Category: Sermon Notes

To The Loveless Church

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: To The Loveless Church

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

 

I.    INTRODUCTION AND COMMENDATION

The city of Ephesus had several standout points:

        1. Primary harbor of Asia Minor
        2. Center of culture and entertainment
        3. Main attraction: Temple of (__________________________________ ).

The church was commended on several fronts:

        1. For its (______________________________________________________).
        2. Didn’t tolerate (_____________________________________________ ).
        3. Hated the works of the ( ____________________________________).
        4. For its (_____________________________________).

 

II.   COMMENDATION AND CORRECTION

 

“The Ephesians were the pit bulls of orthodoxy-guarding truth, chasing away false teachers. But in their zeal, they substituted knowledge for knowing, hating for loving.” Swindoll

They were going through the motions. They were rigid and right on with doctrine and calling an ace and ace and a spade a spade. But they were lacking in what mattered: ( _____________________________).

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one died for all, therefore all have died.” 2 Corinthians 5:14

Three statements for correction:

      1. (_____________________________________________)
      2. ( _________________________________________)
      3. (___________________________)

 

NEXT WEEK: Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Postcards

Title: To the Persecuted Church- Rev.2:8-11

 

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The Church – Capital C – The Bride of Christ

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: The Church – Capital C – The Bride of Christ

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18, Acts 2:42-47

 

I.    What the Church IS NOT…

    1. (A Model or Formula): The “HOW-TO” of a church does not define what “church” is!
    2. (A Program): The “WHAT WE DO” of a church does not define what “church” is!
    3. (A Building): This may be WHERE the church gathers, but it is not “the church.”
    4. (A Social Club): Reducing the church to a social gathering strips the church of its power, its position and its purpose.
    5. (A Pastor Following): DANGER ZONE! People are fallible! Put your pastor on a pedestal and you be disappointed, the pastor will be burned-out and the church will be without its spiritual power or influence!

 

II.    What the Church IS…

Charles Swindoll in The Church Awakening: “The church is a body of people called out from among the world for the distinct and unique purpose of glorifying their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Minimalist Definition: “The Church is a ‘family’ of Christ-followers with a purpose: to make much of Christ!”

    1. FAMILY: not a blood family, but a spiritual family of 2.2 billion!
      1. Transcends all (divisions) and is totally (diverse)
      2. We are inseparably connected and in need of one another
    2. CHRIST-FOLLOWERS: we each individually relate to Christ!
      1. He is the (object of our faith)
      2. He is our (Savior)
      3. He is our (Lord)
      4. He is our (Greatest Treasure)
    3. WITH A PURPOSE: TO MAKE MUCH OF CHRIST!
      1. Through (Worship)
      2. Through (Obedience)
      3. Through (Evangelism)
      4. Through (Prayer)
      5. Through (Love)

 

Early Church Snapshot:  Acts 2:42-47

 

 

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Perfect Timing

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: Perfect Timing

Scripture: Genesis 46-50

 

I.    THE REUNION WITH HIS FAMILY    

The extravagance of Pharaoh and the Egyptians

I see several good happenings:

1)     Joseph has (truly forgiven) his brothers.

2)     Joseph has totally wiped out the (favorite) tag.

3)     Joseph never lost (his love) for his father.

 

II.   THE REASSURANCE TO HIS BROTHERS        

Joseph is going to face some major challenges:

1.     The heartbreak of (losing his father).

In this exchange Jacob has Joseph put his hand under his thigh. That was an (oath-taking)   process.

2.     Joseph is overcome with emotion: he calls for the Egyptian embalmers. The process takes (40) days.

3.     Joseph was overcome with emotion; his brothers are overcome with (fear).

Joseph was led by grace. If you have not forgiven someone, it is time. If you have received someone’s forgiveness, it is time. If you have been the recipient of God’s forgiveness, now is the time to truly believe it.

 

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Postcards

Title: Pastor Ryan East preaching

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2019/08/perfecttiming/

His Hardest Task

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: His Hardest Task

Scripture: Genesis 42-45:15

 

“To err is human, to forgive, divine-to forgive and forget supernatural.”

 

I.   THE TEST   

The famine had reached (Canaan), approximately (200) miles from Egypt.

A most interesting verse: Verse 9. “And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them.”

 

II.  THE BARGAIN    

Joseph offers to let them return to Canaan but they must leave one behind. He names (Simeon).

Three things worth taking note of:

1)     A seared conscience can come back to life. (No one is out of reach).

2)     Joseph is overhearing and understanding what they are saying. (Be careful what you say).

3)     They thought God was out to get them. (Guilt)

 

III. THE REVELATION

Who steps up to the plate this time? (Judah). Both at home and to Joseph.

How could Joseph respond as he did to his brothers? (“God sent me here”).

 

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Icebergs

Title: Perfect Timing: Genesis 46-50

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Prison Life

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: Prison Life

Scripture: Genesis 39:21-40:23

 

I.    LIFE IN PRISON           

What are some things that keep people in prison?

1)     (Circumstances)

2)     (Others’ expectations)

3)     (Guilt)

4)     (Pessimism)

 

II.   RISING ABOVE PRISON LIFE  

Cupbearer’s main responsibility? (Protect Pharaoh).

In many ways he was the (most trusted) man in the kingdom.

Baker’s main responsibility? (Bake), of course.

Joseph’s ability to minister to these two was because he was free from (bitterness).

Joseph’s response to the invitation from Pharaoh:

1.     (Dignity).

2.     (Humility).

3.     (Faith).

 

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Icebergs

Title: His Hardest Task: Genesis 42-45:15

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False Accusations

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: False Accusations

Scripture: Genesis 39

 

 “I can resist anything except temptation.” Oscar Wilde

I.    THE REALITY OF HIS SITUATION

With greater success comes greater measures of trust.

With a greater measure of trust also comes a greater measure of (vulnerability).

II.   THE REFUSAL OF HIS SUITOR   

She was shamelessly aggressive but Joseph made it clear he was not interested. He tells her way:

1)     His loyalty to (his master).

2)     His loyalty to (God).

4 requirements to resist temptation:

1.     Don’t be weakened by the (situation).

2.     Don’t be deceived by the (persuasion).

3.     Don’t be gentle with your (emotions).

4.     Don’t be confused by the (immediate results).

 

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Icebergs

Title: Prison Life- Genesis 39:21-40:23

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A Marked Man!

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: A Marked Man!

Scripture: Genesis 39

 

“To be falsely accused and retaliate is natural; to be accused and remain in control is supernatural.”

 

I.    JOSEPH’S CULTURE SHOCK        

Previous two sermons have shown his life:

1)     (Family dysfunction)

2)     Dinah’s (rape)

3)     Jacob’s (favoritism)

4)     Joseph’s (arrogance)

5)     The brothers’ (betrayal)

Joseph and life in Egypt:

1.     Egypt shaped by the (Nile River)

2.     Started life as a (slave).

3.     Joseph’s (learning curve) unprecedented!

4.     Exposure to the (gods) of Egypt.

II.   JOSEPH’S LIVING TRUTH    

Absence of two things in verse 1:

1)     (Time)

2)     (Adjustments) he had to make

Edersheim, a Jewish historian, says, “In the house of Potiphar it went with Joseph as formerly in his own home. For it is not in the power of circumstances-prosperous or adverse-to alter our characters. He that is faithful in little shall also be faithful in much…Joseph was faithful, honest, upright, and conscientious.”

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive an inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Col.3:23-24

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Icebergs

Title: False Accusations- Genesis 39

 

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Betrayed!

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: Betrayed!

Scripture: Genesis 37

 

I.    THE SEEDBED FOR BETRAYAL          

The first seed for betrayal is Dinah being raped by (Shechem). When that happened Jacob (did nothing). Her two brothers,  (Simeon and Levi) took matters into their own hands.

The second seed for betrayal is Jacob’s (favoritism) of Joseph.

The third seed for betrayal is Joseph had a (big mouth).

Joseph’s critical errors in judgement:

1)     He lacked (discernment).

2)     He lacked (sensitivity).

3)     He lacked (maturity).

 

II.   THE CONSEQUENCES OF PLANTED SEEDS   

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7]  That is an (unequivocally, irrevocable) law.

Their original plan was?

Their backup plan (thanks to Reuben) was?

 

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Icebergs

Title: A Marked Man- Genesis 39

 

 

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Family Dysfunction

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: Family Dysfunction

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-4

 

I.    THE ROOTS OF HIS FAMILY TREE                       

Abraham & Sarah

Isaac & Rebekah

Jacob & Leah and Rachel

Dinah, Simeon and Levi

 

II.   THE RUTS IN HIS FAMILY TREE  

Three primary issues between Joseph & his brothers:

1)     Joseph brings a bad report. We call that (tattle-telling).

2)     Joseph treated differently by Jacob. We call that (favoritism).

3)     Joseph shares his dreams. We call that (arrogance or brashness).

The roots for their feelings about Joseph began with Jacob loving (Rachel) more than (Leah).

Jacob made two serious errors:

1.     He sent the (wrong signals) to Joseph and his brothers.

2.     Jacob inflicted the (pain of rejection) on his other sons.

 

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Icebergs

Title: Faithlessness- Genesis 37

 

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For Such a Time

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Heroes

TITLE: For Such a Time

Scripture: Judges 4-5

 

I.    THE SITUATION OF THE PEOPLE   

“Leadership is the ability to get men to do what they don’t want to do and to like it.” Harry Truman

Jabin was king. His army was led by (Sisera). He had (900) chariots.

 

II.   ANSWERING THE CALL OF GOD

Not told much about Deborah. What we do know:

1.     She was a (prophetess).

2.     She was a (judge).

The highlights of chapters 4-5:

1)     There (was a need); Deborah filled it. [4:6-7]

2)     She filled the need; she (sought help). [4:6a]

3)     She sought help and got it; she had to (motivate the help). [4:6-9]

4)     She sought help; motivated it; then (developed a plan). [4:6b-7a]

“The Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword.” [4:15]  There is (no impossible) with God!!

 

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Heroes

Title: Family Dysfunction- Genesis 37:1-4

 

 

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