Category: Sermon Notes

Hurry up and Wait

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  Hurry Up and Wait

Scripture: Psalm 13

I.    THE PROBLEM WITH WAITING       

1.      When God delays, we feel (forgotten). [v.1a]   “It is not under the sharpest, but the longest trials, that we are most in danger of fainting.’ Andrew Fuller

2.      When God delays, we feel (forsaken). [v.1b]

3.      When God delays, we feel (frustrated). [v.2]

1)      David is frustrated by his own emotions. “The third time David asks, ‘How long?’ he refers to the combination of what we would call dark thoughts and uncontrollable emotions. When we sense God is no longer blessing us or present, we tend to ruminate on our failures and get into an emotional funk.”

2)      David is frustrated because of his enemy.

 

II.   THE PERSPECTIVE WE NEED        

The turning point for David was (prayer).

David prayed, not because he was a godly man (which he was), but because he was a (desperate man).

David prayed three prayers in verse 3: (Consider me). (Hear me). (Open my eyes).

When our feelings are stronger than our beliefs we will find ourselves blown away by circumstances and events out of our control.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22

Remember who God is. His (character) never changes!!

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  Not Afraid of Anything- Psalm 27

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/08/hurry-up-and-wait/

Life In Which Lane?

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  Life in Which Lane?

Scripture: Psalm 1

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost

 

I.    DIVERGENT WAYS      

 

“Blessed” in Hebrew means (supremely happy or fulfilled). It would be correct to say “Blessings many times over.”

The psalmist uses three words:

1 . (Walk) is a term which suggests casual movement.

2 . (Stand) in the Hebrew means “To come and take a stand.”

3 . (Sit) suggests a permanent settling down.

Verse 4 is called a negative assertion in Hebrew. “Not so, the wicked!”

1) Chaff is the outer part of the grain seeds which separates. Completely worthless

2) “Drives away” means to disseminate, strike or beat.” Matthew 7:26-27

Turn to Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, 22-23

 

II.   DIVERGENT ENDS        

 

What is the end result?

1 . For the righteous- (he is like a tree). Please turn to Jeremiah 17:5-8 (p.645)

2 . For the unrighteous- (he will not stand in judgment).

“Stand” is not the same as used in verse 1.

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  Hurry Up and Wait- Psalm 13

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/08/life-in-which-lane/

The Trail Boss – The Sequel

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  The Trail Boss – The Sequel

Scripture: Psalm 23:4-6

I.    HE PROVIDES A TABLE      

Sheep are unable to tell the difference between what is (good for them) and (what is not).

There are two types of flowers which can be good or bad depending on color. It was essential for the shepherd to “scope out” the land for grazing. He would lead his sheep to a higher place. This was called (the tableland).

 

II.   HE ANOINTS MY HEAD       

The link between “preparing a table” and “anointing my head” is (in the presence of my enemies).

Two pictures seen:

1.      The shepherd would lead his flock to a field but before he does so he would look it over carefully, looking for (tiny brown adders) or vipers. He would “oil” the holes.

2.      One of the nuisances of the flock are parasites, particularly flies. Sheep were particularly troubled by the (nasal fly).

 

“And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” I Cor.1:21-22

 

III.  HE OVERFLOWS US  

Two things are ours as a result of God’s provision:

1.      (Provision). “The Lord is my portion and my cup, you hold my lot.” Psalm 16:5

2.      (Contentment) “Surely goodness and mercy…”

1)      Comes when we (count our blessings) instead of making a wish list.

2)      Comes when we (appreciate what we have) instead of comparing what we don’t.

3)      A by-product of knowing the Shepherd.

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  Life in Which Lane? Psalm 1

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/07/the-trail-boss-the-sequel/

The Trail Boss

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  The Trail Boss

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3

“Most of the time I’m half-way content.” Bob Dylan

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Leadership quote

 

I.    THE TRAIL BOSS PROVIDES REST     

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”  Sheep will not lie down unless four requirements met:

1.      Free of all fear

2.      Free of friction within the flock.

3.      Free of pests

4.      Free of hunger

 

II.   THE TRAIL BOSS PROVIDES REFRESHMENT      

“He leads me beside still waters.”

“Shepherds don’t beat sheep; they feed sheep.” Charles Stanley to pastors

 

III.  THE TRAIL BOSS PROVIDES RESTORATION

“He restores my soul.”  The word restores can mean (brings me to repentance) but since word translated “soul” is actually “life” it means be restored to health-(physically or spiritually).

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  The Trail Boss: The Sequel- Psalm 23:4-6

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/07/the-trail-boss/

Survival Guide

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  Survival Guide

Scripture: Psalm 130

I.    WHEN YOU NEED THE GUIDE     

“In the depths” begins the psalm. It is seen powerfully in Psalm 69:1-2 (p.482)

“Prayer is never more real and acceptable than when it rises out of the worst places.” Spurgeon

Hebrews 7:25 tells us Jesus is at the right hand of the Father and lives forever (to make intercession for us).

Forgiveness awaits. 4 thoughts:

1.      God’s forgiveness is (inclusive).

2.      God’s forgiveness is (for now).

3.      God’s forgiveness is for those (who want it).

4.      God’s forgiveness leads to (godly living).

 

II.   FOLLOWING THE GUIDE     

Problem with waiting: we think (nothing is happening).

“From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for Him.” Is.64:4

Forgiveness is not dependent on (feeling forgiven).

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  The Trail Boss- Psalm 23:1-3

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/07/survival-guide/

Cover Your Back!

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  Cover Your Back!

Scripture: Psalm 32

I.    A GREAT BEATITUDE

David quotes this psalm in Romans 4:1-2. He uses it to add David’s testimony to his own proof that justification is (by grace through faith alone).

In the first two verses David does something interesting. He uses three different words for sin.

1.      (Transgression)- Verse 1a. Literally means “a going away” or “departure.”

2.      (Sin)- Verse 1b. “falling short of the mark”

3.      (Iniquity)- Verse 2. Literally means “corrupt,” “twisted,” or “crooked.”

How it rounds out: The first describes sin in view of our (relationship with God). The second pictures us as being in (rebellion) against Him. The third describes sin in relationship (to ourselves).

II.   A GREAT TESTIMONY  

“A man’s very highest moment is when he kneels in the dust and beats his breast and tells the sins of his life.” Oscar Wilde

Three words of what God does with sin:

1)      (Forgiven). [V.1a] Literally means having our sins lifted off.

2)      (Covered). [v.1b] Describes what God does with our sin.

3)      (Does not count) our iniquity against us. [V.2a]

David’s testimony:

1.      He recounts the (effect of his sin). [3-4]

2.      He explains (God’s forgiveness) once he confessed it. [v.5]

3.      All three words for sin show up in verse 5.

4.      Why his testimony? Psalm 51 are also echoed in verses 6-7.

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  Survival Guide- Psalm 130

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/06/cover-your-back/

The Wonder Of It All

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  The Wonder Of It All

Scripture: Psalm 139

I.   THE WONDER OF GOD

“The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. He who know it not, can no longer wonder, no longer feel amazements, is as good as dead, a snuffed-out candle.” Einstein

One of the key components of these verses is God’s (omniscience). So what does God know about us?

1.      He knows what we (do)

2.      He knows what we (think).

3.      He knows where (we go).

4.      He knows what we (say)

5.      He knows what we (need).

God is either No Where or God is Now Here.  This is called God’s (omnipresence).

 

II.  THE WONDER OF HIS CREATION    

God is also (omnipotent). See verses 13-18. None is profound as the (miracle of birth).

God is seen as the (Author of life).  See also Jeremiah 1:5

In verses 17-18 David reflects on the abundance of (God’s thoughts).

What should this cause in us?

1.      It should (humble) us.

2.      It should (comfort) us.

3.      It should (encourage) us to live for God.

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  Cover Your Back! Psalm 32

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/06/the-wonder-of-it-all/

Taking Shortcuts

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  Taking Shortcuts

Scripture: Psalm 19:7-11; Mt.4:1-11

 

I.    THE PROBLEM OF SHORTCUTS   

“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”  Pr.16:25

There are, in reality, three trails for us to choose:

1.      The (Broad) Trail

2.      The (Narrow) Trail

3.      The (Shortcut)

 

II.   THE SOLUTION TO SHORTCUTS   

In Matthew 4 we are given two things to know:

1)      The adversary is identified. Satan is not our (friend).

2)      The adversary is named.

Psalm 19:7-11

1.      We are given six terms for the written revelation

2.      We are given six statements about Scripture being God-breathed

3.      We are given the benefits of following in verse 11

1)      The one who knows is warned against (taking shortcuts).

2)      In keeping the law is (great reward).

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  The Wonder of it All- Psalm 139

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/06/taking_shortcuts/

A Well-Marked Trail

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  A Well-Marked Trail

Scripture: Psalm 37: 1 – 11

 

I.   CONFUSION AT THE TRAILHEAD  

We are a nation of worriers. (40%) of what we worry about never happens. (30%) of worry is about events which have already taken place. (12%) has to do with health concerns. (10%) deals with small trifles. Only (8%) is legitimate.

“Fret not”- “Do not be agitated by evildoers.” (HCSB)  Webster defines fret as “to cause to suffer emotional strain, or to eat or gnaw into, to become uneasy, vexed, or worries.”

 

II.   FOLLOWING THE SIGNS  

Two identifying marks of many followers of Jesus:

1)      We tend to want the easy way

2)      We have an inability to wait on God.

Five tasks in waiting:

1.      (Trust) in the Lord, and do good. [V.3]

2.      (Delight) yourself in the Lord. [V.4]

3.      (Commit) your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. [V.5]

4.      (Be still) before the Lord. [V.7]   “What is wrong with the world is that man does not know how to stay quietly in his own room” (Pascal)

5.      (Refrain) from anger. [V.8]

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  Taking Shortcuts- Psalm 19:7-14; Mt.4:1-11

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2016/06/a-well-marked-trail/

Cutting the Trail

LifeAsAnAdventure2

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Life is an Adventure!

TITLE:  Cutting the Trail

Scripture: Psalm 16

 

I.   TAKE TIME FOR A BACKWARD GLANCE

 

What to do about your past:

1.  Look back and be stifled, almost paralyzed

2. Use as a stepping stone

3. Lesson to be learned and share it with others

When you boil it all down this is what you’ve got:

You can live a (wasted) life

You can live a (wise) life.

Every trail, every life, has three things: a (past), a (present), and a (future).

Turn to Psalm 71:5-7, 9, 18, 20. (p.484)

 

II.  TAKE TIME FOR A FORWARD LOOK

 

Lessons we can learn from Psalm 16:

1.  We are to remember (who God is). [Verses 1-2] This is the look (backward). An interesting phenomena occurs in these verses: Elohim, Jehovah and Adonai are all used.

Elohim represents (power)

Jehovah speaks of His (personal interest).

Adonai speaks of His (presence).

2. We are rehearsing what (God is doing). [Verses 5-8]

God is our (Completeness).

God is our (Certainty).

God is our (Contentment).

God is our (Confidence).

3. We rejoice is what God (will do). [Verse 10]

 

SERIES: Life is an Adventure!

NEXT WEEK:  A Well-Marked Trail- Psalm 37:1-11

 

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