18:21

II.  WHAT OUR WORDS SHOULD SAY ABOUT US           

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Pr.12:18

“Gentle words are a tree of life, a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Pr.15:4 (NLT)

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Pr.16:24

“A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.” Ben Franklin

What should we realize about or words?

1. There is (emotional power) in them.   “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Pr.12:25
2. There is (moral status) in them.  “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” Pr.12:22  Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars play close attention to slander.” Pr.17:24
3. There are (limitations) to our words.  “Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.”

Next Week: Series: “Q & A”

What about Storms?  Ps. 18:1-6