June 28 2015 Making Freedom Last

MAKING FREEDOM LAST

Luke 8:39 - Return home and tell how much God has done for you.

FOUR WAYS TO MAKE FREEDOM LAST

I. Stop thinking your present position cannot be changed.                                

A) Verse 27 - For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tomb.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR THINKING

1.  Stop listening to the voice of the past.

Philippians 3:13 - Forgetting those things which are behind.

2. Decide to break out of the rut.

Philippians 3:13 & 14 - Strain towards what is     ahead and press on toward the goal.

EXAMPLES

Peter - Matthew 26:75

Samson

II. Start to understand your personal value.

A)  Verse 30 - Jesus asked him what is your name?

HOW TO SEE PERSONAL VALUE

1.  Listen to what God says.

Matthew 10:30-31 - The hairs of your head are all numbered.  You are worth more than many sparrows.

2.  Listen to your friends.

Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times.

III. Step into the power of Christ.

A)  Verse 28 - When he saw Jesus, he cried and fell at His feet.

Verse 30 - My name is Legion.

HOW TO STEP INTO POWER

1.  Confess our need.

1 John 1:9

2. Surrender to the authority of Christ.

Romans 12:1 & 2

IV. Shoulder the price of permanent change.

A)  Verse 39 - Jesus sent him away saying, return home and tell how much God has done for you, so the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE NEW POSITION

1.  Replace old habits with new ones that help.

Romans 12:21 - Overcome evil with good.

2.  Let discomfort become part of your life.

Nehemiah

3. Double up.

Hebrews 10:25 - Let us consider and give attentive courteous care to watching over each other, studying how we may stimulate each other to helpful deed and noble activities.

4. Determination.

5. Depend on God.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit that God has given us fills us with power, love and self-control.

Philippians 2:13 - For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose.

April 27 2014 How Can I Forgive Myself

How Can I Forgive Myself? 

“None of their past sins will be brought up again…” – Ezekiel 33:16a

Example of Peter:

“Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went away, crying bitterly.” – Matthew 26:75

1. COMING TO GOD FOR FORGIVENESS.

“But the angel said, ‘Do not be so surprised. You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and give this message to his disciples, including Peter.’” – Mark 16:6-7a

Five Ways God Forgives:
Ž
1. God forgives SPECIFICALLY.
Ž
2. God forgives INSTANTLY.
Ž
3. God forgives COMPLETELY.
Ž
4. God forgives REPEATEDLY.
Ž
5. God forgives  FREELY.

“He has forgiven all of your sins. He has utterly wiped out the evidence of broken commandments which always hung over our heads and has completely annulled it by nailing it to the cross.” -Colossians 2:14

2. CHANGING MY PATTERN.

“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13

Memory Verse: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” – Philippians 2:13

3. REALIZING GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR MY PAST.

“[God] said, ‘My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Romans 8:1 “There is no condemnation for those who live in union with Jesus Christ.”

February 19 2012 How To Break The Cycle Of Failure

How To Break The Cycle Of Failure

Luke 8:39 - Return home and tell how much God has done for you.

FOUR WAYS TO BREAK THE CYCLE

I. Stop thinking your present position cannot be changed.
A) Verse 27 - For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tomb.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR THINKING

1. Stop listening to the voice of the past.
Philippians 3:13 - Forgetting those things which are behind.

2. Decide to break out of the rut.
Philippians 3:13 & 14 - Strain towards what is ahead and press on toward the goal.

EXAMPLES
Peter - Matthew 26:75
Samson

II. Start to understand your personal value.
A) Verse 30 - Jesus asked him what is your name?

SOME EXAMPLES TO LOOK AT
Matthew
Zacchaeus

HOW TO SEE PERSONAL VALUE

1. Listen to what God says.
Matthew 10:30-31 - The hairs of your head are all numbered. You are worth more than many sparrows.


2. Listen to friends that want to help.
Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times.

III.Step into the power of Christ.
A) Verse 28 - When he saw Jesus, he cried and fell at His feet.
Verse 30 - My name is Legion.

HOW TO STEP INTO POWER
1. Confess our need.
I John 1:9

2. Surrender to the authority of Christ.
Romans 12:1 & 2

IV. Shoulder the price of permanent change.

A) Verse 39 - Jesus sent him away saying, return home and tell how much God has done for you, so the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
HOW TO MAINTAIN THE NEW POSITION

1. Replace bad habits with new ones.
Romans 12:21 - Overcome evil with good.

2. Let discomfort become a part of your life.
Nehemiah

3. Double up.
Hebrews 10:25 - Let us consider and give attentive courteous care to watching over each other, studying how we may stimulate each other to helpful deed and noble activities.

4. Determination.

5. Depend on God.

II Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit that God has given us fills us with power, love and self control.
Philippians 2:13 - For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose.