April 16 2017 Easter Means It's A New Day Of Mercy

EASTER MEANS IT’S A NEW DAY OF MERCY

Scandalous: The Miracle of Mercy – Part 1

Matthew 28:1-10 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

Luke 1:78 (GW)“A NEW DAY will dawn on US because our God is LOVING AND MERCIFUL.”

MERCY: undeserved forgiveness & unearned kindness

WHEN DO I NEED GOD’S MERCY?

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ACCEPT IT?

1. ASHAMED: I need God’s mercy when I’ve messed up.

A HUMILIATED WOMAN: JOHN 8:2-11

“One day Jesus was teaching a crowd outside the Temple, and some Pharisees brought a woman who was CAUGHT in adultery. They put her on display in front of the crowd, then said to Jesus. ‘This woman has been CAUGHT in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. So what do YOU say?’ They were trying to TRAP Jesus into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and started writing in the dirt with his finger. They kept badgering Jesus, demanding an answer. Finally, Jesus stood up and said, ‘Here’s my answer: If any one of you has never sinned, then you may throw the first stone.’ Then he stooped down again and continued writing in the dirt! When the accusers heard this, they began to slip away, one by one, beginning with the oldest, until it was just Jesus and the woman. At that point, Jesus stood back up and quietly said to her, ‘Where are your accusers? Is there no one left to condemn you?’ ‘No one, Lord,’ she said. Then Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you! Now go on, and leave your sinful ways.’ ”

• GOD’S MERCY forgives me and frees me.

Isaiah 61:1 “I was sent to announce freedom to all held captive and forgiveness to all who’ve been imprisoned.”

John 12:47 (LB)(Jesus) “I have come to save the world and not to judge it.”

Psalm 86:5 (LB)“O Lord, you are so good and kind, so ready to forgive, so full of mercy for all who ask your aid.”

Hebrews 4:15-16 (CEV)“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin. So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will receive mercy and find the grace to help us in our time of need.”

2. AFRAID: I need God’s mercy when facing death.

A DYING MAN: LUKE 23:39-43

“One of the criminals being executed on a cross beside Jesus ridiculed him saying, ‘If you’re supposed to be the Messiah, why don’t you save yourself . . . and us too!’ But the second criminal rebuked him, ‘Man, don’t you even fear God when you’re dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong!’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I guarantee you that today you will be with me in paradise.’ ”

• GOD’S MERCY will save me for eternity.

John 11:25(Jesus) "I am the resurrection and the life! Whoever believes in me, even though he dies, will live again!”

Acts 2:21 (LB)“Anyone who asks for mercy from the Lord shall have it and shall be saved.”

Isaiah 30:18 (CEV)“The Lord God is waiting to show you how kind he is and to have mercy on you. The Lord always does what’s right and he blesses those who trust him!”

June 19 2016 Living With Jesus As Savior

The Apostle's Creed: "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."

John 1:38-41 (NIV) 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).

“Jesus Christ” = Jesus the Divine Savior.

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES JESUS MAKE IN MY LIFE?

1. For my past, Jesus offers forgiveness.

“Sin” = missing the mark.

Acts 13:39 (NCV) “Understand we are telling you: You can have forgiveness of your sins through Jesus, the Law of Moses could not free you from your sins, but through Jesus everyone who believes is free from all sin.”

1 John 1:9: (CEB) “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.”

2. For my present, Jesus offers significance.

John 10:10 (TLB),[Jesus Said] “My purpose is to give life in all of its fullness.

Acts 16:30 (MSG) “Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved? To really live?”

John 8:12 (NIV) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

3. For my future, Jesus offers security.

1 John 5:13 (NIV) I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

John 11:25 (NLT) “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me even though they die like everyone else will live again.”

John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Memory Verse: Ephesians 1:13 (GNT) “And you also became God’s people. When you heard the true message the good news of Jesus Christ that brought you salvation. You believed in ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit He had promised.”

John 1:10-13, (TLB) But although he made the world, the world didn’t recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God.

Acts 16:31 (NIV) “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved ..

May 1 2016 Your Loneliness And God's Presence

YOUR LONELINESS AND GOD’S PRESENCE

Genesis 2:18 – God said, it isn’t good for man to be alone.

Psalm 139:7 – Where can I go from Your presence?

FIVE CAUSES OF LONELINESS

1.  Disappointment.

Psalm 17:13 - Rise up, O Lord, confront them, bring them down, rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

2.  Mechanical world.

2 Timothy 4:9 – Do your best to come to me quickly.

3.  Commercial world.

Ecclesiastes 6:10 - Whoever loves money never has enough, whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with     his income. This too is meaningless.

4.  Busy world.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 - There was a man all alone.  There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.

5.  Artificial world.

Ecclesiastes 6:17 - All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.

SIX WAYS TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S PRESENCE

Isaiah 41:6 – Don’t worry because I am with you. Don’t be afraid because I am your God.  I will make you strong and help you. I will support you.

1. Receive Christ into your life.

Galatians 2:20 - I will come in to you and will fellowship with you.

Galatians 2: 20 – Christ liveth in me.

Psalm 26-14 – The one thing I seek most of all is the privilege of living in His presence every day of my life.

2. Walk with God in obedience.

John 15:5 - Apart from me, you can do nothing.

1 Corinthians 2:9 - Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.

James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.

3.  Fellowship with other Christians.

Hebrews 10:25 – Let us not give up meeting together, but let us encourage one another.

Proverbs 27:9 - Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart and the pleasantness of one’s friends springs from His earnest counsel.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10- But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.

4.  Wait for God’s guidance.

Psalm 106:13 - But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.

John 11:12 - I still have many things to say to you but You cannot bear them now.

Isaiah 28:16 - He that believeth shall not make haste.

5.  Accept God’s will.

Noah

Abraham

The blessing does not come in discovering God’s will but in the doing of God’s will.

Ephesians 6:6 - Do God’s will from the heart.

6.  Recognize God’s presence.

Psalm 116:8 – The Lord stopped my tears and He kept me from defeat so I walk in the presence of the Lord. I kept on believing even when I felt completely crushed.

John 14:18 - I will not leave you as orphans.

Psalm 139 - Where can I get away from your presence?  If I go up to Heaven you are there. Anywhere on earth you are there. I can’t get away from you.

Psalm 26:14 – Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him.

December 6 2015 Recovering The Hope Of Christmas

RECOVERING THE HOPE OF CHRISTMAS

Isaiah 9:6 - To us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor.

FIVE CAUSES OF HOPELESSNESS

1. Disappointment.

Psalm 17:13 - Rise up, O Lord, confront them, bring them down, rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

2. Our mechanical world.

Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for man to be alone, then the Lord God made a woman.

3. The commercial world.

Ecclesiastes 6:10 - Whoever loves money never has enough, whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his     income.  This too is meaningless.

4. The busy world.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 - There was a man all alone. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.

5. Our artificial world.

Ecclesiastes 6:17 - All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.

SIX WAYS TO RECOVER HOPE

1. Receive Christ into your heart and life.

Galatians 2:20 - I will come in to you and will fellowship with you.

2. Walk with God in obedience.

John 15:5 - Apart from me, you can do nothing.

1 Corinthians 2:9 - Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.

James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.

3. Fellowship with other Christians.

Isaiah 9:6 - To us a child is born, to us a Son is given.

Proverbs 27:9 - Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart and the pleasantness of one’s friends springs from His earnest counsel.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10- But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.

John 11:12 - I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

Isaiah 28:16 - He that believeth shall not make haste.

4.  Wait on God for guidance.

Psalm 106:13 - But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.

John 11:12 - I still have many things to say to you but You cannot bear them now.

Isaiah 28:16 - He that believeth shall not make haste.

5.  Accept God’s Will.

Noah

Abraham

The blessing does not come in discovering God’s Will. but in the doing of God’s Will.

Ephesians 6:6 - Do God’s will from the heart.

6.  Recognize God’s presence.

Isaiah 9:6 - A Child is born. A Son is given.

John 14:18 - I will not leave you as orphans.

Psalm 139 - Where can I get away from your presence?  If I go up to Heaven you are there.  Anywhere on earth you are there.  I can’t get away from you.

April 5 2015 Discovering God's Power

Discovering God’s Power

“Then the angel spoke to the women. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said, ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. now, go quickly and tell his  disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you.’” – Matthew 28:5-7

“Although Jesus died on the cross in weakness, he now lives by the mighty power of God. We, too, are weak, but we live in him and have God’s power.” – 2 Corinthians 13:4

• I CAN  understand God’s Plan

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.  And this gave him great pleasure.” – Ephesians 1:5

“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still under condemnation for your sins.” – 1 Corinthians 15:13-17

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father.” – Ephesians 3:14

• I CAN  experience God’s presence.

“You who were once so far away from God.  You were his  enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and  actions, yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body.  As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” – Colossians 1:21-22

Memory Verse: “Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those how believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish. Do you believe this?” - John 11:25-26

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” - Ephesians 3:18-19