***God's love is eternal
***Why has God kept His hand on us?
John 20:21 - "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'"
***The Father had a purpose for sending Jesus to earth
***The coming of Christ was very costly
***The prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane shows us that Jesus' death was not His will, but the Father's will
***For Jesus to do the will of the Father meant sacrifice for everyone that was dear to Him
Philippians 2:5-11 - "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
***The Father sent Jesus...Jesus now sends us
Luke 18:18-30 - "A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
***The cost of discipleship cannot compare to the reward of eternal life
***There are two words that can't be said together...'No Lord.'
Hebrews 12:1-3 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
***Have you taken account of your life this year? What do you sense that God may require of you as you head into the new year?
***Satan will try to bring discouragement by telling you the cost of obedience, but he will never tell you the cost of disobedience....(LOVED THIS!)
***Can people see eternity in your eyes?
***Are those watching your life convinced that eternity is real?
***Choose today to live your life for eternity.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Promise of Christmas
This past Sunday morning (Dec 21), Pastor Mel preached what I believe was the best sermon on the Christmas story that I have ever heard. Following are the notes:
The Promise of Christmas
Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 1:18-25 - "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel" which means, "God with us." When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. "
***God loves the impossible - That is when He does His best work!
***Verse 22 is talking about the prophet Isaiah: "Now all this took place that the prophecy (of Isaiah) would be fulfilled."
***The prophecy and its fulfillment are both from God - God spoke through Isaiah 700 years earlier.
***God always keeps His promises.
***God had a sovereign promise to fulfill through Mary.
Isaiah 6:1-8 - Isaiah's Commission - "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
Isaiah 9:6-7 -
Of the increase of his government and peace
The Promise of Christmas
Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 1:18-25 - "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel" which means, "God with us." When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. "
***God loves the impossible - That is when He does His best work!
***Verse 22 is talking about the prophet Isaiah: "Now all this took place that the prophecy (of Isaiah) would be fulfilled."
***The prophecy and its fulfillment are both from God - God spoke through Isaiah 700 years earlier.
***God always keeps His promises.
***God had a sovereign promise to fulfill through Mary.
Isaiah 6:1-8 - Isaiah's Commission - "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
Isaiah 9:6-7 -
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."
Luke 1:34-38 - ""How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her."
***And Mary was amazed - She'd studied the scriptures and now realized Isaiah was talking about HER! (W - O - W!!!)
***Mary's assignment is not so different from ours because God has chosen each of us for an assignment.
***God knows your name and had a sovereign plan for your life. He is bringing about circumstances that you may hear and obey Him.
***Security does not mean isolation from all pain, but it means confidence in God's purpose and will.
***As long as you remain in His hands, God can do anything in your life. He is the same God to you as He was to Mary!
***No matter what your circumstances, choose to remain in the hands of God and trust Him.
***There may be times you feel ill-equipped and all alone, but God shows up and tells you not to worry...He has a plan.
***What has been written in heaven regarding your life?
This really was an excellent sermon to me. I absolutely LOVE the way Pastor Mel brings new eyes to things I've known in my mind for years, like this Christmas story. They are certainly very sobering thoughts! While I knew Mary realized what a miracle Jesus' birth was, I had never thought about the fact that Mary had studied the scriptures herself and what it must have been like for her to realize in the moment that the angel spoke to her that SHE would be the one all this would be fulfilled through. Can you imagine what a sobering realization that must have been for her? That thought has been on my mind all week. I really just can't even imagine!
This really was an excellent sermon to me. I absolutely LOVE the way Pastor Mel brings new eyes to things I've known in my mind for years, like this Christmas story. They are certainly very sobering thoughts! While I knew Mary realized what a miracle Jesus' birth was, I had never thought about the fact that Mary had studied the scriptures herself and what it must have been like for her to realize in the moment that the angel spoke to her that SHE would be the one all this would be fulfilled through. Can you imagine what a sobering realization that must have been for her? That thought has been on my mind all week. I really just can't even imagine!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Commandment # 10 - 'Finding Contentment'
Following are the notes on the 10th Commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#10 - FINDING CONTENTMENT
Exodus 20:17
Exodus 20:17 - "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
***Everything God promised is found in putting God first. Everything God promised can be destroyed by putting 'Me' first.
***The 10th Commandment is about finding contentment.
***Self-centeredness always leads to self-pity.
*** To be content in life is not to possess good self-confidence, but to have absolute confidence in God.
***When we say we are not content, we are saying that God is not enough.
1Timothy 6:6-10 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
Psalm 73:25 - "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."
***The greatness of Christianity is not simply the blessings that come, but the relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
***The 10 Commandments are given under the premise that we want to belong and that we have made a committment to God and to one another.
***When you find Jesus Christ, you will find contentment in life.
#10 - FINDING CONTENTMENT
Exodus 20:17
Exodus 20:17 - "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
***Everything God promised is found in putting God first. Everything God promised can be destroyed by putting 'Me' first.
***The 10th Commandment is about finding contentment.
***Self-centeredness always leads to self-pity.
*** To be content in life is not to possess good self-confidence, but to have absolute confidence in God.
***When we say we are not content, we are saying that God is not enough.
1Timothy 6:6-10 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
Psalm 73:25 - "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."
***The greatness of Christianity is not simply the blessings that come, but the relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
***The 10 Commandments are given under the premise that we want to belong and that we have made a committment to God and to one another.
***When you find Jesus Christ, you will find contentment in life.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Commandment # 9 - 'The Power of Words'
The week away at my mom's got me behind on my sermon notes. I've got the CD for hte 8th sermon, but haven't sat down to listen to it where I can take notes. I will do that very soon, but following are the notes from November 30's sermon regarding the ninth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#9 - THE POWER OF WORDS
Exodus 20:16
Exodus 20:16 - "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
Pastor Mel started out by telling a story about a man named Alexander Papaderos. The story is too long to recount here, but I found it on the internet and if you are interested, you can go HERE to read it. It is a great answer to the question, 'What is the meaning of life?'
***Are you reflecting the light of Christ into the world in which you live?
***As we walk in this world, it sees the light of God reflected in our eyes.
***Don't give evidence that would injure the reputation of another person.
***The sin of silence is as powerful as the sin of lying lips.
***We need integrity in our words. We need to be speaking truth at all times.
***When people think of your life, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
***We build integrity by the way we live our life.
***God is truth and if we are to reflect Him to a watching world, we must be truthful in the way we live.
***Because God is truth, we can stand on His word with confidence.
***Our lives will be vindicated when we trust in God's word.
***As a Christian, our integrity is a powerful tool to a watching world.
***Our words have the power to build up or tear down.
***God is watching the way we regard others...do we build them up?
Proverbs 4:24 - "Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."
Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful and above all things beyond cure. Who can understand it?"
***Sin has damaged our heart and we have a self-centered nature that wants to build ourselves up and tear others down.
***To obey this commandment, we need to control our tongue.
***If you are walking with God, you won't be shaken by hurtful words. We know the truth and keep silent knowing we will be vindicated.
***Knowing the power of words, are you willing to let someone else hold you accountable for them?
***Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hold your tongue.
***Obey the Holy Spirit even if this means awkward silence.
***Ask the Holy Spirit to take away your anger and fill you with joy.
***Ask the Holy Spirit to help you encourage others. Speak words they need to hear.
***If you allow the world to taint you, how in the world will God use you to be a light to others?
***Your life can be of such upstanding nature that God can use you to speak truth to set others free!
This was a great sermon and I took 2.5 pages of notes! WOW! Such wisdom.
#9 - THE POWER OF WORDS
Exodus 20:16
Exodus 20:16 - "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
Pastor Mel started out by telling a story about a man named Alexander Papaderos. The story is too long to recount here, but I found it on the internet and if you are interested, you can go HERE to read it. It is a great answer to the question, 'What is the meaning of life?'
***Are you reflecting the light of Christ into the world in which you live?
***As we walk in this world, it sees the light of God reflected in our eyes.
***Don't give evidence that would injure the reputation of another person.
***The sin of silence is as powerful as the sin of lying lips.
***We need integrity in our words. We need to be speaking truth at all times.
***When people think of your life, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
***We build integrity by the way we live our life.
***God is truth and if we are to reflect Him to a watching world, we must be truthful in the way we live.
***Because God is truth, we can stand on His word with confidence.
***Our lives will be vindicated when we trust in God's word.
***As a Christian, our integrity is a powerful tool to a watching world.
***Our words have the power to build up or tear down.
***God is watching the way we regard others...do we build them up?
Proverbs 4:24 - "Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."
Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful and above all things beyond cure. Who can understand it?"
***Sin has damaged our heart and we have a self-centered nature that wants to build ourselves up and tear others down.
***To obey this commandment, we need to control our tongue.
***If you are walking with God, you won't be shaken by hurtful words. We know the truth and keep silent knowing we will be vindicated.
***Knowing the power of words, are you willing to let someone else hold you accountable for them?
***Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hold your tongue.
***Obey the Holy Spirit even if this means awkward silence.
***Ask the Holy Spirit to take away your anger and fill you with joy.
***Ask the Holy Spirit to help you encourage others. Speak words they need to hear.
***If you allow the world to taint you, how in the world will God use you to be a light to others?
***Your life can be of such upstanding nature that God can use you to speak truth to set others free!
This was a great sermon and I took 2.5 pages of notes! WOW! Such wisdom.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Commandment # 7 - 'Fire Always Burns'
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the seventh commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#7 - FIRE ALWAYS BURNS
Exodus 20:14
Exodus 20:14 - "You shall not commit adultery."
***The 10 commandments are like a fence God has constructed for our freedom. They protect us from things in the world that will (and can) destroy us.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Matthew 5:27-28 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
***This commandment is dealing with the condition of your heart.
***Our actions start as a seed in the heart - and the seed is the same essence as the fully developed plant.
***The heart controls the life.
***God is concerned about your heart. It is either given to Him or to self.
***You are free to choose evil, but you are not free to choose the consequences.
Malachi 2:14-15 - "You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."
Galatians 5:7-8 - "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
***Fire always burns. Adultery always causes pain and brokenness.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"
***Unguarded strength is a deceptive place to be.
1 Corinthians6:9-11 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
***There is forgiveness IF you choose to repent, but there are consequences that may never be removed.
***It is foolish to think that pre-meditated sin is not going to cause destruction.
***No matter how great our sin, God's grace is greater.
***God brings conviction so we can correct the relationship.
***God's power over sin is our only hope to find victory in life.
***God established a fence for your protection.
#7 - FIRE ALWAYS BURNS
Exodus 20:14
Exodus 20:14 - "You shall not commit adultery."
***The 10 commandments are like a fence God has constructed for our freedom. They protect us from things in the world that will (and can) destroy us.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Matthew 5:27-28 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
***This commandment is dealing with the condition of your heart.
***Our actions start as a seed in the heart - and the seed is the same essence as the fully developed plant.
***The heart controls the life.
***God is concerned about your heart. It is either given to Him or to self.
***You are free to choose evil, but you are not free to choose the consequences.
Malachi 2:14-15 - "You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."
Galatians 5:7-8 - "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
***Fire always burns. Adultery always causes pain and brokenness.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"
***Unguarded strength is a deceptive place to be.
1 Corinthians6:9-11 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
***There is forgiveness IF you choose to repent, but there are consequences that may never be removed.
***It is foolish to think that pre-meditated sin is not going to cause destruction.
***No matter how great our sin, God's grace is greater.
***God brings conviction so we can correct the relationship.
***God's power over sin is our only hope to find victory in life.
***God established a fence for your protection.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Commandment # 6 - 'Respecting Life and Extending Grace'
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's excellent sermon regarding the sixth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#6 - RESPECTING LIFE AND EXTENDING GRACE
Exodus 20:13
Exodus 20:13 - "You shall not murder."
***The commandments move forward through 3 areas: God (commandments 1-4), family (commandment 5) and relationships (commandments 6-10).
***The seed is the same essence as the plant, just in a different form. (The difference between hate and murder).
***God is saying that another person's life has value. Do not take it into your own hands.
***Every person has a soul and no matter what they have done, we need to treat them as God would have us to treat them.
***Your words, and your silence, can destroy a person.
***Does your life encourage others or cause them pain?
Romans 13: 9-10 - "The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
***Light and darkness (love and hatred) cannot co-exist in the same place.
***It is always your turn to right a wrong with another. It is always your turn to obey God and make things right.
***You can easily tell those who are walking in a love relationship with God. They love others.
***No matter what happens TO you, you control what happens IN you.
***When someone puts you to the test (treats you wrong), will you pass the test of your heart?
Matthew 5: 44-45 - "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
***The 6th commandment is about respecting life.
***Your actions and words reflect the condition of your heart.
***Does your heart prove that you've been born again?
***There is nothing like a clear conscience. It is priceless and worth more than money can buy.
#6 - RESPECTING LIFE AND EXTENDING GRACE
Exodus 20:13
Exodus 20:13 - "You shall not murder."
***The commandments move forward through 3 areas: God (commandments 1-4), family (commandment 5) and relationships (commandments 6-10).
***The seed is the same essence as the plant, just in a different form. (The difference between hate and murder).
***God is saying that another person's life has value. Do not take it into your own hands.
***Every person has a soul and no matter what they have done, we need to treat them as God would have us to treat them.
***Your words, and your silence, can destroy a person.
***Does your life encourage others or cause them pain?
Romans 13: 9-10 - "The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
***Light and darkness (love and hatred) cannot co-exist in the same place.
***It is always your turn to right a wrong with another. It is always your turn to obey God and make things right.
***You can easily tell those who are walking in a love relationship with God. They love others.
***No matter what happens TO you, you control what happens IN you.
***When someone puts you to the test (treats you wrong), will you pass the test of your heart?
Matthew 5: 44-45 - "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
***The 6th commandment is about respecting life.
***Your actions and words reflect the condition of your heart.
***Does your heart prove that you've been born again?
***There is nothing like a clear conscience. It is priceless and worth more than money can buy.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Commandment # 5 - 'Honor and Blessing'
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the fifth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#5 - HONOR AND BLESSING
Exodus 20:12
Exodus 20:12- "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
***The danger of losing the fear of God is that we become wise in our own eyes.
***Wisdom is a by-product of our trust in Almighty God.
***Parents are the keepers of God's covenant...children will follow behind and someday enter into the same covenant. Do your children see the commandments of God in you? Is God 1st place?
***Is your life a demonstration of the goodness of God?
***If your children were going to honor God by looking at your life, would they know what to do?
***The 5th commandment is the only one with a promise attached to it. "I will bless your life and take care of you."
***God put you in your family and your father and mother are to be honored for who they are.
***How do you honor an ungodly parent? --forgive them--be kind to them--pray for them
***To honor does not mean that you approve of that which is evil.
***God's ways are not man's ways. They do not always make sense.
Matthew 5:38-48 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
***Giving honor to your parents will bring God's blessing upon your life.
***The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
#5 - HONOR AND BLESSING
Exodus 20:12
Exodus 20:12- "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
***The danger of losing the fear of God is that we become wise in our own eyes.
***Wisdom is a by-product of our trust in Almighty God.
***Parents are the keepers of God's covenant...children will follow behind and someday enter into the same covenant. Do your children see the commandments of God in you? Is God 1st place?
***Is your life a demonstration of the goodness of God?
***If your children were going to honor God by looking at your life, would they know what to do?
***The 5th commandment is the only one with a promise attached to it. "I will bless your life and take care of you."
***God put you in your family and your father and mother are to be honored for who they are.
***How do you honor an ungodly parent? --forgive them--be kind to them--pray for them
***To honor does not mean that you approve of that which is evil.
***God's ways are not man's ways. They do not always make sense.
Matthew 5:38-48 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
***Giving honor to your parents will bring God's blessing upon your life.
***The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
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