Weekly Messageby
Pastor Tim's Sunday Sermons.
|
Weekly Message - Entries written by Tim Rezac
SunSundayAprApril8th2012
“That’s Why We Praise Him!”
Easter Sunday – April 8, 2012
“That’s Why We Praise Him!”
Matthew 28:1 – 9
Christ defeated death. So will his followers.
That’s why we praise him!
28:1 – 5 - Do not fear - That’s why we praise him!
28:6 - He has risen - That’s why we praise him!
1 Corinthians 15:3,4
28:7,8 - Go and tell - That’s why we praise him!
28:9 - Bow and worship - That’s why we praise him!
So what?
The evidence is in.
28:16,17 - “but some doubted” Really?
John 6:40
Are YOU saved by grace? Do you know for certain?
Love rules
That’s why we praise him!
That's Why We Praise Him by Tommy Walker
He came to live, live a perfect life
He came to be the living word our light
He came to die so we’d be reconciled
He came to rise to show His pow’r and might
And that’s why we praise Him, that’s why we sing
That’s why we offer Him our everything
That’s why we bow down and worship this King
‘Cause He gave His everything
‘Cause He gave His everything
He came to live, live again in us
He came to be our conquering King and friend
He came to heal and show the lost ones His love
He came to go prepare a place for us
And that’s why we praise Him, that’s why we sing
That’s why we offer Him our everything
That’s why we bow down and worship this King
‘Cause He gave His everything
‘Cause He gave His everything (2)
Halle Hallelujah
Halle Hallelujah
Halle Hallelujah
Halle Hallelujah
That’s why we praise Him, that’s why we sing
That’s why we offer Him our everything
That’s why we bow down and worship this King
‘Cause He gave His everything
‘Cause He gave His everything (3)
Next week
“Simple Faith; Simple People; Sensational God”
1 Corinthians 1:10-31
Christian celebrities = Oxymoron
Boast about God.
Audio
20120408.mp3
SunSundayMarMarch25th2012
“Our Eternal Status”
LIVING BEYOND MYSELF
Studies in 1 Corinthians
“Our Eternal Status”
1 Corinthians 1:1 – 9
Attention all disciples! God’s grace sets you apart for greatness.
Think biblically - Live biblically
Our position (eternal status) in Christ
Who we are in Christ - 1:2
* “church” - Called out people
* “sanctified” - Set apart
* “called….saints” - Holy
What we have in Christ - 1:3 – 9
* :3,4 – “grace and peace”
* :5 - “enriched in Him” - Spiritual blessings Ephesians 1:3-14
* :7 - “spiritual gifts” - Divine abilities for serving others
* :8 - “sustain you to the end” - Eternal security Romans 5:1,2; 8:1
* :9 - “fellowship” - Personal relationship with Christ
KEY - :9 - “God is faithful”
So what?
Walk worthy of such blessings.
Think biblically - Live biblically!
Next week:
Easter holiday services
Invite friends and family
SunSundayMarMarch18th2012
"Baptism – Just do it!"
Baptism – Just do it!
Acts 8:28 – 39; Matthew 28:19,20
WHAT is baptism? - baptize = to immerse; to dye/stain
WHO is to be baptized? - Believers only
Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:12; 10:47; 18:8
WHEN to be baptized? - After salvation
Appropriate age?
WHERE & HOW? Medium/Method
Acts 8:38,39: Romans 6:3,4
WHY is baptism important?
* God commanded it
* Very public testimony for Christ
* Celebration for fellow disciples
So What?
* Have I been saved by grace?
* If yes, have I been baptized?
* If not, why not? Acts 8:34-38
Just do it….TODAY!
Prepare for next week
New Series: “Living Beyond Myself”
“Our Eternal Status”
1 Corinthians 1:1 – 9
Attention all disciples! God’s grace sets you apart for greatness!
SunSundayMarMarch11th2012
“Job is Remodeled”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“Job is Remodeled”
Job 42 & selected
God – You are the potter. I am the clay.
“Broken” = Attitude of one who:
* Clearly acknowledges his sinful & selfish tendencies before God
* Forsakes any hope in his own strength to please God
* Humbly concedes his dependence on God
John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
S.R. = Self – Reliance B. = Broken
GOD
S.R. - God wants us happy and healthy
B. - God wants us holy and joyful
Human Experience
S.R. – Education + behavior modification + positive thinking + religion =
Refined, virtuous character
B. – Failure + disappointment + pain + suffering =
Refined, virtuous character
S.R. – Suffering? - To be avoided at all cost; Quick fix for relief
B. – Suffering? - Where God accomplishes His redemptive, character-building plan
- Develops our faith for endurance and peace
Testimony
S.R. – Health, wealth, success – Power and glory of man
B. - Trials, suffering, testing - Power and glory of God
Conclusion
S.R. - Prominent people are God’s best representatives
B. - Broken people are God’s best representatives
Job 42:7 - 17
So what?
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Lord – You are the potter. I am your clay. I worship you and obey you.
Romans 11:33-36; 9:19-21; Job 42:1-6
Prepare for next week
“Baptism – What’s THAT all about?”
Biblical instruction on this mandate from God for His disciples.
SunSundayMarMarch4th2012
“Job Meets His Maker”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“Job Meets His Maker”
Job 38 - 42
Repentance is change at the core of our souls…..an act of grace.
God firmly – and lovingly – interrogates Job. Job 38 to 41 (esp. 38:1-3)
“There is only one God – and He’s not you!” Job 38 & 39
Job – Almost broken – 40:1 - 5
More interrogation - 40:6 - 14
“There’s only one God – and He’s not you!” Job 40 & 41
Something wonderful happens - Job BREAKS! – 42:1 – 6
“I repent.” - 42:6
Repentance = change of mind, will, direction
From sin & selfishness to God & righteousness
From hurting to healing
The JOY of repentance.
So what?
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Do you KNOW God? – as Savior? as Lord?
1 John 5:11-13; 2 Corinthians 6:2
Prepare for next week
“Job is Remodeled”
Job 42
God – You are the potter; I am the clay
Audio
20120304.mp3
SunSundayFebFebruary26th2012
“Effective Biblical Counseling”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“Effective Biblical Counseling”
Job 32 - 38
The Word + Holy Spirit + Submission = authentic life- change
Elihu – Friend #4: Job 32:1-5
Speak the truth in love
Reflects – 33:8-11
Confronts - 33:12,13
Instructs - 33:14-18
* Suffering? - Life happens! – 33:19-22
* There is a Redeemer – 33:23,24
* Relational grace – 33:25,26 (Hebrews 4:16)
* Restored life – 33:26c -30
* Renewed hope – 35:4-11
* Praise God…. within suffering – 36:22-26; 37:5,14,23
So what?
The best counsel we can give others is to point them to God – 38:1
God is the ultimate life-changing counselor.
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Prepare for next week
“Job Meets His Maker”
Job 38-42
Repentance is change at the core of my soul!
Audio
20120226.mp3
SunSundayFebFebruary19th2012
“Now – A Word From Our Enemy”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“Now – A Word From Our Enemy”
Job 31; Ephesians 6; Selected
Resist demonic attacks. Defeat them. Christ is our Conquering Commander.
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
The enemy: Devil - Satan = Adversary/Accuser
Ephesians 6:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8,9
Devil’s targets - Our minds (Mental & emotional distraction & discouragement)
Job 1:10,11;2:4,5; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Job’s “If….Then” Syndrome – Job 31
Our weapons -
1. Christ’s indwelling presence – Ephesians 3:14 – 21
Believe it! - Ephesians 6:16
2. Bible doctrine – Ephesians 6:17 (Matthew 4:4,7,10; John 8:31,32)
Obey it! - Ephesians 6:13-15 (Colossians 3:16)
3. Prayer - Ephesians 6:18
So what?
This means war!
Resist & stand firm – James 4:7
Victory is ours! - Romans 16:20
Prepare for next week
“Effective Biblical Counseling”
Job 32-38
Holy Spirit + the Word + submission = supernatural power!
SunSundayFebFebruary12th2012
“God- Why Are You Shooting at Me?” (Part 2)
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“God- Why Are You Shooting at Me?” (Part 2)
Job 19:25 – 29; Job 20 -26:selected
Q: What have I done to deserve this abuse from you, God?
Faulty premise: God always “allows” suffering for His people.
TRUTH: God “assigns” suffering for His people.
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Purpose of suffering
1. God TESTS us – Job 23:10; Proverbs 17:3; James 1:2-4, 12
2. God ASSIGNS us - Job 23:13,14; Romans 5:3-5: 1 Peter 4:19
3. God BREAKS us - Job 23:15,16; 42:1-6; Hebrews 12:7-11
God’s comforting promise - The best is yet to come! Job 19:25-27
Yet to come…..
1. A new BODY – Job 19:26: 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; Philippians 3:20,21
2. A new LOCATION – John 14:1-4; Hebrews 11:13-16; Revelation 21:1-4
3. A new COMMUNITY – Genesis 25:8; 49:33; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 21:1-4
So what?
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
“He gives and takes away: Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Prepare for next week
“Now – A Word From Our Enemy”
Job 31 & selected
Resist demonic attacks – Christ is our Commander-In-Chief
SunSundayFebFebruary5th2012
“God- Why Are You Shooting at Me?”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“God- Why Are You Shooting at Me?”
Job 15 - 19
Q: What have I done to deserve this abuse from you, God?
Faulty premise: When all is well, I must be living right.
TRUTH: It is God’s grace……ALL grace.
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Friendly fire: 16:7-9; 11-14; 19:6, 13-20
Eliphaz - Job – “Stop whining.” - 15:2-6
“Who do you think you are?” - 15:7-9
“Stop your anger.” - 15:12,13
“I have the answer.” – 15:17
“You are sinning!” - 15:20,21,25
Job responds - “Walk in MY shoes.” - 16:2-4
“Grace me, please?” - 17:1,2,10
Bildad - Job - “Can all of us be wrong?” - 18:2-6
“You are sinning.” - 18:21
Job responds - “Grace me, please?” - 19:2-4, 7
“AMAZING GRACE!” - 19:23-27 (1 John 3:1-3)
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
So what?
Suffering is not always punishment for sin.
Suffering develops our character - F.H.P! Ephesians 3:14-20
Prepare for next week
“God – Why Are You Shooting at Me?” (Part 2)
Job 19:23-25; 23:1-5; selected
Flaw – God always “allows” suffering for His people.
SunSundayJanJanuary29th2012
“Don’t Try To Help God”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“Don’t Try To Help God”
Job 11 - 14
Please don’t judge me….Grace me.
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Friend #3 - Zophar: The judgmental bigot – 11:1 - 6
Zophar’s flimsy formula: 11:13 - 18
* Commit to God :13a
* Pray :13b
* Don’t sin :14
* PRESTO! God will bless you! :15 - 18
No more suffering!
Job responds - Wounded sarcasm - 12:1 – 3; 13:4,5,12
”I am embarrassed” - 12:4,5
“Lord, can we talk?” – 13:3, 20 - 24
So what?
Suffering is not always punishment for sin.
Suffering develops our character - F.H.P! James 1:2 - 4
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Prepare for next week
“God – Why Are You Shooting at Me?” (Part 1)
Job 15 to 19
Flaw – When life is going well, I must be living right.
SunSundayJanJanuary22nd2012
“Be Real – Not Just Right”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“Be Real – Not Just Right”
Job 8,9,10
Please don’t guilt me….Grace me.
Job’s legacy – James 5:10,11
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Friend #2 - Bildad: The guilt-giver
8:2-4 – Shame + Intimidation = GUILT
Bildad’s over-simplified formula: 8:5,6,7
* Look to God
* Beg for mercy
* Live righteously
* PRESTO! God will bless you!
Therefore: “Job, You are guilty!” – 8:13,14, 20,21
Job responds - God is all-powerful - 9:1-10
God is sovereign - 9:11-17
I regret being born - 10:18,19
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
So what?
1. Jesus is sufficient - Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 12:9
2. Seek intimacy with Christ – John 14:23; Hebrews 11:6; Habakkuk 3:17-19
Prepare for next week
“Don’t Try To Help God”
Job 11 to 14
Please don’t judge me….Grace me.
SunSundayJanJanuary15th2012
“But Names WILL Hurt Me!”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
Studies in Job
“But Names WILL Hurt Me!”
Job 2 - 7
Please don’t shame me….Grace me.
2:11 - 13 - Good friends; Good intentions
3:1 - 26 - Job grieves his suffering - “Why?” (6X)
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Friend #1 - Eliphaz: The shame-seller
Eliphaz’s premise: The truly innocent never suffer - 4:2 - 9
Therefore: “Job, You are a mega-sinner!” - 4:17; 5:1-4, 17
Caution - Legalism = Performance-based formulas; Produces shame and….PRIDE.
Job responds - Please don’t shame me - 6:14 - 17
Please let me grieve - 6:24 - 29; 7:11
“Lord, why?” (3X) - 7:20,21
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
So what?
Rules without relationships lead to rebellion and regret.
We must be grace-givers.
Prepare for next week
“Be Real - Not just Right”
Job 8,9
Please don’t guilt me….Grace me.
SunSundayJanJanuary8th2012
“Is God Really Fair?”
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
“Is God Really Fair?”
Job 1 - 2-10
God is sovereign…..rest in that!
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
The Conflict Begins
1:1 - 5 - Job: The godly man
1:6 - 12 - Satan: The Adversary
1:13 - 22 - Attack #1: Family & property
2:1 - 8 - Attack #2: Health
2:9,10 - Attack #3: Marriage
* THEODICY = Justifying God…..Is God fair?
God is all - loving…..God is all - powerful…..There is evil
Job’s response - “Blessed be the name of the Lord!” - 1:21,22
So what?
1. God’s purposes are often hidden from us.
2. Suffering is not always punishment for sin.
3. In our suffering, God is with us.
4. We must loosen our grip on our:
possessions, relationships, selves
The more we get to know God, the less we need to ask “Why?”
Prepare for next week
“But names WILL hurt me!”
Job 2 - 7
Please don’t shame me….Grace me.
SunSundayDecDecember11th2011
What Goes Around….Comes Around!
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
“What Goes Around….Comes Around!”
Galatians 6:1 - 18
Decisions Determine Destiny
(The law of sowing and reaping)
Admonish others - 6:1 – 6
Def. “admonish”: to warn; to disapprove; to give advice
Admonish myself - 6:7,8
D ecisions D etermine D estiny
“flesh” = corruption/decay - 5:19-21
“Spirit” = joyous, eternal living - 5:22,23
Serve others – especially church family - 6:9,10,16
So what?
Are you:
Saved by His grace?
Secure in His grace?
Walking by His grace?
Prepare for next week
“Christmas Is NOT Your Birthday!”
Selected biblical texts
We must renew a laser-like focus on the eternal impact of the incarnation.
SunSundayDecDecember4th2011
The War Within
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
“The War Within”
Galatians 5:16 - 26
Dynamic disciples walk with/like Christ….. F.H.P.
Balaam - Numbers 22:21 - 35
By grace…through faith…in Christ….plus NOTHING!
The soul-conflict described = Flesh vs. Spirit - 5:17
Daily walk – in the flesh - 5:19 – 21 vs. in the Spirit - 5:22 – 24
Romans 7:14 - 20
The “YES and YIELD” Challenge - 5:16, 18, 25
* Say “YES” to God’s Spirit
Daily decisions: “What would PLEASE God?” Psalm 19:14
* YIELD to God’s Spirit
Daily surrender: “I will yield to God’s word.” Romans 6:13,14,19
So what?
The flesh – crucified! 5:24; 2:20
Romans 7:21 – 8:2
RETURN TO YOUR FATHER…..TODAY
Prepare for next week
“What Goes Around, Comes Around”
Galatians 6:1-18
Admonish others….Admonish myself.
SunSundayNovNovember27th2011
Free At Last!
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
“Free at Last!”
Galatians 5:1 - 15
Stay true to grace. Avoid grace-abuse. Respond in love.
By grace…through faith…in Christ…plus NOTHING! – Galatians 2:16; 3:26
* Stay true to grace = Freedom! - Galatians 5:1 - 6
Freedom: Voluntary submission to a benevolent dictator.
1st century graffiti
The only good gentile is a circumcized one!
Abraham was a gentile!
Yeah – but he was circumcized.
So what? – Gal.5:6
* Avoid grace-abuse = Freedom! - Galatians 5:7 - 13
* Love RULES! = Freedom! - Galatians 5:14,15
Don’t bite! Bless.
So what?
Galatians 5:1 – Grace = Freedom
Freedom = Submission to Christ + Loving others
Be liberated. Live the grace life!
Prepare for next week
“A Fruit-Basket of Virtues”
Galatians 5:16 - 26
Dynamic disciples walk like Christ – F.H.P.
SunSundayNovNovember20th2011
Like Oil and Water
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
“Like Oil and Water”
Galatians 4:8 – 5:1
WARNING! Don’t step backwards into stifling legalism
“Religion” – Do not pass go.
5:1 – Freedom = live by grace!
By grace…through faith…in Christ….plus NOTHING! – 2:16; 3:26
The Problem - 4:8 - 17
You are slipping back! - :9 (1:6,7; 3:1)
- weak and worthless principles
- Spiritual bondage – 5:1
The Plea - 4:18 – 20
Keep growing in grace – 18,19
- Christ “is formed in you.”
- Spiritual freedom – 5:1
O.T. Allegory - 4:21 – 31
- Hagar = slave = Law
- Sarah = free = Grace
So what?
See 5:1 – Christ has set us free. Live by grace!
1. Keep standing firm in grace
2. Stop seeking the favor of everyone
3. Refuse to submit to spiritual bondage
4. Flee hypocrisy; Be the “real deal”
Prepare for next week
“Free at Last!”
Galatians 5:1 - 15
Avoid grace abuse - Stay true to grace – Respond in love
SunSundayNovNovember13th2011
Slaves to Sons
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
“From Slaves to Sons”
Galatians 3:26 – 4:7
REJOICE! We have the full inheritance as sons…..BY GRACE.
Positional Truth Doctrine
The Lesson - 3:26 - 29
* All believers are sons….IN CHRIST - :26,27
* All barriers are dissolved…..IN CHRIST - 28,29
Racial: Jew/Greek
Social: Slave/Free
Gender: Male/Female
Others? Colossians 3:11
The Analogy - 4:1 – 7 (Jeremiah 31:31 – 34)
From slaves - :1-3………to sons - :4-6……… with full inheritance - :7
(Law) (Grace) (3:29; Romans 8:16,17)
By grace…through faith…in Christ….plus NOTHING! – 2:16; 3:26
So what? See 5:1
THINK as God’s child – “Lord, erase any flawed beliefs?”
LIVE as God’s child – “Lord, mold my life-style to please you – F.H.P.”
Prepare for next week
“Like Oil and Water”
Galatians 4:8 – 5:1
Legalism….Do not pass GO!
SunSundayNovNovember6th2011
Why All These Rules?
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
“Why All These Rules?”
Galatians 3:15 – 26
Let’s celebrate our freedom from religious rules……GRACE ROCKS!
Earthly law - :14 - 18
Abraham 430 years/ Moses Christ
:14 – 16 :17 :14,16,22,24,26
PROMISE LAW GRACE/FAITH
Divine law - :19 – 26
Q: Purpose of the law? - :19
A: 1. Reveals our sin - :19, 22, 23 (Romans 3:20, 7:7)
2. Points us to Jesus/Savior - :22, 24, 26
Conclusion:
By grace…through faith…in Christ….plus NOTHING! – :26; 2:16
So what?
Break the chains of “religion” - :25,26
Celebrate our liberty in grace! - 4:7; 5:1
Grace rocks!
Prepare for next week
“From Slaves to Sons”
Galatians 3:26 – 4:7
Rejoice! We have the full inheritance of sons….by grace.
SunSundayOctOctober23rd2011
Bewitched? Beware. Believe!
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
October 23, 2011
“Bewitched? Beware. Believe!”
Galatians 3:1 – 14
Stand firmly in faith. Be a dynamic disciple of inflexible grace.
By grace…through faith…in Christ….plus NOTHING! – 2:15,16
Saved by faith – 3:1 – 6 (Genesis 15:5,6)
Secure in faith - 3:7 – 9 (Genesis 12:3)
Walk by faith - 3:10 – 14; 5:16,17,25 (Genesis 17:1,2)
Be fanatical grace-defenders! - 3:11,14; Romans 4:5; Titus 3:4,5
So what?
Walk with Christ = grace relationship = Dynamic Discipleship
Dynamic discipleship is NOT an “add-on.”
Prepare for November 6
“Why All These Rules?”
Galatians 3:15-25
Let’s celebrate our freedom from religious rules – Grace ROCKS!
NEXT WEEK: YOUTH SUNDAY!
SunSundayOctOctober16th2011
Peter, Paul, and Hairy
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
October 16, 2011
“Peter, Paul, and Hairy”
Galatians 2:11 – 21
We must never dilute the purity of God’s grace…..NEVER!
By grace…through faith…in Christ….plus NOTHING! – 2:15,16
2:11 - The confrontation
Confront others directly - :11, 14
2:12 – 14 – The criticism
Boldly confront error - :14
2:15 – 21 – The clarification
Be fanatical grace-defenders! - :15,16, 21 – The sufficiency of Christ
(3:11; Romans 4:5; Titus 3:4,5)
So what?
2:20 - Walk with Christ = grace relationship = Dynamic discipleship
Conflict resolved? Acts 15:1 – 11; 2 Peter 3:15-18
Be grace champions.
Prepare for next week
“Bewitched? Beware….Believe”
Galatians 3:1 – 14
Focus: Saved by faith….Live by faith
Audio
20111016.mp3
SunSundayOctOctober9th2011
I’m On a Mission of Grace
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
October 9, 2011
“I’m On a Mission of Grace”
Galatians 2:1 – 10
God’s grace: Affirmed and confirmed by grace-drenched disciples.
Share the grace news!
Only one, true salvation – Gift of God’s love
By grace…through faith…in Christ….plus NOTHING! – 2:15,16; 3:1,2; 5:6
Paul’s grace gospel - mission team - 2:1,2
Barnabus - Acts 4:36,37; 9:26,27
Titus - 2 Corinthians 8:23; Titus 1:4
Grace gospel - Keep grace pure….never yield! - 2:2 – 5
No – adjustment; add-on; compromise; suggestions; tweaking; negotiating
Not – our niceness; performance; good deeds; charitable efforts; religious procedures; community service
Grace gospel - Endorsed by spiritual leaders - 2:6 – 9
Grace gospel - Care for the needy (church family) – 2:10
So what?
Arm yourselves with a clear presentation of the gospel of grace.
You are “endorsed” to go on a mission – C.I.O!
Prepare for next week
“Peter, Paul & Hairy”
Galatians 2:11 – 21
We must never dilute the purity of grace – never!
SunSundayOctOctober2nd2011
ONE TRUE RELIGION
The Liberating Riches of Grace
Studies in Galatians
October 2, 2011
“The Only True Religion”
Galatians 1:1 – 24
God’s grace: A life-changing reality – Tell YOUR story!
Paul’s greetings – 1:1-5
Paul’s rebuke – 1:6a; 3:1a
Paul’s reminder – 1:6b – 10 – Only one, true salvation
By grace…through faith…in Christ….plus NOTHING! – 2:15,16; 3:1,2; 5:6
Paul’s Salvation Story
Apart from Christ - I was - 1:13,14 (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1,2)
Encounter with Christ - Christ did - 1:15,16a (Acts 9:3-9; 17 – 19a)
Now IN Christ - I am! - 1:16b – 23 (Acts 9:19b – 22)
All glory and honor goes to God - 1:24
So what?
Do you have a clear, confident salvation story? Tell others!
Ephesians 2:8,9
Prepare for next week
“I’m On a Mission of Grace”
Galatians 2:1 – 10
God’s grace affirmed and confirmed by grace-drenched disciples
Audio
20111002.mp3
TueTuesdaySepSeptember27th2011
Cheerful Giving 2
Cheerful Giving
September 25, 2011
(Click the link below these notes to hear a portion of Pastor Tim's Sermon. Due to a technical glitch the beginning portion was not recorded.)
“My Cheerful-Giving Covenant”
Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:11-16, 15
We must raise our standard of giving rather than our standard of living.
When I raise my standard of giving – 2 Corinthians 9:11…..
God is magnified - 9:11
God is pleased (F.H.P.) - 9:7b
I will reap a harvest of blessing - 9:6, 10
I will be “enthusiastically thrilled” to give – 9:7
I will be content with God’s provision – 9:8
I will mature spiritually – 9:10, 11
I will energetically worship God – 9:15
“7 Reasons why I generously give” - Pastor Bill Hybels/Pastor Tim Rezac
- It Feels Good.
- Obeying God.
- A Promise made to God and to my flock.
- To remain covered by God's blessing.
- I believe in the Mission and Vision of His Church
- Set an Example to my Children
- I want to hear "Well Done, my son"
So what?
Prayerfully evaluate my standard of giving. Make adjustments based on biblical teachings – my love and devotion to Christ.
“Cheerful Giving Covenant”
2 Corinthians 9:6 – 11, 15
- I confirm God’s complete ownership of me and everything entrusted to me.
- I will give the first fruits – an intentional, generous portion of my income – as a cheerful, consistent offering to further Christ’s Kingdom work.
- Out of the remaining treasures God has entrusted to me, I will seek ways to give to those in need and/or are spiritually lost.
- Recognizing that I cannot take earthly treasures from this world, I determine to store up treasures in Heaven – for Christ’s glory and the eternal benefit of others.
Prepare for next week
New series: “The Liberating Riches of Grace”
Studies in Galatians
“The only TRUE Religion” – Galatians 1:1-24
God’s grace – a life-changing reality; Tell your story!
Audio
20110925.mp3
MonMondaySepSeptember19th2011
Cheerful Giving
“Buried Treasure or Shared Treasure?”
Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
(Click the link below these notes to hear Elder Quinton's Testimony and Pastor Tim's Sermon)
Invest generously in Christ’s Kingdom!
The best investment advice…..EVER! - Matthew 6:20a
Grace principles of giving – 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
God owns everything – Job 41:11; Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20
I am God’s money manager - 2 Corinthians 8:7,11; 9:11
God’s heart = Generous giving - 2 Corinthians 8:2-4; 9:6,7,11
O.T. - Tithing principles – Mosaic Law
10% - Levites (Spiritual leaders)
10% - Feasts & festivals
3.3% - Poor; widows; orphans
__________________________
23% - Yearly total
N.T. - Grace-giving principle - Voluntary + Generous + Cheerful!
1 Corinthians 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 9:6,7,11
God loves a cheerful giver!
So what?
Prayerfully evaluate my giving practices: Am I burying treasures, or sharing treasures?
Make adjustments based on biblical teachings – my love and devotion to Christ.
Prepare for next week
“My Cheerful Giving Covenant”
Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, 15
I must raise my standard of giving, not my standard of living.
Audio
20110918.mp3
ThuThursdaySepSeptember15th2011
The Freedom of Forgiveness
The Freedom of Forgiveness
September 11, 2011
(Click the link below these notes to hear Pastor Tim's Sermon)
“Forgiveness = Freedom!”
Leviticus 1:1-9; Colossians 3:12-14; Hebrews 10:3,4
We must grasp the magnificence of God’s forgiveness – and do likewise.
Our magnificent, forgiving Lord
O.T. – Leviticus 1:1-9 - :4 – “atonement” = to cover; conceal
N.T. – Hebrews 10:3,4,10,17,18 - Christ once for all time!
Forgiveness – To graciously set a guilty person free
(Declare innocent….though guilty)
3 Elements of the forgiveness process:
1. Injury 2. Debt 3. Cancellation of debt
3 Levels of forgiveness
1. Attitude Forgiveness –
2. Authentic forgiveness –
3. Absolute forgiveness -
So what?
Since Christ…..so must I!
Rejoice! Forgiveness frees the offender AND the offended.
Colossians 3:12-14
Prepare for next Sunday – New series – “Cheerful Giving”
“Buried Treasure, or Shared Treasure?”
Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Invest generously in Christ’s kingdom
Audio
20110911.mp3
|
|