GENEROUS // Sunday, January 22, 2023 // Jeff Hines, lead pastor

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Sunday — January 29, 2023

 

Generous

2 Corinthians 9: 11 (NLT)

    …you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.  

    And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

 

Proverbs 1: 25 (NLT)

    The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

 

Psalm 112: 5 (NLT)

    Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

 

    “A heart touched by God, gives generously, and starts with the tithe.”

 

I Always ONLY Ask you to be obedient!

 

2 Corinthians 9: 7 (NLT)

     You must each decide in your heart how much to give.

    And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.

    “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Giving is still LESS than during the Great Depression!!!

If every church attendee in America tithed  =  $165 billions more !!!

Matthew 23: 23 (ESV)

    Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

 

  • Luke 3: 11 (NLT)

   … If you have two shirts, give one to the poor.

 

  • Luke 6: 29 (NLT)

    … If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.

 

  • Luke 19          Zacchaeus…

    I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” 

Salvation has come…

  • Mark 10: 21     Rich Young Ruler…

    Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor,

    and you will have treasure in heaven.

 

Luke 14: 33 (NLT)

    So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

Leviticus 27: 30 (NLT)

    One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields

    or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.

    If you can’t live on 90%, You can’t live on 100% 

                           ~ Dave Ramsey

 

    Give to God what is right, Not what is left.   

                        ~ Pastor Adrian Rogers

    I have observed 100,000 families over my years of investment counseling.

    I always saw more prosperity and happiness among those families who tithe than among those who didn’t.  

                            ~ Sir John Templeton

WHY CHRISTMAS? // Sunday, December 11, 2022 // Jeff Hines, lead Pastor

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Sunday — December 11, 2022 

Why Christmas 

1.               Christmas Tree

2.               Santa

3.               Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

4.               Frosty the Snowman

5.               Buddy the Elf

Genesis 3: 1 – 13 (NLT) 

    The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied.  3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”

    4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

    6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her.

    So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

    10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

    11 “Who told you that you were naked?”  the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”

    12 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”

    13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”

    “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

 

Genesis 4: 8

Cain kills Able = Jealousy

Genesis 4: 23

Lamech (Descendent of Cain)

kills a young man an is Unrepentant

 

Genesis 6: 1 - 8

Human Corruption / Evil Increases…

 

Genesis 6: 9  -  8: 19

God sends the Flood…

 

Genesis 8: 20 – 9: 28

God re-establishes dominion

 

Genesis 11

Tower of Babel

Humans are Self-Sufficient

 

Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

    For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him.

Psalm 24: 1 (NLT)

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.

Psalm 5: 4 (ESV)

    For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.

 

 

BECOMING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS- Laodicea // Sunday, November 13, 2022 // Jeff HInes, lead pastor

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  Sunday — November 13, 2022 

Becoming A Light in the Darkness

 1.               Map of Seven Churches

 Revelation 3: 15 (NLT)

 I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!

  

Philip brought the gospel to Hierapolis…  

 

1.               Rural (Bethsaida) to Metropolitan Lycus Valley

…

2.               Domitian Gate 

Cultural Gates represented the gods or goddesses who protected that city…   Enter  =  Submission !

 

Remember Domitian???

 

3.               Philip Martyrium 

Philip and Family

 

Romans 5: 7 (NLT)

    Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.

 

4.               Temple of Apollo 

Only Zeus & Leto could tolerate his presence…

 

The City Fountain (Nymphaeum) =

 

“Apollo is the source of life”

Next to Apollo’s Temple was…

 

5.               The Ploutonion

Gates to the Underworld where Pluto, in Latin, or Hades, in Greek, lived

 

“The Devils Hole” 

The Place of Plato” 

“The Gates of Hades”

 

Poison killed animals immediately…

 

Apollo’s priests held their breath…

 

Did the believers in this area remember

 

6.               Caesarea Philip

7.               Lycus Valley 

Hierapolis:  Hot Springs

 

Soothing to aching muscles, sore feet, arthritic joints, good for the skin and stomach…

Colossae:  Streams from the mountain snow…  Cool,   Refreshing, Invigorating,    Thirst Quenching

Laodicea:  Tepid,   Hard Minerals,

Nauseating…

Lycus Valley destroyed in 17AD and 60 AD by earthquakes

Where was Apollo? 

Where was Zeus?

Where was Demeter or Domitian?

Where was the Church? 

Lukewarm !!!

 

Revelation 3: 15 - 21 (NLT)

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold.  I wish that you were one or the other!

 Cold better than indifferent?

 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’

Caesar’s help to rebuild…

    And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.   18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love.  So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock.

 

8.               Jesus Knocking

    If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.   21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

BECOMING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS- The Rabbi/Disciple Relationship // Sunday, November 6, 2022 // Jeff Hines, lead pastor

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Sunday — November 6, 2022

 

Becoming A Light in the Darkness

 

The Rabbi / Disciple Relationship

 

Disciple:

 

  • Know what the Rabbi knew

 

  • Be like the Rabbi

 

  • Do what the Rabbi did

 

Ephesians 2: 2 & 3 (NLT)

     “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.

 

1.               Map of Seven Churches

 

Ephesus one of the most Sophisticated, Cultured, and Pagan cities in the Roman Empire.

 

Romans = Crown Jewel of Asia Minor

 

2.               Temple of Artemis

 

3.               Theater

 

4.               Temple of Domitian

 

5.               Domitian Altar

 

Ephesians 5: 1 – 5 (NLT)

    Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

 

Ephesians 5: 8 – 11 (NLT)

    For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.

 

Ephesians 5: 15 – 17 (NLT)

    15 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. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 

 

Revelation 2: 4 & 5 (NLT)

    “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. 

 

BECOMING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS- Being a Disciple // Sunday, September 25, 2022 // Pastor Jeff Hines

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Sunday — September 25, 2022

 

Becoming A Light in the Darkness

 

Today:  Being A Disciple

 

Matthew 28: 19 – 20 (NLT)

    19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

1.               Asia Minor

 

Most Fertile and Prosperous Region of Roman Empire…      Most PAGAN

 

Early Church Quickest Growth Here !

 

Revelation 3: 1 – 6 (ESV)

 

    “‘I know your works.

You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 

 

    2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die,

   for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 

     4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis,

    people who have not soiled their garments,

    and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

MAIN POINT:

 

  • Don’t know the founder

 

  • Motivated to spread the Gospel

Influence the Culture

 

  • Did they repurpose pagan articles for God’s glory?

 

  • Did they become indifferent in a culture of tolerance?

 

Let’s understand…

 

  • Rural to Metropolitan

 

  • Jewish to Gentile

 

  • God Centered to Man Centered

 

Revelation 2: 12 – 17 (NLT)

 

2.               Right Now Media

 

3.               Pergamum

 

Alexander the Great…

      200 – 250 years of Hellenistic…

 

Cap of Asia Minor…

           Governor  =  “Right of the Sword”

Power of Life and Death…

 

4.               Aerial View

 

Place Where Satan Lives…

 

Church had great impact…

 

Revelation 2: 13 (NLT)

    “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.

 

5.               Temple of Dionysus

 

Demigod: Zeus and Semele (Human)

 

6.               Path to Temple of Aesculapius

 

god of Healing…

 

7.               Pillar of Aesculapius

 

Once vetted walked the tunnel…

 

8.               Tunnel to Healing Room

 

9.               Healing Room

 

300 feet in Diameter…

               Small Chambers…

 

Revelation 2: 17 & 18 (NLT)

    Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will… give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.

 

Shrine of Demeter

goddess of Grain

 

Popular with Lower & Middle Class

                    Especially the Women…

 

Revelation 2: 17 (NLT)

     Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven.

 

Huge Temple of Zeus…

 

10.           Athena Temple

 

1st City where Emperor Cult was established…

 

In this case it was Caesar Augustus

god and King

 

BECOMING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS- Sardis // Sunday, September 18, 2022 // Pastor Jeff Hines

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Sunday — September 18, 2022

 

Becoming A Light in the Darkness

 

Today:  Being A Disciple

 

Matthew 4: 19 (ESV)

 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

 

We think disciples are students…

    …People who want to know everything the teacher knows.

 

Disciples want to be what the Rabbi is!

 

Rabbi’s Prepared their Disciples…

 

Passionate Commitment to Do God’s will…

 

From Caesarea Philippi Jesus and the Disciples would travel to Jerusalem…

 

After His resurrection…

 

Matthew 28: 19 – 20 (NLT)

    19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

1.               Asia Minor

 

2.               Grotto of Pan

 

3.               “Gates of Hell”

 

4.               Depiction of Sardis

 

5.               Dye Vat

 

6.               Kabbalah

 

7.               Temple to Artemis

 

8.               Overhead View

 

9.               Church Ruins

 

Revelation 3: 1 – 6 (ESV)

    “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 

 

    4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

BECOMING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS pt 3 // Sunday, September 11, 2022 // Pastor Jeff Hines

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Sunday — September 11, 2022 

Becoming A Light in the Darkness 

Today:  Being A Disciple

Big Question from last week…

1.               Caesarea Philippi

2.               “Gates of Hell”

Matthew 16: 13 - 18 (ESV)

    13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 

    14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 

   15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 

    16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.   18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 

Genesis 1: 27, 28, 31 (NLT)

    So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” 31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

 

Matthew 16: 24 – 26 (ESV)

    Then Jesus told his disciples,

(Mark & Luke Include the Crowd)

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 

 

Don’t give in to this!

 

Purpose…      Meaning…  

 

        Significance…          Fulfillment…

 

Dead gods with false promises…

    25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 

 

False offer of “Life”…

    26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?

    Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

 

Lost who are found…

 

          Those who choose to walk away…

 

Mathew 16: 27 (NLT)

    For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. 

 

Qualitative   NOT   Quantitative

 

There would be more ministry and teaching Jerusalem…

 

 

3.               Mount of Olives

 

4.               Jerusalem

 

5.               Garden of Gethsemane

 

4.               Jerusalem

 

Matthew 28: 18 – 21 (NLT)

     Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

6. Mount of Ascension

Acts 1: 3 - 5 (NLT)

    During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

 

Acts 1: 6 (NLT)

    So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”