Crosspointe Church at the corner of Douglas Avenue and Depot Street in Versailles, KY welcomes you with open arms. Experience the love...you'll love the experience.
Same God Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. God is the same God today as He is in the Bible– our road map, the living word He is still that same God. Exodus 16:4 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days. Our God But the manna forced daily dependence and obedience. God is the same on the mountain and in the valley! Praise You in this storm God is the same God who sent his son to die on the cross for us! God is the same God.
WE BRING OTHERS TO CHRIST - 1 PETER 4:1-11 NKJV Follow-Up to: Christ Brings Us to God 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles (utterance) of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1. THE CHANGE (NOT OUR WILL BUT GOD'S) a. Take On Christ's Mind b. Do The Will of God 2. THE REASON (NOT ABOUT US BUT ABOUT GOD) a. Gospel Was Preached b. Live According to God in The Spirit c. Have Fervent Love 3. THE MINISTRY (FOR OTHERS NOT END WITH US) a. Minister It to One Another b. Minister As God Gives You the Ability
Christ Brings Us To God 1 Peter 3:18-22 NKJV 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. I. Christ Brings Us to God Christ's Crucifixion Gives Us Admission, Access And Audience With God Hebrews 10:19-20 says, 9 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh The ultimate reason for Jesus' suffering was to bring you to God. Hebrews 12:2 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. You are that joy! Revelation 21: 3-4, describing the New Heaven and the New Earth says, 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” The Resurrection Gives Us A New Perspective On Suffering. II. The Exaltation of Christ Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Phil. 2:5 says, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil. 2:8-11 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. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Romans 8:18 the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Be Ready 1 Peter 3:13-18 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, I. Suffering For Righteousness The General Role Of The Christian – Submission 1 Peter 2:12 “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” Righteousness 2 Cor. 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” John 3:19-20 says, 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. II. Be Ready Live in a way that demands explanation and be ready to explain why III. Christ Also Suffered
Called to Blessing 1 Peter 3:8-12 NKJV 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 3 Major Areas Of Interaction: Society, Workplace, & Home One Mind 1 Cor. 2:16 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” Being of one mind “All of you” And my how they love Him and how they love one another. John 17:21, “that they may be one, just as you, Father, and are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Having compassion for one another Rom. 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” 1 Cor. 12:26 “If one member suffers, all suffer together, if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” Love as brothers 1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.” Tenderhearted Be Courteous That you may inherit a blessing
But, new things can be better! – even if it's not what you expected! - Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) “But forget all that—It is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. I am about to do something new– bringing forth a new thing! But, sometimes loss is the way to gain. Sometimes pain is the way to purpose. Some people might be better at some things, it doesn't make them better – The religious people could quote the laws (and thought they were better than everyone) but Jesus was not happy with them. MATTHEW 23:1-7, 11-13 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses.3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach.4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. 5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. 6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. 7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.' 11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. 13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces. You won't go in yourselves, and you don't let others enter either. Better depends on what you need; what you are using something for– Better is relative to purpose. And each of us have and serve a different purpose in our jobs, in our lives, in our families, in our churches, in our ministry, in our relationships Better is perspective God is better. But sometimes life might get worse. What if better is not what God is doing FOR me– but what God is doing THROUGH me. Sometimes we think we know better– We think we know better than God, and it causes chaos.
Husbands Likewise 1 Peter 3:7 NKJV 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. I. Submission Submission: a voluntary attitude of cooperation 1 Peter 2:12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Eph. 5:21-25 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. Yield Submission is Mutual Understanding is Essential Giving Honor Division is Unprofitable “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:14-15).
Come And See What God Has Done II Luke 1:26-38 NKJV 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 1. Come And See What God Has Done Any ordinary place can become an extraordinary place when God shows up! 2. The Virgin Conception Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel.” Let it be to me according to your word Nothing is impossible with God
Come And See What God Has Done Luke 1: 5-20 NASB 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7 And yet they had no child, because Elizabeth was infertile, and they were both advanced in years. 8 Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 1. Come And See What God Has Done! - God Remembers His Oath 2. Your Prayer Has Been Heard!
Title: Salvation Belongs To God The Author of Salvation: God's Sovereign Grace The Accomplishment of Salvation: Christ's Finished Work The Application of Salvation: The Spirit's Regenerating Power The Goal of Salvation: The Glory of God Jonah 2:9 Ephesians 2:1-10 Romans 8:29-30 Isaiah 53:4-6 2 Corinthians 5:21 2 Corinthians 5:17 John 3:3-8 Titus 3:4-7 Romans 11:36 Ephesians 1:3-14 Philippians 1:6
Luke 19:40 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” GOD DOES NOT NEED US He has ALWAYS been Psalm 90:1-2 God CREATED ALL CREATION first Genesis 1:26-31 He can USE OBJECTS to cry out Luke 19:37-40 GOD MADE US FOR HIS GLORY Isaiah 43:7 GOD WANTS US God DESIRES us 1 Timothy 2:1-7 God DELIGHTS in us Proverbs 3:12 God FELLOWSHIPS with us
Spiritual Makeover II 1 Peter 3:1-7 NKJV 3 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. I. Mutual Submission Submission – a voluntary attitude of cooperation II. The Hidden Person of the Heart 3 Marks of a Tender-Hearted Woman 1) Her Actions Speak Louder Than Her Words 2) Her Attitude Is Her Most Attractive Feature A Spiritual Makeover 3) Her Admiration Is More Biblical Than Conventional III. Dwell With Them With Understanding Eph. 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” 1 Peter 2:21 “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in His steps.” Eph. 5:28-30 “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.”
A Spiritual Makeover 1 Peter 3:1-7 NKJV 3 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. I. Submission Submission a voluntary attitude of cooperation Look to Christ As The Example II. Wives Likewise husband and wife to your own husbands Continuation Submission Submission does not imply inferiority
Submission To Authority 1 Peter 2:13-21 NKJV 13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: I. Identity Continues To Drive Activity Does Your Life Demonstrate The Gospel And Gives Sinners No Excuse? II. Submission To Authority Are You Submitting to Authority? Submit a voluntary attitude of cooperating Rom. 13:1-2 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. Honor All People Love The Brotherhood John 13:35 says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Fear God Honor The King Vs. 12 “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evil doers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. We Are Called To Endure Grief and Wrongful Suffering
Identity Drives Activity II 1 Peter 2:9-12, NKJV 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. His Own Special People God's Word Defines Who You Are You Are God's Possession God's Word Is The Blueprint Citizens With Rights and Responsibilities Citizens of Heaven Strangers in The World Abstain refuse to engage Proclaim Abstain
Identity Drives Activity 1 Peter 2:9-10, NKJV 9 But you are a chosen generation, (you are) a royal priesthood, (you are) a holy nation, (you are) His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. A Chosen Generation A Royal Priesthood A Holy Nation His Own Special People Rights & Responsibilities Of Citizenship
Keeping Faith in the Face of Adversity John 16:33
Genesis Series Chapter 33 Lesson 34
Living Stones, Holy Priests 1 Peter 2:1-5 NIV 2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. I. Therefore II. Crave Like Babies Crave Ps. 42:1 NKJV “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.” As Babies You Will Not Grow Without The Word III. Living Stones IV. A Holy Priesthood As Priests: 1) We Can Stand Before God 2) We Are Obligated To Live Holy Lives 3) We Are To Offer Spiritual Sacrifices To God.
God's Holiness – Motivation For Godly Living 1 Peter 1:15-19 NKJV 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. To Be Holy You Must Be: 1) Set apart from ungodliness 2) Pursuing God's highest purpose for your life. I. God's Holiness - Motivation For Godly Living Vs. 16 says, “Be holy, for I am holy” God's Holiness - Motivation For Godly Living When God touches Your Life - You Become Uncommon II. Holy, Holy, Holy Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Vs. 3 says, And one called to another and said:” Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! Woe is me Isaiah 6:8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Called To Be Holy 1 Peter 1:13-16 ESV 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” I. Live Like You're Born Again! II. Therefore Verse 13. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Think Before You Act. Being Holy: 1) Set apart from ungodliness 2) Pursuing God's highest purpose for your life. III. Do Not Be Conformed Vs. 14, As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. Paul brings up the same topic. Romans 12:1-2, ESV says, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Christ's Kingdom Is Not Of This World Vs. 13 says, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Tested By Fire But Still Praising! 1 Peter 1:6-9 NKJV 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. I. Living Like You Are Born Again - Living Like You Are Born Again - Trials Can Help You: 1) Course Correct 2) Stay Humble 3) Produce Patience 4) Comfort II. Precious Faith III. Tested By Fire Trials: Reveal The Genuineness Of Your Faith How Will You React In A Trial? Leaders Will Face Tougher Trials God Isn't Out To Burn You, He's Out To Better You!
In This You Greatly Rejoice 1 Peter 1:6-9 NKJV 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. I. Live Like You Are Born Again! II. In This You Greatly Rejoice! Verse 5 “who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” III. The Nature Of Trials Trials Are Diverse If Need Be Trials Can Be Helpful James 1: 2-4 “2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Trials Help Us Comfort Other Sufferers 2 Cor. 1:3-4 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Living Like You Are Born Again 1 Peter 1:1-5 ESV 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. I. From: Peter, An Apostle II. To: The Exiles of the Dispersion Living Like You Are Born Again Jesus told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, ESV). Remember Who You Are! “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV) Vs. 3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” What awesome work of the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit! God saved us because of His great mercy, not anything that we did or can do to deserve it. III. A Living Hope Peter says as Christians we have “a living hope. through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” Vs. 3. Paul said, “And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world” (1 Cor. 15:19, NLT).
Hannah's Prayer 1 Samuel 1:6-20 (NET) 6 Her rival used to aggravate her to the point of exasperation, just to irritate her, since the LORD had not enabled her to have children. 7 This is how it would go year after year. As often as she went up to the LORD's house, Peninnah would offend her in that way. So she cried and refused to eat. 8 Then her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why are you crying and why won't you eat? Why are you so upset? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 9 So Hannah got up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. At the time Eli the priest was sitting in his chair by the doorpost of the LORD's sanctuary. 10 As for Hannah, she was very distressed. She prayed to the LORD and was, in fact, weeping. 11 She made a vow saying, “O LORD of Heaven's Armies, if you would truly look on the suffering of your servant, and would keep me in mind and not neglect your servant, and give your servant a male child, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.” 12 It turned out that she did a great deal of praying before the LORD. Meanwhile Eli was watching her mouth. 13 As for Hannah, she was speaking in her mind. Only her lips were moving; her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was a drunkard. 14 Then he said to her, “How much longer do you intend to get drunk? Put away your wine!” 15 But Hannah replied, “Not so, my lord! I am a woman under a great deal of stress. I haven't drunk wine or beer. But I have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Don't consider your servant a wicked woman. It's just that, to this point, I have spoken from my deep pain and anguish.” 17 Eli replied, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request that you have asked of him.” 18 She said, “May I, your servant, find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and got something to eat. Her face no longer looked sad. 19 They got up early the next morning. Then they worshiped the LORD and returned to their home at Ramathaim. Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the LORD called her to mind. 20 Then Hannah became pregnant. 1. The World, People, Situations, and Circumstances will provoke you and cause you stress! Don't be a Peninnah… Hannah in the bible means favored 2. Bring your petition to God– Go to him! 11 She made a vow saying, “O LORD of Heaven's Armies, if you would truly look on the suffering of your servant, and would keep me in mind and not neglect your servant, and give your servant a male child, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.” James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. 3. Walk Away Different and Keep your Promise 18 She said, “May I, your servant, find favor in your sight.” So, the woman went her way and got something to eat. Her face no longer looked sad. 19 They got up early the next morning. Then they worshiped the LORD and returned to their home at Ramathaim. Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the LORD called her to mind. 20 Then Hannah became pregnant.
My Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XGfTOw... James 1 - Faith Booster James a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my fellow believer, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have [its] perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to them. 6 But they must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that human being ought not to expect that they will receive anything from the Lord, 8 [being] a double-minded human being, unstable in all their ways. 9 But the fellow believer of humble circumstances is to glory in their high position; 10 and the wealthy [is to glory] in their humiliation, because like flowering grass they will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the wealthy in the midst of their pursuits will fade away. 1. Don't have to be perfect (Vs. 1-4) Be a bondservant = attendant to the will of God and Jesus Encounter various trials = fall into bad situations Testing of your faith = proving shows level of faith and maturing 2. Just ask (Vs. 5-6) Lacks wisdom = want wisdom Will be given = supply will be made available Must ask in faith = conviction that it will occur, belief beyond circumstances 3. Claim it (Vs. 6-8) Without doubting = without hesitation They will receive = you must lay claim Being double-minded = become certain, not uncertain
Biblical Stewardship I Corinthians 4:1-2 NKJV Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1. Servants and Stewards Scripture Emphasizes God's Ownership Of Everything Deuteronomy 10:14 “Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.” I Chronicles 29:11-12 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule overall. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand, it is to make great and to give strength to all. servants and stewards God Owns You and Me 2. Biblical Stewardship Time Talents I Peter 4:10 says, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Treasure Testimony Team
Genesis Series Chapter 32 Lesson 33
Seeking Fruit Luke 13:6-9 NKJV 6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.” I. Seeking Fruit - If Jesus were to inspect me what would He find? II. What Kind of Fruit? God Seeks Fruit 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Fruit of Repentance III. A Year of Intentionality A Lot Can Change In A Year Acts 1:8 become a reality in our church. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” What are you willing to let the Lord do in you over the next year?
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