Point of Grace Online Worship - May 15, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 5.15.22 Sermon Notes – “Resurrection Encounters!”

Resurrection Encounters

PoG Vision 2022 – “The Restoration to Engagement Journey”

Every PoG’er would journey forward in “practicing soul restoration” and

“practicing engagement in the mission of Jesus”.

Matthew 28

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Great Commission – Jesus has been talking about the “passing of the baton” for three years.

Matthew 5 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, therefore going … make disciples … to disciple (primary verb of command in the sentence) … a disciple is an apprentice who more than learning, has their whole life shaped by… of all nations… all people and people groups

Now, Jesus broadly reveals His two pronged strategy (baptize and teach) for His disciples to make more disciples!

… baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

In baptism the new disciple receives, as a free gift, a new identity. The identity of one enfolded into the “essence, presence and work” of God – who now in Jesus has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

observe - keep, guard, obey, hold onto as of highest value commanded – instructed you in, taught you

Remember Jesus is not just giving His disciples a new identity but a new way of living now and forever!

… And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus is not only in charge of His mission and movement but present!

What does this mean for me?

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 8, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 5.8.22 Sermon Notes – “Resurrection Encounters!”

Resurrection Encounters

PoG Vision 2022 – “The Restoration to Engagement Journey”

Every PoG’er would journey forward in “practicing soul restoration” and

“practicing engagement in the mission of Jesus”.

John 21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

The creative and playful way Jesus continues to “restore” His disciples in relationship to Him would not have been lost on Peter, James and John.

Luke 5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11

Same Jesus - New Chapter

Same Jesus to follow, with all His creativity, fun and resourcefulness

but a New Chapter to engage in on the journey and mission He is leading!

John 21 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Notice the way Jesus “Restored” Peter in relationship and “Engaged” Peter in the Mission

•                      Why is a “love” relationship with Jesus so important?

•                      If I believe Jesus loves me without me loving Jesus … then I am unchanged!

•                      Jesus’ love for me is the rock that makes possible my love for Him!

•                      Jesus gave Peter a “Soul Restoration Practice” and an “Engage in the Mission” Practice

Same Jesus - New Chapter

Yes Jesus, … I love You!

Yes Jesus, … I love You!

Yes Jesus, … I love You!

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 1, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 5.1.22 Sermon Notes – “Resurrection Encounters!”

Resurrection Encounters

PoG Vision 2022 – “The Restoration to Engagement Journey”

Every PoG’er would journey forward in “practicing soul restoration” and

“practicing engagement in the mission of Jesus”.

Encountering the Risen Jesus is a pivot point on the journey!

John 20 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus gives His followers a new identity rooted in His Resurrection. They are His “Sent Ones”!

They (we) are being sent by the Risen Jesus, for the Risen Jesus, with the Risen Jesus!

“Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Luke 24 36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

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 and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 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.

22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

1 John 1 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

We are being sent by the Risen Jesus, for the Risen Jesus, with the Risen Jesus!

We are the “Sent Ones” of Jesus!

Point of Grace Online Worship - April 24, 2022

Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-35: 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

1. Jesus’ care for his disciples 2. Our understanding of scripture 3. We need Jesus to get Jesus

Road to Emmaus

“What things?” he asked.

Empathy is getting in the pit

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:1-3a

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:5-6

The Bible makes almost no sense without Jesus - “How could God be loving when X, Y, Z happens?”

Jesus at the center of all scripture, where every thread points ultimately to Him, reveals to us a God who is unfathomably loving.

Unfortunately it is very possible to know a lot of facts about Jesus, and never get Jesus himself.

The purpose of all of ‘this’ is that you might see and know your savior.

Talk to Jesus, He is even better in person.

Point of Grace Online Worship - Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 4.17.22 Sermon Notes – “Resurrection Day!”

1 Peter 1 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ………… 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Hopelessness in the U.S

1 Peter 1 In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Luke 24

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

… Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

Remember:

Today is the 3rd Day

The 3rd Day is Resurrection Day

Resurrection Day is Hope Day

Hope Day is Joy Day

We will be tempted to let the “Resurrection of Jesus” fall into the “nice idea” category of your unchanged existence!

Then tomorrow will be pretty much like yesterday!

There is another option before us!

We can commit or recommit to believing and loving Jesus – The Risen One

And Remember:

Today is the 3rd Day

The 3rd Day is Resurrection Day

Resurrection Day is Hope Day

Hope Day is Joy Day

1 Peter 1 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power …. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

What’s today?

Point of Grace Online Worship - Good Friday, April 15, 2022

Point of Grace Online Worship - Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022

Point of Grace Online Worship - April 10, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 4.3.22 Sermon Notes – “Palm Sunday!”

Jesus Enters Jerusalem The last week of Jesus’ life occupies significant real estate in the Gospel narratives.

Matthew 21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 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.”

“Hosanna” – Save Now I Pray – “Rescue me … please”!

“Son of David” – To accept this title meant you were claiming to be the rightful “forever” King.

Notice Jesus:

• Setting the agenda

• Acting in humility and sacrificial love

• Accepting the title as the role of “Savior King”

• Beginning a week of “underwhelming” people and their expectations

Notice People:

• There is a difference between “Trusting Jesus as Savior/King and the idea Trusting Jesus as Savior/King”

• James/John and Two Blind Men - Matthew 20:20-34

• The Galilean Pilgrims and Jerusalem – The Religious Establishment  

Luke 19 41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

What about Me?

From the “Loving Idea of Jesus Saving” to “Loving the Jesus Who Saves”

Hosanna – “Save me now I pray!” “Rescue me Jesus – please!”