Why You Need the Church and the Church Needs You!

Notes: Why You Need the Church and the Church Needs You!

Acts 2

Pastor Greg Laurie

MUSICAL GUEST: Dominic Balli

SERIES: What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know

Thursday, October 1, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

If you are not growing as a Christian then you are going backwards. You are getting stronger or you are getting weaker.

There was a weight trainer that gained 70 lbs so that he could better relate with his clients. He found it exhilarating at first, but then he started to feel the effects. Greg said that is like a back slider.

Proverbs 14:14 NKJV

[14] The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.

Joshua 1:8 NKJV

[8] This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

A Bible that is falling apart is a good indicator of the owners life that isn't falling apart.

We must have a prayer life. To pray about everything and anything.

1 Kings 18:15 NKJV

[15] Then Elijah said, "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today."

If you can kneel before God, then you can stand before any man.

You need to be a part of the church and serving.

You need the church and the church needs you.

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.

1 John 3:14 NKJV

[14] We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

1 John 2:19 NKJV

[19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

The closer you are to God, the closer you want to be to His people.

Are you more comfortable being around believers or nonbelievers?

Church is not a movie theater. Church is a family. The church is not all about you.

It is a state of spiritual maturity when you don't want to be the person that is served, but the person that serves.

Why does the church exist?

The glorification of God, the edification of the saints, and to evangelize the world.

Where do you find the things you need in your life? What better place to find the things you need than in the church!

The church is the place you get what you need.

People with faith heal faster, have lower blood pressure, and are less depressed.

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.

This church was W.E.L.L.

Worshiping, evangelistic, learning and loving.

1. W - They were a worshipping church.

Worship is not a warm up act, it is prayer set to song,

Psalm 106:1 NKJV

[1] Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Revelation 15:2-3 NKJV

[2] And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. [3] They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!

God doesn't care what your pitch is or your key, He looks at your heart when you sing worship.

Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

[15] Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Job worshipped when he lost everything.

Worship can be a witness:

Acts 2:47 NKJV

[47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Paul and Silas worshipped while they were imprisoned and the others listened to them.

You are a witness to others in church that are visiting just as much as the pastor.

Worship is a wonderful way to get things into perspective.

Praising the greatness of God is a great way to get things into perspective.

Psalm 73:16-18 NKJV

[16] When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me- [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. [18] Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.

2. E - They were an evangelistic church.

A growing church is a healthy church.

3. L - They were a Learning church.

We need to study the word of God at the church and together.

We need to be in the church.

The Bible needs to be a part of your life.

Acts 2:42 NKJV

[42] And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

"Continued Steadfastly" we need appointed speakers, but we also need appointed listeners.

You listen differently when your life depends on it. Your life does depend on listening to the word of God.

4. L - They were a Loving church.

Malachi 3:16 NKJV

[16] Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name.

God likes to eavesdrop on our prayers.

Church is not a classroom, it is a place to learn and love.

When you find yourself out of fellowship with others in the church, you find yourself out of fellowship with God.

I am to judge and you are to judge fellow Christians. Accountability is a part that happens in church.

You need to have a place you belong.

We need to get to the place where we enjoy serving.

Romans 12:4-10 NKJV

[4] For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, [5] so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. [6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; [7] or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; [8] he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. [9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. [10] Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

Volunteer for everything and find out what you are good at. The process of elimination is effective.

If you are called to serve, then serve well.

When you honor others, the Lord will honor you.

Valor: Do not let that be us!

Notes: Valor: Do not let that be us!

Galatians 1

Pastor Adam

9/29/15

There is no power on this planet that is as powerful as the Gospel.

Romans 1:16 NKJV

[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

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."

The Gospel is powered by the Holy Spirit.

We all receive the gospel by people telling us.

Paul's whole mission was that people would know and share the gospel.

Paul was willing to give up his own salvation just to be able to share the gospel.

Galatians 1:1-10 NKJV

[1] Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), [2] and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: [3] Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, [5] to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. [6] I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, [7] which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. [9] As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. [10] For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

The book of Galatians is a book about the gospel. It explains the gospel, wha it is and what it is all about.

Galatians 1:3-5 NKJV

[3] Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, [5] to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

This is all Gods will, Paul is writing to convey the teachings of God.

Paul is clearing up the fact that there is no other gospel. That no one should follow any other teachings.

Judiazers were attacking Pauls credentials because they were attacking the power of the Gospel.

Galatians 1:6 NKJV

[6] I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

Galatians 3:1 NKJV

[1] O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?

                                                  

Paul does not tolerate people messing with the true gospel. Paul wants the power of God in the churches he planted.

There are three mistakes we see in this writing that we also can make.

1. We make the mistake of adding to the gospel.

Many of us change from the one who saved us to the actions of an outward appearance of righteousness.

Paul is calling the Galatians out on leaving Jesus out of their faith.

If we study but don't grow closer to Jesus then we are deserting Him for our works.

We don't do our homework to impress our group leader, but to grow closer to Jesus.

2. We use the Gospel to cover us on sins we do after we are saved. (Sinning more just so grace may abound... Is not acceptable)

Do not take advantage of the Gospel. It needs to invade your life, not cover you tracks.

3. We can misunderstand the gospel.

It's not just about good morals and conveying comfort it is so much more.

The gospel is the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is the greatest news you will ever hear. You need to focus on that.

The gospel is the power of God to deliver salvation and that is all about Christ.

If you can approach the gospel and not think about Jesus, then you are doing it wrong.

Do not let that be you!

The Importance of Prayer in the Life of the Believer

Notes: The Importance of Prayer in the Life of the Believer

Ephesians 6

Luke 11

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

SERIES:

What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know

Thursday, September 24, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

Every believer should acknowledge that there is a long way to go. We all need to keep growing spiritually.

Some start their Christian race with a burst of energy and succeed and some fail.

We make our choices and then our choices make us.

It all comes down to discipline.

Planned neglect.

2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV

[22] Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

If you want to be a growing Christian:

1. You must read, study and love the word of God.

Joshua 1:8 NKJV

[8] This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

2. To be a growing Christian, you must have a prayer life.

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-

Pray always with all prayer.

We should pray all ways and always.

The Lord hears all prayers anywhere and everywhere.

You don't have a better chance of being heard in certain places.

The main thing is praying always.

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.

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."

Some times we have time for prayer, other times we only have time for a quick prayer.

1. Why should I pray?

Jesus told us too.

Luke 18:1 NKJV

[1] Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,

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!"

Jesus was a great role model for us about how to pray.

Do not give up in your prayer.

2. We should pray because prayer is Gods appointed means 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.

3. Prayer is the way by which God helps 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;

Turn your worries into prayers.

4. Prayer is one of the ways in which we can prepare ourselves for Jesus coming.

When you pray about something God may say no, grow or go.

If the request is wrong, God says no.

If the time is wrong God says slow.

If you are wrong God says grow.

The Lords Prayer is not just a prayer to pray, but it is also a template of how to pray.

Luke 11:1-4 NKJV

[1] Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." [2] So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. [3] Give us day by day our daily bread. [4] And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one."

Contemplate the awesomeness of God.

A.C.T.S.

Adoration

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication

The secret to answered prayers:

1. You must pray according to the will of God.

Never be afraid to ask God to overrule your prayer.

The objective of prayer is to get into alignment with God.

1 John 5:14 NKJV

[14] Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Nothing lies outside the reach of God, but there is a lot outside of the will of God.

With a big God we have small problems!

2 we must surrender to the will of God.

3. We must forgive others.

Luke 11:4 NKJV

[4] And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one."

Forgiven people should be forgiving people.

Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV

[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.

Right now, are you harboring a grudge towards someone?

The person getting hurt in holding a grudge is the person with the grudge.

Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

[32] And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

4. As much as you can, stay out of the place of temptation.

Luke 11:4 NKJV

[4] And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one."

5. Don't give up!

Luke 11:5-10 NKJV

[5] And He said to them, "Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; [6] for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; [7] and he will answer from within and say, 'Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you'? [8] I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. [9] "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Ask, Seek, Knock! Don't give up!

Luke 11:9 NKJV

[9] "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Ask- implies requesting

Seek - denotes asking but adds action.

Knock - adds persevering.

Maybe your prayer has no power in it because it has no heart in it.

Do you really know how to pray?