New Lisbon Christian Church

1. BEHOLD God's PRESENCE.2. BEAR God's MERCY.3. BE God's LOVE.

Joy that does not depend on circumstancesKEY SCRIPTURES | Philippians 4:4-9 • Daniel 3:17-18JOY IS NOT WAITING ON CIRCUMSTANCESWe often tell ourselves, “I'll have joy when .”But the promotion, house, relationship, healing, or achievement was never meant to carry the weight of .Paul writes from prison: “Rejoice in the Lord .” (Philippians 4:4)JOY AS SPIRITUAL REBELLIONJoy is not pretending hard circumstances are not there; it is against them.My circumstances do not get to control my joy.does.PAUL'S REPLACEMENT PATTERN Anxiety → prayer Panic → thanksgiving Fear → trustPrayer becomes the security system; God's  becomes the guard at the door.Peace does not come from controlling the outcome. It comes from control.THE “EVEN IF” FAITH — DANIEL 3Our God save us.Our God save us.But even if He does not, we are still not down.The real test of faith is not only believing God can change our circumstances, but trusting that God is still good even when He does not change them the way we hoped.PUT IT INTO PRACTICE1. Stop joy. 2. Practice against your circumstances. 3. Develop an statement. 4. Replace anxiety with . 5. Anchor joy in who God , not what he . MY “EVEN IF” STATEMENTEven if 

Do you have hurry sickness?1. Slow your AMBITION.When does a calling become a craving?2. Slow your MIND.3. Slow your SOUL.Slowing is a learning to live every moment with the settled confidence that God is enough.The future belongs to God, the gift is the present; maturity is knowing that God, who holds both, is worthy of your trust.So BE STILL and know that he is God.

I. God's gifts are for flourishing.II. We turn God's gifts into burdens.III. Sabbath restores what busyness destroys.

I. SILENCE makes room to HEAR God.II. To RECEIVE power from God, we must first SPEND TIME with God.III. Every great act of OBEDIENCE begins with SURRENDER.

The ANTIDOTE to HURRY is TRUST in the LordPsalm 46:1-3 NETAlso see 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37Hurry REVEALS  a DISORDERED soul.Psalm 46:4-72. Hurry is  LYING about who REIGNS.Psalm 46:8-113. Hurry REFUSES rest in God's REIGN. 

“Isaiah 43:16-17 NET”Exodus 34:6-7 NETGod's FAITHFULNESS isn't rooted in our TRADITIONS but in his CHARACTER.“Isaiah 43:18 NET”Sometimes the greatest OBSTACLE to God's next work is our ATTACHMENT to God's PREVIOUS work.“Isaiah 43:19 NET”Isaiah 42:1-7Receive God's NEW WORK with humble FAITH.

I. Adapting is not ASSIMILATING.II. Adapting is not COMPROMISING.III. Adapting is not FAILURE.Main Idea:We should never stop learning how best to be servants of God.

When in unfamiliar territory:1. RESIDE rather than DISPAIR.2. REMEMBER rather than RETURN3. REDEEM rather than RESENT"How is God calling us to live faithfully in this new reality?"

The way of Jesus SEES PEOPLE others WALK PAST.The way of Jesus MOVES TOWARD pain when others MOVE AWAY.The way of Jesus turns HEALED PEOPLE into WITNESSES.

Main Idea:What you CULTIVATE determines what GROWSGalatians 5:16 NETGalatians 5:19-21NETTakeawayThe flesh ROTS whatever it RULESGalatians 5:22-26 NETGalatians 5:24 NETTakeaway    2. The Spirit TRANSFORMS whatever we SURRENDERApplicationThe fruit of the Spirit CREATES a new COMMUNITYApplication   2. Spiritual Fruit nourishes Spiritual Values.NEW NLCC VALUESWe will submit to God's WordWe will love strangersWe will seek justice and love mercyWe will follow the Spirit's leadingWe will value every generationApplication   3. The Spirit moves us from Rot to Fruitfulness.

But I'd rather GO with GOD than ANYWHERE elseGod may not show you the WHOLE ROAD, but He will not ABANDON YOU on the road.The Spirit did not send us to POLICE grace, but to PROCLAIM grace.

Main Idea: Those who WORSHIP God hear GOD.Competing VoicesWe cannot hear God clearly when FEAR NARRATES.We cannot hear God clearly when RESENTMENT is SHOUTING in our souls.We cannot hear God clearly when the voice of ACCUSATION forces us into HIDING.Holy ListeningWe can hear God in spiritual FRIENDSHIPSWe can hear God in spiritual DIRECTION.We can hear God in spiritual GROUPS.TakeawayQUIET the noise, WORSHIP deeply, and stop WALKING alone.

The problems in Acts 6:1. ADMINISTRATIVE problems2.  CULTURAL problemsThe Apostles' solution:1. Seek JUSTICE2. Love MERCY3. Walk HUMBLYFor us today:1. Pursue UNITY through HOSPITALITY2. FORGIVE the CHURCH when it FAILS at being the CHURCH3. Love GOD by loving OTHERSThe main idea:When the church follows the SPIRIT TOGETHER, the church moves FORWARD TOGETHER.

- He is our advocate1. The Spirit CONVICTS us through LOVE.- He is our teacher2. The Spirit GUIDES us in FAITH.- He is our comforter3. The Spirit TRANSFORMS us with HOPE.We are not alone!

1. We remain FAITHFUL to the FATHER by TRUSTING the SPIRIT.2. Life in the Wilderness exposes how we          A. Use POWER to SATISFY APPETITE apart from trust.          B. Grasp PREMATURELY what God has PROMISED in his TIMING.          C. Try to SEIZE AUTHORITY rather than RECEIVE it.3. What the spirit FORGES in the WILDERNESS, he launches into MISSION. 

Are we settling for “better” or are we desperate for life?Wandering into…Waiting in…Walking out…Ezekiel 36:16-21 NETThe path to sin is a four-phase journey:Acquainted with sinAbandoning God to hide from himAnger over your position because of your sinApathy, no longer caring about sin.Sin goes farther than you INTEND, stays longer than you ALLOW, and costs more than you EXPECT.Ezekiel 36:25-27Philippians 1:6The valley is not God's ABSENCE: it is often God's PREPARATIONEzekiel 37:1-3Where we see an ENDING, God sees a BEGINNING. Even death is not final in his hands. 

“If we aren't connected to the Spirit, we just walk in circles.”1 Samuel 3:10 NETThe Spirit Speaks more than we hear. Spiritual leaders desire to listen.1 Samuel 10:6-10 NET1 Samuel 16:14 NET1 Samuel 15:28 NETSpiritual listening not only leads us to light, it guards us from darkness.1 Samuel 16:13 NET2 Samuel 12:13 NETPsalm 51:4 NETIt's not about who fails. It's about who follows the Spirit home. 

I. The Spirit doesn't just EMPOWER YOU to defeat enemies OUT THERE - He confronts the IDOLS IN HERE.II. The Spirit is not waiting on you to become STRONG ENOUGH - He is waiting on you to become SURRENDERED ENOUGH.III. The Spirit's RULE looks like PEACE in your LIFE.Luke 6:46 NET

You were CREATED for a RELATIONSHIP with God.Where the Spirit is MOVING, change is COMING.Here is the takeaway: If God gave you His BREATH, then your life CARRIES His PURPOSE.The question is not WHETHER THE SPIRIT IS MOVING in your life. The Question is ARE YOU MOVING with him?

Ephesians 5:14“Have you ever been saved by the bell?”Mark 16:1-8 NET“Easter is the moment the bell rang over the grave.”Mark 16:6 NET2 Tiomthy 1:7 NET1 Peter 5:7 NET1 John 4:4 NET1. Fear is not overcome by fearlessness. It is overcome by courage in JesusMark 16:6b NET2 Timothy 2:8 NET2 Corinthians 5:17 NETEphesians 6:12 NET2. Freedom declared must become freedom livedMark 16:7 NETRomans 8:15-17 NET3. You are not being invited to visit; you are being invited to belong. Mark 16:8 NETMark 16:15-16 NETEphesians 5:14 NET

I. The cross is not the HUMILIATION of Jesus. It is His ENTHRONEMENT as King.II. The WEIGHT that Jesus carried had YOUR NAME on it.III. The glory of the cross is not only that Christ died for us, but that Christ NOW LIVES in US.JESUS IS KING!

"Missions exist because worship doesn't" - John Piper"How are you making God famous?"Truths1. Generosity reveals what we believe Jesus is worth.2. Jesus' sacrifice deserves our devotion.ApplicationA. What has Jesus done for you?B. What is Jesus worth to you?Main Idea:The greatest life you can live is the one spent making Jesus famous instead of yourself.

What rattles your peace?Signposts for navigating Mark 13:I. This prophecy is primarily about the TEMPLE.II. This prophecy is for DISCERNING the TIMES.III. This prophecy is meant to provide HOPE.IV. This prophecy includes TEACHING on Jesus' RETURN.Three commands from Jesus to survive the storms of life:I. Respond CALMLY.II. Respond CAUTIOUSLY.III. Respond CONSCIOUSLY.

“What you look for you will find.”What are you looking for in life?Jesus says, “seek first the Kingdom of God” (Mt. 6:33). But how?Mark 12:28 NETDeuteronomy 6:4-5 NETLoving God = COVENANT LOYALTYGalatians 5:14 NETRomans 13:9 NETJames 2:8 NET1 John 4:20-21 NETLoving Others = WORSHIP to God through SERVICEHow do we seek the Kingdom of God?LOVE GOD the way God loves God2 Peter 1:4 NETLOVE OTHERS the way God loves othersSeek the Kingdom - and let love take you the rest of the way. 

Who are you in the streets of Jerusalem?1. Jesus is the King we NEED, not the one we always WANT.a. The Good news is that JESUS is LIVING, and if he is living, then he is KING over ALL.2. Jesus CLAIMS what is HIS.a. You BELONG to God.b. You are His RESPONSIBILITY.

1. Jesus + SELFA. GRACE ends the GRIND2. Jesus + SOMETHINGB. Whatever RIVALS Jesus will RULE you.3. Jesus + SOMEONEC. SURRENDER to RECEIVE

Mark 10:1-10TRUTH ABOUT DIVORCE:Mark 10:3-5 NET – When hearts harden, COVENANT  becomes control, and people become COLLATERALMark 10:6-9 NET – God's design isn't about trapping people; it's about protecting HEARTS , creating , and helping two people FLOURISH as one.Deuteronomy 24:1-2 NETMalachi 2:15 NETAPPLICATION:Marriage is not a CONSUMER RELATIONSHIPStrive for the IDEAL , leave room for GRACEBiblical reasons for DIVORCE. – if all attempts at restoration have failed.  ADULTRYSee Matthew 5:32 NET.“Two people faithfully walking with Jesus and prioritizingthe relationship have no need for divorce.” ABANDONMENTSee 1 Corinthians 7:15 NET.Scholars speculate that Paul was likely abandoned by his wife. When one person in the marriage is an unbeliever and the faith/mission of Christ is not something they want to be part of and request a divorce.ABUSESee the entirety of Scripture. God defends the weak. Malachi 5:2 NET. Also see Isaiah 1:17, Jeremiah 22:3, Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:7.  Abuse does destruction to the shared structure of the marriage. It betrays the vows. 

Title: The King's REBUKESeries: Hail to the KingText: Mark 9:14-29Preacher: JonathanEver felt like you are running on empty and worried about not making it?Mark 9:14-18, 28-29 NETHow do we slow down?First, prayerSecond, patienceOverwhelmed lives lead to overwhelmed soulsChoose presence over pace.Mark 9:19-22 NETSwitch to the true power sourceThrow yourself before JesusStop trying to run your spiritual life on discipline alone. Our spiritual depression will end when dependence replaces performance.Mark 9:23-27 NETHebrews 12:1-3 NETBring your fragile faithBring your tired soulBring your surrendered heartGod writes Resurrection into stories we've already buried. Your tired soul is not a problem to fix - its an invitation to return. 

"God's Mission has a church"1. The Glory of Jesus reshapes our priorities.2. The Glory of Jesus calls us into deeper obedience.3. The Glory of Jesus forms us to send us.What choices are forming you?

We praise Him because...He is GraciousHe is all PowerfulHe is GOOD

Where does fear of death come from?What happens and where do we go when we die?John 13:33 NETJohn 13:36 NETJohn 16:5 NET“John 14:1-6” NET1. Heaven is PRELIMINARY JusticeActs 4:12 NET2. Heaven is PREPARATORY for Eternity3. Heaven is PERSONAL2 Cor. 5:8 NET4. Heaven is PERFECTPhil 1:23 NET5. Heaven gives us PURPOSERomans 15:20 NET6. Heaven is a PROMISERevelation 21:1-2 NET

Romans 3:20-25Jesus gives us Access toRighteousnessRelationshipPeace

How will we be a church that is hospitable to their search & introduce them to Jesus?1. Belief is OBEYING JesusGod - Loved - Gave - World - Son - Everyone - Believes - LifeA. ACCEPTING  before UNDERSTANDING.2. Belief is PURSING JesusA. FIDELITY before FRUIT3. Belief is TRUSTING Jesus.A. SURRENDING before SEEINGO-P-T Obey, Pursue, Trust"Opting in on Jesus means choosing to live with Him, for Him, and like Him"

PEACE OVER PRESSURE.Peace isn't found in a CALMER WORLD - it's found in a CLOSER WALK with Jesus.PEACE OVER POWERS.When God gives us peace, He gives us PRESENCE and COURAGE.PEACE OVER PAIN.Peace isn't the absence of TROUBLE; it's the REIGN of God.

How does the hope you have change the way you live?Romans 15:13 NET“I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.”Hope = living TODAY as if TOMORROW is hereRomans 8:24-25“Psalm 130:1”Galatians 4:4-7Christian Hope = IS LIVING in the VICTORY of Christ NOW.“Psalm 130:4-5”HANDS - FOR RECEIVING FORGIVENESSHANDS - FOR PRAYING“Psalm 130:7-8”

I. If you want to KNOW who Jesus is, BE WITH Him.II. If you want to FOLLOW God's will, then you MUST BECOME LIKE Him.III. If you want to ANSWER Jesus' call, DO AS HE DID.

1. Outside effort can't hide inward emptiness.2. The Gospel resurrects the inside , not redecorates the outside.3. What once defiled us no longer defines us because Christ's heart beats within us.Challenge: Don't fear contamination, spread transformation.

Is Compassion hard for you?1. Compassion INTERRUPTS so God can SAVE.2. Compassion SACRIFICES so God can MULTIPLY.3. Compassion DIRECTS you so God can ENCOUNTER others.*Do not rush pass the anxious, hurting, caught in the waves of life. Let compassion move you to step onto the water. 

Welcome to NLCC Sermon Notes“Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.”Agree or Disagree?“Mark 6:7”If you're not GOING, you're not GROWING.Ephesians 4:11-12Hebrews 13:20Matthew 28:20“Mark 6:7”God never SENDS you ALONE.1 Peter 5:8Ecclesiastes 4:9-10“Mark 6:7-13, 30”Acts 14:27Romans 15:18-19There is no SUCCESS without GOD.Main Ideo:Shine BRIGHT, not to stay SAFE, but to give HOPE

Main Idea: Fear can FREEZE us, but faith can FREE us.The Story:Truth 1: We cannot HIDE from JESUS.Truth 2: Grace is DELIVERED through FAITH.Application:1. Faith leads to the FEET of JESUS.2. Faith leads us to OVERCOMING FEARS.3. Faith leads to a FUNERAL.Challenge:Will I TRUST him enough to DIE, so I can truly LIVE?

1. When Jesus SHOWS UP, the darkness SHUDDERS.2. When Jesus SPEAKS, chains SHATTER3. When Jesus SAVES, he also SENDS

When God REIGNS, storms BREAK. 1. Jesus is WITH us in STORMS.2. The PROBLEMS around you might be revealing the PROBLEMS within you.3. Jesus is DANGEROUS."Is He Safe?" "Of Course HE Isn't Safe, But HE IS GOOD!"

A. SOWER went out to SOW.The trampled path represents a HEART that's HARDENED.The rocky ground represents a HEART with no ROOT system.The thorny ground represents a HEART consumed with earthy DISTRACTIONS.The good ground represents a HEART  that wants to produce FRUIT.TAKE AWAYS:We are all SOWERS.We have to understand our own HEARTS.God will give us His WORD to sow.You can't sow GOD'S seed without the HOLY SPIRIT.

Main Idea: Kingdom Family is Genuine Family.1. Life at God's table Invites Ridicule.2. Life at God's table Robs satan's People.3. Life at God's table Makes you Family.