Point of Grace Online Worship - October 8, 2023

Point of Grace Worship 10.8.23 Sermon Notes – “B.L.E.S.S. – Story!”

B.L.E.S.S – 5 everyday practices to love our neighbors and change the world

B-egin with Prayer

L-isten

E-at

S-erve

S-tory to Share

Why do the B.L.E.S.S strategy? We are in training! We are growing from hoping people trust Jesus to helping people trust Jesus!

It is amazing to see how our stories, humbly told, help others hope in Jesus!

1 Peter 3 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

John 9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him. ”But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

The man shares his “What difference has Jesus made?” story in a simple 3part paradigm:

Life Before ..... Encounter Jesus …… Life After

Life Then ........ Encounter Jesus …… Life Now

Life Without .… Encounter Jesus …… Life With

Acts 4 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

It is amazing to see how our stories, humbly told, help others hope in Jesus!

Our Stories – Our testimony is an unfolding series of stories, the “wow” stories and everyday life stories! It takes daily processing of life to notice and be able to talk about the ways Jesus is working in our lives.

Humbly told – Jesus is the Hero – He rescues us, He doesn’t help us rescue ourselves - Jesus sets us up so He can show up – He creates encounters we follow His lead – Remember the “gentleness and respect”

Help others Hope in Jesus – Jesus is the Hope…. Jesus is the savior – Faith is a process not a quick fix! It is a miracle that any of us have a living relationship with Jesus.

A Simple Tool for Storytelling

Part 1 – My Life before Jesus What was your life like before you met Jesus? Or if you grew up knowing Him what was life like when He was less real for you or your faith was less alive? You story begins with who you were.

Part 2 – How I Encountered Jesus How did you become a Christ-follower? When did He become more “real” to you? Was there a tough time in life? Were you invited? Did someone introduce you to Jesus? Was it a point in time or a process of discovery?

Part 3 – The Difference Jesus Makes What difference has following Jesus made in your life? How does He help you walk through the ups and downs of life? Our stories include hard times and good times, success and failure. Jesus shines through our weakness often more than our strengths. Don’t give easy, cliché’ answers – life is not like that. How does Jesus make a difference when we get it wrong, are confused, doubt, struggle……?

Jesus, Help me now reflect on our story together, past and present. When have I encountered Your realness and received Your comfort? When have I been lifted by hope and peaced by Your presence? How are you leading me by Your Spirit and how am I experiencing Your love? Jesus, If given the opportunity today to share about the hope I have in You, what story would I tell – what words would I use?

Point of Grace Online Worship - December 18, 2022

Prologue:
1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

Thesis:
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

Exposition:
3 You have enlarged the nation
              And increased their joy;
They rejoice before you
              as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
              when dividing plunder
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered the yoke that burdens them,
              The bar across their shoulders,
The rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
              and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
              will be fuel for the fire.

Crescendo:
6 For to us a child is born,
              to us a son is given,
And the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
              Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
              Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
              there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
              and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
              with justice and righteousness
              from that time on and forever.

Conclusion:
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
              will accomplish this.

 Christmas and the Holiday Season is a time where we engage with wonder. Yet there is gloom.

How do we deal with all the gloom?

Jesus entered into our gloom,
He joined us under the death shadow.

John 1:1-13

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Our salvation light is a person & Our salvation light is a gift

The purpose of our story is for relationship with that person.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

"The key to graciously accepting a gift, is by admitting your need for the gift"

Point of Grace Online Worship - December 11, 2022

Point of Grace Worship        12.11.22     Sermon Notes – “Advent 3 – What’s the Story?”

What’s the Story?       What story is my story in?      How do I live like I am in the story I am in … His Story?

Where in your life do you need some Hope?      

Isaiah 40
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level,
    the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass,
    and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    because the breath of the Lord blows on them.  Surely the people are grass.8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of our God endures forever.”

9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid;
    say to the towns of Judah,    “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him.11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

His Story …
 … is a story of “rescue”

         … is a story of a rescuer that pays the price and “comes” …

         … He comes to save those who cannot save themselves!

Hopeless circumstances are fertile ground for poor decisions of the soul!  Our souls need truth!

Where do I place my hope?

Which god(s) will I go with?     Who/What are my Marduks? 

25 “To whom will you compare me?   Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
    Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

27 Why do you complain, Jacob?    Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord;  
my cause is disregarded by my God”?  (the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?)
28 Do you not know?    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in (wait on) the Lord  will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

His Story …
       … will take us where no other story can because He comes,

         … sets us free …… and doesn’t enslave because He actually cares about us,

         … includes a HOPE which actually gives “strength” because we are actively “waiting” on Him.

Point of Grace Online Worship - December 4, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 12.4.22 Sermon Notes – “Advent 2 – What’s the Story?”

What’s the Story?  What story is my story in?  How do I live like I am in the story I am in … His Story?

Isaiah 35 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. 7 The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

His Story … … is actually going somewhere - a place of resurrection Joy! … provides strength and fearlessness for the journey! … reveals a relentless Rescuer coming to save ……… me!

8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. 9 No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

His Story …

... has a Way and a way to be on the Way!

… answers the question, “What’s the Way I should go?”

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:1-6

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 27, 2022

Point of Grace Worship        11.27.22     Sermon Notes – “Advent 1 – What’s the Story?” 

What’s the Story?  

What story is my story in?

Advent (means – “coming”)

Looks back…… Where have we come from?  ….  Identity

Looks around …… Where are we now?   ….   Belonging

Looks forward …… Where is my story going? ….  Purpose

Luke 4  14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 

Jesus invites the people of Nazareth to believe that they were a part of His Story!

Jesus was the “who” they needed to bring the “what’s” their story demanded! 

Isaiah 61:1-4
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,  because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and
                      release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and
    provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and
                                    a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 

Jesus invites us to believe that He is the “who” who brings the “what’s” our story needs?

Jesus invites us to live like He is the “who” who brings the “what’s” our story needs?