The Son is in charge - Psalm 2; Acts 4:23-30; Acts 13:29-37
Why do the nations rage? - Acts 4:23-30
You are my Son, today I have become your Father - Acts 13:29-37; Heb 1:5; Heb 5:5
Kiss the Son
Jesus launches his ministry
Baptism - Mat 3:13-17
This is my Son, whom I love . . .
Temptation - Mat 4:1 - 11; Heb 2:18; Heb 4:15
Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life - Gen 3:1-8; 1John 2:15-17
Jesus used scripture
Jesus and worship
Worship the Lord your God and serve him only - Mat 4:10; Deut 6:13
Jesus accepted worship
Magi - Mat 2:2,11
Man born blind - John 9:38
Women at the tomb - Mat 28:9
Disciples - Mat 28:17
The Father has entrusted everything to the Son - John 5:16-47; John 6:44-47
By calling God his Father Jesus acknowledged his equality with God
Honor the Son as you honor the Father
Trying to go around the Son dishonors the Father
Recruits Disciples - Mat 4:17-22
Jesus knew that he needed to extend himself through others
Who are you extending yourself through?
We have benefitted from those who extended themselves through us
Coutney McBath and Michael Harrison came alongside me to support me.
Karen Cummings helped to move me into ministry.
Ed Johnson, Purcell Dorsey, Pastor Andy, Chris Hill
Meets Needs - Mat 4:23-25
Jesus addressed the people's perceived needs.
Whose needs are you addressing?
Light of the world - Mat 5:14-16
Don't hide your light under a bowl
"Salt" from salt marshes could lose its saltiness.
Expose yourself to the unbelieving world
Cell ministry is an excellent way to do this
Light the world around you so that people can see it as it really is
Don't shine a spotlight in people's eyes to blind them
Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets - Mat 5:17-20
Do not murder / Do not be angry - Mat 5:21-26
The Law explicitly refers to external behaviors
Jesus identified the law's true intention and direction
Anger is a root issue that can take various forms
blatant: murder, violence, rage
verbal: cursing, yelling, sarcasm, cynicism
internal: bitterness, resentment, depression
Anger is a dangerous emotion
In your anger do not sin - Psalm 4:4, Eph 4:26
Don't let the sun go down on your anger - Eph 4:26
acts of the flesh can keep you out of the Kingdom - Gal 5:16-21
Examples
Columbine
The time I hit Amelia in 6th grade
urban violence
The World's way
Anger is often feared
Anger is often celebrated
in movies, on television and in other media
especially where young men are concerned
in some movements
social: Black nationalism, environmentalism, feminism
religious: Islamic fundamentalism
Christian: persecution of gays; bombing abortion clinics
Anger has various causes
behavior of others - threats, abuse, abandonment, rejection
impersonal events
ourselves - failures, inadequacies, our personal attributes
Resentments and quarrels - James 3:13 - 4:12
Trade in old fantasies for fresh vision from the Lord
Anger has a solution
Don't use the world as your model
Do not love the world - 1John 2:15-17
Don't gain the world and lose yourself - Luke 9:23-25
Don't conform to the world's pattern - Rom 12:1-2
Give it to God
Give your burdens to Jesus - Mat 11:28
Do not be anxious about anything - Isa 26:3; Phil 4:6-7
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood - Eph 6:12
If you're not praying you are defenseless against anger
Discipline yourself
You must master sin - Gen 4:1-12; Rom 6:12-13; Rom 8:5-6
Your actions
Your words
Watch what you say - James 3:2-12
Complaining
Israel complained - Num 11:1; Num 14:27
Don't complain - Phil 2:14
Your associations
Avoid "brothers" or "sisters" who slander - 1Cor 5:11
Seek deliverance
Jesus cast out demons and expected his disciples to do the same
Initial commissioning - Mat 10:1; Mat 10:8; Luke 10:19
greater works - John 14:12
If repeated attempts at discipline fail, you may need deliverance
Deliverance is not a panacea
it often changes the fight from impossible to difficult
it is not a substitute for walking in the Spirit
it is not a substitute for discipline
Practice a lifestyle of reconciliation
Be reconciled to God - 2Cor 5:14-20
A brother/sister who is angry with you is in spiritual danger - vs 24
Anger
The day the lawnmower died
Doing Something With God's Word
Your natural hearing is delicate. So is your ability to hear from God.
Use your ears to hear what God is saying.
God told the Israelites how to treat his Word - Deut 6:4-9; Deut 11:19
These commandments are to be upon your hearts
Impress them on your children
Talk about them when you sit at home,
when you walk along the road,
when you lie down,
when you get up
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads
Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates
How will we obey this word?
We must structure ourselves to obey
Most churches don't structure themselves to do this
Our life group meetings are structured for obedience in this area
"Welcome" - reconnect with one another
"Worship" - reconnect with God
"Word" - talk about:
What God is showing you about yourself
What God wants to say to others through you
"Works" - plan Kingdom work
If you're not committed to this are you committed to the Lord?
It's all about Jesus
Jesus and the Glory Of God
The LORD doesn't share his glory with another - Isa 42:8
Jesus had glory with the Father before the world began - John 17:5
Defining Spirituality
The world values vague spirituality
celebration of the word "faith" without an object
celebration of "faith-based" efforts
celebration of diversity
The church must make it clear to others who it is that we worship
Jesus is the object of our faith
Surrender to God's Control
Life Church retreat
Our initial lack of enthusiasm about our agenda
We needed God to take control
The Holy Spirit moved in the revising of our vision and mission
The Holy Spirit moved in the reworking of our agenda
Covenant Faithfulness - Mat 5:27-37
Adultery
Marriage
Marriage is a covenant to provide companionship
Marriage authorizes sexual relations but is not created by them
Marriage is not dissolved by adultery
Divorce dissolves a marriage
Introduction of Eva as a tempting "other woman"
"I've been in situations where I've trying to do God's will and a beautiful woman . . ."
Eva enters in a provocative outfit
Dangerous thinking errors
Minimization - "It's no big deal"; "One time won't hurt."
Rationalization - "I'm just being friendly"
Denial - "I'm not really being unfaithful - I'm a good husband."
Relabeling - telling it like it wasn't
Justification - "I couldn't help it"
Spiritual rationalization - "God must be OK with it."
Distorted Thinking -
"It will turn out OK - I won't get caught."
"No one will get hurt."
"They weren't really upset with me."
"They will get over it."
"Nothing harmful will come of this."
Entitlement
"I'm entitled to a little fun."
"I deserve it."
"I deserve a break today."
"No one appreciates me."
"I've been so good."
"I'm not as bad as most husbands are."
"I've done so much for God."
"My wife really doesn't like sex much."
"I've led such a sheltered life."
"I've been pure all these years."
"I need something to lift my spirits."
"God intended that we enjoy life."
Fantasy
Divorce
OT Reference - Deut 24:1-4
God hates divorce (among other things) - Mal 2:16
God divorced Israel - Jer 3:8
God forgives us if we repent
If you're divorced
Acknowledge your contribution, if any and apologize
Don't break up a new marriage to renew an old one
If reconciliation is possible pray and seek pastoral counsel about your situation
Oaths / Swearing - Just be truthful
The Foolishness Of The Cross
1Cor 1:10 - 2:16
Covenant Faithfulness (continued) - Mat 5:27-37
Oaths / Swearing - Just be truthful
Don't manipulate
Dealing with bad people - Mat 5:38-48
"Eye for eye" is not revenge - Ex 21:18-27; Lev 24:17-21; Lev 19:18; Deut 19:21
Turn the other cheek
Love your enemies
Love the unlovely
Promiscuous, Homosexuals, Addicts, Thugs, Corny People
Greeting only your brothers is not acceptable
Going against the grain gets people's attention
Powerful people don't need to show off their power
Story from "The Speeder's Guide To Avoiding Tickets"
Hypocrisy - Mat 6:1-18
Don't do righteous acts for show
Don't pray for show
Your Kingdom come - ask for the needs of the ministry
What resources would enable you to serve more effectively?
What obstacles hinder you from serving more effectively?
Give us our daily bread - Ask for your needs
Get the "morning manna" - Ex 16:14-31
Give God your best time
Prayer - Morning sacrifice and Evening sacrifice
No plan no prayer; not prayer no progress
Religion vs. Kingdom Life
Old Covenant - God demands what's external to get what's internal
New Covenant - God demands what's internal and the external follows
Are we doing the work of the Kingdom?
Are we just being religious?
Rules taught by men - Isa 29:13; Mat 15:1-9
Religion focuses on familiar and comforting rituals
comforting rituals often mask our weaknesses
Religion offers status and the approval of other people whether God is pleased or not
Kingdom life focuses on hearing from God and obeying
If you love me you will obey what I command - John 14:15
Maturity
How mature are you really? Maturity means taking responsibility
How strong are you really? - Inside Out - core/functional training
Comforting rituals are not allowed to mask your weaknesses
Until 1983 I ritually took the T because I couldn't drive
Religion - Don't be addicted to things that make you feel good. Put in the work to "be good".
Confronting People
If your brother has something against you confront him - Mat 18:15-22
Other ideas
Be God's "help desk" or "customer support" staff
Which areas of your life are off limits to God? Your marriage?
Practice forgetting about yourself and focusing on others - Phil 2:3-4
Which life group member will I be a blessing to this week?
Who is the next person that I will connect to the Kingdom?
Why don't we obey?
We don't want to
We don't know how
We think that we don't have the resources
We think that we're not capable
We tell ourselves: "I'm not ready yet"
You need help to live this way
You need the Holy Spirit
You need your brothers and sisters
Emphasize LOVE rather than INTIMACY
Give people permission to tell you when you're "tripping"
What if I risk opening myself to real friendship?
Seize windows of opportunity for discipleship
Emphasize befriending new believers rather than follow-up
God is waiting on us!!!
Greed - Mat 6:19-24
Store up treasure in heaven, not on earth
"eyes are good (single)" - be generous
You can't serve two masters
Use worldly wealth to gain heavenly friends - Luke 16:1-13
Don't give God "hand me downs". - Ex 23:19
God wants to bless you - will you let him? - Luke 6:38
Brokenness and the Release Of The Spirit
The Way of The Spirit
What's the big deal?
Traditional Public Understanding of Christianity - "Churchianity"
Be a good citizen
Be a respectable member of society
Be a good family man / homemaker
Churches are interchangeable
Biblical Christianity
God wants everything - Luke 14:25-35
God wants to enroll you in his army!
God has a specific mission for you
You have a specific role to play in a specific ministry
What's the Problem?
We love ourselves - Phil 3:17-19
The Flesh
The flesh does bad things - Rom 7
The flesh does "good" things - 1Cor 2:1-5; Phil 3:1-11
Place no confidence in the flesh - Phil 3:1-21
God's Solution
Take up the cross - Luke 9:18-26
Don't shrink back
from persecution - Gal 6:12-14
from death - Rev 12:11
The message of the cross
foolishness to those who are perishing - 1Cor 1:18-31
We bring nothing to the table
Altar of earth or undressed stone - Ex 20:22-26
We can boast about this - Gal 6:14
Harassed and helpless and in tremendous need - Mat 9:35 - 10:1
People in despair
Communities in chaos and turmoil
Yearning for a charismatic leader
Believers struggling to find their purpose
City-wide Sacred Assembly
Bishop's remarks - the church is viewed as a joke by the world
Boston Ten Point Coalition Neighborhood Walks
"You're not miracle workers"
What are you going to do about it?
God's Solution is Jesus
A great light - Mat 4:12-17
An amazing mission - Phil 2:1-11
Be unified - vs. 1-2
Help your brothers and sisters in their mission
Spur one another towards love and good works - Heb 10:24-25
Look to the interests of others - vs. 4
Some of us are stuck on ourselves
stuck on our ideas, plans, and preferences
stuck on our failings, inadequacies, fears
stuck on how everything affects us personally
Get over yourself - it's not about you!
Adopt Jesus' attitude - vs. 5
Jesus voluntarily gave up his divine privileges - vs. 6-7
Theophanies - Abram, Jacob at Peniel, Gideon, Manoah
Contrast Ex 19:1-25; Ex 23:20-21; Ex 24:1-18; Ex 33:1 - 34:9; Ex 34:28-35;
became a servant - "locked" himself in by becoming human
Jesus didn't just look human (ref - Messenger of the Lord)
Jesus was fully human
He ate, drank, got tired, experienced temptation (Heb 2:18)
Jesus demonstrated God's compassion
Mat 9:35 - 10:1; Mat 14:13-21; Mat 15:29-38; Mat 20:29-34; Mark 1:39-45
Submitted to the cross - vs. 8
Is now greatly exalted - vs. 9-11
Live accordingly
We need to be broken and given away - Mat 14:13-21
God Wants Fruit
Parable of the Tenants - Mat 21:33-46
People who want to be fruitful have to be broken
Brokenness begins with the Cross
Jacob wrestling with God - Gen 32:22-32
Sent his possessions away to the other side of the Jabbok river
Sent his family to the other side of the Jabbok river
He was alone when the man came and wrestled with him
God defeated him by striking his body
Brokenness targets our body
Our body or flesh symbolizes the things over which we have control
Jesus body was broken for us on the cross
The Father condemned sin in the flesh - Rom 7:21 - 8:6
A Date With the Cross
Your first date with the cross was the day you were saved
Your next date with the cross is the day you are filled with the Spirit
God's Solution is Jesus (continued)
Jesus met their needs
He preached "The Kingdom of Heaven is Near"
God's Government is here and He's accepting citizenship applications
Perform the miraculous signs of the Kingdom
He taught in their synagogues.
He proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom.
He healed every disease and sickness.
He expects us to do the same
The Lord of the Harvest sends workers into the harvest field not into the homes of previous workers
God wants you to live a spiritually balanced life that transforms the people around you.
Only broken people can do this and meet this tremendous need!
We need to be broken and given away - Mat 14:13-21
Live accordingly - Phil 2:12-16
Work out your salvation - vs. 12
God is working in you - vs. 13
Don't complain - vs. 14
Story of the salesman in need of a lug wrench
Hold forth the Word of Life - vs. 16
Proclaim the message
Proclaim the good news of the Kingdom - Mat 9
Tell the people the full message of this new life - Acts 5:11-26
Angels can't do it - it takes people.
You ought to be teachers - Heb 5:11 - 6:12
Move beyond the elementary teachings
repentance from acts that lead to death
faith in God
instructions about baptisms
laying on of hands
resurrection of the dead
eternal judgment
Don't fall away
A well-watered land should produce a crop
How do we get there?
We need to have Isaiah's experience - Isa 6:1-13
We need to get our eyes of of men
In the year that King Uzziah died - 2Chron 26:16-23
We need to see the Lord
We need to see ourselves
We need to accept the atonement
We need to go where we are sent
Use your eyes to see and your ears to hear and understand
Ever hearing but never understanding
Ever seeing but never perceiving
Isa 6:9; Mat 13:1-23
Embrace brokenness
Don't wait until there's a hook in your nose
King Manasseh's - 2Chron 33:1-20; Jer 14:14 - 15:10
Brokenness leads to a new experience of worship
Worship as a lifestyle
Worship includes tithing
Help me to see it Lord because I don't want to do this over again
Inside Out fitness exams
Walk by faith
Several faith episodes - Mat 9:1-38
Healing of the paralytic - Mat 9:1-8
The men dug through the roof - Mark 2:1-4; Luke 5:17-20
Jesus saw the faith of the men
It was demonstrated by what they did
God is glorified when we exercise faith.
New wineskins for new wine - Mat 9:9-17
Explain wineskins
Other paradigms
feudalism & serfs tied to the land
industrialism - workers free to move around
Guns, Germs, and Steel
If you don't use a fresh wineskin you'll miss out!
Use your ears to hear and your eyes to see
Pay attention to how God is moving
Flow with God's Spirit
The synagogue ruler's daughter and the bleeding woman - Mat 9:18-26
He saw what God was doing through Jesus
Jairus' faith statement - "put your hand on her and she will live"
Bleeding woman
She saw what God was doing through Jesus
Faith statement - "if I touch his clothes I will be healed"
Women are unclean when bleeding - Lev 15:19-30
Jesus felt her touch (faith activates God's power) - Luke 8:43-48
Faith in the face of bad news - Luke 8:49-53
Jesus is with you
Separate yourself from doubt and unbelief - James 1:5-8
Jesus heals two blind men - Mat 9:27-31
Jesus asks directly about their faith
Faith is critical
Without faith we can't please God - Heb 11::6
Definition of faith - Heb 11:1
Faith comes from exposure to God's message
Seeing it demonstrated (as in the examples above)
The leper - Mat 8:1-4
The centurion - Mat 8:5-13
Hearing it - Rom 10:17
Use your ears to hear and your eyes to see
God's wants to bless you - will you let him?
The leper - Mat 8:1-4
Ask, seek, knock - Mat 7:7-11
What have you observed about God?
What has God told you he wants to do?
Pray!!!
When you pray believe that you receive - Mark 11:20-25
Pray for your needs
Pray for the needs of your brothers and sisters
Pray for the needs of the people in your sphere of influence
Believe aggressively and pray aggressively!
Palm Sunday
Mat 21:1-22; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19;
The fig tree had nothing but leaves - no fruit.
The people waved branches at Jesus - no fruit.
Congregational Reading - Psalm 118
Follow the Cloud - Num 9:15-23
Now is the time, now is the day - 2Cor 5:11 - 6:2
Resurrection
Resurrection Accounts - Mat 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
Resurrection happens without witnesses
Spectacular events take place to give witnesses access to empty tomb
Born of the Spirit John 2:23 - 3:12
Jesus is the resurrection - John 11:24-25
Resurrection power - Eph 1:17-23
Men need resurrection
New Material
The Tongue
Introduction - The Bible and the Tongue
References - James 3-4
If you can control your tongue you can control your body - James 3:2
Impact of the tongue
a fire
a world of evil
corrupts the whole person
sets the course of his life on fire
is itself set on fire by hell
a restless evil
full of deadly poison
What comes out of your mouth?
Blessing or Cursing
Criticism or Correction
Sarcasm or Affirmation
Slander or Praise - James 4:11-12
Worship or Blasphemy
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit - Mat 12:22-37
Controlling your tongue requires controlling your mind
The mouth speaks out of the overflow of the heart - Luke 6:45
Guard your heart - Prov 4:23
You are responsible for what occupies your mind - Philip 4:8
Like Israel conquered Canaan, you must conquer your thoughts
Anger - stop petting your demon - Mat 5:21-22;
There is something in your life that you're holding on to because you love it more than you love God. If you confess it and release it you'll experience deliverance and a new freedom. - Eph 4:17-32
The myth of the monkey trap
Be proactive - not passive about getting free
Waiting for permission at EGC Board Meeting to eat my dinner
Controlling your mind allows you to control your body - James 4:1-10
Proper Use of the Tongue
Worship - don't let your worship be hindered by
Idolatry - Ex 20:1-6
Unforgiveness - Mat 18:21-35
Unfaithfulness in giving
Bring the whole tithe - Mal 3:6-12
Patriarchs
Abram - Gen 14:17-20
Jacob - Gen 28:10-22
The best of the first - Ex 23:19
Excel at giving - 2Cor 8:1-15
Give cheerfully - 2Cor 9:6-15
Ignoring justice - Isa 1:10-20; Isa 58:1-14; Amos 5:4-24; Amos 8:1-14
in your life groups
in your congregation
in your sphere of influence
in your community
in your city, state, country
Instruct - Rom 15:14; 1Cor 14:26; Heb 5:11-14
Proclaim the Good News of God's Kingdom
Invite them to become fellow builders
Extend community
Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman - John 4
Confront your brother/sister in love - Mat 5:21-26; Mat 18:15-20
whether it feels good or not.
even if it gets messy
establish a relationship that gives you permission to speak into his/her life
Resurrection
Jesus is the resurrection - John 11:24-25
Budding of Aaron's staff - Num 17
Men need resurrection
Elijah vs. Elisha
Elijah and the widow of Zarepath - 1Kings 7:7-16
Elisha and the widow's cruse of oil - 2Kings 4:1-7
Most people would rather improve some aspect of what they're already doing rather than doing something different.
Why do you call me Lord, Lord . . .? - Luke 6:46-49
Paul's resurrection discourse - 1Cor 15:1-34
Discussion Questions
Reflect on James 3:1-12
Describe a time when you said something that you should not have. What impact did it have?
In what ways has your tongue steered the course of your life?
How often do the things that you say fit the description of the tongue found in vs. 5-10?
How easily and comfortably can you switch from worshipping God with your mouth to speaking hurtful things to others?
What experiences have you had trying to control the things that you say?
How often do the things that you say fall into the categories of cursing, criticism, sarcasm, slander, or blasphemy?
How often do the things that you say fall into the categories of blessing, correction, affirmation, praise, or worship?
Reflect on Luke 6:43-45; Prov 4:23; Philip 4:8; Judges 2:1-5
Is there anything in your heart that has been coming out of your mouth and causing problems lately?
How do your brothers and sisters in Christ feel about the things that you say? Are they willing to give you honest feedback?
Are there any areas of your thought life that you've successfully brought under control? How did you do it?
Are there any areas of your thought life that you've been struggling with lately? How can your brothers and sisters in Christ help you in this area?
Are there any areas of your thought life with which you've "made peace" when God really wanted you to "wipe them out"?
Reflect on Mat 5:21-26;
Are you angry? Do your brothers and sisters in Christ think of you as angry?
What, if anything, or whom, if anyone, are you angry at? Why?
What are you doing to deal with your anger? Are you dealing with your anger in a godly, biblical way?
What attitudes are you holding on to that keep you from living the victorious life that God intends for you?
Are you keeping any demons as pets?
Works Activities For This Week's Life Group Meetings
List the people in your sphere of influence.
Go over the people in your list and share with your group the answers to the following questions:
How badly to you want to see this person saved?
How much time have you spent praying for him/her? On your own? With a prayer partner?
What are you willing to do differently to see this person saved?
