The Greatest Thing - Love God First

Notes: The Greatest Thing
October 5, 2014
Pastor Jeff Lesseigne
Harvest OC
Matthew 22

Tonight is Harvest America in Dallas.

Pastor Jeff put an ad on the screen about a man hiring someone to back in time with him. The ad says you will get paid at return.

If you could accomplish one great thing in your life what would it be? 

Pastor Jeff gives many answers that he thinks people would have. He is asking what you as a Christian's great achievement would be?

He is talking about the movie City Slickers. How the actor tells Billy Crystal there is just one thing that is the most important thing in life and he has to figure that one thing out.

Jeff is talking about how the Pharisees and then the Sadducees were trying to trick Jesus Christ, and they couldn't do it.

Matthew 22:34-38 NKJV
[34] But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. [35] Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, [36] "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" [37] Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and great commandment.

Jeff says on the surface it doesn't appear to be a trick question. But they were trying to complicate it on Jesus because, Jeff says there are 613 laws that the Jews have got out of the Old Testament. They call it the Mitzvah.

Jesus Christ says the greatest thing we can do in our lives, supremely, is to love God with our heart, souls and mind.

Many people ask the "what ifs" but Jesus Christ does not change his answer. No matter what the other important things are, loving God comes first, it helps with all other things.

Acts 1:3 NKJV
[3] to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Peter made the biggest mistakes prior to seeing Jesus Christ before he saw him resurrected. Peter denied the Lord. Yet Jesus Christ only brought it up one time after.

John 21:15-17 NKJV
[15] So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." [16] He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." [17] He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.

The key to understand that passage is to know the love that Jesus Christ had said. Jesus Christ said agape love and Peter responded with a love of a lesser sort, that is not unconditional as Jesus Christ had asked.

Jeff says it sticks out to him all the questions that Jesus Christ could of but didn't ask Peter. He didn't ask him about his actions. He asked him the same question three times, Jesus Christ never brought up Peters failures again after that.

1. Even when we fail.

Jesus Christ still loves us even when we fail, no matter how great the failure.

Jeff is talking about as kids how we would use the term "no take backs" as with God there is no take backs. God's love has no take backs. 

God can take the place of anything but nothing can take the place of God!

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NKJV
[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

The key phrase in all these statements is "but have not love" the real issue was doing things without love. 

Speech without love. (v. 1)

Spirituality without love (v. 2)

Sacrifices without love (v. 3)

There will be plenty of opportunities to do any thing, but it all needs love.

2. Even as we serve and sacrifice 

The one who has been forgiven much, loves much.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
[13] And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

How is love greater than faith and hope? 
Jeff says when Jesus takes us home will we need faith and hope.

Yet we will always love Jesus Christ.

Augustine said, love God and then do what you like.

1 John 2:2-6 NKJV
[2] And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. [3] Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. [4] He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [5] But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. [6] He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

If we are living according to the Word of God then we will be perfected in God.

We can't love God and not obey His word.

3. Even as we obey

In Revelation Jesus Christ is addressing 7 churches. 

Speaking to Ephesus:
Revelation 2:2-5 NKJV
[2] "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; [3] and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. [4] Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. [5] Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent.


Jesus Christ had many great things to say about that church, nevertheless He says they have left their first love.

God will not let anything be a substitute for loving Him.

You can like the good old days, but love God today.

It's been said the good old days is a combination of a bad memory and a vivid imagination.

Time for a self check up. We don't want this all to be just an old routine.

The easiest person to deceive is yourself.

Jeff has given us a list of questions to ask ourselves if we have left our first love. He said to examine ourselves and not try to note the questions. They were good questions.

He says there is all kinds of great things that we can do. But loving God is the key to living for God and longing for his return.

Who initiated the love between you and God? 100% of the time, it is God who initiated this relationship. 

Romans 5:8 NKJV
[8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God's love is the greatest gift you will ever receive. 

Time - Is Difficult, Get Ready, It's Now!

Notes: Time - Is Difficult, Get Ready, It's Now!

This message was awesome click here if you want to watch it: http://bit.ly/10noTKv

Pastor Steve Wilburn from Core Church in Los Angeles
Speaking at Harvest OC
October 2, 2014

Pastor Steve is talking about the loss of Pastor Steve Mays. He said this verse came to him:
Psalm 116:15 NKJV
[15] Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

After the first sin of Adam and Eve, when we die we go back the full circle into paradise, into Heaven.

Pastor Steve says Jesus Christ  is coming back! Did you know that?

He said that he named this message Time, because it is just a matter of it before Christ comes back.

Time is used for lots of things. Science keep time to measure intervals. Then there's time to do everything, eat, sleep, do dishes or whatever.

As you get older time seems to go much faster.

It's been said time waits for no one!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV
[1] To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: [2] A time to be born, And a time to die;A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; [3] A time to kill, And a time to heal;A time to break down, And a time to build up; [4] A time to weep, And a time to laugh;A time to mourn, And a time to dance; [5] A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; [6] A time to gain, And a time to lose;A time to keep, And a time to throw away; [7] A time to tear, And a time to sew;A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; [8] A time to love, And a time to hate;A time of war, And a time of peace.

John Lennon said time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted.

Pastor Steve says time wasted is time wasted. We have to do Gods work at all times, don't waste it.

God has never asked an atheist or an agnostic to share his message!

So then who should share it? If you are a Christian then you should waste no time sharing Jesus' message. 

1. Time is difficult

Trouble means things that disturb, bring difficulty and pain.

From the book of Joel, Joel learned what trouble could be. One his main troubles were locust, it destroyed all the land. Joel's message is timeless. Troubles hit everyone, rich or poor, healthy or ill.

There are opportunities in every difficulty, and difficulties in very opportunity.

Pastor Steve is sharing a story about being in New Zealand. He spoke to a girl that was in a massively sad time. Then he was sharing with her and then the boyfriend was interrupting saying things like I don't believe the Bible was written by God. Steve addressed his concern and then went back to witnessing to the girl. The boyfriend interrupted a few more times while Steve was trying to consul the girl. Steve thought the guy was not helping the situation. One of the verses he said to the boyfriend to address his concern was:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV—All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

As Steve was talking to the girl, the boyfriend said the movie they were going to see was about to start. Steve thought the boyfriend was getting in the way of her accepting Christ. Yet, the girlfriend decided to head into the movie while the boyfriend stayed and talked to Steve. After Steve answered all of the boyfriends questions, the boyfriend gave his heart to God and the girl didn't. Steve was amazed that it happened. He said he asked the boyfriend why he decided to put his faith in Jesus right then and the guy simply stated because Steve answered all the questions the guy had and wanted to follow him.

1 Peter 2:9 NKJV
[9] But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Steve is talking about living your life for Christ and dying with no regrets.

If you died tonight would you be dying with regrets?

Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV—Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

Joel 1:4 NKJV
[4] What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.

In our lives locust are anything that are a distraction in our life. It could be lust, or envy, or work, or anything.

Idle time is not your friend, it can be your biggest enemy.

No matter how many times we have fallen or failed, we must not give up.

At any time, the Lord could perfect you.

John 10:10 NKJV
[10] The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Do you feel like your life has been devoured? Should you crawl into a whole and hope your life gets better, or should you crawl, rebuild and pull yourself up.

There are things that the people of God need to rise up and do. We do not have to go anywhere to be in the mission field.

God puts his missionaries in the most useless places. Jesus Christ never waited for the right place.

He says share with everyone! There is a God in Heaven that loves you.

He said 56% of people will go somewhere they are invited.

He said it's quick, invite people to church. What if someone comes and gives their life to Christ.

2. It's time to get ready.

Joel 2:9-14 NKJV
[9] They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. [10] The earth quakes before them, The heavens tremble; The sun and moon grow dark, And the stars diminish their brightness. [11] The LORD gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; Who can endure it? [12] "Now, therefore," says the LORD, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." [13] So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. [14] Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him- A grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God?

Rend in Hebrew means to either surrender or retreat back.

Pastor Steve is talking about when he was young, he was drinking, doing speed and got a girl pregnant. Then when he was 18 he heard the Gospel.

Luke 12:3 NKJV
[3] Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

He said after he heard that he was converted.

Malachi 2:6 NKJV
[6] The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity.

We are called to share the life changing message of the cross.

If your life was to end would have regrets or no regrets?

You can't take anything. You get here naked and you leave naked.

Revelation 22:12 NKJV
[12] "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

Your work isn't climbing the corporate ladder. It what you did for the kingdom of God.

3. The time is now.

Joel 2:29-31 NKJV
[29] And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. [30] "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. [31] The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.

Joel 2:32 NKJV
[32] And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.

Philippians 3:13 NKJV
[13] Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

You can't change yesterday but you can decide what you do tomorrow.

The time is now, God is raising up an army of light. He is not raising you up to use your weakness. For when your are weak God is strong.

Joel 2:28 NKJV
[28] "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.

1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV
[16] Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

You Christian are the holy of holies. But do you ever let out the Holy Spirit.

Joel 2:32 NKJV
[32] And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.

This your family, friends and strangers, and you could help lead them there.

You could be instrumental in leading someone to Christ.

Joel 3:13-14 NKJV
[13] Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow- For their wickedness is great." [14] Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

How much should we be pushing and persuading people? Pastor Steve says he begs people. They need to be persuaded.

What is your decision?

Philippians 3:10 NKJV
[10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

We need to make a decision to lead people to Christ.

Christian means to be Christ like.

You will never regret leading someone to the Lord.

You will regret if you did nothing.

Lord here I am, please give me the power to let you send me!

Let's go spread the Word!

Notes: Let's go spread the Word!

Men's Study

Valor Study

September 30, 2014

Week 2 of study

Speaker: Pastor Adam Eaton - Jr. High Pastor 

Pastor Adam says people put hope in lots of things.

Many put hope in money, others put it in real estate, many put hope in possessions, cars, toys, gadgets, in relationships.

Hope is put in all kinds of different things. None of these things have ever satisfied our needs or is working.

What hope does this world have? The world would say, the answer to war is peace, to poverty is charity, to hate is lov, to depression is medication.

Yet none of these things are working, they are band aids that have failed.

According to Gods word, Christianity, to follow Jesus Christ is our only hope.

In the book of Acts, Paul shows that Jesus Christ is the hope that we should have.

Acts 1:1-11 (NKJV)

1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

 

Theophilus was the person Luke wrote too.

The Bible presents to us a hope in a person, that person is Jesus Christ.

The person is Jesus Christ and his teaching is what we can follow.

1. Hope in the person.

2. Hope in the resurrection.

3. Hope in the world.

1 Corinthians 15:14-15 KJV

[14] And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. [15] Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

If Jesus Christ did not rise then we would be a joke and should be mocked.

It's Jesus Christ's resurrection did not happen then we have no hope.

How can we know that the resurrection is true?

1. Every apostle of Jesus Christ died the death of a martyr. If it was a lie, would they all be ready to die?

1 Corinthians 15:5-7 KJV

[5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

There was over 500 witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Then Jesus Christ taught them and remained on earth for 40 days after he resurrected.

Acts 1:8 KJV

[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Jesus Christ's final words on this earth was giving us all hope.

The believer has the Holy Spirit as soon as he gives his life to Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:13 KJV

[13] In whom ye also trusted , after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

John 16:7 NKJV

[7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

The Holy Spirit came as Jesus Christ left. The Holy Spirit is your Helper.

Acts 1:6-7 NKJV

[6] Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" [7] And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

The disciples at this point still had a misunderstanding of what Jesus Christ was there to do.

Until the kingdom is realized, we have a job to do.

The whole purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to fulfill the great commission.

John 20:21 NKJV

[21] So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

We are sent to be witnesses, make disciples and convert.

The Holy Spirit is to give you power to be a witness to God. We receive power to accomplish God's work.

Acts is split up in the 4 locations Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

All the places we are to witness for God.

Jerusalem to you? That is saying to be a witness in your home. Are you being a witness to your wife and children.

Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV

[7] You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Your home is your Jerusalem, so is work. It is the place you are at.

We are all missionaries if we like it or not. It is our job to spread Gods kingdom. Who do you work with that you need to share with?

Judea and Samaria, is equivalent to our state and our country.

Harvest America is reaching out in that area, are you a part of that?

The ends of the earth? There are over 7,000 groups of people that have no access to the Word of God. No churches, no Bibles and no access. 

We need to reach them too!

Acts 1:9-11 NKJV

[9] Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. [10] And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, [11] who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Matthew 24:14 NKJV

[14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Let's go spread the Word!

Discussing End Times Events

Notes: Discussing End Times Events

Thursday, September 25, 2014 — 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Greg and Don Stewart Discuss End Times Events

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

SPECIAL GUEST:

Don Stewart

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

http://bit.ly/1q9xF3t

Pastor Greg is interviewing Don Stewart and is accepting questions via text to be answered during the interview.

Why does Don believe that we are living in the last days? He says so many things have come together as predicted in scripture that are happening in front of our eyes right now.

7 Signs:

1. Israel is a nation
2. Israel will build a 3rd temple
3. Israel will be attacked by 7 nations coalition in Ezekiel 38 and 39
4. Who is absent from the attack from Israel, no boarding states are in the scenario
5. There is no super power in the world today
6. No world leader today
7. The rise of modern technology

Commentators of the last 2000 years have been predicting the things that are happening today.

We have just started a war against this ISIS group, they are talking about how all of these groups are Islamic. All these groups believe Islam will take over the world one day.

Greg is not saying that all Muslims embrace this. Many around the world do believe this to be true.

Greg says there is a big vacuum with God being taken from us, and these groups are trying to slide in and fill this void.

Greg is talking about how there is all kinds of events talked about in the end times.

The Rapture of the church, first the dead are brought to life, second the ones who are alive will be caught up in the air.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Some people believe we will have a body, some think we will just be spirits. We don’t know that for sure.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (NKJV) 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 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.”[a]

55 “O Death, where is your sting?[b]

O Hades, where is your victory?”[c]

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.

The Anti-Christ will be an unsuspecting person, as scripture says, through peace he will deceive many.

Daniel 11:12 (NKJV) 12 When he has taken away the multitude, his heart will be lifted up; and he will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not prevail.

Matthew 24:21 (NKJV) 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

What is the attack of Magog? First Gog is the leader, Magog is an area. Persia is an ally of Magog. 

Pastor Chuck Smith told them a story of how he told Israeli generals that they need to worry about Iran, and those general laughed at him back in the 70s or 80s. That is not the case today.

Israel will be attacked from all directions.

What is the Rapture? 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NKJV) 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

7 Theories are out there about the rapture. Don Stewart is completely convinced that the rapture is going to be pre-tribulation.

They said that anyones belief in these theories are non-essential points. Meaning many have different beliefs and this argument should not split the church.  These are all theories, only God knows the answers for sure.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NKJV) 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NKJV) 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 7:14 (NKJV) 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

1 Corinthians 15:51 NKJV—Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed

Many people want to be saved at the 11th hour but loose their live at the 10th hour, don’t be that person.

They are talking about how the Kings of the East will have an army of 200,000,000 which is not even the amount of people that were on the earth when the prophecy was written.

America is not in Bible prophecy. We do not know exactly why.

There is two comings of the Lord, at the rapture and when He comes to set up his kingdom.

Matthew 25 says Jesus will come back and judge.

Sin doesn’t make since, it is illogical and irrational.

Revelation 20:5 (NKJV) 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV) 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

Sin has to be paid for, either we let Jesus pay for our sin, or we must pay for our sin.

Satan always is waiting in the wings looking to produce the Anti-Christ

How does a person prepare themselves for the rapture? 1 John 5:13 (NKJV) 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Jesus died in our place for our sins. Be ready for the rapture and accept that fact.

Intro to the Book of Acts and 5 Pieces of Advice for the Men's Study

Notes: 5 Pieces of Advice for the Men's Study
Valor Study
September 23, 2014
First Night of study
Pastor Mike Jonker

Our format should be, come in after a long day, get coffee, talk to friends. Come in at 7 we will worship for 20 to 25 minutes, then break into the same group each week.

Group leaders are all solid men following Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
[7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

5 Pieces of Advice

1. Don't be afraid of the structure.

It's a 6 day study.

2. Don't be afraid of the time commitment.

Give the Lord at least 15 minutes a day.

It is an eight month study.

The structure was part of what kept Mike committed to the study, when he first started going to the men's study he wasn't sure if he could commit.

Mike thought of himself as a free spirit Christian, but the study got him involved in the church.

We all have responsibilities but if God lays this on your heart, you will find yourself wanting to show up.

3. Don't be afraid of the men in your group.

Let down your guard and share with each other. As you get into Gods word, it will speak to your hearts and then God will have you apply it daily.

It doesn't matter if you are a rookie, there is no need to know the bible well enough to participate

Iron sharpens iron.

4. Take the 15 minutes and commit to it every day.

If you commit to that 15 minutes to invest in Gods word, God will work in your life.

Don't let your recreation rob you of what God wants to pour into your heart.

5. Come ready to give.

You may have the nugget of information and encouragement that someone in your group needs.

Pastor Mike is giving a short intro on the book of Acts.

He says Acts is like the second Gospel of Luke.

Luke 1:1-4 NKJV
[1] Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, [2] just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, [3] it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, [4] that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were

Acts 1:1-3 NKJV
[1] The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, [3] to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Acts covers about 33 years of time.

He writes the book of Acts as a record. In the book of Acts we see the Holy Spirit working in the lives of Christians.

Acts 1:8 NKJV
[8] But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Mike says Acts is like an unfinished book, that we are suppose to be continuing to write today.

Acts is a book talking about power, the power the Holy Spirit working in Christian lives.

For us as believers, there is definitely a distinction of when the Holy Spirit is working on our lives.

Luke 24: 46-43
46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

God wants us to experience how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives, as husbands, fathers, brothers and followers in Jesus.

We can't be the fathers, husbands or anything that God has called us to be apart from the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let's finish this commitment to God and the world around us.

What Jesus Taught About Anger, Hatred, and Lust

Notes: What Jesus Taught About Anger, Hatred, and Lust 
Harvest OC
September 14, 2014
Pastor Greg's Sunday morning
Matthew 5

Pastor Greg is talking about ISIS and Muslim terrorism. Says how we mainly learned about jihad on 9/11. Obama recently said we will destroy ISIS. What does Jesus say about all of this. Read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount to learn

Matthew 5:1-2 NKJV
[1] And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. [2] Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

Pastor Greg says it is harder to live by the Sermon on the Mount then the Ten Commandments. It deals with matters of the heart. You have to see that your heart is morally bankrupt before God.

Matthew 5:21-30 NKJV
[21] "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' [22] But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. [23] Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. [25] Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. [26] Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. [27] "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' [28] But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [29] If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. [30] And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Pastor Greg's says he told us it is hard.

Sin deceives me that the actual sin you did was alright.

Jesus deals now with three areas of sin that are very widespread in our culture: anger, hatred, and lust.

Anger is murder in the heart. Lust is adultery in the heart.

Matthew 5:22 NKJV
[22] But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

There is a time to be angry, and you can be. You are just not suppose to throw gasoline on the fire of anger.

Ephesians 4:26 NKJV
[26] "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

1 John 3:15 NKJV
[15] Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

1 John 2:9 NKJV
[9] He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.

The word hate, means to habitually despise.

Many times anger is rooted in envy. Hatred towards other peoples good fortune. They have done and got you what you wanted.

"Envy shoots at another and wounds itself." –Thomas Fuller

The only person hurt by your envy is you.

Matthew 5:22 NKJV
[22] But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

Rocka - has no midterm day equivalent.

Matthew 5:28 NKJV
[28] But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

"Looking" at others with lust is the continual act of staring in this verse. What David did staring at Bathsheba is a good example of "looking" with lust.

Bathsheba played a part in this by bathing in public like she did. So women or girls should not dress in a fashion to want me to lust after them.

David looked and then he took dramatic action.

You are to guide your mind!

Do not put yourself in that position, look away.

Job 31:1 NKJV
[1] "I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?

2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV
[5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

How do we fix it:
Matthew 5:29 NKJV
[29] If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Jesus is not being literal, His point is to make sure you give up what ever is necessary to keep from falling further into that sin.

If it is porn on the internet, then don't have a computer in your house. If it is alcohol, then don't go to sports bars.

Take action to guard yourself.

Hebrews 12:1 NKJV
[1] Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Matthew 5:38-45 NKJV
[38] "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' [39] But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. [40] If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. [41] And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. [42] Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. [43] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Those are all very hard commandments, these are very high standards.

Leo Tolstoy wrote that he didn't believe Christians should be in the military. Tolstoy was wrong.

The Sermon on the Mount was not given to govern a society.

Matthew 5:38 NKJV
[38] "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'

Deuteronomy 19:20 NKJV
[20] And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you.

Criminals don't love good and hate evil, no body loves good and hates evil, that is a matter of the heart.

Romans 13:1-3 NKJV
[1] Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

Obey the law, you don't have to agree with it. If the law try's to stop Gods word, then there is a problem.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV
[3] You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. [4] No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

God has established human government to administer justice.

God would never choose a dishonorable profession as an illustration for His people.

Luke 22:36-38 NKJV
[36] Then He said to them, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. [37] For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: 'And He was numbered with the transgressors.' For the things concerning Me have an end." [38] So they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough."

A Christian can defend himself.

The Sermon on the Mount are rules for evangelizing. You need to go the extra mile, and tell others about Jesus.

A slap in the face was an insult back in those days. Like someone flipping you off when your are driving. So turning the other cheek would be to not retaliate with an insult.

We have all been cheated or wronged, we should not be a doormat.

Matthew 5:44 NKJV
[44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

"The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend." –Abraham Lincoln

When you believe in and follow Jesus, you will have enemies!

Hatred will bring your prayer life to a halt. Hatred is unconfessed sin.

Greg talked about Corrie ten Boom
Author - Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II and was imprisoned for it. She wrote the book "The Hiding Place."

Corrie, could not forgive the Nazi, but when she did pray for that, she did forgive them.

When you forgive someone, you set a prisoner free. You set yourself free!

Jesus himself forgave. Jesus called Judas friend even as he came to get Him arrested.

We need forgiveness and need to extend that forgiveness to others.

Essentials: The Church is Not About Me, it's about We

Notes: Essentials: The Church is Not About Me, it's about We
Pastor Adam Eaton
Harvest OC
September 11, 2014
Acts 2

Men: Valor starts at the end of the month. Sign up
Women: Virtue starts at the end of the month. Sign Up 

Today is 9/11 - Pastor Greg is talking about what today means to us. He thinks we as Christians need to fight fire with fire. He says to evangelize to the Muslims in our community. We are in a free country and can speak to them about it.

Next Thursday Don Stewart will be here with Pastor Greg speaking about Bible prophecy.

Pastor Adam is talking about taking the Jr. High group river rafting. How they had to jump in the river and float. Ethan jumped in and decided to float past where they were suppose to. Adam freaked out and thought the worst case scenario was going to happen. Pastor Adam said he was completely worried and freaked out.

Pastor Adam is now talking about, what if everyone felt that way about the church. That we need to get everyone out of the river before they forget killed in the rapids.

Three reasons why the church exist.

1. To Exalt God
Ephesians 1:12 NKJV
[12] that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

At all times we are worshiping God. Worship is not just singing songs to God. 

It is what is most important to you.

It's not if you worship, it's who or what are you worshipping.

We praise God for pulling us out if the deadly river.

2. To edify the saints
Colossians 1:28-29 NKJV
[28] Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. [29] To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

We are to be mature in the word.

We are to build and help one another.

3. Evangelize the wold
Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV
[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

This is our job! 

This is what we are here for.

This is the Great Commission

Matthew 24:13 NKJV
[13] But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:14 NKJV
[14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

It's saying when the great commission has been fulfilled, then Jesus will come back.

What does the church look like;

Acts 2:42-47 NKJV
[42] And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. [43] Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. [44] Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, [45] and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. [46] So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

The early church had the attitude that we must get back too. It's not about me, it's about we.

We as Americans don't like when people tell us what to do. 

Children don't have to be taught the word "mine"

We have brought this individualism into the church. We have made it about me, and not about us.

We absolutely need a personal relationship with Christ.

There is major power in the church when it is all about we. 

We need Bible teaching, we need each other. He Holy Spirit guides us alone, but others can help teach us the true meaning.

Me thinking, let's people think that personal sin, is not affecting others. That hurts others, not just you.

1 Corinthians 5:6 NKJV
[6] Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

Us together moving forward, how do we get there.

1. Commitment to the local church.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV
[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.

Motivate one another!

Like a little brother can irritate you into doing something.

Don't stop going to church.

Be a part of what God is doing all the time. Not just when it is convenient.

2. We need Gospel-centered community.

We need to understand that we are all in this together.

We need small group community. Access and a voice in our lives.

3. Loyalty to the local church
Acts 2:42 NKJV
[42] And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The early church was seeing it through till the end. They were willing to do these things.

They didn't ditch or leave because of small things.

Too many people church hop....always looking for the right church for "me"

Be loyal to the church and the people in the church.

The people sitting next to you are the ones that will be there when the bottom drops out on you.

Pastor Adam said about 5 years ago, his ex-wife divorced him. It was the church that was there for him. 

9/11 was a horrible day for everyone, it was also a day the church shined for all the people.

Christian community is an amazing thing. Not just your church, but the global church. We have Christ in common.

This Christian community is hard work. We are with people that at best, annoy us a little. We have to get past that.

We can complain about everything, music, sound, smell, each other, looks, it's all an excuse to complain.

Here is what matters; Christ has saved us and we are called to go and help save others.

We are here to help pull each other out of that river that leads to death and destruction.

Even when people treat that river like a lazy river, and they are floating right down it. They need to be saved too!

Will you help try to save them all?

Ordinary Men And A Great God

Notes: Ordinary Men And A Great God
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 — 7:00 p.m.
2 Samuel 23:8-17

Guest Speaker: Pastor Tom Hughes

Watched Message online at Harvest

Pastor Tom says we are going to be looking at ordinary men that work mightily for the Lord.

Pastor Tom was showing a really old Porsche and a new Porsche and was saying a long time and a really lot of hard work was put in to make the new Porsche what it is today.

He said God takes ordinary men or wrecks or men and do marvelous things in our lives. We have to be willing to surrender to Him first.

We are going to look at three of them in this study. These men are known as “the three”, this passage is encouraging and enlightening.

2 Samuel 23:8-17 (NKJV)

8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth[a] the Tachmonite, chief among the captains.[b] He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time. 9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo,[c] the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. 10 He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder. 11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. 12 But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory. 13 Then three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time and came to David at the cave of Adullam. And the troop of Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 16 So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. 17 And he said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men.

David was nothing without his mighty men and they were nothing without him.

If you studied the life of David then you would recall, that his men came to him even 5 years before he was king. That was for over 40 years that they came for him. They came to him when he was powerful and when he was hiding.

When they were disappointed, disillusioned, depressed for all these things.

Psalm 34

I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;

The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

And let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me,

And delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked to Him and were radiant,

And their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,

And saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 34 was written when he was in the caves of Adullam.

These men were loyal to David and he was loyal to his men.

We can be discouraged and beaten down, but if we haven’t let God come up to bat then how can we know if we have lost. 

God will be victorious, you just have to put Him in the game.

God takes ordinary things and does extraordinary work with them. It takes time, hard work and you have to be in the right hands.

Men can fight against all odds 

(2 Samuel 23:8-17 (NKJV)

8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth[a] the Tachmonite, chief among the captains.[b] He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time.)

Is it possible for one man to kill 800 men? One of David’s men did.

It also says Jashobeam killed 300 Philistines at one time (11 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam the son of a Hachmonite, chief of the captains; he had lifted up his spear against three hundred, killed by him at one time.)

How could they defeat such enormous numbers of men at one time? We don’t know exactly, the Bible doesn’t tell us. Pastor Tom says concludes that it is by the strength of the Lord.

In American history it is documented that small groups of 4 to 5 men have killed 50 to 300 men.

2 Kings 19: 35 Then it happened that night that the angel of the LORD went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead.

One Angel killed 185,000 men, we don’t know how. God did it for them.

If you have a problem, you get on your knees and pray to God. You have to lay out your request to God. You give God your ordinary life and He can do extraordinary things.

These men submitted to God and great things were done. It is true for them and it is true for us.

John 5: 6-9 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

The answer is simple to problems, give Jesus a chance to get involved in your situations. The hard part is submitting to Jesus so that He can take over.

Victory against overwhelming odds. 

Making a difference 

(2 Samuel 23: 9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo,[c] the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. 10 He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.

1 Chronicles 27:4 (NKJV) 4 Over the division of the second month was Dodai[a] an Ahohite, and of his division Mikloth also was the leader; in his division were twenty-four thousand.) 

Eleazar means “God has helped”. The people had retreated but Eleazar stayed and fought with David. When they had one, the other men came back to plunder.

Victory in the face of utter exhaustion.

1 Chronicles 11 (NKJV)

12 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. 13 He was with David at Pasdammim. Now there the Philistines were gathered for battle, and there was a piece of ground full of barley. So the people fled from the Philistines. 14 But they stationed themselves in the middle of that field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

The Lord gave them a victory, retreat is not an option for God’s people.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Eleazar had no armor for his back, so it was more dangerous to retreat and turn around. 

Like us Christians, we can not turn and go back. What would we go back to? 

Remember where you were before you came to Christ, so why would you go back to it?

If you are discouraged or beaten down, do not go back!

Standing Alone

(2 Samuel 23:11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. 12 But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.)

Shammah was all alone fighting, the Lord brought victory to him.

Sometimes you choose your battles. Sometimes your battles choose you.

David chose Shammah as one of his 3 mighty men.

Pastor Tom believes that Shammah knew if he retreated then he would just have to fight the Philistines later anyhow.

Sooner or later you’ve got to join the battle. Why not here? Why not now?

Are you in the battle? Are you pressing forward for the kingdom of Christ?

Pastor Tom is talking about all the effort we put into getting “stuff”. All that stuff ends up going to others or to the trash. Why build up treasure here?

Focus on the spiritual battle and build up your treasures in Heaven.

Pastor Tom is talking about how there is all kinds of sin. We are sinners in a world of sinners and we all die. We all can only be saved by God’s grace.

When we get saved, we can not turn our backs on others. We all need to be saved and we need to help with the kingdom of God. We are to be light in a dark world.

God sends us to dark places, that is a good thing. God is using us to share the Light! Get out of your box and be a light!

Always go forward, the enemy of our souls is not nice but we can not retreat.

Courage: He took his stand in the middle of the field.

Faithfulness: He defended it

Are you involved in the spiritual fight?

Nothing a pastor needs more than a church that says lets go forward, we are in the fight together.

 

A Genuine Sacrifice

(2 Samuel 23:13 Then three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time and came to David at the cave of Adullam. And the troop of Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 16 So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. 17 And he said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men.)

These three men risked their lives for David, then David poured the water out as a sacrifice to the Lord.

All things go back to sacrifices for the Lord. We should all think back to the sacrifice that Jesus did for us.