Sacred Duty- Our Founding pt 2 // Sunday, October 25, 2020

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Sacred Duty – Our Founding (Part 2)

John Adams

   As the safety and prosperity of  nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and  blessing of almighty God; and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which  social happiness cannot exist, nor the blessings of a free government enjoyed…  especially in seasons of difficulty of danger.

Exodus 18: 21 (ESV) Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Where did these ideas come from? 

Rev John Wise:

·  Consent of the governed

·  Taxation without representation

1926 President Calvin Coolidge

The Origins of the American Constitution:

1.   Charles Montesquieu:  Political Philosopher    8.3%

2.   William Blackstone:  Legal Scholar     7.9%

3.   John Locke:      2.9%     Two Treatises of Government

4.  The Bible:           34%

Three Branches of Government:

                       Isaiah 33: 22 (NASB) For the Lord is our judge,  (Judicial) 

The Lord is our lawgiver,   (Legislative) The Lord is our king; (Executive) He will save us—

Separation of Powers:

Jeremiah 17: 9 (NASB) The heart is more deceitful than all else  and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?

Tax Exemption of Churches:

Ezra 7: 24 (NASB) We also inform you that it is not allowed to Impose tax, tribute or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim or servants of this house of God.

John Francis Mercer

   It is a great mistake to suppose that the paper we are to propose will  govern the United States. It is the men it will bring into government and interest (they have) in maintaining it that are to govern them. The paper will only mark out the mode and the form. Men are the substance  and must do the business.                                           

Proverbs 29: 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when wicked man rules, the people groan.                   

President James Garfield

Now,  more than ever before,  the people are responsible for the character of the congress.  If that body be ignorant,  reckless  and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation it will be because those who represent the enterprise the culture and the morality of the   nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.

John Hancock

“I urge you by all that is dear,  by all that is honorable,  by all that is sacred, not only that ye pray   but that ye act.”    

Sacred Duty- Our Founding // Sunday, October 18, 2020

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Sacred Duty – Our Founding (Part 1)

1 Chronicles 12: 32 …men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do… 

We hate Christians and Christianity. Even the best of them must be considered our worst enemies. They preach love of one’s neighbor and mercy, which is contrary to our principles. Christian love is an obstacle to the development of the Revolution. Down with love or our neighbor! What we want is hate…Only then can we conquer the  universe.        ~ Anatole Lunarcharsky, Russian Commissar of Education

Our BEHAVIOR is shaped by our VALUES…

Which are ultimately built upon the foundation of our WORLDVIEW 

Genesis 6: 5 (ESV)  The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 

Genesis 8: 21 (ESV)   …the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth…

Jeremiah 17: 9 (ESV)  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Proverbs 14: 12 (ESV)  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

John Adams

The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.

The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity.

Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia – what a Paradise would this region be!

I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world.

John Quincey Adams

The hope of a Christian is inseparable from his faith.   Whoever believes in the Divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures must hope that the religion of Jesus shall prevail throughout the earth.   Never since the foundation of the world have the prospects of mankind been more encouraging to that hope than they appear to be at the present time.   And may the associated distribution of the Bible proceed and prosper till the Lord shall have made “bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.”                                                (Isaiah 52:10)

Samuel Adams

I . . . [rely] upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins.

The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Let us secure His favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better.

He also called on the State of Massachusetts to pray that . . .

• The peaceful and glorious reign of our Divine Redeemer may be known and enjoyed throughout the whole family of mankind.

• We may with one heart and voice humbly implore His gracious and free pardon through Jesus Christ, supplicating His Divine aid . . . [and] above all to cause the religion of Jesus Christ, in its true spirit, to spread far and wide till the whole earth shall be filled with His glory.

• With true contrition of heart to confess their sins to God and implore forgiveness through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Elias Boudinot

Let us enter on this important business under the idea that we are Christians on whom the eyes of the world are now turned…    [L]et us earnestly call and beseech Him,   for Christ’s sake,   to preside in our councils. . . .  We can only depend on the all powerful influence of the Spirit of God,   Whose Divine aid and assistance it becomes us as a Christian people most devoutly to implore.   Therefore I move that some minister of the Gospel be requested to attend this Congress every morning . . . in order to open the meeting with prayer.

Supreme Court Justice David Brewer

[I]n what sense can [America] be called a Christian nation?  Not in the sense that Christianity is the established religion or that the people are in any manner compelled to support it. On the contrary, the constitution specifically provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibit the free exercise thereof.” Neither is it Christian in the sense that all its citizens are either in fact or name Christians. On the contrary, all religions have free scope within our borders. Numbers of our people profess other religions, and many reject all.  

Nor is it Christian in the sense that a profession of Christianity is a condition of holding office or otherwise engaging in public service, or essentially to recognition either politically or socially.  In fact, the government as a legal organization is independent of all religions. Nevertheless, we constantly speak of this republic as a Christian nation – in fact, as the leading Christian nation of the world.

Justice Brewer:  America was “of all the nations in the world . . . most justly called a Christian nation”  because Christianity  “has so largely shaped and molded it.”

1862 Supreme Court decision in Church of The Holy Trinity vs  U.S.

“This is a Christian nation.”

Sacred Duty- Marxism pt 2 // Sunday, October 11, 2020

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Sacred Duty - Marxism

1 Chronicles 12: 22 …men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do… 

Romans 13: 1 (NLT)  Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

Common traits of prominent Marxists:

1.  Young

2.  Saw Real & Perceived Injustices.

3.  No Position of Power or Influence.

4.  Passionately Persevered in the Cause.

5.  NONE had a record of working consistently.

6.  Ruthless criticism of all that exists.

7.  ABOLISH the present state of things.

8.  FORCIBLE overthrow of all existing social conditions.

John 3: 18 - 21 (ESV)  …this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

9.  The life goals of Karl Marx: dethrone God & destroy capitalism

10.  By ACCIDENT, MAN is THE real god.

“The last vestige of a Creator external to the world has been obliterated.”    ~ Friedrich Engels

“The turning point of history will be the moment man becomes aware the only God of man is man himself.”                                     ~ Ludwig Feuerbach

Matthew 23: 12 (ESV)  Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

“Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the sentiment of the heartless world, as it is the spirit of spiritless conditions. It is the opium of the people.”              ~ Karl Marx

Isaiah 3: 14 & 15 (NLT)  The Lord comes forward to pronounce judgment on the elders and rulers of his people: “You have ruined Israel, my vineyard. Your houses are filled with things stolen from the poor. 15 How dare you crush my people, grinding the faces of the poor into the dust?” demands the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

James 5: 1 (NLT)  Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 2 Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment.  4 For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay.   The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 5 You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire.  You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you.

Ephesians 5:11 (ESV) Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

We hate Christians and Christianity. Even the best of them must be considered our worst enemies. They preach love of one’s neighbor and mercy, which is contrary to our principles. Christian love is an obstacle to the development of the Revolution. Down with love or our neighbor! What we want is hate…Only then can we conquer the universe.           ~ Anatole Lunarcharsky, Russian Commissar of Education

Sacred Duty- Marxism // Sunday, October 4, 2020

Sacred Duty // Sunday, September 27, 2020

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Sacred Duty

   2 Chronicles 6: 24 – 31 (NLT)

   “If your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against you, and if they turn back and acknowledge your name and pray to you here in this Temple, 25 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and return them to this land you gave to them and to their ancestors. 26 “If the skies are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and if they pray toward this Temple and acknowledge your name and turn from their sins because you have punished them, 27 then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them to follow the right path, and send rain on your land that you have given to your people as their special possession. 28 “If there is a famine in the land or a plague or crop disease or attacks of locusts or caterpillars, or if your people’s enemies are in the land besieging their towns—whatever disaster or disease there is— 29 and if your people Israel pray about their troubles or sorrow, raising their hands toward this Temple, 30 then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart. 31 Then they will fear you and walk in your ways as long as they live in the land you gave to our ancestors.

2 Chronicles 7: 1 - 3 (NLT)

   When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. 2 The priests could not enter the Temple of the Lord because the glorious presence of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying,  “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!”

2 Chronicles 7: 12 - 14 (NLT)

   12 Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices.13 At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

I'm Not Doing Well- Support // Sunday, September 20, 2020

Sunday, September 20, 2020

I’m Not Doing Well - Support

How should we respond to someone who is struggling?

1. Like Jesus  

Luke 4: 40 (NASB)  While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He was healing them.

• Jesus was a healer to the most despised sick ones.

Mark 5: 2 - 5 (ESV)  …when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.

Mark 5: 15 (ESV)  …they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind…

• We don’t discount people who suffer from emotional / mental struggles.

1 Corinthians 12: 26 (ESV)  If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

What can we do?

1. Have realistic expectations

John 16: 33 (NLT) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

2. Let the professionals do their job.

Proverbs 11: 14 (ESV)  Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 12: 15 (NLT)  Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

3. An episode does not define a person.

Mark 5: 20 (NLT)  …he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

I'm Not Doing Well- Darkness // Sunday, September 13, 2020

Sunday, September 13, 2020

I’m Not Doing Well - Enveloped in Darkness

Psalm 88:  15 - 18 (NLT)  I have been sick and close to death since my youth.  I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors.  16 Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me. Your terrors have paralyzed me. 17 They swirl around me like floodwaters all day long.  They have engulfed me completely. 18 You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend. 

Lessons to be learned:

1. Struggles can last so long and go so deep that it impacts our thoughts and emotions.

Psalm 39: 12 & 13 (NLT)  Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest — a traveler passing through,  as my ancestors were before me. 13 Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.

2. Our expectations of God and poor theology can set us up for deeper turmoil.

Job 1: 8 - 11 (NLT)  …the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” 9 Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. 10 You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does.  Look how rich he is! 11 But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!”

3. Darkness is the best place to learn about the grace of God.

2 Timothy 2: 13 (NLT) If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

4. Advancement and growth come through suffering.

James 1: 2 - 4 (NLT)  Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete,  needing nothing. 

John 1: 5 (ESV) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 12: 46 (ESV) I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

I'm Not Doing Well // Sunday, September 6, 2020

Sunday, September 6, 2020

I’m Not Doing Well

A Healthy Perspective

• Emotional / mental issues WILL occur because we live in a broken world.

• We should apply the same medical approach to these issues as we do physical issues.

• Divine healing is available to people with both physical and emotional issues.

• How should the church respond?  With Mercy and Grace

Elijah’s situation: 1 Kings 19: 3 & 4 (NLT) Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

God’s response:  1 Kings 19: 5 & 6 (NLT)  5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 6 He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

The result:  1 Kings 19: 19: 7 (NLT) 7 Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”

The outcome:  A new assignment…

   8 So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 9 There he came to a cave, where he spent the night.

Practical applications:

1. We choose to dwell on things that distort or edify.

Philippians 4: 8 & 9 (NLT) Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

2. Embrace human limitations:

Psalm 116: Search me, O God, and know my heart;  test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you,  and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

3. Know that God can work through brokenness and weakness:

2 Corinthians 2: 9 (ESV) …”My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

What Should I Do? // Sunday, August 30, 2020

Sunday, August 30, 2020

What Should I Do?

Hezekiah

2 Kings 18: 2 – 7;  Isaiah 38: 1 – 5

Ephesians 5: 15 &16 (NLT)  So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 

2 Timothy 2: 21 (ESV)  …if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

What should I be doing with my life?

1. Build my life around God.

Luke 10: 17 (ESV) …You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

• Prioritize worship

Philippians 4: 7 (NLT)  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

2. Love God’s Family

Hebrews 10: 25 (NLT)  … let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

• Prioritize fellowship.

Acts 2: 41, 42 & 46 (NLT)  Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer… 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.

The pattern:

1.     Believe

2.     Baptized

3.     Discipleship

4.     Fellowship

5.     Worship

3. Mature in my faith.

Hebrews 6: 1 (NLT)  …let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding.

• Prioritize discipleship.

Hebrews 5: 12 (NLT) You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.

4. Contribute.

1 Peter 4: 10 (NLT) God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

• Prioritize ministry.

Psalm 116: 12 (NLT)  What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?

5. Communicate the Good News.

2 Corinthians 5: 18, 20 (NLT)  …all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him… 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

Prioritize witnessing.

2 Corinthians 6: 1 (ESV) Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

TIMING // Sunday, August 23, 2020

WE HAD A GLITCH!!! The live streaming had a glitch this week, so our service is in 2 parts. Both are here. Hopefully we will have it fixed before next week!

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Timing

Ecclesiastes 8: 6 (NLT)  …there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.

When do I act immediately?

1. When God tells me to do something.

Mark 1: 17 & 18 (ESV)  …Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Psalm 119: 60 (NLT)  I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.

2. When I need to ask forgiveness.

Matthew 5: 23 & 24 (NLT)  …if you are presenting a sacrifice[h] at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

3. When I’m tempted.

1 Timothy 6: 11 (NLT)  …run from all these evil…

1 Corinthians 10: 14 (NLT)  …my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.

1 Corinthians 6: 18 (NLT)  Run from sexual sin!

4. When I make a promise to God.

Ecclesiastes 5: 4 (NLT)  When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him.

5. When I have the opportunity to do good.

Proverbs 3: 27 (NLT)  Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

6. When God offers me salvation.

2 Corinthians 6: 2 (NLT)  …“right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

When should I pause before I take action?

1. When I don’t have all the facts.

Proverbs 19: 2 (NLT)  Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;  haste makes mistakes.

Proverbs 18: 13 (NLT)  Spouting off before listening to the facts  is both shameful and foolish.

2. When I’m hurt or angry.

James 1: 19 (NLT)  Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Proverbs 14: 29 (NLT) People with understanding control their anger;  a hot temper shows great foolishness.

3. When I need to make a major decision.

Proverbs 21: 29 (NLT) The wicked bluff their way through,  but the virtuous think before they act.’

Proverbs 4: 26 (ESV) Ponder the path of your feet;  then all your ways will be sure.

Proverbs 22: 3 (NLT)  A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4. When I’m waiting for the right season.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 6 (NLT)  For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven… …A time to plant and a time to harvest…A time to tear down and a time to build up…A time to keep and a time to throw away.

Habakkuk 2: 3 (NLT) This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,  for it will surely take place.  It will not be delayed.

Your ID Matters- Now What?? // Sunday, August 16, 2020

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Your ID Matters – Now What?

1 Peter 2: 9 & 10 (NLT) …you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

Who you are in Christ…

1. You are accepted.

1 Peter 2: 9 (NLT) …you are a chosen people

2. You are valuable.

1 Peter 2: 9 (NLT) … a holy nation, God’s very own possession.

3. You belong.

1 Peter 1: 10 (NLT) Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.

4. You are TOTALLY forgiven.

1 Peter 1: 10 (NLT) Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.

5. I am capable.

1 Peter 2: 9 (NLT) …you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Now What?

1. Be hospitable. 

Romans 15: 7 (ESV) Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

2.  Be respectful.

1 Peter 2: 17 (NLT) Respect everyone, and love the family of believers.  Fear God, and respect the king.

3.  Be kind.

Ephesians 4: 32 (NLT) …be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

4.  Be generous.

Hebrews 13: 6 (NLT) … don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Your ID Matters // Sunday, August 9, 2020

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Your ID Matters

1 Peter 2: 9 & 10 (NLT)   …you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

Who you are in Christ…

1. You are accepted.

1 Peter 2: 9 (NLT)  …you are a chosen people

• I’m accepted because of Jesus.

Titus 3: 7 (NLT)  Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

2. You are valuable

1 Peter 2: 9 (NLT)  … a holy nation, God’s very own possession.

• You matter to God.

Luke 12: 24 (NLT)  Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!

3. You belong.

1 Peter 1: 10 (NLT)  Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.

4. You are TOTALLY forgiven.

1 Peter 1: 10 (NLT)  Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.

Romans 8: 1 (NLT)  So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

• It is God’s nature to forgive.

Isaiah 43: 25 (NLT)  I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake  and will never think of them again.

Ephesians 1: 7 (NLT)  He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

5. I am capable.

1 Peter 2: 9 (NLT)  …you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Ephesians 3: 5 & 6 (NLT)  It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

• Christ in me makes this possible.

Philippians 4: 13 (NLT)  I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Community pt 3 // Sunday, August 2, 2020

Sunday, August 2, 2020

 GO

Community

Colossians 3: 8 - 11 (NLT) But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

How to be a community of Christ

1. Be like Jesus.

Colossians 3: 12 (NLT)  Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

1 John 2: 6 (NLT) Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

2. Forebear & Forgive

Colossians 3: 13 (NLT)  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Ephesians 4: 32 (NLT)  …be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 (NLT)  …encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

3. Let love rule your life.

Colossians 3:14 (NLT)  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

John 15: 12 (NLT)  This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

Hebrews 10: 24 (NLT)  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

4. Live in peace.

Colossians 3: 15 (NLT) And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

2 Timothy 1: 7 (NLT)  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

5.      Live & Share the Gospel

Colossians 3: 16 & 17 (NLT) Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

GO! Community pt 2 // Sunday, July 26, 2020

Sunday, July 26, 2020

 GO

Community

Colossians 3: 8 - 11 (NLT) But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

How to be a community of Christ

1. Be like Jesus.

Colossians 3: 12 (NLT)  Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

1 John 2: 6 (NLT) Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

2. Forebear & Forgive

Colossians 3: 13 (NLT)  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Ephesians 4: 32 (NLT)  …be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 (NLT)  …encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

3. Let love rule your life.

Colossians 3:14 (NLT)  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

John 15: 12 (NLT)  This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

Hebrews 10: 24 (NLT)  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

4. Live in peace.

Colossians 3: 15 (NLT) And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

2 Timothy 1: 7 (NLT)  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

5.      Live & Share the Gospel

Colossians 3: 16 & 17 (NLT) Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

COMMUNITY // Sunday, July 19, 2020

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Community

Colossians 3: 8 - 11 (NLT) But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.  9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

KILL 'EM WITH KINDNESS // Sunday, July 12, 2020

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Kill ‘em With Kindness

1 Thessalonians 5: 15 (NLT) See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

Colossians 3: 12 (ESV) Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Philippians 4: 5 (NASB)  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Kindness is a manifestation of love.

The Story of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10: 25 – 37

3 common attitudes toward people:

1. Stay clear.

Luke 10: 30 & 31 (ESV)  Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 

2.  Curious, but uncaring.

Luke 10: 32 (ESV)  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

3. Demonstrate kindness.

Luke 10: 33 (ESV) But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.

The path to becoming a kinder person:

1. See the needs of the people around me.

Luke 10 33 (ESV)     … when he saw him… 

1 Corinthians 10: 24 (NLT) Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

2. Feel their pain.

Luke 10 33 (ESV)   … he had compassion.

A Paradigm Shift:

Don’t Ask:  What’s wrong with them?

Do Ask:  What happened to them?

Galatians 6: 2 (NLT) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

3. Take action.

Luke 10: 34 (ESV) He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.

Galatians 6: 10 (ESV)  …as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Proverbs 3: 27 & 28 (ESV) Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.

4. Be generous.

Luke 10: 34 & 35 (ESV) …Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 

Luke 10: 36 & 37 (ESV) Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Proverbs 19: 17 (ESV) Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

OUR GODLY HERITAGE- A More Perfect Union

Sunday — July 5, 2020 

Our Godly Heritage - A More Perfect Union

  As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of almighty God; and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which  social happiness cannot exist, nor the blessings of a free government enjoyed…  especially in seasons of difficulty of danger.      ~ John Adams

Exodus 18: 21 (ESV) Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Where did these ideas come from?

John Locke

Two Treatises of Government

Rev John Wise:

·  Consent of the governed

·  Taxation without representation

1926 President Calvin Coolidge @ Independence Hall for 150th Anniversary of the Declaration

The Origins of the American Constitution:

1.   Charles Montesquieu  = Political Philosopher    8.3%

2.   William Blackstone  =  Legal Scholar     7.9%

3.    John Locke      2.9%

4.  The Bible           34%

Three Branches of Government:

For the Lord is our judge, Judicial
The Lord is our lawgiver,  Legislative
The Lord is our king;        Executive
He will save us—                  Isaiah 33: 22 (NASB)

Separation of Powers:

The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?    Jeremiah 17: 9 (NASB)

Tax Exemption of Churches:

We also inform you that it is not allowed to impose tax, tribute or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim or servants of this house of God.     Ezra 7: 24 (NASB)

   It is a great mistake to suppose that the paper we are to propose will govern the United States. It is the men it will bring into government and interest (they have) in maintaining it that are to govern them. The paper will only mark out the mode and the form.  Men are the substance and must do the business.

~ John Francis Mercer

YOUR MISSION TRIP // Sunday, June 28, 2020

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Your Mission Trip

1. Your life is a Mission Trip!

John 20: 21 (NLT) …he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

How should we respond to this? 

Send me

Isaiah 6: 8 (NLT) I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

2. Your life should look different.

Philippians 2: 14 & 15 (ESV)  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

How should we respond?

a.  Without grumbling.

Philippians 2: 14 (ESV) Do all things without grumbling or disputing…

1 John 4: 16 & 17 (NLT) We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.

b.  Stand out!

Philippians 2: 15 (ESV) 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

Romans 12: 2 (NLT)  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

c. Hold firm.

Philippians 2: 16 (NLT) Hold firmly to the word of life…

Philippians 1: 27 (NLT)  Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

3. Your life is an ambassadorship.

2 Corinthians 5: 20 (NLT) So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

FATHER'S DAY // Sunday, June 21, 2020

Sunday, June 21, 2020

The Significance of Fatherhood

Psalm 16: 3 (NLT) The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!

Dad, do you want to accomplish something that’s significant?

 1.      Stand alone for what is right! 

2 Samuel 23: 8 - 12 (ESV) These are the names of the mighty men whom David had:  Josheb-basshebeth...Eleazar the son of Dodo…And…Shammah… The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the men fled from the Philistines. 12 But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the Lord worked a great victory.    

Exodus 23: 2 (NLT) You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong…  

Romans 12: 2 (ESV)  Do not be conformed to this world…  

2.     Make sacrifices for others! 

Matthew 20: 26 (ESV) ...whoever would be great among you must be your servant.

Proverbs 31: 8 & 9 (ESV) Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Dad, do you want to accomplish something that’s significant?

3.   Take risks for God!

Sunday, June 14, 2020