SERIES:  Come to the Feast!

TITLE:   A New Diet

TEXT:  Psalm 37:1-9 (p.466); Rom.12:1-2 (p.947)

I.  A NEW TARGET

 “God is transforming us for where He is going to take us.”

“Transformation happens when we allow the Spirit to transform the heart of the leader to see Jesus Christ.”

“There is a transformation we go through before we get to where we need to go.”

Chipotle’s Secret: “A Tested Recipe: Five Ingredients”

1) It’s the food, stupid.

2) Keep it simple.

3) Fast is still important.

4) There’s always room for improvement.

5) Embrace your “enemy.”

II.  A NEW PLAN

 Romans 12:1-2

1) (Consecration) means “set apart or reserved for God.”

2) (Transformation) is the next step.

“Fret” is the word (worry). Means “to cause to suffer emotional strain, or to eat or gnaw into, to become uneasy.”

“Fretting heats the bearings, but it rarely produces power.”

4 essentials to the plan for a new diet:

1. (TRUST) [v.3] “Casting all your anxieties upon him, because he cares for you.” I P.5:7

2. (DELIGHT) [v.4]

3. (COMMIT) [v.5]

4. (BE STILL) [v.6]

NEXT: Series: Transformed by Prayer

Sermon: Special Guest; Jon Graf from Harvest Prayer Ministries

SERIES:  Come to the Feast!

TITLE:   Fill Up On Peace

TEXT:  Luke 1: 18-28

1. THE ENEMY OF PEACE

Joy- supernatural delight in the Person, purpose, and people of God.

Love- unconditional commitment to the needs of others

Hope- confident expectation of what is ahead.

2 obvious times when we feel pressure:

1. When things (happen suddenly)
2. When things (happen frequently).

2. THE ELEMENTS OF PEACE

1. I feel peace when I experience (conversion).   “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Rom.5:1
2. I feel peace when I experience (covenant).
3. I feel peace when I experience (confidence).  “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Phil.4:6

NEXT:  Series: Come to the Feast!

Sermon: A New Diet-  Rom.12:1-2; Psalm 37:1-9

SERIES:  Come to the Feast!

TITLE:   Fill Up On Hope

TEXT:  Luke 1: 26-36

I. THE NEED FOR HOPE

 Little bit of fun:

1) Hobophobia- fear of (beggars)

2) Textophobia- fear of (certain fabrics)

3) Ombrophobia- fear of (rain)

4) Syngenesophobia- fear of (relatives).

Def. of Hope- confident expectation of future blessings and that the best things are ahead.

 Hope says good things are coming. Hope is as bright as the (promises of God).

II. THE TRUTHS OF HOPE

 1. Hope (meets us where we are). [v.26]

Prophecies about Messiah:

Is. 7:14

Is. 9:6

Micah 5:2

Malachi 3:1

2. Hope (overcomes obstacles). [v.28]

3. Hope brings (a plan). [v.31]

4. Hope is received (by faith). [v.34-35]

 Faith does not mean you cannot (express doubt).

NEXT: Series: Come to the Feast!

Sermon: Fill Up on Peace- Luke 2:8-18

SERIES:  Come to the Feast!

TITLE:   Fill Up On Love

TEXT:  Matthew 1:18-25

I. THE REASON FOR THE FEELINGS

 Three words ring out to me: (Joseph felt betrayed).

 How we choose to respond at the moment of betrayal and the days that follow is (everything).

 4 things tend to do instead of focusing on love;

1. (Deny)

2. (Withdraw)

3. (Duplicate)

4. (Expose)

II. THE RESPONSE TO THE FEELINGS

 1. Love (covers sin).

 Kiddushin- engagement period

Huppah- marriage

2. Love (listens to God).

What does God bring to the table?

1) He brings a different (perspective).

2) He brings His (plan).

3) He brings His (presence).

3. Love (believes God). Love believes and embraces God’s promises and His character and acts upon them even when fulfillment (is not immediate).

4. Love (obeys God).

NEXT: Series: Come to the Feast!

Sermon: Fill Up on Hope- Luke 1:26-36

SERIES:  Come to the Feast!

TITLE:   Fill Up On Joy

TEXT:  Luke 1: 5-14

I. FILLING IN THE BACKGROUND

Turn to Malachi 3:1 (p.802)

1. Righteousness seems to go (un-regarded).

2. Sometimes we feel our best (is behind us).

3. Sometimes prayers seem to go (unanswered)

 II. FEELING JOY

 1. We can fill up on joy when God’s (presence) is (revealed). “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps.16:11

2. We can fill up on joy when God’s (comfort) is (experienced).

3. We can fill up on joy when God’s (provision) is (detailed).

 1) Zechariah means “God remembers”

2) Elizabeth means “God keeps His promises.”

 4. We can fill up on joy when God’s (grace) is (embraced).

 John means “God is gracious.”

NEXT: Series: Come to the Feast!

Sermon: Fill Up on Love- Matthew 1: 18-25

SERIES:  Come to the Feast!

TITLE:   Don’t Miss the Feast!

TEXT:  Selected Scripture

I. THE PREOCCUPIED

 Scripture: Luke 2: 4-7

Why the decree?

1. To (tax) the people

2. To see who could (serve in the military).

 The Innkeeper was guilty of (ignorant preoccupation). It is safe to say he was (too busy).

II. THE FEARFUL

 Scripture: Matthew 2:1-8

 Why did Herod miss the feast? (Fear).

III. THE RELIGIOUS

 Scripture: Matthew 2:6

 Deut.18:15- “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers-it is to him you will listen.”

 Why did they miss the Feast? (Prideful Indifference)

 Why did another group of religious people miss the feast? (Religious ritual)

NEXT: Series: Come to the Feast!

Sermon: Fill Up on Joy- Luke 1:5-14

SERIES:  Signs

TITLE:   They Reflect God’s Spirit

TEXT:  John 15:1-5 (p.901); Gal.5:22-23 (p.975); Eph.5:18 (p.978)

When an idea enters our head, it’s called information.

When it touches our heart, it’s called inspiration.

But when it bleeds out our toes and fingernails, it’s called incarnation.

I. (FILLED) AND (EMPOWERED) BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

 Eph.5:18 (p.978)

 The Holy Spirit is a divine (pledge) and (guarantee) given to everyone who acknowledges Christ as their Savior.

II. (SENSITIVE) TO THE (LEADING) OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

 Turn to John 15:1-5 (p.901)

III. (PRODUCING) THE (FRUIT) OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Focus on Galatians 5:22-23 (p.975)

1. (Love)- supreme virtue of the Christian life.

2. (Joy)- more than happiness

3. (Peace)- refers to peace of mind

4. (Patience)- longsuffering and tolerance

5. (Kindness)- tender concern for others

6. (Goodness)- moral and spiritual excellence

7. (Faithfulness)- loyalty and trustworthiness

8. (Gentleness)- meekness

9. (Self-control)- restraining passions and appetites

 “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:8

NEXT: Series: Come to the Feast!

Sermon: Don’t Miss the Feast! Selected Scripture

SERIES:  Signs

TITLE:   They Have Open Eyes

TEXT:  Jn.3:16-17 (p.888); Acts 1:8 (p.909); Eph.4:3-6 (p.977)

(138,000) more lost people this morning than yesterday morning

(1 million) more lost people next Sunday than this Sunday

(146,000) will die within the next 24 hours

(345,000) babies will be born in the next 24 hours who will live, die and go to hell as adults without ever being presented the gospel.

I. (AFFIRMING) GOD’S LOVE FOR ALL PEOPLE

 The truth, plain and simple, is that all people (matter to God).

II. TAKING THE GOSPEL ACROSS ALL (BOUNDARIES)

 The Great Commandment is found in Matthew 22:37-39

 The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19-20

 Acts 1:8 says, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth.”

 Why is Christianity different?

1. Christianity begins with an accurate diagnosis of the human dilemma: (sin)

2. Christianity provides the (only answer) to the problem of sin.

3. Christianity’s offer of salvation is based on (historical truth).

III. STRIVING TO SUPPORT AND ACHIEVE (UNITY)

 Jesus was the example of acceptance of others:

1) Mark 7:24- a (Greek woman)

2) Matthew 8- a (Roman centurion)

 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal.3:28

 All believers, without exception, are (all one in Christ). Turn to James 2.

NEXT: They Reflect God’s Spirit- Jn.16:13; Gal.5:22-23; Eph.5:18

SERIES:  Signs

TITLE:   They Are Team Players

TEXT:  I Cor.12:12-13 (p.959); Eph.4:1-16 (p.977)

1.  A DESIRE TO LEARN

Pictures that develop when a church talks about ministering:

1. The coach (plays alone).
2. The players run onto the field, but stay in the (huddle).
3. The team breaks out of the huddle, but then stand around and (argue).
4. The team lines up, but they have no (equipment).
5. The team (teams around).

How does a turnaround happen?  Eph.4:1-6

1.  (Humility)

2.  (Gentleness)

3.  (Patience)

4.  (Bearing with one another)

5.  (Unity)

2.  A DESIRE TO COOPERATE

Why are the different gifts important?

1)      They keep the body (balanced).

2)      They keep the body (healthy).

3)      They keep the body’s (focus clear).

A church gone wrong. Why?

1. The Corinthian team was made up of those who would (divide) into camps based on personalities.
2. They cared more about their own (individual rights) than they did about the reputation of Jesus.
3. A team that fights with another discredits the Prince of Peace, and no one will (believe our message).
4. So few are willing to step out of their comfort zone to see people come to know Jesus.
5. A failure to see people as (God sees them).
6. Some of the teams have decided not to use the Head Coach’s (playbook).

NEXT:  They Have Open Eyes- Acts 1:8; John 3:16-17; Eph.4:3-6

SERIES: Signs
TITLE: They Exhibit Generosity
TEXT: 2 Cor.9:6-15 (p.968); I Cor.16:1-2 (p.962)

1. WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?                                                                

 “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.”  Ps.24:1 (NASB)

 “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts.”  Haggai 2:8

 5 things characteristic of our giving:

1.      It should be done (systematically).

2.      It should be done (individually).

3.      It should be done (consistently).

4.      It should be done (proportionately).

5.      It should be done (privately). 

2. HOW DOES IT WORK?                                 

According to 2 Cor. 9 we are to:

1)      Sow (bountifully).  [v.6]

2)      Give (cheerfully).  [v.7]

3)      Give (liberally).  [vv.8-11]

4)      Give (joyfully).  [vv.12-14]

NEXT:  They Are Team Players- Eph.4:1-16; I Cor.12:12-13