May 20, 2018

John Lloyd - The Sermon On The Mount - Purity

May 20, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the Sermon of the Mount
Blessed are the Pure in Heart Matthew 5:8

May 20, 2018
Pastor John Lloyd

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expresses His desire for us to live for
Him in an upside down world. This greatest sermon ever given, is uplifting,
yet challenges us to live a life with Jesus that is far better than any other! It
is our prayer that you will be encouraged and challenged by studying and
applying this great sermon to your life. Small groups are also available
throughout the week to further discuss and put into practice the lessons
taught from the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for
him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4.God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the
earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they
shall be satisfied. 7“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Psalm 24 NLT)
Big Idea: Purity in heart is a gift given to those surrendered to God. Purity
brings fresh power and vision.
Pure- Katharoi- single devotion/undivided in heart
I. The cry of our heart is for purity.
Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from
my sin”?
A. Purity is not an outward expression only.
Matthews 23:25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you
clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed
and self-indulgence. Matthew 23;27-28
Common misconception: I can make myself pure on my own.

B. Understand how God purifies hearts.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
In heart-Kardia- refers to the inner self, including the volition, the mind and
the desires.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick;
who can understand it? (Mark 7:21-23)
“The gospel of Jesus is always concerned about the heart: all its emphasis
is upon the heart. Jesus is always talking about heart in the Gospels.
Pharisees did things externally right but were not pure in their hearts.
The heart is the whole center of his teaching.” E. Stanley Jones
Hebrews 9:14 How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience
from dead works to serve the living God. (Hebrews 10:22, Acts 15:9)
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness,
but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and
renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus
Christ our Savior,
Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of
his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After
making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on
high,

Increase my vision of the cleansing power of Jesus!
II. Purity grows through expressing mercy and righteousness.
Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for
they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive
mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
“Passion for righteousness and compassion for men--- this is purity of
heart.” E. Stanley Jones

How do we stay pure? How do walk in purity each day?
A. Purity is preserved by replacing lesser desires with a greater desire.
Psalm 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up
his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. (Ps. 24:5-6)
“Your chief defense against sinful lust is an all-out offensive of sanctified
lust. If you will set your hearts upon the supremacy, sufficiency and beauty
of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in this posture of continual satisfied delight in
Jesus that the lusts of our flesh and this world evaporate into vapors like
the steam on our morning coffee.” Kevin DeYoung
Psalm 27:4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I
may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon
the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. (Colossians 3:1)
God, reveal your glory and majesty to my soul!
B. Immersion and interaction with God’s word renews His majesty.
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it
according to your word. (Psalm 119:11, Colossians 3:16)
John 15:3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to
you. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
C. Obedience to God increases my vision of God’s majesty.
See- to experience, to undergo, to understand. (Matt. 5:8, I Peter 1:22)
I John 3:2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not
yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him,
because we shall see him as he is. 3And everyone who thus hopes in him
purifies himself as he is pure. (Revelation 22:3-4)
Psalm 51:10. Create in my a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast
spirit in me.

It goes well with those who walk in purity
because they continually see the majesty of God!

Growth Group Questions for May 20th

Icebreaker: Share what comes to your mind when you hear the word
purity.
1. Read Matthew 5:3-8. Discuss how the six beatitudes build on each
other. From the world’s point of view, how is it surprising that the
“pure in heart” shall find happiness?
2. Read Mark 7:21-23, Jeremiah 17:9. Discuss these verses and this
quote: “The tragic fallacy of the last hundred years has been to think
that all of man’s troubles are due to his environment, and that to
change the man you have nothing to do but change his environment.”
D.Marytn Lloyd Jones. What was the environment like in the Garden
of Eden? What tragic thing happened there? Genesis 3:6-7
3. Reflect on Galatians 2:21, Titus 3:5, Proverbs 20:9. Discuss how
these verses show us we cannot make ourselves pure. Why is it not
just about external observations but the heart?
4. Study Matthew 5:8, Hebrews 1:3, 9:14, 10:22. What do these
passages teach about how our souls are purified? Why is this
understanding key in maintaining purity?
5. Discuss Kevin DeYoung’s statement of fighting lust with lust. “As we
considered the fact that lusts are desires, and in the Scriptures these desires can
be good or bad, this depends on how they line up with the will of God. So how do
we fight these desires? We do it with desires. Your chief defense against sinful
lust is an all-out offensive of sanctified lust, if you will. It is to set our hearts upon
the supremacy, sufficiency, and beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in this
posture of continual satisfied delight in Jesus that the lusts of our flesh and this
world evaporate into vapors like the steam on our morning coffee.” Read
Colossians 3:1-5. What is Paul teaching?
6. Read Matthew 5:8, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 119:9. What role does
the Word of God have in giving us a greater vision of God and purity?
Pray for each other for God to increase our vision of His majesty!

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

May 13, 2018

Emily Babiak - Sermon On The Mount - Mercy

May 13, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the Sermon

of the Mount

Blessed are the Merciful Matthew 5:7

May 13, 2018 Mother’s Day

Emily Babiak

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4. God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Mercy: having compassion or pity for the miserable; putting forth effort to meet a need.

Big Idea: We all need mercy – from God and our communities. Every relationship would be healthier if we learned to give and receive mercy more fully.

I. God’s _____________ came first:

Part of God’s character is mercy/lovingkindness. He will forgive you and
not forsake you. This is a promise in scripture.

“For it is the very character of God which cements our faith.”

Exodus 34:6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Psalm 86:5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Lamentations 3: 22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

II. Jesus’ teaching on ______________ and __________________ mercy:

a) The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant—Matthew 18: 21-35

“I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”

If we take notice of how much mercy has been extended to us already, we should be more willing (even eager) to show mercy to someone else.

b) The Parable of the Good Samaritan-–Luke 10:30-37

“The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

There are four steps we can follow in showing mercy to others:

1. See ______________.

2. Have _____________________________.

3. Enter into another’s __________________________.

4. Offer __________.

How can you apply these steps to one of your relationships?

III. Jesus tells us the merciful will be blessed and will receive mercy. The mercy we receive now/not yet from our Heavenly Father is the best gift of mercy there is, but we will also receive mercy now in our earthly relationships.

IV. Mercy seen in Motherhood:

Whether you are a parent, a supervisor, a co-worker, a friend or a child, you have opportunities to practice giving and receiving mercy right where you are. Giving mercy will open the gates for a softer heart, better connections, deeper relationships with those around you.

V. How have you received mercy from others?

A comment made?

A need met?

A service provided?

Other:_____________________________

VI. Conclusion

Mercy is part of God’s character, we are called to be merciful as our Father in Heaven is merciful. We can give mercy to others because we have first received such a great mercy (eternal life) from our Father through His Son, Jesus. The good Samaritan shows us a great example of giving mercy to those around us. Jesus ends that parable with the command “Go and do likewise.”

Go and be merciful.

Growth Group Questions for May 13th

1. Read Matthew 5:3-7. Discuss how the five beatitudes build on each other. Which beatitude so far would produce a merciful soul? From the world’s point of view, why is it surprising that the merciful shall find happiness? What do you think of this translation? “Because they have already obtained mercy, therefore they are merciful.”

2. Read Matthew 5:7. Discuss this quote by E. Stanley Jones: “The thirst for righteousness needs the correction of mercy, then vice versa, mercy needs the correction of righteousness. Mercy without righteousness is mushy. To be merciful toward the failings and sins of others without a moral protest at the heart of the mercy ends in looseness and libertinism. Either righteousness or mercy taken alone offends the senses, but put together there is the breath of a heavenly scent upon them.” Why do you think this balance is so important?

3. Read Luke 10:29-37 Discuss what this passage teaches you about God’s mercy. Why is mercy more than just a thought but an action? Consider the thought that mercy helps relieve a person in their misery.

4. Read Psalm 103:8,10-13, Psalm 130:3. Describe how you see God’s mercy reflected in these verses. How do these verses encourage us to be merciful?

5. Read Luke 18:9-14. What is the difference between the two people mentioned in this passage? What difference do you see an experience of God’s mercy making in someone’s life?

6. Read Hebrews 2:17-18, Luke 6:36. How can Jesus be merciful to those who call on Him? Why does being merciful reflect Jesus? Think of someone you can display mercy to this week. Pray for this person and an opportunity to express this mercy.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy!

May 06, 2018

John Lloyd - The Sermon On The Mount - Hunger

May 06, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the Sermon

of the Mount

Blessed are Those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Matt 5:6

May 6, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied. (Psalm 42)

Big Idea: The most blessed, content people are those who hunger for God and His righteousness resulting in expressing it to others.

I. Beware of being satisfied with _______________ blessings.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.

Isaiah 55: 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Beware of the “when and then” thinking syndrome.

Ecclesiastes 6:2 A man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.

I Peter 2:11Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. (Romans 7:23, 2 Corinthians 4:4)

Prayer: Lord, show me the lesser hungers seeking to control my soul. Deliver me from the trap of settling for lesser hungers!

I. Spiritual health comes from hungering after _________ and His ___________________________.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.

Hunger and thirst are very commonly used to express strong spiritual desires and needs. Both participles are durative present tenses, for this hungering and thirsting continues and, in fact, increases in the very act of satisfied. Lenski

A. This ______________ for God replaces lesser hungers.

Psalm 63:1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Luke 1:53

This desire for righteousness becomes a hunger that eats up the lesser hungers of one’s life, until the man is eaten up with this all-inclusive hunger. E. Stanley Jones

Psalm 63:2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 2 Timothy 2:22.

I Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— (I Peter 2:1, Matthew 4:4)

May my deepest craving be to be right with God. Spending time with God increases my hunger for God. Lord, may each decade of my life find me even more thirsty for a life pleasing to You.

B. This hunger for God changes my goal for ______________.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.

Philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— Philippians 3:8,10

No greater blessing than seeing others find a right relationship with God.

Isaiah 58:10 If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. No greater blessing than satisfying the hunger of others who are where you once were.

Passion for righteousness and compassion for men--- this is purity of heart.

E. Stanley Jones

Blessings come to those who are poured out for others.

I. True _____________________ comes from hungering after God.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.

Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Ps.107:9

John 7:37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”

Are you filled? Are you blessed in this sense? Are you hungering and thirsting? Those are the questions. This is the gracious and glorious promise of God to all such: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.”

Growth Group Questions for May 6th

Icebreaker: Who is the happiest person you know? Why do you think they are so happy?

1. Read Matthew 5:3-6. Discuss how the four beatitudes build on each other. From the world’s point of view, why is it surprising that the hungry and thirsty will be satisfied?

2. Read Matthew 5:6. How is this hunger different from the things most people hunger for? How can spiritual hunger for a right relationship with God lead to a blessed and happy life?

3. Reflect on this quote by E. Stanley Jones: “This desire for righteousness becomes a hunger that eats up the lesser hungers of one’s life, until the man himself is eaten up with this all-inclusive hunger.” Discuss how this hunger for God eats up lesser hungers. How could this help with someone facing an addiction?

4. Read Psalm 42:1-3, Psalm 63:1-2, I Peter 2:2. What are people seeking in these verses? Discuss how happiness is always the result of seeking something else in the beatitudes (Mt.5:3-6). Discuss this quote: “when people place happiness before righteousness, it’s always doomed to misery.” Why or Why not?

5. Read Psalm 63:3-8. List what you see the Psalmist doing to keep himself spiritual hungry and satisfied with God. What do you do to help you stay hungry for God?

6. Read Matthew 5:6. Focus on the word righteousness. Read Romans 3:21-22, Phil. 3:9, 2Cor.5:21. How are we made right with God? How does Paul teach and treasure this righteousness? In your own words, what does it mean to be right with God? Who could you share this with this week?

7. Matthew 6:33 teaches us to seek the kingdom first and his righteousness. How does this correlate with Matthew 5:6? What area do you need help seeking His kingdom/righteousness first?

April 29, 2018

John Lloyd - The Sermon On The Mount - Meekness

April 29, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the Sermon of the Mount

Blessed are the Meek Matthew 5:5

April 29, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4.God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Psalm 37:1-11,22, 29, 34)

Big Idea: People who trust God for everything inherit/enjoy God’s best in this life and the life to come. Help me learn of the meekness of God.

I. A spirit of ___________________ and service produce meekness.

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4.God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. 5“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed – It will go well with

Matthew 5:3 plus Matthew 5:4 = Matthew 5:5

First, kingdom people do not try to force God’s whole will on a world unprepared for it. Second, God favors the humble, who trust in him rather than their own strength (5:3–5).

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:22-23

“The man who is truly meek is the one who is amazed that God and man can think of him as well as they do and treat him as well as they do. That it seems to me, is its essential quality.” E. Stanley Jones

“He that is down need fear no fall.” John Bunyan

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Action Point: Meekness begins by being yoked with Jesus and surrendering to Him in every area. Help me learn the meekness of God.

II. Meekness is a deep ___________ in the sovereign power of God.

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

The meek are mild, gentle, patient. The word refers to an inward virtue exercised toward persons. When they are wronged or abused they show no resentment and do not threaten or avenge themselves. The opposite are the vehement, bitter, wild, and violent. Jesus is the greatest example of meekness. Lenski

I Peter 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (2 Corinthians 10:1, I Peter 3:4)

“But when a man becomes meek he has finished with all that; he no longer worries about himself and what other people say. To be truly meek means we no longer protect ourselves, because we see there is nothing worth defending. So we are not on the defensive, all that is gone.” Lloyd Jones

Psalm 37:9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.

Action Points:

God I trust you with you ______________.

God I trust you will make this _____________ situation right.

I am responsible for my response! Help me learn the meekness of God

III. Meekness brings an incredible ______________________.

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Isaiah 29:19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. (Acts 14:22)

To sum up: The renounced in spirit gain the kingdom of heaven, the mourners gain the kingdom of inner comfort, and the meek gain the earth. So the world above, the world within, and the world around belong to this man. Wanting nothing he inherits all worlds. E Stanley Jones

Ephesians 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Hebrews 9:15)

Meekness is essentially a true view of oneself, expressing itself in attitude and conduct with respect to others. It is therefore fore two things. It is my attitude towards myself, and it is an expression of that in my relationship to others. D Martyn Lloyd Jones

Philippians 4:12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Inherit the earth – What does it mean? A man who is truly meek is a man who is always satisfied, he is a man who is already content. Having nothing yet hath all. As having nothing but possessing all things.

Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Lord, I make a commitment to learn of your meekness. I make a commitment to express your meekness in my life’s most difficult situations. Thank you Jesus for modeling meekness for me.

Growth Group Questions for April 29th

Icebreaker: What do you think heirs feel when they inherit something valuable? If you have inherited something describe how you felt?

1. Read Matthew 5:3-5. Discuss how the three beatitudes build on each other. From the world’s point of view, why is it surprising that the meek will inherit the earth?

2. What does meekness mean to you? Why do we feel the need to retaliate when we have been treated unjustly?

3. Read Psalm 37:1-5, Galatians 5:16. Meekness is produced by depending upon the Holy Spirit. What does the Psalmist tell us not to do? What does he tell us to do? How would these actions produce meekness? How does walking in the Spirit produce the fruit of meekness? Share what you do to develop this type of walk?

4. Read Psalm 37:6-11,22, 29, 34. What does the Psalmist tell us not to do and to do? What promises are made to the meek? How does God take care of the meek?

5. Read Matthew 5:5 (focus on inherit), Ephesians 1:18, Colossians 1:12 and Hebrews 9:15 (focus on inheritance). Describe the inheritance God has for those who have surrendered to Him. What makes this believable or hard to believe for you?

6. Read Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Acts 14:22. Why must we trust the Sovereign power of God in this life in order to reign with Him in the next life? How can Acts 14:22 be helpful in our lives?

7. Where do you find it hard to walk in meekness? Please share a prayer request with a friend or your group. I am trusting God to make ___________________________ work together for good.

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.

Meekness is supreme strength-it possesses itself and possesses the earth.

April 22, 2018

John Lloyd - The Sermon On The Mount - Mourning

April 22, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the

Sermon of the Mount

Blessed are Those who Mourn Matthew 5:4

April 22, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4.God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Big Idea: Mourning our losses before God opens our hearts to receive the amazing comfort of God.

The loss of anything that a person counts as valuable will produce mourning, whether it’s one’s financial support, or loved ones, or status in society, or even one’s standing before God. Wilkins

Real losses produce mourning in our ____________.

Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed – It will go well with

We should not assume that if we are trusting in God we won’t weep, or feel anger, or feel hopeless. Remember Jesus is presented as the suffering servant. Keller, Timothy. (See Isaiah 42 & 53)

Romans 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (2 Corinthians 1:8)

“The renounced in spirit are affected and affected deeply. Having been cleansed by renunciation they are now more sensitive than ever to the world’s pain.” E Stanley Jones

2 Corinthians 5:2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,

The world inflicts blows, losses, and pain upon the godly. It includes every wrong done us, as well as every painful consequence of our own wrongdoing. Lenski

‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.’” (Matt 26:37–38).

Action Steps: Give yourself permission to grieve your losses. Give your heart permission to lament the injustices of this world. Pray the lament psalms to God… Psalm 39, 88.

The surrendered heart is the sensitive heart.

III. Mourning with God expands our souls to _______________ God.

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Mourn- the verb denotes a loud mourning such as the lament for the dead or a severe painful loss.

As far as contrition is concerned let us keep in mind the first of Luther’s famous 95 Theses, that our entire life must be a continuous contrition and repentance. God’s people are indeed a mournful lot. Martyn Lloyd Jones

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 51:17)

Some thoughts about pain and mourning:

1. God uses our pain to get our attention. (2 Cor.7:9)

2. Sometimes it takes a painful experience to get us to change our ways. (Jonah 2:7)

3. Pain teaches us to depend upon God. (Psalm 119:71)

4. God allows pain to give us a ministry to others. (2 Cor.1:3-4) Isaiah 42:3 a bruised reed he will not break,

God can heal bruised reeds! God can recycle my pain!

God’s _____________ is brought to our souls through our losses.

“It will go well with those who mourn, they will receive the comfort of God.”

Isaiah 61:3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

Comfort is made up of two words, con, “with,” and fortis, “strength” literally, “strengthened by being with.” Isaiah 66:13

A. Comfort may come through fellow _________________.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. Pr.27:9

Join a Griefshare, Celebrate Recovery, Divorce Care or growth group. It may be helpful for one should also seek counsel of a trained Christian counselor.

B. Comfort comes from _____________________ Jesus and His Word.

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The greatest comfort is the absolution pronounced upon every contrite sinner. Because of Jesus we can grieve with hope. I Thess.4:13

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It will go well with those who mourn, for they shall experience God’s comfort. God can give you strength to face your losses by His grace.

Growth Group Questions for April 22nd

Icebreaker: How would you describe the word “blessed?” Ask each member to write their definition on a piece of paper. Collect and read each definition, letting the group guess who wrote each one. What did you learn from these responses?

1. Read Matthew 5:4. Consider the word blessed as meaning “it will go with the person who.” How can it go well with the person who is mourning? Why is knowing our sins have been paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus a comfort to one who is mourning?

2. Read Isaiah 61:1-4. Why are people mourning in this passage? What promises are made to those who mourn? How does this bring encouragement to heavy hearts?

3. Read Joel 1:13, James 4:9-10. Why are they mourning in these verses? Discuss Martin Luther’s first thesis that followers of Jesus should be a continual state of repentance and contrition over their sins. Why is this helpful or not helpful?

4. Those who mourn feel sorrow not only for their own sin but also for the sin they see around them. What have you heard in the news lately that caused you to mourn?

5. Read Matthew 5:4, Isaiah 66:13, 2 Cor. 1:3-4, 2 Cor.1:8-9. I will not leave you comfortless. How do you think those who mourn will be comforted? How does it help you that Paul despaired for his life? What did this experience do for Paul?

6. Read Isaiah 53:3-4, Hebrews 7:25, Revelation 21:4. What do you notice about Jesus and his life on earth? What do you notice about his ministry in heaven? How does his ministry on earth impact his ministry in heaven?

7. Discuss how we can help each other with the losses impacting our souls. Pray for one another. Pray for those you know who are facing intense trials.

It will go well with those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

April 18, 2018

John Lloyd - Beatitudes - The Sermon On The Mount

April 18, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the Sermon of the Mount

Blessed are the poor in spirit Matthew 5:3

April 15, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

Big Idea: The blessed person is the one who recognizes his spiritual poverty and reaches out to the King of Kings.

I. Jesus has a word for all ___________________.

Matthew 5:1-2 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

The beatitudes are pure gospel. Lenski

Introduction to the Beatitudes: Who was it addressed to?

1. All followers of Jesus are to be like this description.

2. Followers of Jesus are meant to manifest all of these characteristics.

3. These characteristics go beyond our natural temperaments.

4. You will see the essential difference between followers and non-

followers of Jesus.

a. What they admire

b. What they seek after

c. What they do

d. They live in an entirely different kingdom.

“Happiness is the great question confronting mankind. The whole world is longing for happiness. It is tragic to see the ways in which people are seeking it. The vast majority seek happiness in a way that is bound to produce misery. The Sermon on the Mount says, if you want to be happy here is the way. This and this alone is the type of person who is really blessed.” E Stanley Jones

Character before conduct.

II. Seeking God first redefines ___________________.

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew is a training manual for Christian discipleship for believers of all ages. A balanced understanding of the Sermon on the Mount will mature our discipleship to Jesus. Michael Wilkins

Blessed- A judgment pronounced, extremely fortunate. It is a rich promise for the present but a promise of even greater riches in the future. It is a positive judgment by God that means “to be approved” or “to find approval.”

It is a state of existence in relationship to God and from His perspective even when he or she doesn’t feel happy or isn’t presently experiencing good fortune.

Psalm 2:12b Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Real happiness/blessedness begins when we seek God first!

III. Seeking God first recognizes our ___________________ poverty.

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Poor in spirit- cringingly, beggarly poor with respect to spirit.

Isaiah 66:2 But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. (Examples of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5, Peter in Luke 5:8, Paul in Romans 7:24, Philippians 3:8)

Psalm 40:17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but he Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

There is no one in the kingdom of God who is not poor in spirit. It is the fundamental characteristic of the Christian, and of the citizen of the kingdom of heaven, and all the other characteristics are in a sense the result of this one. As we go on to expound it, we shall see that it really means an emptying, while the others are a manifestation of a fullness.

You cannot be filled until we are first empty. There are always these two sides of the gospel; there is a pulling down and a raising up. It is an essential part of the gospel that conviction must always precede conversion; the gospel of Christ condemns before it releases. Lloyd Jones

The greatest filling comes when we realize we are empty!

IV. The ________________ belongs to those who submit to the King.

Matt. 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Eph 1:3, John 18:36, Rom.14:17)

The more we look at Him, the more hopeless shall we feel by ourselves, and in of ourselves, and the more we become ‘poor in spirit’.

You cannot look at Him without feeling your absolute poverty, and emptiness. Then you say to Him, “Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to Thy cross I cling.” Yeah, all I need, in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones

Reflective questions: Am I like that, am I poor in spirit? How do I really feel about myself as I think of myself in terms of God and in the presence of God? How does this happen?

Hebrews 12:2 Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.

The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who respond to Jesus.

The way to become poor in spirit is to look at God. Look at Jesus!

Growth Questions for April 15, 2018

Icebreaker: Who has been like a Bible for you? What did that person say or do that showed God in their life to you?

1. Read Matthew 5:3-12. As you read make note of what Jesus says is blessed versus what you know the world says makes people happy. Share the differences.

2. Read Matthew 5:3, Psalm 1:1-2. Focus on the word “blessed.” This is more than a state or condition but it is an attitude that grows out of our utter helplessness and need for pure grace and mercy. Discuss what brings on this blessedness.

3. Read Matthew 5:3. Read the following passages and discuss what being poor meant to Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5, Paul in Romans 7:24, Phil.3:8, Peter in Luke 5:8 and Jesus in John 14:10. What does being poor in spirit look like to you? Why is this so critical to spiritual growth and power?

4. Read Matthew 5:3-12. Note and discuss the differences between followers and non-followers of Jesus. Compare and contrast what they admire, seek after and do.

5. Read Matt. 5:3. Focus on the word “kingdom.” Read Luke 17:21. John 18:36, Romans 14:17. What does kingdom mean to a follower of Jesus? What is the worldly definition of the kingdom? What promises does the king make about the future world? See Revelation 1:5-7.

6. How does coming face to face with Jesus help you navigate through the difficulties of this life? How have you experienced a blessedness despite unfortunate circumstances?

7. What circumstances/attitudes do you need to bring to Jesus for His help this week? How can we pray for you?

Blessedness is not a description of a present condition, neither a wish regarding a coming condition, but a judgment pronounced upon the persons indicated, stating that they must be considered fortunate. And it is Jesus who renders this judgment, which is therefore absolutely true although all the world may disagree. All this blessedness is spiritual, each part of it coming from the great Messianic kingdom, true soul-blessedness, a rich possession now but with a glorious promise of still greater riches-the very opposite of the world’s happiness. Michael Wilkins

April 08, 2018

Evan Rogers - Introduction to the Sermon On The Mount

April 08, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Sermon on the Mount

Introduction to the greatest sermon ever

April 8, 2018

Evan Rogers

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expresses His desires for us to live for Him in an upside down world. This is the greatest sermon ever given. It is uplifting yet challenges us to live a life with Jesus that is far better than any other.

Big Idea: The Best way to keep the commandments of Christ is to face the Sermon on the Mount.

I. False views of the Sermon on the Mount:

1. Metaphorical imagery:

The sermon is nothing but metaphors and none of it should be taken practically or literally because He is only referring to spiritual things.

2. Elaboration of the law:

Jesus is just explaining a further understanding of the Mosaic Law that can provide righteousness through your own hard work

3. Dispensational view:

This sermon was only for the time before Christ’s resurrection. It has no practical significance to modern Christians.

Our View of the Sermon on the Mount:

The Sermon on the Mount is an elaborate description of Christ’s new commandments and how to follow them.

II. Why we should study the Sermon on the Mount:

Definition of a Christian: A believer in Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Jesus died to enable us to live the Sermon on the Mount

Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

The Sermon shows us our absolute need for the new birth and the Holy spirit in order to live it.

Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

The more we practice this Sermon the more we shall experience

blessings.

Matthew 7:24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

The more we live out this Sermon, the more people will come to Jesus.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

III. 20 Parts

1. The Beatitudes - The 7 characteristics of a Christian, and the results of living this way.

2. Salt and Light - Our calling to make a change.

3. Fulfillment of the Law - The Law is still a valid and is only possible to live through Christ.

4. Anger - The law goes beyond killing, it covers the hidden sin of the heart in anger.

5. Lust - The Law goes beyond adultery, and covers the hidden sin of the heart in lust.

6. Divorce - The Law goes beyond the false teachings of society and the accepted practices of “believers” in marriage.

7. Oaths - The law goes beyond the teachings of old when keeping your word.

8. Retaliation - The law goes beyond the teachings of old pertaining to revenge.

9. Love Your Enemy - The law goes beyond the teachings of old about enemies.

10. Gifts - Do not give for selfish gain.

11. Prayer - Do not pray to be seen.

12. Fasting - Do not fast to be praised by men.

13. Treasure in Heaven - Life should be lived for the kingdom of God.

14. Don’t be Anxious - Worry will not help, rather trust in the Lord.

15. Judging Others - Do not condemn another while excusing your sin.

16. Ask - Ask and it will be given.

17. The Golden Rule - You will reap what you have sown.

18. A Tree and its Fruits - You will know who is teaching truth by the results it brings.

19. I Never Knew You - The action isn’t enough, God will not accept you without a relationship.

20. Build your House on the Rock - A parable about the results of your faith.

IV. Eight Major Sections

I. The Characteristics of Christians

1. Beatitudes

2. Salt and Light

Poor in spirit

Ones who mourn

The Meek

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

The Merciful

The pure in heart

The peacemakers

Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake

Salt of the Earth

Light of the world

II. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the only means by which men can fulfill the law.

3. Fulfillment of the Law

5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

III. Christ’s New Commandments

4. Anger

5. Lust

6. Divorce

7. Oaths

8. Retaliation

9. Love Your Enemy

5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

IV. Good things done for selfish reasons won’t please God. Do everything in service to God with love.

10. Gifts

11. Prayer

12. Fasting

6:1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

V. Faith requires we live for God each day, therefore humbly examine yourself each day asking if you are living for Him or another master.

13. Treasure In Heaven

14. Don’t Be Anxious

15. Judging Others

6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

VI. Trust That as you follow God’s way of doing things that he will take care of you.

16. Ask And It Will Be Given

17. The Golden Rule

7:11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

VII. How to spot the truth, and the result of not following the truth.

18. A Tree And Its Fruits

19. I Never Knew You

7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

VIII. The results of either following Jesus advice or ignoring it.

20. Build your House on The Rock

Matthew 7:27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

Closing Thought: When the rains come and the winds beat us will our beliefs hold true or will we fall? Are my beliefs founded on truth or my personal opinion? Are my beliefs founded on the Rock of Christ and his words?

April 01, 2018

John Lloyd - Resurrection Sunday

April 01, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

"Share His-Story"

Sharing His Story: The Resurrection of Jesus

John 20

Pastor John Lloyd

April 1, 2018

The truth of Jesus’ resurrection proves God can do anything. It is life changing! Believing and trusting in Jesus is the first step in experiencing resurrection life. God blesses and rewards a lifestyle that shares His Resurrection.

Big Idea: Believing and sharing His Story changes my life here and forevermore.

I. Look carefully at the evidence of the resurrection of Jesus.

I Corinthians 15:1 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.

John 20:5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, (John 20:7-8)

A. Prophets foretold it. Psalm 16:10, Hosea 6:2

B. Jesus promised it. (John 2:19, Matthew 20:19)

C. The Pharisees were afraid of it. (Matthew 27:62-66)

D. The disciples didn’t believe it at first. (John 20:9)

E. The disciples went from fleeing to proclaiming it. (Acts 2:24, 4:13)

Action: Take some time to examine the evidence of the resurrection. The resurrection is what separates Jesus from all other teachers.

II. Ask God to reveal the truth of the resurrection of Jesus.

John 20:18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:27-28

“We need to remember that even the disciples/ first century people could not have conceived of this happening… they couldn’t help it, they had seen it. And it changed their lives. You know even if you don’t like what I am saying… you should want it to be true… because it means that there is more to this life than what we see. There will be justice for the poor, alleviating of hunger and disease, and caring for the environment.” Tim Keller

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

The resurrection proves Jesus is who he claimed to be.

Action: Ask God to reveal to you the Living Christ.

III. Let God’s peace enter your soul through faith.

John 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. (Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:7)

The resurrection of Jesus means the sacrifice of Jesus has been accepted, thus our sins have been forgiven.

I Corinthians 15:16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.

Philippians 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

"Christ did not come to do away with suffering; He did not come to explain it; He came to fill it with His presence." --Paul Claudel

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Action: Give the things troubling you over to God.

IV. Share His Story with others.

John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

John 9:25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

This world needs resurrection life. This world needs a living Christ. It doesn’t need just a moral teacher or a good person. It needs the Living Christ who can change our lives and the lives of those around us.

Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. (Ephesians 1:19-20)

I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

I John 5:11And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I John 5:13

The tomb of Jesus Christ is empty because He resurrected and is alive forevermore.

John 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Your death, burial, and resurrection humble me to ask for your forgiveness. I desire to live for you and turn from my own ways. You conquered death for me and I receive your free gift of eternal life. Help me live my life in close relationship with you. I believe in you and the power of the Resurrection!

Growth Group Questions for April 1, 2018

Opener: Discuss something you thought would bring you freedom but did not deliver. Talk about something you thought would bring bondage but actually brought freedom.

1. Read Ephesians 1:16-21. Describe in your own words what is happening here. Why is this important?

2. The doctrine of the resurrection was also at the heart of New Testament preaching. (Read Acts 2:31; 4:2, 4:33; 17:18, 32; 23:6&8; 24:15&21; 26:23) Why were the apostles so centered on this resurrection? What does this teach us?

3. Read Philippians 3:10. What are the two things Paul wants to know? How can knowing these two things help you in your walk with God?

4. Read I Corinthians 15:14 &17. Why is Paul sharing this with the Corinthians? What lessons can you take from this truth?

5. Consider the fact that no other religion is proven by the resurrection of its founder. Consider these seven proofs:

1.The resurrection was proclaimed as fact by the initial apostles (I Cor. 15:5-7). 2. The testimony of a converted skeptic. (I Cor. 15:8-11). 3. The proof of history (Acts 26:23&26). 4. The quality of the apostolic witnesses (Acts 12:2) 5. The number and quality of supportive witnesses (I Corinthians 15:5) 6. The startling transformation of the apostles (Acts 17:6). 7. The ongoing experience of the resurrected Jesus Christ (I was blind and now I see) Which one speaks to you the most and why?

6. Read Romans 6:4, 8:11. How does the resurrection of Jesus and access to His power bring freedom to our souls? What things can you do to help you access this power?

7. Read and pray Ephesians 1:17-19 for yourself, pray it for a friend or someone in your group. Why is this prayer so necessary and powerful? Why do we need wisdom, revelation and our eyes enlightened to know and believe these things?

March 25, 2018

John Lloyd - Bless Series "S.2"

March 25, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

March 18, 2018

John Lloyd - Bless Series "S.1"

March 18, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

March 13, 2018

John Lloyd - Bless Series "E"

March 13, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

March 08, 2018

John Lloyd - Bless Series "L"

March 08, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

March 04, 2018

John Lloyd - Bless Series "B"

March 04, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

February 18, 2018

Vernon Brewer - One Million Martyrs

February 18, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

February 11, 2018

Chastidy Ronan - Faith In The Fire

February 11, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Dolores Park Church

February 11, 2018

Faith in the Fire

Chastidy Ronan

Key Thought:

God shows up in our pain and comforts us.

He makes things new and beautiful.

What we experience is not just about _________________, but can be used by God to glorify himself and _______________ His Body the church as a whole.

We can find points of overlap and _________________ in our stories.

God ___________________ through all our fiery trials.

His plans are always ____________________________.

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

John 16.33 Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

God ___________________ in our pain and comforts us.

God _________________ us.

God _________________ leaves or abandons us.

His _________________ for us never fails.

He gives _________________.

Following Jesus doesn’t give us a ___________________ life, but it does give us a life with ________________.

Romans 8.31

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

God shows up in our pain and ____________ us.

The ____________ God gives to us we can give to others.

Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

The devil tries to discourage us from _______________ , but God shows up in our pain and He comforts us.

We can go back to the places we’ve ____________ help so we can ____________ that same help to others.

Our hope can not be in people, but in the _________________ God who created us and is able to make all things new. He can do incredibly more than we can ask or imagine

Revelation 21.5

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Ephesians 3.20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Our hope can't be based on our _________________ or even what _________________.

We have to walk by _________________ and not by _________________. — 2 Corinthians 5.7

God’s faithful _________________ endures forever.—Psalm 118

Philippians 4.6-8

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

2 Corinthians 10:5 b

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ

We can:

___________________ in God
___________________ in God
___________________ in God
___________________ God
___________________ to God

Isaiah 30:15

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength

We don’t _________________ healing.

It’s not our own ___________________ that save us.

It is because of His ___________________, for His ___________________.

So we can tell ______________________________________!

God shows up in our pain and He comforts us.

We ___________________ that same comfort to others.

However, God is ___________________ yesterday, today, and forever.

He deserves our ___________________ all the time!

Even in the midst of the fiery trials— we know He is ultimately _________________.

God already told us how all of this ends!

He wins! He gives us ___________________, and He is the Champion.

Our battles are an ___________________ for God’s people to see Him working.

It’s a chance for us to unify and give God ___________________.

God will meet you in your pain and comfort you.

God will sustain you through your fiery trials.

You can offer the same comfort to others.

February 04, 2018

John Lloyd - Habakkuk Finale

February 04, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Living By Faith In An Unbelieving World.

Living by Faith in an Unbelieving World:

A Study of the Book of Habakkuk

Living out Hope in Difficult Situations Habakkuk 3:3-19

Pastor John Lloyd

February 4, 2018

Habakkuk models for us how to live out hope while facing an overwhelming situation. He trembles at the thought of what will happen to his beloved nation. Yet, he shows us how we can face tests and trials bigger than us. He gives us a path to help us find the resources we need to have a strengthened faith. It’s our prayer that God would use this time to encourage each one of us to be renewed in hope because of the faithfulness of our Savior Jesus and His great promises to us.

Habakkuk 3:16 I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. 17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,

Memory Verses: 3:18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places

Big Idea: God’s presence is the key to walking through difficult situations while having our hope renewed. God is my Army!

How can I truly live by faith even in the midst of difficult situations?

I. God’s greatness is greater than all created things and difficulties.

Habakkuk 3:3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His splendor covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 His brightness was like thelight; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power.

A. Remember the Lord’s victory and battle.

Habakkuk 3:7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.

Habakkuk 3:11 The sun and moon stood still in their place at the light of your arrows as they sped, at the flash of your glittering spear. 12 You marched through the earth in fury; you threshed the nations in anger. 13 You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. (Habakkuk 3:14-15) (I Corinthians 15:26, Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 10:10, John 11:25-26)

His Great Power and Plan will prevail! God is my Army!

B. God will deal with sin and evil.

“The appearance of God as army commander and the contemplation of his victory not only fill the prophet with fear but arm him with trust for the day of trouble. The prophet will live secure in undisturbed peace.” Szeles

“They will be delivered from exile but first they must endure it. Scarcity leads us to recognize our need for a God who speaks to us.” Bruckner

Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,

“Suffering is not something we want to avoid. Suffering is a key means to experiencing a deeper union with Christ.” Kevin Emmert

Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

My sins, great and small have been paid for by Jesus Christ! God is my Army!

II. Cherish God’s presence above all earthly presents.

Habakkuk 3:18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“One of the marks of faith is a willingness to wait patiently for the Lord to work. The great British expositor G. Campbell Morgan said, “Our joy is in proportion to our trust. Our trust is in proportion to our knowledge of God.”

Warren Wiersbe

John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (Romans 8:38-39, Matt. 28:20, Ps. 28:7)

His Presence overcomes my fears and anxieties! God is my Army!

III. Expect God to renew and grow your faith to new heights.

Habakkuk 3:19 GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. (Is.42:16,I Peter 1:7)

“The picture represents the lighthearted and secure gait of the deer as it bounds over the hills without ever stumbling. It is a description of the person of faith in the sense of emunah, one who has received strength and resolution, who is no longer fettered by temptation, who is no more oppressed with the weight of doubt. Yahweh’s strength has brought him release. Consequently he can stand still when under affliction and walk with confidence in times of oppression.” Szeles

Colossians 1:27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (John 14:12)

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

We are renewed in hope when Jesus Christ is living in us. God is my army!

Growth Group Questions for February 4, 2018

Opener: What is a current challenge in your life that requires faith?

1. Read Habakkuk 3:3-19. Summarize in your own words what’s going on this passage. What does God say that will help Habakkuk face his tribulations?

2. Read Habakkuk 3:3-15. List as many facts as you see Habakkuk remembering in the history of Israel and the world. “The Christian faith is based solidly on facts, not ideas. Its doctrines are based upon these facts. Buddhism and Hinduism rest on theories and ideas.” D. Martyn Lloyd Jones Take some time to think of the awesome acts of God in your own history and list out the facts of what you have seen God do in your life.

3. Habakkuk remembering the greatness of God’s power is comforting. Why? Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 for Paul’s perspective.

4. Habakkuk “was living by promises, not explanations.” Look back at Habakkuk 2:4, 14, 20. How were these promises more valuable than explanations? What promises are you living by? Share your favorite.

5. Read Habakkuk 3:16. Describe Habakkuk’s emotions in 3:16 and why he felt that way.

6. Read Habakkuk 3:17-19. Specifically, what do you see Habakkuk doing to get him through his fears? What can we learn from Habakkuk’s life?

7. Read Hebrews 4:14-16 & 7:25. What does the writer of Hebrews tell us to do in the midst of trials? What does this passage teach about Jesus and how to face trials?

8. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantee a blessed ending for every follower of Jesus? (Read Philippians 3:10, Rom. 8:28, 37-39)

As we conclude Habakkuk, what personal applications are you taking away? “ Lord is my strength, He makes me tread on my high places.”

January 21, 2018

John Lloyd - Habakkuk Pt. 3

January 21, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Living By Faith In An Unbelieving World.

Living by Faith in an Unbelieving World: A Study of the Book of Habakkuk

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith! Habakkuk 2:4-20

Pastor John Lloyd

January 21, 2018

We have a choice every day to interpret the events of our lives through the eyes of our own reason or through the eyes of faith. One path leads to unbelief and fear. The other, as Habakkuk stumbles upon a watershed of life, learns that the “righteous shall live by faith!” We can look to the “experts” of this life or we can look to our Creator as our guide. Our prayer is to develop a community of people modelling faith to an unbelieving world. Faith pleases God and is rewarded by consistently seek Him.

The righteous shall live by faith!

Memory Verse: Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

5 “Moreover, wine is a traitor, an arrogant man who is never at rest. His greed is as wide as Sheol; like death he has never enough. He gathers for himself all nations and collects as his own all peoples.” 6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say, “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own— for how long?— and loads himself with pledges!” 7 Will not your debtors suddenly arise, and those awake who will make you tremble? Then you will be spoil for them.

Big Idea: Living by faith is the best path for followers of Christ. The righteous shall live by faith!

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Praying God would give this faith inside of us not just to us. In the depths of our souls His faith would transform us from the inside out.

How can I truly live by faith?

I. Living by faith means rejecting me and material things as the ultimate authority and giver of meaning of life.

Habakkuk 2:1 I will take my stand at my I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint. (Col.3:2)

Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

Genesis 3:5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

“For each of us, sin is our right to myself, and so to my way of seeing things, which far more than class, gender, race and generation is the ultimate source of human relativity. On the other hand, sin is the deliberate repudiation of God and the truth of his way of seeing things.” Os Guiness “Fools Talk”

Habakkuk 2:6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say, “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—for how long?— and loads himself with pledges!” (Excessive greed)

Habakkuk 2:9 “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house, to set his nest on high, to be safe from the reach of harm! (Relying on temporal treasures and wealth for protection) (Habakkuk 2:10-11, Dan. 5:5-6)

Habakkuk 2:12 “Woe to him who builds a town with blood and founds a city on iniquity! (Building on violence never works) Habakkuk 2:13

Habakkuk 2:15 “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink — you pour out your wrath and make them drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness! (always brings destruction) (Habakkuk 2:16-17, Isaiah 5:11-12)

Habakkuk 2:19 Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it. (Habakkuk 2:18, Idols will always fail us)

“Everything that is evil is under the judgment of God.” Martyn Lloyd Jones

The way of unbelief always opposes the way of faith. Seeing the invisible ultimate end of evil moves us to live by faith.

“The truth stated is that there are only two possible attitudes to life in this world: that of faith and that of unbelief. Either we view our lives in terms of our belief in God and the conclusions which we are entitled to draw from that: or our outlook is based upon a rejection of God and the corresponding denials. We may either withdraw ourselves from the way of faith in God, or else we may live by faith in God.” Martyn Lloyd Jones

II. Living by faith delivers us from being controlled by events.

Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. (Romans 10:17)

A. Living by faith relies on God’s approval above created things.

Hebrews 11:25 (Moses) choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. (Lk.12:4)

B. Living by faith allows us to see God’s glory during present trials.

Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 6:3)

Hebrews 11:27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:34

The righteous shall live by faith!

C. Living by faith embraces the Lord Jesus as our ultimate authority.

Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” (Philippians 2:9-11, Psalm 27:1)

Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Phil 3:9 & Gal. 2:20)

Reflective questions: Is my life based upon the faith principle? Am I submitting myself to the fact that the Bible is the true Word of God? Am I willing to stake everything in my life on this fact?

THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH!

Growth Group Questions for January 21, 2018

Opener: Have you ever foreseen something bad was going to happen that other people were ignoring? If so, how did that feel? Or if you haven’t, how do you think it would feel?

1. Read Habakkuk 2:4-2:20. Summarize in your own words what’s going on this passage. What does God say He will do to the Chaldeans?

2. Read Habakkuk 2:4-5. Pride puffs people up about their achievements, twists their moral values, makes them never satisfied with what they own and always restless for another thrill or achievement. Are you prone to any of these faults? If so, which ones?

3. Read Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 & Hebrews 10:38. How did Paul use Habakkuk 2:4, and how is it different in Hebrews 10:38? What does it mean to live by faith?

4. Read Habakkuk 2:6, 9, 12, 15, &19. Discuss the five woes mentioned by Habakkuk, (see outline for help). Which of those do you see most often in the world around you? Are there more that could be added?

5. Read Daniel 5:30-31 and compare with Habakkuk 2:6-7. What happened to the king of Babylon? How was Habakkuk’s prophecy fulfilled? How does fulfilled prophecies help you live by faith?

6. Read Habakkuk 2:9-11. The Chaldeans were trusting in their ill-gotten riches to protect them from danger. Read Daniel 5:1-5 and write how this prophecy was fulfilled. How can this truth encourage us as we see evil prospering in our world? What is the antidote to covetousness?

7. Read Habakkuk 2:4, 2:14 and 2:20. What are the three assurances God gave to Habakkuk in the midst of these woes? Which one of these assurances means the most to you right now?

8. Read Hebrews 11:23-28. How did Moses demonstrate his faith? How does his example help you live by faith? Spend time praying for one faith request you have for this year. The righteous shall live by faith!

January 14, 2018

John Lloyd - Habakkuk Pt. 2

January 14, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Living By Faith In An Unbelieving World.

Living by Faith in an Unbelieving World: A Study of the Book of Habakkuk

Waiting and Walking in God’s Vision Habakkuk1:12-2:3

Pastor John Lloyd

January 14, 2018

“Setbacks are often setups for God to act.” Craig Groeschel

Wait for God’s vision for it will surely come. Walk in God’s vision for it will surely come to pass. Looking forward to what God has in store for us in 2018. May we glorify and honor the Lord with our lives. Pastor John

Habakkuk 2:1 I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint. Memory Verse: 2 And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Big Idea: Wait for God’s vision… it will surely come. Walk in God’s vision, for it will surely come to pass. God’s best is yet to come.

I. When __________ come, trust the character of God for His setup.

Habakkuk 1:12 Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment, and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof. 13 You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more

Habakkuk 1:16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and makes offerings to his dragnet; for by them he lives in luxury, and his food is rich.17 Is he then to keep on emptying his net and mercilessly killing nations forever? (Jn 16:33)

How could God use His Son Jesus, who was sinless to become our sins on the cross? How could He become unrighteousness so we could be made righteous? How can he make us worthy when none of us are worthy?

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

I Peter 3:18a For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, (Hebrews 12:3)

Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

My greatest setback is an opportunity to experience God’s mighty strength. Setups come from setbacks! The just shall live by faith.

II. Get with God in setbacks trouble and look for His _____________.

I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

Psalm 73:16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.

Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Habakkuk 1:5 “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” (John 4:35)

Reflective Questions: Ask God to show you what you cherish at your core? At what are you aiming your life? What are His setups for you?

III. In a plain and simple way, _________ down what God shows you.

Habakkuk 2:2And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.

Devotional life: I Timothy 4:15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

Purity: I Thessalonians 4: 3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; (4:4)

Marriage/relationships: Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Church: I will build my church. Go and make disciples. (Mt.16:18,28:19)

Children: No greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth.

Finances: Matthew 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Word: Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Brothers/Sisters: 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers/sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (See Question 8 from Growth group)

God’s vision will surely come. God’s best is yet to come!

IV. Wait for the ______________ to come to pass.

Habakkuk 2:3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (John 4:34, Ephesians 3:20)

Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. John 14:3

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Hab. 2:3b If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

God’s vision will surely come to pass! God’s best is yet to come!

Growth Group Questions for January 14, 2018

1. Read Habakkuk 1:13-2:3. Summarize in your own words what’s going on this passage.

2. Read Habakkuk 1:13 & I Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21. How does Jesus solve the problem we encounter of God’s eyes being too pure to look upon evil?

3. Read Habakkuk 1:14-17. Why is Habakkuk upset about God using the Chaldeans/Babylonians to punish Judah?

4. Read Habakkuk 2:1. Where does Habakkuk go to seek God’s answer? What kind of answer does Habakkuk expect the Lord to give him after his second complaint? What do you expect to hear from God after you complain to Him? Where do you go to hear from God?

5. Read Psalm 27:14, 130:5-6, Lamentations 3:25-26, Luke 18:7-8. What do these verses teach us about waiting? What helps you wait?

6. Read Psalm 62:1-8. What can we learn from the Psalmist as he faces difficulties? What verse speaks to you from this passage? Why is it important?

7. Read Habakkuk 2:2. What kind of vision is God talking about here? Why is it important to write it down and make it plain and simple?

8. Read Habakkuk 2:2-3. There are two thoughts in this passage. One is to write God’s vision and the other is to trust His Word. Spend time asking God to give you a fresh battle plan and renewed vision for your spiritual walk, family, friends, witness, ministry and finances.

9. Pray with someone for strength to wait on God as He gives you and them fresh vision and battle plan for success. In a plain and simple way, write these things down and continue to update and pray for each other.

January 07, 2018

John Lloyd - Habakkuk Pt. 1

January 07, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Living By Faith In An Unbelieving World.

Living by Faith in an Unbelieving World: A Study of the Book of Habakkuk

God’s Strange Ways Habakkuk 1:1-17

Pastor John Lloyd

January 7, 2018

One of the biggest challenges to our faith is when our prayers seem to be unanswered. How should we respond to evil actions? What should we do when it seems our world is falling apart? Habakkuk was facing this situation. Even though he is told that the Chaldeans will be raised up to destroy his beloved nation, God shows Habakkuk his amazing presence, providence and the way to live by faith in an unbelieving world.

Passage: Habakkuk 1:1-11

Big Idea: When things feel strange, look to God because His strength comes from strain!

Background: Who: Habakkuk When: Approximate: 610 BC Whom: Judeans/Southern Kingdom. What: to announce sinful Judah would be punished, God would use Babylon to do it, God will preserve His people, and to help Habakkuk understand God’s sovereign work through history of His people. Why: These lessons will help us deal with difficulties and move us from fear to faith in order to display this faith to an unbelieving world.

Key Verse: Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

How can I face injustices, violence and cruelty in this world?

I. The injustices of this world bring questions and fear.

Habakkuk 1:2 O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?

Ps 94:3 LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? (NIV) (Revelation 6:10, Jeremiah 12:1)

Habakkuk 1:4 So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. (Ps119:126)

“When we see surprising things are happening in the world. Let us ask, What is the relevance of this event to the kingdom of God? Or if strange things are happening to you personally, don’t complain, but say, “What is God teaching me through this? What is there in me that needs to be corrected? Where have I gone wrong and why is God allowing these things?” D. Martyn Lloyd Jones

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2For by it the people of old received their commendation.

God uses our greatest strains to make us rely on His strength. Strength comes from strain! The just shall live by faith!

II. Look to God and trust His character in dark times.

Habakkuk 1:5 “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ( I Corinthians 13:9 &12) History is HIS story!

“As he surveyed the land of Judah and then watched the international scene, he found himself struggling with some serious problems. But he did the right thing: He took his problems to the Lord.” Warren Wiersbe

A. His Ways are different from our ways.

Habakkuk 1:6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own. 7 They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves. Habakkuk 1:8-10)

Habakkuk 1:11 Then they sweep by like the wind and go on, guilty men, whose own might is their god!” (Deuteronomy 8:17)

“The heart of sin is man taking God’s place on the throne. The heart of salvation is God taking man’s place on the cross.”

I Corinthians 2:8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

“We must hold on to the hope that He has allowed things to become worse before they become better. In the course of history, God has used all sorts of strange and unexpected instruments to bring His purpose to pass.”Jones

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

B. When events trouble, trust the character of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

I Peter 3:18a For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, (Hebrews 12:3)

Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

My greatest strain is an opportunity to experience God’s mighty strength. Strength comes from strain! The just shall live by faith.

Growth Group Questions for January 7, 2018

Opener: Describe a time you had an injustice done to you. How did you deal with it?

1. Read Habakkuk 1:1-17. Summarize in your own words what’s going on in this passage. What passage spoke to you as you read it? Why?

2. Do a little research on this book: Who wrote it? When? Where? What themes are covered? Why is it important?

3. Read Habakkuk 1:2-4, Psalm 94:3, 119:126, Mark 7:9: Rev. 6:10 . What are the complaints mentioned in these verses? Do you ever have similar complaints? If so describe? What troubles you about our world? Why does it bother you?

4. Read and meditate on Habakkuk 1:5. What stands out to you about God’s answer to him? Read Hebrews 11:1 & 6. How does God’s answer require faith?

5. Read Habakkuk 1:6-11, Isaiah 55:7-8. Discuss: is it fair that God should use a more wicked nation to punish a less wicked nation? Does this happen today?

6. Read Habakkuk 1:12-17. What is the main complaint in this passage? Do we have similar complaints in our day? What attributes of God are mentioned in 1:12-13?

7. Read I Peter 3:18. What justice did Jesus receive? What justice did he give?

8. What can we learn from Habakkuk to do when our world seems to be falling apart? How can we live by faith in our unbelieving our world?

Spend some time in prayer for each other as we close out group time.

Bonus: Read Hebrews 12:1-3. Consider what Jesus did to help him face injustices of his world. How can this help you live by faith this week?

Habakkuk 2:4b “But the righteous shall live by his faith.”

January 02, 2018

Chuck Wysong New Years Eve

January 02, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Sermon Podcast

"Share His-Story"

Living By Faith In An Unbelieving World.

Living By Faith In An Unbelieving World.

Living By Faith In An Unbelieving World.

Living By Faith In An Unbelieving World.

Dolores Park Church