Pleasureville SermonCast

Sermon Notes1.) (1-4) Jesus knows and we would do well to observe: don’t simply maintain your life when you could enrich your life with God.2.) (5-7) We do not need to test God. However, we do need to take time to prepare; life will bring plenty of its own tests.3.) (8-10) Jesus was prepared: Jesus' power, ministry, and life are what God has bestowed so that he is equipped to serve. Consider how lent is a season of preparation for you.4.) (11) Evil retreats when it holds no power over you. During this Lenten season, seek to be empowered by God!

Sermon Notes(13-15) Servants in God’s ministry of care are those who can consider and anticipate potential harm. This is a major function for these servants: to care enough about raising disciples by raising the alarm as appropriate.(16-18) When offering support for another’s transformation, the role of the servant has only just begun. The untransformed, those who are peers of the one receiving care, may perceive such a transformation as bad and may challenge the change.(19-20) A servant in caring ministries serve as a kind of channel between God’s grace and people. This also means that a person’s transformation toward accepting the role of a disciple is quite dependent upon your modeling of consistent obedience to God.(21-23) The servants of a caring ministry can retreat once their care recipients have become peers in discernment and can take faithful steps on their own.

1.) (9-12) We know our prayer is off base when we feel justified through our works instead of through grace.2.) (13) Our humility in prayer is evidenced by where we place our recognition and by whom we blame.3.) (14) Our progress after prayer is largely determined by our approach to prayer. Consider where are you in prayer. To what degree do you pray with self-confidence or humility? Which do you believe God prefers more?4.) (15-17) Consider what it looks like for a child to draw near to someone: they are quite vulnerable and yet fully trusting. How might this inform your prayer life as a child of God?

1.) (9-12) We know our prayer is off base when we feel justified through our works instead of through grace.2.) (13) Our humility in prayer is evidenced by where we place our recognition and by whom we blame.3.) (14) Our progress after prayer is largely determined by our approach to prayer. Consider where are you in prayer. To what degree do you pray with self-confidence or humility? Which do you believe God prefers more?4.) (15-17) Consider what it looks like for a child to draw near to someone: they are quite vulnerable and yet fully trusting. How might this inform your prayer life as a child of God?

1.) (11-13) Everyone holds a unique perspective about God which directly influence their prayers and approach to God. For some, they wish to remain close to the few people they trust with rare exceptions made for those whose revealed good character change their perspective.2.) (14) Examine God’s response here: to Go! Witness your restoration as you obey. When you are sent home then return to your community proclaiming God’s work in your life. This is the peculiar nature of prayer: God’s response to our requests come in and through our response to God’s requests.3.) (15-16) Have we been faithful in our relationships to God and one another? For how long should a relationship endure withdrawals when it’s seldom reinforced with open communication, time spent together, and recognizing each other’s ongoing efforts?4.) (17-19) Do you recognize what God has done?! If so, then rise and Go! Seek to be God’s uncommon example. Help others recognize how God has and is an answer to our prayers!

Sermon Notes1.) (25-26) Jesus is NOT endorsing hate. However, Jesus does point out here how others may resent you because you have made faith in God your priority.2.) (27-28) To carry your cross means you have come to terms with the cost of acknowledging and admitting your faith publicly. 3.) (29-30) To be committed means you hold enough knowledge for a comprehensive strategy and the ability to endure. These will emerge after thorough preparation and careful consideration. 4.) (31-33) Choosing your battles means knowing when and what to surrender. Why fight to gain what you later lose forever? Instead, strengthen your faith. Then be the mediator for terms of peace between your neighbors and God.er?

Sermon Notes(49) Fire spreads, consumes, bringing light to the world and fundamentally transforms all of creation. This fire is an allegory for his desire to spread trust and restoration to all the world.(50) We all feel the pressures and demands from an imperfect life. The question is: will you let that pressure be your excuse from God or will this be your reason to seek to be submerged in grace.(51-53) Yes, talking about Jesus can be divisive. However, think about how hurtful and negligent it is to deny your faith. When you do this, are you not avoiding your salvation and theirs?(54-56) How weird is it that our discussions seem to always include the forecast yet seldom include Jesus. Isn’t one more important than the other?

Sermon Notes(32-33) What one values reveals their heart; God has given you grace, access to eternity, the keys to the kingdom which you can build or neglect. It is now up to you: where will you offer your attention and care?(34-37) A heart that anticipates is a prepared heart; a heart that reacts is underprepared, which may cause undue harm as it struggles to meet the sudden demand, and even risks failure.(38-40) True, whole faithfulness in our relationships, to God and one another, requires diligence. Otherwise, we neglect things now and risk more later.(41-44) God does not value procrastination, rather, God wants our treatment toward a broken world to be proactive. Seek first the kingdom of God.

Sermon Notes1.) (13-15) This should be obvious but it bears repeating. Do not demand judgment from God.2.) (16-17) Unfortunately, we are seldom aware of our abundance yet frequent lay aware of what we lack.3.) (18-19) Most of us spend the majority of our lives navigating with self-guidance, and yet so little time discerning what may be required of us. Be careful; do not miss the discernment.4.) (20-21) This text is not primarily concerned about your financial planning, rather, this text is primarily concerned about us capitalizing on our many opportunities. Make sure your life includes a purpose that is bigger than your own demands.

Sermon Notes1.) (38) We all at some point struggle with the balance of demands between serving and being served. However, it helps to remember Jesus, who exemplifies this balance.2.) (39) When you do find time to recuperate, seek that which revives your soul; this is more important than that which revives your body.3.) (40) Be careful when comparing your service with others: God’s plan is complex, and a worldwide reach requires different gifts.4.) (41-42) Jesus points out that if you seek to serve then you need only bring one thing to bear: an empathetic focus.

Sermon Notes(51-53) Adopt Jesus resolve: examine the mission field, test the soil, soften the hardened hearts, remove the barrier boulders, plant, nurture and protect the flock. In this way, we anticipate Jesus by going out to prepare a glorious reception(54-55) As disciples, our first impulse should not be reacting to the culture. Instead, focus on improving yourself so that your actions co-create with God a culture in which others reaction to Jesus is positive.(56-58) Full enthusiasm for Christ does not automatically carry over into a lifetime of commitment. To endure and remain faithful through life’s challenges we must change our priorities.(59-62) Deciding to follow Christ requires that we understand, as best as we can, what it will cost, and know that the demands can easily increase.

Sermon Notes1.) (26-28) For some, the presence of God can be quite painful. For these folks, their negative view of God is all too often because of God’s people.2.) (29-31) To love someone, we must fully understand them. Anything else risks further harm. How many neighbors have we served without knowing them?3.) (32-35) A truly loving Christian works within their limitations. This means, to do no harm, to really doing all we can; this means we must always redirect every circumstance, every bit of recognition, every conversation, and person. Everything, to God be the glory, who is with us always.4.) (36-39) Honor Christ’s crucifixion. God didn’t go out of his way so that you can remain stuck in your own ways. With insurmountable love, God endures all things so that you, yes you, can endure through the discomfort of fully knowing and loving your neighbor.

Sermon Notes1.) (16-21) When you unapologetically serve God, then you serve alongside God’s transformational power and that power may be perceived, by some, as a threat to their power.2.) (22-25) No excuses; the time, the setting, the people, the weather, something will always be imperfect. But that is the point! Knowing imperfection is precisely why you must act. In all circumstances, keep up your faithful practices.3.) (26-30) Should you or another fail in their duty; in the presence of God cloak yourself with grace. Then start again, you’ve been renewed; live within his glory and give glory to God!4.) (31-34) Give glory to God in the highest for he is worthy. Our God of grace is the great equalizer. When he is proclaimed lord of all, then nobody else may lord over you. Only then will we have liberty and justice for all.

Sermon notes1.) (1-4) Pentecost shows us how our successful proclamations of faith can feel inexplicable to us and yet it be undeniable that God gives the words with which to explain.2.) (5-6) It is God who equips his people and it is God who enables the breakthroughs that lead to an understanding of faith.3.) (7-10) God’s grace is irresistible; it can overcome any border. However, this does not mean that anything goes. Rather, the grace of God is held accountable by the presence of God.4.) (11-13) God is available in all places, to all people. Some let god’s availability transform them, while some will explain away the phenomenon…Accepting God’s call is your call.

Sermon notes1.) (6-8) At times, God’s will is revealed with a roadblock and we are directed to serve elsewhere.2.) (9-11) Even when one of us feels called to a particular ministry, God expects of us to use the input and support of a discerning community.3.) (12-14) If your plans are redirected then know that God is still at work. Be patient; consider the whole picture and look to see what God has brought together.4.) (15-16) God is always good, always with us, whose every action is justified, who is the creator of all things and whose love is overflowing! Yet all too often we hold shortsighted expectations of our great God.

Sermon notes1.) (1-3) Gods righteous plans reveal his consistent nature, and yet his plans are also influenced by an adaptive love that strives to remain with you at every step you may take.2.) (4-6) As we remain children of God, we are moved by his love and security, which sends us with courage enough to roam around within the wide boundaries set by God.3.) (7-8) Every successful endeavor can be credited to each person’s familiarity with the plan, to a discipline dictating their every action, and to their commitment to their peers.4.) (9-11) Let the constant presence of God fuel your courage and strength. Your victory is secured by God.

Sermon notes1.) (20-22) New believers are often the most vulnerable and yet often the ones most ready to proclaim their faith.2.) (23-25) Some Christians cling quietly to their faith, fearful of resistance, while others proclaim because they have enough support from their community of faith.3.) (26-28) New faith, if it is to persist and be fruitful, must be sponsored. We must be willing to co-testify to one another’s transformations.4.) (29-31) The most prolific proclaimers enjoy both repeated affirmations of faith and are placed within a fertile context.

Sermon notes1.) (8-10) Your absence is always known to God; God will never stop his search for you.2.) (11-19) We come to our senses, seeking God when we have a hunger that all other sources of the world cannot satisfy.3.) (20-27) You only need to turn around, and God will come running; he will meet your remorse with an overwhelming reception.4.) (28-32) God prioritizes the needs of the repentant above what we or others may deserve.

Sermon Notes(1-3) Hardship in this life may in some way be correlated with sin, however, don’t be too quick to make claims of causality. God alone knows every contributing factor.(4-5) Don’t get caught up in false self-assurance: life is fragile. True repentance should imbue some urgency toward pursuing a transformed life.(6-7) Do not coast through life presuming God’s blessings. Regularly revisit this question: how can I be fruitful with my opportunities?(8-9) God is so gracious that he will even enrich the surroundings of the unfruitful. However, that blessed grace still holds a reasonable expectation for fruitfulness.

Sermon Notes(1-3) Trust in what God your shield has promised to do for you.(4-6) God counts it all, even what we cannot; his holy works are holistic.(7-11) God promises to receive for you; as with any shield, keep God leading before you.(12, 17-18) God's gifts may be arriving under a new situation; you need to think as big as our God.

Sermon Notes(37-39) We repent in the hopes of removing the barriers that would prohibit or discourage full sincerity in our relationships.(40-41) Be proactive in salvation! Own your responsibility to take deeper steps; our goal is full immersion. Where God is with us, and all of us are together with God.(42-44) A Christian fellowship is a repentant gathering that seeks to grow through greater devotion to God and one another by mutually admitting our brokenness in the light of God’s word.(45-47) Jesus body was broken because in his eyes every person is of sacred worth. So, despite our brokenness, we are called to carry one another so that together we may be made whole in Jesus name.

Sermon Notes(7-10) Seek first the kingdom of God; be sure, cover yourself, to live without a doubt. You can be certain when God has evidently moved your faith to action.(11-12) The issue is not so much about your identity, but rather, it is how you relate to God and one another.(13-15) The good news is not a set of restrictions; it is deliverance to eternal freedom! It is something we can sample and see now in our recreation, re-creation, and rejoicing together!(16-17) We are called to live a life of worship: in every word and deed seek harmony. Every day, strive for peace; live united in Christ!

Sermon Notes(5-6) To pray is to intentionally speak to our God who, through his gracious acts, is building his kingdom for our sake and full accommodation.(7-8) A ‘Good’ prayer does not require flowery language: rather, it is spoken from the heart; a ‘good’ prayer holds and transforms our focus.(9-11) To pray is to also remember and uplift others whenever we seek God’s power to overcome.(12-15) The core elements of prayer: revering God, obeying God, recognizing needs, seeking redemption, offering and receiving forgiveness.

Sermon Notes(15-18) Study scripture as a whole: nobody and no verse stands alone. Selective readings deny the unity of God’s word and this reveals how you only believe in yourself.(19) Don’t lose the forest among the trees: God’s word unfolds among many voices and cultures. Seek to understand his word with others.(20-22) Encountering God in his word is not a matter of our ability but rather our intentions. God’s revelations are for anyone who seeks righteousness.(23-26) Jesus has received our punishment so that we can focus on our recovery. Therefore, be gentle: we are all trying to find our way to the truth. Bring light to their path.

Sermon Notes1.) (19-20) Do not spend your life building a deteriorating estate, instead seek the security of an eternal estate.2.) (21-23) Securing your estate requires a change in what you value most: redirect your primary focus and the rest will follow.3.) (24) God or material things: you can only place your trust into one of these. Which one has been more faithful to you?4.) (25-27) Don’t spend your whole life concerned for yourself. Instead, have far greater concern for others.

Sermon Notes(31-36) God, the good shepherd, stands in this pasture with all of us, observing how some will support the flock, while others try to excuse themselves.(37-40) We help others recognize Jesus presence by reflecting his mercy!(41-44) We will see God once we surrender to God’s calling.(46-46) God expects all of us to offer mercy and to give joyfully!

Sermon Notes1.) (14-18) God joyfully took on the risk of investing in us; he expects us to do the same for each other.2.) (19-23) You have been formed, entrusted, and are quite capable of growing God's kingdom with God's talents. 3.) (24-27) In life, we cannot avoid risk: If we do not accept the risk of supporting this fellowship, then we automatically risk losing it. 4.) (28-30) By withholding the talents, the third servant buried himself.

Sermon Notes(10-11) All too often we take God’s blessings for granted and we forget our gratitude.(12-14) Often, as life gets easier, we offer less of our time, wealth, talents and resources.(15-16) A Disciple is someone who lives a disciplined life of faith and gratitude: they remember God while enjoying His blessings.(17-18) This is the character of God: he builds his kingdom by giving us every resource and opportunity he has. Do we reflect the charity of God with our abundance?

(41-43) A commitment to faith starts after we feel distant from God and we want to know God.(44-46) Faith is explored within a group in which we can address our questions.(47-49) Faith emerges from a revelation: with amazement we suddenly understand!(50-52) A maturing faith recognizes and enjoys the encouragement of God who is with us (Immanuel).

(1-2) Throughout the Bible God consistently disrupts our personal expectations in the pursuit of far greater peace.(3-4) The real challenge: to accept the arrival of peace in unexpected ways.(5-6) Like the potter with clay, God molds insignificant people for significant roles!(7-8) Our ultimate peace: We can count on God even though we cannot count his innumerable acts.

1.) (verses 25-28) Engage the world with both/and thinking more often than drawing either/or conclusions. 2.) (verses 29-31) Jesus grants that we do have a limited ability to understand the signs around us, however, he warns us that even the signs we see are temporary.3.) (verses 32-34) Jesus says “Be careful,” and “Be always on the watch” because we too easily trap ourselves with our limited perspective and therefore struggle to see our hope!4.) (verses 35-36) Jesus wants us to be prepared to both trust and obey.

Keep the long-term in view; keep your eyes on the horizon.Our testimonies are shaped by the perseverance of God's love and the transformational power of God's grace.A truthful faith is well informed and appropriately skeptical.Our lives should speak and testify on God's behalf.

Keep the long-term in view; keep your eyes on the horizon.Our testimonies are shaped by the perseverance of God's love and the transformational power of God's grace.A truthful faith is well informed and appropriately skeptical.Our lives should speak and testify on God's behalf.

To love is to remain open and ready for questions.When we withhold, even just a little, we create lines of separation and tension.Love is worth it all and is far more important than any sacrifice that may hold us back.When your motive is clearly love, then you need not fear the questions.

Have I believed in my heart AND confessed with my mouth that Jesus is Lord?Speaking, accepting, and living out biblical truths with one another enables us to do the same with non-believers.People can’t believe a truth they’ve never heard.I am sent.

Our intent as a disciple is key. It is not what we are praying for, but the reason behind our request.The mindsets of…a servant, a leader, or a servant-leader. Which one are you? If you aren’t a servant-leader, what is stopping you?Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many, not just you and me. Transformation will involve addressing our assumptions about God and others.

True, proper worship requires surrender and offers renewal.God’s will is often revealed when we offer full surrender in worship!Your calling: do what you alone can do best for your context.We must obey God and be proven trustworthy. Then, and only then, will we make and be disciples!

The first big barrier to growth is not a lack of opportunities, but a lack of grit.You cannot pack anything that God has not already provided.The second barrier to growth: when we are ready to work but lack the support.The key to growth: do not fear failure, instead fear being apathetic before God.

We are all limited to imperfect actions; therefore, don't judge.All offerings, regardless of flaws, are significant to God!Out tendency for pre-judgment should be redirected toward ourselves.Judgment, for now, is withheld so that we may work toward glory, together!

Sermon NotesWe are empowered to follow when we have clarification; therefore, seek answers.Arguments are at best distracting; at worst, self-defeating.Success is not a sin; however, our methods must be monitored.No exceptions: everyone is welcome!

Notes for this Sermon:1.) God’s major missional concern for us is this: are you prepared for evangelism?2.) We will most likely struggle to understand; thankfully, we only need to be faithful.3.) Acknowledging our ignorance is a strength; claiming to fully understand can be harmful.4.) Jesus obtained victory over and through suffering; are we prepared to do the same?

Words wield great power in our lives. A proper understanding of the words used about us can make the difference between words that do harm versus those same words providing healing. Today, we take a look at Mark 7 as we consider some baffling words from words from Jesus: words that compare a woman to a dog, and a request for secrecy.

Word of Mouth Or word of God Mark 7:1-9 Sermon Notes:The pharisees were not questioning their hygiene but rather their disregard for tradition.Our input is only somewhat in our control, but our output is fully within our control.Time after time, Jesus most harsh words are for the most religious among us.At some point we must admit; evil all too often comes from within.  Mark 7:1-91 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus 2 and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.)5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?”6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:“‘These people honor me with their lips,    but their hearts are far from me.7 They worship me in vain;    their teachings are merely human rules.’8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”9 And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 

A reflection on the commitments we make and the commitments we are to keep.

In this episode we reflect on the importance of consuming knowledge/wisdom as a daily practice.

After Paul establishes the faith among the Ephesians, he writes to them from jail, helping them reflect on their faith and what it means to follow Christ's example.

This sermon reflects upon the importance of motive and having the best of intentions.

There is always a temptation to keep going, to push hard and refuse to give up. In this episode we reflect on the necessity of periodic rest.

When some say, "where there is a will there is a way" we may respond with "God has a will; he is our way maker." In this sermon, we reflect on God's method for making a way forward.

In this sermon, we reflect upon what it means to be God's children and how that fact, once realized, can be transformative to our lives.