Citizens of Heaven

Notes: Citizens of Heaven
November 13, 2016
Pastor Chet Lowe
Philippians 3:20-21


Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
[20] For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Culture is different in all parts of the world.

Pastor Chet is from the Bahamas. He grew up in a different culture. 

Culture shock happens to all of us. What we say and what we eat.

Paul is used by the Holy Spirit in Chapter 3 to explain what it means to be citizen in a different culture.

2 Corinthians 5:1 NKJV
[1] For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Philippians 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. [2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

Revelation 4 and 5 show the great worship service of Heaven.

1. The Superior Value of Christ

We have the hope of change, that a good work will be completed.

Paul repeats instructions to make us aware of the enemy. 
Philippians 3:2 NKJV
[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

These are the ones that have added to the cross. They teach legalism.

Philippians 3:3 NKJV
[3] For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

Those who live in the Spirit are the circumcision.

No more do this and do that.
Luke 18:10-14 NKJV
[10] "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' [13] And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Galatians 6:13-15 NKJV
[13] For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. [14] But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Paul says...
Philippians 3:4-7 NKJV
[4] though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: [5] circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; [6] concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. [7] But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Paul realized...
Philippians 3:7 NKJV
[7] But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Citizens of Heaven don't look at the value of what we do and don't do. They see the value of Christ crucified.

Philippians 3:8-11 NKJV
[8] Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; [10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Paul knows the excellence of "knowing" Jesus Christ.

The is a superior intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus loved Heaven but came to Earth to pay a debt for us.

Philippians 3:10-12 NKJV
[10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

No matter what it takes, Paul says he will become saved.

2. This is the attitude of a citizen of Heaven.

An "attitude of gratitude"

Philippians 3:12-15 NKJV
[12] Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. [13] Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, [14] I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

Jesus has got you and will grab you.

Don't harden your heart. Today is the day of salvation.

Philippians 3:14 NKJV
[14] I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

We are to focus on the upward call of Christ Jesus.

We don't have the ability to forget like God does for us.

Philippians 3:15-16 NKJV
[15] Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. [16] Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

God has a job to do and will complete the work He started.

Philippians 3:17-19 NKJV
[17] Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. [18] For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [19] whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame-who set their mind on earthly things.

Paul was passionate to change.

Romans 7:15 NKJV
[15] For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.

A citizen of Heaven should not focus on the things of earth.

3. The Belief of Change

We believe that Jesus has the power to change us.

Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
[20] For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Stand fast and put what you have learned into practice.

America and Armageddon

Notes: America and Armageddon

Greg Laurie

Book of Revelation 15 & 16

Thursday, October 13, 2016

We are coming up to closing time. The Tribulation period will have a time of peace under the power of the anti-Christ.

When Gods judgement is given it is not haphazardly.

Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV

[11] Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'

God has to judge. He is not only gracious and merciful but He is also just.

Romans 1:18 NKJV

[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Romans 1:21 NKJV

[21] because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Antichrist will have 10 nations unified behind him.

Revelation 15:1-4 NKJV

[1] Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. [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! [4] Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."

These are the Tribulation Saints, these would be martyrs.

God takes it very personally when people attack His people.

When someone is persecuting us they are persecuting Jesus.

Water is often a picture of judgement and trials.

Being persecuted for Jesus will get you a blessing from Heaven.

Revelation 15:3 NKJV

[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!

The Song of Moses Exodus 15:1-18 and Deuteronomy 32

The premise..."How could a God of Love..." is incorrect. Who is the center of moral judgement?

Worship God in calamity, for the calamity, not just after the calamity.

Revelation 16:1-9 NKJV

[1] Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth." [2] So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. [3] Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died. [4] Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. [5] And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things. [6] For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due." [7] And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments." [8] Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. [9] And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

It's the goodness of God that brings you to repentance.

Hebrews 8:5 NKJV

[5] who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

All the things that have ever deeply possessed your soul are just glimpse of Heaven. Those things are to arouse you to the real thing. Everything good on earth is just a glimpse of what is better in Heaven.

Revelation 16:12-16 NKJV

[12] Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. [13] And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. [14] For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. [15] "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." [16] And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

Armageddon has become part of our everyday language.

Megiddo is a place.

Revelation 12:13 NKJV

[13] Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.

Revelation 9:16 NKJV

[16] Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.

During the battle of Armageddon, the U.S. is not mentioned.

1. We may have been devastated by nuclear war.

2. We may just decline as a super power.

Isaiah 40:15 NKJV

[15] Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.

3. We could have a nation wide revival that when the rapture takes place, as a nation we are gone.

We need a spiritual awakening!

No Forwarding Address

Notes: No Forwarding Address

Pastor Greg Laurie

Series: World Changers

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Hebrews 11, Genesis 12

GPS can get us lost every once in a while. Don't always do what GPS says, it can mislead us.

The Golden Plover from Hawaii has built in GPS. They can fly from one island to the next without ever have been there before.

God has wired us as human beings to seek Heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV

[11] 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.

One of our World Changers is Abraham.

One third of the verses in Hebrew 11 is about Abraham.

Hebrews 11:8-16 NKJV

[8] By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. [9] By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; [10] for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. [11] By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. [12] Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude-innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. [13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [14] For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. [15] And truly if they had [16] But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

World Changers:

1. Listen to God

Hebrews 11:8 NKJV

[8] By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Abraham lived in a super pagan culture. He probably worshipped pagan gods prior to being called by God.

Genesis 12:1 NKJV

[1] Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you.

There are times when God's plans don't make sense. God leads us one step at a time.

You have to respond to the information given to you at the time its given.

Acts 8:26-29 NKJV

[26] Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. [27] So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, [28] was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. [29] Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."

God spoke to Phillip so he got up and went.

The New Testament believer knows far more then the Old Testament believers ever knew, even the prophets. We know Gods plan for the world, they didn't.

2. World Changers obey God.

Psalm 84:11 NKJV

[11] For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

In time we learn that what God tells us to do is for our own good.

What kind of influence is your family having on you?

Yo may not get to pick your family or coworkers but you do get to choose your friends.

Show me your friends and I will show you your future.

Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV

[1] Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. [3] He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither;And whatever he does shall prosper.

Are you surrounded by Godly people?

Are you a thermostat or a thermometer?Do you change the world or does it change you?

World Changers are almost always a minority, rarely a majority.

3. World Changers are Heavenly Minded because they are Heavenly Citizens.

The longing we have deep inside of us is for something that earth can never deliver; only Heaven can.

The Bible speaks of Heaven as a real place, a country, a city.

Colossians 3:1 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.

You need the explosive power of a new affection!

Abraham lived in a tent.

2 Corinthians 5:1 NKJV

[1] For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Your body is a temporary place to live.

We are all getting older. Hopefully as Christians we are getting more Christ like.

4. World Changers live by faith.

Live on promises not explanations.

Faith enables the believing souls to treat the future as present and the invisible as seen.

Faith is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Genesis 12:10-13 NKJV

[10] Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land. [11] And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, "Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. [12] Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. [13] Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you."

1. Abraham was living a compromised life at this time.

Even the greatest believers mess up.

Isaiah 31:1 NKJV

[1] Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the LORD!

Any step away from God is always a step down.

2. Abraham lied to cover up His sin.

3. Abraham lied more to cover up his sins.

Abraham was dragging Sarah down with him.

Your sin will always find you out.

It's always a sad moment when a nonbeliever has to correct a believer.

4. If your sin is exposed, own it.

Has God told you to do something and you are going in the opposite direction?

God can help you get back to where you need to go.

God wants to teach us, show us and lead us

Notes: God wants to teach us, show us and lead us
Pastor Mike Jonker
Week 1 
September 27,2016
V2 

Life goes on...but you can still show up on Tuesday night for the Bible Study.

Grow together as a church going through God's word.

We grow because we want to grow. Never be satisfied with our spiritual growth.

God can't steer a parked car, so get moving.

This study is about David, called Profiles of an Authentic Life.

David was a worker and the king. He was good and bad. He was a paradox.

Could you imagine God telling your story?

Psalm 25:1-3 NKJV
[1] To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. [2] O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. [3] Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Five "t"s of this passage...
1. Trust in God.
David  took on anything that was in front of him. He trusted in God.

Trust in God with...
Marriage 
Money
Family
Work
Health

David said he lifted up his soul to God.

Psalm 25:4-5 NKJV
[4] Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. [5] Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.

2. Taught by God.

God wants to teach us, show us and lead us.

God will speak to you directly through His word. God is not ambiguous.

Psalm 25:6-11 NKJV
[6] Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old. [7] Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD. [8] Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. [9] The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. [10] All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. [11] For Your name's sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

3. Tender mercies of God.

Merciful, loving, upright and truthful all the time.

David committed some huge sins, but he always went back to God.

4. Thrive.

Psalm 25:12-14 NKJV
[12] Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. [13] He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth. [14] The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

David prayed that he would prosper and thrive.

As we rely on God, He will cause blessings in our lives.

God wants to prosper us, yet in our own strength we for some reason will go and try to find other things.

5. Trials

Psalm 25:12-22 NKJV
[12] Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. [13] He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth. [14] The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant. [15] My eyes are ever toward the LORD, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. [16] Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, For I am desolate and afflicted. [17] The troubles of my heart have enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses! [18] Look on my affliction and my pain, And forgive all my sins. [19] Consider my enemies, for they are many; And they hate me with cruel hatred. [20] Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. [21] Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You. [22] Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all their troubles!

Trials will come and God is faithful and will deliver us from these trials.

Stay connected to the church during times of trials. Others will comfort you and you will be able to comfort others with your experience in your trials.