God is awesome - Ex 19; Isa 6:1-4; Ezek 1; Dan 7:9-10; Rev 4:1-11
God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you!
This has always been God's plan - Acts 15:12-21; Acts 17:16-31
Acts 17:28 some of your own poets. There are two quotations here:
(1) “In him we live and move and have our being,” from the Cretan poet Epimenides (c. 600 B.C.) in his Cretica, and
(2) “We are his offspring,” from the Cilician poet Aratus (c. 315-240) in his Phaenomena, as well as from Cleanthes (331-233) in his Hymn to Zeus. Paul quotes Greek poets elsewhere as well (see 1Co 15:33; Tit 1:12 and notes)
Paul made use of extra-biblical sources to evangelize non-Jews
Relationship means relationship!
God doesn't want his awesomeness to be a barrier to relationship - Ex 20:18-20; Deut 18:15-19; Heb 12:18-29
Lost Sheep; Lost Coin - Luke 15:1-10
What kind of relationship are we talking about?
People often see reality inaccurately
LIttle Joe escaping from Franklin Park Zoo
Catch the emotion being expressed:
The Heartbeats - "A Thousand Miles Away"
Shep & The Limelights - "Daddy's Home"
Jermaine Jackson - "Daddy's Home"
Clarence Carter - "Patches"
Daddy cares passionately about you!
Any lack you experience is due to circumstances beyond his control.
Who's Your Daddy!
People have various "daddy" experiences
We need to recognize what the Bible is describing
God is not a mean judge trying to catch you doing something wrong!
Dabney Coleman in "Cloak and Dagger"
Scene from "The Wire"
God is the real father
Earthly parents are given as pointers to our real Father!
Their strengths point to him by example
Their weaknesses point to him by contrast
Any deficits in your family background/experience were pre-approved by God.
The Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-32
Guess what I just found out about daddy!
He's alive!
He's back home!
He's rich!
There are no circumstances beyond his control!
He's giving me a house, a car, and a brand new job!
God wants the relationship to grow.
God wants you in the family business.
Palm Sunday
Solomon on King David's Mule - 1Kings 1:28-40
Messianic Prophecy - Zech 9:9
Jesus' Triumphal Entry - Mat 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40
Hindrances to a relationship with God
Not taking the concept of a relationship with God seriously.
How do I know you have a relationship with someone?
You spend time with them.
You talk about them.
You prioritize them.
You defend them.
Religion
Confusing God with his Church
How do I know you have a relationship with God?
You spend time with him.
You talk about him.
You prioritize him.
You defend him.
How do I know you have a relationship with the Church?
You spend time at church.
You talk about church.
You prioritize church.
You defend church.
You act religious.
Relating to the Church is not the same as relating to God
Scheduling events with a husband vs. with a wife
Some people embrace church for acceptance yet avoid God.
Not understanding God's loving nature - Mat 7:7-11
Allowing your view of your parents to limit your view of God.
If you think God is going to disapprove of you, you'll have a hard time developing a relationship with him.
Luke 19:11-27 (parable of the Minas)
Were there people who didn't want to spend time with you?
Faith is essential for relating to God - Heb 11:6
Easter Sunday
Anniversary of my first church service as a believer.
I know God personally!
Do you?
My testimony
I began reading the Word right away
I began talking to God right away
Easter Origins
The Resurrection - Mat 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
Christians have been celebrating the resurrection since the days of the apostles
It wasn't first called Easter until around 800AD
Some embrace their relationship with God.
"How can I be down?"
They talk to God and they expect God to talk to them!
They allow the relationship to grow and develop.
Others neglect their relationship with God.
They don't talk to God.
They don't expect God to talk to them.
Some use obedience to rules as a way of avoiding it. - John 5:39
Some use good works as a way of avoiding it.
They never embrace God's agenda - Luke 19:11-27
"I never knew you"! - Mat 7:21-23; Mat 25:1-13; Luke 13:22-30
Welcome to the party - why are you here?
to honor and serve the host, enjoy relating to him, and help to make his party a success?
to hang out with the host? - Luke 13:22-30
to be entertained by the host and tell stories about his party later?
to hang out with the guests?
to be safer than when you're outside on the street?
How do you feel about having a relationship with God?
Especially For Men
Let go of the pride and the "hard rock" exterior.
Jesus is your commander
Especially For Women
Your relationship with God must be on his terms!
Accept God's complete authority over your relationship with him.
Moses and the burning bush - Ex 3:1-6
God establishes the requirements and the benefits
What kind of relationship does God want to have with you?
Hint - look at the relationship he has with Jesus
God's terms are: follow Jesus! - John 6:24-29; Acts 4:12
Jesus as God - an accessible representation
When you've seen Jesus you've seen The Father - John 14:1-14
God's image - Col 1:15-20
Fullness of the deity - Col 2:9
The ultimate revelation of God - Heb 1:1-3
God is ineffable
Jesus as human - our example of how to relate rightly to God
Jesus at the temple as a boy - Luke 2:39-52
Jesus' baptism
Total commitment to the Father
Total commitment to his mission
Jesus prays at Lazarus' tomb - John 11:38-44
Jesus at the feast - John 12:20-33
Jesus was heard because of his reverent submission - Heb 5:-10
Jesus as our mediator - 2Cor 5:1 - 6:2
Mediator - 1Tim 2:5; Heb 8:6; Heb 9:15; Heb 12:24
You were God's enemy! - Mat 12:22-37; Luke 11:14-28
Setup
Why is the new covenant superior to the old? - 2Cor 3
It doesn't fade
What isn't the treasure of the gospel more obvious? - 2Cor 4
It's hidden in clay jars (i.e. us)
Our hardships reveal the treasure
2Cor 5:1-10 - Paul and his team are living for the Lord
They live confidently by faith
Faith is not necessarily mystical
Faith is persuasion
Mustard seed faith - Mat 17:14-20; Luke 17:1-6
It develops through experience (cruise vs. jet)
Use what you've got to get more!
Become like little children - Mat 11:25; Mat 18:1-6; Mat 19:13-15
Consider the parent/child relationship
Children expect parents to feed, clothe, and house them.
Your faith develops as you walk with God as your Father.
Confidence - Heb 4:14-16; Heb 10:1-25
We want to please God
2Cor 5:11-15 - They are committed to the Lord's mission
Live for Jesus, not for yourself
Let go of our self-love (narcissism)
The Rich Fool - Luke 12:16-21
Common television sitcom fare
"The Office", "Seinfeld", "Friends", "Frasier", "I Love Lucy", "Home Improvement"
Life is a complex system pervaded by unintended consequences. Only God can guide us through them properly.
Our sinful independence encourages more independence.
This is true even when we're at our best
Doing your own thing is death.
Pleasing God must be more important than pleasing ourselves
Luke 22:42; John 4:27-38; John 6:38;
Jesus changes everything; you must be born again - John 3
2Cor 5:16 - 6:2 - The ministry of reconciliation
God has reconciled us and sent us to "spread it around"
God is not counting men's sins against them
You were an enemy but God is offering you sonship!
Repent like the Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-32
Be reconciled to God - accept the Father's invitation - Mat 22:1-14
The Gospel has power - Rom 1:16
Don't receive his grace in vain by living for yourself!
The time is now.
Imitate Jesus in his relationship with the Father - John 17:1-26
Talk to the Father!!!
John 17:1-2 - Discuss mission milestones with the Father
John 17:3 - Eternal Life - the definition that counts
John 17:4 - Glorify the Father by completing your assignment
Yes, you have an assignment.
John 17:5 - Jesus is eternal
John 17:6-8 - Reveal the Father to others
John 17:9-19 - Care for the people assigned to you
Pray for their general protection
Protect them
Share your joy with them
Give them God's Word
Pray for their protection from the enemy
Pray for their sanctification
Sanctify yourself for their benefit
John 17:20-26 - Care for your legacy
Promote unity
Seek the unity of the Church
Recognize Jesus' glory
Jesus is still revealing the Father - go and do likewise
Putting It Into Practice - How do I live out my relationship with God?
Start by saying yes - Gen 12:1-8
You don't need to know the future obstacles
Famine resulting in the trip to Egypt and compromising Sarai
Family conflict with Lot
International intrigue - the battle of the kings
Entangling alliances - the King of Sodom
There is power in God's Word
It is the most powerful creative force in the universe - Gen 1
It accomplishes God's purposes - Isa 55:10-11; 2Tim 3:16-17
It clarifies and illuminates
It lights our path - Psalm 119:105
It judges us - Heb 4:12-13
It produces faith
The Gospel has power - Acts 13:38-43; Acts 14:8-18; Rom 1:16
The Word will do the work. - Rom 10:17
Start by standing on the Word God speaks to you - Mat 14:25-33
It is a weapon - Eph 6:17
Know that God wants to speak to you - expect him to!
God spoke to Abram - Gen 12 - 15
God will answer you - Jer 33:1-3
Ministry of the Holy Spirit - John 14:14-27; John 16:5-15
Respond to God - Gen 12:1-7; Gen 15
Separate in order to remain obedient - follow Abram's example:
He separated from his father's household
He separated from Lot
He separated from the King of Sodom
Abram in battle
Rescues Lot
Tithes to Melchizedek
Refuses spoils of Sodom out of covenant faithfulness - Gen 14
God speaks to Abram again - Gen 15
Follows Abram's choice of God over the spoils of Sodom
Come near to God and he will come near to you - James 4:7-8
Initial promise:
I am your shield: protection in battle
I am your very great reward: better than the spoils of Sodom
Abram raises the subject of the offspring that God promised earlier
God withheld the answer to draw Abram deeper in relationship
God promises Abram offspring as numerous as the stars
God's Word creates faith in Abram
The Word accomplishes God's purposes - Isa 55:10-11
The Word produces faith - Rom 10:17
Abram believes and is counted as righteous - Ref Rom 4
Faith without action is dead - James 2:14-26
When faith is created in your heart - act on it!
God initiates covenant with Abram
Abram's question seeks assurance
This indicates the deepening of their relationship
God walks through the divided pieces by himself
God wants your offspring to be like the stars in the sky too!
To experience this you have to be like Abram:
Believe
Talk to God
Tear down deeply held yet unstated false beliefs:
"God doesn't want to talk to me."
"God won't accept me."
"If we're really anointed unbelievers will come to us."
"It's the pastor's job to win my unbelieving friends/family."
God speaks to Abram after key acts of obedience/separation
After Abram leaves Haran - Gen 12:6-7
After separating from Lot - Gen 13:11-18
After refusing to compromise with the King of Sodom - Gen 15:1-8
After Abram obeys in the area of circumcision - Gen 18
Stages in Abram's Journey
Initial call - Gen 12
Righteousness by faith / Initial covenant - Gen 15
Abram had to believe something challenging that God told him.
God's cuts covenant with Abram
A False Start - Gen 16
He listens to Sarai, but doesn't check with God!
God allows him to make this mistake
Covenant of circumcision - Gen 17
The covenant is "cut" in the male reproductive organ
Women also bleed - at penetration
God lays claim to the source of our fruitfulness
Name change: Abram --> Abraham; Sarai --> Sarah
Announces a definite timetable for birth of Isaac
Circumcision precedes fruitfulness
The organ of both your productivity and your elimination must be exposed to God.
God treats Abram as a covenant partner - Gen 18
Stages in Our Journey
God makes himself known to us
We accept God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ
Righteousness by faith - Gen 4
We have to believe something challenging - 1Cor 1:18-31
Look to Jesus - Num 21:4-9; 2Kings 18:1-4; John 3:13-18; John 6:35-40;
If he's Lord, then act like it - Rom 10:9-10
Listening to his voice - John 10:14; John 10:27-29
Embrace what Jesus died to obtain for you - Philip 3:1-14; Rom 6
We seal our commitment
Baptism - Rom 6:1-14; Col 2:11-15
Language change: we learn to say what God says
God treats us as covenant partners
God spoke to Jesus after his baptism - Mat 3:13 - 4:2; Mark 1:9-13; Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:1-2
Join the "family business" - expand the Kingdom - Mat 28:18-20
Enhance your ability to hear God's voice by reading his Word
You need all of God's Word
The greatest two commandments would be enough for sinless men and women.
Our sinfulness hinders our ability to understand God's Word.
It's easy to misunderstand one verse.
It's hard to misunderstand all scripture.
It renews your mind - Rom 12:1-2
It tears down strongholds - 2Cor 10:4-5
Like a radio tuning in to God's voice.
If you're not pursuing God's Word you've rejected his will.
If you're not pursuing God's will, Jesus' is not your Lord.
We have no problem studying subjects that we find meaningful:
Convicts studying law in the prison library
Women studying how to improve their relationships
Read the Word with the intention of understanding it and practicing it.
Accept your place in God's family.
Become like little children - Mat 11:25; Mat 18:1-6; Mat 19:13-15
New Babies
breathe and cry right away.
hear from their parents right away.
Newborn Christians - 2Pet 2
should start praying right away.
should expect for God to talk to them right away.
should start reading God's Word right away
Three types of people:
Natural Man - 1Cor 2:14
Spiritual Man - 1Cor 2:15; Gal 5:22-24
Carnal Man - 1Cor 3:1-3; Gal 5:19-21; Philip 3:17-19
Which type are you?
Spiritual Maturity - Luke 8:14; 1Cor 2:6; Eph 4:13; Philip 3:15; Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4
Accountability / Holiness
Sunday service PLUS life group
Not - one church for Sunday and another for life group
You should develop intimate friendships and accountability with the same people you fellowship with on Sunday.
Walking in the light - 1John 1:5 - 2:6
Exposing your actions
Exposing your thoughts
Exposing your motives
Taking responsibility for ministry
The New Testament writers weren't trying to write scripture.
They were trying to serve other believers.
In doing so they produced scripture - 2Pet 3:15-16
Your life should produce "scripture" - 1Pet 4:11
Charles's recollection at the retreat
My own frequent sharing of things Bishop said to me
"I trust you with souls"
Pleasing God must be more important than pleasing ourselves
Luke 22:42; John 4:27-38; John 6:38;
Reproducing yourself
God has promised you spiritual offspring
Pray - Father I want to lead others to spiritual maturity.
Define evangelism, followup, discipleship
Work in the vineyard
Let God's presence transform you
Moses speaks to God - Ex 33-34; 2Cor 3
Set It Off
The Foundation
God exists
God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.
A relationship with God must be on his terms.
God's terms are: Follow Jesus!
How do I follow Jesus?
Live for Jesus, not for yourself
Let go of our self-love (narcissism)
The Rich Fool - Luke 12:16-21
Common television sitcom fare
"The Office", "Seinfeld", "Friends", "Frasier", "I Love Lucy", "Home Improvement"
Slavery to our pain
Drugs, Alcohol, Cigarettes
Sex, Crowd-pleasing behavior, Music, Clubbing
Trying to feel good rather than be good
Life is a complex system pervaded by unintended consequences. Only God can guide us through them properly.
Our sinful independence encourages more independence.
When I do "my own thing" I make it easier for everyone else to do "their own thing"!
Copycat crimes
Broken Windows Theory
This is true even when we're at our best
Doing your own thing is death. - Rom 6:23
Jesus changes everything; you must be born again - John 3
You aren't born again because I personally persuaded you.
You are born again because you responded to God's invitation.
New Material
Preparation
Main Passage
NIV
Hebrew Study Bible
KJV
The Message
NASB
RSV
Exegetical Idea
Subject
Tools: How, Who, What, When, Where, Why
Complement
Developmental Questions
Explain It: What does this mean?
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
Homiletical Idea
Purpose of the Sermon
Make it plain
Use accessible language and modern parables
Make sure people do something with the word God gives you for them.
Set It Off
The Foundation
God exists
God loves you and wants a mutually satisfying relationship with you.
A mutually satisfying relationship with God must be on his terms.
Bronze snake - Num 21:1-9
God's terms are: Follow Jesus!
How do I follow Jesus?
Live for Jesus, not for yourself
You have a choice. You can organize your life around:
seeking happiness and freedom from pain.
learning and doing God's will.
Which will you choose?
Jesus changes everything; you must be born again - John 3
You will is not really free - 1Cor 2:14; Gal 5:16-21; Rom 8:5-9
Cite personal testimony.
It takes God to free you - he responds to the prayers of others.
You aren't born again because I personally persuaded you.
You are born again because you responded to God's invitation.
Cornelius' Conversion
This is an unusual situation, but we can learn from it.
Acts 10:1-8 - Introducing Cornelius
God exists, loves you, wants a relationship
A relationship with God must be on his terms (see Acts 11:12-14)
Acts 10:9-20 - God prepares Peter
Acts 10:21-33 - First Contact
Peter began by asking a question to fill in the blanks.
He responded to the open door by extending hospitality.
He didn't go by himself - he included other brothers.
He refused worship - God entrusts the message to people.
He was honest about his shifting understanding of scripture.
He sought clarity by asking another question.
Acts 10:34-43 - The Message
God's acceptance is conditional - based on "God's terms".
Peter started with what Cornelius already knew.
He used Jesus as the foundation - 1Cor 3:10-15
He presented who Jesus is: Lord of all.
He presented what Jesus did.
He presented himself as a witness of Jesus life.
He testified to the Jesus resurrection from the dead.
He explained the mission Jesus had given him.
He explained that Jesus will judge the living and the dead.
He explained what the audience needed to do.
Acts 10:44-48 - The Harvest
Peter affirmed the salvation of Cornelius' household.
He baptized them.
He followed up.
Acts 11:1-21 - The Aftermath
Recognize that there are three types of people:
Natural (soulish) Man - 1Cor 2:14
May be ignorant of the gospel.
May be hostile to the gospel.
May be "church friendly", but a hypocrite.
May be "spiritual" in a new age sense.
Spiritual Man - 1Cor 2:15; Gal 5:22-24
Worldly (carnal) Man - 1Cor 3:1-3; Gal 5:19-21; Philip 3:17-19
At best - "Follows the rules" in his/her own strength
At worst - Makes his/her natural desires a priority
Which type are you?
Put him In Charge
on the "throne" of your life
running your "control center"
What does it take to keep Jesus on the "throne"?
Hearing his voice
Being in his presence
Let God's presence transform you
Moses speaks to God - Ex 33-34; 2Cor 3
His power - Acts 1:8; Eph 5:18
The Cadillac and the team of horses
Walking with God - Gen 5:18-24; Heb 4:14-16; Heb 10:19-22; Heb 11:5-6; 1Pet 2:4-5
Faith - Heb 11:1; Mark 11
Believe and act on what God says - Gen 12 - 15
Talk and act like a son/daughter
Sonship first - then brotherhood
Sunday service is like Thanksgiving - we should all be together.
Expectation - Mat 9:18-26
you are vulnerable to God disappointing you
Obedience / faithfulness - Luke 12:35-48
Become like little children - Mat 11:25; Mat 18:1-6; Mat 19:13-15
New Babies
breathe and cry right away.
hear from their parents right away.
Newborn Christians - 2Pet 2
should start praying right away.
should expect for God to talk to them right away.
should start reading God's Word right away
Some abandon salvation.
If your hand offends you - Luke 9:43-48
Disqualified - 1Cor 9 (ref. Luke 12:48)
Impossible for the enlightened to return - Heb 6:1-20
Can you lose your salvation?
Can you divorce your husband/wife?
Can you abandon your children?
Can you turn your back on your parents?
Can you reject your friends?
Habits Of Highly Effective Believers
Relating to God
Prayer
Talking with God - Jer 29:11-14; 2Cor 3; 1Pet 1:17
Worship
Gratitude - Luke 7:36-50
Love for God - 1Pet 1:8-9;
Learning and Doing God's Word
Relating to Believers
Fellowship
Love for others - Mat 25:31-46; John 13:34-35; 1John 3:18
Holiness
Discipleship
Service
Relating to Unbelievers
Caring
Service
Evangelism
Relating to My Community
Service
Spiritual Maturity - Luke 8:14; 1Cor 2:6; Eph 4:13; Philip 3:15; Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4
Accountability / Holiness
Sunday service PLUS life group
Not - one church for Sunday and another for life group
You should develop intimate friendships and accountability with the same people you fellowship with on Sunday.
Walking in the light - 1John 1:5 - 2:6
Exposing your actions
Exposing your thoughts
Exposing your motives
Taking responsibility for ministry
The New Testament writers weren't trying to write scripture.
They were trying to serve other believers.
In doing so they produced scripture - 2Pet 3:15-16
Your life should produce "scripture" - 1Pet 4:11
Charles's recollection at the retreat
My own frequent sharing of things Bishop said to me
"I trust you with souls"
Pleasing God must be more important than pleasing ourselves
Luke 22:42; John 4:27-38; John 6:38;
Reproducing yourself
Fruitfulness - Mat 7:15-20; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:1-8
God has promised you spiritual offspring
Pray - Father I want to lead others to spiritual maturity.
Define evangelism, followup, discipleship
Work in the vineyard
Discussion Questions / Topics
Reflect on Num 21:4-9; Philip 2:12-16
What problem did the Israelites face? What caused the problem?
Do you think of yourself as a complainer? Do your life group members think of you as a complainer?
If complaining is an issue in your life, what are you doing about it? How can your life group members help you?
Reflect on Acts 10:1-8, 19-22, 30-33; 11:11-14
What were some of the ways that Cornelius was devout and God-fearing? Do you know anyone like this?
Who sent the angel to Cornelius? What was the angel's message to Cornelius (compare all of the verses above to give a complete answer).
Why did Cornelius need to hear Peter's message? How does Acts 11:11-14 affect your answer?
Reflect on Num 21:4-9; John 3:13-21
What happened? How did the Israelites expect Moses to help them?
What solution did God provide? Did it require any good deeds on their part? What kind of attitude was required to make use of the solution?
How does this passage affect your understanding of salvation?
God told Moses to put something specific on a pole. Why did God use a serpent and how does this relate to Jesus being "lifted up"? Hint - you may want to check out: 1Cor 15:54-56; 2Cor 5:16-21; Rom 8:1-4; Col 2:13-15.
Reflect on Acts 10:9-33
How did God prepare Peter to meet with Cornelius? How has God prepared you to reach out to the unsaved people in your world?
How many times did Peter ask a question in this passage? Have you ever used questions in a ministry situation?
Peter extended hospitality to the people that Cornelius sent. Have you ever done anything like this?
Peter took some of the local brothers with him to visit Cornelius. Have you ever included other believers in your outreach to unbelievers?
Peter told Cornelius that he was "only a man" (vs. 10:26). How do the unbelievers in your life see you?
Peter was honest about his initial discomfort in visiting a non-Jew. Have you been honest with the unbelievers you know about similar areas of discomfort in your relationship with them?
Works Activities For This Week's Life Group Meetings (repeated from last week)
Understand the "Natural Man", "Spiritual Man", and "Carnal Man".
Reflect on 1Cor 2:1-16; 1Cor 3:1-4; Gal 5:19-24; Philip 3:17-19
Choose one of your life group members who attended our May retreat to present the "Natural Man" / "Spiritual Man" / "Carnal Man" diagram.
The other members should discuss the diagram and practice drawing it.
Review the current prayer partnerships in your life group.
Make sure that everyone has someone to pray with on a weekly basis.
These can be long-term assignments or your can rotate them.
If you rotate them, the assignments should last at least one month.
Review the list of people you are praying for in your life group.
Make sure that everyone knows who to pray for and how to pray for them.
Make sure that the people who need salvation are getting prayed for every day by the members of the group.
Review each person on the list of people you are reaching out to.
Has anyone invited him/her to lunch/dinner or some other informal activity along with at least one other life group member?
Has anyone invited him/her to a life group fun event?
Has anyone invited him/her to a life group meeting?
