Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  SOLID!

TITLE:  I Believe In Jesus

Scripture: Mark 14:53-64; 15:39; John 18:33-38; 19: 19-22

Our statement of faith: “We believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only, virgin born Son of God and is co-equal with God. He is God in human flesh, died on a cross as a substitute for our sins and rose bodily from the dead, and is the only way to God.”

I.  WHAT DO OTHERS SAY?                                                        

“All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on earth as much as that One Solitary Life.”

Buddhism teaches Jesus (was not God) but an (enlightened man).

Hinduism teaches Jesus was a (wise man) or incarnation of God like (Krishna).

Islam teaches Jesus was just a man and a prophet but (inferior) to Muhammed.

JW’s teach Jesus was a creation of God, (Michael the Archangel).

Mormons teach Jesus was a half-brother to (Lucifer) and the result of a physical relationship between Elohim (God) and Mary.

II.  WHAT SHOULD WE SAY?        

What did Jesus say about Himself?

1.      Jesus said he (came down from heaven).

2.      Jesus said he was (God).  Mark 16:61-64

3.      Jesus said he was (sinless).

4.      Jesus (forgave sin).

5.      Jesus said He is the (only way) to heaven.

III.   Who or what is Jesus?

1)      According to Jesus He is the (I AM).

2)      According to Matthew “Jesus is (the Christ).”

3)      According to Mark “Jesus is (the Son of God).”

4)      According to Luke “Jesus is the (Servant of the Lord).”

5)      According to John “Jesus is (the Word).”

6)      According to Paul “Jesus (is Lord).”

SERIES: Solid!

NEXT WEEK:  Turn off the Dark! I Cor.15: 12-19, 42-49

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  SOLID!

TITLE:  I Believe In God

I.    Natural Revelation

I believe in God because it (makes sense)!

ROMANS 1:19-20

      -God’s (fingerprints) are all over creation! Creation (proclaims) His existence!

A Creator’s Clue: Dr. Walter Bradley – “If there isn’t a natural explanation oand there doesn’t seem to be a potential of finding one, then I believe it’s appropriate to look at a supernatural explanation. I think it’s the most reasonable inference based on the evidence… I think that people who believe that life emerged naturalistically need to have a great deal more faith than people who reasonably infer that there’s an Intelligent Designer.”

II.    Biblical Revelation

I believe in God because He has (revealed Himself) to us through (His Word)!

14 Attributes of God:

      Holy                                                     Eternal                                                Immutable

      Sovereign                                            Omniscient                                          Omnipotent

      Omnipresent                                       Independent                                        Gracious

      Wise                                                    Just                                                      Merciful

      Faithful                                                Love

God reveals himself to you because He (desires to know you)! (John 10:14)

III.     Personal Experience

I believe in God because my own (experiences with Him) confirm Him.

WARNING: Always filter your personal experiences through Scripture!

Pillars of Personal Experience:

1.)    ANSWERED PRAYER

2.)    GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS PROMISES AND THE POWER OF HIS WORD

3.)    SPIRITUAL CONVICTION

4.)    TRANSFORMED LIFE BEGINNING AT THE HEART-LEVEL

SERIES: Solid!

NEXT WEEK:  I Believe in Jesus Christ

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  SOLID!

TITLE:  Is It Really That Important?

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-2, 6

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” Bilbo Baggins in Lord of the Rings

“Faith is to the soul what swallowing is the body-and the health of the body is largely dependent on what is swallowed.”

I.   TRUTH UNDER SIEGE                                                       

What is laying siege to the truth today?

1.      The Challenge of (Religious Intolerance).

2.      The Challenge of (Pluralism).

3.      The Challenge of (Inclusivism).

4.      The Challenge of (Ecumenism).

5.      The Challenge of a lack of (Gospel Knowledge).

6.      The Challenge of the (Flesh).

7.      The Challenge of (Immorality).

Some doctrines are (non-negotiable).

II.  WHY BELIEVE TRUTH?                       

Three truths from Hebrews 12:1-2, 6:

1.      Faith is living in a hope that is so real it gives (absolute assurance).

2.      Faith is a conviction of things (not seen).

3.      Faith is not simply one way to please God; it is the (only way).

Those who believe in God and those who don’t are people of faith. They use the same tools but just happen to be digging in different mines. And therein lies the crux of faith. It is not the (capacity) of faith, but rather the (object) of faith, which determines the ultimate outcome of life and eternity.

The Bible does not ask us to adopt a (blind) faith but a (reasoned) one.

SERIES: Solid!

NEXT WEEK:  Ryan East preaching

THEME: It Is Written

SERIES:  Second Chance

TITLE:  When Taking Advantage is Good

Scripture: 2 Peter 1 :3-11

I.   THE DIVINE POWER                                                      

Sin holds us (captive). We were meant to fly with the (wings of grace), but we have allowed sin to keep its grip on us and hold us down.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

“But if anybody does sin, we have one how speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:1b-2 (NIV)

II.  THE DRIVING QUEST                       

We are to “supplement our faith.” Other translations say “add to our faith.”

1.      (Virtue)- means “moral power or energy.” “goodness”  Paul chose a word that has primarily to do with something (we are) before it is anything (we do), look, or feel.

2.      (Knowledge)

3.      (Self-control)- It is more than keeping things under control (in check). It is actually (humility).  See Romans 6:12-13]

4.      (Steadfastness)- endurance.  Christianity does not provide a supernatural cure for suffering; it provide a supernatural use for it.

5.      (Godliness)- It is being Christlike in (character).

6.      (Brotherly affection)-

7.      (Love)

SERIES: Solid!

NEXT WEEK:  Is it Really That Important? Hebrews 11:1-2,6

SERIES:  It is Written

TITLE:  After Hearing Impossible

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-22

I.    SEEK (THE LORD) NOT MEN             

Key phrase is found in verse 3: “set his face to seek the Lord”

II.   ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S (UNLIMITED POWER)                      

Turn to Isaiah 40:12-14, 25-26,28-31

III.  FACE THE TASK RECOGNIZING THE (HOPELESSNESS) W/O GOD

J gets his people ready. Two things stand out:

1.      They are facing a giant horde

2.      The end of verse 12: “we don’t know what to do”

IV.   WE NEED TO REMEMBER (WHOSE BATTLE) IT IS

We get ready. We prepare for battle. But ultimately we must remember (the battle is not ours).

V.    (PRAISE HIM) IN ADVANCE

SERIES: Second Chance

NEXT WEEK:  When Taking Advantage is Good- 2 Peter 1:3-11

SERIES:  It is Written

TITLE:  After Fear

Scripture: Judges 6: 1-25

I.   THE PARALYSIS OF FEAR                                                     

The name Gideon means “hewer” or man of (physical strength).

Two things stand out about Gideon’s “visit:”

1.      He did not know it was an angel.

2.      It was not “an angel of the Lord” but “the angel of the Lord.”

Gideon is struggling with two main problems:

1.      The problem of (discouragement)

2.      The problem of (inadequacy).

Five principles about the tyranny of fear:

1.      Fear disregards God’s (plan).

2.      Fear distorts God’s (purposes).

3.      Fear discourages God’s (people).

4.      Fear disbelieves God’s (promises).

5.      Fear disobeys God’s (principles).

II.   THE PRESENCE WHICH DESTROYS FEAR                     

Gideon is given two assignments:

1)      Tear down the (altar of Baal), cut down the (Asherah pole) and build an (altar to God).

2)      Fight the Midianites with (300) men.

The advice to Gideon makes no sense. But it is not our responsibility to understand how God is going to keep His Word and accomplish His work. It is our responsibility to (obey Him) and to do what He commands.

SERIES: Second Chance

NEXT WEEK:  After Impossible- 2 Chronicles 20:1-22

SERIES:  It is Written

TITLE:  After Falling

Scripture: Judges 13-16

I.   HIS PROMISING BEGINNING                                                    

Cycle of Judges: downward spiral-> captivity -> crying out to God -> judge -> serving God until judge dies -> downward spiral

Manoah’s wife given special instructions:

1.      To her:  [v.4]

2.      For her son: [v.7]

The NT word for Samson’s vow is called (sanctification).

II.  HIS TROUBLING CHARACTER                    

What is the problem with 14:1?

What is the problem with 14: 8-9?

What is Samson’s fatal flaw? Hint: see chapter 16  (lust)

“When you play with fire you either get burnt or smell like smoke.”

III. HIS FINAL SECOND CHANCE

Key verse: 16:22

God rejoices in restoring people to Him. While forgiveness is immediate, restoration is gradual.

There is nothing you have done which is too far beyond God’s (sight) and (grace).

SERIES: Second Chance

NEXT WEEK:  After Fear- Judges 6:1-25

SERIES:  It is Written

TITLE:  After Failure

Scripture: John 21

I.   EXAMPLES OF FAILURE                                                    

Peter was sort of a nickname. It means (rock). The Greek word literally means “a piece of rock, a stone.”  See John 1:42

Jesus often calls him Simon. That is a signal Peter needs (rebuked or corrected).

Several incidents show Peter to be “a rock or a stone.”

1.      Matthew 5

2.      Luke 9

3.      Matthew 16

4.      Matthew 26:30-35

II.   ENCOUNTERING RESTORATION    

What does it mean when a person loves God?

1.      It means we will love Him more than (anything else).

2.      It means we must be willing to sacrifice everything to (follow Him).

SERIES: Second Chance

NEXT WEEK:  After Falling- Judges 13-16

SERIES:  It is Written

TITLE:  After Running

Scripture: Jonah

I.    THE DIARY OF A RUNNER                                                    

“To know Jonah is to love him. And the reason we loe him is because he is so much like us in our response to God’s guidance.”

Jonah is also found in 2 Kings 14.

God wants Jonah to go to Ninevah. It is one thing to (pronounce judgement) against a city; it is another to go to that city and preach (repentance).

Old African minstrel song: “Jonah was a fool and as stubborn as a mule.”

II.   THE DELIVERANCE OF A RUNNER                  

Interesting observation about Jonah’s prayer:

1.      In desperation, he prays like David: “I called out to the Lord.” Ps.34:6

2.      In desperation, he prays like Hannah: “Out of my distress.” I Sam.1:10

3.      In desperation, he prays like Jeremiah: “I am driven away from your sight.” Lam.3:54-56

4.      In desperation, he prays like Jesus: “In agony he prayed.” Lk.22:44

Jonah reluctant to do what God wanted. Why? (prejudiced).

Glimpse into God’s amazing grace:

1.      God doesn’t hold (grudges).

2.      God doesn’t (budge).

3.      God doesn’t (give up).

SERIES: Second Chance

NEXT WEEK:  After Failure- John 21

SERIES:  It is Written

TITLE:  After Shame

Scripture: John 8:1-11

I.   THE SCENE UNFOLDING                        

While Jesus was communing with (heaven), the Pharisees were communing with (hell).

The Pharisees seem to have Jesus over a barrel.

1.      If He says, “Stone her” He goes against His (words of love).

2.      If He says, “Let her go” He goes against the (Law of Moses).

II.   THE SCENARIO UNENDING

Here is a truth to hang your hat on: God does not look at us the way the world looks at us or the way I see myself.

What is wrapped up Jesus’ words?

1.      He wouldn’t (condemn) her because her condemnation would be faced by Him.

2.      His words said, “I love you. I accept you. I forgive you.” But He also told her (to stop) living the life she was.

We don’t live godly lives to win God’s (approval). God already loves us. He will (accept) you no matter what you have done. He will throw His arms around and (receive) you. But then He wants to (change) you.

The feeling of shame is about our very selves-not about some bad thing we did or said but about what we are.

SERIES: Second Chance

NEXT WEEK:  After Running- Jonah 1-4