Place where the bread of the presence was placed every sabbath
Table symbolic of fellowship.
Symbolic of our fellowship with Jesus and with one another (e.g. communion)
Bread of the Presence
Twelve loaves replenished every sabbath
Baked from fine flour without yeast with frankincense on top.
12 loaves represent God's people.
Kernels of wheat give up their identity to become flour, then bread.
Cell Groups
Ref - Ex 25:23-30; Lev 24:5-9
The Golden Lampstand
Beaten from a single block of gold
Burning oil which needed constantly to be replenished
Symbolic of us with God's light shining through us
Ex 25:31-40; Ex 37:17-24; Ex 39:37
The Tabernacle
The Curtain
The Most Holy Place
The Bronze Altar
Made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze
A place of sacrifice
Symbolic of Jesus' death for us
Ref - Ex 27:1-8; Ex 38:1-7; Ex 20:24-26
The Courtyard
The Priestly Garments
The Golden Altar of Incense
Made of acacia wood overlaid with gold
The high priest burned incense every morning and evening when he tended the lamps. Jesus is our high priest.
Incense symbolic of our prayers - Rev 8:1-5
Ref - Ex 30:1-10; Ex 37:25-29; Ex 30:34-38
Bronze Washbasin
Made from the bronze mirrors of the Israelite women
Cleansing prior to service in the Holy Place
Symbolic of God's Word
Ref - Ex 30:17-21; Ex 38:8; Ex 40:7
Grow Beside the River
Phase 1 (the 1st 1000 cubits): Water reaches ankle depth
Phase 2 (the 2nd 1000 cubits): Water reaches knee depth
Phase 3 (the 3rd 1000 cubits): Water reaches waist depth
Phase 4 (the 4th 1000 cubits): Water becomes too deep for wading
Go Fishing
This element is not reflected in Rev 22:1-2
Where the river flows everything will live - Ezek 47:9
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
The Life Church Vision
Based on these passages: Ezek 47:1-12; Rev 22:1-2
The standard against which we check ourselves.
Sanctuary Check
Ark
Table and Bread of the Presence
Golden Lamp Stand
Bronze Altar
Golden Altar of Incense
Bronze Washbasin
River Check
Fruit
Leaves
River Rules
This is where the fruit trees grow.
Don't:
Walk in the counsel of the wicked
Stand in the way of sinners
Sit in the seat with mockers
Delight in God's Word
Meditate on the Word constantly
Result:
Yield fruit in season
Leaf won't wither
Prosper in everything
Sea Check
Be fishers of men - Mat 4:17-19
Laborers for the Lord of the Harvest - Mat 9:35-38; Mat 10:1-16
Life Check
If you're not down with the vision you won't last here.
Evaluate 2008 “Year of Discipleship” - How did we do?
Highlight my personal transition from being too lenient to enforcing commitment to the vision.
Proclaim 2009 “Year For Growth”:
making the gospel simple so that everyone can share it.
Purpose Driven Church: "Catch the wave!"
Misc
Always impart faith along with with the sermon purpose - Heb 4:2
Come and share your master's happiness - Mat 25:21, 23
Be curious! Learn!
Vision
To facilitate a revolutionary outpouring of God’s life, love, and power that transforms the church and through us transforms our families, networks, communities, and the world.
Brings life and vitality
To help lead a revolutionary outpouring of God’s life, love, and power that transforms us within the church, and then through us transforms those around by bringing life, healing, and vitality to our families, networks, communities, and the world.
To be a revolutionary movement of Christians who are continuously transformed by God's life, love, and power, and who bring life, healing, and vitality to our families, networks, and communities by faithfully transmitting God's life to those around us.
Through Jesus God is pouring his life out to a dying world. Our vision is to channel that life to our families, networks, and communities.
Jesus Is Our Standard
Preparation - Mat 3:1-12
Select the Passage - Mat 3:1-12: Jesus' Introduction
Jesus' Introduction
John's Ministry - Mat 3:1-12
Study the Passage
NIV
Hebrew Study Bible
KJV
The Message
NASB
RSV
Discover the Exegetical Idea
God is coming and you need to get ready.
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
This will have eternal consequences - Mat 3:7-10
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
Get Ready For Jesus
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
Keep it simple.
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
Outline the Sermon
Preparation - Mat 3:13 - 4:11
Select the Passage - Mat 3:13 - 4:11: Jesus' Certification
Jesus' Certification
Jesus' Baptism - Mat 3:13-17
Jesus' Temptation - Mat 4:1-11
Lust of the flesh
Lust of the eyes
Pride of life
Study the Passage
NIV
Hebrew Study Bible
KJV
The Message
NASB
RSV
Discover the Exegetical Idea
Jesus is uniquely qualified to be God's representative to us.
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
Explain It: What does this mean?
You need to know the qualifications of the people who serve you.
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
Make it plain
Use accessible language and modern parables.
Make sure people do something with God's message.
Keep it simple.
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
Outline the Sermon
Preparation - Mat 4:12-25
Select the Passage - Mat 4:12-25: Jesus' Validation
Jesus' Validation
Jesus' Ministry - Mat 4:12-25
His Message - "Repent . . ." - Mat 4:12-17
Implicitly assumes God's existence.
Implicitly assumes that God wants a relationship with you.
Implicitly assumes that a relation with God must be on his terms.
His Disciples ("Follow Me") - Mat 4:18-22
His Results - Mat 4:23-25
Follow Jesus!
Study the Passage
NIV
Hebrew Study Bible
KJV
The Message
NASB
RSV
Discover the Exegetical Idea
Jesus wants people to follow him.
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
Explain It: What does this mean?
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
He said "follow me".
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
Follow Jesus.
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
Make it plain
Use accessible language and modern parables.
Make sure people do something with God's message.
Keep it simple.
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
Outline the Sermon
Introduction
Our mission is to develop mature followers of Jesus Christ who love God with everything they've got, genuinely love their neighbors, and take the lead in expanding God's Kingdom in the world around them.
Our vision is based on the vision of the River of Life found in Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Revelation 22:1-2.
It is a vision of a revolutionary movement with these key elements:
its people relate to God on his own terms by following his Son, Jesus christ,
its people are known far and wide for living fruitful lives that nourish and heal their families, networks, and communities,
it seeks and welcomes unchurched people who have been transformed by God's life and power into new followers of Jesus.
Key concept: follow Jesus.
Ask questions.
What does this mean?
How do I do it?
Is it enough just to go to church?
We're presenting "The Standard 2009"
A major part of what it means to follow Jesus.
Not by rules, but by listening to and obeying the Holy Spirit
Jesus started it all - it's his "fault".
Get Ready For Jesus
Joke - The Pope Is His Driver
Read the text - Mat 3:1-12
John was Jesus' forerunner.
Baptism based on Jewish practice of Mikvah.
We need to get ready for Jesus
If we don't it will have eternal consequences - Mat 3:7-10
Jesus Is God's Approved Representative
Know the qualifications of the people whose services you depend on.
Doctor, lawyer, accountant
Police - The 14 year old who impersonated a Chicago police officer.
Had uniform, radio, ticket book, but no gun or badge
Identified himself as a transfer from another district
Was assigned a partner and went on patrol
Really wanted to be a police officer
Accountant - Obama's cabinet nominees and their tax problems
Jesus' Baptism - Mat 3:13-17
He receives the Father's seal of approval.
He receives the Holy Spirit
Jesus' Temptation - Mat 4:1-11
He faces the full range of human temptation (1John 2:15-17):
Lust of the flesh
Lust of the eyes
Pride of life
He overcomes.
Follow Jesus
Jesus' Ministry - Mat 4:12-25
His Message - "Repent . . ." - Mat 4:12-17
Implicitly assumes God's existence.
Implicitly assumes that God wants a relationship with you.
Implicitly assumes that a relation with God must be on his terms.
His Disciples ("Follow Me") - Mat 4:18-22
Jesus wants people to follow him.
His Results - Mat 4:23-25
Follow Jesus!
Read his story.
See his glory.
New Material
Answer some of last week's discussion questions
Preparation
Preparation - Template
Expository Preaching
Expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, and literary study of a passage in its context, which the Holy Spirit first applies to the personality and experience of the preacher, then through the preacher, applies to the hearers.
Select the Passage
Study the Passage
NIV
Hebrew Study Bible
KJV
The Message
NASB
RSV
Discover the Exegetical Idea
Subject
Tools: How, Who, What, When, Where, Why
Complement
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
Explain It: What does this mean?
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
Make it plain
Use accessible language and modern parables.
Make sure people do something with God's message.
Keep it simple.
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
Outline the Sermon
Preparation - Mat 5:1-12
Select the Passage - Mat 5:1-12
Study the Passage
Poor in Spirit
ptochos (beggar) here as opposed to penes (working poor)
Example: Pharisee vs. Beggar - Luke 18:9-14;
Example: Churches of Laodicea vs. Smyrna Rev 3:14-22; Rev 2:8-11
Discover the Exegetical Idea
In the Kingdom old liabilities become assets.
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
Explain It: What does this mean?
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. - Luke 16:1-15
". . . rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him." - 1Pet 2:2-8
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
You're In The Kingdom Now!
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
Make it plain
Use accessible language and modern parables.
Make sure people do something with God's message.
Keep it simple.
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
Outline the Sermon
Preparation - Mat 5:13-16
Select the Passage - Mat Mat 5:13-16
Study the Passage
NIV
Hebrew Study Bible
KJV
The Message
NASB
RSV
Discover the Exegetical Idea
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
Explain It: What does this mean?
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
Make it plain
Use accessible language and modern parables.
Make sure people do something with God's message.
Keep it simple.
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
Outline the Sermon
Preparation - Mat 5:17-20
Select the Passage - Mat 5:17-20
Study the Passage
NIV
Hebrew Study Bible
KJV
The Message
NASB
RSV
Discover the Exegetical Idea
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
Explain It: What does this mean?
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
Make it plain
Use accessible language and modern parables.
Make sure people do something with God's message.
Keep it simple.
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
Outline the Sermon
You're In The Kingdom Now!
Introduction - Follow Jesus
Jesus' Ministry - Mat 4:12-25
His Disciples ("Follow Me") - Mat 4:18-22
Jesus wants people to follow him.
His Results - Mat 4:23-25
Follow Jesus!
Read his story.
See his glory.
Read the Passage - Mat 5:1-12
In the Kingdom old liabilities become assets.
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. - Luke 16:1-15
". . . rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him." - 1Pet 2:2-8
Understand the Attitude of a Kingdom Person
Poor In Spirit
ptochos (beggar) here as opposed to penes (working poor)
Example: Pharisee vs. Beggar - Luke 18:9-14;
Example: Churches of Laodicea vs. Smyrna Rev 3:14-22; Rev 2:8-11
Those Who Mourn
The Meek
Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness
The Merciful
The Pure In Heart
The Peacemakers
Those Persecuted Because Of Righteousness
Salt Of The Earth and Light Of The World
Stay salty!
Don't lose the qualities that the Lord values.
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
There is no other way to follow Jesus!
Discussion Questions / Topics (based on the indicated scriptures)
Scripture Reference - Mat 5:1-12
Ultimately the Lord wants us to identify with all of the attributes mentioned in this passage. Which ones do you feel are most descriptive of you right now? Which ones are least descriptive of you?
Scripture Reference - Mat 5:13-16
In Jesus' time salt was a very important preservative for food and Jesus addressed the disciples collectively as the "salt of the earth". In what ways do you personally identify with being the "salt of the earth"? How can your life group fulfill this verse?
In what ways do you personally identify with being the "light of the world"? How can your life group fulfill this verse?
Witnessing Activities
Life Church family, we are excited about 2009! Life Church is planning a BIG push to grow. We know that God is doing something amazing at LC and wants us to share it. Our goal is to have 100 friends and visitors attend our Easter service. Reaching this goal depends on you. We are asking each member and friend of Life Church to bring 2 "unchurched" people to our Easter service. In order to get 2 people to attend, you may have to invite at least 4 or more people. We define unchurched as those who have not made a commitment to follow Christ or have no commitment to a local church. Please begin identifying and praying for the people that you are going to invite to our Easter Sunday service.
