"LOVING WELL MATTERS" 3rd Sunday of the Resurrection

SERMON NOTES:  

3rd Sunday of the Resurrection

What day is today?        Resurrection Day
Which means?                 I get to fear less, hope more and love well!

1 John 4 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

2 Corinthians 5 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ. 

Philippians 1:9-11 So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately.

1 Corinthians 13 Love is…   
                     patient,
                     kind,

                     not jealous,
                     not boastful,
                     not proud
                     not rude
                     not self-seeking
                    not irritable,
                    not keeping a list of wrongs,
                    not rejoicing in evil but
                          rejoicing in the truth,

                   always protects,
                   always believes,
                   always hopes,
                   always endures.                                                    
    Love       never fails.                   

How do the 5 Love Languages help me love well?     

     Words of Affirmation -
     Quality Time -
  Receiving Gifts -
     Physical Touch-
     Acts of Service –

How does my “old self” respond?    How does my “new self” respond?

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week take us deep into the source of true love and the capacity to love well – Jesus!  Ruminating on these verses will help your receive the power of the love and life of Jesus who is Risen from the dead.

Monday – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Tuesday – 1 John 4:7-12

Wednesday – Ephesians 3:14-19

Thursday – Ephesians 4:29-5:2

Friday – Philippians 1:3-12

Saturday – 1 John 3:11-20

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7

'LOVING WELL MATTERS" 2nd Sunday of the Resurrection

SERMON NOTES:  

Loving Well Matters
       2nd Sunday of the Resurrection

What day is today?        Resurrection Day
Which means?                 I get to fear less, hope more and love well!

Philippians 1:9-11 So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, 

1 Corinthians 13 Love is…    

patient,
                     kind,

                     not jealous,
                     not boastful,
                     not proud
                     not rude
                     not self-seeking
                    not irritable,
                    not keeping a list of wrongs,
                    not rejoicing in evil but
                          rejoicing in the truth,

                   always protects,
                   always believes,
                   always hopes,
                   always endures.                                                    
    Love       never fails.                   

How?

2 Corinthians 5 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.

I love well when my “old self” is starving and my “new self” is thriving!

Homework:  Learn your language at www.5lovelanguages.com

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week take us deep into the source of true love and the capacity to love well – Jesus!  Ruminating on these verses will help you receive the power of the love and life of Jesus who is Risen from the dead.

Monday – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Tuesday – Philippians 1:3-11

Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Thursday – Ephesians 4:17-24

Friday – Colossians 3:5-14

Saturday – Psalm 23

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7

"Fierce Love Rises" Easter Sunday - 2019

SERMON NOTES:  

Fierce Love Rises
Easter 2019

Why?

Matthew 28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The Resurrection means I get to:

·       Fear Less

·       Hope More

·       Love Well

What is today?  Resurrection Day

Why does it matter?  It means I get to fear less, hope more and love well!

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week help flush out all the details of Jesus resurrection that are supplied in Scripture.  Enjoy gleaning unique details from the different account of that reality and impact of Jesus’ resurrection.

Monday – Matthew 28:1-10

Tuesday – Mark 14:1-11

Wednesday – Mark 14:12-26

Thursday – Mark 14:72

Friday – Mark 15:1-39

Saturday – Mark 15:40-47

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7

"Fierce Love Invades" Palm Sunday - 2019

SERMON NOTES:  

Holy Week – Fierce Love in Action

Matthew 21. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna  to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”   11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them
. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.
16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.
“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants
    you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”

Fierce Love Invades Strongholds -

·       In the strength of humility,
       On an epic rescue mission,
       To restore the image of God within humanity
·       And will not be intimidated!

Fierce Love Invades My Strongholds So I Can Hold His Strength!

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week will supplement the unique worship opportunities this week.  Take some time to unpack all God has for you as you slow down this week and let Fierce Love Invade.

Monday – Mark 11:15-19

Tuesday – Mark 14:1-11

Wednesday – Mark 14:12-26

Thursday – Mark 14:72

Friday – Mark 15:1-39

Saturday – Mark 15:40-47

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7

Money and the Consecrated Life (part 4)

SERMON NOTES:  

The consecrated life is the life of a Jesus follower.  It is a unique “set apart” life with Jesus leading and me following.   How do I follow Jesus with my money?

Part 1 - Jesus On Money!

Part 2 – First Things First!

Part 3 – The First Best Step!

Part 4 - Excel in the Grace of Giving

2 Corinthians 8 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

A Vision for Exceptional Generosity 

2 Corinthians 8 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity…… 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

How do I follow Jesus with my money?

Start Well – by “bringing the first-tenth” to God! 

Excel Well – in a joy filled life of exceptional generosity.  You can’t out give God!

Fight Well – We live in a world at war and “money” is a major battle we are born again to win! 

1 Timothy 6 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week help us unpack God’s vision for “exceptional generosity”. 

Monday – 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Tuesday – 2 Corinthians 8:8-15

Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Thursday – 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Friday – Luke 6:37-38

Saturday – Psalm 1

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7

Money and the Consecrated Life (part 3)

SERMON NOTES:  

The consecrated life is the life of a Jesus follower.  It is a unique “set apart” life with Jesus leading and me following.   How do I follow Jesus with my money?

Part 1 - Jesus On Money!

Part 2 – First Things First!

Part 3 – The First Best Step!

The first practical step in consecrating our money to God is “financial giving”. 
The foundational training ground for financial giving is “bringing the first-tenth” to God!  
Upon this foundation a Jesus styled life of sacrificial generosity is built.

“Bringing the first-tenth” (tithing) –     What?      Why?      How?

Leviticus 27 30 “‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. 
Deuteronomy 14 22 Be sure to set aside a tenth …so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.
Malachi 3 “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 

“Bringing the First-Tenth”:

·       Is a matter of Trust!

·       Releases us from the snare of the self-idolatry by bringing to God what is His already,

·       Is an obedient act of honoring God instead of a defiant act of robbing Him,

·       Opens up the abundant possibilities of God-styled provision,

·       Consecrates all of God’s provision for us under His blessing and protection!

Should we still do it?        It’s never been easier!           It’s never been harder!

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week help us unpack the truth about “bringing the first-tenth”. Notice how these verses help us understand the value and purpose for giving as well as the seeing tithing as the training ground for a life of Jesus styled financial generosity.  Remember to look for the promises God connects with giving!

Monday – Malachi 3:6-12

Tuesday – Numbers 18:20-32

Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Thursday – 1 Timothy 6:6-10 

Friday – Deuteronomy 14:22-27

Saturday – Psalm 113

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7

Money and the Consecrated Life (part 2)

SERMON NOTES:  

The consecrated life is the life of a Jesus follower.  It is a unique “set apart” life with Jesus leading and me following.   How do I follow Jesus with my money?

Part 1 - Jesus On Money!

Part 2 – First Things First!

Matthew 6 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

God’s First-ness in the lives and living of His people has deep roots.  He doesn’t fit in any other place!

Exodus 13 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”

Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other God’s before me

Exodus 23 19 “Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.

Proverbs 3 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,    with the first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,    and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Malachi 3 “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

·        The first-born is God’s.  The first-fruit is God’s.  The whole tithe is God’s.  Through these offerings God’s people worshiped and honored Him as first in their lives giving Him first claim on their all.

·        This “If God is First then the First is God’s” lifestyle trusts Him for everyday living and eternal life!

·        When the First is offered to God the rest is consecrated under His blessing! 

We all desperately need all we are and have consecrated to the Lord!

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week help us unpack this truth, “If God is First then the First is God’s”.  God’s claim to first place in our lives has deep roots in the biblical story and the teaching of Jesus.  What does all of this mean for my everyday living especially with regards to money? 

Monday – Matthew 6:25-34

Tuesday – Matthew 8:18-22

Wednesday – Matthew 10:32-42

Thursday – Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16 

Friday – Proverbs 3:1-10

Saturday – Psalm 130

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7

Money and the Consecrated Life (part 1)

SERMON NOTES:  

The consecrated life is the life of a Jesus follower.  It is a unique “set apart” life with Jesus leading and me following.   How does money fit in to following Jesus?

Jesus On Money!                                 Jesus loves us way too much to leave us to handle money on our own!

Luke 19 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”  9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house,

Jesus is saying …
A relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior shows up in how I handle money!

Luke 18  22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Jesus is saying …
 Money is by nature a seductively, dangerous obstacle to a life of following Jesus in the kingdom of God!

Luke 12 15“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Jesus is saying …
It is natural and often encouraged to put my security in money but my security must rest solely in God! Trusting God while using money – vs – Trusting money while using God!

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week unpack some of what Jesus says about money.  Notice how Jesus, when honestly heard, calls His followers to an attitude and practice of handling money that is truly counter cultural.  How are His words counter cultural?  Are they “good words” for today?   Is it hard to agree with Him?

Monday – Luke 19:1-10

Tuesday – Luke 18:18-29

Wednesday – 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Thursday – Luke 12:13-21 

Friday – Matthew 6:19-24

Saturday – Psalm 49

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7