How to Know the Will of God

Notes: How to Know the Will of God

by Greg Laurie on Apr 7, 2019

Event:

Sunday morning

Scripture:

Romans 12

Series:

Relentless Grace: Paul

https://harvest.org/resources/webcast/how-to-know-the-will-of-god-040719/

People like to go to church on Easter. We need to invite them!

Does God still speak to people today?

How can I learn to know the voice of God?

Inaccurate views:

1. Finding guidance from God is hard.

2. God’s will is undesirable.

What you need to know: there is joy in the will of God.

The reason God wants to show His will for you is because He is your friend.

Psalm 25:15 NKJV

[15] My eyes are ever toward the LORD, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

1 Peter 4:2 NKJV

[2] that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

Psalm 40:8 NKJV

[8] I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart."

Finding God’s will is not just an option for the Christian.

God’s will is not an itinerary but an attitude.

We learn God’s will for our lives when we start walking it.

Romans 12:1-2 NKJV

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

1. We are all called to glorify God with our lives.

Everywhere in this world and in every aspect of life we need more Christians.

Things we need to give God

a1. We need to present our minds,

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

[8] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.

a2. We need to present our words.

James 3:5 NKJV

[5] Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

T.H.I.N.K. Before you speak:

True

Helpful

Inspiring

Necessary

Kind

a3. We need to present our hands and feet.

Proverbs 6:16-18 NKJV

[16] These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: [17] A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, [18] A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,

a4. We present our finances.

2 Corinthians 8:5 NKJV

[5] And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

2. Don’t be conformed to this world.

Romans 12:2 NKJV

[2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Present yourself to God.

Are you a conformer or a transformer, a thermometer or a thermostat.

Our definition of good is probably different then God’s definition of good.

b1. To understand the will of God; you need to read the Bible.

God will never contradict His word.

As you know the will of you will know what He wants for you.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The word of God is what will sustain me.

b2. God will speak to you through circumstances.

Phillip followed the will of God to the desert and ran across a man reading Isaiah 53. God lead Phillip one step at a time.

The work in your heart.

Isaiah 55:12 NKJV

[12] "For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

b3. God’s timing

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.

God’s timing:

If the request is wrong, God says no.

If the timing is wrong, God says slow.

If the request is right and the timing is right, God says go!

We can struggle with the will of God.

Job 1:21 NKJV

[21] And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."

Matthew 26:38-39 NKJV

[38] Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." [39] He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

Never be afraid to commit unknown future to a known God.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

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

Let your Father choose for you!

Your Father loves to bless you!

God wants all of us to be saved!

God has everything you want. He’s just a prayer away!

Best regards, 

Adam

Mercy Me

Notes: Mercy Me

Pastor Jeff L

Harvest OC

Valor

April 2, 2019

We can’t separate doctrine and duty - they always go together.

If we seek our roots down deep into Romans 1-11 well produce much fruit in our obedience of Romans 12 - 14

“Mercy is not something God has, got something God is.” - A.W. Tozer

Romans 12:1 NKJV

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Paul is appealing to us through the mercies of God shown in Romans 1 through 11.

Response #1 to God’s mercy - A surrendered life.

Romans 12:1-2 NKJV

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Christ died for us and shed His blood so we could be safe.

What’s does it mean to be a living sacrifice.

We present or bodies. Living sacrifices.

Since 2005, about 90,000 Christians per year have been martyred. That’s about 2 million people, or one every 6 minutes!

We are to live holy lives, set apart for a special purpose.

1 John 1:9 NKJV

[9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We are to live acceptable to God. Emphasis of that sentence is “to God.”

Living a committed life to Christ, is a logical response to Christ.

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose” - Jim Elliot

Whatever passage you read, do these four things:

Read it through.

Think it clear.

Pray it in.

Live it out.

Response #2 to God’s mercy - A serving heart.

Romans 12:4-8 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.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking about yourself less.” - C.S. Lewis

The church is very diverse, but it should work in unison like an orchestra.

We all receive a spiritual gift as believers. We don’t always start out knowing what our gift is. God decides what our gift is.

We don’t chose our gift, but it’s our responsibility to find out what it is.

Gifts our given to us to use them.

Romans 12:6 NKJV

[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;

Response #3 to God’s mercy - a spiritual mind.

Romans 12:9-21 NKJV

[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; [11] not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. [16] Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. [19] Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We work to think and act and have attitudes that our Godly and Spiritual.

Love is to be done without hypocrisy and with humility.

J.O.Y.

Jesus 1st

Others 2nd

Yourself last

Romans 12:12 NKJV

[12] rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Koinonia is one of the richest words in the New Testament. More than just hospitality and fellowship.

Entertaining people in your home is not the same as hospitality. Entertaining is showing off your home, hospitality is sharing your home that was a gift from your Savior.

Romans 12:15 NKJV

[15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Rejoice, don’t become envious. When one is weeping do not be uncaring.

Romans 12:16 NKJV

[16] Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Unity, humility and honesty.

Romans 12:17 NKJV

[17] Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Our society does not agree with that. The devil says repay evil for good.

Society says repay evil for evil, good for good. God says repay good for evil.

Never stop asking God for forgiveness. His mercy is greater than our sins.

Best regards, 

Adam

God Keeps His Promises!

Notes: God Keeps His Promises!

by Greg Laurie on Mar 31, 2019

Event:

Sunday morning

Scripture:

Romans 11

Series:

Relentless Grace: Paul

https://harvest.org/resources/webcast/god-keeps-his-promises-2/

Promises, easily made, not easily kept.

1. God has promised you will never be alone in life.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

[10] Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Hebrews 13:5 NLT

[5] Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."

2. God promises to get us through whatever we’re facing.

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

[2] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Psalm 23:4 NLT

[4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

3. Jesus promises he will come again

John 14:1 NLT

[1] "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

John 14:3 NLT

[3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

He keeps His promises. He shows it with the Jewish people. In Romans 9-11 God shows this relationship with the Jews.

Genesis 12:3 NKJV

[3] I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Genesis 12:7 NKJV

[7] Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." And there he built an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

There is a new theology that’s tries to says the church has replaced the Jews, that is wrong.

1. If God could reach a Jewish man like Paul, there is hope for everyone!

Romans 11:1-2 NKJV

[1] I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. [2] God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,

Paul could of been considered “a Jews, Jew” he has a real resume that was very impressive. Everything changed when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Acts 9:4-6 NKJV

[4] Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" [5] And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." [6] So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

Elijah the prophet was another example.

2. Sometimes you May feel you are the only one, who stands for God but you aren’t.

Romans 11:2-4 NKJV

[2] God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, [3] "LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life"? [4] But what does the divine response say to him? "I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

3. As gentiles, we have been brought into the promises of God.

Romans 11:17 NKJV

[17] And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,

Many Jews in our times feel like we as Christians are against them. We aren’t and should not be.

I am thankful our government has recognized Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel. Also, that the Golan Heights belong to Israel.

4. God uses us to bless the people who have blesses us.

Romans 11:14 NKJV

[14] if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.

When a Christian walks with God it should be the most attractive thing ever to a nonbeliever.

Watching someone in a blessed life should make others want a blessed life.

Israel is the “epicenter” for the world.

Romans 11:22-32 NKJV

[22] Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. [23] And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. [24] For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? [25] For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. [26] And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; [27] For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins." [28] Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. [29] For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. [30] For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, [31] even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. [32] For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

Ezekiel 5:5 NKJV

[5] "Thus says the Lord GOD: 'This is Jerusalem; I have set her in the midst of the nations and the countries all around her.

Ezekiel 38:14 NKJV

[14] "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it?

5. Israel plays a key role in the last days.

Romans 11:25-26 NKJV

[25] For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. [26] And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;

Messianic Jews believe in Jesus.

Many young people today do not even know what the holocaust is.

May 14, 1948 Israel miraculously became a nation again.

Ezekiel 37:11-12 NKJV

[11] Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, 'Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!' [12] Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

That is a very specific prediction. Never has an ancient nation been able to do that. The Jewish people did!

Ezekiel 38:18 NKJV

[18] "And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel," says the Lord GOD, "that My fury will show in My face.

Ezekiel 39:29 NKJV

[29] And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,' says the Lord GOD."

Romans 11:25 NKJV

[25] For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

God’s not done with Israel. He is working on His people. Before God pours His spirit out on the Jewish people, He is going to finish His work with the Gentiles.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NKJV

[17] Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

If Jesus came today, would you be one of us caught up in the air?

If you are not ready, you can get ready right now!

Restless for Rest

Notes: Restless for Rest

Pastor Brad Ormonde Jr

March 26, 2019

Acts 3

https://harvest.org/resources/webcast/valor-relentless-grace-session-13b/

Acts 3:6-7 NKJV

[6] Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." [7] And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Acts 3:19-20 NKJV

[19] Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, [20] and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,

Refreshing and Repent

Refreshing in this verse means breathing space.

We all desire to be refreshed

Do you seek out the source of refreshment?

Acts 3:19 NLT

[19] Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

When you take your eyes off the problem and focus on Christ, you will be refreshed.