Is Christ at Home in Your Heart?

Notes: Is Christ at Home in Your Heart?

Ephesians 3

Pastor Greg Laurie

Harvest Worship Band

SERIES: Live, Love, Fight

Thursday, March 5, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

America needs Israel more than Israel needs America, because God said he would bless who blesses Israel and curse whoever curses Israel.

We have all heard that we just need to receive Jesus Christ into our heart.

Colossians 1:27 NKJV

[27] To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Revelation 3:20 NKJV

[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Enjoying a meal in those times was a lot different than these days. Back then it meant you would be spending a lot of time with someone.

When you are a friend with someone, you will get a meal together. God wants to share a meal with you.

Do you think Jesus is comfortable hanging out with you? Or is it more formal?

This book is about the wealth (1-3) the walk (3-6:9) and warfare (6:10 -23) of the believer.

Ephesians 3:1-7 NKJV

[1] For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles- [2] if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, [3] how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, [4] by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), [5] which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: [6] that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, [7] of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

"For this reason" shows the repetition in the Bible. We often remember what we ought to forget and forget what we should remember.

2 Peter 3:1 NKJV

[1] Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),

1. The person that puts their faith in Christ is altogether new.

2. All believers Jews and Gentiles are of one body.

3. We who were far away from God have been brought near because of the Cross.

4. We are all part and equal in the eyes of Heaven.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

[28] And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Some words for those who would like to be spiritual leaders.

2 Corinthians 2:1-2 NKJV

[1] But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. [2] For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?

As a leader that suffers, you will be called to help those that suffer in the same hardships. Don't have a pity party but leverage it to help Gods people.

A leader will be held accountable for what they do and what they say.

James 3:1 NKJV

[1] My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

It is a great privilege to lead and a great responsibility.

God will work on all types to be a leader, often those who don't want it are the ones called.

Moses had a speech impediment, David was a cheater and murderer, Paul denied Christ, and Lazarus was dead! What's your excuse not to be used by God?

Ephesians 3:10 NKJV

[10] to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

1 Peter 1:12 NKJV

[12] To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-things which angels desire to look into.

Ephesians 3:14-21 NKJV

[14] For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [15] from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, [16] that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, [17] that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- [19] to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. [20] Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, [21] to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

This is the second of two prayers in Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:18-19 NKJV

[18] the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, [19] and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

First prayer is to check where you are spiritually. Second is a prayer for empowerment.

See what God has done for you and go use it for God's glory.

Ephesians 1:4-5 NKJV

[4] just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, [5] having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Ephesians 1:3 NKJV

[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV

[1] And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, [2] in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, [3] among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

You only need to be born again once.

John 10:28-30 NKJV

[28] And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. [30] I and My Father are one."

Paul is not just praying that God will come dwell in your heart, but that God will be at home and comfortable in your heart.

God does not just want to be near your heart, He wants the title deed.

Side homework read Genesis 18 and 19.

1. Abraham walked with God and Lot walked with Abraham.

Are you an influencer or are you easily influenced about God?

Where would you like to be when Christ returns...In church or at the bar with the boys?

2. They were in different positions when God came to them.

3. Reacted differently when the Lord came to meet them.

Lot shows us that you can be a believer living in a compromised situation.

We can be a Christian and saved but living a life that Jesus Christ would not be comfortable being in.

Are you doing something that would make Christ uncomfortable to be around you?

Jesus Christ wants to come fix your heart up for you, it may be a hard hat area, but he will build something much better.

Stop trying to follow Gods will and just follow Him!!!!

Notes: Stop trying to follow Gods will and just follow Him!!!!

Valor Week 17

Acts 18

March 3, 2014

Pastor John Collins

A brainteaser:

4

9x6

36

3+6

9

-5

4

D

Denmark

Elephant

We were all doing a brainteaser that most people end up with the results Denmark and Elephant.

With using this trick we almost all came up with the same country and animal. The person asking the questions leads us to the same answer.

Many people can start out in different places and end up in the same place or even start to follow Jesus Christ.

Acts 18 shows how God works through different people at all times and can lead us all to the same results.

Acts 18:1 NKJV

[1] After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.

Paul had found a city in Athens that was following idols. There was indifference towards him.

Paul's pattern seems to be going into a city, preaching, finding many followers, facing opposition and then getting chased out of town.

Corinth was an immoral city, like a Las Vegas on steroids.

Romans 1:24-32 NKJV

[24] Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, [25] who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. [26] For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. [27] Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; [29] being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, [30] backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; [32] who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Who could blame Paul for being a little down while he was in Corinth.

Paul was still committed to the message God had given him.

Acts 18:9-10 NKJV

[9] Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; [10] for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city."

Jesus Christ knew Paul was tired, but He gave him encouragement.

So Paul stayed on.

Acts 18:11 NKJV

[11] And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Acts 18:2-4 NKJV

[2] And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. [3] So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. [4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

God was moving all of these different people around like pawns on a chess board, bringing them together and working together.

Spiritual gifts deployed in the service of the church. These people were there just in time for Paul.

Acts 18:5-6 NKJV

[5] When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. [6] But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

God moved Silas and Timothy into the picture.

Philippians 4:14-15 NKJV

[14] Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. [15] Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

Paul found success and opposition in Corinth. He decided to focus on the Gentiles.

God moves people and puts it on their hearts to work together to help build his church.

Acts 18:6-7 NKJV

[6] But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." [7] And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.

God moved Justus into the picture. Right next to the synagogue.

Acts 18:8 NKJV

[8] Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

Crispus is now helping Paul.

All these pieces are lining up, and as a result many believe and are becoming baptized.

God can move on believers and non believers for His glory.

Acts 18:12-17 NKJV

[12] When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, [13] saying, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law." [14] And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. [15] But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters." [16] And he drove them from the judgment seat. [17] Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.

This is all part of Gods protection for Paul.

"The bravest sight to see is to see a strong man overcome adversity with his fellow man."

All of these things were done to fulfill Gods promise to Paul.

Acts 18:9-10 NKJV

[9] Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; [10] for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city."

Proverbs 21:1 NKJV

[1] The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

God has control over all situations.

Aquila and Priscilla were placed just where they needed to be.

Acts 18:24-28 NKJV

[24] Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25] This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. [26] So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. [27] And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; [28] for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Paul was moved on and then Apollos was placed there. Taken in and trained, in order that he might fulfill his evangelistic gift.

Stop trying to follow Gods will and just follow Him!!!!

Give yourself to the Lord and He will direct your steps.

One day you will look around and see that all things come together.

Tear Down This Wall!

Notes: Tear Down This Wall!

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: Live, Love, Fight

Ephesians 2

Thursday, February 26, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

Greg was just in Texas during what was called Snowmaggedon

The world around us is in chaos. It can almost make you feel as if there is no hope.

Nothing that we have made can fix this world in our hour of need.

Ephesians 2:12 NKJV

[12] that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Ephesians 2:11-22 NKJV

[11] Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh-who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands- [12] that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. [14] For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, [15] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, [16] and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. [17] And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. [18] For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. [19] Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [20] having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, [21] in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, [22] in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

In America we put up walls to keep people out. In communist countries they put up walls to keep people in.

The wall of sin kept us from God.

The devil doesn't want us to know

that we are not still living under the Old Testament law.

Do not be in a "works equals righteousness" place with God. It is not what we do it is what he has done.

His love is not dependent of our progress, but of God's perfection.

The devil wants us to think that we cannot approach God because we have sinned. But the perfect time to reach out to God is when you have sinned!

Ephesus was a city of idols where they worshipped a god named Diana.

Greg played us a video about the city of Ephesus.

The city of Ephesus was similar to our country today, living in moral relativism.

Ephesians 2:12-13 NKJV

[12] that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Because His blood was shed, you can come into a relationship with God.

Ephesians 2:16 NKJV

[16] and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Homes need to be reconciled, that has been happening since the Garden of Eden.

God had judged the earth before with the great flood. Soon after, people were building the Tower of Babel. So he had to judge them there.

The Jews were always God's people but after Jesus Christ everyone became God's people.

Jews looked at Gentiles back then like Gentiles were dogs. God then said they need to look at all as equals.

Greg is telling us about the vision of Peter in Acts about how he was commanded to kill and eat what he would have called unclean. The vision demonstrated that all people are equal.

Galatians 3:28-29 NKJV

[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Greg said he is not a fan of "boutique" churches...that we should not try to reach "certain" people, but ALL people.

Harvest church believes that we are about reconciliation. Reconciled first to God, then to one another.

We were far off, but were brought near through the blood of Christ.

1 John 3:20 NKJV

[20] For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

Hebrews 10:20-22 NKJV

[20] by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, [21] and having a High Priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

If you want to overcome Satan then you need to understand the blood of the Lamb. Satan doesn't want you to know that. He wants to use your own sins to keep you away from God.

When Satan accuses you, he uses your owns sins in a hateful way to destroy you.

Judas hung himself after he betrayed Christ.

Jesus would have forgiven even Judas if he repented.

Satan will always drive you away from the Cross and the Holy Spirit will always drive you to the Cross.

Greg is telling us a funny story about James MacDonald, trying to convey how God has let us into His life.

Greg admitted the story was a stretch.

Ephesians 2:13 NKJV

[13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

If you have unconfessed sin in your life, then it has brought your prayer life to a halt.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ.

What can make me whole? Nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ.

How to draw nearer to God? You come through the blood of Jesus Christ.

We can approach God through our relationship with Him, not because we earned it.

This is the A to Z of the Gospel. You start with the Gospel and you go back to the Gospel and end with the Gospel.

You aren't good enough to earn His forgiveness, but you are bad enough for God to forgive you and invite you in.