December 22, 2019

John Lloyd - God's Compassion Makes a Difference

December 22, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

God’s Compassion makes a difference

December 22, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 4:14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Memory Verses: Psalm 82:3 Defend the weak and the fatherless, uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Key Question: What is my responsibility to other people?

Key Idea: I believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to

people in need.

I. Christmas is about the great compassion of God for all people.

II. Christmas is a great opportunity to show compassion.

III. Christ changes us to be a people of compassion.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Jesus made our mission abundantly clear in meeting the needs of the forgotten, unlovely, and unpopular — “the least of these.” His declaration that to serve them is to serve him is both counter cultural and life-changing." Frazee, Randy. Think, Act, Be Like Jesus

I. Christmas is about the great compassion of God __________.

Luke 1:76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Philippians 2:7-8)

When I was sinking down… Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Receive in your soul the great compassion God has expressed to you through His Son Jesus Christ. His compassion makes a difference!

II. Christmas is a ______ __ __________ to show compassion.

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 12:20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;

· Keep your standards high and your grace deep.

Matthew 5:28, Romans 3:23, Psalm 130:3

· Accept behavior without approving of behavior

John 8:7, 10, 11 NLT

· Never let your tone become contentious. Prov. 15:18, Col. 4:6

· Lead people to truth by identifying with their struggle. I Peter 1:14

· Paint a picture of what it looks like to come home. Luke 15

· Look for opportunities to build bridges and care for people every chance you get. Showing Compassion makes a difference!

III. Let Jesus _________________ into a person of compassion.

Conformation- spiritual process of molding the believer into the image of Jesus.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name.

“Man may dismiss compassion from the heart but God never will.” Cowper

Luke 7:12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” (Luke 19:41)

John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

“To keep the golden rule we must put ourselves in other people’s places, but to do that consists in and depends upon picturing ourselves in their places.”

Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

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.

Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the weak and the fatherless, uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

No matter how low down you are; no matter what your disposition has been; you may be low in your thoughts, words, and actions; you may be selfish; your heart may be overflowing with corruption and wickedness; yet Jesus will have compassion upon you. He will speak comforting words to you; not treat you coldly or spurn you, as perhaps those of earth would, but will speak tender words, and words of love and affection and kindness. Just come at once. He is a faithful

Spiritual Growth Questions for December 22, 2019

(take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Use a scale of 1-6 to rate how strongly you believe the statements below (1= no belief at all, 6 complete confidence)

___ I believe that God calls me to be involved in the lives of the poor and

suffering.

___ I believe I am responsible before God to show compassion to the sick

and imprisoned.

___ I believe I should stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

___ I believe that Christians should not purchase everything they can afford,

so that discretionary money might be available to help those in need.

1. In what ways have you experienced compassion from a family member, friend or stranger?

2. What is the difference between trying to “fix” poverty and injustice and “suffering with” someone who is experiencing it?

3. Read Luke 7:13,47-48 and Hebrews 4:14-16. How does Jesus model compassion in the Luke passages? What makes Jesus a more compassionate high priest? How is this helpful to us?

4. Read Deuteronomy 24:10-15, 17-22. (Israel: Called to Compassion). Pick a specific situation (widow, orphan, refugee, homeless person, addict) and discuss what it would look like to “suffer with” the individual in need.

5. Read Psalm 82:3-4. List some reasons why many people choose to ignore the needy and oppressed. Then discuss what it would take to break free from the status quo and be a defender of the weak and oppressed.

6. Read Matthew 25:31-46. In your own words, describe how love for God and love for others is related.

7. Read James 1:19-2:13. What are the attitudes that James advocates? How can you adopt these same attitudes?

8. In addition to a financial gesture, what other compassionate ways are there to comfort someone in need?

Memory Verses: Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the weak and the fatherless, uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

December 15, 2019

John Lloyd - God's Kindness and Goodness: The Most Powerful Testimony

December 15, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

God’s Kindness and Goodness: The Most Powerful Testimony

December 15, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Our physical bodies are made up of several core muscles. If kept in shape through exercise, they will function properly. God’s goal for followers is to make us more like Jesus. This happens when we think like Jesus, CORE beliefs, act like Jesus, CORE practices and be like Jesus, CORE virtues. We need to exercise our CORE in order to glorify God. We are now at the halfway point in our study of the key beliefs, practices and virtues. When one makes the courageous decision to step across the line of faith and accept God’s offer of salvation of grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, he changes our disposition to think outside of ourselves (kindness) and to put those thoughts into action (goodness) to those God has place in our lives.

Titus 3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Key Question: What does it mean to do the right thing in my relationships?

Key Idea: I choose to be kind and good in my relationships with others.

Kindness is a sincere desire for the happiness of others, goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness. Kindness is the inner disposition, created by the Holy Spirit, that causes us to be sensitive to the needs of others (whether physical, emotional or spiritual). Goodness is kindness in action—words and deeds. Jerry Bridges

I. Reflect on the _______________ expressed to us through Jesus Christ.

Titus 3:4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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, (Titus 3:1-3)

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Titus 3:6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Jesus is the greatest expression of goodness and kindness the world has ever seen. May we celebrate Him this Christmas season!

II. God’s kindness transforms my ____________.

Ephesians 2:7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

God works positively for good all things even in unfavorable circumstances.

Acts 2:23 This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;
he knows those who take refuge in him.

Titus 2:7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.

Kindness received from God overflows to kindness expressed to others. I choose to be kind and good in my relationships with others.

III. Expressing kindness may be the most powerful _____________ to the world.

Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

“Kindness makes a person attractive. If you would win the world, melt it do not hammer it.” Alexander MacLaren

Romans 2:4b “Not knowing God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.”

Luke 6:27 Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.

Kindness – thinking outside of myself (my inner disposition)

Goodness is kindness in action-words and deeds.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.

I Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

“The greatest thing a man can do for his Heavenly Father is to be kind to some of His other children.” Henry Drummond

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will

reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to

everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.(Ps.135:3)

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Every morning, we ask God to give us opportunities to take the good he is depositing in our hearts and give it away to others. We approach every day on the lookout to encourage others. In every conversation and encounter, we try to do something or say something kind, because it builds people up. Kindness involves doing something deemed positive by the recipient. Goodness however, entails tough love for the benefit of another because it will genuinely help them. Randy Frazee

Spiritual Growth Questions for December 15, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Kindness/Goodness, use a scale of 1-6 to rate how fully your life demonstrates the statements below: (1=does not demonstrate at all, 6 demonstrates fully)

___ I would never keep money that didn’t belong to me.

___ I am known as a person who speaks words of kindness to those in need

of encouragement.

___ I give to others expecting nothing in return.

___ I help those who are in trouble or who cannot help themselves.

Key Idea: I choose to be kind and good in my relationships with others.

1. Read the key idea together. How could this virtue express itself in your life? What is impeding your ability to embrace this virtue? How can you overcome this obstacle?

2. Read I Samuel 20:13-16 and 2 Samuel 9:1-13. David’s predecessor King Saul was downright evil to him for thirteen years. In what ways would it be tempting for David to use his newly acquired power to exact revenge on Saul and his family? Note specifically how David exhibited kindness and goodness to Jonathan’s family, in keeping with his promise to Jonathan. Why was this considered a radical decision?

3. David doesn’t appear to have any bitterness or hatred toward Saul’s family. After all the hardship Saul caused him, how is this possible? What can we learn from David’s example?

4. Read Philemon 1:1-25. What stands out to you about Paul’s request for kindness to Philemon? Would you have honored Paul’s request? Why or why not?

5. Read Titus 3:14, Romans 12:19-21. In the midst of a corrupt government in Rome, what do you notice about Paul’s exhortation to the Romans and to Titus? Why might this be a powerful witness?

6. Read Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 27:6. Read two times. Let the Scripture speak to your soul. What stands out to you? What do these passages teach us about a friend who is clearly taking the wrong path?

December 08, 2019

John Lloyd - Spiritual Gifts: Fulfilling God's Purpose in my Life

December 08, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Spiritual Gifts: Fulfilling God’s Purpose in my Life

December 8, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Our physical bodies are made up of several core muscles. If kept in shape through exercise, they will function properly. God’s goal for followers is to make us more like Jesus. This happens when we think like Jesus, CORE beliefs, act like Jesus, CORE practices and be like Jesus, CORE virtues. We need to exercise our CORE in order to glorify God. We are now at the halfway point in our study of the key beliefs, practices and virtues. When one makes the courageous decision to step across the line of faith and accept God’s offer of salvation of grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit deposits spiritual gifts in us. Today, we will focus on the practice of discovering and using our gifts and skills to build up the body of Christ and serve others. It is a great privilege to be part of God’s kingdom work.

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Memory Verse: I Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Key Question: What gifts and skills has God given me to serve others?

Key Idea: I know my spiritual gifts and use them to fulfill God’s purposes.

“We seek to serve, using our gifts to glorify God and help others. We value and respect the gifts of others as together we serve God’s purposes. We come to see that using our gifts for God gives us a purpose bigger than our selves.”

Frazee, Randy. Think, Act, Be Like Jesus .

I. Daily ___________________ our gifts and talents to God.

“The apostle Paul is looking for transformation at the deepest level that is infinitely more significant than the conformity to the world’s pattern that is distinctive in so many lives.” Doug Moo

John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:26 (Rom. 7:6 walk in newness)

Surrendering my life to God brings renewal from God!

II. Remember that spiritual gifts are all about ______________.

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Grace- undeserved favor. Utterly undeserved (I Tim. 1:13, Eph.3:7-8)

Think- it connotes not so much the act of thinking in itself but the direction of one’s thinking, the way in which a person views something.” Eph.4:7-8

I Corinthians 4:7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:6)

Every talent and skill I possess is given purely by the grace of God.

“God has given you a spiritual gift, and it is not the same as a natural ability. That natural talent, rightly sanctified for God’s use, often points toward the identity of your spiritual gift. But you should find out the special gift God has given you while you’re serving as diligently as you can without that definite information. In fact, in addition to the study of Scripture, the best way to discover and confirm which spiritual gift is yours is through serving.” Donald Whitney

III. Spiritual gifts are discovered and developed in community.

Romans 12:4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ( I Cor. 12:19, 12:27, I Tim 4:14-16)

“Paul’s goal at this point is to encourage each Christian to use his or her gifts energetically and properly and not to worry about the gifts others may have, or the way in which they may be using them.” D.A. Carson.

I Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Reflective questions: Do I know my spiritual gifts? Am I developing them?

The greatest gift I can give to God is developing the gifts He gave to me.

IV. Use our spiritual gift to _______________ the body of Christ in love.

Romans 12:6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

“Paul is describing the way in which God, in his grace, has distributed different gifts to his people as means of building unity of the body.” Doug Moo

“If the church is not active in this way, she is failing.” Lloyd Jones

Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:11-12

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit only indwelled select individuals for a period of time to accomplish God’s purposes. The Spirit instilled gifts in artisans, architects, builders, priests and prophets. In the New Testament, Jesus promised the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for all believers. That promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. The Spirit deposits gifts in every believer for the express purpose of building God’s kingdom on earth. We do not all have the same gift. In unity we are to celebrate the giftedness of others and work together to accomplish God’s will in our lives and in the world. Randy Frazee

By serving God and His people with the gifts He’s given to me through the Holy Spirit, I am living for something bigger than myself. I am part of what God is doing around the world. I know my spiritual gifts and will use them to fulfill God’s purposes.

Spiritual Growth Questions for December 8, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Based on your understanding of spiritual gifts, use a scale of 1-6 to rate how well you are living out the statements below (1=not living at all, 6=living out completely).

___ I know my spiritual gifts.

___ I regularly use my spiritual gift(s) in ministry to accomplish God’s

purposes.

___ I value the spiritual gifts of others to accomplish God’s purposes.

___ Others recognize and affirm my gifts and support my use of them.

1. Take a moment to affirm the specific ways you see members of your group using their spiritual gifts. (Thank them for blessing your life)

2. If people were unsure of their roles in the body of Christ, how would you advise them to discover their spiritual giftedness?

3. Some gifts get more attention than others, which can cause pride and jealousy within the body of Christ. How can we safeguard from these destructive attitudes?

4. Read Exodus 35:30- 36:1. How were spiritual gifts and skills used to build the tabernacle? How is the picture of building the body of Christ?

5. Read I Corinthians 12:4-31. Read two times. Let the Scripture speak to your soul. What stands out to you from this passage?

6. From I Corinthians 12. What role does your spiritual gift play in the redemption of broken people and a broken world? Discuss parts of the human body that are not visible but are incredibly important. Similarly, which gifts within the body of Christ are rarely recognized yet vital to the success of the mission?

7. Read I Peter 4:7-11. Why is it imperative for us to use our gifts with an attitude of love? What does it mean to be a good steward of our gifts.

8. Read Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:16. Reflect on how Paul teaches spiritual gifts used humbly build the body. How does using your gifts grow us as believers? How could you use your gifts or skills to serve others?

December 01, 2019

John Lloyd - Humanity: How God Sees Us

December 01, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Humanity: Seeing People as God Does

December 1, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Our physical bodies are made up of several core muscles. If kept in shape through exercise, they will function properly. God’s goal for followers is to make us more like Jesus. This happens when we think like Jesus, CORE beliefs, act like Jesus, CORE practices and be like Jesus, CORE virtues. We need to exercise our CORE in order to glorify God. We are now at the halfway point in our study of the key beliefs, practices and virtues. God created everything, but the pinnacle of creation was the mankind of human beings—creatures crated in the image of God. Humanity is special, and the Bibles is the record of the love story between Creator and created, between God and humans. Form the very beginning of time to the era of the modern-day church, God has loved and pursued his people in order to restore his image within and among them. Today, we will focus on the origins, the devastating human condition, God’s love to all and whoever, and seeing people as God sees them. God, please help us to see others as you do.

Key Question: How does God see us?

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again” (John 3:16 – 18 MSG).

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Key Idea: I believe all people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior.

We value all human life.

We see and treat all people the way God sees and treats them.

We are compelled to tell all people about Jesus.

I. Examine how God has made us __________________.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

“From womb to tomb, we place a high value on human life.” Randy Frazee

Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

II. Develop a clear definition of __________.

Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;”

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.”

“The essence of sin, in other words, is that we do not live entirely to the glory of God. Of course by committing particular sins we aggravate our guilt before God, but you can be innocent of all gross sins and yet be guilty of these terrible things, of being satisfied with your life, of having pride in your achievements and looking down on others and feeling that you are better than others.” D. Martyn Lloyd Jones

Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Everyone needs Jesus. I am born blind of this truth.

I could never be good enough on my own to earn salvation from God.

III. Humbly receive Jesus Christ and the gift of right ______________________ with God.

Romans 3:24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

“To be loved by God is the highest relationship, the highest achievement, and the highest position in life.” Henry Blackaby

I John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. II Peter 3:9

Everyone I see is on God’s heart to receive this gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. God grip me with the great truth of your gospel!

IV. Express God’s immense ______________ to those He brings into our lives.

Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

“Authentic behavior flows from a heart of genuine belief in human value.” Frazee

Luke 14:12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Romans 10:14-15

“As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.” C.S Lewis Mere Christianity

I Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

I Timothy 1:15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Reflective Questions: How would life change if we started to see people as God sees them? How would the world change if we truly believed the only way for people to enter heaven is through Christ?

Do you believe God loves all people? Do you see all people the way God sees them? Do you believe God has made salvation through Christ available for all people? If you do, you will be compelled to show respect to all people and love them enough to tell them about Jesus. If we refuse to show respect and love, we must face the hard fact that we don’t see people the way God sees them. For me, I know I have more pondering to do about the depth of my belief. How about you? Randy Frazee. Think, Act and Be Like Jesus

I believe all people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Spiritual Growth Questions for December 1, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Humanity, use a scale of 1-6 to rate how strongly you believe the statements below (1 = no belief at all, 6 = complete confidence)

___ I believe that each person possesses a sinful nature and is in need of

God’s forgiveness.

___ I believe we are created in the image of God and therefore have equal

value, regardless of race, religion, or gender.

___ I believe all people are loved by God; therefore, I too should love them.

___ I believe the Holy Spirit is God and dwells in Christians to empower them

to live the Christian life.

1. Read Hosea 1:1-3, 3:1-3, Hosea 11:1-11. How does the book of Hosea show God’s discipline and punishment as well as his compassion and redemption? How do you see God’s discipline and punishment fitting in with your concept of God as a God of love?

2. Read Romans 1:18-32 and Romans 3:10-23. What do these passages reveal about humanity and the human condition? What stands out to you as you read them? What does falling short of the glory of God look like for you?

3. Luke 6:27-36. How does loving your enemies show the world that we are children of God?

4. Read I Timothy 1:15-16 two times. Using these verses, how does Paul respond to someone who doesn’t think they are good enough to be a Christian. What stands out to you from this passage?

5. Read I John 1:9-2:2, I John 3:20. Using this passage, how would you help someone who is struggling with forgiving themselves from some past sin or failure?

6. Read Acts 10:15. Discuss this quote: “You and I must never look at any sin in our past life in any way except that which leads us to praise God and to magnify His grace in Christ Jesus. It is a sin to allow the past, which God has dealt with, to rob us of our joy and usefulness in the present and in the future.”

7. What, if anything, hinders you from fully loving people the way God loves them?

8. What is something you can do this week to demonstrate this belief?

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

November 24, 2019

Sean Degerness and Michael Porter - Patience

November 24, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Patience

November 24, 2019

Sean Degerness &

Pastor Michael Porter

Sermon Series Introduction: Our physical bodies are made up of several core muscles. If kept in shape through exercise, they will function properly. God’s goal for followers is to make us more like Jesus. This happens when we think like Jesus, CORE beliefs, act like Jesus, CORE practices and be like Jesus, CORE virtues. We need to exercise our CORE in order to glorify God. The journey of becoming like Jesus begins by thinking like Jesus. When we start thinking like Jesus, we are well on our way to becoming like Jesus.

Today, we will consider the core virtue of patience.

Romans 5:1-5, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

James 5:7-9, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

Memory Verse: Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Part 1: Sean Degerness

Key Question: How does God provide the help I need to deal with stress?

Romans 5:1: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Hebrews 10:35: Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

God is ______________ when we are not.

Key Idea: I am slow to anger and endure patiently under the unavoidable pressures of life.

Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Macrothymia - long anger

Hypomone - to remain under

Patience is ______________, not ignorance.

Hebrews 10:35: Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Key Application: What difference does this make in the way I live?

“Enduring in patience and trusting help us see whatever God unfolds will be better than what we force to happen. At the root of impatience is mistrust.” - Randy Frazee

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.

Patience requires ______________ in God’s plan.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Ecclesiastes 7:8

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Part 2: Pastor Michael Porter

Sermon Text: James 5:7-9

Issue this Text Addresses: How can we be patient amid suffering?

Message of the Text: Patience amid Suffering in the Present is Fueled by the Hope of the Lord’s Return in the Future.

Sermon Outline:

I. What is the Theological Basis for Patience Amid Suffering? (James 5:7a, 8)

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

II. What is the Practical Application of Patience Amid Suffering? (James 5:7b, 9)

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

Spiritual Growth Questions for November 24, 2019

Reflect on the following questions and use a scale of 1-6 to rate how fully your life demonstrates the statements below: (1 does not demonstrate at all,

6 demonstrates fully)

____ I do not get angry with God when I have to endure suffering.

____ I am known to maintain honesty and integrity when under pressure.

____ I always put matters into God’s hands when I am under pressure.

____ I keep my composure even when people or circumstances irritate me.

1. As you read Proverbs 14:29; 15:18; 16:32; 19:11 and 25:15, ponder these two questions: How does patience defuse a conflict? How do impatience and rashness escalate it?

2. Read John 5:1-15 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Can you discern why God healed the lame man and not Paul? How does trusting in God’s goodness give us the strength to live patiently with our suffering?

3. Read Numbers 14, what are some examples of patience that see in this chapter? What do we can we learn from these examples?

4. Do you struggle more with being patient with other people or dealing with unavoidable pressures in your life? What is one thing you learned from these two sermons that might help you?

5. What is impeding your ability to respond patiently to life’s unexpected pressures? How can you overcome this obstacle?

What action step can you take this week to grow in the area of patience.

Key Verse for reflection: Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

November 17, 2019

John Lloyd - Church: Biblical Community: Building Healthy Relationships

November 17, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Biblical Community: Building Healthy Relationships

November 17, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Our physical bodies are made up of several core muscles. If kept in shape through exercise, they will function properly. God’s goal for followers is to make us more like Jesus. This happens when we think like Jesus, CORE beliefs, act like Jesus, CORE practices and be like Jesus, CORE virtues. We need to exercise our CORE in order to glorify God. We are now at the halfway point in our study of the key beliefs, practices and virtues. We have looked at the practices that deepen our relationship with God: worship, prayer, Bible study, single-mindedness and total surrender. Now we shift to those practices that bless our relationships with the people around us. The first of these is Biblical Community. All who put their trust in Jesus receive a new identity and come together to form a new community, the church. It is through this community we fulfill the purposes of God for our lives.

Key Question: How do I develop healthy relationships with others?

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 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.

Memory Verses: Acts 2:46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Three big ideas: Created for Community, the presence of God and the marks of Biblical Community (what does it look like).

Key Idea: I fellowship with Christians to accomplish God’s purposes in my life, in the life of others and in the world.

I. Healthy _________________ begin with a relationship with God.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

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.

II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. (John 3:16) Fellowship broken… fellowship restored!

Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

The greatest community in all of creation awaits those who call on Jesus. God made us to be in community with Him.

II. In the center of healthy relationships is the ________________ of God.

I Timothy 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Ephesians 2:17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 1:19-23)

2 Corinthians 5:19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation

Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Jesus can save and transform anyone.

Jesus’ presence in us makes Biblical Community possible now!

III. Healthy relationships __________ in biblical community. God accomplishes His purposes through communities of Christ followers.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; New identity/new community.

Philippians 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (Romans 13:8, I Thessalonians 5:11). Biblical community fulfills the deep desire of God.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Romans 15:14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

Hebrews 13:15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

We fellowship with other believers to keep our relationship with God strong.

We fellowship with other believers to keep our relationship with others strong.

We fellowship with other believers to accomplish God’s will on earth.

Acts 2:46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflective questions: What is impeding your ability to experience biblical community? How can you overcome this obstacle? What is one action step can you take this week to develop biblical community?

Biblical community is the glue holding us together, through which we have opportunity to grow in favor with God and to keep our relationships right with others. Are you struggling in your relationship with God? Do you find yourself simply wanting to love him more than you do? Are you finding yourself in continual dysfunction with those around you? Or do you desire to strengthen your relationships to a greater degree? Connecting to, submitting with, and walking alongside brothers and sisters in Christ can get you on the right track, while also keeping you on the path to God’s truth and his will. Randy Frazee

God’s purposes are accomplished through Biblical Communities.

Spiritual Growth Questions for November 17, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Based on your understanding of Biblical Community, use a scale of 1- 6 to rate how well you are living out the statements below: (1=not living out at all, 6= living out completely).

____ I have a close relationship with other Christians who have influence on

my life’s direction.

____ I participate in a group of Christians who really know me and support

me.

____ I allow other Christians to hold me accountable for my actions.

____ I daily pray for and support other Christians.

Key Idea: I fellowship with Christians to accomplish God’s purposes in my life, in the life of others and in the world.

1. Read Acts 18:1-3, 18:18-19, 18:24-26, Romans 16:3-4. Describe the impact of the biblical community you see demonstrated by Priscilla and Aquila. What did they do? Why was it so impactful?

2. Read I John 1:1-7 two times. What is the apostle John teaching about Christian fellowship? How can this fellowship purify us and help us fulfill God’s purposes in our lives?

3. Read Hebrews 10:19-25 two times. What is the writer trying to convince the Hebrew believers to believe? What is he teaching them about biblical community and its importance to them?

4. Read Romans 15:5-7, 15:14 and Galatians 5:13, 6:2. What does each passage teach us about biblical community? Who could you apply this to in your life right now? Ask God for his help.

5. Read Hebrews 13:1-3, 13:15-16 two times. What is the writer exhorting us to do? How would it build biblical community? Where could you make application of these verses?

6. How would the practice of biblical community express itself in your life? In a world where people are becoming more isolated and self-centered, what can be done to nurture a vibrant others-focused community?

7. What is impeding your ability to experience biblical community? How can you overcome this obstacle?

8. What is one action step can you take this week to develop biblical community?

November 10, 2019

John Lloyd - Church: God's plan to reach the world

November 10, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Church: God’s plan to reach the world

November 10, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Key Question: How does God accomplish his purposes today?

Ephesians 4: 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherd and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Memory Verses: Ephesians 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Key Idea: I believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth.

The church is the primary but not exclusive means to be used in accomplishing God’s purposes on into eternity. Randy Frazee

The church is the community of all true believers for all time. Wayne Grudem

I. Focus on how God views the ______________.

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

Ephesians 5:28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 Because we are members of his body. “31 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Church as a vine- John 15:5

Church as an olive tree- Romans 11:17-24

Church as a field of crops- I Corinthians 3:6-9

Church as a building- I Corinthians 3:9

Church as a new temple/spiritual house- I Peter 2:5

Jesus as the cornerstone of the church- I Peter 2:7

Church as the body of Christ- I Corinthians 12:12-27

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.

Jesus is building His Church. The Church is very special to God.

II. Consider how God thinks about ________.

Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Romans 5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

God cares about you! His love is unconditional and powerful.

Jesus is building His church with imperfect people.

III. God will accomplish His purposes through His __________:The church.

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.

Ephesians 4: 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherd and teachers,

A. Worship

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God

be glorified in the Son. (Ephesians 5:16-19)

B. Nurture

Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (Colossians 1:28)

C. Evangelism and Mercy

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Acts 1:8, Acts 8:1)

Acts 11:29 So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 2 Cor. 8:4, James 1:27

Jesus is building His Church!

IV. We are made to be ____________________________ not independent.

Ephesians 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Eccl.4:9-10)

In the body of Christ, you will grow faster in your walk with God.

Acts 13:46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 17:6

In the Body of Christ, you will become part of movement that is larger than yourself.

God used both Israel and the church to accomplish his grand plan to redeem and restore us to a right relationship with him. God’s plan for Israel was to bring us Jesus, who would provide the only way back to God. It took a little more than 2000 years for this divine plan to be fulfilled. After Jesus resurrection and ascension back to the Father, God created the church. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the church has existed for approximately 2000 years. God’s primary plan for the church is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all nations until Jesus comes again. Today there are an estimated 2.2 billion Christians in the world. If you have received and accepted the grace of Christ, then you are a member of the body of Christ. And remember you are an integral part of his plan—God wants you to be fully vested in his church to accomplish his great and wonderful purposes. Randy Frazee

Jesus is building His church!

Spiritual Growth Questions for November 10, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Based on your understanding of the church, use a scale of 1-6 to rate how strongly you believe the statements below (1=no belief at all, 6= complete confidence).

____ I believe God gives spiritual gifts to every Christian for service to the

church and the community.

____ I believe the community of true believers is Christ’s body one earth.

____ I believe the purpose of the church is to share the gospel and nurture

Christians in maturity in Christ.

Key Idea: I believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth.

1. Read Ephesians 4:11-16 two times. Observe as many things you can from this text as to how God builds his church. What are the blessings that come from being a part of His Body?

2. Read Matthew 16:13-18 two times. How does Jesus say He will build His church? Combined with Ephesians 4:11-16: How does Paul say God will build his church?

3. Read Acts 11:19-26 and Acts 13:46-47 two times. Make a list of observations as to what Paul and Barnabas were doing to grow the church at Antioch. What stands out to you?

4. Read Ephesians 5:25-32 two times. What did you learn about how God views the church? How should this impact our view of the church and how we speak about the church?

5. Read John 14:11-13, Revelation 5:9-10. What might the greater work be that Jesus mentions in John 14? How is it played out in Revelation 5? How does being a part of a church become a work of God that is greater than we are?

6. How would you counsel someone who feels they do not need a church or has been hurt by a church?

7. What if anything, hinders you from fully offering your time and abilities to the mission of the church?

8. What is something you can do this week to demonstrate your belief in the church as God’s primary way to accomplish his purposes on earth?

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

November 03, 2019

John Lloyd - Hope

November 03, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Hope: How do I deal with the hardships and struggles of life?

November 3, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Isaiah 40: 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)

Memory Verses: Hebrews 6:19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (ESV)

Key Question: How do I deal with the hardships and struggles of life?

If faith begins the journey, then hope ends the journey. Hope is absolutely knowing where the road of faith will end; it is being confident of where the story concludes. Hope gives us the ability to endure the hardships and difficulties along the road of faith. We walk on in the hope of where the road leads. Frazee, Randy. Think, Act, Be Like Jesus

Key Idea: I can cope with the hardships of life because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ.

I. Beware of ____________ hopes which constantly allure us.

Psalm 52:7 Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!”

Psalm 52:9 And I will hope in your name for your name is good.

Ecclesiastes 1:14 have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

Job 6:11 What strength do I have, that I should still hope?

Job 7:6 My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope.

I Timothy 6:17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

If our hope of our current circumstances they will either improve, or at least stay the same—this is a bad idea. We do not have such a guarantee. We can’t sustain this type of hope. Putting our hope in this life leads to colossal disappointments. Randy Frazee

Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. (Isaiah 31:1 & 3)

Trusting in false hopes deactivates our faith!

II. Hope is only as good as the power and character of the ________ who guarantees it.

Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.

Romans 8:24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

Psalm 33:20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Christ offers something more! He provides what is true and viable which is the hope of eternal life.

III. We anchor our hope to our ____________________ and His promises.

I Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. (Romans 12:12)

Hope is the confident expression that God will do what He has promised.

Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Hebrews 6:19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Psalm 62:5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

“Outside of the cross of Jesus Christ, there is no hope in this world. That cross and resurrection at the core of the Gospel is the only hope for humanity. Wherever you go, ask God for wisdom on how to get that Gospel in, even in the toughest situations of life.” -Ravi Zacharias

I Peter 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Grace and hope are given through the revelation of the resurrected Christ!

IV. Hope __________________ us and keeps us going through difficult times.

I John 3:3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

“The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. Yet a glimpse is enough. It’s enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.” -Joni Eareckson Tada

Isaiah 40: 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV). (Titus 2:13)

Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.”

Hope activates faith, faith deepens hope.

Unfortunately, too often humans put their hope in things that overpromise and underdeliver — riches, people, idols, government. The only true source of hope is found in Jesus Christ. Christ and his promises become an anchor for our souls and the reason we can persevere. Of all the promises Jesus has made to us, the promise of eternal life with God is the most significant. No matter what we may be going through today, we know what happens in this life is not how our story ends. Our story ends, or really only begins, in the presence of God in his eternal kingdom. Frazee, Randy. NIV, Believe, eBook (p. 406).

Hope is a virtue that God uses to carry us through the most difficult times.

Spiritual Growth Questions for November 3, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Hope. Use a scale of 1-6 to rate how fully your life demonstrates the statements below (1- does not demonstrate at all, 6 demonstrates fully).

_____ I think a great deal about heaven and what God is preparing for me as

a Christian.

_____ I am confident that God is working everything out for my good,

regardless of the circumstances today.

_____ My hope in God increases through my daily pursuit to live like Christ.

_____ My hope for the future is not found in my health or wealth because both

are so uncertain, but in God.

1. In the Scriptures there are several false hopes (riches, people, idols, human government) that are constantly alluring us. Think about which one you are most susceptible to. What made you pick the one you did?

2. Read Hebrews 11-12:1-3. Faith and hope seem to be the common underlying characteristics of all biblical heroes. In what ways do these characteristics work together? In your opinion, which character’s faith exhibited the most hope in God’s promises?

3. It’s easy to “grow weary and lose heart” in the broken world we live in. What does the writer of this passage encourage us to do in order to combat hopelessness? (See Hebrews 12:1-3)

4. Read Luke 2:25-35. What effect did God’s promise to Simeon, that he would see the first arrival of Christ, have on his life? What effect should God’s promise that we will see the second arrival of Christ, have on our lives?

5. Read Isaiah 40:25-31. Isaiah was writing to the people of Judah who would go through 70 years of difficulty as captives to the Babylonians. What was the significance of this passage to them? How can it help you in your times of difficulty?

6. Read several times Psalm 33:20-22 and I John 3:3. Ask the Lord to speak to you about a situation in your life. How can hope purify your faith as you walk through this time?

7. What experiences with God have increased your ability to trust him and his promises?

October 27, 2019

John Lloyd - Total Surrender

October 27, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Total Surrender

October 27, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Luke 9:57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Memory Verse: Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Key Question: How do I cultivate a life of sacrificial service?

The purpose of these practices is freedom. It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our way. Richard Foster

Key Idea: I dedicate my life to God’s purposes. Total surrender to God brings freedom!

I. Total Surrender is possible through the example of __________.

Matthew 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

John 8:29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”

“The enemy knows that without surrender, we will never experience the freedom that God offers us. Without surrender, we will remain spiritually malnourished, ill and confused. Without surrender, our foxholes become prisons of the enemy's making. Our lack of full surrender limits God's ability to both work in our lives and through our lives. God's call to surrender is not an intimidating, angry bark heard from the other side of a battlefield. God's invitation to surrender is expressed through the example of his Son, Jesus, as described in Philippians 2:5-11.” Katherine J Walden

Philippians 2:7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Jesus surrendered through his life, death and resurrection so we could experience His life in our lives.

II. Surrender is not ________________ nor easy.

The cultural norm will always be to fulfill our own desires as much as possible-which is the opposite of our key idea. It goes against the grain of the self-centered human nature. But note our key idea has a goal and purpose-to dedicate our lives to God’s purposes. Frazee

God is continually calling me to surrender to Him. Total Surrender brings freedom!

III. We daily open our hands and _________________ all we have to God.

“As God wills, what God wills, when He wills is my prayer.” Kempis

John 12:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

“If with courage and joy we pour ourselves out for Him and for others for His sake, it is not possible to lose, in any final sense, anything worth keeping. We will lose ourselves and our selfishness. We will gain everything worth having.”
― Elisabeth Elliot, The Path of Loneliness: Finding Your Way to God

John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Total Surrender to God brings freedom!

IV. Offer every moment, thought and activity of our life as a _________________ to God.

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Daniel 3:16-18)

Surrender to God, to His Word, to your loved ones, to your neighbors and people you will meet in the course of the day, to your believing community, to the broken and despised, and finally to our world. Richard Foster

Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

The decision to dedicate our lives to God’s purposes is a daily practice. Jesus instructed his disciples to take up their cross daily and follow Him. God expects this kind of dedication from us as well. Part of this dedication includes being a ‘living sacrifice,” which requires a daily decision to crawl up on the altar. We can find comfort from the life of Peter, who denied Jesus three times in some of the most critical moments of Jesus’ life. Because of the unconditional love he had for him, Jesus restored Peter. And he will do the same for us! Frazee

Total Surrender to God brings freedom!

Total Surrender: Use a scale of 1-6 to rate how well you are living out the statements below. (1 = not living out at all, 6 = living out completely)

_____ I am living out God’s purposes for my life.

_____ I give up what I need to meet the needs of others.

_____ I give away things I possess when I am so led by God.

_____ I serve God through my daily work.

Spiritual Growth Questions for October 27, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Total Surrender: Use a scale of 1-6 to rate how well you are living out the statements below. (1 = not living out at all, 6 = living out completely)

_____ I am living out God’s purposes for my life.

_____ I give up what I need to meet the needs of others.

_____ I give away things I possess when I am so led by God.

_____ I serve God through my daily work.

1. Read Exodus 20:1-7. The first three of the ten commandments govern our relationship with God. Why do you think it is important to get in right relationship with God in order to keep the rest of God’s commandments?

2. Read Daniel 3:1-28. How can you relate to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? What qualities do you see in them that you would like to possess? What verse/s stood out to you?

3. Read Acts 21:4-14. What verse/s stood out to you? How does Paul model total surrender?

4. Philippians 1:12-21. Even though Paul is in prison, how does total surrender bring freedom to his soul in time of great uncertainty?

5. Read Acts 7:51-60. What stands out about the total surrender modeled by Stephen?

6. Which one of the above passages (questions 2-5) inspires you and helps you in your current situation?

7. We have read about people making bold decisions to fulfill God’s purposes. Where does boldness come from? Is it a personality trait? Is it generated through willpower? Is it given by God? Or is it developed over time?

8. Not everyone is called to vocational ministry. What does total surrender look like for a school teacher, plumber, artist, business owner or you?

9. What does it take (mentally, spiritually and emotionally) to be a person who is completely surrendered to God’s purposes?

Memory Verse: Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

October 20, 2019

John Lloyd - Identity in Christ: Who am I?

October 20, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Identity in Christ: Who am I?

October 20, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Memory Verse: John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Key Question: Who am I?

Key Idea: I believe I am significant because of my position as a child of God.

I. Sift through the _______________ you are listening to for your identity.

Key Questions: Who am I? Where does my significance come from?

Major factors to answer these questions• to feel loved • to have a sense of purpose • to feel secure • to feel significant • to have a sense of belonging.

Think, Act, Be Like Jesus by Randy Frazee

Where do I stand with the Ultimate Somebody?

Whose voice am I listening to?

I John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Ask God to show you the loudest voice and where you are finding your significance.

II. God is able to give a new ___________ to anyone who trusts Him for it.

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

I John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

(Ephesians 2:17-18)

God’s greatest gift to us is our new identity in Christ.

III. Drive down on what it really means to be God’s _____________.

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are a child of God and heir to his kingdom.

“Remember who you are. Don’t compromise for anyone for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth.” Lysa Terkeurst

I Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are a temple of God’s dwelling.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

As a believer in Christ, you are a new creation.

Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are a citizen in of heaven.

Significance comes from being God’s child.

IV. Let your identity in Christ impact your ________________.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. This frees us from falling back into old patterns of fear.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. This frees us from condemnation.

“When people say, “I know God forgives me, but I can’t forgive myself,” they mean that they have failed an idol, whose approval is more important than God’s.” Timothy Keller Counterfeit Gods

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Our worth comes from our position not our performance.

I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

As a believer, our desire is to build people rather than tear them down.

“There is no one who is insignificant in the purpose of God.” Allistair Begg

I Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

As a believer, your motivation is to serve/give and not get/receive.

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

As a believer, we live to express who we are in Christ not to prove who we are.

I John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Use a scale of 1-6 to rate how strongly you believe the statements below (1 = not belief at all, 6 = complete confidence).

_____ I believe God loves me; therefore my life has value.

_____ I believe I exist to know, love and serve God.

_____ I believe God loves me, even when I do not obey Him.

_____ I believe I am forgiven and accepted by God.

Spiritual Growth Questions for October 20, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Use a scale of 1-6 to rate how strongly you believe the statements below

(1 = not belief at all, 6 = complete confidence).

_____ I believe God loves me; therefore my life has value.

_____ I believe I exist to know, love and serve God.

_____ I believe God loves me, even when I do not obey Him.

_____ I believe I am forgiven and accepted by God.

1. Unfortunately, most people find their identity and value in things that do not last (i.e., wealth, power, beauty, influence). Why is it so tempting to find our worth in these fading attributes?

2. Read Ephesians 2. What verses speak to you about our incredible new heritage made possible by God’s great love? List the different ways our identity is described in this chapter.

3. Read Luke 19:1-9. In what ways did Zacchaeus’ conduct change when Jesus restored his identity? If you could start over with a new identity as Zacchaeus did, what would you leave in your past?

4. Read Romans 8:14-17. Discuss ways that our new identity in Christ frees us to live without being controlled by anxiety and fear.

5. Read I Corinthians 3:16, 6:19, I Corinthians 12:12-14. How does our new identity call us to live differently? Be specific.

6. Read I Peter 2:4-10. Highlight all the phrases that speak to our new identity in Christ. Share which one stood out to you.

7. How does understanding our identity in Christ change the way we interact with people in our lives?

8. What practical steps could people take to adjust their identity-finding process if it is unhealthy or misguided?

Memory Verse: John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

I John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

October 13, 2019

Michael Porter- Self-Control

October 13, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Self-Control

October 13, 2019

Pastor Michael Porter

Today, we will consider the core virtue of self-control.

Sermon Text: Titus 2:11-14:

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

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.

Key Idea: Better self-control requires greater submission to the Gospel.

Sermon Outline:

I. Self-Control Begins with the Gospel (Titus 2:11)

II. Self-Control is Motivated by the Gospel (Titus 2:12)

III. Self-Control Anticipates the Hope of the Gospel (Titus 2:13-14)

I. Self-Control Begins with the Gospel (Titus 2:11)

Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,”

II. Self-Control is Motivated by the Gospel (Titus 2:12)

Titus 2:12, “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,”

III. Self-Control Anticipates the Hope of the Gospel (Titus 2:13-14)

Titus 2:13-14, “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 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.

Spiritual Growth Questions for October 13, 2019

Reflect on the following questions and use a scale of 1-6 to rate how well you are living out the statements below (1 = not living out at all, 6 = living out completely).

___ I desire a greater sense of self-control in my everyday walk with God.

___ I recognize that sin is what makes self-control needed in the first place, and only the gospel of Jesus Christ can do away with my sin.

___ I believe I truly can be freed from my habitual sins and addiction and attain better self-control when I surrender control to God.

Other Verses to Reflect On

1. Romans 8:1-4 (Memorization Recommended)

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

2. Galatians 5:19-25

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

3. 2 Peter 1:3-4

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

October 06, 2019

John Lloyd - Single Mindedness

October 06, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Single Mindedness

October 6, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Matthew 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Key Idea: I focus on God and His priorities for my life.

Key Question: How do I keep my focus amid distractions?

I. Single ______________________ prioritizes what fills my heart.

Jeremiah 2:13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

To be single-minded means to have one desire that trumps all others. One goal. One focus. From the beginning, God made clear that he should be his people’s main focus. But this is challenging in a hectic, fast-paced world. The spiritual practice of singlemindedness is all about determining our priorities to ensure we are practicing our faith, living out our beliefs and accomplishing God’s will for our lives. Frazee

Matthew 6:24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Problems come when we worship the wrong the thing)

Single-mindedness is freedom. Duplicity is bondage. Single-mindedness brings joy and balance. Duplicity brings anxiety and fear. Richard Foster

 Takeaway:

II. Singlemindedness puts first things ___________.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (John 8;29-30)

A. God __________________ what He gives.

Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Freedom from anxiety about these things is an inward evidence of seeking the kingdom first)

Matthew 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:32 (Knowing God cares about you)

B. God gives so we can be __________________.

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.

Deuteronomy 8:17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ (Ps.62:10, Prov.11:28)

Singlemindedness allows us to genuinely enjoy possessions without destroying us. (Materialism versus asceticism).

I Timothy 6:18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (I Timothy 6:17)

Takeaway:

III. Singlemindedness lives with an inward attitude of ______________.

2 Chronicles 20:12b For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

No one can deny that our lifestyles today are chaotic and complex. Single-mindedness actually offers simplicity. Our lives can be uncluttered by the Creator and set on a path toward purpose and peace by his grace and mercy. Frazee

Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:17

Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 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 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The practice of single-mindedness is about setting priorities. This involves putting our past decisions and actions behind us and focusing on God’s kingdom with help from the Holy Spirit. The product of a life of single-minded determination and focus is an untouchable peace from the hand of the one true God who loves us deeply. Seek first God’s kingdom! Randy Frazee

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Use a scale of 1-6 to rate how well you are living out the statements below (1 = not living out at all, 6 = living out completely).

___ I desire Jesus Christ to be first in my life.

___ I see every aspect of my life and work as service to God.

___ I spend time each day reading God’s Word and praying.

___ I value a simple lifestyle over one cluttered with activities and material

possessions.

Singlemindedness allows us to enjoy life on earth while preparing well for eternal life in heaven.Try to do one thing each day that will outlive ourselves and last for eternity

Spiritual Growth Questions for October 6, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Use a scale of 1-6 to rate how well you are living out the statements below (1 = not living out at all, 6 = living out completely).

___ I desire Jesus Christ to be first in my life.

___ I see every aspect of my life and work as service to God.

___ I spend time each day reading God’s Word and praying.

___ I value a simple lifestyle over one cluttered with activities and material possessions.

1. Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9. Look for what God promised to the Israelites if they obeyed the first commandment and kept their covenant with God.

2. Read Matthew 6:19-24. What kind of treasures keep us from being single-minded? How can unhealthy eyes keep us from being single-minded? Why isn’t it possible to serve two masters?

3. Read 2 Chronicles 20. Identify the key beliefs in which Jehoshaphat anchors his prayer. How can these key beliefs instill confidence and guide our decisions?

4. Read Philippians 3:1-14. Read this passage twice. What does the Apostle Paul do to stay single-minded in his focus? How could this be helpful to you in your walk with God?

5. What does this admonishment mean to you? Does it change how you prioritize things in your life?

6. Which area of your life (relationships, finances, work, family, etc.) is hardest to submit to God’s will and guidance?

7. How have you experienced the benefits of single-mindedness? What action step can you take this week to increase your awareness of God’s involvement in your daily life?

Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

September 29, 2019

John Lloyd - The Way to Know God and His Will

September 29, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

God’s Word: The way to know God and His will

September 29, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Hebrews 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Memory Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Key Question: How can I know God and His will for my life?

How do we know such important life matters as the following:

Who the one true God is, God’s love for us, our birth into sin and separation from God, Jesus’ payment for our sin to restore us, the best way to live a successful and productive life and the truth about the future and God’s ultimate redemption of man.

Key Idea: I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God that guides my beliefs and actions.

I. Our great need is for the ______________________ of God.

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, Luke 24:45

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Romans 2:14-15

“The Bible is seen not as a catalyst for revelation but as the

revelation itself. The Bible’s truth does not depend in any way on

whether a person believes the truth. This is God’s revelation about

Himself. It embodies truth beyond s is God’s revelation about Himself. It embodies truth beyond the scope of our own abilities. It comes from God.” R.C. Sproul Can I trust the Bible?

II. The revelation of God has been _________________ down.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:4

A. The Words in Scriptures are ____________ Words.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Theopneustos- God breathed

“Inspiration is that mysterious process by which the divine casualty worked through the human prophets without destroying their individual personalities to produce divinely authoritative and inerrant writings.” Norman Geisler

John 6:63b The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

If we are to know God’s will, it will be because we have studied His Scriptures. Jesus had a high view of Scripture so should we. Sproul

Takeaway: The Scriptures are sufficient to reveal God to anyone who is seeking. They are God’s Word to us!

B. The Words in Scriptures have been carefully _________________. translated and protected.

Closest book of antiquity: The Iliad by Homer- 643

New Testament copies- 24,000

Oldest known copy of the Iliad is 500 years younger from the original.

Oldest known copy of the N.T is less than 100 years from the original.

In the New Testament only 400 words carry any question as to their original penning, none of which relate to actual doctrine. This is a 99.9 accuracy rate. Randy Frazee

III. The Bible is authoritative-possessing the right to ______________ our lives.

Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.

As the Word of God, the Bible has the right to govern a Christian’s life. Frazee

Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

IV. The Bible is infallible-unfailing in _________________________ its purposes.

Isaiah 55:10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

I Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

Scriptures are sufficient in guiding us to what to think about a particular doctrinal issue or to do in a particular situation.

The sufficiency of Scripture reminds us that we are to add nothing to Scripture and that we are to consider no other writings of equal value to Scripture.

God does not require us to believe anything about himself or his redemptive work that is not found in Scripture.

The sufficiency of Scripture shows us that no modern revelations from God are placed on a level equal to Scripture in authority.

The Bible is not a book of suggestions, but rather claims to be the very Word of God and invites you to let it rule and guide every aspect of your life.

Reflective Questions: Are you in or out?

Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God and that it has the right to command your belief and action?

Spiritual Growth Questions for September 29, 2019

(take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Which statements are easy to declare with certainty? Which are more challenging, and why?

I believe the Bible is absolutely true in matters of faith and morals.

I believe the words of the Bible are words from God.

I believe the Bible has decisive authority over what I say and do.

I believe the Bible is relevant to address the needs of contemporary culture.

1. Read John 1:1-14, 4:14, 5:39, 6:63, 7:37-38, 10:34-35. What is his relationship to the written word? What would we know about Jesus if we did not have the written word? How is Jesus revealed as the Living Word? How does Jesus view the Scriptures?

2. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. In what ways have you seen the Bible be specifically useful in teaching, rebuking, correcting and training? In what ways can the Bible inform and govern your decision making in the areas of business, family life, friendships, and recreation?

3. Read 2 Peter 1:20-21. What are these verses teaching as to how the Bible was written? Consider there are 66 books and 40 writers but one theme flowing throughout. What role did God play and what role did man have in writing the Scriptures?

4. Read Exodus 20:1-21. What verse/s stand out to you? Why? How do the Ten Commandments reveal what is most important to God?

How would the world be different if all humanity were guided by the Word of God?

5. How has understanding the Scriptures changed the way you see the world? How has the Bible given you a better understanding of who you are and your purpose in this world?

6. Many people are overwhelmed by the Bible, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you have any obstacles that get in the way of reading and understanding God’s Word, honestly confess them. Then, spend some time as a group discussing ways to overcome these challenges.

Memory Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

September 22, 2019

John Lloyd - Finding Strength in the Storm

September 22, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Finding Strength in the Storm

September 22, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

John 14:25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Key Idea: I have found peace with God, peace with others and peace with myself.

Key Question: How do I find peace in the storm? Where do I find strength to battle anxiety and fear?

I. Supernatural peace with God comes through ____________.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Colossians 1:20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Colossians 1:20, I Jn 3:20

Takeaway:

II. Seek God’s ______________ for peace with others.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

I Kings 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

“The outcome of Solomon’s decision is recorded below. If we want greater peace in our lives, we should first seek to live in obedience to God and then apply his wisdom to find peace in our relationships with others.” Frazee

Matthew 5:23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Romans 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 12:17-21, I Timothy 2:1-2, Titus 3:2-5

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (See question 4)

Peace principles: Settle issues as they arise, ask for wisdom, be obedient to God as the foundation, pursue peace not division, sow seeds of peace with everyone, receive it from God and let it rule in your heart. Write out what is making you anxious about the relationship.

Takeaway:

III. The ____________________ is the source of supernatural peace.

John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

“If it is something big enough to be anxious about, it is something God wants you to pray about it.”

I Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Spend some time on question 6)

“The peace of Christ brings an end to our soul’s search for security. The peace of Christ brings the proper response to a hurting world. The peace of Christ brings us an invitation to the atmosphere in heaven while on earth. If we daily surrender to Christ when the storms of life threaten, his peace will keep us grounded and secure.” Randy Frazee

Peace, use a scale of 1-6 rate how fully your life demonstrates the statements below (1 does not demonstrate at all, 6 demonstrates fully). Which statement is challenging for you? Why?

___ I know God has forgiven me because of what Jesus has done.

___ I am not angry with God, myself, or others.

___ I forgive people who have hurt me deeply.

___ I have inner peace from God.

Spiritual Growth Questions for September 22, 2019

(take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

1. Which of the statements below are easy to declare with certainty? Which are more challenging? Why?

I know God has forgiven me because of what Jesus has done.

I am not angry with God, myself, or others.

I forgive people who have hurt me deeply.

I have inner peace from God.

2. Although true peace is available to all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord, many continue to live with fear and anxiety. Why do you think that is the case?

3. Read Romans 5:1-11, Ephesians 2:11-22. How do we receive peace with God? Write down every word that describes peace in our relationship with God? What did the apostle Paul want the Roman and Ephesian Christians to know? What verse stood out to you in this reading? How is this helpful in your relationship with God?

4. Reflect on this statement: “I am not angry at God, myself or others.” If you or someone was angry with someone else, what should they do? Read Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1, Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:3 for guidance.

5. What are some biblical ways to overcome fear and anxiety? What have you found to be the most successful?

6. Read Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:4-9 two times. What verse/s stands out to you? Why? What role does prayer play in combating anxiety? Can you think of an example from your own life or someone’s else?

7. What is impeding your ability to experience God’s true peace? What one action could you take to overcome these obstacles? Reflect deeply on the two passages below as a first step.

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Memory Verses: Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

September 15, 2019

John Lloyd - How Do I Study God's Word?

September 15, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Bible Study: Takes me to Where God Wants me to be

September 15, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Memorize Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Luke 24:44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

Key Idea: I study the Bible to know God and his truth and to find direction for my daily life. Prayer: Lord, make me and take me where you want me to be.

We have learned that Spirit led disciplines are avenues to encounter the transforming grace of God. The most critical discipline is the intake of God’s Word. Donald S. Whitney. Spirit of the Disciplines

Key Question: How do I study God’s Word?

I. Clear the deck of all __________________.

Psalm 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!

Psalm 51: 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. I John 1:9

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 5:26

Psalm 32: 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Takeaway:

II. Let His Word bring _________________ to our soul.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,

Psalm 1:2 but his delight is in the law] of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple

Psalm 19:8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.(19:8b,9)

Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

“If you want to be changed, if you want to become more like Jesus Christ, discipline yourself to read the Bible.” John Blanchard

“Reading gives us breadth, but study gives us depth.” Jerry Bridges

Time, Bible Reading Plan, find one word, phrase, verse to meditate on each time you read. One thing you want to remember.

What is one thing you can do to improve your intake of God’s Word?

Takeaway:

III. Apply what you ____________ to your life.

Ask God how am I to respond to this text? What would you have me to do as result of my encounter with this part of His Word?

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

John 14: 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Psalm 119:50. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Does the text reveal something I should believe about God?

Does this text reveal something I should praise, thank, or trust God for?

Does this text reveal something I should pray about for myself or others?

Does this text reveal something I should have a new attitude about?

Does this text reveal something I should make a decision about?

Does this text reveal something I should do for the sake of Christ, others or me?

Hebrews 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

“If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last” (Luke 6:48 MSG).

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

___ I read the Bible daily.

___ I regularly study the Bible to find direction for my life.

___ I seek to be obedient by applying the truth of the Bible to my life.

___ I have a good understanding of the contents of the Bible.

Takeaway:

Spiritual Growth Questions for September 15, 2019

(take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Please use at least one of these questions with each passage and write down your responses. If helpful write them down in your Bible for future use.

Does the text reveal something I should believe about God?

Does this text reveal something I should praise, thank, or trust God for?

Does this text reveal something I should pray about for myself or others?

Does this text reveal something I should have a new attitude about?

Does this text reveal something I should make a decision about?

Does this text reveal something I should do for the sake of Christ, others or me?

1. Read Psalm 119:9-24, Psalm 1:2-3. What is the difference between studying God’s Word and hiding it in our hearts? What is the difference between reading God’s Word and meditating on it day and night? What are the promised benefits for doing this?

2. Read Matthew 13:1-23. According to this passage, what enemies of the Word are taking root in our hearts? How do we open our hearts to be more receptive to the Word? Explain how you might apply this into your own Bible reading and listening to the Word.

3. Read Psalm 119:33-40 three times. Take some time to meditate on these verses. What do you think the psalmist is asking for?

What does he want to do and not to do? Write a prayer for your own life like this one.

4. Read Psalm 119:97-112 three times. Write down what the psalmist outlines as the benefits of Bible study. Do you feel the same way as the psalmist? Why or why not?

5. Read Matthew 4:1-11. Describe each temptation and how Jesus uses the word to overcome each one. What can we learn from this? How could this be applied to our lives?

6. As a group discuss the motivations someone could possess for studying the Bible. Discuss which reasons are the most compelling.

7. What obstacles usually hinder a person from practicing consistent Bible study? Discuss ways to overcome these challenges.

Memory Verse: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

September 08, 2019

John Lloyd - Right Relationship With God

September 08, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Salvation: How to Have a Right Relationship with God

September 8, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Acts 2: 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Key Idea: A person comes into a right relationship with God by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Problem: We are not born into a relationship with God.

The Solution: There is only one solution and our good God provided it.

The Outcome: We have a lasting relationship with our loving God.

How do I come into a relationship with God?

I. We are not born into a __________________________ with God.

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.

Romans 5:15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

Psalm 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can understand it?

John 2:24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people.

Some ways humans try to deal with this problem:

A. It’s something we __________ or _________________.

Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Ephesians 2:9

B. People ________________ their own way.

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.”

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;

C. ________________ is going to make it. (Universalism)

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. (Revelation 20:11-15)

Romans 9:2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart…

Takeaway:

II. There is only one ________________ and God provided it.

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Exodus 12:13 The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

John 19: 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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. (Acts 2:38)

Acts 20:21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Takeaway:

III. The outcome is a ________________ relationship with God.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

I Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Acts 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Romans 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

Takeaway:

Based on your hearing this message on salvation. How strongly do you believe the statements below (1= no belief at all, 6 complete confidence).

____ I believe I will inherit eternal life because of what Jesus has done for me.

____ I believe nothing I do or have done can earn my salvation.

____ I believe salvation comes only through Jesus.

____ I believe people are saved because of what Jesus did, not because of what

they do.

Spiritual Growth Questions for September 8, 2019

(Take one question each day and grow deeper in your relationship with God)

1. Read Genesis 2:8 & 9, 2:15-17, 3:1-24. How would you describe Adam and Eve’s life in the garden before they disobeyed God? What was life with God like afterward? How have modern minds disbelieved this Genesis account? Discuss how freewill allows the possibility of both love and evil?

2. Read Exodus 12:21-31, Hebrews 10:1-14. What are the similarities between the sacrificed lamb and the sacrifice of Jesus? What type of “Passover” has been caused by Jesus’ blood applied to our lives?

3. Study/Discuss the problem of evil. Read Isaiah 1:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:10 and 3:23. What do these verses teach about the effect of evil? How has evil affected our relationship with God? Read Colossians 2:14-15. What has God done to remedy evil?

4. Discuss what is at stake if I believe I can work or earn my way to heaven. Read Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:21, Acts 15:11. What impact does this view have on the sacrifice of Jesus?

Group Questions:

5. What visible attributes can be found in someone who has received the gift of salvation?

6. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. How would you define the word grace? What is the opposite of grace? What makes grace such a difficult concept to grasp?

7. Read Romans 5:12-21. How did Jesus’ choice overturn the effect of Adam and Eve’s sin in our lives? What do these Scriptures tell you about the character of God and his feelings toward you and all of humanity?

8. How do I have a relationship with God?

9. How is the sacrifice of Christ applied to us individually? What do we do actively and passively?

10. Is there someone in your life who needs to know about salvation by grace through faith in Jesus? What’s stopping you from having that conversation?

Memory Verses: Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

September 01, 2019

John Lloyd - Joy

September 01, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Joy: God’s Provision for Endurance

September 1, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Key Idea: Despite my circumstances, I feel inner contentment and understand my purpose in life.

What gives us true happiness and contentment in this life?

I. Find the real source of _____________.

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

If seeking blessings first, joy depends on the blessings. If seeking Jesus first, joy depends on our unchanging Savior.

John 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Takeaway:

II. Joy is available even in the ___________________ circumstances.

Philippians 4: 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

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. (Hebrews 11:34)

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, 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.

Joy has more to do with remaining in the presence of Jesus than avoiding problems and struggles of this life. (see Psalm 16:11)

Happiness is a state of mind; joy is a mindset.

Happiness comes and goes while joy can be constant.

Happiness is dependent, joy is independent.

Happiness is conditional, joy is unconditional. Randy Frazee

Takeaway:

III. Choosing joy brings ___________________ and _________________.

James 1: 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. I Peter 1:6-8

John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Only Jesus can make our lives flourish in the midst of trouble. In Him, joy is strengthened when life is challenging. Joy can grow through our difficult circumstances.

Takeaway:

IV. Joy comes when the _____________ are _______________.

Luke 15:3 So he told them this parable: 4“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 10:20)

Takeaway:

V. Joy will replace or reduce _________________.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Nehemiah 8:10 And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Joy becomes a filter by which we view life. It’s not rose colored glasses; it’s a brand new set of eyes. Joy changes our perspective and perception of negative circumstances. Joy is an ongoing reminder that God is in control. He is in charge of the outcome. Joy comes from trusting the controller of all things. Frazee

The joy of Christ will become contagious through us.

The joy of Christ will draw others to Christ through us.

Joy, use a scale of 1 – 6 to rate how fully your life demonstrates the statements below (1 = does not demonstrate at all, 6 = demonstrates fully).

______I have inner contentment even when things go wrong.

______ Circumstances do not dictate my mood.

______ I am excited about my sense of purpose for my life.

______ I can be content with the money and possessions that I now have.

Spiritual Growth Questions for September 1, 2019

(take one question each day and grow deeper in joy)

1. Carefully read Psalm 16. As you read make note of what the psalmist (David) did to increase his joy. What does he warn that will increase sorrow? What verse stands out to you? How can it be applied in your life right now?

2. Read John 10:10, Romans 14:17-18, Philippians 4:4, I Thess. 5:16. Describe what each one teaches us about the Christian life.

3. Read Psalm 16:11, Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 59:2. Christian joy is essentially the enjoyment of communion with God. In view of this, what do Psalm 66:18 and Isaiah 59:2 suggest concerning a common hindrance to joy? What then should be one of the first things we do when we are not experiencing the joy of the Lord?

4. Read James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5 gives us God’s perspective regarding trials of our faith that He either allows or sends into our lives. What is this perspective? How could we maintain joy in the midst of trials?

5. Read Romans 15:13, 15:4 and Romans 8:28. What is the promise given to us? Does the fulfillment of this promise depend on our believing it? Explain your answer. How can the message of Romans 15:13 help us appropriate the promise of Romans 8:28?

6. Taking the long-range view of life helps us increase our joy. Study the following passages of Scripture, and then describe what it means to take the long-range view. Read Romans 5:2, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Hebrews 10:34, I Peter 1:6.

How often do you joyfully acknowledge God’s goodness in your life? Identify one good thing God has given to you or done for you in the past week.

Take a moment to celebrate it with someone else.

What is impeding your ability to choose a lifestyle of joy?

How can you overcome this obstacle?

List two or three Scriptures used in this outline to help you grow in your joy. How can you master these verses so that they can be effective in your life?

What action step can you take this week to increase the presence of joy in your daily life?

August 25, 2019

John Lloyd - Prayer

August 25, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Prayer: Avenue to God’s Transforming Power

August 25, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Matthew 6:9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, [4] that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22: 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.

Key Idea: I pray to God to know Him, to find direction for my life and to lay my requests before him.

Key Question: How do I grow by communicating with God?

I. Follow the ________________ of Jesus.

Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Lk.6:12, Mark 6:46)

Matthew 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Prayer is the practice creating the vital connection between God’s heart and ours. Randy Frazee

“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless.”

C.S. Lewis concerning his wife’s battle with cancer.

II. Prayer is a way to __________ God.

Psalm 77:10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

“Prayer, secret, fervent, believing prayer-lies at the root of all personal godliness.” William Carey

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Philippians 3:8-10)

Take Away:

III. Prayer is a way to find the __________________ we need.

Psalm 25:4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

“To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic in our lives. When we pray God slowly and graciously reveals to us our hiding places, and sets us free from them.” Richard Foster

Psalm 25:12 Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.

Prayer is not talking; it is listening.

Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Take Away:

IV. Prayer is a way to lay our ___________________ before God.

I Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

When we are in the spirit of prayer… we want what He wants… we love what he loves. Richard Foster

Luke 11:9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Hebrews 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Hebrews 11:39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,

Prayer is not only a practice; it is a privilege! To have direct access to the one true God 24/7 proves he is a personal God who wants to be in a relationship with us. Each time we pray we affirm our identity as children of God. He not only gives us the right to come to him, but he also longs for us to come to him. Jesus modeled the life of prayer during his stay on earth. Prayer (talking, listening and resting in God’s presence) is an effective way to know him better and find direction for our lives. Why carry life’s burdens alone when God invites us to lay them before him? When we do, we find a peace that transcends all understanding.” Randy Frazee Think, Act and Be like Jesus

Which statements are easy to declare with certainty? Which are more challenging, and why?

_____ I seek God’s will through prayer.

_____ I regularly confess my sins to God.

_____ Prayer is a central part of my daily life.

_____ I seek to grow closer to God by listening to him in prayer.

Take Away:

Spiritual Growth Questions for August 25, 2019

(Take one question each day for your daily devotions.) How do I grow by communicating with God?

1. Read Mark 1:32-35, Luke 6:12-16, Mark 6:39-46, Matthew 26:36-46

Notice how Jesus prayed before and after every major event in his life. What can we learn from the pattern of prayer Jesus demonstrated?

2. Read Psalm 77:1-20, Ecclesiastes 5:1-3. What can we learn about prayer from the psalmist and Solomon?

3. Read Judges 6-7. What do Gideon’s interactions with God teach us about God’s character?

4. Read Luke 11:1-13. What main points does Jesus teach about prayer?

5. Read Philippians 4:6-9. How do Paul’s words about prayer encourage you? How do they challenge you?

Group starter questions:

A. In what ways have you seen and experienced the power of prayer at work?

B. In what ways has prayer helped you navigate the tough decisions that life throws at us?

C. What one aspect of Jesus’ prayer life would you like to emulate?

KEY VERSE: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” (Psalm 66:18 – 20)

As you recite this verse, ask yourself, “Does my life reflect this statement?” I pray to God to know Him, to find direction for my life and to lay my requests before him.

1. How could this practice be applied in my life?

2. What visible attributes can be found in someone who regularly connects with God through prayer?

3. What impedes your ability to communicate with God? How can you overcome these obstacles?

4. What action step can you take this week to develop your connection with God through prayer?

August 18, 2019

Evan Rogers - Live From Done

August 18, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Relationship With God / Live From Done

August 18, 2019

Evan Rogers

Who can have a relationship with God?

Who is God?

What does having a relationship with God look like?

Why would I want one?

How do I maintain a relationship with God?

All the answers to these questions are found in the Bible.

The Bible is about God’s rescue plan.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God

Lord is used 7365 times in the King James Bible It is the most used Noun in the entire bible. God is the second most and is used 4,293. Jesus is used 953 and Christ 523 times.

Specific nouns referring only to God are used 13,134 times.

Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures

the things concerning himself.

John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

Revelation 22:5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Genesis 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Genesis 6: 5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Mark 10:18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

Genesis 9:11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

Genesis 15:18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,

Exodus 24:8b “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

1 Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you.

2 Samuel 7:12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.

15 But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” ’ ”

Jeremiah 23:7 “Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when they shall no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ 8 but ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.’ Then they shall dwell in their own land.”

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

Luke 19: 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Evaluate your heart right now in this moment. Are you guilty? Have you contributed to the stain of sin in the earth? Have you cursed the very ground God was so kind to give you? Have you wronged a brother?

Luke 23:20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!”

We Killed Him.

We destroyed everything God ever gave us, so he gave us himself.

Luke 24:6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

John 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Matthew 7:22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

I Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

1 Corinthians 1:26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

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. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 22: 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

August 11, 2019

John Lloyd - Love

August 11, 2019/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Love: God’s Heart Expressed

August 11, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

I Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.

I John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

Key Idea: I am committed to loving God and loving others.

Definition: God’s love is unconditional, sacrificial, forgives and perseveres.

John 15: 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Abides- to stay put; to continue in a specified condition, endure.

Believing/thinking like Jesus revolves into Acting like Jesus and then turns to being like Jesus. The process is driven by the very presence of God. Frazee

What does it mean to sacrificially and unconditionally love others?

I. God’s love is ________________________.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Takeaway: We receive God’s unconditional love and pass it on to others.

II. God’s love allows us to __________ like we never could before.

A. God’s love is _______________________.

I John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

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

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

I John 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

“Love gives, even at great cost to itself.” Jerry Bridges

I John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

Takeaway: We receive Christ’s love for us and then pass it on to others.

B. God’s love __________________.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Proverbs 28:13

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Reflective question: How can withholding forgiveness be an adversary of genuine love?

Takeaway: We receive Christ’s forgiveness and then pass it to others.

C. God’s love ______________________.

I Corinthians 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Romans 5:5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

What the Spirit, given, …to faith, does, is to flood the heart with God’s love and with assurance of it.

John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

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,

Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

I Peter 1:22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,

Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

There are three overall prayer requests I make for myself and for others whom I pray: that I and they would grow in holiness, humility, and love. Of these three, love has priority, for if I love God I will seek to be holy and I love other people I will seek to be humble, putting their interests ahead of mine. Jerry Bridges.

Which statements are easy to declare with certainty? Which are more challenging and why?

_____ God’s grace enables me to forgive people who have hurt me.

_____ I rejoice when good things happen to other people.

_____ I demonstrate love equally toward people of all races.

_____ I frequently give up what I want for the sake of others.

Takeaway: We receive God’s forbearance with us and then pass it on

Spiritual Growth Questions for August 11, 2019

(Take one question each day for your daily devotions.) How can I honor God in the way He deserves?

1. Read I Corinthians 13 and make two lists. What are the characteristics of love in the positive sense (all that love is). What characteristics does love not have?

2. Read I Samuel 19. Write down the ways that Jonathan offered David unconditional love. What stands out to you?

3. Read John 13:31-35. What quality of love stands out in these verses?

4. Read I John 4:19-21. What is the best strategy for developing authentic and genuine love for God and others?

5. Matthew 18:21-22. Discuss how withholding forgiveness can be an adversary of genuine love.

Discussion Questions:

Put in your own words what happened in the shift from the Great Commandment of the Old Testament to the new commandment of Jesus.

How could this virtue express itself in your life?

What visible attributes can be found in someone who embodies the virtue of love?

What is impeding your ability to embrace this virtue? How can you overcome this obstacle?

Who are the toughest people for you to love? Family members? Coworkers? Strangers? Explain why.

It’s easy to love someone who meets our needs. Is it possible to genuinely loves someone who does nothing for you or even hurts you? If so, how?

What action step(s) can you take this week to love more like Jesus?

(Questions drawn from Randy Frazee’s Think, Act and Be like Jesus and Believe Study Guide)

I Corinthians 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.

Sermon Podcast

Dolores Park Church