We started off the talk the time with answering a question from something called "the question box." This ministry is just a way of allowing the teens to ask any question while remaining anonymous. Last night's question asked about Acts 2:38 and whether or not baptism is something that is required in order to be saved.
We worked through that we believe that God doesn't require a formula for being saved, but a real relationship with Him. But part of having a marriage with somebody is taking the opportunity to demonstrate publicly that you are in love and dedicated to that person. That's why we get dressed up and wear wedding rings... to demonstrate publicly our commitment.
So I encouraged the teens to know that though Baptism is required for salvation to happen (though it is a commandment), but is similar to a wedding ring. It isn't required, but it is a testament to the sincerity of the commitment.
I used a new sermon illustration this past Wednesday that I think will sum up the bulk of what we talked about.
I was trying to work with a new way to help youth understand what it meant to wait on God.
Like any normal person it's difficult to wrap your mind around the concept that waiting on God doesn't mean sitting around doing nothing but praying and hoping.
In an effort to point on what God is always doing we narrowed God's constant desire down to 3 things.
1. God is always proclaiming His glory
2. God is always looking out for His people's best interest.
3. God is always looking to connect with people through His son Jesus.
But what does this have to do with waiting on God? Well it's simple. When you and I claim we don't know what God wants us to do in a situation we really only to look at the three things He's always doing to gain some insight.
It's almost like God is sitting a big table in a restaurant. God makes it clear what He always wants. His Holy Spirit is working in the kitchen cooking up opportunities, but its up to us to pick up those opportunities and bring them to the father. See waiting on God doesn't mean sitting around it means it's time to be a waiter for Him.
And doesn't God deserve our best platter to bring it to Him? Think of the platter is the best of your ability, your best try, etc. You also never know what the trip from the kitchen to the God's table is going to be like though. The floor might be slippery and you'll have to change your path. You might have other customers demanding your attentions and efforts. And who knows, there might be want to sneak away some of that food for yourself. A guy's gotta eat right?
Something amazing though, is that when we do bring God's order to the table, He doesn't just keep it all for himself. Can you imagine seeing the best customer in the place offering some of his meal to the waiter? Heck no! But here's God offering it to us "Here, you can be satisfied to, here eat be nourished and energized, here be blessed by this meal too and don't worry about helping out with the check, my son's already paid the bill."
Honestly, I wouldn't have any problem waiting on a guy who always shares his meals with me.
And yet sometimes we bring God a happy meal instead of the full three course meal He ordered.
What do you think would happen to the waiter who never brings the full course to the best customer? He wouldn't get a good tip for one thing, but he would also never have the chance to be satisfied by that awesome food. The waiter would really be robbing himself too.
So here's the holy Spirit preparing the food, all we have to do is carry it to the table on our best platter, bring the best quality food to the Father as our spiritual act of worship, and realize that the bill has already been paid by the Son.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Big Picture God
(original outline by Louie Giglio)
Last Night we looked at the story of Joseph. Pastor Tom also showed a picture made up of some of the ugliest colors. Later he showed us how those ugly colors were just a piece of a beautiful painting and how God sometimes only shows us one piece of the painting where He can see the whole work of art that He is working on. Here are some of the key themes would pulled from the story.
(the small piece)
(the whole picture)
Last Night we looked at the story of Joseph. Pastor Tom also showed a picture made up of some of the ugliest colors. Later he showed us how those ugly colors were just a piece of a beautiful painting and how God sometimes only shows us one piece of the painting where He can see the whole work of art that He is working on. Here are some of the key themes would pulled from the story.
(the small piece)
(the whole picture)
Hope and faith foster faithfulness
"We walk by faith and not by sight and we consider our present affliction light in comparison to the eternal glory that God is working." - Paul
1. I believe somehow you’re going to use this to bring glory to your name.
2. I believe you’re committed to me and my well being, it’s a dungeon it’s a pit, but I believe your with me.
3. God I believe you’re redeeming. Is there anybody in this picture that wants to know Jesus? Is there anybody in this picture who couldn’t know the Gospel unless I was in there with them?
What my employer meant for evil, God meant for good
What my ex meant to hurt me with, God meant for good
What my parents meant for evil, God intended for Good.
Small Picture World, Big Picture God.
Lost
Lost – Week 1
Original outline by Chris Spradlin
Gut Level Honesty Game: Check if applies to you…
I’m not satisfied with…
Cell phone coverage Financial situation
My body My parents
How I am living my life
In 1965 the lyrics to “I can’t get no satisfaction” were written by Mick Jagger.
The first page of his notes says (aka Ecclesiastes).
“Meaningless, meaningless says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless, everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:2
We're like, "Hey man could you just be a little more honest with us here?"
This King was once full of purpose and had a plan, but he kind of took a road trip from God.
(we watched a video about how trying different things in life is like giving everything a huge taste test. The problem is that after a while you look down at all of these empty things that you tried to be satisfied with, but none of it worked. It can leave us feeling even more empty than when we started.)
- Maybe if I can get boyfriend/girlfriend
- drinking… maybe one more will make me happy
- maybe it’s the way you look.. if you’re better looking then maybe it will make me feel better
-
King Solomon went on a 40 year search for satisfaction, instead he ended up lost wandering through life.
40 years lost and gone
Some of you maybe feel the same way… man I’ve lost 2 years lost and gone.
So one day when he’s driving he pulls over and makes one last entry in journal.
Ok, I’ve got more money to search higher and deeper than anyone else could I've done more than you can imagine, but all I have is this final conclusion.
- His final conclusion “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Man some of you are like “fear God” man I grew up with that, forget that.
You think that God is some kind of Cosmic kill joy just waiting you for you to screw up.
Fearing God isn’t about being afraid of him, it’s about worshiping Him.
There are times that when I prayed something so powerful was going on that I've sensed His presence.
And you don’t know where to go.
Well here's a great action step.
1. Cultivate a heart of worship.
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Psalms 95:6
How we can cultivate a heart of worship:
- Be still.
- Confess.
- Meditate on God’s Word.
- Practice the presence of God.
And that’s the idea of following God’s commandments.
2. God deserves our radical obedience.
- God has built us an internal GPS called the Holy Spirit
There’s this voice saying “hey you’ve got to recalculate your route, your destination is peace, hope, and purpose so you’ve got to recalculate.” And instead of you just kind of hit the cancel button.
- sometimes you get caught up in the scenery
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
I wish Jesus would said “my people are like rhinoceroses, they can pave their own way.”
How a shepherd broke in a new lamb
- through developing a personal relationship
- by watching over them
- but eventually putting them into the fold
- sometimes the sheep would run away and get lost never to return from the mountains it just went to
- and sometimes it would go so far that it wouldn’t be able to hear the shepherd’s voice.
Question for some of you
“Do you hear the shepherd’s voice?”
Can you recognize God’s voice in your life?
If you want purpose, it’s only found in following God.
When you finish your time here, the only thing that’s going to matter is if you know the voice of your God.
And you only know that through that relationship with Him, that accepts the direction of your built in GPS.
It’s through a relationship with Christ.
What the shepherd did to the sheep that got away, but He found again.
- He would break their legs so the lamb would have to learn how to depend on Him again.
- It keeps you close
- And makes you get lower.
Sometimes it all starts with the prayer "God, do whatever it takes to bring me closer to you."
(the night concluded with a time of prayer)
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Difficult People Week 4 - Hypocrital People
Difficult People – 4
Hypocritical
- we’ve always got room for one more
You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “’These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Matthew 15:7-8
We could call them spiritual posers, or pretenders in the pews, those who claim Christ, but their life does not reflect His teachings whatsoever. Jesus called them hypocrites.
hupokrites (hoop-ok-ree-tace’); an actor; stage-player, one who hides behind a mask, hypocrite.
- actors would walk off stage and switch between masks.
HOW DID JESUS HANDLE HYPOCRISY?
…you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
Matthew 23:23-24
2 Biblical Principles on how to deal with hypocrisy
1. JESUS CONFRONTED HYPOCRISY.
2. JESUS MAJORED ON THE MAJORS.
He only confronted the big issues or the dangerous ones.
Christians can often zero in on the things that don’t really matter.
“You’re church isn’t right with God because of the way people dress…”
But God looks at the heart.
“The music is too this or that..”
God’s not going “I’m more of a Dashboard fan”
HOW DO WE CONFRONT?
Brothers (This is Christ followers correcting Christ Followers), if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2
1) CONFRONT WITH CAUTION.
...restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1b
- you risk pride
- people will test you, and your sins will find you out.
- you have to do it with your best interests in mind.
***video***
2) CONFRONT WITH THE GOAL OF
RESTORATION.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. Galatians 6:1
restore: katartizo (kat-ar-tid’-zo); to perfectly repair; make better than new.
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
[Review the First two points]
3) CONFRONT WITH COMMITMENT.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
As we confront, we also commit to carry each other’s burdens. And, in so doing, we will do what Christ calls us to do. I like the Greek word that is translated as carry.
carry: bastazo (bas-tad’-zo); to lift, to sustain, take up.
So, when we confront, we don’t just say, “You are wrong. Check you later.” What we do is say, “We are here because we love you, and we will be here for you no matter what.”
It doesn’t take anything to criticize, but It takes true love to confront.
- tell them a story of life change that came from confrontation
Everybody take a deep breathe!
We’re about to turn up the heat.
WHAT IF YOU ARE THE HYPOCRITE?
David saw something he shouldn’t see and acted on it.
Nathan loved him enough to do something about it.
And he told him a story.
Once upon a time, there were two men. One was filthy rich. He had sheep and cattle galore. The other was very, very poor, and this poor man, although good, was poor. He had only one little lamb, and this little lamb, he had raised since birth. It was like his own pet. This little lamb would actually sleep beside the guy at night, and the man deeply loved his one little lamb. One day, a traveler came to the very rich man and said, ‘I’m hungry. Will you give me something to eat?’ The traveler, the rich man, rather than taking one of his own thousands of lambs, took the one lamb that belonged to the poor man, slaughtered it, and killed it and offered it to the traveler.’ “ David could not believe that someone could commit such a horrendous sin, and he responded this way.
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “attah iysh” “You are the man! 2 Samuel 12:4-7
The spirit will say to many of you…. you are the man: attah iysh
And it is time for you to repent today.
- if we’re going to call ourselves Christ followers lets be Christ followers.
IF we confess our sins to God He is faithful and just to forgive.
So, today, in the presence of God, come humbly before Him. Let us be the real things. Not perfect, but hearts broken and humble before God. If you would be the attah iysh, let your heart break open. Confess, repent, and let God make you better than new.
If you know someone who is not living the truth and you want to pray for them, just lift your hands and we’ll pray for them
Second, if you are someone who isn’t living a real life for God.. You’re acting one way here and another way else ware, just raise up your hands and repent.
Give your sin a name and tell God what it is
And ask him humbly “Please forgive me”
If you’ve told God and ask forgiven let me tell you what he says “You’re forgiven”
Now its time to ask God for the strength to overcome this sin
And I’ve got news “the bible says that when you’re weak, he’s strong”
AFTER DAVID FACED HIS SIN, HE PRAYED…
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12
Difficult People Week 3 Manipulative People
· JACOB MANIPULATED ESAU. Gen. 25:29-34
· WOMEN MANIPULATED HEROD. Mark 6:21-26
· DELILAH MANIPULATED SAMSON. Judg 16:15-16
Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me?...16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. Judg 16:15-16
…couldn’t stand it any longer…NLT
…vexed his soul unto death…KJV Amen.
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How many of you – have someone – would control you if they could?
Put both hands in the air – just seeing if I still have control – Yes –
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MANIPULATORS’ GREATEST WEAPONS:
· They love to use Threats:
o If you want to work here, you’ll do this.
o If you don’t do this, I’m leaving you.
o If you don’t tell me, I’m hanging up.
o If you don’t pay more attention to me, I’m taking you out of my will.
o If you don’t do this, you are not getting any of that.
· Guilt:
o If you love me, you’d do what I ask.
o After all I’ve done for you; you won’t do this one thing.
o Silent treatment: I’m not talking to you right now.
o Thought we were close; obviously I can’t count on you.
o If you don’t do this, you’re not good Xian.
o If you don’t meet my needs, I’ll find another way to get them met.
BREAKING THE POWER OF MANIPULATION
1) RECOGNIZE WHEN SOMEONE IS TRYING TO CONTROL YOU.
Most people do this unconsciously…
…Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to
Peter took Jesus aside – manipulators lose power in groups.
Some are predators – calculated – some do it unintentionally
Peter didn’t mean any harm – just wanted his plan for Jesus’ life.
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE BEING MANIPULATED?
· You can’t say “no” to a certain person.
o When you’d like to say no, you feel like you’re obligated, it’s like your under their control. And you may be being manipulated and you’re allowing it if you’re there.
· You always feel guilty. (can’t have any fun, exclusive loyalty)
o This happens in a lot of relationships like when you’re going out to have fun and you feel guilty.
· You feel ultimately responsible. (fear letting down)
o I should have done more, I should have been there for them.
· You compromise your values to please others.
o You find yourself doing things that you usually wouldn’t do… (sexual)
§ You’ll find someone who turns up the heat
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You have to verbalize and then show it.
2) THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK ON ME.
- in the past you could control., but not anymore
- now I don’t do what people want, I do what God wants.
Look at what Jesus said to Peter.
Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Matt 16:21-23
This is not going to work on me – then, call them Satan! J
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Not going to allow another person to control my life.
· If someone else has control, you are committing the sin of idolatry.
o Thou shall have no other Gods before me
§ You can never become all that God wants you to be if you become a people pleaser.
Lawnmower/shopping cart dance- Dysfunctional Dance
When you change the dance you’re going to Step on their toes, then they’re going to squeeze harder and you might want to go to the old dance
– the dance has change
You better be prepared to defend it and it’s going to be hard because sparks are gonna fly.
But hang in there.
Because you’re going to be doing what God wants and not what someone else wants.
The only way you can learn a new dance is to break the rhythm of the first one.
1. you have to recognize when someone is trying to control you
2. You have to say “this is not going to work on me”
3) REDEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP.
Jesus allowed Peter to fail
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." John 21:16
Learn the two-handed backhand – tempting to go back
Obviously, I'm not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant. Gal 1:10 NLT
There’s two scenarios that I want to run by you
First how many of you are being controlled by manipulators , “Yes I’ve allowed someone to control me, but I want to break free”
Second, that you’re a controller, that you probably do so out of fear, that you do think that you might try to manipulate things to make them go a way that you see fit and it’s affecting others, but you want to be free of that.
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Some want to meet God on their terms, but life doesn’t work that way.
You might say “yeah I’m not perfect all the time, but there are some good things that I do that way:
But life doesn’t work that way.
God can’t be controlled or convinced, he can only be known through a life long relationship.
And just like any other healthy relationship you cannot control Him, but He can change your life through His love.
It’s starts like any other relationship and that’s through a conversation with Him.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Difficult People Series Part 1 - Critical People
HANDLING DIFFICULT PEOPLE – 1
CRITICAL PEOPLE
PRAISE AND CRITICISM – WINDOWS TO THE HEART
It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool! Ecclesiastes 7:5 NLT
- Praise – often reveals what you value most.
- Criticism – often reveals your deepest insecurities.
How can you think of saying, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Matthew 7:4 NLT
WRONG RESPONSES
1) FIGHT
2) FLIGHT
RIGHT RESPONSES
1) LISTEN.
- When their motive is to help not hurt.
- When the person can help.
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself…Proverbs 15:31-32 NLT
2) ANSWER.
- When the person is missing information that would change his perception.
- When the person is open to change.
The Ephraimites asked Gideon, ‘Why have you treated us like this?...’ And they criticized him sharply. But he answered them… Judges 8:1-2a
3) DISMISS.
- When the person is characterized by being overly critical.
- When this person emotionally unhealthy or wounded.
Jesus replied, ‘Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be rooted up, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind…they will both fall into a ditch.’ Matthew 15:13-14 NLT
WE CAN’T PLEASE ALL PEOPLE,
BUT WE CAN PLEASE GOD!
For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT
Consumed Part 2 "True Worshipers
June 13th
TRUE WORSHIPERS
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. John 4:23
TRUE WORSHIPERS
1) WORSHIP WITH AWE.
In his right hand he held seven stars…His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead…Revelation 1:16-17a
Shachah (170 times) (shaw-khaw') (to royalty or God) bow down, fall down (flat), do reverence, worship.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29
2) WORSHIP WITH ABANDONMENT.
David said to Michal…’I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes…’ 2 Samuel 6:21-22
Hallal (hal-lal’)–praise, be clamorously foolish or mad before the Lord. – hallelujah.
Worship in the Psalms
Shout to God. Sing a new song.
Dance before Him. Clap your hands.
Bow down. Lift up your heads.
Tell of His might. Stand in awe.
Meditate on His truth. Walk in his ways.
Still your heart. Cast down your idols.
Run to Him. Make a loud noise.
Lift your hands. Tell the nations.
Clash the cymbals. Seek His face.
3) WORSHIP WITH INTIMACY.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:2-5
Sharath (shaw-rath'); to attend as a minister or worshiper.
- When is the last time you have been overwhelmed in the presence of God?
- In view of who God is and what He has done, what is your response of worship?
- God is seeking true worshipers. Is worship a way of life for you?
- Do you know the One True God in an intimate and personal way?
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