John Lloyd - Living Sent As A Father

Irresistible Fathers: Living Sent as a Father

Mark 1:9-13

June 16, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will focus on how to live sent as fathers and men and our sphere of relational influence.  Help me to be an irresistible father. Pastor John

Mark 1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

I Thessalonians 2:8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Big Idea:  Being a treasured son of our heavenly father lays the foundation for irresistible father/influencers.

How can I live sent as an irresistible father/influencer?

I.               Embrace my identity as a ___________ of God.

 Mark 1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

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

Matthew 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Luke 11:13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.

A.    Reject the loudest voices of ____________ identities.

_

Matthew 4:3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Shame - I am not enough.

Guilt - I have not done enough.

Insecurity - My identity is in me: how I look, what I do, or what I have. 

(I John 3:1-2).

B.   Internalize what God’s __________ says about my identity.

 Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Hebrews12:2 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.

Let your relationship with God deal with the need for man’s approval, appetites and the ambitions, and the from this world.(Matt 4:3, 4:5-6, 4:8-9)

II.             Let my _______________ flow out of your identity not vice versa.

Mark 1:12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

A.    Let __________ pour out deeply because we received it from God.

I Thessalonians 2:8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

Help me to be a vessel to remind my children that they are fiercely loved by God.  Help me to pass onto them the beautiful gifts God has given me.

B.    Let work be a ________ because my Savior is always working in me.

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

Help me to train my children in what is true and beautiful!  Prov. 22:6

11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Help me to model and encourage my family to a holy life. 

Live sent by embracing Jesus and being sent to those in our influence.

Live sent by recognizing we are a steward, not an owner.

Live sent by asking the Lord to help us know and understand the love languages of those in our relational network. 

Live sent by encouraging and developing the gifts and talents of our children.

Spiritual Growth Questions for June 16, 2019

Opener:  Describe a father who has impacted your life?  What traits did you admire?

1.    Read Mark 1:9-15.  Go through each verse, observe words, principles.  Consider what these words meant to those who first heard them.  Reflect and discuss how they could be applied in your life.  Repenting and believing is a natural response when the Kingdom breaks through into our lives. Why?

2.   Read Matthew 4:1-11.  Spend time identifying the nature of each temptation.  Why were these words so important to the disciples and early church?  How do we experience these same temptations today? Read I John 2:15-17 for help.  How did Jesus deal with these temptations?  What helps you deal with temptation?

3.   Reflect on Mark 1:11. “You are my beloved son in whom I well pleased.”  How can this truth help build irresistible fathers/influencers?  How does our enemy try and steal our identity? What helps you to remember who you are in Christ? 

4.   Read Hebrews 12:1-3.  Go through each verse, observe words and principles.  Consider what these words meant to those who first heard them.  Reflect and discuss how they could be applied in your life.  How did Jesus deal with shame? 

5.   Read I Thessalonians 2:9-12.  Discuss the characteristics of an irresistible father found in these verses.   What ways have you seen these characteristics passed on that have been effective?  How can you pass them to those around you?

Memory Verses: Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.

Mark 1:15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

John Lloyd - Living Sent At Work

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus:  Living Sent at Work

Colossians 3:22- 4:1

June 9, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will focus on how to live sent at work or school.  Living sent brings purpose to everything we do.  Living Sent… at Work, Pastor John

Colossians 3:22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. 4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

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. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

What does our work have to do with our faith and what does our faith have to do with our work? 

Big Idea:  Living sent at work/school means what I do and how I do it matters greatly to God. Make me an irresistible employee/student.

Review:  The following make for a strong walk with Jesus:

1.   Our relationship with God.

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.

2.   Our relationships with others within our community.  

    Matthew 22:39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as

    yourself.                                                      

3.   Our relationships with others outside of our community.  

  Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of                                                   

     the time.

BLESS:

Begin with prayer.

Listen with empathy.

Eat with other.

Serve with love.

Share your story.

How do I become an irresistible employee/student?

I.               Receive the ______________  ___________ of our Savior Jesus.

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.

John 17:4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

Hebrews 10:14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.  (Hebrews 10:12, I John 4:19)

Trusting in Jesus and His finished work changes everything!  Irresistible employees begin by surrendering to an irresistible Savior.

II.            Allow the _________ to influence our attitudes about work/school.

Genesis 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Genesis 3:17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it, ’cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;  (Genesis 3:18-19, Rev. 21:1-2, 22:2)

A recent Gallup Poll revealed the number one thing this world’s five billion working age people want. What the world wants even more than food, shelter, safety, and peace is a good, meaningful job.  Gallup June 9, 2015

God’s Imagination #1: God’s work is restorative from Eden to the New Jerusalem.

God’s Imagination #2: My work is just as much God’s work as is the work of missionaries and pastors.  The secular and sacred must never be seen as separate from the vantage point of a Christian.  

How could God’s kingdom breakthrough in my work? How could I be the  aroma of Christ at my working place? 

Irresistible employee’s mission statement:  Leave people, places and things better than I found them! 

Help me embrace my work as a mission!

III.           Redefine what ______________ looks like in your life and work.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Irresistible employee definition of success:  I want to work in such a way that people are better.  I want to work in such a way that every place I work is better.  I want to make everything I work on better for the glory of Christ.

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

Colossians 3:24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Reflective Questions:  Am I getting better as an employee?  Who can I help this week get better?  What thing could I help make better?  What place could I make better? 

Prayer:  Help me to leave things, people and places better than I found them.  Help me to embrace my work as mission! 

Spiritual Growth Questions for June 9, 2019

Opener:  Describe the best worker/teammate who has worked with you?  What quality did you observe that made them a great worker?

1.   Read Colossians 3:22-4:1. As you read Paul’s last words to the church of Ephesus, what observations do you see in these verses?  What words stand out to you?  Why is Paul saying this and what is he hoping they will do?  Ask God to speak through his Word to your soul.  How does Paul encourage them to live sent?  How could this be applied in your life right now? 

2.   Read Colossians 4:2-6.  Carefully go through each verse: Write down key words and observations in each verse.  What principles are standing out?  Why is Paul saying this and what is he hoping they will do?  How could these verses be applied to a situation in your life right now?   Consider the BLESS approach.  Begin with Prayer, Listen with empathy, Eat with others, Serve in love and Share your Story.  How is Paul essentially using this approach to the Colossians?

3.   Read John 5:17, Hebrews 7:25, John 17:4.  Observe what Jesus is doing or did in each one of these verses.  Discuss how Jesus views his work.  What ramifications are there for us in regards to work if we are made in His image?  Pray about how Jesus could work through you at your work? Spend some time on question 4. 

4.   Consider this definition of success for your work:  Irresistible employee’s mission statement:  Leave people, places and things better than I found them!  Read I Corinthians 15:58.  Spend time thinking how you could apply this specifically to your work.  Who could you help make better?  What things could you work on to improve?  How could you leave your work better than you found it?

What does our work have to do with our faith and what does our faith have to do with our work? 

Extra credit in heaven:  Read Matthew 25:14-30.  Meditate on the parable of talents and reflect on the principle of development. 

Memory Verses: John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

John Lloyd - Living Sent

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus:  Living Sent

John 20:19-21

June 2, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will focus on how to live, as being sent, by reaching out to others both within and without our relational network.  Living sent…. Pastor John

John 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Memory Verse: 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”  (Also read Matthew 22:37-39).

Big Idea:  Growing in our walk with Jesus means we live as one who has been sent.  Living sent leads me to pour out what I have received into others both within and outside of my relational network.

Review:  The following make for a strong walk with Jesus:

1.   Our relationship with God, Matthew 22:37.

2.   Our relationships with others within our community,  Matthew 22:39.

3.   Our relationships with others outside of our community.  

BLESS:  Begin with prayer, Listen with empathy, Eat with others, Serve with love and Share your story.

I.              To live as being sent, we must receive the _______ who was sent.

John 1: 12 But to all who did receive (welcome) him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Believe- is written78 times in John’s writings, three English words to capture the meaning:  believe, trust and faith.  Biblical faith or trust is not primarily something we do, but someone in whom we put our trust.

“If you do not see a gift held out to you, or if you see it but do not accept it as real, you won’t stretch out your hand to take it. Believing in Jesus involves seeing Him presented as God’s Son, accepting that description as real, and simply stretching out your hand to accept God’s gift of eternal life. You then become what you were not: a child of God.”  Larry Richards

John 13:20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

John 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 

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.  (I John 3:1-2)

“When you know that you are beloved by God, you can enter into the sufferings and problems of others letting them know that they are loved.”

Take Away Principle: We can only give out of what we have received.

The more we have received the more we can give!

II.             Living sent sees God in the ________________ of life.

Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.

Psalm 139:1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!     2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

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

Take away principle:  We need to bloom where we are planted.  God has placed me where He wants me to grow and minister. 

III.           Living sent means voluntary displacement and ________ mobility.

John 21:18 “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

Everything inside me is wired for upward mobility except the Holy Spirit has wired us for downward mobility.  God wants me to pour out what has been poured into my soul. 

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

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

Two tools needed: God’s compassion and gratitude

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

How can you be of service right where you are?  What is your ministry to others?  Where are you to spend your time?  Go to the place where people are in pain but go with others who have received grace and compassion.

Living sent brings great health to our walk with God!

Spiritual Growth Questions for June 2, 2019

Opener:  Describe the most missional person you have ever met.  What stood out to you as you spent time with them?

1.   Read John 20:19-31.  Make as many observations as you can about this text and its key words and principles.  What stands out to you about Jesus’ interaction with Thomas?  How did the disciples apply their experience with Jesus?  Where did Thomas end up serving God?  What is this passage teaching us about living sent? 

2.   Read Acts 20:31-39.  As you read Paul’s last words to the church of Ephesus, what observations do you see in these verses?  What words stand out to you?  Why is Paul saying this and what is he hoping they will do?  Ask God to speak through his Word to your soul.  Where could this be applied in your life right now?  How does Paul encourage them to live sent?

3.   Read Acts 17:22-32.  As you read Paul’s address to the people of Athens, what words and principles stand out to you?  What was the response from the group?  How can what Paul did here help us with our approach to people in our relational network?  What can we learn from Paul about living sent?

4.   Consider the BLESS approach.  Begin with Prayer, Listen with empathy, Eat with others, Serve in love and Share your Story.  Ask God for one person you could minister to in this way.  Share with a friend for prayer and support.  Spend time praying for whoever God puts on your heart.  How can this approach help us to live sent?

5.    Where is a place of pain that you could go to bring God’s love to those suffering?   Who could you take with you to minister together?  Make a specific time to do this and share what happens with a friend or your small group.   

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

John Lloyd - Building Community

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Ephesians 4:11-16, 29-32

May 26, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Today, we will focus on how to be community builders in our relationships.

Ephesians 4:11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds  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. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 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 4:29-32)

Big Idea:  Community Builders build community by committing to the whole process of building community.

pseudo-community, chaos, humility, real community

I.              God gives ____________ to his children to build community.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds  and teachers,  12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

I Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Mission Friends:  God uses believers in community with Him to build community for those without Him.

John 17:20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Ephesians 4:13 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

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?

Reflective Question:  God, what have you placed in my hand that I can use to build community?  What obstacles do I need to remove?

II.            Community building will always include _______ and __________.

pseudo-community, chaos, humility, true community

Ephesians 4:14 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.

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.  Philippians 4:1

A.   Show me how to ____________ every person in my community.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Goal:  Help me to speak words that make souls stronger.  Help me to put courage in your soul. 

B.    Help me to ____________ words that build community.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Words like these: You matter.  You are the image of God.  You are loved at your best, and you are loved at your worst.  You are uniquely gifted. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You are God’s child, the bride of Jesus, the vessel of the Holy Spirit, and an heir of the kingdom.  I see potential in you.  I value you.  I need you.  I respect you.  Will you forgive me? I forgive you.  I like you.  I love you.   

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.

III.           Community building creates a culture where gifts are discerned, _________________ and mobilized for the building of community.

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. (Psalm 78:4)

Psalm 78:6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

John 17:23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

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

It takes a community to reach a community!

Community building for God is worth it.

Spiritual Growth Questions for May 26, 2019

Opener:  Share a time when God used a conflict or a difference to help bring you in closer community.

1.   Read Ephesians 4:11-16.  Make as many observations as you can about this text, its key words and principles.  How do you think the Ephesian church applied these words?   How could you act on what is being said in this text? 

2.   Read Ephesians 4:25-32.  What observations do you see in these verses?  What words stand out to you?  Why is Paul saying this and what is he hoping they will do?  Ask God to speak through his Word to your soul.  Where could this be applied in your life right now? 

3.   Consider the phases in building community: pseudo-community, chaos, humility and true community.  Discuss the chaos phase and how should we as believers navigate through it? 

4.   Read Philippians 2:1-5. What was Paul’s goal for this community?  What specifically did he tell them to do to be community builders? Read Philippians 2:6-9.  What did Jesus do to build community? 

5.   Read the words below and ask God to give you one person you could reach out to this week that needs to hear them.   Share your plan with a friend who can pray for you.

Words like these:  You matter.  You are the image of God.  You are loved at your best, and you are loved at your worst.  You are uniquely gifted. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You are God’s child, the bride of Jesus, the vessel of the Holy Spirit, and an heir of the kingdom.  I see potential in you.  I value you.  I need you.  I respect you.  Will you forgive me? I forgive you.  I like you.  I love you. 

                             Extra Credit in Heaven Question

Read John 17:9-26.What part of this prayer stands out to you?Spend some time praying this prayer for yourself, for our church, for our city and for our world.

Community Message - Mead, Degerness, Rogers

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Community

May 19, 2019

Mead, Degerness, Rogers

I.          Hospitality

A.        Christian hospitality looks different than secular hospitality

Deuteronomy 10:19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. (Romans 12)

Matthew 25:34-39 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

B.        Applied Hospitality

 

II.         Fellowship

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

“One man is nobody; nor will poring upon a book in a corner accomplish a man as the reading and studying of men will. Wise and profitable discourse sharpens men's wits; and those that have ever so much knowledge may by conference have something added to them.” - Matthew Henry

A.        Fellowship with one another builds us up

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

1 Corinthians 12:26

26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Making and growing disciples happens in community

Acts 2:44-47

 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 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.

III.        Isolation

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.”

Proverbs 18:1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

Wise Judgement = Tuwshiyah – all wisdom, sound knowledge, or

abiding success (which is the result of wisdom)

2 Timothy 4:4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

IV.       Purpose in Community

There’s a reason why we don’t instantly make our way into heaven the minute we receive salvation. Because God has purpose for us.

Philippians 1:20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

A.        For it is in giving when we receive the most.

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

Romans 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.

All we do is for the glory of God.

“He who loves his life will lose it but he who forsakes his life for my sake will find it.” – Jesus

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Mother's Day - Sarah Jean Hood

Happy Mother’s Day

May 12, 2019

Sarah Jean Hood

When you think of a mom- what do you think of?

-comfort

-encouragement

-the lynchpin that brings the family together

-Hospitality

-preparing those environments where we can connect together on a

heart level

-Moms are connecters & gatherers

I.          Mothers represent the heart of community

Moms are a very important part of our society.  The idea of the matriarch, the center of the family world, is so powerful that even Jesus referred to Himself as a hen gathering chicks, to protect and guide His family

“How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

- Matthew 23:37b

Proverbs 31:26-29

26She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29“Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.”

II.         Community and the importance of community in the bible.

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

1 PETER 4:8-11

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:15-16

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 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.

Acts 2:42-47

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 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.

Happy Mother’s Day!

John Lloyd - Prayer

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Selected Scriptures

May 5, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  Our relationship with God is first. Our relationships with other Christians are second. Our daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door is third. Hope you can join us as we explore how to be a fruitful follower of Jesus.

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. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

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.

2 Thessalonians 1:11To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power

Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

 “Prayer—secret, fervent, believing prayer—lies at the root of all personal godliness.”  William Carey Missionary to India

Big Idea:  Prayer changes me!

“Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us.  If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic of our lives.”  Richard Foster

How can we do this as well?  How can we live this way in the restlessness of our current society?  How can I make space for God in my life?

I.              Praying is ______________ out to God.

Psalm 61:1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;  2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is overwhelmed.  Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,

Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.

Psalm 77:1-2 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. Psalm 86:1

I John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Expressing our feelings and fears to God is an avenue for us to experience his unconditional love.  Prayer changes me!

II.            Praying is a continual ______________________ with God.

I Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Prayer versus prayerfulness

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord,

2 Thessalonians 1:11To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,  Romans 1:9

Take Away:  Present your whole thoughts to God both good and bad.  Ask him for help!  Cry out to Him. It is not so much what we think but who are we presenting our thoughts to.  God knows our minds and hearts without anything being hidden. 

William Temple noted that coincidences occurred much more frequently when he prayed.

Prayer changes how I handle people and situations.

Prayer is how God changes me!

III.          Prayer is ____________________ and __________________.

I Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Luke 18:13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

I Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 

Question is not should I pray, but when should I pray.

Matthew 6:6. Go to your private room, shut the door, and so pray to the Father who is in that secret place.

Jesus chose to climb a mountain, enter a garden, depart to the desert, or rest in a boat on the water to pray and listen to God.  Choose a place!

What do we do while prayer? 

Be with Jesus

Find a focus: gospel text for the day, sing a psalm or pick a verse of scripture and read it slowly. 

Expect distractions: smile at them, let them pass, return to your focus.

Write down things to be thankful for. 

Write down prayer requests and prayers. 

Give praise to God for answered prayers.

Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.      Prayer Changes ME!

What time, place and focus for prayer will you commit to this week?

Spiritual Growth Questions for May 5, 2019

Opener:  Share about an experience of answered prayer.

1.   Read Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22.  Why should prayer be not just asking, but listening?  Why is it so hard to make time to listen to God?

2.   Read Psalm 22:1-2, 77:1-2 and Psalm 139:1-4.  Observe and circle key words in these verses.   What did these verses mean to the original audience?  Paraphrase them in your own words.  What is the psalmist teaching us about expressing our real thoughts to God?  How can it help us to know that God wants us to express these thoughts to Him through prayer? 

3.   What parts of your life are you tempted to hide from God? What thoughts could you offer to God right now?  Stop and take a moment and offer them to God as a conversational prayer.

4.   Read Luke 18:9-14.  Observe and circle key words in these verses.   What did these verses mean to the original audience?  Paraphrase them in your own words.  How could this passage be applied to your life?  How can it be applied to those you minister to?

5.   Read Matthew 6:5-14.  Observe and circle key words in these verses.   What did these verses mean to the original audience?  Paraphrase them in your own words.  How could this passage be applied to your life?  How can it be applied to those you minister to?

Assignment:  What time, place and focus for prayer will you commit to this week?  Share your plan with a friend.

John Lloyd - Abiding With God

Growing in Our Walk with Jesus

Matthew 22:37-39

April 28, 2019

Pastor John Lloyd

Devoting attention to our walk with God is important and should be a priority. How is it going?  How could it improve?  First is our relationship with God. Second is our relationships with other Christians. Third is daily pouring out the love and resources of God to those outside our door. Hope you can join us for the next six weeks as we explore how to be a fruitful follower of Jesus.

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. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Psalm 42:1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I 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.

“The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deeper people.”  Richard Foster

“Discipleship means living a fully human life in this world in union with Jesus Christ and His people, growing in conformity to His image, and helping others to know and become like Jesus.”  Mike Wilkins

I.               Strong relationships with God begin with ______________.

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.

Psalm 42:1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  Psalm 63:1

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

Reflective questions:  What is it that is ruling my life?  Is the ruler of my life keeping you from God?  How is my walk with God? 

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

A.   _____________ from destructive habits does not come by willpower.

Colossians 2:23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2:21-22

Romans 7:23 But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

“As soon as you resist mentally any undesirable or unwanted circumstance, you thereby endow it with more power- power which it will use against you and you will have depleted your own resources to at exact extent.”  Fox

“As long as we think we can save ourselves by our own willpower, we will only make the evil in us stronger than ever.”  Heini Arnold

Declaration:  God I cannot save myself! I need your Spirit’s help in my life!  I will put my life in a place where God can change me from the inside out.

B.   Place my life in the soil of Jesus by ________________ in Christ.

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.

John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   (Hebrews 12:15) “Being bitter is a harder path than being filled with grace and joy.” 

Commitment: Placing myself in God’s soil will allow Him to work His life and deliverance in my soul.

II.             Learn to detach from this world and ________ to God’s kingdom.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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.

Psalm 1:2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Some suggestions:  1. Slow down 2. Conviction of its importance. 3. Quiet place, no distractions.   4. Start with 5 to 10 minutes. 5. Read Luke 2:19 take one Scripture treasure it… ponder it in your heart.  6. Write down the scripture and try it for 3 times one day… Live with your chosen text for the day.  Murmur it. Memorize it. Pray it. Say it. Share it.

Reflective question:  What is it that keeps me from strengthening my relationship with Jesus?   Repent and believe….  Call it out, call upon!

“Only to sit and think of God, Oh what a joy it is!

To think the thought, to breathe the name Earth has no higher bliss.”  Frederick Faber

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.

Spiritual Growth Questions for April 28, 2019

Opener: Describe a time of spiritual growth in your life?  What stands out as causes of this growth.

1.   Read John 15:1-5 three times slowly.  Circle words you see as important.  What was Jesus trying to get across to the disciples?  Write the passage in your own words.   What application can you make in your own life?  What things does God want you to change or do?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.   Read the following Scriptures and note what they teach about discipleship:  Luke 2:52 __________________________________

Luke 6:40_____________________________________________

Galatians 4:19 _________________________________________

2 Corinthians 3:18 ______________________________________

Romans 8:29 __________________________________________

From these passages, what is God’s plan or goal for your life?

3.   Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind.  Christian meditation is an attempt to empty the mind in order to fill it.  Two ideas are radically different.  It’s not just detachment, but attachment.  Read the following Scriptures and discuss the value of meditating on the Word of God.

Read Psalm 1:2, 63:6, 119:148, Joshua 1:8. Discuss what each verse says about meditating upon God’s Word.  What steps can you take to strengthen your walk with God?  Ask a friend to pray with you.

Four types of fruit: 

1. Spiritual fruit of Christlike love: John 15:9.          

2. Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith

3. Fruit of spiritual gift: Ephesians 4:12.

4. Fruit of new disciples: John 15:16.

4.   Read John 15:8-9. What is your strongest area of “fruit” production?  What is your weakest area of “fruit” production? What can you do to improve your weak area? 

Easter Sunday

Because Jesus Lives:  It Changes Everything

Selected Scriptures

Pastor John Lloyd

April 21, 2019  Resurrection Sunday

Luke 24: 44Then 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.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47and that repentance and  forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name

John 14:19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”



Big Idea:   Because Jesus lives, it changes everything!

I.              Why we ________________ Jesus lives.

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, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.  Luke 24:44-47 I Cor. 15:13

“If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said: if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said?  The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.”  Tim Keller

1.   Jesus’ appearances  I Corinthians 15:5-8

2.   The changes in the disciples lives  (They became willing to die) (Acts 5:28-30)

3.   The empty tomb  (Matthew 28:6-7)

4.   Early proclamation of the Message.  (Acts 2:22-32)

5.   Conversion of James. (John 7:5, Acts 1:3, 15:13)

6.   Conversion of Paul.  (Acts 9:4-5)

7.   Changed lives here today!

Prayer:  Lord please open my mind and soul to understand what you have done, what you are doing, and what you would like to do in my life.

II.            Because He lives, supernatural ________________ are available.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Romans 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus [4] from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Ephesians 3:16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

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

Power over sinful destructive habits (Romans 6:6 &11)

Power to love anyone, even enemies (Romans 5:5, Matthew 5:44)

Power to pray with power (Romans 8:26)

Power to give new life (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Power to forgive (Luke 23:34, Ephesians 4:32)

Power to be restored (John 21:17)

“But resurrection is not just consolation-it is restoration.  We get I all back-the love, the loved ones, the good, the beauties of this life—but in new, unimaginable degrees of glory and joy and strength.” Keller

III.          Because He lives,  ____________ is conquered.

Hebrews 2:14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, (2 Tim.1:10)

I Corinthians 15:54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

“The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for all his people.  Death is no longer a prison, but a passage into God’s presence.  Easter says you put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise.” Clarence Hall. (Isaiah 25:8, Psalm 16:10)

Matthew 28:6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”  Philippians 3:10 That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings becoming like him in his death,

Reflection:  What do I believe about the resurrection?  Where do I need resurrection power in my life?  Am I willing to yield control of my life to Jesus?

IV.           Because He lives, I must __________ this good news with others.

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

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..

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.

John 11:27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Because He lives, any life can be transformed!

More Resurrection Passages for reflection this week:

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

I Corinthians 15:42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.

Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

Job 19:25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. 26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God,

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

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

Romans 1:4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

2 Corinthians 1:21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 

Revelation 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades

The Faithfulness of God / Prophecies of Christ

The Greatness of God and His Faithfulness

Selected Passages

Pastor John Lloyd

Sean Degerness, Rodrigo Burgos, Evan Rogers

April 7, 2019

Can I trust God with my life?  How do I know His Word is true?  Can I trust His Word for my life and situation?  How do I know Jesus is the Messiah? Today, our team will demonstrate the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises about His Son Jesus.  God is faithful!

Psalm 33:4 For the Word of the Lord is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness.

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

Psalm 119:90  Your faithfulness continues through all generations.

2 Timothy 2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

Lamentations 3:23 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.

Big Idea: God fulfills His promises!   Remembering His past faithfulness brings strength for the present and hope for the future.



I.              God faithfully fulfilled his promises about the _________________ and ____________ of Jesus. 

Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. (fulfilled in Luke 1:33-34)

Jeremiah 23:5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.”

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (fulfilled in Matthew 1:21-23)

Micah 5:2   But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (fulfilled in Matthew 2:6)

I remember God’s faithfulness to send the promised Messiah.

II.            God fulfilled His promises about the __________ and ________________ of Jesus.

Zechariah 11: 12Then I said to them, “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. 13 Then the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD, to the potter. (fulfilled in Matthew 27:7-10)

Psalm 41:9  Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.  (fulfilled in John 13:28-30)

Isaiah 49:7 Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

Psalm 118:22  The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (Jesus shared it again Luke 20:17-18, fulfilled in Acts 4:11)

I remember God’s faithfulness to Jesus in his most difficult times.  Jesus will help me through my difficulties.

III.           God fulfilled His promises in the ____________ of Jesus.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter. (fulfilled in Mt.26:63)

Micah 5:1  Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek.

Isaiah 50:6  I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. (fulfilled in Matthew 26:67)

Psalm 22:6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; (fulfilled in Matthew 27;39-43)

Psalm 22:18 They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. (fulfilled in Matthew 27:35)

Psalm 69:21  They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. (Matthew 27:34 & 48)

Psalm 34:20  He keeps all his bones;  not one of them is broken. (fulfilled in John 19:33)

Zechariah 12:10  “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.  (John 19:37)

I remember God’s faithfulness in the smallest details of our Savior’s death.  Jesus knows what I need and will provide strength and grace.

Numbers 23:19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. 2 Tim.2:13

Lamentations 3:23 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.

Remember God is faithful!

Spiritual Growth Questions for week of April 7, 2019

Opener:  What is the most trustworthy possession you have ever owned? 

1.   What helps you to logically understand the Bible's truths? Is it science? Is it historical records?"

2.   Read the genealogy/bloodline of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17.  How do you see God’s faithfulness in this genealogy?  Who in particular stands out as an example of God’s faithfulness?

3.   Read Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:6. Consider that Micah wrote this at least seven hundred years before the birth of Christ.  Read Acts 17:26-27.  What does this say about God’s providence in reference to where we are living right now?  How does that encourage you?

4.   Read Zechariah 11:12-13 and Psalm 41:9.  What do the verses teach about the betrayal of Jesus?  Read John 15:20.  What does Jesus teach about betrayal?  How was God faithful to Jesus through the trial of betrayal?  What helps you when you have walked through a deep trial like betrayal?

5.   Read Isaiah 50:6, Psalm 22:5 &18 and Psalm 34:20.  What was prophesied in each one of these verses?  What stands out to you about these prophecies?

6.   Read Matthew 27:34-43 &48.  Why are the details of Jesus’ suffering so important for our faith?  How do they demonstrate God’s faithfulness to us? 

7.   Ask God to prepare your heart for these next two weeks as we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Memory Verses: Lamentations 3:23 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.

John Lloyd - Renewed Strength

The Greatness of God:  A Study of Isaiah 40

Renewed Strength from our Great God

Pastor John Lloyd

March 31, 2019

The name Isaiah literally means ‘the Lord saves.’  He saves us for eternity and helps us with our daily challenges.  Our passage today gives us a view of our God who never gets weary or faint.  He is ready to renew the strength of any weary follower who comes to Him. 

Passage:  Isaiah 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;  31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Big Idea: My emptiness or weariness is an opportunity to be filled with the fullness and strength of God.    



I.               The trials of this life bring ________________ and ___________________.

Isaiah 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”?

Disregarded – passed over, to be alienated

Isaiah 40:30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted. 

“By what means Satan first drew mankind from the obedience of God, the Scripture doth witness: To wit, by pouring into their hearts that poison, that God did not love them.” John Knox

2 Corinthians 1:8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

Jeremiah 12:1 Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you;

yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?

Ezekiel 37:11Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’

Declaration:  As long as I live on this earth, I am no match for the demands of this life.

Commitment:  I will seek God when I’m weary, faint or tired.

II.            My faith is rooted in the __________________ of our God.

Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

A.    God is _____________________.

B.    God is the ______________ of everything.

C.   God does not get __________.

D.   God _____________________ my situation.

God does not suffer setbacks, and he helps those who do.  ESV Study Bible

“The wrong inference would be that God is too great to care, the right one He is too great to fail,” D.A. Carson.  Colossians 2:6-8

I John 3:2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

Declaration:  I know God understands and cares for me.

Commitment:  I will humbly accept that I am a beloved child of God.

Prayer:  Lead me to walk with someone who is weary. 

III.          Trusting God’s promises gives ____________ for endurance.

Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength

no might … increaseth strength—a seeming paradox. They “have no might” in themselves; but in Him they have strength, and He “increases” that strength (2 Co 12:9).

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.  Exodus 19:4

Wait –  to live in confident, eager suspense. It means to live with the tension of promises revealed but not yet fulfilled.  It is waiting on tip-toe, waiting with eager longing.

The phrase renew their strength (31) is (lit.) ‘change strength’, as one might change into fresh clothes or exchange an old thing for a new.

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.

“I can plod,” said William Carey, the father of modern missions. “That is my only genius. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.”  2 Corinthians 4:16, Philippians 1:20

Hebrews 11:32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.  Hebrews 11:35-38

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

Declaration:  God can bring strength to my soul in the midst of weariness.

Commitment:  I will live in expectation of God to renew my strength.

Spiritual Growth Questions for week of March 31, 2019

1.   Read Isaiah 40:27-31.  Read it slowly several times.  Ask God to speak to you through this passage.  What verse stood out?  Why?

2.   Read Isaiah 40:27.  Why was life so hard for the people of Judah?  Why do you think life is difficult on this earth for believers?  What is draining your strength at this time?

3.   Read Isaiah 40:28.  Isaiah shares four things about who God is and what He is like.  What are they?  How can each one of them bring strength to our hearts? Who could you encourage with these truths?

4.   Read Colossians 2:6-10.  How does Paul hope the Colossian’s faith will be?  What concerns him about their walk?  What does he tell them to do?

5.   Read Isaiah 40:30, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9.  What principle can you take away from these verses about natural strength?  Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-9.  Why does Paul share his personal struggles with the Corinthians?  How does this encourage you in your situation?

6.   Read Isaiah 40:29 & 31.  What is God able to do?  What does it mean to “wait” on the Lord?  What is one thing you can commit to doing this week to wait on the Lord?  Share it with a friend.

Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Chuck Wysong - The Most Encouraging Chapter In The Bible

THE MOST ENCOURAGING CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE

Romans 8

Chuck Wysong

March 24, 2019

5 Encouraging statements in Romans 8

1.     There is NO CONDEMNATION..

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Paul’s key phrase to describe Christians - “In Christ Jesus” 164 times in the NT

“God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17

2. There is NO LIMITATION.

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”

Romans 8:5-6 NLT

The Key to Victory in your Life - is YOUR MIND.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”

Romans 8:11 NLT

3. There is NO DESPERATION.

You can rely on hope if you do 3 things..

•    You rely on God’s Promise

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18 NLT

•    You can rely on God’s prayers.

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”

Romans 8:26 NLT

•            You can rely on God’s Purposes.

 And we know that in all things, he doesn't say for all things, he says in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose . Romans 8:28.                                                                                                                                                         

4. There is  NO INTIMIDATION.

““What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:31-34 NLT

5. There is NO SEPARATION.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

John Lloyd - No Comparison

The Greatness of God:  A Study of Isaiah 40

No Comparisons:  God is Greater

Pastor John Lloyd

March 17, 2019

The name Isaiah literally means ‘the Lord saves.’  He saves us for eternity and helps us with our daily challenges.  Our passage today gives us a view of God from His viewpoint.  As we see Him from this viewpoint, it changes everything!  God’s wisdom and power are greater than all my possessions.   Nothing on this earth can compare to God and the blessings He brings to his children.

Passage:  Isaiah 40:12-26

Big Idea:  Help me view God and my life from His viewpoint. 



Declarations about God’s greatness:

I.                God’s ______________ is greater than mine.

Isaiah 40:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure  and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?  13 Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? 14 Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?

Erwin Lutzer “Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to God?”  God has never learned anything, and he never will.  So no human being can teach God a thing. 

Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

Proverbs 8:10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.  James 1:5

God’s footsteps cannot be tracked by human reason- man cannot follow his train of thought. 

My declaration to God: I need your wisdom in my life.

My commitment to God:  I will seek your wisdom daily.

II.             God is greater than the __________________ nations and rulers.

Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.

Isaiah 40:22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; 23 who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. 24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. (Isaiah 41:2, Job 12:21, Ps. 107:40)

Ps. 107:43:  Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 2 Corinthians 12:9

       My declaration: I trust and need the power of God.

My commitment:  I will ask for God’s help and power.

III.             God is greater than my most beautiful _____________________.

Isaiah 40:18 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? 19 An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. 20 He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move.  (Acts 17:29)

Isaiah 46:2 They stoop; they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.  (Isaiah 46:3)

Isaiah 46:4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.  Isaiah 46:12-13

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

I Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

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?

Declaration: God owns everything and I yield my possessions to Him.

Commitment:  I will be a steward, not owner, of what He’s given me.

IV.          God ____________ me and ___________ me with my challenges.

Isaiah 40:25 To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.  26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these?  He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Declaration: I believe Jesus cares about me.  I ask Him to save me.

Commitment:  I will seek His healing and help for my challenges.

Spiritual Growth Questions for week of March 17, 2019

1.    Read Isaiah 40:12-26.  Read it slowly several times.  Ask God to speak to you through this passage.  What verse stood out?  Why?

2.   Read Isaiah 40:12-14.  What is the Lord saying through Isaiah to the people of Judah in captivity?  What is Isaiah teaching about the wisdom of God?  How does it break the hold of human wisdom? 

3.   Read Isaiah 40:15-17, 40:23-24.  What important truth is Isaiah sharing about powerful worldly leaders?  How could this be helpful for Christians suffering in North Korea, China and other persecuted countries?  How can seeing the world from God’s viewpoint help you? 

4.   Read Isaiah 40:18-22. Isaiah 46:1-7.  What is God’s viewpoint on our possessions and idols?  What does our culture teach about material possessions?  Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about this topic.  Share with someone what you are hearing. 

5.   Read Isaiah 40:25-26.  Psalm 147:1-12.  How is God greater than nature?  What is the psalmist response to the greatness of God?  What response is God looking for from our heart? 

6.   How can we be an example of a person who is awed by the greatness of our Lord? 

What helps us see God from His viewpoint?Who could you help this week see the greatness of the Lord?Ask for one thing you could do that would help.Commit to it and share next week how it went.

John Lloyd - The Glory of God Brings Comfort to The Shattered

The Greatness of God:  A Study of Isaiah 40

The Glory of God brings Comfort to the Shattered

Pastor John Lloyd

March 10, 2019

The name Isaiah literally means ‘the Lord saves.’  Isaiah 40 begins a major new section of the book with the central theme being a proclamation of the glory of God!  Isaiah brings his readers into the presence of the living God  with seeing a future day and declaring the gospel to His people who are in exile, “God has not abandoned you.  Your best days are ahead.  God has a purpose of grace for you better than ever.  He is coming to save you.  Believe it and let hope fill your sails.”  Ray Ortlund

Passage:  Isaiah 40:1Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 9 Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah,  “Behold your God!”10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Big Idea:  View God through my circumstances = small God.  View my circumstances through God = big God.  See His glory and feel His comfort! 

I.                Look at the glory of God’s work for ________________.

Isaiah 40:1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.

A.    Our sins have been __________________ and paid for by Jesus.

Isaiah 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

Isaiah 53:10b When his soul makes an offering for guilt, …

Isaiah 53:11 my righteous servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.  John 1:29

Hebrews 10:14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Real comfort comes to hearts who welcome Jesus into their souls!

B.    God’s ____________ meets us wherever we are.

Isaiah 40:3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” Psalm 139:7-8

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper/Comforter to be with you forever.  Galatians 4:6

John 14:18. He will not leave you comfortless. 

Real comfort arrives when we glorify God in our circumstances.

II.             Acknowledging the temporary makes clearer the ______________ glory.

Isaiah 40:6 A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

James 4:14 Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Psalm 39:4 “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

Hold our suffering and success loosely and know our finiteness.                                     Hold onto God’s promises tenaciously and know His infiniteness.

III.            ___________ and ________________ God’s glory is our mission.

Isaiah 40:5 “And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Isaiah 40:9 Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah,  “Behold your God!”10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

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.

John 13:31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.  I Corinthians 2:8

Isaiah 40:11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young

Welcome Jesus into our circumstances!                                         Help others welcome Jesus into their circumstances!

Spiritual Growth Questions for week of March 10, 2019

What in nature has revealed to you the greatness of God? 

1.    Read Isaiah 40:1-11.  Read it slowly several times.  Ask God to speak to you through this passage.  What verse stood out?  Why?

2.   How would meditating on God’s amazing attributes on display in this passage, help people go through times of suffering?

3.   Read Isaiah 40:1-2.  How does Isaiah comfort God’s people in exile?  How do these verses point directly to the cross of Jesus as the atonement for our sins?  How could God use this to comfort?

4.   Read Isaiah 40:3-4.  How did John the Baptist fulfill the predictions in this passage?  What brings comfort in these verses?  What do you hear God saying about your own present circumstances?

5.   Read Isaiah 40:5, Luke 2:9, John 1:14, John 13:31, 2 Corinthians 3:18.  How did Isaiah say His people will see his glory?  How do we see His glory?  What happens when we see his glory?

6.   Read I Corinthians 2:8. How do the rulers of this world miss his glory?  How do we miss it? 

7.   Read Isaiah 40:6-8, Matthew 24:35.  What is temporary in our lives and what is permanent?  Why is this so easy to forget?

8.   Read Isaiah 40:9-11, Titus 2:13, Revelation 21:23.  Discuss how God breathes new life into our souls through each one of these passages.  What would be your high mountain to declare His glory?

9.   What are some ways that help you view your present circumstances through God?  Invite a brother or sister in Christ to pray for you on your journey.  Join in praying for someone who needs the comfort of God in their lives.

Memory Verse:  Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

John Lloyd - Our Need For God's Greatness

The Greatness of God:  A Study of Isaiah 40

Our Great Need is to see the Greatness of God

Pastor John Lloyd

March 3, 2019

The name Isaiah literally means ‘the Lord saves.’  Isaiah brings his readers into the presence of the living God.  As we experience the presence of God, He reveals both our own fallen nature and His great provision for our sins.  It is this awe-inspiring vision of God that captures our souls. If  immortal happiness is promised, how can I attain it?  If there is everlasting woe, how can I escape it?  Isaiah shares with us the God’s revelation and vision that helped him navigate through challenging times.  As we see the greatness of God through this study, may our souls experience a feast of refreshment in God.  May this refreshment strengthen us to be able to face anything that comes our way. 

Passage:  Isaiah 6:1-13

Why study Isaiah?  In terms of theological significance, the book of Isaiah is the ‘Romans’ of the Old Testament.  It shows the big picture of God’s purposes for His people and for his world.  Something of its importance can be gauged from the fact that it is quoted no fewer than sixty six times in the New Testament, being exceeded only by the book of Psalms (79x).  The New Testament moves to its climax by echoing Isaiah’s promise of death conquered, tears wiped away, and new heavens and new earth.  It was Isaiah who gave us the term ‘gospel.’  By far the greatest importance of this book, however, lies in the witness it bears to Jesus Christ.  Jesus quotes Isaiah 61;1-2 at the outset of his ministry in Luke 4:18-19.  If we want to understand fully who He is and what he came to do, we must read this book.  Barry Webb

What:  “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concering Judah and Jerusalem during the days of Uzziah, Hothan, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, Isaiah 1:1  This book offers us a way of seeing.  God is offering a new perspective on everything.  Isaiah was a seer.  Open our eyes that we may see 2 Kings 6:17, Isaiah 2:5, 6:1.

Who:  Son of Amoz. Amoz was brother to Amaziah, King of Judah, putting Isaiah into the royal family. His Hebrew name means ‘The Lord Saves.’

When:  Between 742 BC and 681 BC.  Isaiah 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

I.                Isaiah renews our vision of God’s __________________.

Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,  who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly,  and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 66:2  All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

Isaiah 40:22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; (Isaiah 40:15)

Lord give us a fresh vision of your power and greatness.

II.             Isaiah brings ______________ for man’s great need for God.

Isaiah 1:11 “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.

Isaiah 14:13  You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ Is.29:13

Isaiah 6:5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Isaiah 1:5-6, 53:6

Lord give us a fresh conviction of our great need for You.

III.             Isaiah ______________ Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Isaiah 6:1-3 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” 

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

(See Isaiah 9:1-6, 11:1)  Our atonement,  Isaiah 53:9. 

Destroying death, Isaiah 25:7-8.  He will care for bruised reeds, 42:1-4.

Lord give us a fresh understanding of our Savior Jesus Christ.

IV.           Isaiah calls his readers to respond in humble ___________ and ____________________.

Isaiah 30:15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,  “In returning and rest you shall be saved;  in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?  Isaiah 64:6

Isaiah 57:15b  “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 53:11b by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

Isaiah 49:6b  I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

To distant coastlands and furthest islands Isaiah 66:19

The nations will come to the heavenly Jerusalem.  Isaiah 60:5-9

Lord, we humbly ask you to make us a light

to both our neighbors and the world!

Spiritual Growth Questions for March 3, 2019

Opener:  Who is the greatest person on this earth you have met?         What did you learn about this person through this encounter?

1.    Read Isaiah 6:1-2.  Uzziah reigned for 52 years.  How does the stability of the reign of King Jesus on his throne give us confidence, even in times of political instability?  Isaiah says, “I saw the Lord on a high and lofty throne.”  How can we ‘see’ the Lord now by faith in his word?  How would such a spiritual vision fuel our worship?

2.   Read Isaiah 6:3. What is the significance of the fact that the seraphim are sinless yet they still covered their faces before Jesus?

What does holy mean?  Why would the seraphim say it three times? Why would you say holiness is an important attribute of God for us, as sinners, to embrace?  How does the cross reflect holiness? 

3.   Read Isaiah 6:4-5, Luke 5:8.  What effect did this awesome heavenly scene have on Isaiah?  Why is this humble awareness so important in our walk with God? 

4.   Read Isaiah 6:6-7.  How does the burning coal represent Christ?

5.   Read Isaiah 6:8. In what way is the call of Isaiah unique and in what way is it a pattern for all Christians to follow?

6.   Read Isaiah 6:9-10.  Do you find this passage difficult to swallow?  How can we understand the intentions of God in purposely hardening hearts and blinding eyes against spiritual truth?  How does that message relate to Christ’s use of parables and the explanation for why the Jews could not believe in Jesus despite his miracles (John 12:39-41)?  How does it relate to Romans 9:18?

7.   Read Isaiah 6:11-13.  What is God telling Isaiah will be the result of his ministry?  How is the image of a stump, as it relates to Israel, both humbling and hopeful for them?

8.   How do you feel the message of Isaiah 6 speaking into your life right now?  As a result, what do you think God wants you to understand or do differently?

9.   For next time:  Read Isaiah 40 three times.  Ask the Lord to give you a fresh awe and a greater vision of His greatness.

Evan Rogers - Patience In The Process

Galatians Greatest Hits

Patience In The Process

Evan Rogers

February 24, 2019

The book of Galatians is the 48th book inside of the Bible. It was probably written in the 50’s by the apostle Paul. It has 6 chapters and 149 verses.

I. “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Keller

Section 1: Credibility

            No Other Gospel 1:6-10

            Called By God 1:11-24

            Accepted By The Apostles 2:1-10

Opposing Peter Rightly 2:11-14

Section 2: Faith Vs. Works

            Justification Through Faith 2:15-21

            Saved By Faith Or By Works? 3:1-9

            The Righteous Live By Faith 3:10-14

Galatians 2:15-16 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

“God’s salvation does not come in response to a changed life. A changed life comes in response to the salvation, offered as a free gift.”

T. Keller

Section 3: The Bridge / Relationship With God

The Law and The Promises 3:15-29

            Sons and Heirs 4:1-7

            Concerns for Galatians 4:8-20

            Examples of Hagar and Sarah 4:21-31

Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

Section 4:

Christ Has Set Us Free 5:1-15

            Keep In Step With The Spirit 5:16-26

            Bear One Another’s Burdens 6:1-10

Final Warning & Benediction 6:11-18

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

II. Two Views

We often Focus on doing the right thing because it pleases God and we want to earn something from him. This is earned merit, the __________ mentality.

We often focus on not sinning thinking that it clears us with God. This is earned righteousness, the _____________ mentality.

This is a _______________ fix.

“God’s salvation does not come in response to a changed life. A changed life comes in response to the salvation, offered as a free gift.”

T. Keller

Ephesians 2:8-10 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.

III. The cross saved us from ______________.

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.

Our greatest challenge as a Christian is ________________.

Philippians 1:6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

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

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

God deserves our _____________.

Galatians 6:14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Deuteronomy 6:5 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

We should live a _____________ focused life. (Romans 12:1-2)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

Be patient in the process. God will finish what he started. (Philippians 1:6)

How different could your life look if you spent more time focusing on God than you do your problems?

John1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

If Christ has ultimate value and you are part of the body of Christ you have immeasurable value.

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Keller

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 24, 2019

Opener: Has anyone ever tried to help you with something, but only made it worse.

1.     Read Galatians 2:15-16 What are the biggest pit falls of works based righteousness?

2.     A Band-Aid Solution is one that only fixes the surface level symptoms not the real problem. What results have you had employing Band-aid solutions in the past?

3.     Read Galatians 3:29 What does it mean to be a child of Abraham?

4.     Read Galatian 6:14 Have you ever boasted in your own works or righteousness? Why? What where the results of your boasting?

5.     Read Galatians 2:15-16 Which false mentality do you find yourself believing more, the job mentality (we earn things from God) or the perfectionist mentality (we fight sin alone to please God)?

6.     Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 What Christ has saved us from? (name as many things as you can think of)

7.     Read Philippians 1:6 Take a moment of self-reflection to ask yourself, do you really believe that God alone can save you despite your actions? If so what encourages you to believe that? If not what is stopping you from believing it?

8.     Read Deuteronomy 6:5 Why does God deserve our love? What do you do to maintain a close relationship with God?

9.     Read Romans 12:1-2 What benefits do we receive from focusing on God more than our problems?

10.  What in your life would change if your value wasn’t based on your actions or possessions but was based on your identity in Christ?

11.  Is there anything in your life that you need to surrender to God, any worry or insecurity? Is there any you focus on more than God that needs to be removed from your life?

John Lloyd - Sowing and Reaping

Life by The Spirit:  A Study of the Book of Galatians

Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6:6-18

Pastor John Lloyd

February 17, 2019

The law of “big returns” is shared in the final verses of Galatians.  The principle of sowing and reaping can work positively to bring forth much fruit, or negatively to bring destructive results.  Every relationship we have requires our careful attention.  We need to be wise sowers and trust the Lord to bring His harvest even when the seed lies dormant.

Galatians 6:6-10. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Memory Verse: 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.

Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Big Idea:    Our part is to sow, God brings the harvest in His time.          

God is faithful all the time.  All the time God is faithful!

I.               Sow ________________ with your spiritual leaders and teachers.

Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

The person referred to has received oral instruction in the Word of God. The word share means “to share, to be a partner in a thing with a person,” here “to hold fellowship with another person.” That in which the person holds fellowship with another is designated by the context. The one who is taught should hold fellowship with his teachers in all good things. Wuest

Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Reflective question:  What would the state of the work of God be if every believer adopted your sharing patterns? 

II.             Reaping is always connected to ____________.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Proverbs 1:30)

The truth that what a person sows he will also reap is an axiom, it need no proof, no “because.” This clause “For” namely that we must not be deceived as to any possibility of God’s being mocked.”  Lenski

A.   The ________ and the _________ are always providing seed to sow.

Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (See questions 3 & 4)

For one sows in order to get more of the same product.  This will indeed happen. The flesh and the Spirit will pay us back for sowing to them. Moo

Hosea 8:7 For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.

B.   I am _____________________ for the seeds I sow.

Ephesians 6:8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Lord, help me to sow your spiritual seeds in my life.

III.            God’s calling is for you to sow __________________ seeds.

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.

Sowing for the spirit is hard work, long continued work, and although the harvest is eternal blessedness,, we may, while we are waiting for it, grow discouraged.  Lenski. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Never tire of doing good

A.   Sow the message of the ___________ and new _________ in Christ.

Galatians 6:14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Co-crucifixion)  (Galatians 2:20)

15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Co-resurrection) (See questions 8 &9)

B.   Sow His __________________ into all your relationships.

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

D o trust the Lord for every person in your life.

O nly one life is soon past, only what’s done for Christ will last.

G ive generously to God’s work and people.

O ften prayer is the best seed that can be sown.

O penly share your life and testimony with others

D on’t give up, you will reap if you faint not.

C.  The ________________ is truly coming and will be beautiful.

Galatians 6:9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Matt. 9:37-38, Jn.4:35)

2 Corinthians 9:6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.    (I Corinthians 3:8)  (See question 5). Psalm 126:5

Galatians 6:16And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.  18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, (Question 10)

Join us in sowing God’s precious seeds in the Bay Area.  Our job is to sow, God will bring the harvest.

God is faithful all the time, all the time God is faithful!

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 17, 2019

Opener:  Share a time when you were blessed by reaping where spiritual seed had been sown. 

1.    Read Galatians 6:6-18.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What verse stands out to you as you read this passage?  Why?

2.   Read Galatians 6:6, I Timothy 5:17-18.  How does this verse apply to those in Christian ministry and those who benefit from their ministry?  Why is sharing so critical to the future of the church and kingdom?

3.   Read Galatians 6:7-8, I Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 9:6. What are some examples of both bad and good sowing and reaping? 

4.   Can you think of times in your own life when sowing to please your sinful nature has forced you to reap “destruction?”  How are you reaping to please the Spirit in your specific set of God-given circumstances?

5.   Read Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Hebrews 12:3. What are some ways we can get tired from doing good?  What things help you to keep going and sowing?  How does the example of Jesus help you?

6.   Read Galatians 6:10, Titus 3:8. Why should “the family of believers” deserve our special attention?

7.   Read Galatians 6:11-13.  How does Paul show the Galatians that real Christianity is a matter of inward change, not external observance? Discuss how without the “cross” good people are in as much trouble as “bad” people?   

8.   Read Galatians 6:14 &17.  Paul shares that the heart of religion is what you boast in.  What, at the bottom is the reason you think you are in a right relationship with God?  How does this verse thrill and challenge you? 

9.   Read Galatians 6:15-16.  Consider accomplishments you are tempted to boast about.  How can you turn those around and give credit to Christ?  Spend time specifically thanking God for His blessings. 

John Lloyd - Spiritual Relationships

Life by The Spirit:  A study of the book of Galatians

Spiritual Relationships Galatians 5:25-6:5

Pastor John Lloyd

February 10, 2019

What does it look like to have spiritual relationships?  The apostle Paul was concerned that the churches of Galatia would be competing with one another instead of experiencing true community in the Spirit.  Paul shares that we can help each other bear burdens, keep one another on the right path and have a closer walk with God.  Today, we hope to help each other bring these truths into our relational network which will truly please God.

The Passage: Galatians 5:25-6:5.

Big Idea:  Spiritual relationships value people enough to restore and bear one another’s burdens for the glory of God. 

I.               Spiritual relationships start with __________________.

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

What it does not look like?    Conceited- empty praise.  

Provoking- irritating, thinking you are better than others (superiority).   Envying-feeling ill will towards someone else in a more favorable position.  Thinking you are worse than others. (inferiority). 2 Cor. 10:12

“In both cases your focus is heavily on how the other person makes you feel.”  Tim Keller

What it looks like?

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Romans 12:10, I Pet.5:5)

Every person has value before God.  Gen.1:26, Mark 8:36

The Holy Spirit wants you to be a vessel for spiritual relationships!

II.             ______________ restore erring brothers and sisters.

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

You who are spiritual- keeping in step with the spirit is restorative.

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

Restore- setting a broken limb, mending a net. It means integrating them into the full fellowship with the Lord and their spiritual family.  The goal is to put the car back on the road. Lenski

To administer correction with mildness is a spiritual gift.  I Cor. 4:21, James 5:19-20, Luke 19:10

Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted-  spiritual relationships live by this motto:  “there by the grace of God go I.” 

Spiritual relationships are restorative.

Pray about a relationship that needs to be restored.

Take one step towards restoration. 

III.            Spiritual relationships bear and share ___________________.



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

The assuming of those burdens in a willing, helpful, sympathetic way, despite the fact that the bearing of them may involve unpleasantness and heartache.  Wuest, K. S. I Corinthians 13:5. Love bears all things…

“If you think you are too important to help someone, you are fooling yourself.” NLT

Burden-means a heavy weight, something that would be impossible for a person to carry by themselves.  Luke 10:33

A.    Help me feel what they __________.

Romans 12:15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Isaiah 53:3a He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.

B.   Help me __________ the burden, not add to the struggle.

Matthew 11:29. 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. 30 My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  I Peter 5:7

I Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

What can I do to walk with you during this time?

God greatly rewards burden bearers!

IV.           Spiritual relationships are _____________________ before God. 

Galatians 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. I Corinthians 11:28



Galatians 6:4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

The sum and total of one’s conduct and service to the Lord.  Martyn

Galatians 6:5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Bear his own load- is a picture of a backpack, something that each of us is responsible for. Personal responsibility and accountability. 

God rewards spiritual relationships!

Spiritual relationships are a gift and they please God.

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 10, 2019

Opener:  How has the Holy Spirit helped you love someone you would otherwise not find very loveable?    

1.   Read Galatians 5:25-6:5. Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What positive and negative commands does Paul give the Galatians?

2.   What difference does the Holy Spirit make in your relationships?  How does it affect the way you look at yourself in terms of those around you? Also, how do you look at others in terms of yourself?

3.   Read Galatians 5:26, James 3:14-16, Philippians 2:3.  Why would conceit lead us to provoke and envy each other?  Do you tend to  provoke or envy?  How will having a self-image based on the gospel change the way you see yourself and see others?  When do you particularly need to preach the gospel to yourself?   “making us neither self-confident nor self-disdaining but both bold and humble.”  How does humility build spiritual relationships?   

4.   Read Galatians 6:1. What temptations accompany seeing another Christian sin?  What role does gentleness play in restoration?   Read Romans 14:1, 15:1, I Corinthians 10:12, 2 Timothy 2:25 for advice. What specific advice would give to someone restoring a wayward friend?

5.   Read Galatians 6:2. What burdens of your own do you need to share with others?  What burdens could you help carry for someone else today?  Commit to one action step to both share and carry a burden this week. Pray for these at the end of group.

6.   Read Galatians 6:3. What spiritual self-view is Paul proposing for believers?  How can this help us in our relationships? 

7.   Read Galatians 6:4-5.  What type of pride is Paul talking about here? Burden vs.2 means a heavy weight. Load vs.5 means a person’s back pack. What sort of things do we need to carry on our own?  How can we carry it in a way that honors God? Why do relationships matter so much to God?

John Lloyd - Walking His Way

Life by the Spirit: Study of Galatians

What Spiritual Growth Looks Like?

 Galatians 5:16-25

February 3, 2019

It’s wonderful to see children grow up into adults and, in many cases, look like their parents.  Physical growth is something we naturally expect.   It’s a blessing to see people come to believe in Jesus and grow in Him spiritually.  What does this growth look like?  Paul gives an incredible description in today’s passage of growing more like Jesus.  Spiritual growth brings health to every area of our lives.  May each day look more like the life of Jesus.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Memory Verse:  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Big Idea:  We have forgiveness in Jesus Christ and He provides a new way of living.  Walk His Way! 

What does spiritual growth look like?

I.               Spiritual Growth is not only receiving forgiveness but it also is a ________ ________ of life.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 2:20)

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

I John 5:11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

If you have the Son, He is calling you to become like Him.          Walk His Way!

II.              Spiritual Growth is truly ___________________.

Galatians 5:22 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.

Fruit- is singular as well as collective.  The flesh spreads out in many directions with its evil works. The spirit follows one direction, and produces unit fruit. Fruit is a sweet harmony.  Lenski

Love- means to serve a person for their good and intrinsic value, not just for what the person brings you. 

Joy- is a delight in God for the sheer beauty and worth of who He is. The opposite is hopelessness or despair and its counterfeit is elation that is based on experiencing blessings, but not the Blesser, causing mood swings based on circumstances.  (2 Corinthians 6:10, 7:4)

Peace – a confidence and rest in the wisdom and control of God, rather than in your own. It replaces anxiety and worry.  (Romans 5:1, Is.26:3)

Patience- an ability to face trouble without blowing up or leaving.  Its opposite is resentment toward God and others.  (2 Timothy 2:10)

Kindness- is an ability to serve others practically in a way which makes me vulnerable coming from a deep inner security.  Its opposite is envy, which leaves me unable to rejoice in another’s joy. (Eph.2:7, Rom. 2:4)

Goodness- (integrity) being the same person in every situation, rather than a phony or hypocrite.  It implies generosity.  Romans 15:14

Faithfulness-(loyalty, courage) being utterly reliable and true to your word.  Its opposite is to be an opportunist, a friend only in good times. ITim6:11 It denotes an attitude or response that we have towards others.

Gentleness- (humility, self-forgetfulness) the opposite is to be superior or self-absorbed. When we are wronged or abused we shall show no resentment or threatening vengeance. (Matt.5:5, 11:29, 2 Timothy 2:25)

Self Control- the ability to pursue the important over the urgent, rather than always be impulsive or uncontrolled. Holding our desires and passions in check. (Acts 24:25, Titus 1:8)

 “When we stop looking at our gifts as a sign that we are Christ like, and stop looking to our natural strengths as a sign we are Christ like, but challenge ourselves to look at nature, unity and definitions of the Spirit, we have a much deeper sense of how we lack these things.” Keller (Q5)

Spiritual growth is gradual, inevitable, internal, and symmetrical. (Q4)

Lord, make me more like You.  Walk His Way!

III.             Spiritual ____________ is produced when I walk His Way.

Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

“This combination of “indicative” (what God has done) and imperative (what we must do) is typical of Paul’s presentation of our walk. A concentration on either to the neglect of the other leads to an imbalance.” Moo

a.   Know to whom you ______________.  (Romans 6:6)

b.   Bring God your fleshly passions and desires to the ____________. (Rom.8:13, Galatians 6:14)

c.    Choose to live in step with the ______________.  (Galatians 5:25)

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:16, 18)

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.  (John 15:7-8)  (Question 8 &9)

Commit to growing in this new way of life.  Walk His Way

Growth Group Questions for February 3, 2019

Icebreaker:  Describe the longest walk you have ever taken. 

1.   Read Galatians 5:16-25.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What is the value of the list of fruit in 5:22-23? 

2.   Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 & Romans 8:3-4.  Write down the relationship between the Holy Spirit and God’s statutes?  How are things different now that we have the Spirit? (Romans 8:3-4)

3.   Read Galatians 5:16, 5:25. How is it helpful to know that the Holy Spirit is the dominant power in the battle against the flesh?  What helps you to remember the power of the Holy Spirit in this battle?

4.   Read Galatians 5:22-23 and from our outline.   Spiritual growth is gradual, inevitable, internal, and symmetrical.  Examine yourself.  How can you see the fruit of the Spirit growing in your life?

5.   Do you have natural characteristics which could be confused with the fruit of the Spirit? Which fruit do you chronically lack?

6.   Read Galatians 5:24, Romans 6:6 & 6:11. Why is it important to not just deal with what we do wrong, but to deal with the “why” we did what we did?  Why must we have it?   How can these verses help you?  

7.   What are the idols which need identifying and dismantling in your life? How can you replace them with Christ? Consider this quote: “The flesh demands but the Spirit produces.” 

8.   Read Galatians 5:25, Romans 13:14, John 15:7-8  How can the fruit of the Spirit take root in our hearts and be produced in our lives?  What helps you to keep in step with the Spirit?

9.   How will you choose to live by the Spirit today and this week? How can we pray for you?  Encourage someone to join you on this journey. 

John Lloyd - Spiritual Discernment

Life by the Spirit: Study of Galatians

Spiritual Discernment: Living by the Spirit

 Galatians 5:16-21

January 27, 2019

Followers of Jesus endeavor to live a life pleasing to God but sometimes are challenged with how.  The Galatians were told they needed to double down on their religious rituals to please God.  The apostle Paul teaches them another way which goes way beyond their own efforts.  The Holy Spirit is sufficient to fulfill laws and commandments as well as deal with our fallen nature and impulses. Living in step with the Spirit will produce lasting fruit.  Praying for 2019 to be a great year of living by the Holy Spirit!

Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  (New Living)

Big Idea:  The Holy Spirit is sufficient to discern, direct and empower Christian living.  (Galatians 5:16)

Walk is common in the NT (30 times in Paul) depicting a way of life as a particular way or road to be followed.  Douglas Moo

I.               The Holy Spirit gives ________________ as to the roads to avoid. 

Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Romans 8:5-6

Living the way of the Spirit is what we most deeply ‘want’, yet the sinful nature continues to generate alternative and competing desires which we experience and can give in to, but which now contradict our most abiding love and goals. Timothy Keller

The conflict is between God’s Spirit and the impulse to sin, an impulse that no longer rules in the believer but still exerts influence that must be resisted.  Paul brings this to our attention with the utmost seriousness. Moo

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.  (Galatians 5:13)

5:19 Are evident- phanera- obvious, well known.  (Not an exhaustive list)

Three sins of sensuality- sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality

Two associated with pagan religions- idolatry and sorcery

Eight having to do with relationships- enmity through envy

Two with dissipated living- drunkenness, orgies.  (Lightfoot)

Gratifying  the flesh destroys relationships. It is building on sand. 

Sexual immorality- porneia- which is sexual intercourse between unmarried people.   Impurity-akatharsia- unnatural sexual practices and relationships

Sensuality/debauchery- aselgia-uncontrolled sexuality

Idolatry and sorcery- very specific occult practices.  Providing an inadequate substitute for God, and the second faking the work of the HS. 

Ambition/enmity- namely competiveness, a self-seeking motive

Envy- desiring what others have.

Jealousy- the zeal and energy that comes from a hungry ego

Hatred- a hostility , an adversarial attitude

Discord eris- being argumentive or seeking to pick fights

Fits of rage-thumoi- outbursts of anger; dissensions

Dissensions- divisions between people (which is what rage leads to)

Divisions- permanent warring parties and warring groups.

Drunkenness and orgies- One of the works of the flesh is addiction to pleasure creating substances and behavior.

Galatians 5:21 I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“Those whose mark is the practice of such things.” Lenski.

“Paul is referring to habitual practice, rather than infrequent, and repented-of, lapses.  For someone continually to indulge the sinful nature without battling against it is to show that the Son has not redeemed them, and the Spirit has not renewed them.  Paul is not looking to undermine Christian assurance here; but he is aiming to banish complacency.”  Keller

Confession:  This is not the real me nor what I really want.  Redirect my desires towards you Jesus and your will for me. 

II.             Choose living in step with the Spirit for _______ and __________.

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

“Sin is not a pet to tame but a beast to slay. You cannot slay it on your own. This is why God sent Jesus.  And why Jesus sent The Paraclete/Holy Spirit to those who believe and place their trust in Him.”  Bubot Parago

Romans 8:3 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, 4in 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 Corinthians 10:4-5, Philippians 4:8-9

Flee- 2 Timothy 2:22 NIV - "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord                                                                                                                                                                    

Find- I Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape,                                                                                                                                  

Follow- Matthew 16:24- "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."                                                                                                                            

Fill- Ephesians 5:18b “Be filled with the Spirit.”  Philippians 1:9-11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…   

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.                                        To walk by the Spirit each day we must Flee-Find-Follow-Fill

Spiritual Growth Group Questions for January 27, 2019

Icebreaker:  Describe a time when you got lost?  How did you find your way?

1.   Read Galatians 5:16-26.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why do you think Paul gives both lists 19-21 and 22-23?   How can this be helpful for a follower of Christ?

2.   Read Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5.  Why does Paul give these warnings?  Is it loving for Paul to warn? What stands out to you as you read these passages? 

3.   What are the over-desires that cause you to think or behave in these ways?  How does living by the flesh destroy relationships? 

4.   Tim Keller states: “We have to ask ourselves not just what we do wrong, but why we do it wrong.”  Try and answer this question from what you know of Scripture and also what you feel battling inside of yourself.  How can battling the motives be more helpful than battling the behaviors?

5.   Read & Reflect on Galatians 5:24- “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” “Lord, my heart thinks that I must have this thing, otherwise I have no value. It is a pseudo-savior. But to think and feel and live like this is to forget what I mean to you, how you see me in Christ. By your Spirit, I will reflect on your love for me in Him until this thing loses its attractive power over my soul.” Practice this with one over-desire you battle and share your results with a friend or group member.

6.   Read the quoted verses: Living by the Holy Spirit means to Flee-         2 Tim.2:22. Find-I Cor.10:13. Follow-Matthew 16:24 and Fill- Eph.5:18b, Phil.1:9-11.  Pray over these thoughts.  Ask God to give you one way to implement each one. Share with a friend or group member to pray for you.

Memory Verse:Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.