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Sunday, June 29, 2014

America, This is Your Wake Up Call!

Pastor Greg 
June 29, 2014
Matthew 5 

Family breakdown is the root of so many of our problems in our society.

Pastor Greg believes we have two options, either judgement or revival.

Matthew 5:13-16 NIV
[13] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. [14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Why did Jesus use salt and light. Because it is corrupt and needs to see the light.

We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the sermon on the mount.

2 Timothy 3:13 NIV
[13] while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

If man thinks we are evolving upward then he is being deceived.

Jesus has not called us to isolate, but to infiltrate.

John 17:15-16,18 NIV
[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.


1 Corinthians 5:9-10 NIV
[9] I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--- [10] not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.

Pastor Greg thinks we want to Christianize non believers more then we want them saved. He believes if we can get them to Jesus then they will change.

"We are paratroopers lieutenant, we are suppose to be surrounded"

Romans 12:2 NIV
[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.


“Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ!” —James Madison

The very freedom many use to try to remove faith from our country is here because of faith!

At one time, our government was based on a civil religion view that was based on Christian principles.

In the place of proper faith we now have "spirituality"

"Nones" believe in nothing, they believe in themselves

1. We must stand for truth if it is popular or not.

This is not a time to back down, this is a time to step up.

2. We must use a language they understand.

Sometimes we are answering questions that no one is asking. We need to speak in a way that people can grasp.

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NIV
[22] To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

3. We need to bring them the message of the gospel.
(2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV
[14] But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. [15] For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.)

Some love the message and some are offended.

4. Before I can effectively tell them, I must first live it!

“Do not be like them.”(Matthew 6:8 NIV
[8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

We are to be salt.
(Matthew 5:13)

Salt preserves.

Like salt, Christians shall preserve the world.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 NIV
[7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

Salt stimulates thirst.

We cannot be an influence for purity in the world if we have compromised our own purity.

We cannot be used by God to stop the corruption of sin in others if sin has corrupted us.

A little bit of salt goes a long way.

Matthew 5:13 NIV
[13] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

First you are salt and then you are light. You live it and then you share it.

Jesus first says we are to be salt, and then He says we are to be light.

Matthew 5:14-15 NIV
[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Light exposes the darkness.

John 3:19 NIV
[19] This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

Light not only exposes the problem, it also shows the way out of darkness.

Is there a precedent for a nation turning back to The Lord.

The story of Jonah and the city of Ninavah is am example it can happen.

1. We need to infiltrate, not isolate.

Proverbs 29:2 NIV
[2] When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

2. We need to pray.
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
[14] if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.)

We as believers need to repent and humble ourselves before God.

Isaiah 55:6 NIV
[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

3. We need to preach the gospel.

Heaven is not for good people it is for forgiven people.

What world would we be in if every Christian acted just like you?






Thursday, June 26, 2014

Essentials: 10 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible

Notes: Essentials: 10 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible
JEFF LASSEIGNE
Pastor Jeff will be covering the topic of Essentials and explaining "Why We Can Trust The Bible.”
June 26, 2014

Pastor Jeff says we are talking about the subject of trust. Why can we trust the bible?

The average American home has 4 Bibles in them. Just 13% of the people polled said they read their Bible daily.

The Bible is intended to be our daily bread, not an occasional cookie.

50% of Christians do not believe that the Bible is completely accurate.

If we don’t believe the Bible is completely accurate then how can we trust it at all.

The word inerrancy means “freedom from error and untruths.”

Pastor Jeff wants to give us 10 reasons of why we can trust the Bible.

  1. Self-Claims
    1. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
    2. Proverbs 30:5 (NIV) “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
    3. To reject the truth of Scripture is to reject God Himself.
  2. Manuscripts
    1. We do not possess any of the originals. We do have many hand written copies.
      1. Scrolls and parchment weren’t made to last.
      2. There are more than 24,000 copies or pieces of copies of manuscripts
      3. There is far more manuscripts about the Bible than anything else.
      4. The Dead Sea Scrolls were 1900 years old. No contradictions were found in those scrolls.
  3. Fulfilled Prophecy
    1. 27% of the Bible is prophecy!
      1. Prophecy is history written in advance.
        1. About 1000 prophetic passages in the Bible, about 500 have already been fulfilled.
      2. Fulfilled prophecy is one of the strongest reasons why we can trust the Bible!
  4. The Resurrection
    1. The Old Testament spoke of it several times.
      1. 1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 
  5. Archaeology
    1. A famous archaeologist that was not a Christian stated, It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever contradicted a biblical reference. 
    2. Psalm 119:89 Your word, Lord, is eternal it stands firm in the heavens.
  6. Israel
    1. From the days of Pharaoh to the days of Hitler, the people of Israel have been persecuted and killed for the past 4500 years.
      1. They have miraculously survived.
    2. The fact they are back in their lands in the last days is a super sign.
  7. The Indestructible Book
    1. For centuries people have tried to destroy and discredit the word of the Bible.
  8. Unity
    1. The Bible was written over a period of over 1500 years. 
    2. People from different continents
    3. Written in 3 different languages.
  9. The Message of the Bible
    1. Basically the message is Grace
      1. The remedy of all of our faults is God
  10. Changed Lives
    1. We are proof that the Bible is true.
      1. It has changed our lives and all of us over the centuries is proof.

People have died for their faith all the way since the beginning.


Sunday, June 22, 2014

Happiness: What It Is and How to Have It, Part 2

Notes: Happiness: What It Is and How to Have It, Part 2
June 22, 2014
Pastor Greg Laurie
Matthew 5

What is happiness exactly: Charles Schultz wrote, happiness is a warm puppy.

Truly happy people are godly people.

The Bible says, “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”

If we seek holiness, we’ll find happiness.

“WHOLLYNESS”

God wants you to be happy.

If you want to be a happy person then you need to be right with God and right with people.

“He opened His mouth.”
(Matthew 5:2)

Matthew 5:2–12; 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

God wants us to be blessed and happy.

Blessedness, or true happiness, is independent from circumstances.

You need to recognize that you are blessed regardless of the circumstances you are in, good or bad.

The Bible does not speak of money having anything to do with happiness, you can be reach or poor.

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

Pastor Greg speaks of Naman the General and his leprosy. He had to admit his spiritual state before good.

The preacher Spurgeon wrote: Those who rise in the kingdom must have to first sink in themselves.

To be “poor in spirit” is to recognize one’s spiritual poverty apart from God.

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Happy people are unhappy people.
(v.4)
Psalm 56:8 You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?

God keeps our tears in a bottle so He might wipe them away someday.

Ecclesiastes 2:1–2 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure”; but surely, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter—“Madness!”; and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

2.Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 

If you are happy about the wrong things, then you need to stop it.

Romans 4:7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 51:2–3 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.

Psalm 51:4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

3.A happy person will be a meek person.
(v.5)

A meek person is one who controls himself under the authority of God.

It takes more strength to hold your tongue then to speak your mind.

Last is first.
Giving is receiving.
Dying is living.
Losing is finding.
Least is greatest.
Weakness is strength.

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.

4.A happy person passionately desires a righteous life.
(v.6)

Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

1. You must be poor in spirit. (See yourself as you really are)

2. You must mourn for your sin. 

3. As you believe, you will have a change in attitude.

4. You have a new hunger and thirst for that which will satisfy you.

Are you happy?

Happiness: What It Is and How to Have It, Part 2


Why are we on this Earth? Mankind has been seeking Happiness for a long time.

Conventional happiness seems to be beauty, money or fame.

A study shows, 1. family and friends are the best anecdote for unhappiness. 2. Things don't make you happy. 3. Gratefullness for things you have. 4. Forgiveness is the greatest trait of happiness. 5. Scandinavians are the happiest people, Americans are second.

Beatitudes: Attitudes we should have, Attitudes that should be.

Matthew 5:3-12 NIV
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1. Happy are the nobodies. (Blessed are the poor in spirit – verse 3.)

To be poor in spirit means to be understanding your spiritual state before God. We are sinners.

2. Unhappy people are happy people. (Blessed are they that mourn – verse 4.)

Understanding your position before God. Be sorry for the sins you have done.

3. Happy are the humble. (Blessed are the meek – verse 5.)

Recognizing I would be no where without God.

4. Happy are the spiritually hungry (verse 6).

A happy person desires a righteous life. Is hungry in pursuit of it.

You are not done as a Christian. No matter how much you love, you ought to love more.

Psalm 17:15 NIV
[15] As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Is your hunger for Christ growing or diminishing.

A Christian is something before he does something.

5. Happy people are merciful people (verse 7).

You understand where you came from and where others could be.

Matthew 6:3 NIV
[3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Mercy is pity plus action.

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

A forgiven person should be a forgiving person.

The queen virtue of happiness is forgiveness. Just as Christ has forgiven you.

6. A happy person will be a holy person (verse 8). Matthew 5:8 NIV
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Many songs are written about the heart.

Proverbs 23:7 NIV
[7] for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.


7. A happy person will be a peacemaker (verse 9). Matthew 5:9 NIV
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Even non Christians seem to quote Matthew 5:9

Th Bible talks about personal peace with God.

Peacemakers are often trouble makers.

Matthew 10:34-36 NIV
[34] “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--- [36] a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

There seems to have to be trouble before there is peace.

James 4:1-2 NIV
[1] What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? [2] You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

8. A happy person will be persecuted! (verses 10–12) Matthew 5:10-12 NIV
[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Living a Godly life is not a matter of when you are persecuted, it is a matter of how much you will be.

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV
[12] In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

It is for righteousness you should be persecuted. For any other reason doesn't seem to be for your faith. If you are mean or hateful, that is not what the Bible is speaking of as a reason.

Persecution: to be chased, driven away or pursued.

If you can't remember the last time you were persecuted, you should be asking "what's wrong with me".

God will use your persecution for His glory.

John 3:20 NIV
[20] Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

“Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” (Matthew 5:10)

“Rejoice and be glad” (verse 12)

John 15:18 NIV
[18] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

1. It is a confirmation that you are a child of God.

2. It causes you to cling to Jesus and be reminded that this world is not your home!


If something is worth living for then it should be worth dying for!

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