Notes: Dinner with Jesus
Matthew 14:14–21
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES: God Came Near
Sunday, February 8, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.
America is one of the most over weight nations on earth. California is the most over weight state.
Greg likes watching Chopped, and Diners, Drive ins and Dives.
Jesus Christ liked to eat and having a meal with people. He would stop in with people and even cooked for them.
Revelation 3:20 NKJV
[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
The miracle of the feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle so important that it is found in all four Gospels.
Matthew 14:14-21 NKJV
[14] And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. [15] When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food." [16] But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." [17] And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." [18] He said, "Bring them here to Me." [19] Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. [20] So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. [21] Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
This is a lot of people's favorite story in the Bible.
During this time Jesus was reaching the peak of His popularity. He would have been like a rockstar, having paparazzi around. These people would have been following Him around.
Matthew 14:14 NKJV
[14] And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
In this meaning of "moved" it was compassion and wanting to help.
John 6:2 NKJV
[2] Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.
He knew these people followed Him because they wanted Him to help them. They were there for themselves, not Him. Yet Jesus Christ still cared for them and wanted to help them.
These people were known for only caring about "bread and circuses" or feed us and entertain us, a lot like America today.
Three characters in the story:
1. Phillip
John 6:5 NKJV
[5] Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"
John 6:6-7 NKJV
[6] But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. [7] Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little."
Phillip should have known Jesus could feed them.
Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV
[12] For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. [13] For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. [14] But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Sometimes you need to be tested and retested. Maybe you are going through a test right now. It could be a test or a retest.
Phillip didn't pass his test.
2. Andrew
Andrew was introduced to Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. Andrew always brought others to Jesus Christ.
John 6:8-9 NKJV
[8] One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, [9] "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?"
Andrew almost had the right answer and then doubted himself.
3. The little boy
The little boy gave his lunch to Jesus Christ as little as it was.
That which was insufficient
From the hands of the little boy, became sufficient in the hands of Jesus Christ.
When God gets hold of anything it can be transformed.
John 6:10-12 NKJV
[10] Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. [11] And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. [12] So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."
It's not what you are offering Christ that matters, it is that you present it and place it in the hands of God.
God told us to pray "give us this day, our daily bread" it is for us to remember that.
Philippians 4:19 NKJV
[19] And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
God supplies your needs, not your greeds.
Jesus Christ gives us what we need when we need it.
If God lets you go through it then God will give you the strength to get through it.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV
[6] Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
The gift you are given are to share. Use your gifts for God's glory.
Matthew 14:20 NKJV
[20] So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.
Ephesians 3:20 NKJV
[20] Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
This was such a popular miracle that John commented:
John 6:14-15 NKJV
[14] Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world." [15] Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.
These people wanted to use God instead of being used by God.
Just like today people want to use God. Like candidates running for office, all seem to say they are Christians.
Abraham Lincoln said he was not concerned if God was on his side, he was concerned of we were on God's side.
Jesus Christ will not be used by people.
What have we learned:
1. We need to show compassion for those that are in need.
Compassion is caring plus action.
John 6:35 NKJV
[35] And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
Churches help people every single day. Feeding people, out reaches and lots of great things. But we need to make sure we reach the issue of their souls. We will all be dead someday, and need to get to heaven.
2. When faced with a need no matter how large, we need to look to God to meet it.
Little monsters or big monsters, we need Jesus Christ's help.
These test come in our lives to show us our weakness and His sufficiency,
James 1:2-4 NKJV
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
3. Nothing is too small or too big for God to respond to.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Turn your worries into prayers. Let God know it freaks you out and you give it to Him.
4. Bring your talents, abilities, gifts and resources to Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV
[13] No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
God will not give you more than you can handle. As His child He will be there for you.
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Showing posts with label #harvestamerica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #harvestamerica. Show all posts
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Dinner with Jesus
Sunday, November 16, 2014
You Da Man
Notes: "You Da Man!”
Pastor Greg Laurie
Sunday
November 16, 2014
2 Samuel 11
The Biblical Law of Sowing and Reaping
2 Samuel 11:1-5 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. [3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." [4] Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. [5] Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, "I'm pregnant."
An unguarded strength is a double weakness.
“Can a man take fire into his lap and not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27)
You don’t feed lust. You starve it.
Sin of lust is setting yourself up to sin.
2 Samuel 11:1-2 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.
The devil never takes a day off. He is ever vigilant looking for people to destroy.
1 Peter 5:8 NLT
[8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
“Times of leisure are to be more dreaded than those of the most strenuous toil.” –Alan Redpath
“Beware of evening temptations. The sun is down, but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day.” –C.H. Spurgeon
2 Samuel 11:3 NLT
[3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite."
Sin makes us stupid!
2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
[22] Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Is God putting up “roadblocks” in your life?
“The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” (2 Samuel 11:27)
The discipline and conviction in David’s life were signs that he was a child of God.
Hebrews 12:8,11 NLT
[8] If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. [11] No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Proverbs 28:13 NLT
[13] People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Sooner or later, your sin will find you out!
2 Samuel 11:7-10 NLT
[7] When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the army were getting along and how the war was progressing. [8] Then he told Uriah, "Go on home and relax." David even sent a gift to Uriah after he had left the palace. [9] But Uriah didn't go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king's palace guard. [10] When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, "What's the matter? Why didn't you go home last night after being away for so long?"
“You Da Man!”
James 1:14-15 NLT
[14] Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. [15] These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Just because we are forgiven does not mean we will not reap what we sow.
1 John 3:9 NLT
[9] Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
Bathsheba made it into the messianic line of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:6)
Jesus died on the cross for you.
Pastor Greg Laurie
Sunday
November 16, 2014
2 Samuel 11
The Biblical Law of Sowing and Reaping
2 Samuel 11:1-5 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. [3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." [4] Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. [5] Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, "I'm pregnant."
An unguarded strength is a double weakness.
“Can a man take fire into his lap and not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27)
You don’t feed lust. You starve it.
Sin of lust is setting yourself up to sin.
2 Samuel 11:1-2 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.
The devil never takes a day off. He is ever vigilant looking for people to destroy.
1 Peter 5:8 NLT
[8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
“Times of leisure are to be more dreaded than those of the most strenuous toil.” –Alan Redpath
“Beware of evening temptations. The sun is down, but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day.” –C.H. Spurgeon
2 Samuel 11:3 NLT
[3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite."
Sin makes us stupid!
2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
[22] Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Is God putting up “roadblocks” in your life?
“The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” (2 Samuel 11:27)
The discipline and conviction in David’s life were signs that he was a child of God.
Hebrews 12:8,11 NLT
[8] If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. [11] No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Proverbs 28:13 NLT
[13] People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Sooner or later, your sin will find you out!
2 Samuel 11:7-10 NLT
[7] When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the army were getting along and how the war was progressing. [8] Then he told Uriah, "Go on home and relax." David even sent a gift to Uriah after he had left the palace. [9] But Uriah didn't go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king's palace guard. [10] When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, "What's the matter? Why didn't you go home last night after being away for so long?"
“You Da Man!”
James 1:14-15 NLT
[14] Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. [15] These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Just because we are forgiven does not mean we will not reap what we sow.
1 John 3:9 NLT
[9] Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
Bathsheba made it into the messianic line of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:6)
Jesus died on the cross for you.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Hurried, Worried, Buried (How to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Anxiety)
Notes: Hurried, Worried, Buried (How to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Anxiety)
Matthew 6
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:
God Came Near
Sunday, November 9, 2014 — 8:00 a.m.
http://bit.ly/1qmcFbA
What does the favorite verse of the nonbeliever actually mean?
Matthew 7:1 ESV
[1] "Judge not, that you be not judged.
Pastor Greg said he really likes how people in Australia say "No Worries, mate."
Greg is talking about all the worries people have and the new big world worries like, Ebola and ISIS.
A study said Most people's number one worry is their appearance. Public speaking typically ranks higher than death.
He told a story about how death usually comes to those that worry about it too much?
How can we overcome worry? Matthew 6 speaks of this.
Matthew 6:25-33 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1. The believer should not worry.
Matthew 6:25 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
The word worry from the old English word means to choke.
Jesus Christ says stop worrying about your life. Pastor Greg says he can argue that worry can be a sin.
It could be a sin because it is a lack of trust of God. God is in control.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of of its sorrow. But it possibly removes your strength to face it.
Greg says there is a difference between trusting the Lord and testing the Lord.
He is talking about Daniel in the Lions den.
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
[7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
This is saying throw your worries on God.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
[6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Birds don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:26 ESV
[26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
He says birds don't sit and wait for food, they have to take action. They wait and look for the food and then go get it.
Greg is talking about how seagulls were around and he thought they are his fish burrito.
Flowers don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:28 ESV
[28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
He says that many are obsessed with the way they look, but we will never be as beautiful as the flowers God created.
He is talking about Jennifer Lopez, saying how her entourage of stylist may have hurt her relationships with all of her past lovers.
You can have a chiseled body and a dying soul.
1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
[3] Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- [4] rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Who can add one day to their by worry?
Only God knows your birth and your death.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 NKJV
[8] For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
2. Worry does not make life better.
4. Put God and His will first in your life.
Psalm 90:1-17 NKJV
[1] Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. [2] Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. [3] You turn man to destruction, And say, "Return, O children of men." [4] For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night. [5] You carry them away like a flood; They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: [6] In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers. [7] For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. [8] You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. [9] For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. [10] The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. [11] Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. [12] So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. [13] Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. [14] Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! [15] Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil. [16] Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. [17] And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Speaking of your career, are you doing it for God's glory? If you can not honor God in everything you do, then get a new job.
Proverbs 22:1 NKJV
[1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
There are people in life that cheat and do it the wrong way that appear to be doing better than you. But you have to wait to see ones life play out. Do not look at what others do. Look at what God wants you do.
Seek first not only His Kingdom, but also his righteousness.
He is talking about single people dating. As he calls it "missionary dating" he says it is easier for a non- believer to pull you down from God then you pull them up to God. He says the best place for them to find a spouse is at church.
When you seek God first, you will find the right perspective.
What would you do if God came to you and said, just ask and I will give you what ever you want?
Greg is talking about Solomon and how he asked God for the wisdom to rule His people.
Matthew 6:19-21,31-32 NKJV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. [31] "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
He says when scripture says "therefore" look and see what it is there for.
Greg is talking how you should not flaunt the things you have. That is not putting the Lord first.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV
[9] Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; [10] So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV
[6] But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
In Malachai is the only time the Lord says to test him.
Do you giving while your living, then you are knowing where it is going!
Greg is talking about Billy Joel and how Billy Joel said that even with all his success he felt like a failure because he does not have a true love to share it with.
You need to love Jesus Christ first. Then you will not have that void.
The faith of the Christian, provides the hope that we need in this life and to take us into the next life!
Matthew 6
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:
God Came Near
Sunday, November 9, 2014 — 8:00 a.m.
http://bit.ly/1qmcFbA
What does the favorite verse of the nonbeliever actually mean?
Matthew 7:1 ESV
[1] "Judge not, that you be not judged.
Pastor Greg said he really likes how people in Australia say "No Worries, mate."
Greg is talking about all the worries people have and the new big world worries like, Ebola and ISIS.
A study said Most people's number one worry is their appearance. Public speaking typically ranks higher than death.
He told a story about how death usually comes to those that worry about it too much?
How can we overcome worry? Matthew 6 speaks of this.
Matthew 6:25-33 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1. The believer should not worry.
Matthew 6:25 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
The word worry from the old English word means to choke.
Jesus Christ says stop worrying about your life. Pastor Greg says he can argue that worry can be a sin.
It could be a sin because it is a lack of trust of God. God is in control.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of of its sorrow. But it possibly removes your strength to face it.
Greg says there is a difference between trusting the Lord and testing the Lord.
He is talking about Daniel in the Lions den.
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
[7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
This is saying throw your worries on God.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
[6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Birds don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:26 ESV
[26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
He says birds don't sit and wait for food, they have to take action. They wait and look for the food and then go get it.
Greg is talking about how seagulls were around and he thought they are his fish burrito.
Flowers don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:28 ESV
[28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
He says that many are obsessed with the way they look, but we will never be as beautiful as the flowers God created.
He is talking about Jennifer Lopez, saying how her entourage of stylist may have hurt her relationships with all of her past lovers.
You can have a chiseled body and a dying soul.
1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
[3] Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- [4] rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Who can add one day to their by worry?
Only God knows your birth and your death.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 NKJV
[8] For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
2. Worry does not make life better.
4. Put God and His will first in your life.
Psalm 90:1-17 NKJV
[1] Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. [2] Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. [3] You turn man to destruction, And say, "Return, O children of men." [4] For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night. [5] You carry them away like a flood; They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: [6] In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers. [7] For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. [8] You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. [9] For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. [10] The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. [11] Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. [12] So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. [13] Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. [14] Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! [15] Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil. [16] Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. [17] And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Speaking of your career, are you doing it for God's glory? If you can not honor God in everything you do, then get a new job.
Proverbs 22:1 NKJV
[1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
There are people in life that cheat and do it the wrong way that appear to be doing better than you. But you have to wait to see ones life play out. Do not look at what others do. Look at what God wants you do.
Seek first not only His Kingdom, but also his righteousness.
He is talking about single people dating. As he calls it "missionary dating" he says it is easier for a non- believer to pull you down from God then you pull them up to God. He says the best place for them to find a spouse is at church.
When you seek God first, you will find the right perspective.
What would you do if God came to you and said, just ask and I will give you what ever you want?
Greg is talking about Solomon and how he asked God for the wisdom to rule His people.
Matthew 6:19-21,31-32 NKJV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. [31] "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
He says when scripture says "therefore" look and see what it is there for.
Greg is talking how you should not flaunt the things you have. That is not putting the Lord first.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV
[9] Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; [10] So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV
[6] But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
In Malachai is the only time the Lord says to test him.
Do you giving while your living, then you are knowing where it is going!
Greg is talking about Billy Joel and how Billy Joel said that even with all his success he felt like a failure because he does not have a true love to share it with.
You need to love Jesus Christ first. Then you will not have that void.
The faith of the Christian, provides the hope that we need in this life and to take us into the next life!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
"So What"
Notes: "So What?" How the return of Christ should affect us in day-to-day living.
Pastor Greg Laurie
Essentials series
Harvest OC.
November 6, 2014
So what are we suppose to do, what are we suppose to think in the light of Jesus Christ's return.
Greg is telling a joke about a talking dog. How the dog told all kinds of stories that were lies. The owner of the dog wants to get rid of him because the dog is liar. The owner clearly misses the point of how special the dog is.
Greg says many church goers are like that. He says they are just like people going to movies, missing the point of church.
The glorification of God, the edification of the saints, and he evangelization of the world.
Or we are here for upward, inward and outward. Worshiping, helping at the church, help build up each other and the evangelism of the world.
Pastor's job is to help us do our job.
Hebrews 10:22-25 NKJV
[22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
We need to try and go rescue each other.
Galatians 6:1 NKJV
[1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
We must confront and restore. We are not to hunt down and destroy.
We must confront each other, help one another, build up one another.
What if every Christian was just like you?
Would pews be empty or full? Would they evangelize? Would they help others? Etc.
In the church we are all a brick in the wall of the church, we should not be spectators, we should be participants.
Roosevelt said its not the critic who counts... It's the man in the arena....
The credit goes to the believer that is active in the arena.
Some Christians are setting the world on fire, while others are still looking for a match.
Since 2009 the Harvest OC has seen about 4500 professions of faith here. We are just getting started. We are seeing lives change in time and for eternity.
Greg is talking about how it drives him nuts when people say they are over the church. He says at the church so many people come for help, marriage, death, crisis.
The church is the organization that Jesus Christ ever started.
Yes the church is filled with hypocrites because everyone is a hypocrite at some point in their lives.
Join a church because you need consistency in theology, a pastor, and accountability.
Matthew 25:14-29 NLT
[14] "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. [15] He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [16] "The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. [17] The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. [18] But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. [19] "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' [21] "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [22] "The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' [23] "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [24] "Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. [25] I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' [26] "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, [27] why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' [28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
In this parable each person is given a different amount to invest.
It's not what you have that matters to God, it matters what you do with what you have that counts.
Everyone of us is given a God given opportunity to play well with the cards we are dealt.
Matthew 25:20 NLT
[20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.'
The one servant actually blamed the master. Many people like to blame God that way.
Benjamin Franklin said that he found that the people who are best at making excuses aren't very good at anything else.
Greg is talking how we can take the gifts God gives us in bury it.
We all have time, talent and treasure.
Matthew 25:28-29 NLT
[28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
The redistribution of wealth has a different meaning in the Bible doesn't it?
Romans 12:6-8 NLT
[6] In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Through grace God has given us all different gifts to use. We must use those gifts. We must develop them and use them to the best of our ability. Gifts are different then talents, but both require practice.
Greg is telling a story of when he was kid and someone told him he had a magical pencil. He says there is no magical pencil, he needed to practice.
Greg is talking about all the different kinds of gifts people have. Helping, details, providing, tongues are all gifts. He says all these are gifts of the Spirit and we need to find ours.
Greg is talking about how it was said that it was always harder to find the 2nd Violinist then the first. People don't like to be second.
God doesn't compare you to anyone else, he compares you to you.
God does not expect the same results, but He does expect the same effort.
It can be a sin to not use the gifts that God has given. It can be the sin of omission. It is a bless to be a blessing.
We want to faithfully serve the Lord until Jesus Christ returns again.
We all want to find our place in the church. We all need skin in the game.
Jesus Christ was God with skin on.
The Church is the Bride of Christ. It is not perfect, we all have faults, but Jesus Christ loves his Bride anyhow!
We are not a museum of saints we are a hospital for sinners! God's church is the only hospital that raises the dead.
God can take that guilt you have away. That guilt is sin and God will forgive your sin.
Pastor Greg Laurie
Essentials series
Harvest OC.
November 6, 2014
So what are we suppose to do, what are we suppose to think in the light of Jesus Christ's return.
Greg is telling a joke about a talking dog. How the dog told all kinds of stories that were lies. The owner of the dog wants to get rid of him because the dog is liar. The owner clearly misses the point of how special the dog is.
Greg says many church goers are like that. He says they are just like people going to movies, missing the point of church.
The glorification of God, the edification of the saints, and he evangelization of the world.
Or we are here for upward, inward and outward. Worshiping, helping at the church, help build up each other and the evangelism of the world.
Pastor's job is to help us do our job.
Hebrews 10:22-25 NKJV
[22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
We need to try and go rescue each other.
Galatians 6:1 NKJV
[1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
We must confront and restore. We are not to hunt down and destroy.
We must confront each other, help one another, build up one another.
What if every Christian was just like you?
Would pews be empty or full? Would they evangelize? Would they help others? Etc.
In the church we are all a brick in the wall of the church, we should not be spectators, we should be participants.
Roosevelt said its not the critic who counts... It's the man in the arena....
The credit goes to the believer that is active in the arena.
Some Christians are setting the world on fire, while others are still looking for a match.
Since 2009 the Harvest OC has seen about 4500 professions of faith here. We are just getting started. We are seeing lives change in time and for eternity.
Greg is talking about how it drives him nuts when people say they are over the church. He says at the church so many people come for help, marriage, death, crisis.
The church is the organization that Jesus Christ ever started.
Yes the church is filled with hypocrites because everyone is a hypocrite at some point in their lives.
Join a church because you need consistency in theology, a pastor, and accountability.
Matthew 25:14-29 NLT
[14] "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. [15] He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [16] "The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. [17] The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. [18] But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. [19] "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' [21] "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [22] "The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' [23] "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [24] "Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. [25] I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' [26] "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, [27] why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' [28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
In this parable each person is given a different amount to invest.
It's not what you have that matters to God, it matters what you do with what you have that counts.
Everyone of us is given a God given opportunity to play well with the cards we are dealt.
Matthew 25:20 NLT
[20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.'
The one servant actually blamed the master. Many people like to blame God that way.
Benjamin Franklin said that he found that the people who are best at making excuses aren't very good at anything else.
Greg is talking how we can take the gifts God gives us in bury it.
We all have time, talent and treasure.
Matthew 25:28-29 NLT
[28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
The redistribution of wealth has a different meaning in the Bible doesn't it?
Romans 12:6-8 NLT
[6] In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Through grace God has given us all different gifts to use. We must use those gifts. We must develop them and use them to the best of our ability. Gifts are different then talents, but both require practice.
Greg is telling a story of when he was kid and someone told him he had a magical pencil. He says there is no magical pencil, he needed to practice.
Greg is talking about all the different kinds of gifts people have. Helping, details, providing, tongues are all gifts. He says all these are gifts of the Spirit and we need to find ours.
Greg is talking about how it was said that it was always harder to find the 2nd Violinist then the first. People don't like to be second.
God doesn't compare you to anyone else, he compares you to you.
God does not expect the same results, but He does expect the same effort.
It can be a sin to not use the gifts that God has given. It can be the sin of omission. It is a bless to be a blessing.
We want to faithfully serve the Lord until Jesus Christ returns again.
We all want to find our place in the church. We all need skin in the game.
Jesus Christ was God with skin on.
The Church is the Bride of Christ. It is not perfect, we all have faults, but Jesus Christ loves his Bride anyhow!
We are not a museum of saints we are a hospital for sinners! God's church is the only hospital that raises the dead.
God can take that guilt you have away. That guilt is sin and God will forgive your sin.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
What Jesus Taught About Prayer, Part 2
Notes: What Jesus Taught About Prayer, Part 2
Harvest OC
November 2, 2014
Pastor Greg’s Sunday morning
Matthew 6
We have been looking at the life and times of Jesus Christ in the 4 Gospels.
Greg is talking about being at the mall with a fountain with his granddaughters. He was talking about their wishes. One of his granddaughter said that a wish is a request of ourselves and a prayer is a request to God.
It was said that life without prayer is not a life with God.
He is talking about. How the "Lords Prayer" is
Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV
[9] In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. [10] Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. [13] And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. …
It is a model for us to pray. It is hard for many to get their minds around God being our Heavenly Father.
John 8:19 NKJV
[19] Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."
God gave us an image of Him by sending Jesus Christ to us. Jesus Christ acted as God will treat us.
Jesus Christ portrays God the Father as an older man willing to lose his dignity for his son.
Running by an older man in those days was very undignified. But the father of the prodigal son, runs to greet his son.
A.C.T.S.
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
Hallowed be Your Name- Hallowed means to "set apart"
It was said that to set Gods name to being Hallowed is to live as a devout Christian.
1. You should be able to say at any time "come Lord Jesus Christ" if you hope to wait you need to get right with the Lord quick.
2. It is a personal request
3. This is a request for the unsaved to know the Lord.
Isaiah 53:12 NKJV
[12] Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
He prayed to "forgive them" over and over. Stephan prayed for the people killing him at the time he was being martyred.
He is talking about the Garden Jesus Christ was in knowing that he was about to be betrayed.
Luke 22:42 NKJV
[42] saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
We must never be concerned about our unknown future in the hands of our known God
Greg is talking about the life of Job and Joseph. They didn't seem to make sense, but these were dramas unfolding in Heaven that they were a part of.
I would rather be in a storm with Jesus Christ then anywhere else without them.
Greg is talking about talking to a family before service that had just lost a child.
He said they won't give over it but they will get through it.
Matthew 6:11 NKJV
[11] Give us this day our daily bread.
He said in the first century they referenced all food as bread.
James 1:17 NKJV
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV
[18] "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
James 4:2 NKJV
[2] You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
Nothing is too big or small for God. We are required to ask for it. He supplies your needs not your greeds.
Matthew 6:12 NKJV
[12] And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
2. We need to forgive those that sin against us as we need to ask them to forgive us.
The template teaches us to ask for forgiveness on a regular basis.
Forgiven people should be forgiving people.
Hebrews 12:15 NKJV
[15] looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Bitter people can't seem to keep it to themselves.
Greg is talking about the Hatfield and McCoy fued and all the murders that came out of it,
Bitter people have been proven by doctors that it physically ails you. Forgiveness is for the person forgiving not the forgiven.
God has forgiven you, so don't let it stay with you.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV
[13] No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
When you give into temptation there is always a way out! Sometimes the way out is as simple as a door.
Pray about it and bring it into the clear light of the Lord.
If you can't pray about it and can't ask the Lord to bless it, then you shouldn't be doing it.
Greg says this is part of the reason that he is so against the legalization of marijuana. It will not be blessed by the Lord.
The devil is not stupid he knows how to package his stuff.
Sin will take you further then you want to go, it will keep you longer than you want to stay, and it will cost you more than you want to pay.
The Lord's Prayer is not just a template for prayer but also for living as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
When Heaven Comes to Earth
Notes: When Heaven Comes to Earth
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:Essentials
Thursday, October 30, 2014 — 7:00 p.m
Harvest OC
Revelation 21 is where we will be studying tonight studying tonight.
Greg is talking about the expression "heaven on earth." How we have all used it. He says that one day there will literally be Heaven on earth.
God still has a plan for planet earth, one day God will restore this planet.
Acts 3:21 NKJV
[21] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
God is into restoration.
Ephesians 1:10 NKJV
[10] that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him.
It was said we won't go to Heaven to leave earth behind, God will demolish the wall between Heaven and earth. This is not something new, it is something that will be done again. It is a re-make.
Revelation 21:1-6 NKJV
[1] Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. [2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. [4] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." [5] Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." [6] And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
Looking at verse 5: Revelation 21:5 NKJV
[5] Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."
All bad things will be gone! No more ills, killing, disaster. All things will be new.
Greg is talking about being fans, like Apple fans, or a new television season, or a new car. We all like the new versions if certain things. God likes new.
In the rapture we go up, in the second coming we come down to earth with God.
Ten things missing
No more sin, tears, death, mourning, pain, thirst, wickedness, no more night, no more closed gates, no more curse.
As far as God is concerned, this is a done deal. He is in the Eternal Realm, God lives in the future as we think of the past.
Greg is talking about the end times, he thinks the next event will be the rapture, the anti-Christ will come next, then peace, then a new Temple, then wars, then the second coming of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:52-58 NKJV
[52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." [55] "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" [56] The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
For us when we die, we go straight to Heaven, our souls will be in Heaven. After the Rapture, we will get our glorified bodies.
Greg is talking about the Millennium, and how we will rule over the mortals that will be here.
He is talking about the judgement and the Great White Judgement after.
2 Peter 3:10-11 NKJV
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. [11] Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
He is talking about Heaven and Earth coming together.
After the millennial reign of Christ we enter into eternal timelessness - everything is now forever.
He says that is a very big thought for most of us to get our minds around.
He is talking about how it says the ocean will be gone. He is saying that sounds bad to surfers, but he knows that God will always replace what he takes with something better.
We will all be with all of the men and women of all times, for all eternity and we will be there with the Lord.
We will see God and that will be the lens in which we see everything else.
God has let some people no Him before Heaven, like Moses. He will then be letting all of His people dwell with Him.
Like when Adam would walk with the Lord in the Garden of Eden.
Greg is talking about when people would live if they got to chose, Greg says he would of lived when Jesus Christ was on Earth.
Revelation 21:2 NKJV
[2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Greg is talking about how Jerusalem is a city of our past, present and future.
It is the only country, Israel, to have had its people go away and then come back after 100s of years of time.
The new Jerusalem will keep us all busy.
Revelation 7:15 NKJV
[15] Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV
[9] The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Greg is talking about how the broken bodies of people will be transformed.
We need to stop thinking about the here and now. We need to focus on Heaven.
Death for the believer is no the end, but just a continuation some where else.
Greg was asking, will there be tears in Heaven. he says the Bible says there will be.
He is saying when we get to Heaven we will have a spiritual perspective, not a spiritual lobotomy.
Greg is talking about how there is death and sadness on earth. How sometimes less is more when you deal with someone that is suffering.
One day pain and suffering will be gone.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Psalm 103:12 NKJV
[12] As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Greg says when you know God, your wants and desires change. If those things haven't changed, then do you really know Christ.
He is saying that Heaven is not the default destination of everyone. It is for every believer though.
Revelation 21:8 NKJV
[8] But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Abominable means to be wholly caught up in wickedness. The sexually immoral.
The only place God will bless sex is in a loving marriage between a man and a woman.
Greg is saying all the funny things he hears by couples that live together.
He is now talking about sorcerers and how this is talking about drugs.
Greg said he believes that the legalization of marijuana is a huge mistake.
Greg is saying now, that you take Jesus Christ as He is.
1. This helps us to keep perspective during times of trial.
Romans 8:18 NKJV
[18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2. It helps us to be truly heavenly minded and to live Godly lives.
Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3. It motivates us to want to take as many people as possible with us
Greg says if we really believe these things, shouldn't we want to tell people about Heaven?
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:Essentials
Thursday, October 30, 2014 — 7:00 p.m
Harvest OC
Revelation 21 is where we will be studying tonight studying tonight.
Greg is talking about the expression "heaven on earth." How we have all used it. He says that one day there will literally be Heaven on earth.
God still has a plan for planet earth, one day God will restore this planet.
Acts 3:21 NKJV
[21] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
God is into restoration.
Ephesians 1:10 NKJV
[10] that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him.
It was said we won't go to Heaven to leave earth behind, God will demolish the wall between Heaven and earth. This is not something new, it is something that will be done again. It is a re-make.
Revelation 21:1-6 NKJV
[1] Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. [2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. [4] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." [5] Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." [6] And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
Looking at verse 5: Revelation 21:5 NKJV
[5] Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."
All bad things will be gone! No more ills, killing, disaster. All things will be new.
Greg is talking about being fans, like Apple fans, or a new television season, or a new car. We all like the new versions if certain things. God likes new.
In the rapture we go up, in the second coming we come down to earth with God.
Ten things missing
No more sin, tears, death, mourning, pain, thirst, wickedness, no more night, no more closed gates, no more curse.
As far as God is concerned, this is a done deal. He is in the Eternal Realm, God lives in the future as we think of the past.
Greg is talking about the end times, he thinks the next event will be the rapture, the anti-Christ will come next, then peace, then a new Temple, then wars, then the second coming of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:52-58 NKJV
[52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." [55] "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" [56] The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
For us when we die, we go straight to Heaven, our souls will be in Heaven. After the Rapture, we will get our glorified bodies.
Greg is talking about the Millennium, and how we will rule over the mortals that will be here.
He is talking about the judgement and the Great White Judgement after.
2 Peter 3:10-11 NKJV
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. [11] Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
He is talking about Heaven and Earth coming together.
After the millennial reign of Christ we enter into eternal timelessness - everything is now forever.
He says that is a very big thought for most of us to get our minds around.
He is talking about how it says the ocean will be gone. He is saying that sounds bad to surfers, but he knows that God will always replace what he takes with something better.
We will all be with all of the men and women of all times, for all eternity and we will be there with the Lord.
We will see God and that will be the lens in which we see everything else.
God has let some people no Him before Heaven, like Moses. He will then be letting all of His people dwell with Him.
Like when Adam would walk with the Lord in the Garden of Eden.
Greg is talking about when people would live if they got to chose, Greg says he would of lived when Jesus Christ was on Earth.
Revelation 21:2 NKJV
[2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Greg is talking about how Jerusalem is a city of our past, present and future.
It is the only country, Israel, to have had its people go away and then come back after 100s of years of time.
The new Jerusalem will keep us all busy.
Revelation 7:15 NKJV
[15] Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV
[9] The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Greg is talking about how the broken bodies of people will be transformed.
We need to stop thinking about the here and now. We need to focus on Heaven.
Death for the believer is no the end, but just a continuation some where else.
Greg was asking, will there be tears in Heaven. he says the Bible says there will be.
He is saying when we get to Heaven we will have a spiritual perspective, not a spiritual lobotomy.
Greg is talking about how there is death and sadness on earth. How sometimes less is more when you deal with someone that is suffering.
One day pain and suffering will be gone.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Psalm 103:12 NKJV
[12] As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Greg says when you know God, your wants and desires change. If those things haven't changed, then do you really know Christ.
He is saying that Heaven is not the default destination of everyone. It is for every believer though.
Revelation 21:8 NKJV
[8] But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Abominable means to be wholly caught up in wickedness. The sexually immoral.
The only place God will bless sex is in a loving marriage between a man and a woman.
Greg is saying all the funny things he hears by couples that live together.
He is now talking about sorcerers and how this is talking about drugs.
Greg said he believes that the legalization of marijuana is a huge mistake.
Greg is saying now, that you take Jesus Christ as He is.
1. This helps us to keep perspective during times of trial.
Romans 8:18 NKJV
[18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2. It helps us to be truly heavenly minded and to live Godly lives.
Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3. It motivates us to want to take as many people as possible with us
Greg says if we really believe these things, shouldn't we want to tell people about Heaven?
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