Point of Grace Online Worship - July 9, 2023

Point of Grace Worship 7.9.23 Sermon Notes - Faith in Exile 3

What is Exile?

Exile:
the state of being barred from one's native country

Exile 1: Out from the Garden
Exile 2: Caine from his family

Exile is not just about physical location, but heart location

How do we walk faithfully through our type of Exile today?

The Wisdom Warrior
Loyal – Subversive

The Wisdom Warrior has a perspective bigger than current circumstances

The Wisdom Warrior understands that God’s ultimate work in the world comes from His people

The Wisdom Warrior relies on a resilient identity bigger than current circumstances



“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 

·       Defense comes from God

·       Hope for a vindication outside of themselves

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it,

·       Confidence in the power and supremacy of God

·       Despite their vision of current circumstances

and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 

·       A confidence in God’s desire to save his people

·       And God’s love and attention towards his people

But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

·       Faith in who God is, not what He gives us

·       Faith deeper than God + our agenda

·       Relationship with our Father in Heaven where He is enough just for who He is.

Our solution: Another in the Fire

“And should I ever need reminding,
of how I’ve been set free
There is a cross that bears the burden
where another died for me”

We might not be saved from but we are always saved through

3 P’s of Furnaces:
- Prepare
- Produce
- Purpose

 

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 25, 2023

Point of Grace Worship        6.25.23     Sermon Notes – ‘’Faithful in Exile - 1” 

Around 600 BC Babylon conquered God’s people and took them into Exile … 

605 BC           1st Defeat and Deportation                

598 BC       2nd Defeat and Larger Deportation 

587 BC Total Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple with Massive Deportation

How would they live as Exiles?

              Option 1 –  Rebel against this new reality either by resistance or mental resignation as victims

              Option 2 –  Become Babylonian in lifestyle and religion

 

The Prophet Jeremiah instructs the exiles in 3rd way… we see this lived out in the Stories of Daniel

 The Way of the Exile – remain “loyal” to Yahweh while living “subversively” in Babylon –

The “loyal subversive” lives in the tension of accepting the reality of their new situation while not being defined by it. Their identity is found through a living faith in Yahweh.

 Jeremiah 29:4-7,10
4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 
8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.
 10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 

 Bloom where you’re planted!

How?

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

The life of the loyal subversive –  “Trust Yahweh” (He is at work ‘for you’) …… Seek Him wholeheartedly”

This life of the “loyal subversive” is played out in the stories of Daniel and his friends

Daniel 1
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia[a] and put in the treasure house of his god.

3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.[b] 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.

6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your[c] food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.”
11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.
17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 18, 2023

Point of Grace Worship 6.18.23 Sermon Notes – “Overflow”

Overflow – the Jesus way of impacting the world!

John 7 “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Acts 4 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him…..

17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

B.L.E.S.S. – 5 Everyday ways to overflow with love for our neighbors and change the world!

B-egin with Prayer

L-isten

E-at

S-erve

S-tory to Share

Love Prays

9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”

Love Listens

James 119 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

“Seek to understand before you seek to be understood”

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

Stephen R. Covey,

Love Eats

Matthew 9 9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Love Serves

James 2 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

Love has a Story to Share

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”

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

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 11, 2023

Point of Grace Worship 6.11.23 Sermon Notes – “Overflow”

John 7 37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Healthy “Overflow” depends on healthy “Inflow”!

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” - Inflow

“Rivers of living water will flow from within them” – Overflow

“Overflow” that changes the world depends on “Inflow” that is changing me!

Ezekiel 47 The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. 3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. 5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.

Jesus connects the dots.

Standing in the old Temple meant for God’s Presence Jesus says

“Come to me and drink”

(because He is the new Temple of God’s Presence)

“And I will make you Temples of God’s presence

overflowing with rivers of Living Water

transforming the world”

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

B-egin with Prayer

L-isten

E-at

S-erve

S-tory to Share

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 28, 2023

Acts 2:1-17 What does Pentecost matter to my life? May 28, 2023

Acts 2:1-17

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams. 

70% of teens are at least OPEN to the Bible,
which represents a significant oppportunity for us as the Church.

Even among Christians Bible engagement is rare:

-          16% Engaged – High view of the Bible and read several times a week

-          57% Open – High or neutral view of the Bible, but read less than weekly.

-          27% Disengaged – Skeptics or never read the Bible

Thank you God for your Word. It points me to your life, death, resurrection, and mission. It teaches me. It strengthens me. I am a missionary joining you on your mission. Holy Spirit, you change lives. Open my heart to believe your Word and live it. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Why does Pentecost matter for my life? 

Which is better?  Having Jesus right beside you...or the Holy Spirit inside of you?

John 16:7
 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.
Unless I go away, the Advocate (“Holy Spirit”) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 

Creation – Rebellion – Promise – Redemption – Church – Restoration     

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” 

Why is it better?
Because the Spirit is power 

But (insert your name) will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on (insert name) and (your name) will be my witness. 

Episode 1 - Acts 2 -  “3000 baptized!” 
Episode 2 - Acts 4 - “Prayer meeting shakes the ground!” 
Episode 3 - Acts 5 - “Death by Lying.”
Episode 4 - Acts 8 - “Stephen’s Shout and Stoning.”
Episode 5 - Acts 10 - “The Second Pentecost.”

You can’t control the Spirit…You are invited to daily walk by the Spirit.

Why does Pentecost matter for my life?

-          Pentecost reminds me that Point of Grace walks as a community in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control all around us. 

-          Pentecost reminds me that we walk as gifted people

-          Pentecost reminds me that we walk surrounded by comfort from the Holy Spirit.  

What would the title of your Netflix Holy Spirit episode be?

 

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 21, 2023

Point of Grace Worship 5.21.23 Sermon Notes – “Ascension Matters”

Ascension Matters

Acts 1 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem …….. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

The disciples were now going to have to follow a Jesus they could not see …. but promised to be with them and for them.

Acts 2 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

In his Ascension Jesus is exalted to the right hand of God! Why does this matter?

The Ascension of Jesus inspires worship, instills confidence and empowers meaningful living in His name!

Ephesians 1 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

The Ascension of Jesus inspires worship and instills confidence……. 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,

Romans 8 Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Can you imagine the conversation in heaven!

The Ascension of Jesus inspires worship, instills confidence and empowers meaningful living in His name!

Ephesians 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,…. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

If our grace-given status in the universe is “seated with Christ in the heavenly realms” then we are authorized agents of Jesus to bring Kingdom of God realities into our world – in Jesus name.

Now that is empowered to live the meaningful life Christ intends!

Prayer

Jesus, …… You are ascended and exalted to the right hand God and are worthy to receive all glory and honor, worship and praise…. I worship you …….. echoing the ancient words of St. Paul in Philippians 2

“9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I stand in awe and bow in worship!

Jesus I now take my place in your Ascension and in Your throne…… In my baptism you granted me fullness in You and Your authority……I am seated with you in the heavenly realm….. so I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life, over every aspect of my living and over all my kingdom and domain. Reign Jesus ……. Reign over me

I also bring the authority, rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every work and power of evil coming against me, my family and my kingdom and domain, [You might need to name best you can—what you sense may be coming against you?] I cutoff and rebuke all forces of evil away from me and mine in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Your Kingdom Come, Jesus throughout my kingdom and domain!

Amen