8-28-11 A Compelling Call & Convincing Commitment - Galatians 6:2, 5; Romans 12:1-2

A Compelling Call & Convincing Commitment

Galatians 6:2, 5; Romans 12:1-2

My humor on church attendance.

Introduction:
Lady's story behind song Take My Life and Let it Be.


Burden Bearing
Galatians 6:2, 5
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. V 2
For each will have to bear his own load. V 5

Convincing Commitment
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 ESV

Looking Within
Consecration V. 1 (What is going on around us) (About our Bodies)
Transformation V. 2 (What is going on in us) (About our Minds)
Evaluation V. 3

Serving Others
In Principle Vv. 4-5
In Practice Vv 6-8

8-21-11 Spiritual Living Galatians 6:1-10

Spiritual Living
Galatians 6:1-10

Defining Spirituality.


Demonstrating Spirituality:
(Galatians 6:1-10)
* Bearing Burdens. (5:26-6:6)
    * How not to treat one another (5:26)
    * How to treat one another. (6:1)

Spiritual Family Support:
1. Who should do it? (6:1a; 5:22-23)
2. How should it be done? (6:1)
3. What is the goal? (6:1)

Intentions of Spiritual People:
1. Pick up rather than put down. (6:1)
2. Build up rather than enable. (6:2, 5)
3. Look up rather than look down. (6:3-4)
4. Hold up rather than tear down. (6:6)

* Sharing Blessings. (6:6-10)
God's Harvest Laws:
1. Reap what you plant.
2. Reap in different season than you plant.
3. Reap more than you plant.
4. Last years harvest is done -- plan for next year's planting.

Paul's Point About Spiritual Blessings:
* The Divine Law Stated (6:7b)
* The Divine Law Explained (6:8)
* The Divine Law Fulfilled (6:9)
* The Divine Law Applied (6:10)

8-14-11 Backsliding Into Legalism Galatians 3:1-14

Backsliding Into Legalism

Galatians 3:1-14

The Instinct to Work Your Way into a Positive Relationship.

The Problem of Working for God's Relationship. (Galatians 3:1-14)
Paul's Argument for A Faith Relationship:
* People's Experience (vs. 1-5)
1. The Believer's Experience with Christ. (v. 1)
2. The Believer's Experience with the Holy Spirit. (v. 2-4)
3. The Believer's Experience with the Father. (v. 5)
* God's Scripture (vs. 6-14)
1. Positive Proof from the Old Testament. (vs. 6-9)
2. Negative Proof from the Old Testament. (vs. 10-12)
3. Positive Hope in Jesus Christ. (vs. 13-14)

The Christ-follower's Efforts to Prevent Deception.
* Remember the Cross
* Remember the Beginning and Think About It.
* Remember True Experience
* Remember the Scripture
* Remember the Cleansing

It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone.

8-7-11 pm Keeping The Spirit of Our Faith

Keeping The Spirit of Our Faith

2 Corinthians 4:13

My Eyes Are Dry #792 ?

2 Corinthians 4:13
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, NIV

But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, so I spoke." (NLT)

Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, (ESV)

Greg K story with John

1 Timothy 1:19
keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. (NASV)

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (NLT)

1 Timothy 3:9
They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.


Hebrews 12:2
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. (NLT)

2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (NIV)
But having faith in his word, we are looking for a new heaven and a new earth, which will be the resting-place of righteousness. (Bible in Basic English)

2 Timothy 1:1
From: Paul, an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by God's will in keeping with the promise of life that is in the Messiah Jesus. (ISV)


Keeping = Holding, but more we need to maintenance and be actively growing. (Keep your faith fresh)
The Spirit = The Holy Spirit as "source" as well as "attitude."
of Our Faith = Our faith (personal) is based on "the faith" objective standard focused on Jesus.

We are called to be actively working with the Holy Spirit to keep the unity of the faith. We (The body) are called to strengthen one anothers faith.
Ephesians 4:1-6
Read

2 Corinthians 3
Ministry that gives us heart and encourages one another to "Keep on Keeping on."

Examples of Faith for our inspiration:
Abraham (Our time of Moving to Wisconsin by faith
Caleb = Joshua 14:6-13
Prophets
Apostles
Hebrews 11
We need a sense of adventure. (Katie and I in early 20's moved away. It can get more difficult as we get older.

8-7-11 Christ In Me Galatians 2:11-21

Christ Lives In Me

Galatians 2:11-21

There is a Need to be Focused on Christ.
Proverbs 15:14 (NIV) The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Paul is Sure of his Emphasis on preaching Jesus. Galatians 2:11-21

The Aspects to Paul’s Confronting a “Super Apostle”:

Peter’s Deviation (vs. 11-13)
1. The Clash (v. 11)
2. The Cause (v. 12)
3. The Consequence (v. 13)

Paul’s Doctrine (vs. 14-21)
1. His Reaction (vv. 14-15a)
2. His Statement (vv 15-16)
3. His Defense (vv. 17-21)

The Believer’s Response.
* Have I been saved by the grace of God?
* Am I trying to mix Law and Grace?
* Am I rejoicing in the fact I am justified by faith in Christ?
* Am I walking in the liberty of grace?
* Am I willing to tell the truth of the Gospel?
* Am I living daily according to the truth of the Gospel?

“Faith is only as good as its object. The person in the jungle bows before an idol of stone and trusts it to help him, but he receives no help. If faith is not directed at the right object, it will accomplish nothing. The big question is, ‘in whom do you believe?’”

7-31-11 The Value of Acceptance and Affirmation -3- Galatians 2:1-10

The Value of Acceptance and Affirmation

Galatians 2:1-10

There is Great Power in Positive Affirmation.


Paul Serves Well As An Example of… Galatians 2:1-10

The Aspects to Paul’s Affirmation & Acceptance:

* Private Consultation (vs. 1-2)
* Public Criticism (vs. 3-5)
* Primary Commission (vs. 6-9a)
* Popular Confirmation (vs. 9b-10)

Encouraging The Encouragers.
* Become a Barnabas yourself.
* Realize there will always be critics and deal with the poor ones.
* Give more encouragement than you get.
* Build up those who carry out God’s commission.
* Be eager to share the Good News.

Practical Advice for Husbands

Practical Advice For Husbands
Audio Message

7-24-11 Greater Faith Than Fanaticism -2- Galatians 1:11-24

Greater Faith Than Fanaticism
Galatians 1:11-24

Paul's Spiritual Journey

• He was set apart before he was born. v. 15a
• He was a religious fanatical law enforcer - "sheriff." v. 13
• He began as a true believer. v. 14
• He was converted by grace and Christ. v. 15b-16a
• He found purpose in preaching Jesus Christ. v. 16b
• He sought God first before he seeking others perspective. v. 17-22
• He preached faith in Christ that resulted in glorifying God. v. 23-24

A Practical & Spiritual Response for us today

• Prospects are everywhere to teach God's will.
• Power to change is in God and from God.
• Put your faith in God by knowing Him and His will for your life.
• Purpose of conversion is to share that relational faith in God.

Reflect On This Thought:
“Defined in psychological terms, a fanatic is a man who consciously over-compensates a secret doubt. Live by faith in Jesus Christ.”

Sermons on Galatians

Sermons on Galatians

by John Wheeler
Freedom in Christ - Galatians 1
Freedom in Christ - Galatians 2
Freedom in Christ - Galatians 3
Freedom in Christ - Galatians 4

Freedom in Christ - Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ - Galatians 6

by Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D.
Recovering From Religion

7-10-11 Christ's Gospel -1- Galatians 1:1-10

Christ’s Gospel

Galatians 1:1-10

The Magnitude of The ...

Man = Paul, like any preacher should, knows where the authority is.

Message = The “Good News” is really only “truly good” if it is God’s original undenominational message.

Motive = Pleasing God should and no yourself.

“It seems that some people have gotten you all mixed up. They are trying to twist the good news about Christ.”

7-3-11 The Heart of a Deacon

The Heart of a Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Their Heart Must…

Not pursue dishonest financial advancement. (v. 8)

Be committed to the mystery with a clear conscience. (v. 9)

Be examined closely to see if they are blameless. (v. 10)

Be and their wives must be a factor. (v. 11)

Be growing in confidence in Christ. (v. 13)

Quote:
They must first prove themselves. Then if no one has anything against them, they can serve as deacons.

6-29-11 Samuel

Samuel

Man Who Gave Transition from Judges to the Monarchy (Kings)

Background:
Abraham - Humans need an example of faith
Joseph - Humans need to be a leader against opposition.
Moses - Humans need a law to guide them.
Joshua - Humans need a positive attitude to do what God wants.
Samuel - Humans need a king, more than an earthly king.

Situation when Samuel comes on the scene.
Judges 21:24-25


Links
http://topicalbible.org/s/samuel_the_prophet.htm

6-26-11 Deacon -4- Men Worthy of Respect

Men Worthy of Respect

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Introduction and background:

• 1 Timothy 5:17-25

God needs men in His Church ...

Worth of respect.
* Gravitas = seriousness or sobriety, as of conduct or speech.

With integrity.
* Not double-tongued.

Without addictions.
* To alcohol or wine.

1 Timothy 3:13

The respect that leadership must have requires that one's ethics be without question. A leader not only stays above the line between right and wrong, he stays well clear of the gray areas.

Trey Morgan Gospel Meeting Audio

http://hcoct.org/audio/MT20100417.mp3

6-19-11 Fathers Day - Deacons Make Family A Priority

Family Is A Priority


* First Institution by God - Genesis 1-5


* Factoring Influence of God - Exodus 34:4-7; Romans 4:16
Ponder This: "A child is not likely to find a Father in God unless he finds something of God in his father." --Austin L. Sorenson
1 Thessalonians. 2:10-12

* Fair Inspection With God - 1 Timothy 3:8-13


* First Importantce to God - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11


My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in God and me.

6-12-11 Deacons are Called to Serve

Deacons Have A Purpose

Acts 6:1-7

The Mission of Christ's Church

The Meaning of diakonos
* Waiter / Servant / Deacon / Servant

The Men Fulfill a Purpose (Function)
* Problem Solvers
* Support Group for Messengers of God

The Mature Christians of Character (Credentials)
* Good Reputation
* Spiritual Person

The Maximization of The Message and Ministry.
* Body Life stronger
* People served / Hungry feed.
* Evangelism
* Prayer

“Life is a lot like tennis—the one who can serve best seldom loses.”

6-5-11 pm Eternities Reality

Rob Bell's new book has many returning to the discussion of eternity. His book Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived has brought a renewed discussion among many.

Scriptures to consider.
Matthew 25:31-46
John 14:6
1 Timothy 2:4

Lessons for our times.
1. Truth does not depend on our ability to stomach it.
2. Time is running out or will run out.
3. Those who miss heaven cannot blame God.

Link to audio

6-5-11 Living The Full Life

Living The Full Life

Survivor Sunday (Cancer Survivors)

Reason to Celebrate. Job 1:1-5

Reflection on Christ. John 13:1-17

Response to Conversion -- Saved to Serve. Matthew 28:18-20

Review One's Character. 1 Timothy 3

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

5-22-11 - Christianity is the People Business - 1 Peter 3:8-22

Senior Sunday - Dedication to High School Seniors in the evening.

Christianity is the People Business
1 Peter 3:8-22

God’s “Hope” was about His primary desire for people.

Highland wants to be a church that emphasizes people.

Jesus was in the People business. Luke 19:1-10; John 3:16

People are made in the image of God. Acts 17:16-34

God’s instructions have human beings in mind.. Mark 2:23-28

God wants the “hearts” of people. Mark 7:1-15


Quote: In the last analysis, what matters supremely is not that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it - that He knows me

5-15-11

Gospel Meeting Goal Day
Hope to get sermons online from gospel meeting soon.