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.

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?

Armed and Dangerous with the Holy Spirit

Notes: Valor - Armed and Dangerous
October 28, 2014
Harvest OC - Valor Mens Study
John Collins
Acts 4

John is talking about going out with a buddy buying a real fast boat and then taking that boat out on the water, it was called Armed and Dangerous.

He is talking about how the first century Christians were like that boat. They were explosive with faith. We get to witness the original Jesus Christ Movement in Acts.

Acts 4:1-4 NKJV
[1] Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, [2] being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. [4] However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

The church is exploding with believers.

1. The Danger of Sound Doctrine

The secret to church growth is preaching the whole accurate description of Jesus Christ.

Many people have a hard time with sound doctrine.

It was said all wrong behavior stems from all wrong belief in God.

These believers taught who Jesus Christ was and verified it with the Old Testament scriptures.

Isaiah 9:2-7 NKJV
[2] The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. [3] You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. [4] For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. [5] For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. [6] For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

People had a hard time believing this. Yet disciples stayed true to the message of the truth of the resurrection.

In 1998 there was a study that many Protestants did not believe in the Virgin Birth of married.

John says is there any doubt of why churches are failing..

Acts 4:5-7 NKJV
[5] And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, [6] as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. [7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?"

2. The Danger of Religion

These men were asking who's power were they acting under. They were implying that they didn't have authority. These men had been making themselves powerful under the Roman rulers. From a religious perspective they were acting in their duties, but it was in politics that they derived their power.

Karl Marx said that religion is the opiate of the masses.

Religion is not a walk with God. It as actions, you need a relationship with God.

Religion can blind you from the relationship that you are seeking.

It was said by someone, they wanted three dollars of God. They wanted ecstasy not transformation. He doesn't want a living breathing God he wants a plastic one that he can put in the corner.

Religion is a toy replica of the real Jesus Christ and that is what these leaders were like in the first century.

A living vibrant faith is not an exercise in religion, it is a relationship.

Acts 4:8-14 NKJV
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: [9] If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, [10] let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. [11] This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' [12] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." [13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. [14] And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.


3. The Danger of Truth

These leaders were not looking for truth, they were avoiding the consequences of the truth.

That would mean they would need to be converted. Jesus Christ was crucified by these men.

The more these men had tried to quench the story of Jesus Christ the more it spread.

They were in the midst of a political storm.

You can do many things but you can not divert from the truth.

John was talking about the mayor in Texas wanting to subpoena pastors to see if their messages spread hate towards homosexuals. He said men can do many things but we must protect the truth that God had written.

John 1:14 NKJV
[14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Acts 4:15-22 NKJV
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. [17] But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." [18] So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [22] For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

4. The Danger of Compromise

You can not compromise in the Word of Jesus Christ.

Men that did not compromise in their faith have had a great impact on the world.

He is speaking about Martin Luther how he would not recant anything that he had written because he would not follow anything that contradicted the scriptures of the Bible.

Peter always leaned on scripture for his authority. The devil can do miracles, so it is scripture we must turn to.

Acts 4:23-31 NKJV
[23] And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. [24] So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, [25] who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? [26] The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.' [27] "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together [28] to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. [29] Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, [30] by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." [31] And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

5. The Danger of Asking God to Fill You with the Holy Spirit

There is power in the Holy Spirit. Its what gives us the boldness and the authority to spread the word of Jesus Christ.

It was said, do not pray for easy lives, pray for the strength to face life.

We need to ask the Lord to fill us with the power to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.

The best defense against this corrupt world is to be bold in the Holy Spirit.

We are all called to do the work and to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What Jesus Taught about Prayer

Notes: What Jesus Taught about Prayer
Harvest
October 19, 2014
Pastor Greg
Sunday morning
Ephesians 6 / Matthew 6

Pastor Greg is telling a funny story or joke, about a pilot calling to the air controller in a panic. After all the checks the air controller decided to lead the pilot in the Lord's Prayer.

He says that the Lords Prayer is a template for how we should pray.

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV
[18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-

We should pray always. “All prayer.”

We can pray publicly, privately, on our knees, while driving, in bed, we can pray anywhere.

Many think the best place to pray is in the church, which is a great place to pray, but God doesn't live in the church He lives in you.

Daniel was a man of God and prayer, the king's other advisors did not like him. So they tried to take him down by attacking his prayer life.

Daniel 6:10 NKJV
[10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Do your enemies know that you pray? They may try to attack you but they know there is power in prayer.

Rule of thumb from the Bible, prayers in public should be short and prayers in private should be long.

Daniel gave thanks to God just as usual after the law was made that he could not pray.

Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. He is sovereign and we should acknowledge that.

1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV
[8] I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

Nehemiah 2:5 NKJV
[5] And I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it."

To pray at all times does not only mean to bow your head and pray; it means you are to simply be conscious of the fact that God is with you wherever you go.

1. We should pray because Jesus told us to!
(Luke 18:1 NKJV
[1] Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,)

Jesus on earth was fully God and fully man. The only time in history that God has done that. Even Jesus prayed to God His Father.

John 11:41-43 NKJV
[41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. [42] And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me." [43] Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"

When Jesus fed the 5000 is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels.

Matthew 19:13 NKJV
[13] Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.

2. We should pray because prayer is God’s appointed way for obtaining things.
(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.)

You may be facing difficulty right now because you have not prayed about it.

The Bible says you have not because you ask not.

Greg is not suggesting that God will always answer your prayer as you ask for it. He will however listen to your prayer. You can then sit and listen to Gods response.

John 14:3-4 NKJV
[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. [4] And where I go you know, and the way you know."


3. Prayer is the way by which God helps us to overcome our anxiety and worry.
(Philippians 4:6 NKJV
[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;)

It's been said if your knees are shaking then kneel on them.

What do we do for anxiety? Turn your worries into prayers. Offer it right to the Lord and move on.

4. Prayer is one of the ways in which we make ourselves ready for Christ’s return.
(Luke 21:34 NKJV
[34] "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.)

Mark 13:32-33 NKJV
[32] "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. [33] Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.

Greg says many say, "I did pray and God didn't answer my prayer!". Greg says that isn't true, He just didn't say yes to you

If you want God to speak to you, provide for you, help you not to worry, and be ready for His return, you must pray!

If the request is wrong, God says, “No.”
If the timing is wrong, God says, “Slow.”
If you are wrong, God says, “Grow.”

But if the request is right, the timing is right, and you are right, God says, “Go!”

Is there a secret to prayer? Yes and no

Matthew 6:5-13 NKJV
[5] "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. [6] But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. [7] And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. [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.

Jesus refers to the Pharisees as hypocrites, originally the base of the word hypocrite means an actor.

It is not hypocritical to sin as a Christian, we are all sinners. You should repent of your sin and turn from it after, we will sin again in the future because we human.

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, they didn't ask Him to teach them a prayer.

Don't teach your children a prayer, teach them how to pray.

Matthew 6:7 NKJV
[7] And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their man

The objective of prayer is not to change God; it’s to change you.

Align your will with God's will, not God's will with your will.

When you are in a boat and you throw a rope to the dock, you don't pull the dock to you, you pull yourself to the dock.

The value of prayer is that it keeps me in touch with God.

True praying is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.

The first three (hallowed, kingdom come, will be done) deal with God’s glory.

The second three (daily bread, forgive debts, lead not into temptation) deal with man’s needs.

The God of the Bible can not be contained. If you have a big God then you have small problems. Not that your problems are serious but it gives you the correct perspective. Our Father in Heaven loves us.

Jews kept God in great reverence, almost to a point of fear. Jesus taught us that God is like a Father to us. We should treat Him as that caring Father.

Greg is talking about his experience as a child, how his mom had 7 husbands. Greg was adopted by Oscar Laurie, that is where he got his last name. That is the only father that treated Greg as if he was Greg's father. Greg loved him.

Greg is now talking about all the different types of fathers, good and bad.

Greg says he doesn't know how your father in earth is, but he knows that your Father in Heaven loves you.

We are sinners and God still loves us, just like as if we are with a loving father on earth.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 NKJV
[2] Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.

Romans 8:15 NKJV
[15] For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

John 14:9 NKJV
[9] Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the 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."

Hallowed means, “set apart.”

Matthew 6:10 NKJV
[10] Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

1. This is a request for the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.

2.This is a personal request.

3. This is a request for the salvation of those that don’t 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.

Acts 7:59-60 NKJV
[59] And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Do you have a relationship with your Heavenly Father?

God Keeps His Promises

Notes: Essentials: God Keeps His Promises
October 9, 2014
Pastor Jason Powell
Harvest OC

We are going to be getting into a heavy subject tonight.

We have been looking at the topic of the last days, eschatology. The Biblical perspective of the last days.

Pastor Jason is talking about getting directions and an over view from his smartphone. How we have been looking at the last days like that in our Bible studies lately.

That tonight we are going to zoom in on some of those subjects topics.

Jason is saying how all we have have is what we can see like being in fog, and God is looking at it above the fog.

Snapshots in the Bible are prophecies. 

It's been said promises are like babies, they are easy to make and hard to deliver.

Skeptics say that all promises are meant to broken. 

God does not just make promises, when he says something is going to happen, then it will.

For the believer, God's promises are comforting. For the nonbelievers His promises are not a comfortable thought.

Many Bible scholars believe we are in the last days.

The signs that we are to be looking for concern Israel.

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 NKJV
[6] "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. [7] The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; [8] but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. [9] "Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

The Jews have had their highs and their lows all through history. They have turned their backs and God has punished them. Other times they have had great revivals. God has always loved the Jews in-spite of themselves.

Just like the Jews,  God loves us in spite of us.

God disciplines his children. Famine, wars and conquering nations have disciplined the Jews.

These things happen to us as His children as well. Gods discipline may be harsh, but it is not meant to tear you down, but to build you up.

Ezekiel was written during Babylonian captivity. Chapters 1 to 32 deal with the punishments. Chapters 33 and beyond are his promises.

1. God promises to reunite the land of Israel with the people of Israel.

Ezekiel 36:10-14 NKJV
[10] I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities shall be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. [11] I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bear young; I will make you inhabited as in former times, and do better for you than at your beginnings. Then you shall know that I am the LORD. [12] Yes, I will cause men to walk on you, My people Israel; they shall take possession of you, and you shall be their inheritance; no more shall you bereave them of children." [13] 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Because they say to you, 'You devour men and bereave your nation of children,' [14] therefore you shall devour men no more, nor bereave your nation anymore," says the Lord GOD.

God tells us, that the land of Israel will have inhabitants that will worship Him.

2. God promises His people the land

Ezekiel 36:23-24 NKJV
[23] And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD," says the Lord GOD, "when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. [24] For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.

Ezekiel 36:28 NKJV
[28] Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

God describes the land like dry bones.

Ezekiel 37:11-14 NKJV
[11] Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, 'Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!' [12] Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. [13] Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. [14] I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it," says the LORD.'"

God makes the promise, that though they may be gone, He will bring them back.

3. He will multiply and unify his people.

Ezekiel 37:21-22 NKJV
[21] "Then say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; [22] and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again.

Ezekiel in his day there were two kingdoms. We have never seen this promise in history. 

Today this promise has been fulfilled.

This is a promise that has been waiting to be fulfilled since 70 A.D.

This is 1900 years later that this prophecy has been fulfilled.

No people group on the planet have ever been brought back together like they were on May 14, 1948.

That is when the clock started ticking for the end time events. Pastor Jason said he would argue this point with anyone, because the Bible is so clear about this prophecy. He said there is no word play on this, God said it would happen and it has, 2500 years later.

Every Bible prophecy assumes that the Jews have their own land. So their return was a super-sign.

1. Recall the past.

Isaiah 46:9 NKJV
[9] Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,

God will not let you down. Keep seeking the Lord, He is faithful. 

God has been faithful to His people and He will be faithful to you.

Think back to a time when God has been faithful to you. Use those past praise reports, to comfort your heart for current prayer request.

2. Realize the future.

The next big event will be the rapture of the church.

Jesus and the rapture is a real event, 

John 14:1-4 NKJV
[1] "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. [4] And where I go you know, and the way you know."

John 14:18 NKJV
[18] I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

God has made a promise to us and He will keep.

God loves His kids and He disciplines us for our good.

If you are playing with sin, He will discipline you. It may be a painful punishment, but it is for our good.

God gives us what we do not deserve.

Ezekiel 38:18-23 NKJV
[18] "And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel," says the Lord GOD, "that My fury will show in My face. [19] For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: 'Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, [20] so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.' [21] I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains," says the Lord GOD. "Every man's sword will be against his brother. [22] And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. [23] Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD."'

God keeps His Word. When He says it, it is going to happen.

That means we can trust Him now and in the future.

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.

He has waited for me, and He has patience to wait for others. We should be thankful for that. 

Who in your life do you not want left behind? 

God is waiting for them too!

The Holy Spirit the Good News and the Church

Notes: The Holy Spirit the Good News and the Church
Pastor Mike Jonker
Week 3 - Valor
October 7, 2014

The continuing work of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit in the new church.

Mike is talking about in Endless Summer, they travel and get waves. But in Acts these people are traveling and gaining believers ins Jesus Christ.

Three epic events in Acts.
1. The out pour of the Holy Spirit.
2. The first Gospel message.
3. The birth of the church

Acts 2:1-6 NLT
[1] On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. [2] Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. [3] Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. [4] And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. [5] At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. [6] When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

The disciples bore witness for Christ till their deaths.

John 15:26 NLT
[26] "But I will send you the Advocate-the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.

John the Baptist spoke of the Holy Spirit and being baptized by it and with fire.

We read how the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers. Pastor Mike says he thinks the 120 people were in the upper room.

Back in that time it was Pentecost but they didn't celebrate that day back then. They were probably celebrating the feast of the Harvest.

There was the feast of First Fruits after Passover. It was a picture of thanksgiving for the harvest that was coming from Christ.

50 days later is the Feast of Harvest after the First Fruits. Spoken of in Leviticus 22.

Mike loves the thought of being baptized with fire. Fire is important for many things, like light.

Matthew 5:14-17 NLT
[14] "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. [17] "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.

Fire of the Holy Spirit, gives us heat. Which is there for comfort. Jesus Christ gives us warmth. He doesn't intend us to live this life without the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

Fire of the Holy Spirit gives us power. God wants us to have the horsepower he provides.

Ephesians 5:18 NLT
[18] Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

We need to have the Holy Spirit filling our sails and keeping us going.

There was only one Pentecost. That came with rushing wind and tongues of fire. This has not happened since, it was a very unique experience and we don't need another one. The Holy Spirit has already been given to us.

Acts 2:5-12 NLT
[5] At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. [6] When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. [7] They were completely amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee, [8] and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! [9] Here we are-Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, [10] Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome [11] (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!" [12] They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other.

In modern day, this covers people of Iran, Iraq, Asia, Europe, Turkey. The believers were speaking in languages that they didn't even know.

The people were speaking and getting to hear the wonderful works of God.

Our God tells us to take His Word and just Go With It!

Mike believes not only people should be Spirit filled but also every church needs to be Spirit filled. We shouldn't compare, critique and complain.

We should be talking about how God is working in our lives and the wonderful works of God.

News flash, if you are not speaking the wonderful works of God, the. You are not filled with the Holy Spirit. You need to be asking to be filled with the Spirit, not grumbling.

Psalm 103:1-22 NLT
[1] Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. [2] Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. [3] He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. [4] He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. [5] He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! [6] The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. [7] He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. [8] The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [9] He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. [10] He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. [11] For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. [12] He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [13] The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. [14] For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. [17] But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. [20] Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. [21] Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! [22] Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.

We all need to have a heart that is filled with the Spirit of God.

Tongues are not messages from God to man. It is praises of Gods work in man.

Acts 2:12-13 NLT
[12] They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other. [13] But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, "They're just drunk, that's all!"

It's amazing the miracles of God are explained by non-believers as being drunk.

There are so many powerful testimonies that have come from people. Originally so many testimonies are dismissed by others because they don't believe.

When we have the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will make such an impact.