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Sunday, July 30, 2017

The Biblical Worldview on Finding Contentment

Notes: The Biblical Worldview on Finding Contentment
Greg Laurie
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, July 30, 2017

Are you content?

Do you think something you are trying to achieve will finally make you content?

Or is there always an "if only" thing in life?

The secret to happiness and joy for the Christian is in the way we think.

The good life does not begin with circumstances change, but when our attitudes do.

Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV
[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. [11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: [12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Real contentment is not a state of account it is a state of heart.

Contentment is not our ability to change our circumstances, but in our ability to live with them.

1. Paul found contentment because he rejoiced in the Lord.

Grateful people demonstrate less envy, materialism and self-centeredness.

Philippians 4:11 NKJV
[11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

What you have in Christ is far greater than anything you don't have in life.

A sure sign of spiritual growth is when you recognize you need to grow spiritually.

2. Contentment does not necessarily come naturally.

Philippians 4:12 NKJV
[12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Paul found contentment because he learned to take life as it came.

3. Contentment does not come from what we have it comes from who we know.

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
[5] Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

4. Contentment comes from leaning on Christ, not leaning on yourself.

Philippians 4:13 NKJV
[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I'm sure no one in Heaven wants to come back to earth.

5. Contentment is knowing if I'm not content with what I have, I will never be content with what I want.

Jesus cares if "one light goes out" and so should we.

6. Contentment is not from getting but from giving.

Getting more stuff does not bring happiness or contentment; giving more stuff does.

Happiness and contentment does not come from seeking happiness and contentment. It comes from seeking God.

When you have Christ, you have everything.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

The Biblical Worldview on Overcoming Worry

Notes: The Biblical Worldview on Overcoming Worry
Greg Laurie
Worldview: Thinking and Living Biblically
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Philippians 4:1–9
Music: Harvest Worship Band

We all know what it means and feels like to be afraid. Worry and fear go along with it.

People die everyday doing things that aren't dangerous. Falling out of bed kills 600 people a year, choking on hot dogs kill people.

The number one thing people said they worry about in a survey was their appearance.

Worry can keep your body from fighting off illness. So worry can kill you!

Worry comes from an old German word that means to strangle or choke.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties the strength for today.

Australians have a great saying "no worries, mate"

Philippians 4:4-7 NLT
[4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! [5] Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. [6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

When Paul wrote this, he was on house arrest in Rome. 

God commands us to rejoice in all things.

Philippians 4:4 NLT
[4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!

Rejoicing is an act of obedience, and worry can actually be a sin.

Paul had every reason to worry, he was facing trial, yet he rejoiced in the Lord.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT
[17] Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, [18] yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

Gods plans for you are still good, even when you choose to worry.

Psalm 42:8 NLT
[8] But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.

Take your worries and turn them into prayers. Send them straight to God.

When you are in pain, it's not the easiest time for a worship service.

1. Right praying.
2. Right thinking.
3. Right living.

1. Right praying 

Right praying can be taught to become a conditioned reflex. A natural reflex to turn worries into prayer.

Put it in Gods hands, trust in Him.

Philippians 4:6 NLT
[6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Nothing is too big or too small to pray about.

Little problems can turn into big problems.

Great reason to pray for your child is because they grow up and have to face bigger and bigger problems.

Keep bringing your child to Jesus, because they need our prayer.

We are supposed to give thanks before we even offer the prayer. Your prayer will be answered with Gods perfect knowledge.

If you have big problems, you have a small god. With a big God, are problems are small.

Daniel got thrown in prison for praying during his time. Daniel didn't let that deter him.

Philippians 4:7 NLT
[7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

2. Right thinking.

Philippians 4:8 NLT
[8] And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Think about what you think about.

Run it through a grid of grace. Is it true, is it helpful.

Proverbs 23:7 NLT
[7] They are always thinking about how much it costs. "Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it.

Genesis 3:1 NLT
[1] The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?"

Protect your minds. Fill your minds with things that are true and God's word.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
[5] We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Psalm 42:5 NLT
[5] Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again- my Savior and

Remind yourself of what the Bible says.

3. Right living

Philippians 4:9 NLT
[9] Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

85% of what you worry about, will never happen. 

Tomorrow marks 9 years of when Pastor Greg's son, Christopher, died.

What happens when your fears come true? God never promised us a pain free life.

Send your prayers and fears to God. Don't panic, God will be there for that. God will give you the strength you need when you need it.

Your lives will be changed forever by some tragedies. What will you chose to do with it? Give it to God and He can use it for good.

Your best days can always be ahead of you when you give them to God.

Even when death comes, we don't have to be afraid. We are leaving the land of the dying and going to the land of the living.

Revelation 1:17-18 NLT
[17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the living one. I died, but look-I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

Jesus has the keys.

1 Peter 5:7 NLT
[7] Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Notes: Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Greg Laurie
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Series: Life: the Gospel of John
John 9
Music: Harvest Worship Band

We all have questions.

John 9:1-7 NLT
[1] As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. [2] "Rabbi," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?" [3] "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. [4] We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. [5] But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world." [6] Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes. [7] He told him, "Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam" (Siloam means "sent"). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!

Some Jews of that day believed in reincarnation. Karma teaches that good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds are punished. That is Hindu teachings of today.

Christians understand that a soul comes at conception.

Psalm 139:13-16 NLT
[13] You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

The disciples asked why God allows sufferings.

C.S. Lewis said that pain is the atheist most powerful weapon against the faith.

Can physical suffering on this earth be a result of sin? Yes and no. The sin of Adam and Eve has had repercussions on all of us.

Bad things just happen, they don't always have to have a cause and effect.

1. Corrective Suffering 

God will allow or even send some pain in our lives to get our attention.

Sickness can come as a result of our sin.

Sometimes we bring pain on ourselves.

Hebrews 12:5-6 NLT
[5] And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. [6] For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."

2. Consecutive Suffering

2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT
[17] For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

Paul had his thorn in the flesh.

3. There is sickness and tragedy allowed to glorify God.

Joni Ericsson Tads is a champion of the faith as she is in a wheelchair. 

Nick Voicich with no arms or legs lives in Gods glory.

John 9:3-4 NLT
[3] "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. [4] We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

Isaiah 53:4-5 NLT
[4] Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! [5] But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

1 Peter 2:24 NLT
[24] He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

God can heal. Does God heal everyone, no.

Don't ever be afraid of "thy will be done."

Maybe God is just waiting for you to ask Him for help.

John 9:6-7 NLT
[6] Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes. [7] He told him, "Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam" (Siloam means "sent"). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!

Jesus changed the way healed people so that we can focus on God and not God's methodology.

John 9:10-17 NLT
[10] They asked, "Who healed you? What happened?" [11] He told them, "The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.' So I went and washed, and now I can see!" [12] "Where is he now?" they asked. "I don't know," he replied. [13] Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees, [14] because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. [15] The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, "He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!" [16] Some of the Pharisees said, "This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath." Others said, "But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?" So there was a deep division of opinion among them. [17] Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, "What's your opinion about this man who healed you?" The man replied, "I think he must be a prophet."

The entire life of Jewish people revolved around the synagogue.

John 9:24-28 NLT
[24] So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, "God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner." [25] "I don't know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!" [26] "But what did he do?" they asked. "How did he heal you?" [27] "Look!" the man exclaimed. "I told you once. Didn't you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?" [28] Then they cursed him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses!

Classic statement: John 9:25 NLT
[25] "I don't know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!"

No one is a greater authority on what has happened to you, then you. Can you tell others that, once you were blind and now you can see?

God did not give us the gospel to horde it, He gave us the gospel to share it.

John 9:35-41 NLT
[35] When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" [36] The man answered, "Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him." [37] "You have seen him," Jesus said, "and he is speaking to you!" [38] "Yes, Lord, I believe!" the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. [39] Then Jesus told him, "I entered this world to render judgment-to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." [40] Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, "Are you saying we're blind?" [41] "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," Jesus replied. "But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.

Religion turned the blind man away, Jesus took him in.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

The Virtue of Contentment

Notes: Father's Day Message "The Virtue of Contentment"
Pastor Ricky Ryan
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Philippians 4:11–13
Music: Phil Wickham

We live in a world that majors in discontentment. Media is doing their job to make you discontent.

Philippians 4:9-13 NKJV
[9] The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. [10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. [11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: [12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Paul asks the different churches to follow his example of contentment.

Paul learned the secret of contentment.

Philippians 4:12 NKJV
[12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Paul was stoned, and left for dead in Lystra. In Philipi he was beaten with sticks. He's been beaten and jailed over and over again.

Paul didn't let what he didn't have keep him from what he did have...the love of Christ Jesus.

Paul was not a very good poster boy for the prosperity movement.

Contentment is natural wealth, riches is artificial poverty. - Socrates

Prosperity may be a bigger obstacle to contentment than poverty.

Paul knew affluence on the island of Malta - Acts 28

Philippians 4:13 NKJV
[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

It has nothing to do with personal achievement or personal gain.

This verse about having the strength to get above the struggles of life.

God gives us the power to be content.

1. Don't focus in on what you don't have; focus in on what you do have.

2. Don't compare what you do have with what other people have.

3. Be thankful for what you do have.

4. Learn to live with unmet needs.

Sometimes it's really good to deny yourself.

Learn to get by with what God has provided you.

5. Don't lose sight of the things that will really make you happy.

Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

The Ups and Downs and Ups of a World Changer

Notes: The Ups and Downs and Ups of a World Changer
Greg Laurie
World Changers
Sunday, April 23, 2017
2 Samuel 11, Psalm 32
Music: Matthew West

Kind David the World Changer.

King David was fearless in battle. A poet, a man after God's own heart.

Jesus identified Himself as, "Jesus, the Son of David."

The rise of David....
The people chose King Saul, but God decided that he would be replaced.

1. God uses ordinary people to change the world.

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NKJV
[26] For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. [27] But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

You can't control your circumstances, but you can control your reactions.

2. World Changers are focused on what matters in life.

Psalm 34:1 NKJV
[1] I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 57:7 NKJV
[7] My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.

David new the meaning of life.

Psalm 27:4 NKJV
[4] One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

3. World Changers are faithful in little things so God gives them bigger things.

Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. [3] He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

David took down Goliath, he depended on God to do so.

When the fall of David began...
2 Samuel 11:1-5 NKJV
[1] It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. [2] Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. [3] So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" [4] Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. [5] And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, "I am with child."

When things are going really well, that is when the devil hits.

When you face a crisis, you hang on to God and He gives you the strength you need when you need it. God always comes through. 

When things are going good, hanging on to God seems to be less important to most. That is when we are most vulnerable.

You don't feed lust; you starve it!

Sometimes other people have a better sense of what we are doing then we do.

God puts up road blocks to our sin. 

David sinned, then tried to cover it up and then did even worse things to continue to try to cover it.

2 Samuel 11:27 NKJV
[27] And when her mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.

Psalm 32:1-5 NLT
[1] Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! [2] Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! [3] When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. [4] Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude [5] Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude

Psalm 32 describes the futility and misery of sin that is unconfessed.

Nathan the prophet calls David out through a story.

2 Samuel 12:5-7 NLT
[5] David was furious. "As surely as the LORD lives," he vowed, "any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! [6] He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity." [7] Then Nathan said to David, "You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul.

2 Samuel 12:13-14 NLT
[13] Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. [14] Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD by doing this, your child will die."

God will forgive you of your sins if you repent, you will still have to pay for those sins.

David managed to still get into the lineage of God, so did Bathsheba, that is the grace of God.

In for worship, out for service.

John 10:9 NLT
[9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

The Treasure Principle

Notes: The Treasure Principle 
April 9, 2017
Pastor Greg Laurie and Randy Alcorn 
Harvest OC

Today is Palm Sunday.

Right before the Triumphal Entry...
John 12:9-11 ESV
[9] When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. [10] So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, [11] because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

What is the significance of Palm Sunday? It is the plan and purpose of God.

John 12:12-13 ESV
[12] The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. [13] So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"

The price was paid for our redemption on the cross.

Acts 4:27-30 ESV
[27] for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. [29] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

We are risen with Christ.

What do people in Heaven know about people on earth?
We will be aware of passing of time, we won't know everything, we will still be finite. 

It is possible that people in Heaven, will know what is going on here on Earth. It will be with a Heavenly perspective.

Romans 8:28 ESV
[28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

We will recognize each other in Heaven.

God Himself is called Happy.

Hebrews 1:9 ESV
[9] You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

We will live happily ever after. Knowing that, we should participate in that happiness today.

Acts 20:35 ESV
[35] In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

God is a giving God.

2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV
[9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

You can't take it with you...
Matthew 6:19 ESV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,

...you can send it on ahead.
Matthew 6:20-21 ESV
[20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Tithing isn't the ceiling of giving, it's the floor. Jesus didn't lower the bar of living, He was raising the bar.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV
[17] Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, [19] storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

To be prepared for Heaven is to be be prepared to meet God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
[21] For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

In Christ our sins are covered and we are prepared for Heaven.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Lost and Found

Notes: Lost and Found
Pastor Jeff Lasseigne
Harvest OC
April 6, 2017
Luke 15

Luke 15:1-32 NKJV
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. [2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying: [4] "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' [7] I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. [8] "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? [9] And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' [10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." [11] Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. [12] And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. [13] And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. [14] But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. [15] Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. [17] "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, [19] and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."' [20] "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. [21] And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' [22] "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. [23] And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; [24] for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. [25] "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. [27] And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' [28] "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. [29] So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. [30] But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' [31] "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. [32] It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"

There's probably no chapter that has done greater good to the souls of men.

More than 1/3 of the teachings of Christ came to us in forms of parables.

Parables are used to teach profound truths.

1st is "The parable of the lost sheep."

Luke 15:1 NKJV
[1] Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.

These people had no place in the Temple. Yet they were drawn to Jesus.

Before there was the passion of Christ, there was the compassion of Christ.

God knows you with an everlasting love. There is nothing you can do to change God's love for you.

Luke 15:2-3 NKJV
[2] And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

Luke 19:10 NKJV
[10] for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

The religious leaders were out of step with God and out of tune with Heaven.

Luke 15:10 NKJV
[10] Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

The parable of the lost son.

The prodigal son story has been stated to be the greatest short story ever written.

Many want God's blessings but they don't want God.

The father gave his son what he wanted.

We become like the prodigal son every time we look for happiness apart from God.

Sin will take you further then you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more then you want to pay.

Some people want to be saved from their misery but not from their sin.

The fathers mercy gave the boy peace, the fathers grace gave him a feast.

God is our creator. 

Many use free will to run from God. 

You can't work to receive God's grace and mercy, you can't work to receive God's forgiveness.

Our compassionate God will run to us if we come home.

It's not a parable of a prodigal son, it's a parable of a loving father.

John 6:29 NKJV
[29] Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."

Legalism is to preach grace and practice law.

Christianity is not what we are outwardly, it's who we are inwardly.

How do we stop being the prodigal son and not turn into the brother.

Sinners will end up in Hell because they are unsaved, not because they are unloved.

You can't force a prodigal to come home, but you can pray for them.

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Swipe Right

Notes: Swipe Right
Pastor Levi Lusko
4/2/2017
Exodus 2:12 and Genesis 2:24

Proverbs 4:23 NKJV
[23] Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

"The life and death power of sex and romance"

What does it mean to swipe right? The average American touches their screens on their phones over 150 times a day.

36% of the internet is people looking at pornography. The average young person will be exposed to pornography as young as age 6.

Tinder has 100 million users. Its an application that you "swipe right" to indicate you like someone and "swipe left" that you don't. Tinder has had a trillion swipes to date.

Exodus 2:12 NKJV
[12] So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.

Moses was beginning a pattern of doing what he liked to do per his own desires.

We need to look up and not just swipe right or left.

God invented sex and He gave it to us as a gift.

Genesis 2:23 NKJV
[23] And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."

God knows sex is pleasurable. He also knows that it was powerful.

Genesis 2:24 NKJV
[24] Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

That is the arena where we should be having sex.

God tells us when and where to use sex in our lives.

Lies about sex that you may be lead to believe:

Lie 1: Sex is just a physical activity.

1 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV
[16] Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh."

Lust on any level impacts who you are. Addiction to pornography results in a higher level of depression and physical issues.

Lie 2: I can do what I want and have what God wants.

Galatians 6:5 NKJV
[5] For each one shall bear his own load.

You don't get things out of your system and move on, you get things into your system that you have to bear later.

Your past has a sneaky way of slipping into your future.

God does forgive you, but the best for your life is not that God forgives you, it's that God wants to bless you now!

What you do today can bless your wedding one day or haunt it.

Lie 3: Sexual temptation and dating are only issues before you're married.

It's not purity just till we are married, it is purity our whole lives!

Working on your marriage, is working for a successful marriage.

The devil will do everything he can to get you to have sex with your girlfriend prior to marriage. Then he does everything he can to keep you from having sex with that exact same person after you are married.

Lie 4:" I've already messed up so there is no hope for me."....Not true!!

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

[11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

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