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Sunday AM Remix – 2.12.12
“Bold Believers”
Acts 4:1-31
* God isn’t just concerned with what you do, He’s also concerned with how you do it.
* When it comes to living for Christ in a dark world, when it comes to sharing the Gospel with lost people, God isn’t just interested in what we do, He’s also keenly interested in how we do it.
* God wants us to be, longs for us to be, and gives us every reason to be bold for His glory.
* In the New Testament alone, 42 times we are reminded that God wants us to be bold standing on His Word and sharing His truth.
“I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.” Ephesians 6:20 (NLT)
“The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.” Proverbs 28:1 (NLT)
* You never have to protect a lion, you just let it out of the cage and it will protect itself.
* God wants His children to be like that…so moved by God’s grace, so gripped by His power, so armed by His Word that nothing intimidates them. Nothing backs them off of the truth.
BOLD BELIEVERS ARE PEOPLE WITH A…
1. DEEP MOTIVATION.
Boldness is open candor especially in the face of hostility. It is direct communication rooted in a lack of fear.
* Boldness isn’t pulpit pounding, red-faced preacher guy stuff. It’s not shoving it down someone’s throat whether they want to hear it or not.
* Boldness can be very soft, gentle, kind, and loving. It’s not mean; it’s not obnoxious; it’s not pushy. It’s just convinced. It’s not afraid, and it’s going to say it. It’s going to be said in a good way, but it’s going to get said. Why? Because there’s a deep motivation of Christ within.
“Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.” Acts 4:1-4 (NKJV)
* A hostile response isn’t a sign you sharing it wrong.
* No one will come to Christ and be saved because you shared it right, it will be because God did a supernatural work in their heart. The pressure is not on you but God.
* We think we have to come up with some slick, winsome, subtle strategy for people to get it. That’s just not so. No. Just let the lion out of his cage and he will defend himself.
* Our job, like the disciples, is to have a deep motivation to share truth in love and let God do His thing.
* We have decide if we’d rather have people happy with us or God pleased with us.
* Bold Believers are deeply motivated by the desire for others to know Christ and the joy of He brings through His Gospel.
2. DISTINCT MESSAGE.
“And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, ‘By what power or by what name have you done this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’ ” Acts 4:5-12 (NKJV)
* Boldness doesn’t come from what you know, or who you are, or what position you have.
* True boldness for Christ comes from the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
* The same name that brought healing to a lame cripple, and can bring holiness to a loving convert, can bring hatred to a lost crowd.
* There is only one word of salvation, and that is the name of Jesus.
* There is only one way of salvation, and that is the death of Jesus.
* There is only one work of salvation, and that is the resurrection of Jesus.
* TRUTH: Salvation is not in a creed, it is not in a code, it is not in a cause, it is not in a church, it is in Christ. Jesus is not a good way to heaven, He is not a better way to heaven, He is not even the best way to heaven, He is the only way to heaven.
3. DEFINITE MISSION.
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,saying, ‘What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.’ So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.” Acts 4:13-22 (NKJV)
* Ordinary men with neither degree nor pedigree.
* Their lives were so Christ-captured, so Christ-centered, so Christ-controlled, that it was obvious to these religious leaders who the disciples had been with
* The way to be like Jesus is to spend time with Him.
* REALITY: Many of us are far more concerned about what man can do to us than what God can do for us?
* OUCH: If a law were passed today that would make it a crime to talk about Jesus, it wouldn’t bother many of us, because many of us never talk about Jesus anyway.
4. DEPENDENT MINDSET.
“And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: ‘Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.’ ‘For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.’And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:23-31 (NKJV)
* They knew they could not be bold without the help of God.
* They knew they could shrink back up in fear and hide from the authorities if let on their own.
* So they prayed for God to fill them with His Spirit and provide the boldness they needed to preach the Word and spread the Gospel.
* QUESTION: When’s the last time you prayed for boldness? When’s the last time you needed it?
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Acts 4:1-31. Pastor Bob said, “God isn’t just interested in what you do, He’s also concerned with how you do it.” Do you believe this? If so, list some ways we see this in Scripture. How do we see this in Acts 4?
2. What roles did the priest, captain of the guard and the Sadducees play in the ministry of Jesus (Luke 20:27-40, 22:6,52)? What are some of the thoughts Peter and John would have had when seeing these religious people coming at them?
3. What is the most persecution you have experienced due to your faith? How did you take it?
4. Why would the Sadducees oppose the disciples’ preaching?
5. What was Pastor Bob’s definition of boldness? Would you consider yourself a bold believer? Why or why not?
6. Why do you think being a bold believer is important to God? Who in your life does God want you to be a bold witness for Him? How are you doing?
7. Read Matthew 26:69-72 and Acts 4:8-13. How are Peter’s responses different in these two situations? What happened to him? Which one are you more like today? Why?
8. Read verse 13 again. Does this seem harsh or narrow to you? Why? How is this verse controversial today? How do we see Christians trying to soften this verse?
9. Comparing your spiritual life to a car’s gas tank, what is your reading: full to the brim, running low, on empty, half a tank? Explain.
10. How can your group pray specifically for you this week?
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
Today Is The Day – Brewster
Joyful – Brown
Your Name – Baloche
How Great Is Our God – Tomlin
10,000 Reasons – Redman
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
Sunday AM Remix – 2.05.12
“How To Really Care for Hurting People”
* Power is something many of us desire, but it is often misused once we have it.
* Jesus was the most powerful person ever to walk the earth and He never used His power to benefit himself. Instead He used it to benefit others.
* Jesus was never to busy … Even for children to come to him.
* Even on the cross, Jesus ministered to the needs of others.
* Jesus didn’t come to be ministered too but to minister to others, His church is an extension of the life He lived.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10a (NIV)
* Read Acts 3
* Christianity was never meant to replace or displace Judaism, it was meant to fulfill it.
* Observation: The gate was beautiful – the people had valued the gate more than the person who was sitting at the gate.
WE CARE FOR HURTING PEOPLE GOD’S WAY BY…
1. BEING CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND US.
”Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.” Acts 3:1-5 (ESV)
* Real care has to start with real concern
* The ones who want to reach the masses are most passionate about reaching the one.
* QUESTION – when you see someone in need, do you look at them normally, or do you look away?
* God forgive us for the times where we valued our own safety and comfort instead seeing others.
– Accept INTERRUPTIONS. “…were going up to the Temple…”
* If I am going to really help others, I have to be comfortable with interruptions … Just like Jesus was… Most of his miracles were done by interruption.
* Question: how many miracles have I missed because I was unwilling to interrupted.
– Be willing TO LOOK. “…Peter directed his gaze at him…”
* When someone looks at you, it shows value and respect
”But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 (ESV)
* When we minister to others, it is far more a blessing to the person ministering than it is to the person who is being ministered to.
– Rick and Lori Bordas story …
Rick and Lori Bordas are a great Christian couple who have learned this lesson by raising their son Jeffrey. Jeffrey is twenty-three years old and has cerebral palsy. She wrote how this experience deepened their faith and their love for Christ. She said,
“If I had no Jeffrey would I still…
* Know Christ and His forgiveness?
* Would I understand that bad things do happen to good people and would I still be called “sweet woman”?
“If I had no Jeffrey would I still…
* Know so many Disney movies by heart?
* Would I wonder why people think all handicapped people are hard of hearing?
* Would I hate the word retarded?
* Would I wonder if people in wheelchairs wish they could wear out just one pair of shoes?
If I had no Jeffrey would I still…
* Have the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control and things do eventually work out?”
Lori has learned to be attentive and perceptive to the lessons God that has for those who show compassion.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV 1984)
* Compassion is your pain in my heart.
* Question: who needs to experience compassion that you know?
2. BEING CONFIDENT IN THE NAME OF THE ONE WHO WORKS THROUGH US.
“But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts 3:6-10 (ESV)
* God never calls you to give away what you do not have.
* Some of us are buckets not conduits of blessing.
* Sometimes what we think is our greatest is not our greatest need.
* We do people no good when weeny give them what they think they need instead of what they really need.
* Healing isn’t always found in a cure or a desire but what they need.
* QUESTION: What are you willing to do in the name of Jesus Christ
* QUESTION: How confident are you in the name of Jesus Christ.
* QUESTION: How often do we take for granted the fact that we get to come into Gods presence.
3. BEING COMMITTED TO THE GOSPEL THAT SAVED US.
“While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And His name—by faith in His name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you…’” Acts 3:11-20 (ESV)
WHEN SHARING THE GOSPEL BE SURE TO…
– Share ALL TRUTH. V. 11-16
– Show REAL GRACE. V. 17-18
– Supply TRUE HOPE. V. 19-20
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Acts 3:1-10. Peter and John had their day interrupted by God to give attention to this crippled man. Do you allow God to interrupt your schedule for spontaneous ministry? How? In what ways could you see yourself doing better?
2. Describe the contrast you envision between the Beautiful Gate and the broken man. How do you see the priorities of people mixed up in this scenario? Do you see that anywhere today? How about in your life?
3. Pastor Bob mentioned many of us just hurry, with our heads down, from one thing to another. Read Psalm 3:3…with a raised head are you willing to look and pay attention to needs around you? When was the last time you GAZED into a hurting persons eyes? When was the last time you felt compassion ( their pain in your heart) for someone?
4. A plan without the gospel has no real cure. Do you find it heard or embarrassing to mention Jesus to hurting people. Have you ever had a spiritual conversation with a hurting person? How did it go?
5. As you serve others what is the motive of your heart? Is it to build up self, to fill a need, to be noticed serving?
6. Read Acts 3:11-16. How did Peter share the ‘hard truth’ of the Gospel with this crowd? What parts of the Gospel do you have a hard time sharing openly with an unbeliever? Why?
7. From Peter’s second recorded sermon, how would you sum up what it means to become a Christian?
8. Define as a group what is meant by the GOSPEL! How committed and confident was Peter sharing the gospel? Do you struggle sharing the gospel? What is the hardest part of sharing?
9. As a group define GRACE! Talk about a time in your life that you didn’t deserve grace, yet it was given! How did you respond? What was the effect lasting or short term?
10. As a group discuss what you place your HOPE in! Why is it so easy to lose sight of the gospel, grace and and eternal hope? How can we better live in and share the gospel?
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
For Your Glory – Maher
Hosanna – Hillsong
Awakening – Tomlin
10,000 Reasons – Redman
The Solid Rock – Page CXVI
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
Sunday AM Remix – 1.29.12
“The Church God Blesses”
Acts 2:42-47
* As a church, it’s so easy to forget who we are and whose we are. Have you noticed?
* REALITY: when we forget who we are and whose we are, we always forget why we’re here.
* TRUTH: The first church in the book of Acts is kind of the blueprint in many ways of what every church should aim to be.
* TRUTH: The way we become a fully blessed church is that we do what God designed the church to do.
* QUESTION: What is the church supposed to be doing? What is it supposed to be focused on?
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)
* That word ‘steadfastly’ in the Greek means to ‘adhere to or to stick like glue to’. Not causal. Intentional, devoted energy to these things.
GOD BLESSED THE CHURCH THAT IS DEVOTED TO …
1. GOD’S WORD.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…” (v.42)
* The apostle’s doctrine was comprised of the OT, the teaching of Jesus (Great Commission), and the epistles that they eventually wrote.
* Together these equal the Bible we have today.
* REALITY: when you turn on the television you can hear what a network has to say. When you buy a magazine you can hear what a journalist has to say. When you buy a newspaper you can hear what a reporter has to say. When you turn on a song you hear what the singer has to say. But when you open up the Bible, you get to hear what God has to say. And that’s what we need most of all, amen?
* REALITY: People who listen poorly will never hear a good sermon. It doesn’t matter who the speaker is, if your heart isn’t prepared and expectant on receiving God’s Word, you probably won’t ever get it.
* TRUTH: God has designed you to need this book. God has designed you to need/crave this book. Let me show you quickly three things God’s Word has the power to do.
– It has the power to CONVERT US.
“You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT)
“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, Living Word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 (NLT)
* No one, absolutely no one, is saved apart from the Word of God.
* REALITY: If we did not have the Word of God no one would be saved. We would not know how to be saved. The reason many churches are not seeing anyone come to Christ is simply because the Word is not being shared, taught, and preached. It doesn’t matter how good people are to one another, or how friendly they are, or how many programs they have, without the Word of God people will not be saved.
– It has the power to CONVICT US.
“For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
* You can’t be corrected until you are convicted. You can’t be changed until your challenged.
* The Bible is God pointing His loving finger in your face saying, “I’m talking to you.”
* You don’t just read this book, it reads you. This book is alive. It’s not dead letters on a page. This book literally pulsates with life. It breathes, and it bleeds, and it weeps, and it sings.
* Just as Jesus was the living Word of God in the flesh, the bible is the living word of God in print. The living God wrote a living book.
– It has the power to CLEAN US.
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.” John 17:17 (NKJV)
“You are already clean because of the Word which I have spoken to you.” John 15:3 (NKJV)
“You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.” 1 Peter 1:22a (NLT)
* The Bible is heaven’s detergent and God’s soap that can wash away the stain of sin.
* We must never ever get away from preaching/teaching God’s Word.
2. ONE ANOTHER.
“… fellowship…” v. 42 (NKJV)
* Fellowship in the Greek language = koinonia. It’s the first time the word is ever used in the New Testament, and it literally means, “to care so much that you share”.
* Fellowship is relationship expressed through caring and sharing.
* The Foundation of Christian Fellowship is Jesus.
“But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 (NLT)
* Qualifier for Fellowship: ‘if we walk in the light as He is in the light’ then we can have fellowship with one another.”
* It’s based on a common commitment to Christ to live in the light.
* The first church deeply loved Jesus and the Gospel, and because of that they were deeply devoted to one another.
— Levels of Communication
1. SUPERFICIAL.
2. PERSONAL.
3. INTIMATE.
* It is absolutely unhealthy and unbiblical to think that all you need from the church is to come to a worship service.
* REALITY: You need regular contact, involvement, and community with others in this church. You can’t care and share with people you don’t know. You will never devote yourself to people who are strangers.
* QUESTION: If you walked out of this church today and never came back, would anyone even notice? Would anyone’s life be different because you weren’t here? Are you serving or caring in any capacity where you would leave a hole if you didn’t come back?
* The church is not just about you filling up, it’s also about you pouring out.
3. GOD’S PRESENCE.
“… in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” v. 42 (NKJV)
* God works mightily in and through a praying church.
* God works mightily in and through a church that is committed to coming to God’s table together.
* The main thing we should never forget about the Lord’s Table is that it’s fellowship with Jesus. It’s celebrating and enjoying the presence of Almighty God.
4. PERSONAL SACRIFICE.
“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” v. 44-45 (NKJV)
* We preach the Gospel by sharing how Christ was willing to sacrifice Himself for us.
* We demonstrate the Gospel by willing to sacrifice for each other.
“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor Him.” Or Proverbs 19:17, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and He will repay you!” Or Prov. 28:27, “Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty.” Proverbs 14:31
– Results of Personal Sacrifice …
— Miracles were seen.
“Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” Acts 2:43 (NKJV)
* When the church will obey God; God promises to be in their midst and He does things only He can do.
— Unity was savored.
“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.” Acts 2:46-47a (NKJV)
* A unified church is where
… the long hairs, and the short hairs, and the no hairs love each other and work with each other…
…where the suit and tie crowd get along brilliantly with the jeans and t-shirt crowd…
…and nobody judges the other or makes the other feel inferior….
…It’s where the Ph.D’s can sit in the same pew with the high school dropout and they love, appreciate, and value one another…
….It’s where the millionaires can sit next to those on welfare and still hold hands and sing, “We are one in the bond of love.”
* Unity is a oneness of heart, a similarity in purpose, and an agreement on truth. That’s Real Unity.
— People were saved.
“And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47b (NKJV)
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What are you most excited/concerned about in our church right now?
2. Read Acts 2:42-47. Why was devotion and dedication to the apostle doctrine so important to the early church? What happens to the church that ignores God’s Word?
3. Why was the early church so inviting? What would FBCH need to do differently to follow this blue print?
4. Read 1 John 1:7… Understanding this verse, it is only through Christ and the gospel that true fellowship can be achieved. So, talk about real fellowship. How does your group truly practice this type of fellowship. Notice the words deeply and devoted; what does that mean to you?
5. How is our church ‘attractive’ to our community? What could we do better? How do you play a part in that?
6. What is fellowship? What is the closest you have come to experiencing the close fellowship described in this passage in Acts? (Hints: sports teams, military, family, friends, etc.)
7. Pastor Bob mentioned personal sacrifice is important for every member of God’s church? What sacrifices are you making for the benefit of your church? Do you sense you are sacrificing too much, too little, or just the right amount? Why?
8. What is the most attractive element of the early church in Acts? Why?
9. What is your number one desire for FBCH in the future? Why?
10. Pastor Bob mentioned being intensely Joyous in God’s presence. How often do you feel joyous knowing your are in Christ? Talk about issues that prevent you from Joy! How might you pray as a group to move past this issues?
11. What are you sacrificing to be part of FBCH?
This weeks challenge: Please email Kim Webb your ideas on how FBCH can be more inviting and what we can do better to reach our community.
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
First Love
Your Love Never Fails
God is Able
Made to Worship
How Deep the Father’s Love
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
Sunday AM Remix 1.22.12
“Why You Should Believe the Gospel”
Acts 2:14-41
* Have you heard, “What you don’t know won’t hurt you.” …. That’s dumb!!!
* REALITY: What you don’t know can hurt you.
* TRUTH: You will be held accountable for the things you know and don’t know!
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20 (NLT)
* The Gospel = “Good News” The good news is that the Creator of the universe has stepped out of Heaven in the person of Jesus Christ to redeem us sinners to give us life eternally.
* Gospel living is different that being religious.
* Difference between Religion and Gospel Centered Living.
** Religion is man’s way of getting to God. The Gospel is God’s way of getting to man.
** Religion says, ‘if I obey, God will love me’. The Gospel says, ‘because God loves me, I can obey’.
** Religion depends on what I can do. The Gospel depends on what Jesus has done.
** Religion has the goal to get stuff from God. The Gospel has the goal to get God.
** Ultimately, religion is about me. The Gospel is about Jesus.
* The Very first Gospel message ever preached is found in Acts 2:14-41 and it was given to Religious people.
YOU SHOULD BELIEVE THE GOSPEL BECAUSE …
1. THE PROPHECIES that have been FULFILLED.
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “ And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and Your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”’ Acts 2:14-21 (NKJV)
* TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL: It’s doesn’t matter where you have been or what you have done, when you call on the name of the Lord, you will be saved.
PROPHECIES JESUS FULFILLED
* Born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 – Matthew 2:1
* Proceeded by a messenger. Isaiah 40:3 – Matthew 3:1-2
* Enter Jerusalem on a colt. Zechariah 9:9 – Luke 19:35-37
* Betrayed by a friend. Psalm 41:9 – Matthew 25:26
* Feet & hands would be pierced. Psalm 22:16-17 – Matthew 27:35
* Whipped by his enemies. Isaiah 53:5 – Matthew 27:26
* Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. Zech.11:12-13 – Matt. 26:15
* Spit upon. Isaiah 50:6 – Matthew 26:67-68
* Crucified among criminals. Isaiah 53:12 – Matthew 27:38
* Gamble for his clothing. Psalm 22:18 – Mark 15:24
* Pierced through. Zechariah 12:10 – John 19:34
* Darkness upon his death. Amos 8:9 – Mark 15:33
* Buried as a criminal in a rich man’s tomb. Isaiah 53:9 – Matthew 28:57-58
* There are 333 Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament 224 of them are fulfilled in Jesus.
Odds of fulfilling just 8 of these prophesies: 1 IN A SEPTILLION (10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000).
2. THE MIRACLES that Jesus PERFORMED.
‘Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know . . .’ Acts 2:22 (NKJV)
* Miracles – Go against all odds; Wonders – make us think how could this happen; Signs – Point us in the direction of Christ.
* TRUTH: Miracles happen to point people to Christ!
3. THE GRAVE of Jesus IS EMPTY.
‘Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David says concerning Him: “I foresaw the LORD always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.” Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.’ Acts 2:23-32 (NKJV)
* TRUTH: The Gospel will mean nothing to us until we realize that it was our sin, (my sin) that nailed Jesus to the Cross.
4. THE ENEMIES of Jesus WILL BE DEFEATED.
‘For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’ Acts 2:34-36 (NKJV)
“Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” Hebrews 10:29 (NKJV)
* The rejection of Christ is the only sin you can’t be forgiven for.
HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO THE GOSPEL?
* When the Gospel drives deep down in your heart you become undone.
“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:37-38 (NKJV)
* BELIEVE wholeheartedly.
* REPENT sincerely.
* CONFESS publicly.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What excuses do people use for not knowing God or understanding the Gospel? Read Romans 1:20. What does God say about this? Why are there no excuses?
2. If you had to describe the Gospel to someone in three minutes or less what would you say? What Scriptures would you use?
3. What are some differences between the Gospel and religion? Why is religion so dangerous?
4. Read Acts 2:14-17. God says He will one day pour out His Spirit on ‘on flesh’. Pastor Bob pointed out that God does not pour out His Spirit without exception but without distinction. What does that mean? Why is this important?
5. Read Acts 2:14-21. The Apostle Peter pointed to the prophesy of Joel to strengthen his argument for the Gospel. There are more than 200 messianic prophesies fulfilled in the New Testament that point to Jesus being the Savior of the world. How does this strengthen your faith? How could you use this to share your faith with a friend?
6. Read Acts 2:22. How do Jesus’ miracles point to His deity? Have you ever witnessed a miracle? What is the ultimate point of God doing miracles and wonders today?
7. Read Acts 2:23. How did we help crucify Jesus? How does that strengthen your life Jesus Christ?
8. Read Acts 2:24-32. What difference would it make if they found the bones of Jesus? How does the truth of the resurrection separate Christianity from all the other major religions of the world?
9. Read Acts 2:37-38. The Jews were ‘undone’ or ‘pierced through’ by the Gospel? When is the last time you’ve felt like this? Why is this a proper response to the Gospel?
10. What does it mean to repent of sin? Why is it not good enough just to be sorry for your sin?
11. Why is baptism an important part of a believers life? What are some excuses you’ve heard for not being baptized? What would be your response to a person who professes to be a Christian but refuses to then be baptized?
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
Hosanna
Your Grace is Enough
Revelation Song
Christ is Risen
Praise the Father, Praise the Son
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
Sunday AM Remix – 1.15.12
“A Real Ghost Story”
Acts 2:1-13
* You can’t understand the book of Acts until you have an understanding of the Holy Spirit.
* REALITY: Most Baptist Churches Seldom talk about the Holy Spirit.
* Sometimes we are afraid of the Holy Spirit because we have a lack of knowledge of who He is and what He does.
* God will only call you to do things for your good and for His Glory.
“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:2 (ESV)
* The Hebrew Word for Spirit is Ruwach (Roo’-akh) – wind; a violent exhalation; a blast of breath
* The Greek Word for SpiritPneuma (pnyoo’-mah) – a strong breeze or current of air
Cross references: Genesis 1:2 : Jer. 4:23
3 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT:
* The Day of Pentecost is a one time event where the Holy Spirit was given to believers to empower them and draw others to Jesus.
* REMEMBER: Bethlehem reveals God with us, Calvary reveals God for us, and Pentecost reveals God in us.
1. WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
* In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit showed up on occasion to specify people. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit stays with us.
* In the Old Testament the Holy spirit came in the form of wind and Fire.
** Wind – people could feel but not see
** Fire – used to purify
* Baptism of the Holy Spirit happens at conversion, (when someone confesses sin and believes in the work of Jesus on the Cross)
“Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 (NLT)
* Some believe that since The Apostles received the Holy Spirit in such a way that we all receive Him that way. However,the Apostles are the exception not the rule because the Holy Spirit is now here.
“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.)” Romans 8:9 (NLT)
* You can’t be a Christian without the Holy Spirit … You do not graduate from Jesus because there is nothing better.
* REALITY: The real question is not about having more of the Holy Spirit, but about the Holy Spirit having more of you.
* The Spirit is always there … but are we with Him?
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. . .” Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)
2. SHOULD EVERYONE WHO IS BAPTIZED IN AND FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT SPEAK IN TONGUES?
* No! Next Question (just kidding)
* 2 types of Tongues used in the Bible
– Native language
– Heavenly/Prayer language
* Tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit, since it is a gift just like the other Spiritual Gifts, not everyone has it.
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NLT)
* Just because men abuse the gift of tongues doesn’t mean that God doesn’t give it or use it as a Spiritual Gift.
* The evidence of the Holy Spirit isn’t always found in speaking in tongues, but in learning how to control the tongue you have.
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:18-21 (NKJV)
* Music is the language of the soul.
– Many of us are prison singers, behind a few bars and can’t find the key.
– God doesn’t expect you to be an expert singer, he just desires that you worship. That’s why the Bible says to Make a Joyful Noise!
3. HOW CAN I BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?
~ Acknowledge His PRESENCE in your lives.
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38 (ESV)
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)
* Some of us still have not acknowledge the Holy Spirit in our life.
Cross references:
1. Acts 2:38 : Acts 3:19; 20:21; 26:18, 20; Luke 24:47
2. Acts 2:38 : Acts 22:16; [Acts 8:12]; See Mark 16:16
3. Acts 2:38 : Acts 10:48; See Acts 8:16
4. Acts 2:38 : See Mark 1:4
5. Acts 2:38 : Acts 10:45; [Acts 8:15, 20; 11:17]; See John 7:39
~ Empty yourself of ANY KNOWN SIN.
* You have to be empty before you can be filled up.
“Do not quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NKJV)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)
* Some of us don’t experience the power of the Holy Spirit because we keep putting out the Spirits Fire.
~ PRAY to be filled.
‘Which of you fathers, if your son asks fora fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!’ Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)
Cross references:
1. Acts 1:8 : Acts 4:33; Luke 24:49; 1 Thess. 1:5; [Acts 10:38; Luke 4:14]
3. Acts 1:8 : [Acts 1:22]; See Luke 24:48
4. Acts 1:8 : [Isa. 43:12]
5. Acts 1:8 : Acts 8:1, 14; [Matt. 10:5]
6. Acts 1:8 : Acts 13:47; [Mark 16:15; Col. 1:23]
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom . . .” Colossians 3:16 (NIV)
* The Holy Spirit did His work in writing the Scripture; and when we read and study the Scripture, we are allowing Him to fill up our life and our mind with His thoughts and His power.
~ Practice OBEDIENCE.
‘Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.’ John 14:21 (NLT)
* When you disobey Jesus you quench the Spirit in your life. When you obey, even though it’s difficult and tedious, you make it more and more possible for the Holy Spirit to flow through your life.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. List some reasons people are afraid of the Holy Spirit. What reservations do you have for allowing the Holy Spirit to have total control of your life?
2. Read Acts 2:1-4. The Holy Spirit is seen as wind and fire. Why? Where else is this seen in Scripture?
3. Pastor Bob talked about how Bethlehem, Calvary, and Pentecost are similar in that they are all one-time experiences never to be repeated. Why is that important to know? What impact do all of these have on Christians today?
4. How is the presence of the Holy Spirit in believer’s lives different in the New Testament than the Old Testament?
5. When is a Christian baptized in the Holy Spirit? Read Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:9. Why is this important to understand?
6. Read Ephesians 5:18-21. What’s the difference between being baptized in the Spirit and filled with the Spirit? What are some marks of a Spirit filled Christian?
7. What is speaking in tongues? Have you ever experienced it yourself or with someone close to you? Do you think God still uses this gift today with believer’s?
8. What is our responsibility in being filled with the Spirit? What are ways that we ‘quench’ (1 Thess. 5:19) the Spirit in our life?
9. What area of your life have you been reluctant to fully hand over to God? Why? What do you sense you are struggling to do with your own power and not in God’s power?
10. What is the one ‘take away’ about the Holy Spirit that is most meaningful and necessary for you today?
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
Come Thou Fount
Our God
Nothing But The Blood
You Are God Alone
Blessed Be Your Name
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
Sunday AM Remix – 1.08.12
“Mission Possible”
Acts 1
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)
* Nothing is impossible if we do it God’s Way!
* No One is mission impossible
* QUESTION: Where does it seem impossible for God to be working in your life? Have you ever put God in the “This is Impossible” Box?
*REALITY: Impossible Things become Possible when God’s People, do God’s Work, God’s Way!
THE CHURCH’S MISSION OF BEING A WITNESS TO THE WORLD FOR CHRIST IS POSSIBLE WHEN WE . . .
1. WAIT ON GOD’S TIMING.
“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” Acts 1:4-5 (ESV)
“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, ‘Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’ (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlonghe burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) ‘For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it”; and “Let another take his office.” So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.’ And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, ‘You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:12-26 (ESV)
* Sometimes we get way ahead of God’s timing, because we want it now.
* Being the Church is a together deal. The Holy Spirit moves in greater power when the Church is in Unity.
* TRUTH: God has a plan even when we feel like He doesn’t!!!!
* CONFESSION: In what areas or ways have I had a hard time waiting on God?
4 Kinds of Wrong Waiting:
– Red-Light Waiting.
* Revved up ready to go but everyone including God seems to be in the way.
* Causes us to try to manipulate and control God
– Bruise the Fruit Waiting.
* Waiting impatiently on God to do something in someone else.
– Refuse the Detour Waiting.
* Going around the detour because we think we have a better way.
– Burnt Tongue Waiting.
* If I would have just waited …
“Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalms 27:14 (NKJV)
“Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.” Psalms 37:34 (NKJV)
“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
* We must understand that the Journey is not a know Journey, it is a Go Journey.
2. DEPEND ON GOD’S POWER.
* TRUTH: Gods People, with God’s Power, produces God’s Results, for God’s Glory!
“So when they had come together, they asked Him, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ And when He had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:6-11 (ESV)
Cross references:
1. Acts 1:6 : See Luke 17:20
2. Acts 1:6 : [Mic. 4:8; Matt. 17:11; Mark 9:12; Luke 19:11]
3. Acts 1:7 : [Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32]
4. Acts 1:7 : Dan. 2:21; 1 Thess. 5:1
5. Acts 1:8 : ch. 4:33; Luke 24:49; 1 Thess. 1:5; [ch. 10:38; Luke 4:14]
7. Acts 1:8 : [ver. 22]; See Luke 24:48
8. Acts 1:8 : [Isa. 43:12]
9. Acts 1:8 : ch. 8:1, 14; [Matt. 10:5]
10. Acts 1:8 : ch. 13:47; [Mark 16:15; Col. 1:23]
12. Acts 1:9 : See 1 Thess. 4:17
13. Acts 1:10 : [Luke 24:4]
14. Acts 1:10 : Josh. 5:13; Dan. 9:21; 10:5; 12:6, 7; Zech. 1:8-11
15. Acts 1:10 : Matt. 28:3; Mark 16:5; John 20:12
16. Acts 1:11 : ch. 2:7; 13:31
17. Acts 1:11 : [Phil. 3:20; 1 Thess. 1:10]; See Matt. 16:27
18. Acts 1:11 : 2 Thess. 1:10
“We give honor to God. He is able to make you strong as I preach from the Holy Writings about Jesus Christ. It was a secret hidden from the beginning of the world. But now it is for us to know. The early preachers wrote about it. God says it is to be preached to all the people of the world so men can put their trust in God and obey Him. May God, Who only is wise, be honored forever through our Lord Jesus Christ. Let it be so.” Romans 16:25-27 (NLT)
* REALITY: More Christians are depending on their own power instead of relying on God’s Power.
* God has demonstrated His Power in Miracles, and does demonstrate His Power in Miracles, but the point is not about the miracle, it’s about His Power for us to be a Witness.
3 Human Substitutes for Holy Spirit Power for Witnessing:
– Obligation
* You go to church and hear teachers/preachers say, “Do your job. Have you told anyone about Jesus? Just do it!! Just get out there and do it!” You say, ‘Ok, ok. I’m under contract and obligation.’
– Guilt
* You know if you really loved the Lord, you’d tell someone. You must not really love Him or you’d say something. You walk out feeling like garbage. So out of guilt you try to share.
– Formula
* If I can just learn this … then I would share Christ more.
* REALITY: Nothing compares to a personal experience!
* The best witness is someone who has had a personal experience with Jesus and tells others from that perspective.
3. FOCUS ON GOD’S PLAN.
‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ Acts 1:8 (ESV)
– We are to go to our community (Jerusalem), our country (Judea, Samaria) and to the continents (the end of the earth).
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What have been some of your favorite experiences in church? What experiences have been difficult or disappointing?
2. When you talk about your church what do you mention most? Why?
3. Read Ephesians 5:25. How are Christians supposed to love God’s church today? In practical terms, what does that look like for each of us? How are you doing?
4. Where is it most difficult for you to be a witness for Jesus Christ? Why? How is it different from anywhere else?
5. Read Acts 1:1-5. What did Jesus order the disciples to do? Why? What would have happened if they ignored Jesus’ command and moved forward?
6. Do you have difficulty waiting on God? Read Ps. 27:14, 37:34, and Is. 40:31. What are the promises given for those who wait? What is God making you wait on right now in your life?
7. Read Acts 1:6-11. Where was the real power going to come from to turn the world upside down for Christ? How do we receive that same power today? Do you depend on Him to witness to others, or do you tend to trust your own timing, personality, and persuasiveness?
8. Describe your last heart pounding, mind-boggling, pulse quickening encounter with God? How often do you think God wants us to experience these moments with Him? How would frequent experiences like this help you in witnessing?
9. Read Acts 1:8 again. What is God’s plan for the church to reach the world? How do you see our church obeying/disobeying this command? How are you helping right now?
10. What is God’s main message to you today through this study?
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
When the Water Rise
The Wonderful Cross
Awakening
Healing Is In Your Hands
Blessed Be Your Name
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
Sunday AM Remix – 12.11.11
“IN HUMILITY”
* We love to see humility done well in others. In fact humility is so beautiful that it is breathtaking when it is done in front of us.
* REALITY: we don’t see humility lived out as often as we should.
* We have famous people all the time living out the opposite of humility … pride.
* GREAT INSIGHT: Humility is like a diamond, its valuable because it is rare.
* TRUTH: The most humble expression shown to man came in the birth of Christ
* He became nothing so we could become something.
* The Bible says over 40 times to “humble yourselves.”
* REALITY: Humility is best and most authentic when you do it yourself.
* TRUTH: You are never more like God then when you humble yourself.
“. . . All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV)
* Greek word for humble = Tapeinos. It literally means to level a hill or mountain.
* Humility is not a badge you where but an attitude you have. It is an intentional act.
BE WRAPPED UP IN HUMILITY THIS CHRISTMAS BY …
1. FIGHTING AGAINST YOUR PRIDE.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)
* Unity requires humility.
* What defiles a man is what is on the inside . . . . All of us were born with pride.
* Pride is natural … Humility is super natural.
* Pride is one of those diseases that make everyone around you sick.
The PQ test (prideful quotient)
1. I enjoy being the center of attention. yes or no
2. I think I deserve the best. yes or no
3. Much of my conversation is filled with “I”. yes or no
4. I find it difficult to admit that I’m wrong. yes or no
5. I seldom pass a mirror without looking at myself. yes or no
6. I’m stubborn-I don’t like to be corrected or change! yes or no
7. My feelings are easily hurt. yes or no
8. I am impatient with other people’s mistakes. yes or no
9. I don’t get enough appreciation for all that I do. yes or no
10. I’m offended if I render a service and don’t receive a “thank you”. yes or no
11. I seldom ask for help, because I can do the job better myself. yes or no
12. I feel pretty good that I didn’t check “yes” to every question. yes or no
3 Big Problems With Pride:
– Pride produces CONFLICT.
* There is no problem to big to be worked out, just people to small to solve them.
“Pride leads to conflict . . .” Proverbs 13:10a (NLT)
– Pride leads TO RUIN.
* Whatever you want to ruin, just be prideful.
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)
* The only place pride doesn’t go before a fall is in the dictionary.
* Satan had a pride problem and it led to ruin. READ – Isaiah 14
* LEGIT: Satan isn’t working another scheme, he’s just presenting to you a different apple.
– Pride provokes GOD.
* In proverbs thee are 12 things God hates and pride is number 1.
“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 (NKJV)
* When you are prideful you put yourself on the opposite side of God.
* If you don’t humble yourself, God will humble you!!!
2. FOLLOWING AFTER YOUR EXAMPLE.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)
Steps that God took to reveal humility …
Step Down #1: God came to EARTH.
* The word “Form” = the “essence of” or “character of”. Jesus is the essence of God. He was the unchangeable character of God.
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. . .” Colossians 1:15a (NLT)
Step Down #2: God became a MAN.
* Incarnate – carne = means meat! Jesus is the physical presence of God. He is God with meat on his bone. He is God with skin on.
* Jesus is fully God, yet fully man.
Step Down #3: Jesus came to DIE.
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Philippians 2:8 (NKJV)
* Jesus humiliated himself so that He could exonerate you and I.
* Why did He do this …
– To demonstrate Gods love
– Pay for our sins.
“. . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
“. . . who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 (NIV)
* TRUTH: On Jesus was laid my death so that on me could be laid his life.
* TRUTH: One of these days every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord
* QUOTE: We can’t get credit for kneeling when it becomes impossible to stand – C.S. Lewis
* REMEMBER: EGO = Edging God Out
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What’s the most humbling thing you do on a regular basis? Why do you do it? Who do you do it for?
2. Read 1 Peter 5:5-6. Why do you think God commands us in Scripture to ‘humble ourselves’? Why doesn’t He do it for us? What practical ways do we ‘clothe’ ourselves in humility? How might you humble yourself this week so others might be lifted up?
3. Read Philippians 2:1-4. Reading between the lines, what seems to be the problem in church at Philippi? What does it mean to consider someone ‘better than yourself’ (verse 3)?
4. On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your pride level? Read Proverbs 13:10, 16:8, 11:2, and James 4:6. What kind of problems does pride cause? How have you seen this happen in your own life?
5. How does humility differ from being a doormat?
6. Pastor Bob mentioned pride is root of all sin. Do you agree with this statement? Why are why not? Talk about the last time your pride got you in a disagreement? Why is it so difficult to battle our pride?
7. Pastor Bob mentioned that Satan appealed to Eve’s pride and she gave in and eat the apple. What is your “apple”…where do you give in to pride? What area in your life is the most difficult to hand over to God?
8. Read Philippians 2:5-11. What does it mean that Jesus is ‘in the form of God’? What do you think it was like for Jesus to leave heaven and become human?
9. In what ways did Jesus demonstrate that He was 100% human? In what ways did He demonstrate that He was 100% God?
10. Pastor Bob shared two specific reasons Jesus came to die? Do you remember what they were? Check out Romans 5:8 and 1 Peter 2:24.
11. How can Jesus’ example inspire you to think less of yourself and more about others?
12. Jesus rescued us from being a slave to pride! Do you feel that freedom or do you feel enslaved to your pride? Why or Why Not?
13. What is one specific way you can imitate Christ’s humility this coming week?
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
Joy To The World (Unspeakable) – Tomlin
The First Noel – Wickham
He Is Exalted – Shane & Shane
Filled With Glory – Gungor
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
Sunday AM Remix – 12-04-11
“In Generosity”
* Just because there are things we have possession of … doesn’t necessarily make them our things.
* The Bible says that we own nothing, but are stewards of many things.
* One of the marks of a spirit filled church and spirit filled christian is Generosity. Look at these verses,
“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 15:10 (NLT)
“The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.” Psalm 37:21 (NLT)
“Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.” Psalm 112:4 (NLT)
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)
“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 (NLT)
“But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.” Isaiah 32:8 (NLT)
* REMINDER: Generosity is not about stuff, it’s a reflection of your heart.
* QUESTION: When it comes to possessions and generosity, where is your heart? Does it drift toward the things of the world or the things of God?
* REALITY: Many times we don’t like to talk or think about generosity because it hurts. However, when the Lord speaks and it hurts or you don’t like it, it indicates and an area that is unhealthy and needs to be healed.
TWO THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GENEROSITY
1. Generosity defeats MATERIALISM.
* Every time you give generously your heart grows.
“You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24b (NIV)
2. Generosity makes me MORE LIKE GOD.
* It’s part of the sanctification process. Every time we give we become more like Him.
‘For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son . . .’ John 3:16a (NLT)
* TRUTH: You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.
* When God is living on the inside of you, you think generous thoughts!
* When you realize nothing is yours, it’s easier to be generous! Ex. If its someone else’s money, it’s easier to give away.
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give You only what You first gave us!” 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NLT)
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Psalm 24:1 (NLT)
* When we get angry and defensive about being generous we take for-granted all the things God gives us.
* What if God started to take away everything he let’s us use?
LEVELS OF GENEROSITY
Level #1: Generous people start with A TITHE.
* The Hebrew word for tenth = Ma`aser
* This is the most basic form of generosity.
‘”A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.”’ Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)
* A tithe is a tenth of everything that comes in.
* In scripture it’s the first tenth that we are supposed to give.
* You can rob someone without harm simply by withholding something from them.
* When you neglect to tithe you rob (withhold what is his) God.
‘Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, “In what way have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’ Malachi 3:8-10 (NKJV)
* Some would say that this is Old Testament and now we are under grace so it doesn’t apply. However, like one pastor said, To give less under grace than the law is a disgrace.
* God has given us a tithe to know where generosity begins. This is his way of teaching us how to be generous.
* We use the excuse that we don’t have enough to tithe … Can we really afford to rob or steal from God?
* QUESTION: Are you a tither? What are the challenges or blessings you have seen in tithing? What is one thing you would say to someone wanting to grow in this area?
* Old Testament Temple = New Testament Church
* You can designate your offering but not your tithe.
* We do this so there may be food in the house. In other words we do this so ministry can go out.
* INTERESTING STAT: If every church member in the US was put on welfare but everyone tithed off of that check, every church in the US would experience a 30% increase in income.
* God can do more with 90 percent than you can do with 100 percent! God will take care of you!
* The only place that God dares us to challenge Him is in our giving.
Level #2: Generous people give WILLINGLY.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)
* The Greek word for cheerful = Hilaros. This is the attitude we should have when giving.
* Generosity is not about the amount, but the attitude.
* Sometimes we are more convicted about what we give or don’t give instead of the condition of our heart.
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NIV)
* When your attitude is right, God will make sure the amount is right.
Level #3: Generous people give SACRIFICIALLY.
* This is where we give even when and tho it hurts.
“But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’” 2 Samuel 24:24 (NIV)
* Our God is a sacrificial God and He expects us to be giving sacrificially to make us like Him?
* QUESTION: When was the last time you gave and felt it?
* God is crazy to love us the way he does and when we give sacrificially it shows him how crazy we are about Him.
“Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’” Mark 12:43-44 (NIV)
* Where are you today? What is God asking you to give?
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What’s the most generous thing anyone has ever done for you? What is the most generous thing you’ve done in the last month?
2. Read the following Scripture passages, and talk about the commands and promises concerning generosity.
Deuteronomy 15:10, “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.”
Psalm 37:21, “The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.”
Psalm 112:4, “Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.”
Proverbs 11:25, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Proverbs 22:9, “Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.”
Isaiah 32:8, “But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.”
3. Read Matthew 6:24. Why do you think so many people struggle with greed and materialism? What area of your life do you struggle to be generous?
4. Pastor Bob said when we struggle to be generous with what God has given us it’s a sign we are really struggling with ownership. Do you agree? Why or why not?
5. Read Leviticus 27:30 and Malachi 3:8-10. What is a tithe? Do you think tithing is for New Testament Christians today? Why or why not? Do you think God has lowered His standard of generosity from Old Testament days to the New Testament times? What does that mean for us today?
6. What are the promised blessings of tithing and consequences of not tithing? Have you experienced either of these in your life?
7. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. What are some of the principles of giving that we learn in this passage? In what area do you do well? In what area do you need to improve?
8. Have you ever given sacrificially to the Lord? Do you think God ever calls us to do this? Why or why not?
9. How do generosity and financial planning fit together?
10. What is the clearest thing God is saying to you through this study?
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
Salvation Is Here – Houston
Go Tell It – Davis
God Is Able – Morgan & Fielding
I Surrender All
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
Sunday AM Remix – 11.27.11
“I Will Dwell In the House of the Lord Forever”
* A lot of people spend their lives worrying about tomorrow. They never enjoy today because they’re worrying about tomorrow. Why? Because we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.
* REALITY: We can’t control what’s going to happen. Instead, we worry, fret, and agonize over what could happen.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. Psalm 23
* FACT: David ends this psalm with extreme confidence.
* QUESTION: Is it easier for you to focus on the fear of what could be or to have faith in what can be? Why or How?
* As believers we can face the future with confidence.
I CAN FACE THE FUTURE CONFIDENTLY …
1. BECAUSE GOD’S GOODNESS IS WATCHING OVER ME.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life . . .” Psalm 23:6a (NKJV)
* TRUTH: God’s goodness is tracking us down all the time.
* REALITY: Bad things still happen to Godly people.
* PROMISE: God promises that He will use everything that happens to us for our good. No matter what bad or evil things come our way, if the Lord is our shepherd, He will make sure goodness comes out of whatever happens.
* Psalm 23:6 is to the Old Testament what Romans 8:28 is to the New Testament, look what it says …
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
* There is no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, disaster in the life of a Christian that ultimately God won’t bring good out of. Eventually, God’s goodness will flow out of it. Somehow.
* Sometimes we are so close to the situation that we can’t see how God is working and even wonder Why He is letting this happen, or How could this be gods plan? It may take day, months, or years before we see that God wasn’t absent, he was just quietly growing us in the process.
* REMINDER: Paul wrote much of the New Testament while sitting in prison.
* Psalm 23 is a Shepherds Psalm. It’s a reminder of how a shepherd is supposed to lead his sheep. And we know that the shepherd of this psalm is the Savior in the Gospels.
* Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd
* The word ‘good’ doesn’t mean nice; it means unique or one of a kind.
* Jesus was saying there is no one like me, so there is no one who can take care of you like I can. So follow Me and I’ll lead you into goodness.
* For 33 years living life on this earth, Jesus went about doing good for His sheep. Listen, what He did then, He is doing now. The Good Shepherd is still doing good for His sheep.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)
* TRUTH: Everything good in my life comes as a gift from God.
* QUESTION: What are the good things that God has given you that sometimes you overlook?
“. . . The goodness of God endures continually.” Psalm 52:1b (NKJV)
“The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 (NKJV)
“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45b (NIV)
“He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:5 (NKJV)
* You can’t go anywhere in this world where you can’t find some evidence of the goodness of God.
* OUR PROBLEM: We take God’s goodness for granted so often that we don’t often realize just how good God really is, and how we benefit from His goodness every second of every day.
2. BECAUSE GOD’S GRACE IS WORKING IN ME.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. . .” Psalm 23:6a (NKJV)
* The word ‘Mercy’ here is the Hebrew word ‘Hesed’. It’s used 246 times in the Old Testament and half of those are in the book of Psalms. It’s David’s favorite word to describe God’s attitude toward His children. Hesed can be rendered mercy or loving-kindness or overwhelming grace.
* Mercy is the flip side of Grace. In fact, mercy is the result of God’s grace.
* God’s grace is the vehicle that carries God’s mercy to you. You could even say that grace is mercy in action.
“. . . I will now have mercy on you through My grace.” Isaiah 60:10b (NLT)
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. . .” Psalm 23:6a (NKJV)
* The Hebrew word for ‘follow’ literally means ‘to pursue or chase down’.
* REALITY: God’s goodness and His mercy pursue us, chase us down, run after us, and stays right on our heels all the days of our lives.
* REMINDER this is a shepherd song’s. Shepherds don’t drive sheep, they lead sheep.
* QUESTION: who are you Shepherding? Are you leading them or driving them? What do you feel like you need to do?
“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)
* If you belong to the Lord, if the Lord is your shepherd, you don’t have to face the future with a question mark, you can face it with an exclamation point. Because Gods goodness and mercy follows you, picking up the pieces, cleaning up the messes, and making you complete by His Grace and Mercy found in Christ Jesus.
3. BECAUSE GOD’S GLORY IS WAITING FOR ME.
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6b (NKJV)
* The word And here is very important because that little word connects our today’s with our tomorrows. It binds our present with our future.
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple.” Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
* David had one purpose in life: to glorify God. He had one goal for his future: to live in the presence of God forever and ever and ever.
“We know that our body—the tent we live in here on earth—will be destroyed. But when that happens, God will have a house for us. It will not be a house made by human hands; instead, it will be a home in heaven that will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NCV)
* This is why Christians should be the most confident people on the planet. We know who we are, whose we are, and where we’re going when we die.
“So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. . . Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6, 8 (NLT)
* PERSPECTIVE: Death, for Christians, is a transfer, a promotion. It’s on to better things. No more problems, not more tears, no more sin. But you’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die. You don’t know how to live until you’re ready to die.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
In this Psalm, God saves the best for last. From the very beginning, He tells us that will lack nothing. He says when we’re hungry, He will lead us to green pastures. When we’re thirsty, He will lead us to still waters. When we’re lost, He will find us and lead us down the right path. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He will protect us with His rod and staff. And even when we are surrounded by our enemies, we will eat in calmness and abundance from His table, knowing He is right beside us all the time.
He promises our earthly life will be full of goodness and mercy, and all of that is wonderful, but this Psalm closes by saying that if the Lord is your Shepherd the best is yet to be. In other words, the best moments of your existence are still ahead. You haven’t seen anything until you reach your final destination.
Listen…life is hard. There are struggles, and strife, and countless issues we have to deal with, but listen, God is saying to you right now…keep your fork…the best, His best, is yet to come.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you look forward to most when you think about heaven?
2. Confidence is something we all hope to possess. In your life what does does confidence look like and in what areas do you feel you have this confidence? Where do you think this confidence come from?
3. On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that you are going to heaven when you die? What do you base your ‘score’ on?
4. Read Ps. 23:6, 1 John 5:13, Romans 8:35-39. What do these verses have to say about being confident in your salvation? How should this assurance bolster the way you live?
5. Read Ps. 33:5, 52:1, 145:9. What do these verses say about the goodness of God? What do you think David means when he says that God’s goodness follows him every day of his life? Are you experiencing this? Why or why not?
6. What’s the difference between grace and mercy? Why do we need both? How do both of these wonderful gifts of God play a role in your every day life?
7. Pastor Bob said grace is the vehicle that carries God’s mercy to you …. grace is mercy in action. Grace is a gift to you that you don’t deserve. Gods grace pursues us, it chases us down. How does this change your prospective of thinking God is angry with you?
8. Pastor Bob noted that the Shepherd lead the sheep he didn’t drive the sheep. When it comes to your leadership, do you tend to lead or drive the people around you? How is this impacting your relationships?
9. Read Lamentations 3:22. Why is it important for a Christian to know that God’s mercy never runs out? How should that affect your walk with Christ?
10. Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-8. How does Paul’s future ‘home’ affect his daily living? Is Paul more motivated by the desire to be with Christ, or by fear of judgment? Which motivates you?
11. Pastor Bob mentioned the best is yet to come, speaking about Heaven. What do you imagine heaven to be like? Read John 14:2-4
Do you know people that aren’t aware of God’s glory awaiting them? How might you ministry to them after hearing today’s sermon?
12. What part of Psalm 23 is most impacting your life right now? Why?
MUSICAL WORSHIP SET
You Never Let Go – Redman
Everlasting God – Brown
My Reward – Stanfill
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Sweetly Broken – Riddle
We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here. While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.
As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.
From the Inside Out by Dan Gould 