Category: Sermon Notes

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  I Can See Clearly Now

Scripture:  Various

“Without vision, there is rarely direction. Without direction, there are no goals. And without goals, there is no progress.”

I. OUR MISSION

My definition of a mission statement is simple: It is what we are supposed to be doing.

Jesus gave us our Mission in Matthew 28:19-20. (p.835) Take a closer look:

1.     Notice the first word: (Go).

2.     The main verb and central thought is not “God” but (make disicples).

3.     The expectation of (baptism).

4.     We are not just to convert but to (teach).

What is the mission of OVCF?  “To win the HEART of Owen County.”

The new mission statement of OVCF? “To connect people to Jesus.”

II. OUR VISION

 If our mission is “To connect people to Jesus” how do we do that?

1.     To be (passionate pursuers) of Jesus.  Philippians 3:7-10 (p.981)

The Greek word for “know” means “to know intimately.”

2.     To be models of (truth and love).  John 8

3.     To be involved in (our community). Luke 10

NEXT WEEK:

Theme: Freedom!

Title: Bewitched

Scripture: Galatians 3: 1-5

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Two 7-Letter Words Which Change Everything

Scripture:  Galatians 2:20; Isaiah 43:16-21; Hosea 14

I.   A SEVEN-LETTER WORD WHICH DEMOLISHES- (CONTROL)

“There are people who prefer to say ‘Yes,’ and there are people who prefer to say ‘No.’ Those who say ‘Yes’ are rewarded by the adventures they have, and those who say ‘No’ are rewarded by the safety they attain.” Keith Johnstone in “Living a Life on Loan”

“Man wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in the case of success.”

Ad placed by Ernest Shackleton for Endurance

To be crucified means you give up (control) of your life to Jesus. It means we live in the (“Now”) and in the (“I AM”) not in the (“I was”).

There are two words which seem to rule peoples’ lives: (shame) and (regret).

Turn to Isaiah 43:16-21 (p.604)

II.   A SEVEN-LETTER WORD WHICH LIVENS- (ABANDON)

Two things control does to us:

1. Control (hurts our growth).

2. Control (blinds us).

“Jesus Christ identified with us in our death in order that we might be identified with Him in His resurrection. We give Christ all that we were-spiritually dead, guilty sinners-and Christ gives us all that He is- resurrected life, forgiveness, righteousness, acceptance…Christians are continually trying to change their lives; but God calls us to experience the exchanged life. Christianity is not a self-improvement program. It isn’t a reformation project. It is resurrection! It is new life! And it is expressed in terms of a total exchange of identity.” Bob George quoted in Everything by Mary DeMuth-p.78 (Note for Jo only: start PP with “Christians are continually trying…”)

It is not about self-improvement! It is about relinquishing control. It is about (abandon).

Hosea 14 (p.759)

NEXT WEEK: Title: I Can See Clearly Now

Scripture: Various

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  The Great Exchange

Scripture:  Galatians 2: 15 – 21

I.   THE FOUNDATION OF THE GREAT EXCHANGE                     

The heart of man’s spiritual dilemma is that we are incapable of overcoming the (sinfulness) which separates us from a (holy God).  The common misconception is the man is inherently (good) and able to pull himself up by his own bootstraps.

Here is the essence of what Paul is saying in verses 15-17: with our without the Law, no one is saved who has (not believed in Jesus Christ).

Verse 16 is about the clearest and most pointed reference to justification by faith in the Bible.

II.   THE EXPLANATION OF THE GREAT EXCHANGE       

Paul uses the Law as a stepping stone. It was actually an agent which showed him his (sin) and led him to the gospel. He died to the Law and stopped trying (to please God) by keeping the Law. He exchanged his damning pursuit of (self-righteousness) for the (life-giving grace) of Jesus.

What does it mean to be “crucified with Christ?” Paul is actually using very vivid language to describe our (union with Christ). All who place their faith in Christ (die to self).

Growing in Christ isn’t about making (ourselves new); it’s about realizing that we have been made new (in Christ); it’s about living out who we are.

NEXT WEEK:  Theme: Freedom!

Title: Two 7-Letter Words Which Change Everything

Scripture: Galatians 2: 20; Isaiah 43:16-21; Hosea 14

SERIES:  Famous Last Words

TITLE:  Trust and Triumph

Scripture:  Luke 23:44-46;  24:1-2

I.   TRUST IN DEATH                    

Major question: What will be your final words?

John 10:17-18 records Jesus saying, “I lay down my life.”  Make no mistake! This was not a (surprise). This was not a (defeat).

When Jesus died on the cross, it was not a wrenching struggle against His killers. He didn’t display any frenzied death throes. His death was a deliberate act of His own sovereign will.

The saying, “Father, into your hands…” is lifted from Psalm 31:5. There are several differences though:

1.     He adds something to it: (Father).

2.     He omits something at the end: He omits the reference to (ransom).  Why? Because He had no need for it.

II.  TRIUMPH IN RESURRECTION      

There have been theories advanced to dismiss the resurrection:

1.     The swoon theory- Our faith is based on a (mistake).

2.     The kidnap theory- Our faith is based on a (lie).

3.     The hallucination theory- Our faith is based on a (fairy tale).

Purpose not to defend event. Present to you why so important:

1)     Absolutely essential to believe in the resurrection.  “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins…If for this life only we had hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied.” [I Cor.15:17,19]

2)     It has been called “the center of the center, the real heart of Christianity.”

3)     Real hard truth: if Jesus did not raise from the dead, Christianity is not worth the paper it is written on.

Anyone who has truly, with an open heart, investigated the facts, cannot deny the resurrection.

NEXT WEEK:  Theme: Freedom!

Title: The Great Exchange

Scripture: Galatians 2: 15-21

SERIES:  Famous Last Words

TITLE:  Mission Accomplished

Scripture:  John 19:28-30

I.   His Determination (“I thirst”)

1. Jesus (knew) that all was finished!
2. Why is this detail recorded and why is it important?

• Jesus is (fulfilling Messianic prophesy). [Ps. 69:21]
• Reveals the suffering of (a completely human) Jesus.

IF Jesus is fully human, THEN…

• He (fully and completely understands us).
• He can (fully and completely empathize with us).
• He can (become a substitute for us) and pay our sin debt.

II. His Declaration (“It is finished”)

1. What is finished? What is the mission and how is it now accomplished???

• The Mission [Matthew 20:28, Mark 2:17 and Luke 19:10]:

TO OVERCOME THE SIN OF HUMANITY AND RESTORE US TO THE LORD BY PAYING THE PRICE FOR OUR SIN AND SAVING US FROM ETERNAL DEATH

• Accomplishing the Mission:

1. Jesus has (borne the unbearable weight of our sin). He did this through the power of his (unblemished righteousness).
2. Jesus has (authority over life and death). [John 10:14-18]

• Jesus has (defeated our enemy)! [Colossians 2:13-15, Hebrews 2:14]

Questions for personal reflection and prayer:

–How is the Holy Spirit seeking to refine you and complete his sanctifying work in you?

-Now that God has brought you onto his team, how will you carry out the mission and calling He has for you?

SERIES:  Famous Last Words

TITLE:  Never Alone

Scripture:  John 19:23-27; Mt. 27:45-46

I.  PROVISION

Custom issues which come into play during the crucifixion:

1. Jewish custom regarding clothing.

2. Roman custom regarding crucifixion.

We would miss a significant word if we pass by too quickly: (standing).

Even at His loneliest time, Jesus made sure one He loved was taken care of. That, of course, bodes well for us.

1. “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

2. Jeremiah 1:19: “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”

3. The book of Psalms is filled with references to God’s presence.

II.  PETITION

The next petition found in Matthew 27:45-46. Quote from Psalm 22.

I Peter 2:21-23: “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten.”

Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”

“He made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor.5:21

The term used by Matthew literally means “a guttural scream or a roar.”

That statement reveals the (estrangement) between God the Father and God the Son.

NEXT WEEK: Theme: Famous Last Words  – (Ryan Preaching)

Title:

Scripture:

SERIES: Famous Last Words

TITLE: Forgiveness

Scripture: Luke 23:33-43

I.  A PLEA

The word Golgotha means “the Skull” or “the place of the skull.”

3 things about His words:

1. His words (fulfilled prophecy). Turn to Isaiah 53:12 (p.614)

2. His words were (repetitious).

3. His words are a (prayer).

Turn to Colossians 2:13-14 (p.984)

II.  A PROMISE

The word Luke uses describes them as individuals who engaged in serious offenses. They were (career criminals), men whose lives had been devoted to evil.

What changed this man’s heart?

1.  The sign? [v.38]

2.  Hearing Him say “Father, forgive them” over and over?

Here is the truth:

• He was a (guilty sinner)
• He recognized the (uniqueness) of Jesus.
• He realized his eternal destiny was being (joined with Christ).

Three points to get:

1. No one is ever too far gone for (salvation).

2. It is (never too late) to come to Jesus.

3. All that is needed is (simple faith).

NEXT WEEK: Theme: Famous Last Words

Title: Never Alone

Scripture: John 19:23-27; Mt.27:45-46

SERIES: FREEDOM! 2015 theme

TITLE: Hypocrisy Front & Center

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-16

(Hypocrisy) is considered one of, if not the most, damaging chinks in Christianity’s armor.

I.   PETER’S DEVIATION

 Some history with Paul- Acts 9:26-27

Some history with Peter. Several major events shape his life:

#1- His (denial and restoration) before Jesus’ ascension into heaven.

#2- The (Day of Pentecost) in Acts 2

#3- (Cornelius) in Acts 10

What is the significance of the events in Acts 2 & 10? See Matthew 16

God’s message was clear: salvation in Jesus Christ was as much for the (Gentiles) as it was for the Jews.

II.  PAUL’S CONFRONTATION

Three things to remember about confrontation:

1.     Anyone can (fall), even those who seem to have it (all together).

2.     Right doctrine without right behavior always produces (hypocrisy).

3.     (Truth) is more important than outward harmony and peace.

Four applications about confrontation:

1)     We are accountable to other followers of Christ for (what we say and do).

2)     Our words and actions (have consequences) beyond ourselves.

3)     The gospel must not only be (taught); it must be (applied).

4)     Holiness is our (standard).

NEXT WEEK:  Freedom!

Title: The Great Exchange

Scripture: Galatians 2: 15-21

SERIES: FREEDOM! 2015 theme

TITLE: Commendation

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10

I.   ONE GOSPEL

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” Thomas Jefferson

The Judaizers are attacking Paul on two fronts:

1. The (authority of the gospel) he preaches.

2. His (apostleship).

He had two companions;

1. Barnabas- a devout (Jewish Christian)

2. Titus- an uncircumcised (Gentile) convert to Christianity.

What is at stake? See verse 4

II.   ONE TEAM

No ministry is a (one) or (two) man team.

Paul had some allies in this fight for the gospel.

What did these allies offer Paul & Barnabas? (the right hand of fellowship) This was a sign of agreement and trust which was an endorsement of their ministry.

No ministry (stands alone). Martin Luther used to call it “the priesthood of all believers.”

“There is no telling how far an organization can go or what it can do if no one cares who gets the credit.” Ronald Reagan

NEXT WEEK: Freedom!

Title: Hypocrisy Front and Center

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-16

SERIES: FREEDOM! 2015 theme

TITLE: Paul’s Message

Scripture: Galatians 1:3-10

Religion says, (Do); the gospel says, (Done).

I.    THE DANGER CONFRONTED

The religious teachers confusing the Galatians were known as (Judaizers). They taught observation to the Law was (essential to salvation), particularly circumcision. In other words, they were being taught a person needed good works (Law) and faith to be saved.

They were “deserting” the message. They were also deserting (God), the giver and source of grace. The Greek word for desert suggests a (military defection), more a betrayal than AWOL.

Paul calls it a distortion of the gospel. He calls it a (different gospel).

II.   THE DEFENSE OFFERED

Let’s look at verses 8-9.

1.  First, notice the very (strong language).

2.  Second, stronger language is coming. He tells them they are (accursed). The Greek word is anathema. Others use this word: 2 John 7, 10-11 (p.1025)  “Here I stand, so help me God, I can do no other!” Martin Luther

3.  Is Paul throwing a temper tantrum?

NEXT WEEK: Freedom!

Title: Commendation

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10