2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Promises, Promises

TITLE:  Shelter in the Time of Storm

Scripture:  Isaiah 40: 3-27

“Life is like an onion, which one peels crying.”

“Where you are down and out, something always turns up-and it’s usually the noses of your friends.” Orson Welles.

“Life is a tough proposition, and the first hundred years are the hardest.” Mizner

I.    HERE COME THE STORMS! 

Life is filled with (stress fractures), with storms.

II.   TRUTHS THAT SHELTER US  

“What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” A.W. Tozer

Isaiah 40 tells us some important truths about God:

1. God’s Word (stands forever).  Turn to Zephaniah 3:17
2. The (Greatness) of God.  (Verses 10-11)  In Exodus 6:6 God says, “I will redeem you by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.”
3. The (Unequalness) of God.  Another way -> God’s (Omnipotence). (Verse 12-14)
4. The (Incomparability) of God. (Verses 18-19a, 21-23)  But the cream of the verses is verse 25

Remind ourselves of Tozer’s statement again: “What comes to mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Next week: Theme: Truth!  Series: Promises, Promises

Title:  Strength for Weary Days- Isaiah 40: 28-31

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Promises, Promises

TITLE:  Wisdom to Find the Right Page

Scripture:  Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-32

I.    PAGE 1- HAVING PROBLEMS WITH PROBLEMS

Everyone is on a (path). Everyone is (going somewhere). When we feel stuck, even when we feel trapped, the truth is, we are still (in motion). Life is a (journey), and the end of it all is not just a place but also a (condition).

Some assumptions we make about problems:

1. Once you become a Christ-follower all your problems (will be solved).

2. Having problems is a sign of (spiritual immaturity).

3. More exposure to Biblical truth or teaching will (alleviate) or (remove) our problems.  “It is one thing to grow old in the Lord. It’s another thing to grow up in the Lord.”

II.   PAGE 2- BEING WISE ABOUT WISDOM 

“The reason why we have two ears and only one mouth is that we may listen the more and talk the less.” Zeno, Greek philosopher

Common thoughts about wisdom:

1. It is (available).

2. It can be (spurned).

3. It always has (fruit).

What is wisdom and why do we need it?

1. Wisdom is (correction and understanding). (V.2)

2. Wisdom is knowing the difference between (right and wrong), good and evil. (V.3)

3. Wisdom is (discernment). (V.4)

4. Wisdom is about (obtaining guidance). (Vv.5-6)

How do we get it?

1. By reverent (trust in the Lord). (V.7)

2. By (asking).  See James 1:5

Next week: Theme: Truth!  Series: Promises, Promises

Title:  Shelter in the Time of Storm- Isaiah 40:3-27

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Brave New World

Scripture:  1 Cor. 2:1-5, 2Cor. 4:1-2

4 Questions to consider this morning:

1. WHAT WE OBSERVED
2. HOW WE FELT
3. HOW WE FILLED OUR DAYS
4. WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON? 

Two Scripture passages:

    I Cor. 2:1-5 (Ryan)

    2 Cor. 4: 1-2 (Bill)

New Series:  Promises, Promises

Our Mission:  To Connect People to Jesus

Our Vision:

1) Be Passionate Pursuers of Jesus
2)  Be Models of Truth and Love
3)  Be Involved in our Community

Next week: Theme: Truth!  Series: Promises, Promises

Title:  Wisdom to Find the Right Path- Pr. 1:1-7, 20-32

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: A Little Help from My Friends

Scripture:  Colossians 4:7-18

I.    THE VALUE OF CLOSE FRIENDS    

“Friendship is a sheltering tree” Coleridge

Paul didn’t travel alone. He mentions several traveling companions:

1. (Tychicus).
2. (Onesimus).
3. Lists several others.

II.   THE VALUE OF PRAYING FRIENDS                   

One close praying friend of Paul is (Epaphras).

The word struggling is the word agonizing 

III.  THE VALUE OF LOYAL FRIENDS 

Paul’s letters were often “circuit letters” or circular letters

Paul mentions a church and some friends;

1) Church at Laodicea
2) (Nympha)
3) (Archippus)

Next week: Theme: Truth!

Title:  Brave New World- I Cor.2:1-5; 2 Cor.4:1-2

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Speak Up!

Scripture:  Colossians 4:2-6

“A sharp tongue is the only edge that grows keener with constant use.” Washington Irving

“If your lips would keep from slips, Five things observe with care: To whom you speak; of whom you speak; and how, and when, and where.” William Norris

“I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.” Publius

I.    WHEN TALKING TO GOD           

Sound advice about our vertical speech:

1.   Be devoted to (prayer).
2.   Be (alert).
3.   Be (grateful).

II.   WHEN TALKING TO OTHERS

Verse 5: What Christ-followers are gives credibility (to what we say).

The word conduct here is the Greek word which means “to walk around.”  It refers to (all actions of a person’s daily life).

We are to have our speech “seasoned with salt.” What exactly does that mean?

Psalm 114:3- “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

A good principle to follow is found in Ephesians 4:29

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  A Little Help from My Friends- Colossians 4: 7-18

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Family Matters

Scripture:  Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

I.    IT MATTERS HOW WE TREAT OUR FAMILY             

God established the home in the Garden of Eden when he brought Adam and Eve together.

First choice of words to the (wife). The key word? (Submission).

Second choice of words to the (husband).  2 things stand out:

1. Love your wife.
2. “Do not be embittered”

Third choice of words to (father and children).  The key word? (Obedience).

 “exasperate” (KJV) -“to irritate, stir up.”

II.   IT MATTERS HOW WE TREAT OTHERS                  

Some historians say in Paul’s day there were more than 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire. That equals about half the population.

Paul’s thoughts divided into two: slaves and slave-owners.  This does not mean he was in favor of slavery.

1.   Slaves- (Be obedient).   Keep this in mind: When doing something for God, a lowly calling like being a servant becomes a high calling of being a servant for the Father of all.
2.   Masters- (Justice and fairness)

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Speak Up! Colossians 4: 2-6

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Be Careful What You Pursue!

Scripture:  Colossians 3:1-17

I.    CHALLENGE #1: SEEK THINGS ABOVE    

A parallel Scripture: “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” Gal.2:20

When Paul tells us to focus on things above what does he mean? Not physical but on God’s (character), His (presence), His (heavenly joys).  We don’t seek heaven, we see (the One who lives there).

II.   CHALLENGE #2: GET RID OF GARBAGE          

Paul tells us to get rid of things:

1. (Sensuality)
2. (Materialism)
3. (Negative emotions)

III.  CHALLENGE #3: ADD THE ESSENTIALS  

This new kind of life does not begin with self-reformation or us turning over a new leaf. It isn’t pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps. It isn’t something we can do on our own!

“Wherever, Whatever, Whenever, However…Christ!” (Swindoll commentary)

1. (Word)- Deals with everything we say.
2. (Deed)- Deals with everything from our daily routine.

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Family Matter- Col. 3:18-4:1

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Counter Measures Required

Scripture:  Colossians 2:16-23

I.    LEGALISM             

Bill’s definition: “Living a life of rules and regulations, of do’s and don’ts, of “you must avoid and must do these things.”

Many times legalism is used (to ride herd) and as (gauges for spirituality).  They are often used as (weapons) to keep people in line.

Legalism is the religion of (human achievement).

3 thoughts about legalism:

1. 1. 1. 1. Legalism is (joyless).
         2. Legalism is (uniformity).
         3. Legalism is (surface).

II.   SPIRITUALISM                 

A pop culture way of saying this is (mysticism).

Paul has dire warning against this garbage. They were (pretenders). They were guilty of (spiritual pride) and devoid of the (Holy Spirit).

III.  ASCETICISM 

Webster: “The practice of strict self-denial as a measure of person and especially spiritual discipline; rigorous abstention from self-indulgence.”

“Ascetic religion is basically godless, for its practitioners essentially worship themselves.” Alexander McClaren

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Be Careful What You Pursue!- Col. 3:1-17

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Choose!

Scripture:  Colossians 2:8-15

I.   THE DEFICIENCY OF PHILOSOPHY   

Philosophy comes from two Greek words: phileo which means “to love” and sophia which means “wisdom.” So philosophy is the love and pursuit of wisdom.

Paul gives four characteristics of this dangerous seductive philosophy:

1. It was (deceptive).
2. It claimed (good origins).
3. It was (demon controlled).
4. It was (enslaving).

II.   THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST

What separates a cult from real truth and orthodox Christianity is what they (think about Jesus).

Verse 9- One commentator: “It presents the glorious majesty of Christ’s Person and His complete sufficiency.”   This verse is telling us Jesus is more than just godlike. He is telling us Jesus is God and in Him is all the fullness of God.

Everyone has a choice, whether to follow (human wisdom) or to (follow Christ).

Paul’s next words describe this completeness in practical terms.

1. He refers to (circumcision).
2. He refers to (burial).
3. He refers to a (resurrection).

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Counter Measures Required- Col. 2:16-23

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: More Than a Man

TITLE: Seriously?

Scripture:  Acts 2:29-36

“Neutrality is not an option. Either Jesus rose and rightly demands your attention, repentance, trust and obedience, or he stayed dead. If he only became a rotting corpse why should you follow Him?  (Quote by John MacArthur in Risen With Christ by Andrew Warnock-p.43)

I.    FICTION OVER FACT?           

Some of the theories put forth:

1) The disciples knowingly lied.
2) The disciples stole the body.
3) The authorities hid the body.
4) Jesus just swooned on the cross.
5) The disciples just hallucinated when they saw Jesus afterwards.

II.   FACT OVER FICTION?              

“The keys of death were hung on the inside of Christ’s tomb.” Piper

“The resurrection of Jesus is God’s gift and proof that His death was completely successful in blotting out the sins of His people and removing the wrath of God.” Piper

“The only possible reason why early Christianity began and took the shape that it did is that the tomb really was empty and that people really did meet Jesus, alive again.” N.T.Wright

Peter believed in and staked his life on the resurrection. See I P.1:3

Paul used the resurrection to describe what happens to those who are baptized. See Rom.6:4

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Choose! Col.2:8-15