TITLE:  Best Laid Plans

TEXT:  I Chron.28:1-8

David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, the officials of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the commander of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the stewards of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the seasoned warriors.  Then King David rose to his feet and said; “Hear me, my brothers and my people.  I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the footstool of our god, and I made preparations for building.  But God said to me, ‘You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood.’  Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me from all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever.  For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my fathers’ house, and among my father’s sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel.  And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdoms of the Lord over Israel.  He said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.  I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues strong in keeping my commandment and my rules, as he is today.  Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.”  ESV (emphasis mine)

NEXT WEEK:   Thanksgiving In Spite Of…Daniel 2:20-23  (Pastor Bill & Pastor Ryan preaching)

SERIES: Marked

TITLE:   Relationship Matters

TEXT:  Phil.2:5-11, 17-24 (p.981)

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father, is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”  James 1:27

“Incarnate truth does not neglect propositional truth but presents it in love with skin.”  Burke

(JO: remember H-E-A-R-T)

           I.        PRESENTING THE CASE                                                                                 

Cat and Dog Theology:  “Dogs have masters; cats have staff.  Dogs tend to be loyal, service-oriented, and faithful; whereas cats tend to be independent and aloof.

A dog says, “You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love, you must be God.”  A cat says, “You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, I must be God.”

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?  And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”  Rom.10: 14-15

         II.        PRESENTING THE EVIDENCE                                                                                       

“Your neighbor is anyone who has a need, whose need you are able to meet.”

“Example is the most powerful rhetoric.”  Thomas Brooks

Several examples of people who were servants:

1. Paul- Phil.2:17-18
2. Timothy- 2:19-24
3. Jesus- 2:5-11

Three ways humility can become integral part of churches:  Wayne Cordeiro

1. Consciously doing acts of (hidden service).
2. Reminding ourselves a church has a (mission) to do, and it must never forget its mission.
3. Know how to handle (credit).

NEXT WEEK:   Service at the Tivoli!  “Best Laid Plans” –  I Chron.28:1-8

SERIES: Marked

TITLE:   Relationship Matters

TEXT:  2 Cor.5:14-21 (p.966)

 I.        OUR MOTIVATION     

“The world can do almost anything as well as or better than the church.  You need not be a Christian to build houses, feed the hungry, or heal the sick. There is one thing the world cannot do.  It cannot offer grace.”  Gordon MacDonald

“Our culture diets on the candy of tolerance, but what it really needs is the meat of grace.  Tolerance does not value people but simply puts up with their behavior or beliefs.  Tolerance alone cannot accommodate justice and mercy-it can only look the other way.  Tolerance might deal with differences, but it can’t embrace us in full knowledge of sin and remove the guilt.”   John Burke in No Perfect People Allowed.

God’s unconditional love and grace is a (game-changer).

Paul never lost his sense of (wonder) at Christ’s love.  See Romans 8:35-39.

II.        OUR APPROACH                 

“Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry they are always watching you.”

Robert Fulghum

What should our approach to people be?

1. There should be no prerequisites needed.
2. There should be a strong desire to rid ourselves of the (“Us vs. them”) mentality.
3. Understand (acceptance) does not mean (agreement) with people about their choices, beliefs, or behaviors.

NEXT WEEK:   Service Matters- Phil.2:5-21

SERIES: Marked

TITLE:   Acceptance Matters

TEXT:  Eph.2:1-10 (p.976)

“Maybe it’s not just what we’re doing wrong, but what we’re failing to do right that brings these negative stereotypes.”  John Burke in Mud and the Masterpiece

I.    THE BASIS FOR ACCEPTANCE                                                                                

 “The world can do almost anything as well as or better than the church.  You need not be a Christian to build houses, feed the hungry, or heal the sick. There is one thing the world cannot do.  It cannot offer grace.”  Gordon MacDonald

Mount Whitney, CA is 14,494 ft

Death Valley is 282 ft below sea level

Three pictures from Eph.2:1-3

1. We were (dead).
2. We walked in (Satan’s way)
3. We were (condemned).

Three thoughts follow “But God.”

1)     He made us (alive).

2)     He (raised) us up.

3)     He (seated us) with Him.

II.    THE EXAMPLE OF ACCEPTANCE

The Master in action:

1. Nicodemus- John 3
2. Woman at the well- John 4
3. Woman caught in adultery- John 8

NEXT WEEK:   Relationships Matters- 2 Cor.5: 14-21

SERIES: Marked

TITLE:   Worship Matters

TEXT: Psalm 95:1-7 (p.499); 96:1-9

“H” stands for Hear Truth

        “E” stands for Exalt Christ

I.    THE CHALLENGE WORSHIP PRESENTS                                                                               

One problem with worship: Not all worship is (vertical)

Worship has been called our (ultimate priority).  It has been called the (most powerful) thing we do.

What is unacceptable worship?

1. The worship of (false gods).
2. The worship of the true God in a (wrong form).
3. The worship of God in a (self-styled manner).
4. The worship of the true God in a right way, with a (wrong attitude).

II.    THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE WORSHIP     

Why should we worship God?  Psalm 95

1. Because God is a (great God).  [Vv.3-5]   “There is none like you, O Lord, you are great, and your name is great in might.  Who would not fear you, O King of the nations?  For this is your due: for among all the wise ones of the nations and in their kingdoms there is none like you.”  Jer.10:10
2. Because God is our (Shepherd).  [Vv.6-7]

Psalm 96 moves from the “why” to the “how”

1)     It calls us to worship in verses 1-3

2)     We are to give (God glory). [3-6]

3)     We are to give God (His due).  [7-9]

5 Pathfinders for putting the wonder of God back into worship:  (David Jeremiah)

1. We must be passionate about living every moment in the wonder of worship.
2. We must know God rather than simply know about Him.
3. We must serve God rather than simply identify with Him.
4. We must worship God daily, which will require adjustments and sacrifices.
5. We will reap the rewards of living in the wonder of worship.

NEXT WEEK:   Acceptance Matters- Eph.2:1-10

“H” stands for Hear Truth

            “E” stands for Exalt Christ

1. THE CHALLENGE WORSHIP PRESENTS                                                                               

One problem with worship: Not all worship is (vertical)

Worship has been called our (ultimate priority).  It has been called the (most powerful) thing we do. 

What is unacceptable worship?

1.     The worship of (false gods).

2.     The worship of the true God in a (wrong form).

3.     The worship of God in a (self-styled manner).

4.     The worship of the true God in a right way, with a (wrong attitude). 

2. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE WORSHIP                                                                                    

Why should we worship God?  Psalm 95

1.     Because God is a (great God).  [Vv.3-5]   “There is none like you, O Lord, you are great, and your name is great in might.  Who would not fear you, O King of the nations?  For this is your due: for among all the wise ones of the nations and in their kingdoms there is none like you.”  Jer.10:10

2.     Because God is our (Shepherd).  [Vv.6-7] 

Psalm 96 moves from the “why” to the “how”

1)     It calls us to worship in verses 1-3

2)     We are to give (God glory). [3-6]

3)     We are to give God (His due).  [7-9]

5 Pathfinders for putting the wonder of God back into worship:  (David Jeremiah)

1.     We must be passionate about living every moment in the wonder of worship.

2.     We must know God rather than simply know about Him.

3.     We must serve God rather than simply identify with Him.

4.     We must worship God daily, which will require adjustments and sacrifices.

5.     We will reap the rewards of living in the wonder of worship.

NEXT WEEK:   Acceptance Matters- Eph.2:1-10  

SERIES: Marked

TITLE:   Truth Matters

TEXT: Psalm 19:7-11 (p.456); 2 Peter 1:16-21 (1018)

I.    THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH                                                                               

“Truthiness” defined as “the quality of preferring concepts or facts one wishes to be true, rather than concepts or facts known to be true.”

Without the truth we have (nothing).

II.    THE BASIS FOR TRUTH                                                                                   

Six statements about Scripture from Psalm 19

Statement #1: Scripture is (Perfect), Restoring the Soul.  [v.7a]

Statement #2: Scripture is (Trustworthy), Imparting Wisdom. [v.7b]

Statement #3: Scripture is (Right), Causing Joy.  [v.8a]

            “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promises give me life.”  Ps.119:50

Statement #4: Scripture is (Pure), Enlightening the Eyes. [v.8b]

Statement #5: Scripture is (Clean), Enduring Forever. [v.9a]

Statement #6: Scripture is (True), Altogether Righteous. [v.9b]

Final look: Psalm 119: 89, 128, 137-138, 142, 160

NEXT WEEK:   Worship Matters- Psalm 95:1-7; 96:1-9

SERIES: Marked

TITLE:   Irresistible

TEXT: 2 Cor.2:14-17  (p.965)

I.    AN IRRESISTIBLE CHARACTER                                                                              

There is no such thing as (the perfect church), in (model) or (people).

1. The church is a place of (grace).
2. The church is a place of (mentoring).
3. The church is a place of (hardship) and (fellowship).
4. The church is a place of (selfless endurance).

 II.   AN IRRESISTIBLE CHALLENGE                                                                                  

What are some challenges the church faces?

1. To always allow God to be the (sovereign leader).  [v.14]
2. To have an influence for Jesus Christ (in all things).  [v14c]
3. To be (pleasing to God). [vv.15-16a]
4. To give place to the (power of God). [v.16b-17]

NEXT WEEK:   Truth Matters- psalm 19:7-11; 2 Peter 2:16-21

SERIES: Identity

TITLE:   We Anticipate Our Future

TEXT: Colossians 4 (p.985)

I.   WE ANTICIPATE OUR FUTURE                                                                             

Paul says to “continue steadfastly in prayer.”  Others say “devote yourselves.”  But both short-change the real meaning.  It literally means “to be (courageously persistent)” or “to hold fast and not let go.”

There are two thoughts he brings to the church about prayer:

1. Pray with (earnestness).
2. Pray with (thanksgiving).

Paul makes a specific request:

1. He wants to declare the (mystery of Christ).
2. He wants them to pray for an (open door).

II.   WE ANTICIPATE LASTING IMPRESSIONS                                                                                  

NEXT WEEK:   New Series: Marked

Title: Irresistible- 2 Cor.2:14-17

SERIES: Identity

TITLE:   We Examine Our Lives

TEXT: Colossians 3 (p.984)

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”  Socrates

I.    WE NEED TO EXAMINE OUR POSITION                                                                           

1. Paul reminds us of our (position).    “I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”  Gal.2:20

Turn to Romans 6:11-19 (p.943)

 2. Paul reminds us to (keep seeking the things above).    Mt.6:33- “(Keep) seeking first the kingdom of God…”

 3. Paul reminds us to (set our minds on things above).

II.   WE NEED TO EXAMINE OUR CLOTHING

This section can be divided into two: [Verses 3-11]

1. Sins of (misplaced affection).

2. Sins of (hate).

Clothes to put on [Verses 12-17]

NEXT WEEK:   New Series: Identity

Title: We Anticipate Our Future- Colossians 4

SERIES: Identity

TITLE:   We Affirm Our Uniqueness

TEXT: Colossians 2 (p.983)

I.   WE AFFIRM OUR SEPARATION

 Group called the Essenes.

 “The greatest danger regarding cults…is complacency-considering ourselves and our children to be immune from their attraction.  If Christ is not the center of a Christian’s life, that Christian is ripe for another spirit.”

 “We may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”  Eph.4:14

 Ephesians 2: 14-19

II.   WE AFFIRM OUR SOURCE

Who to avoid?

1. We are to avoid the (intellectuals).
2. We are to avoid the (legalists).
3. We are to avoid the (mystics).
4. We are to avoid the (ascetics).

Comes down to one factor: we are (made alive) in Christ and (forgiven).

NEXT WEEK:   New Series: Identity

Title: We Examine Our Lives- Colossians 3