Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Homeward Bound

Text:  Hebrews 11:13-16, 32-40

I.    WHAT EXACTLY IS HOPE?                   

Hope is one of those (quests) we all experience as humans, and it may be the most formative one. It forms our (thoughts) and even our (hearts). The thing we place our hope in will influence the way we (interpret and respond) to life.

True statement: if our hope is not connected to (forever), our hope will somehow (die).

II.   HOW DOES HOPE AFFECT OUR FUTURE?                        

For hope to be hope, it must carry with the promise that all which is broken will be repaired, and that it will remain repaired forever.

How are faith and hope intertwined?

1.      Faith enables us to face the (fact of death).

2.      Faith lives in this world with an (eye to the sky).

1)      Faith and hope see the (promise of heaven).

2)      Faith and hope see the (values of heaven).

3)      Faith and hope receive the (approval of God).

3.      Faith and hope will (bring us home) at last.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: The Anchor

Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-39; Luke 23:46

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Stress Test

Text:  Hebrews 11:8-19

I.   THE INCIDENTS OF TESTED FAITH                  

Each of us is faced with one of two ways to live: One is to live by (sight), to base everything on what we can see. The other is to live by (faith), basing life primarily on what we cannot see.

A snapshot version of Abraham’s faith-building life:

1.      His call to go. Verse 8. When called Abraham was a (heathen). Joshua 24:2 tells us he served other gods.

2.      His need to wait. The full story is found in Genesis 14 and following.

II.  THE LESSONS FROM TESTED FAITH                       

The proof of Abraham’s faith was his willingness to (give back to God) everything he had, including (his son), the son of promise.

In his test comes some lessons for us:

1)      Faith is (refined) in the crucible of testing.

2)      Refined faith leaves a (legacy).

Faith does not eliminate (human frailty).

Faith does not eliminate (human weakness).

Faith does not eliminate (hardship).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Homeward Bound

Scripture: Hebrews 11:13-16, 32-40

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Staying Power

Text:  I Corinthians 15: 12-19

The problem with many of us is we get eternity amnesia and therefore are guilty of forgetting forever.  Here is the truth: without eternity Christianity makes no sense. If all that sin has broken won’t be forever fixed someday, then there is no hope now and no hope in the hereafter. Between the “Now” and the “Not yet.”

I.    IT TELLS US WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE

The resurrection of Jesus and the hope of forever give us a sense of priority and measurement.

The greatest difficulty we face is not outside of us, it is inside of us.

II.   IT HELPS US APPROACH EVERYDAY EVENTS DIFFERENTLY

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” I Cor.15:58

III.  IT TEACHES US DELAYED GRATIFICATION

“And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls…they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord.” Jer.1:18-19

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor.” Is.61:3  (NIV)

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Stress Test

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-25

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Fool or Wise?

Text:  I Corinthians 1:18-2:5

A little bit of history:

·         (Lordship salvation)

·         (Seeker) movement

·         (Emergent) movement

·         (Word of Faith) undermining it all.

·         NAR (New Apostolic Reformation)

I.    I REAFFIRM THE NECESSITY OF THE CROSS

When a man elevates (his own wisdom) he automatically attempts to lower (God’s wisdom). Salvation is case in point:

1)      Man’s = (works-oriented); God’s = (cross-centered).

2)      Man’s = (me-centered); God’s = (Christ-centered).

3)      Christ’s death is (central) to salvation.

II.   I REAFFIRM THE NECESSITY OF GOD’S WISDOM

1.      God’s wisdom is (superior).  [v.18]

2.      God’s wisdom is (permanent). [vv.19-20]

3.      God’s wisdom is (powerful). [vv.21-25]

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Staying Power

Scripture: I Corinthians 15:12-19

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Choices

Text:  Hebrews 11:23-31

I.    CHRIST-FOLLOWERS MAKE TOUGH CHOICES                

We don’t find perfect characters in the Bible but what we DO find are those who placed their faith and trust in the (character and promises) of God.

Six thoughts about faith and making choices: (John MacArthur)

1.      Faith accepts God’s plans.

2.      Faith rejects the world’s prestige. [V.24]

3.      Faith rejects the world’s pleasure. [V.25]

4.      Faith rejects the world’s plenty. [V.26]

5.      Faith rejects the world’s pressure. [V.27]

6.      Faith accepts God’s promise. [V.29]

II.   CHRIST-FOLLOWERS EXPECT GOD’S INTERVENTION                    

Three events show their dependence on God’s intervention:

1)      Event #1: (Crossing the Red Sea)

2)      Event #2: (The battle of Jericho)

3)      Event #3: The involvement of a (prostitute).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Fool or Wise?

Scripture: I Corinthians 1:18-2:5

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Traveling Light

Text:  I Timothy 6:3-16

I.    CONSIDER THE DANGERS OF COVETOUSNESS               

Someone has described us as a society of (inextinguishable discontent).

What are the dangers of covetousness?

1)      It corrupts our view of (God’s truth). [Verses 3-5]

2)      It contaminates our (values). [Verse 9a]

3)      It capsizes our (lives). [Verse 9b]

4)      It chokes out (our faith). [Verse 10]

II.   CULTIVATE A HEART OF CONTENTMENT                   

Authentic godliness begins with the (fear of God), which is (reverential awe) in His presence.

Contentment travels with godliness. It is important to remember that contentment is not about (self-sufficiency) but (Christ-sufficiency).

Godly contentment is not about complacency or detachment from the world. It is a (deep-seated satisfaction) that is the gift of Christ.

Two final thoughts:

1.      Don’t trust in your wealth for (security).

2.      Become a (generous) person.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Choices

Scripture: Hebrews 11:23-31

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Staying Afloat

Text:  Hebrews 4:14-16

I.   WE HAVE A SUPERIOR HIGH PRIEST              

Three short statements were standards of the Reformation: No sacrifice but Calvary. No Priest but Christ. No Confessional but the throne of God.

To fully understand this passage there are two items of importance:

1)      The situation of the people

2)      The background form which they see things.

·         Day of Atonement

·         Holy Place

·         Holy of Holies

·         Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat

All this was a picture of Jesus, the (High Priest)  Turn to Hebrews 10:19-22.

1.      Offered (continual sacrifices) for the sins of the people.

2.      (Represented) the people because he (identified) with them.

3.      He was the (mediator) for the people.

Prayer is not about a (technique), about saying the right words. Prayer is about a (relationship with God), established through the Lord Jesus.

II.    WE HAVE A SYMPATHETIC HIGH PRIEST                  

When Jesus took on human flesh He took on (human weakness).  He did it with one qualifier: he did it (without sin).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Traveling Light

Scripture: I Timothy 6:3-16

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Use The Compass

Text:  Luke 4:1-12

I.    THIS INCIDENT REVEALS THE RESILIENCE OF JESUS 

      
To the follower of Christ, we need a (compass). Our compass is the (Bible), the (written Word of God).

Jesus was prepared for this encounter. The “full” means (to be saturated with) or (to be permeated thoroughly with).

Satan’s intentions are clear: the (destruction and disqualification) of Jesus.

II.   THIS INCIDENT REVEALS THE RESOURCE OF JESUS                 

Please turn to I John 2:15-17

First attack: First non-negotiable: (Obeying) God is the supreme priority of life.

Second attack: Second non-negotiable: (Worshiping) God is life’s supreme priority.

Third attack: Third non-negotiable: (Trusting) God is life’s supreme priority.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Staying Afloat

Scripture: Hebrews 4: 14-16

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Launching Out

Text:  Heb. 11:4-7

Very significant truth: The life of faith is the only life that pleases God, and nothing else matters if faith is missing.

I.    ABEL- FAITH BRINGS (PLEASURE)           

“Death is never the last word in the life of a righteous man. When a man leaves this world, be he righteous or unrighteous, he leaves something in the world. He may leave something that will grow and spread like a cancer or a poison, or he may leave something like a fragrance of perfume or a blossom of beauty that permeates the atmosphere with blessing.”

Cain knew his offering was not accepted by God. His response was neither (repentance nor regret). Instead, it was one of (anger).

II.   ENOCH- FAITH BRINGS (REWARD)                

Abel exemplifies (worshiping) by faith. Enoch exemplifies (walking) by faith.

What was it about Enoch that pleased God? It was not his (religious performance) or his (personal attributes). He pleased God by (faith).

III.  NOAH- FAITH BRINGS (OBEDIENCE)

James tells us “Faith without works is dead.” [James 2:26]  True faith always has (actions) to support its claim.

Abel illustrates the worship of faith, and Enoch illustrates the walk of faith. Noah illustrates the (work) of faith- obedience.

Noah built the ark in reverence. That means “with pious care, concern.”

Noah’s life challenges us with this: Will we stand (with) or (against) the culture of our day?

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted  Series: True North

Title: Use the Compass

Scripture: Luke 4: 1-12

THEME: Uncharted

SERIES: True North

TITLE: Reference Point

Text:  Job 1:1-2:10

I.   THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN          

This truth: Life’s storms may hit the most (unexpected people).

What we know about Job:

1.      He was a man of (impeccable character).

2.      He was a (person of means).

3.      He had a vigorous and authentic (spiritual life).

II.   THE BATTLE’S LESSONS ARE LEARNED               

Ephesians 6:12- “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

God’s purpose is to (magnify His glory); Satan’s purpose is to defame God and to (deface His glory). God’s purpose is to (magnify His worth and glory) in and through His people. We bear the name the reputation of our God, not only before the world but before those who are not seen.

4 lessons to learn:

1.      Suffering is (part and parcel) of life.

2.      Suffering falls under the sweep of (God’s sovereignty).

3.      Suffering is not (discriminatory).

4.      Suffering is a (mystery).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Uncharted Series: True North

Title: Launching Out

Scripture: Hebrews 11:4-7