SERIES:  Reclaimed

TITLE:   Hardened

TEXT:  Luke 23:32-43 (p.884); Mk.15:32b; Matthew 27:61-65

Don’t be fooled by seemingly small (misdeeds).   (Everything) that happens plays into our way of looking at life.

I.   NEVER TOO LATE

It is believe the (Persians) were the first to develop (crucifixion) as a means of death.

The Phoenicians carried it further.  They were looking for a death that would make a (lasting impression) on their people.

The Romans used it as a form of (torture) since it allowed for a lingering death.

The major lesson is not in the thief, it is in (God).  The pardon this thief received reveals (God’s grace).  It is seen in the salvation offered at the last hour of his life.  It is seen in the fact that (no one is too far gone).

II.    NEVER TOO POWERFUL

Rome not only conquered men, it (captured) them.  It was the goal of Rome not just to take a nation captive, but to also bring them (into subjection).

There are 4 mentions of centurions in the Bible.  One was spoken of warmly by the Jews to Jesus. One was Cornelius. One was Julius, Paul’s escort to Rome.  And this one.

Turn to Matthew 27.

This centurion likely was Jesus’ personal escort through whole proceeding of night before. He would have witnessed the (majesty) with which Jesus carried Himself.

This crucifixion unlike any other. He prayed for His killers.  He loved His mother.  He suffered but never cried out. And then the supernatural disaster at His death.

“Well, then I will tell you.  Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I myself have founded great empires; but upon what did these creations of our genius depend?  Upon force. Jesus alone founded his empire upon love, and to this very day millions would die for Him…I think I understand something of human nature; and I will tell you, all these were men, and I am a man; none else is like Him: Jesus Christ was more than a man…this is which proves to me quite convincingly the Divinity of Jesus Christ.”  Napolean Bonaparte

NEXT WEEK:   New Series: Reclaimed

Sermon: Secretive- John 19:38-42; John 3:1-21

SERIES:  Reclaimed

TITLE:   Possessed

TEXT:  Luke 8:1-2 (p.864); Mt.27:55-61; John 20:11-18

“When we sin and mess up our lives, we find that God doesn’t go off and leave us- He enters into our trouble and saves us.”  Eugene Peterson quoted in Messy Spirituality- p.21

I.    FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Lots of speculation surround Mary Magdalene.  What we do know is found in Mark 16:9 “Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.”

Magdalene tells us she was from Magdala, a tiny fishing village about 5 ½ miles SW from Capernaum.  It seems to be a hotbed of (demon activity).

Demon possession involves bondage to an (evil spirit).  It is portrayed as an (affliction) not a sin.  In the NT they were always portrayed as (tormented people).  They were regarded as (outcasts).

II.    FROM DISASTER TO DAYBREAK

Demon-possessed people never came to Christ to be delivered.   Reason: they knew they were (defeated) or would be defeated by Jesus.

Luke 11:24-26 is a key passage when dealing with this issue.

Turn to John 20: 11-18.

NEXT WEEK:   Hardened- Luke 22:32-43; Mk.15:32b; Matthew 27:61-65

SERIES:  Reclaimed

TITLE:   Rebels

TEXT:  Luke 15:11-32 (p.874)

I.    A BLATANT REBEL AND HIS LOVING FATHER

Don’t use the word prodigal very much these days.  The NKJV says, “He wasted his possessions with prodigal living.”

Greek word carries more than wastefulness.  Very strong overtones of promiscuity and moral debauchery.

His disrespect for his father is evident:

1. His disregard for his inheritance was (extremely inappropriate).
2. His (dishonor) for his father was the most disturbing of all.
3. The demand for his birthright was (calloused and cold).

The father’s actions show he was a (loving father), not a (tyrant).

II.   THE HIDDEN REBEL AND HIS INSIGHTFUL FATHER

Basically, there are two types of sinners:

1)     The straightforward kind who don’t really care who sees and knows

2)     The silent type who prefer to sin when they think no one is looking.

 Both are a form of (pride).  The first is pride in (self) and the other is pride in a form of (hypocrisy).

 Most obvious characteristic is (resentment) for his younger brother.  But underneath that, and even more telling, is his (smoldering hatred) for his father.

 How is this hitting the Pharisees? They thought they (had it all together), when in reality they were as far off as the (younger brother).  They were fooling no one, except (themselves).

NEXT WEEK:   New Series: Reclaimed

Sermon: Possessed- Mark 16:9; Luke 8: 1-2; 11:24-26; John 20:11-18

SERIES:  Beliefs Under Construction

TITLE:   Big, Big Yard

TEXT:  Matthew 9:35-38 (p.814); Romans 15:5-6 (p.949)

Myopia- nearsightedness

Hyperopia- farsightedness

 I.    THE VIEW FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE

Our Purpose is Simple:  We exist for the Fame of His Name.

Our Mission is Plain: To win the HEART of Owen County

Our Vision is Clear:

            H is (Hear Truth)

            E is (Exalt Christ)

            A is (Accept the Imperfect)

            R is (Restore Relationships)

            T is (Teach Service)

II.   THE VIEW FROM OUTSIDE

Brett Eaton speaking

NEXT WEEK:   New Series: Reclaimed

Sermon: Rebels- Luke 15: 11-32

SERIES:  Beliefs Under Construction

TITLE:   Comfort Level

TEXT:  John 14: 1-3 (p.901); Luke 16: 19-31

I.   THE INEVITABLE             

“The end of the story is you die.  We all die.”  M J Fox

“”Death is ugly and messy and not one whit romantic.”  Burr

“We all want to believe that death isn’t so bad.”  Executive.

II.   THE INVISIBLE

Different views:

• All will be saved
• There is a hell
• Hell is on earth

Let’s talk about hell (bad news first)

1. Hell is a place of (choice).
2. Hell is a place of (truth).
3. Hell is a place of (fair treatment).
4. Hell is a place of (lost hope).

Let’s talk about heaven (good news)

1. Described in Revelation
2. Compared to what we have (here on earth), it is so far beyond our imagination.
3. Heaven is a (real place).

NEXT WEEK:   Big, Big Yard (Bill and guest speaker)  Matthew 9: 35-38; Rom.15:5-6

1. THE INEVITABLE                                                

“The end of the story is you die.  We all die.”  M J Fox

“”Death is ugly and messy and not one whit romantic.”  Burr

“We all want to believe that death isn’t so bad.”  Executive.

2. THE INVISIBLE                                                      

Different views:

·       All will be saved

·       There is a hell

·       Hell is on earth

Let’s talk about hell (bad news first)

1.     Hell is a place of (choice).

2.     Hell is a place of (truth). 

3.     Hell is a place of (fair treatment).

4.     Hell is a place of (lost hope). 

Let’s talk about heaven (good news)

1.     Described in Revelation

2.     Compared to what we have (here on earth), it is so far beyond our imagination. 

3.     Heaven is a (real place).

NEXT WEEK:   Big, Big Yard (Bill and guest speaker)  Matthew 9: 35-38; Rom.15:5-6  

SERIES:  Beliefs Under Construction

TITLE:   Wired

TEXT:  John 14:16-17 (p.901); 16:7-15; Acts 1:8

I.  WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Bible speaks of “air.”  In the OT it is ruach; in the NT is is pneuma.  Sometimes it is translated “breath” or wind.”  Sometimes translated “spirit.”

Who is the Holy Spirit?  What He is NOT.

1. The Holy Spirit is not an (“IT”), but a distinctive personality.
2. The Holy Spirit is not (passive), but active and involved.
3. The Holy Spirit is not (imaginary), but real and relevant.
4. The Holy Spirit is not a (substitute for God), but He is deity.

Think: the third member of the Godhead, the invisible, yet all-powerful representation of His deity, is actually living inside you.  He (indwells) you.  He is God’s (power) in you.  He is God’s (Presence) within you.

II.   WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO?

Please turn to John16: 7-11 (p.902)

The word convict is a legal term that means to pronounce a judicial verdict by which the guilt is defined.

1)     He convicts the world concerning (sin).

2)     He convicts the world concerning (righteousness).

3)     He convicts the world concerning (judgment).

What does the Spirit do for followers of Christ?

1. The HS not only takes the Scriptures and makes them clear, but He takes the circumstances in which we find ourselves and He gives us insights into them.
2. He (baptizes) us.  I Cor.12:13
3. He (fills) us.   Eph.5:18

Some final thoughts:

• He is a (healer) of relationships.
• He is a (comforter) in our sorrow.
• He is the One who gives the (power) to live each day with expectancy.
• He is the One who gives the (strength) to endure.

NEXT WEEK:   Comfort Level- John 14:1-3; Luke 16:19-31

1. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?                                               

Bible speaks of “air.”  In the OT it is ruach; in the NT is is pneuma.  Sometimes it is translated “breath” or wind.”  Sometimes translated “spirit.” 

Who is the Holy Spirit?  What He is NOT.

1.     The Holy Spirit is not an (“IT”), but a distinctive personality. 

2.     The Holy Spirit is not (passive), but active and involved. 

3.     The Holy Spirit is not (imaginary), but real and relevant.

4.     The Holy Spirit is not a (substitute for God), but He is deity.

Think: the third member of the Godhead, the invisible, yet all-powerful representation of His deity, is actually living inside you.  He (indwells) you.  He is God’s (power) in you.  He is God’s (Presence) within you. 

2. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO?                                                     

Please turn to John16: 7-11 (p.902)

The word convict is a legal term that means to pronounce a judicial verdict by which the guilt is defined. 

1)     He convicts the world concerning (sin). 

2)     He convicts the world concerning (righteousness). 

3)     He convicts the world concerning (judgment). 

What does the Spirit do for followers of Christ?

1.     The HS not only takes the Scriptures and makes them clear, but He takes the circumstances in which we find ourselves and He gives us insights into them.

2.     He (baptizes) us.  I Cor.12:13

3.     He (fills) us.   Eph.5:18

Some final thoughts:

·       He is a (healer) of relationships.

·       He is a (comforter) in our sorrow.

·       He is the One who gives the (power) to live each day with expectancy.

·       He is the One who gives the (strength) to endure.

NEXT WEEK:   Comfort Level- John 14:1-3; Luke 16:19-31  

SERIES:  Beliefs Under Construction

TITLE:   A Roof Over Our Heads

TEXT:  Matthew 6: 5-15 (p.811)

“Prayer cannot truly be taught by principles and seminars and symposiums. It has to be born out of a whole environment of felt need.  If I say, ‘I ought to pray,’ I will soon run out of motivation and quit; the flesh is too strong.  I have to be driven to pray.”

I.   CAUSES FOR A LEAKY ROOF

Turn to Matthew 6.  Why are our prayers unanswered?

1. Prayer becomes a (formal exercise) rather than (free expression).  [v.5a]
2. Prayer becomes a cause for (pride) rather than (talking to God). [v.5b]
3. Prayers were long, filled with verbiage, (necessary words). [v.7]
4. Prayer is a front for (false spirituality). [v.16]

II.   FIXES FOR A LEAKY ROOF

Some vital characteristics about prayer;

1. Don’t be (hypocritical).
2. Don’t use a lot of (repetition).
3. Don’t harbor anything (against anyone).

A quick look at the Model Prayer [Verses 9-15]:

1. Take it (personally).
2. Remember who is THE (priority).
3. Focus on His (agenda).
4. Pray for your (needs).
5. (Forgive) others.
6. Fight off (temptation).
7. Leave it in His more (capable hands)

NEXT WEEK:   Wired- John 14: 16-17; 16: 7-15; Acts 1:8

SERIES:  Beliefs Under Construction

TITLE:   Framework That Lasts

TEXT:  John 1: 1-1840: 12-31 (p.886)

“God raised Him (Christ) from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule.  And not just for the time being but forever.  He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church.”  (MSG) [Eph.1:20-22]

I.   WHO DO MEN SAY HE IS?      

“Jesus is my Homeboy”

“The Man Upstairs” to “My Lord and Savior.”

Mormons- just one of God’s many children with Lucifer as a half-brother.

JW- Michael the Archangel

Unitarian- essentially a reincarnation of Mister Rogers

Deepak Chopra- state of consciousness we can all aspire to

Scientology- an implant forced upon a Thetan about a million years ago.

Buddhism- Jesus not God but enlightened man like the Buddha

Hinduism- not only god, but more likely reincarnation of God

Islam- a good man who was a prophet, inferior to Mohammed

II.   WHO DOES THE BIBLE SAY HE IS?                                                   

“Jesus came to be known, for heaven’s sake, came, to make God known to us. [Heb.1:1-3]

“Jesus came to reveal God to us. He is the defining work of God-on what the heart of God is

is truly like, on what God is up to in the world, and on what God is up to in your life.  An

intimate encounter with Jesus is the most transforming experience of human existence…To

be mistaken about Him is the saddest mistake of all.”  Eldredge in Beautiful Outlaw

John 1 and some basic truths;

1. Verses 1-3- Jesus was already in (existence) when creation occurred.
2. “the word was with God”
3. “the word was God”

4 things the Bible says about Jesus:

1. He is the (Savior).
2. He is the (Christ).
3. He is (God’s Only Son).  John 10:30
4. He is our (Lord).  “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Rom.10:9

NEXT WEEK:   A Roof Over Our Heads- Matthew 6: 5-15

SERIES:  Beliefs Under Construction

TITLE:   From Bottom Up

TEXT:  Isaiah 40: 12-31 (p.600); (reference Job 38-41)

I.   UNDERSTANDING GOD     

Voltaire- “God created man in His own image, and man returned the favor.”

“While the subject (of God) humbles the mind, it also expands it.”  J.I. Packer

“It is obvious God desires our love.  We cannot have intimate fellowship with one we do not love, and we cannot love one we do not know; therefore, we must pass on to know Him.”  Dan DeHaan.

II.   UNDENIABLE TRUTHS    

Some Perfections of God:

1. God is (Immutable)- God doesn’t change. God is (faithful).
2. God is Omnipotent (All Powerful); God is Omniscient (All-Knowing); God is Omnipresent (Everywhere Present).

1)     He has unrestrained power.  Psalm 115:3- “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.”

2)     He has unlimited knowledge.

3)     He has unfettered access to everywhere at the same time.  “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord/”  Jer.23:23-24

3.  God is (Good)- Encompasses His benevolence, love, mercy, and grace.

4.  God is (Just)- He is fair.

5.  God is (Patient)- He is looking for a reason to bless.

6.  God is (Holy)- This sets Him apart.  He is pure.  God does not conform to a standard; He is the standard.

NEXT WEEK:   Framework That Lasts- John 1:1-18

SERIES:  Beliefs Under Construction

TITLE:   Something to Follow

TEXT:  2 Timothy 3: 10-17 (p.996)

 I.  BECAUSE THERE IS A WAR GOING ON

Karl Marx once called religion “the opium of the masses.’

Some crutches people use to cope;

1. (Escapism)
2. (Cynicism)
3. (Humanism)
4. (Supernaturalism)

Two myths people have:

1. The Bible is (too difficult) to understand.
2. The Bible is (boring).

II.  BECAUSE THERE IS A WAY TO DEFEND

The Bible is indispensable to the Christian faith, if you attempt to follow Jesus without it, you’re not going to get very far.

Three truths that need highlighted from verse 16:

1. “breathed out by God”   See also 2 Peter 1: 19-21- p.1018
2. “all”
3. “Scripture”

What is the Word of God profitable for?

1. (Teaching)- refers specifically to divine instruction, or doctrine.
2. Reproof- carries the idea of rebuking in order to (correct misconduct) or false doctrine.
3. (Correction)- After exposing false teaching, Scripture then (builds up).
4. (Training) in righteousness- Insight into truth, but also building up.
5. Competent and equipped- take on (challenges).

A few miscellaneous thoughts:

1. Don’t just read the Bible; let the Bible read you.
2. Don’t just read the Bible; let your mind and heart dwell on it.
3. We need to accept the Bible as the final authority.
4. We need to make the Bible part of our daily diet.
5. Practice it.

NEXT WEEK:   From Bottom Up- Isaiah 40: 12-31; Job 38-41