THE KINGDOM WITHOUT THE KING? Part 1 - The King is Here

SERMON NOTES:  

What does this statement mean, “You want the Kingdom without the King!”

Jesus Begins the Final Week

Mark 11. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 
20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 
22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.
23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain (?) , 
   ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’
    and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he (?) says will come to pass,
    it will be done for him.
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

What is Jesus saying about the temple?

What is Jesus saying about Himself?

What is Jesus saying about the path forward for those who follow Him?

What is Jesus saying to a culture that wants to experience the realities of the Kingdom without the King?

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … ”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! 

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?”  Talk about what you notice is on your heart.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – Mark 11:12-19

Tuesday – Mark 11:20-33

Wednesday – Jeremiah 7:9-15

Thursday –  1 Kings 8:22-30

Friday – 1 Kings 8:41-53

Saturday – Psalm 51

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

Restoration - "Goodness and Mercy pursue me!"

Restoration? 

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.   He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

When Jesus restores my soul He brings my life’s center back home to live alive!

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,  for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

In “deathy dark” valleys Jesus shows up!   In the midst battle Jesus gives me a place at His table !    

6 Surely (only) goodness and mercy  shall follow (pursue) me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

What is the step of faith it takes to let yourself be “caught”?

If Jesus is the one who catches me what then what am I absolutely sure I will receive? 

Goodness and Mercy  … … … now and forever!

What will I say when they “Ask Me”?

Matthew 11 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … ”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! 

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?”  Talk about what you notice is on your heart.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – Psalm 23

Tuesday – Romans 8:31-39

Wednesday – Romans 8:26-28

Thursday –  1 Peter 1:3-9

Friday – Luke 15:1-10

Saturday – Psalm 146

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

Restoration - "You are With Me!"

SERMON NOTES:  

Restoration? 

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.   He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

When Jesus restores my soul He brings my life’s center back home to live alive!

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,  for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

What is my soul response when navigating “deathy dark” valleys?   Fear is natural!  

Jesus comes with presence!

What are my soul’s enemies?

What does Jesus have the audacity to do in the middle of the battle?

What step of faith is He asking me to take in the middle of the battle?

What will I say when they “Ask Me”?

Matthew 11 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … ”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! 

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?”  Talk about what you notice is on your heart.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – Psalm 23

Tuesday – 1 John 5:13-21

Wednesday – 1 Peter 5:5-11

Thursday –  James 4:4-10

Friday – John 6:35-51

Saturday – Psalm 34

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

Restoration - "He Restores My Soul"

SERMON NOTES:  

Restoration? 

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
      He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
      He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

John 10
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,

Who is the shepherd and what does that mean for me?     What did it mean for David?

Notice the subject of all the promises.

“Restores”?     Soul?

When Jesus restores my soul He brings my life’s center back home to live alive!

What will I say when they “Ask Me”?

Matthew 11 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … ”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! 

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?”  Talk about what you notice is on your heart.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – Psalm 23

Tuesday – John 10:1-10

Wednesday – John 10:11-18

Thursday –  Psalm 63

Friday – Matthew 11:25-30

Saturday – Psalm 100

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

Why We Do What We Do, #4 - Personal Transformation

SERMON NOTES:  

At Point of Grace we highly Value:

·       Tangible Grace

·       Relentless Dependence         

·       Unconnected People    

·       Personal Transformation   -  God loves us … … … too much to leave us the way we are!

Transformation ???            Change ???

John 15 4 “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

Philippians 2 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Acts 1 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses 

Romans 12 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Highly valuing “personal transformation” might be demonstrated at PoG by:

•          A “Full of Grace and Full of Truth” Culture       John 1:14

•          Encouraging “GROW Groups”

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … ”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! 

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?”  Talk about what you notice is on your heart.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – John 15:1-8

Tuesday – Romans 12:1-8

Wednesday – Romans 12:9-21

Thursday –  Philippians 2:1-13

Friday – John 14:23-27

Saturday – Psalm 51

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

Why We Do What We Do, #3 - Unconnected People

SERMON NOTES:  

“Values are the motivational flame of the church.  They are shared convictions that guide actions and reveal your strengths.  They distinguish your philosophy of ministry and shape your culture and ethos. Values answer the question, “WWDWWD?”

At Point of Grace we highly Value:

·       Tangible Grace

·       Relentless Dependence         

·       Unconnected People     - Jesus passionately engaged those far from Him ... so?

·       Personal Transformation

Luke 15 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 
Luke 15 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate….
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

2 Corinthians 520 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 

Highly valuing “unconnected people” might be demonstrated at PoG by:

•         JOY

•         Alpha or something better

•         Hospitality

•         Pray and Invite

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … ”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! 

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?”  Talk about what you notice is on your heart.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – Luke 15:1-10

Tuesday – Luke 15:11-24

Wednesday – Luke 15:25-32

Thursday –  2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Friday – Matthew 23:37-39

Saturday – Psalm 23

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

Why We Do What We Do, #2 - Relentless Dependence

SERMON NOTES:  

“Values are the motivational flame of the church.  They are shared convictions that guide actions and reveal your strengths.  They distinguish your philosophy of ministry and shape your culture and ethos. Values answer the question, “WWDWWD?”

At Point of Grace we highly Value:

·       Tangible Grace

·       Relentless Dependence          … a radical reliance on the living God and acting like it!

·       Personal Transformation

·       Unconnected People

Matthew 14 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Matthew 11 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Mark 10 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

How will a group of people act who highly value “Relentless Dependence” in the living God?

• Unwavering trust in God’s word as the source and standard for our beliefs, teaching and life!

• A vibrant prayer culture which calls us to “Pray First, Pray Now, Pray Bold and Pray Through”!

• Reliance on Holy Spirit’s presence and ministry among us, “If He doesn’t show up we are toast!”

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … ”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! 

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?”  Talk about what you notice is on your heart.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – Matthew 14:22-36

Tuesday – Matthew 11:1-15

Wednesday – Mark 10:17-31

Thursday –  Mark 10:46-52

Friday – Hebrews 11:1-12

Saturday – Psalm 56

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

Why We Do What We Do, #1 - Tangible Grace

SERMON NOTES:  

“Values are the motivational flame of the church.  They are shared convictions that guide actions and reveal your strengths.  They distinguish your philosophy of ministry and shape your culture and ethos. Values answer the question, “WWDWWD?”

At Point of Grace we highly Value:

·       Tangible Grace

·       Relentless Dependence

·       Personal Transformation

·       Unconnected People

Ephesians 2 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
John 1 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

What is Grace?     Unmerited Favor

God’s grace is revealed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and is received by faith.

Romans 3 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.

What are a group of people like who highly value God’s Tangible Grace?

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … ”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! 

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?”  Talk about what you notice is on your heart.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – John 1:14-18

Tuesday – Luke 13:10-17

Wednesday – Luke 15:11-32

Thursday –  Luke 12:22-34

Friday – Romans 3:21-26

Saturday – Psalm 92:1-8

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