A Line in the Sand

Notes: A Line in the Sand

Matthew 6:33

Pastor Jeff Lasseigne

Sunday, July 19, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

We have all had the experience of being lost and frustrated.

So many believers are walking around in circles instead of living a fruitful life.

This message has been on Jeff’s mind for over a month now. It’s time for all of us to get serious about our faith.

Matt 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

8 Essentials:

1.     Priorities:

Seek first God and His righteousness.

We need to live our lives with eternal values and eternity on our mind.

God not being your first priority can be the source of many struggles.

Get your priorities straight; we need to follow Jesus, not just ask Jesus to follow us.

While God is a part of many lives, He is not the priority in many people’s lives.

Phil 3:13 ESV Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

2.     Boldness:

Rom 1:16 ESV For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Better to be hated for telling the truth, then to be loved for sharing a lie.

The great commission has become the great omission.

Nothing is politically right when it is morally wrong!

We have churches caving in to unbiblical chaos.

Isa 5:20 NKJV Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

For many, Hell is no longer hot, sin is no longer wrong and the Bible is no longer right.

In the 21^st century we must go forth, and share that the Bible and church is a lifeboat for sinners, not a cruise ship for Christians.

It appears that everybody is worried about offending each other and not worried about offending God.

We need the Gospel everyday as Christians. The truth that God loves you can sustain you. He died for us. The earth is not our home.

3.     Readiness:

Rom 13:11-Rom 13:12 NKJV And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

It appears very clearly that we are living in the last days.

Ask the Holy Spirit to examine yourself, is their a habitual sin in your life that is damaging your relationship with the Lord?

4.     Scripture

2Tim 3:16 NKJV All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

The Bible is to us spiritually, as food is to us physically. It is our daily bread, our food for our spirit.

The Bible is worth every minute you spend in it.

Every book, chapter, verse and word is God breathed and good for us.

Doctrine tells and shows us what is right, reproof tells us what is not right, correction shows us how to get right, instruction shows us how to stay right.

Hos 4:6 NKJV My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

When you feed your faith, your doubts will starve to death.

Main excuses and challenges of reading scripture daily; not enough time, don’t understand, reading makes me sleepy, get distracted, struggle to be consistent.

We make time for what is important; there are several easy to understand translations, read when you wake up. Every excuse has an answer.

We have truths put into the Bible against things and are explained why they are wrong, like abortion and same sex-marriage, yet people today are trying to claw them out of the Bible.

5.     Empowerment!

Eph 5:18 NKJV And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

A continuous filling of the Holy Spirit is what the Bible describes to us.

We need to pray for a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit.

We have to plug into the power of the Holy Spirit.

3 types of people in regards to the Holy Spirit:

1.     Those who do not have the Spirit, the Unsaved.

2.     Those who do have the Spirit, the Saved.

3.     Those that the Spirit has, Empowered Christ Like Believers.

Gal 3:3 NKJV Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

We are in desperate need of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit filled life is not a deluxe version of the Christian, it is part of a Christian’s life.

6.     Prayer

Phil 4:6 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

It seems impossible to not worry. Yet this is a command, so it requires the Holy Spirit for us to hold this commandment.

Worry can feel as if we are being strangled or choked, it can actually feel like these things are physically happening to us. So we must pray during these times.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrow, but empties today’s strength.

Paul’s prescription for worry is prayer.

Isa 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

7.     Assurance

Rom 8:39 NKJV nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate us, when you became a Christian, God wrote your name in the Book of Life and He didn’t use a pencil.

Assurance is not based on what you have done, but what God has done.

Eph 2:8-Eph 2:9 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Eph 1:7 NKJV In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Our salvation is based on His Blood and Grace.

Eph 1:13 NKJV In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

As a believer we have the Holy Spirit.

Rom 8:9 NKJV But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

The Holy Spirit is a guarantee to you that you will receive your inheritance in Heaven.

8.     Perspective

Phil 3:20 NKJV For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Eternal perspective. We are to set our hearts and minds on things above.

We are not going to disengage from this world, but we should understand with the right eternal perspective.

This world is passing away and we need to live with that perspective.

We are to be salt and light, and you can’t be that if you disengage.

This life is a drop in the ocean of eternity. Eternity if forever, more than a trillion years!

We chose Christ now and live in Him now to prepare us for eternity.

Eccl 3:11 NKJV He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

God has put eternity in our hearts, we all know there is more, no matter how bad someone wants to deny it.

Be serious about your faith; seek God first above everything else. Be bold in your faith; ready for Christ return. Grounded in His Word. Empowered by His Spirit, always praying, with full assurance and a Heavenly perspective.

No more excuses. We live in a day where there is clear line in the sand. Lets be on the right side of it.

John 3:16 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 is how you get on the right side of that line!

Do What You Can, While You Can

Notes: Do What You Can, While You Can

Matthew 26

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 — 8:00 a.m.

How many of you have ever wasted your time? Maybe you are wasting time on your phone.

70% of the world has smart phones; 5.3 Billion people have a smart phone.

Maybe you waste time with your TV.

Worse than wasting your time is wasting your life.

The woman in Matthew 26 was accused of waste, yet she was doing the exact opposite. Good in this world may be seen completely differently in Heaven.

What do you want more in life, the approval of God or the applause of men?

Proverbs 29:25 NKJV The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Matthew 26: 6-13

6And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”

10But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

As Jesus said, 2000 years later we are telling this woman’s story.

At this time it was Passover time, there would be all kinds of people around them in Jerusalem now. People who love Jesus and hate Him. A resurrected Lazarus, would have been there also.

Every time we read of Mary she is at the feet of Jesus.

If we sit at His feet maybe we would be bringing more people to Him.

It is revealed to Mary that Jesus is going to die. She decided right then and there that she wants to do something for Jesus.

Matthew 26:13Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

The great thing Mary did, was she did what she could, while she could.

What is the most precious thing to you in this world? Family, appearance, career? Have you presented it to Jesus?

The value of a gift is not how much it cost, but how much it cost you.

In today’s economy, the gift Mary gave Jesus would have cost between $25k to $30k.

Most people look at how little can we give and still be a Christian. Mary gave her most valuable possession.

Tithing is not the standard it is the entry level.

Tithing is a form of worship.

Acts 4:13 NKJV 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.

We should live with a sense that nothing is too good for Jesus.

When is the last time you did something bold for the kingdom of God?

Jesus never said He was going to establish an earthly kingdom.

Mary decided to bring her flowers now. Is there someone that you should be bringing your flowers to right now?

Church should be like filling up gas for your car, filling up with the Spirit and heading out to the world.

The Lord’s work should be a joy, not a burden.

Luke 17:10 NKJV So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”

What Mary did was not waste.

Matthew 26: 8But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?

Judas said this because he was a thief, not because he cared about anyone else.

Judas means, “the son of waste”, Judas threw it all away for some coins.

We are not to judge MOTIVES but to judge actions of one another.

Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

Judas, on the surface, looked very spiritual and Mary looks wasteful. The opposite is the truth, though.

Nothing is ever wasted when it is done with the right motive for the glory of God.

What may looks like waste to some, like our Christian lives, can be compared at the end and see which life was wasted.

What we do in this life is past on to our future generations. It would be nice to look back on life and having the only regret of not having done more.

 The choices we make in this life will impact us and generations to come.

1 Corinthians 3:11 NKJV For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

You should care what crowns you are getting in Heaven. Getting to Heaven should not be your only goal.

We need to do what we can while we can.

A person’s actions form an infallible index to his character.

We all need to give what we can. God gave His only Son for us.

Are you sure Jesus Christ is living in you? It will give you purpose and inner peace and so many other fruits.

Things to Do Before the End of the World

Notes:Things to Do before the End of the World

Luke 12

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Sunday, July 5, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

Christians should be shining lights in a dark place, and should be anxiously awaiting the return of Jesus Christ. In today's message, Pastor Greg Laurie teaches about the coming return of Christ and the Christian's responsibility to always be prepared for His return.

What If Jesus Christ was coming back at 3pm tomorrow? Not that we will ever know.

We should live everyday as though He was coming back today.

There are 260 chapters in the New Testament and 318 verses referencing Jesus' return.

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.

The Lord is waiting for that last believer to come.

2 Peter 3:10-11,14 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, [14] Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

What kind of people should we be? We are to live holy and Godly lives and make every effort to live spotless and blameless life for Him.

Luke 12:35-48 NLT

[35] "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, [36] as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. [37] The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! [38] He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. [39] "Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. [40] You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." [41] Peter asked, "Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?" [42] And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. [43] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. [44] I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. [45] But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? [46] The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful. [47] "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. [48] But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

Jesus is using a first century wedding as the back drop for this illustration.

What things we should be doing as we are waiting.

1. We should be shining lights in a dark place.

We should be ready to go.

Let us be known more for what we are for than what we are against.

Luke 12:38 NLT

[38] He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

Jesus may come later than expected but he will come.

Don't give up praying, God has timing and His timing is perfect.

John 11:5-6 NLT

[5] So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, [6] he stayed where he was for the next two days.

John 11:21-23 NLT

[21] Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask." [23] Jesus told her, "Your brother will rise again."

Ephesians 3:20 NLT

[20] Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

When your only hope is God...that is not a bad place to be!

2. We are to be watching for Him.

Looking for the signs of the times.

3. We are to be ready to go.

To be ready for His return, is to be engaged in activities that you wouldn't be ashamed of if Jesus were to show up.

4. We should be anxiously waiting His return.

Kind of like a loved one coming to visit after a long time.

5. We are to be working.

Luke 12:43 NLT

[43] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.

If watching is the evidence of faith, then working is the action of faith.

It is a very blessed thing to be blessed as you are anticipating the return of Christ.

Luke 12:45-46 NLT

[45] But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? [46] The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.

This is a description of someone that is not ready for God's return.

The church is the easiest place to get a hardened heart. The message that can transform one heart can harden another.

Parents should continue to bring children to church.

Hebrews 3:12-13 NLT

[12] Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. [13] You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

It's a warning that you should come with an open heart.

There are people who claim to be Christians and do all kinds of crazy things.

Alcohol can bring additional devastation to your life.

Jesus specifically told us to remember Him at the Communion table.

We remember His suffering, His sacrifice and His love for us.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 NLT

[27] So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. [28] That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. [29] For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself.

Communion is for Christians only.

Have you made your peace with God?