Wills Valley Community Church

cd120122 - Denny Mashburn

“Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for
that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart.” Ecc.7:2

“I walked a mile with pleasure, she chatted all the way. It left me
none the wiser, for all she had to say. I walked a mile with sorrow
and never a word said she, but oh the things I learned from her, when
sorrow walked with me.” Author Unknown

THE CROSS HAS TRANSFORMED SORROW INTO A TEACHER, AND IT:

1. REMINDS ME OF MY MOST IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT!

“Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that
is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart.” Ecc.7:2

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Rom.6:23

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
Heb.9:27

“Nothing is more easy and natural than by the death of others to be put in mind of
our own. Some perhaps will lay that to heart and consider their latter end, who
would not lay a good sermon to heart. The house of mourning is the wise man’s
school, where he has learned many a good lesson.” Matthew Henry

2. HAS A REFINING INFLUENCE ON ME!

“Sorrow is better than laughter, for by a sad countenance the heart is made
better (well, sound, right).” Ecc.7:3

“Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the
time seemed especially desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction. Indeed,
I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my seventy-five
years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence,
has been through affliction and not through happiness, whether pursued or attained.
In other words, if it ever were to be possible to eliminate affliction from our earthly
existence by means of some drug or other medical mumbo jumbo…the result would
not be to make life delectable (enjoyable/delightful), but to make it too banal (drearily
predictable) or trivial to be endurable. This of course is what the cross signifies, and it
is the cross more than anything else, that has called me to Christ.”
Malcolm Muggeridge

“Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining (purify, reduce to a
pure state) influence on us.” Ecc.7:3 (NLT)

GOD USES SORROW TO REFINE ME BY:

A. Reminding me I need spiritual bread more than physical : “But He answered and
said, `It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds
from the mouth of God.” Matt.4:4

B. Motivating me to get closer to God: “This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your
word has given me life.” Ps.119:50

C. Causing me to lose my taste for going astray: “Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep Your word.” Ps.119:67

D. Creating empathy/desire to comfort: “Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that
we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which
we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2Cor.1:4

E. Pruning away hindrances to fruitfulness: “Every branch in Me that does not bear
fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear
more fruit.” Jn.15:2

3. IS WORTH PONDERING TO THOSE WHO WANT TO BE WISE!

“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the
house of mirth (pleasure).” Ecc.7:4

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those
who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Rom.8:28 (NLT)

“Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.”
Ps.119:92

“Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what
this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas. You would like to see a map,
showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You’d feel more prepared if you
could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way
to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: spend quality time with Me.
I will not show you what is on the road, but I will thoroughly equip you for the
journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way. Stay in
continual communication with Me whispering My name whenever you need to
redirect your thoughts. Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on
Me. My abiding Presence is the best road map available.”
Jesus Calling Devotional

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The truth that got my attention during this message was…? Discuss it.
2. Read (Ecc.7:2-6) aloud. Would I agree or disagree with this statement and if so
why: “The most important lessons I have learned in life have not come through
pleasure but through pain/adversity!”
3. My thoughts about Jeff and April Essinger’s testimony are…? Name one important
lesson they learned about their marriage struggle in the “house of mourning”!
4. Share with the group the most important lesson I have learned in my life through
suffering. What scriptural truth do I base this conviction on? Would they include any
of the following (look them up together):

• 2Cor.1:4-5 _______________________________
• Jn. 15:2 ________________________________
• Gen.50:18-21 ______________________________
• Ps.119:71 _________________________________
• Rom.5:3-5 _________________________________

5. Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Ecc.7:2-6) (Lessons from the house of mourning)
Tue (Ps.119:49-56) (God uses sorrow to draw me to Him)
Wed (Ps.119:65-72) (God uses sorrow to motivate obedience)
Thu (2Cor.1:4-6) (God uses sorrow to create empathy and desire in me
to comfort others)
Fri (Rom.5:3-5) (God uses sorrow to build endurance, character, and hope)
Sat (1Pet.4:12-16) (God uses sorrow to bring glory to His name as I endure it
patiently)

cd120115 - Denny Mashburn

“And of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of
what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were
at their command.” 1Chron.12:32

IT IS TIME FOR GOD’S PEOPLE TO MEDITATE, SO:

WHAT IS MEDITATION?

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may
appear to all.” 1Tim.4:15 (KJV)

Meditate (meleta’o): “to revolve or turn over in the mind.”

“I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.” Ps.119:15

Meditate (haw-gaw’): “to ponder or contemplate”

Definition: To carefully concider a truth from God's Word in order to understand
and apply it.

2. HOW SHOULD I DO IT?

“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what
Your hands have done.” Ps.143:5

Basic Meditation Worksheet

Day Sunday Date 1-15-12 What I read today John 15:1-26
The verse(s) that got my attention: John 15:7
This verse means: Real disciples hang in there with Jesus, and you can tell because
they take His word seriously and as a result they have a desire to pray, and their
prayers are ones that God intends and promises to answer.

So what? I need (to believe) real disciples don’t quit! And, they take God’s word
seriously by thinking deeply about it. And maybe that is why I find prayer so hard,
because I don’t meditate, and maybe that is why my prayers don’t get answered,
because I’ve been praying all wrong. Oh, God forgive me, because I have taken you
for granted! I am going to (stop believing) God doesn’t hear me and He does not care
about my struggles and problems. I am also going to stop believing that missing my
Bible reading really does not matter; I am going (to quit being lazy) with God’s word
and I am going to (start a daily quiet time) to read and meditate on the Bible, and
then I am going to pray what God puts on my heart and see what He does?

Believing prayer! Because of what I have read, I believe God wants me to pray for the
spiritual growth of my kids. In fact, I am not sure they are real disciples and for some
reason this desire is consuming my heart and I believe God is going to do something
about that this year or maybe sooner.

Answer! Wow, my child started asking questions and they came to me today and
asked me how to be saved. Oh, praise His name!

3. WHY SHOULD I DO IT?

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.” Jn.8:31-32

THE BLESSINGS OF MEDITATION ARE ENORMOUS:

A. I will enjoy success “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you
shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all
that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will
have success.” Josh.1:8 (NAS)

B. My success will be obvious to all “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly
to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” 1Tim.4:15 (KJV)

C. Whatever I do will prosper “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law
he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields
its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Ps.1:2-3 (NIV)

D. I will be wiser than my enemies “Oh how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the
day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they
are ever with me.” Ps.119:97-98 (NKJV)

E. I will have more understanding than my teachers “I have more understanding than
all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.” Ps.119:99 (NKJV)

F. My prayers will be answered “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you
will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” Jn.15:7 (NKJV)

G. I will be set free from strong holds “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples
indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Jn.8:31-32 (NKJV)

H. I will experience joy no matter the circumstance “You satisfy me more than the
richest of foods. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of You,
meditating on You through the night.” Ps.63:5-6 (NLT)

cd120108 - Denny Mashburn

SCRIPTURE READING

“I am the true vine, and My father is the vinedresser. (2) Every branch in Me that
does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes,
that it may bear more fruit. (3) You are already clean because of the word which
I have spoken to you. (4) Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit
of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
(5) I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears
much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (6) If anyone does not abide in Me,
he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them
into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in
you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (8) By this My Father
is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (9) AS the Father
loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep my commandments,
you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide
in His love. (11) These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you,
and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:1-11 (NKJV)

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it
shall be done for you.” Jn.15:7

POWER WITH GOD:

1. IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO ARE TRUE DISCIPLES!

“If you abide in Me…….” Jn.15:7

“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”
Jn.15:3

“Jesus answered and said to him, `Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born
again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jn.3:3

2. IS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO MEDITATE!

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you….” Jn.15:7

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to
you are spirit, and they are life.” Jn.6:63

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the
path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of
the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted
by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall
not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Ps.1:1-3

3. IS EXPERIENCED WHEN MEDITATION PRODUCES BELIEVING PRAYER!

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it
shall be done for you.” Jn.15:7

“you will ask…..” believing prayer

“Before this time my practice had been, at least for ten years previously, as an
habitual thing, to give myself to prayer after having dressed in the morning. Now,
I saw that the most important thing was to give myself to the reading of God’s word,
and to meditation on it, that thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned,
reproved, instructed: and that thus, by means of the Word of God, while meditating
on it, my heart might be brought into experimental communion with the Lord…
Formerly, when I rose, I began to pray as soon as possible, and generally spent all
my time till breakfast in prayer. But what was the result? I often spent a quarter of
an hour, or half an hour, or even an hour on my knees before being conscious to
myself of having derived comfort, encouragement, humbling of the soul, etc; and
often after having suffered much from wandering of mind for the first ten minutes,
or quarter of an hour, I only then really began to pray…I scarcely ever suffer now in
this way. It is plain to me (God has taught me) that the first thing the child of God
has to do morning by morning is obtain food for his inner man…not by prayer but
by the word of God, not the simple reading of it but considering what was read,
pondering over it and applying it to our hearts." George Muller

“what you desire…” Godly desires

“The Spirit of God knows the mind of God, and He works in us to will what God wills,
so that a believing man’s prayer is God’s purpose reflected in the soul as in a mirror.
The eternal decrees of God project their shadows over the hearts of godly men in the
form of prayer. What God intends to do He tells unto His servants by inclining them
to ask Him to do what He Himself is resolved to do.” Charles Spurgeon

“and it shall be done for you.” - Power with God

“….And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, `Father, I thank You that You have heard
Me. And I know that You always hear Me….” Jn.11:41-42

4. IS GIVEN TO MEN-WOMEN-TEENS- BOYS-GIRLS FOR SALVATION!

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My
commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s
commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that
My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Jn.15:8-11

GOD IS GLORIFIED WHEN HIS DISCIPLES:

Bearing fruit
Learn obedience
Know they are loved
Are full of joy

5. WILL YOU MAKE A COMMITMENT?

Meditation Worksheet

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand
in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! [2] But his delight is in the law
of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. [3] And he will be like a tree
firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf
does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Ps.1:1-3 (NAS)

Monday Date __________ What I read today ____________________
The verse(s) that got my attention: _____________________________
My thoughts about this verse were _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

So what (How does this apply to me? (Do I need to believe something new, do I need
to stop believing something that is not true, do I need to stop doing certain things,
do I need to start doing something?)
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Believing prayer! (Because of what I read and have thought about, I believe God wants
me to ask Him for) _______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

Answer! Wow, this is what God did: ________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

cd120101 - Denny Mashburn

SCRIPTURE READING

“For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you
should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel
until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (26) And so all Israel will be saved, as
it is written: `The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness
from Jacob; (27) for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’
(28) Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election
they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. (29) For the gifts and the calling of God are
irrevocable. (30) For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy
through their disobedience, (31) even so these also have now been disobedient, that
through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. (32) For God has committed
them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. (33) Oh, the depth of the
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments
and His ways past finding out! (34) `For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who
has become His counselor? (35) Or who has first given to Him and is shall be repaid to
him?’ (36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory
forever. Amen.” Rom. 11:25-36 (NKJV)

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”
Rom.11:36

“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have
a new soul…Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing
effective.” G. K. Chesterton

TO START 2012 AFRESH, I NEED:

1. TO CONSIDER A PROFOUND TRUTH!

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things….”
Rom.11:36a

“Let us consider this doctrine. It is laid down by the apostle Paul, as a general principle,
that all things come of God: they are of Him as their source; they are through Him as
their means; they are to Him as their end. They are of Him in the plan, through Him in
the working, and to Him in the glory which they produce.”
Charles Spurgeon

GOD IS THE SOURCE, MEANS, AND END OF:

A. CREATION “All things were created through Him and for Him…” (Col.1:16b); “You
made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s
womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is
marvelous—and how well I know it.” (Ps.139:13-14) NLT

B. PROVIDENCE “He existed before everything else began, and He holds all creation
together.” (Col.1:17) NLT; “In whose hand is the life of every living thing and breath
of all mankind?” (Job 12:10); “This He spoke, signifying by what death he would
glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, `Follow me.’” (Jn.21:19)

C. SALVATION “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to
Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved….”
(Rom.11:25-26a); “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb
and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among
the Gentiles.” (Gal.1:15-16a)

2. TO PURSUE GOD’S GLORY IN EVERYTHING I DO!

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Rom. 11:36

WAYS TO PURSUE GOD’S GLORY IN 2012:

1. By confessing my sin “Now Joshua said to Achan, `My son, I beg you, give glory to the
Lord God of Israel and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do
not hide it from me.” Josh.7:19

2. By bowing my knee to God (salvation) “And the people kept shouting, `The voice of a
god and not of a man. Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did
not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:22-23

3. By praising Him with my mouth “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim the good news
of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders
among all peoples.” 1Chron.16:23-24

4. By pursuing harmony in relationships “May God, who gives this patience and
encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other—each with the
attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one
voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Rom.15:5-6 (NLT)

5. By abiding in the word of Christ “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you
will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father is glorified,
that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” Jn.15:7-8

6. By discovering and using my gift “As each has received a gift, minister it to one
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him
speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers (serves), let him do it as with the
ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1Pet.4:10-11

7. By going to war with my flesh “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the
Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works
which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
1Pet.2:11-12

8. By suffering as a Christian “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are
you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed,
but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian,
let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”
1Pet.4:14-16

9. By leading my family to glorify Him “Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, give to
the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His name, bring an offering,
and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
1Chron.16:28-29

3. TO MAKE TWO IMPORTANT COMMITMENTS!

“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. And do not
be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you
may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Rom.12:1-2

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most thought provoking truth I heard in this message was?
2. When I think of glorifying God with my life, what do I think of? How does
1 Corinthians 10:31 (look it up) describe how I should glorify God?
3. When I rise in the morning, do I ever think about glorifying God in everything
I do that day? Look at the nine ways (there are many more) of glorifying God under
#2 of the sermon outline. Which one got my attention and why?

4. Look up these verses and see what they teach about glorifying God:

(Isa.43:20-21) The purpose of every living thing
(Ex.33:18) God is by nature glorious
(1Chron.16:28-30) The duty of every family
(Rom.1:18-21) The failure of every un-forgiven sinner
(Jer.13:11) The purpose of Israel
(Eph.3:21) The purpose of the Church

5. Read (Rom.11:36-12:1-2) Close in prayer with heart felt commitment to God to
(1) offer everything I have for His glory in 2012) and (2) renew my mind with His
word in 2012.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Rom.11:25-36) Everything is for His glory
Tue (Jer.13:11) Salvation of Israel is for His glory
Wed (Eph.3:21) Salvation of the church is for His glory
Thu (Dan.4:28-35) Unbelievers don’t understand God’s glory until God reveals
Himself to them
Fri (Ps.150:6) My one great purpose in life is God’s glory
Sat (1Cor.10:31) I am made to glorify God in all things

cd#111218 - Denny Mashburn

“For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And the
government will rest on His shoulders. These will be his royal
titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.”
Isa.9:6 (NLT)

“The time has come for me to reorganize my life, my peace—I cry out,
I cannot adjust my life to secure any fruitful peace. Here I am at
sixty-four, still seeking peace. It is a hopeless dream.”
H. G. Wells

THIS CHRISTMAS, JESUS CHRIST, THE PRINCE OF PEACE OFFERS ME:

1. PEACE WITH GOD!

“Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, `Where are
you?’ So he said, `I heard Your voice in the garden and I was
afraid because I was naked and I hid myself.’”
Gen.3:9-10

Working definition: “peace is the harmony and
tranquility of mind which is not rattled by
adversity, condemned by a guilty conscience, or
tormented by anxiety and fear.”

UNBELIEVERS DON’T HAVE THIS PEACE BECAUSE:

A. They are cut off from God and hate Him: This includes you who
were once so far away from God. You were His enemies and hated Him and
were separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now he
has brought you back as his friends.”
Col.1:21 (LB)

B. They are hostile to God: “For the sinful nature is always hostile
to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will.”
Rom.8:7 (NLT)

C. They forfeit peace because of wickedness: “Oh, that you had heeded
My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your
righteousness like the waves of the sea. ...`There is no peace, says the
Lord, for the wicked.’”
Isa.48:18,22

D. God is angry with them every day: “God is a just judge, and God
is angry with the wicked every day.”
Ps.7:11

“for today in the city of David there has been born for you a
Savior, who is Christ the Lord…And suddenly there appeared
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying, `Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace
among men with whom He is pleased.’”
Lk.2:11,13-14 (NAS)

BUT, PRAISE GOD FOR CHRISTMAS!

A. God’s nature is peace: “Now the God of peace be with you all,
Amen.” Rom.15:33

B. Jesus is God, the source of peace: “For He Himself is our peace, Who
has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”
Eph.2:14

C. Jesus has the power to speak peace to any situation: “Then He arose
and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, `Peace, be still! And the
wind ceased and there was a great calm.’”
Mk.4:39

D. His gospel is the gospel of peace: “..and having shod your feet
with the gospel of peace…”
Eph.6:15

E. Peace with God is mine when I believe the gospel : “Therefore, having
been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ.”
Rom.5:1

“There is no peace to the wicked. The world offers false peace to dull the
senses, deaden the conscience, quiet the nerves, but it cannot give peace.
Men do not have peace in the world nor in their hearts because they do not
have peace with God. Nothing is settled until it is settled right and
nothing is settled right until it is settled with God.”
Vance Havner

2. THE PEACE OF GOD DAILY!

“These things I have spoken to you while being present with
you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to
your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave
with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do
I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it
be afraid.”
Jn.14:25-27

“(6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made
known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever
things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things
are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy—meditate on these things.(9) The things which
you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do,
and the God of peace will be with you.”
Phil.4:6-9

AS A CHRISTIAN, IF I WANT GOD’S PEACE TO GUARD MY HEART TODAY:

• I must pray (vs.6a)
• I must give thanks (vs.6b)
• I must focus my mind (vs.8)
• I must obey (vs.9)

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. If a person came up to me during lunch at a local restaurant and said,
“I saw you praying before lunch and I assume you are a Christian. I have
lost my faith! Can I get it back?” How would you answer them?

2. Read Isa.48:17-18, 22, and Ps.7:11. Why do unbelievers have no peace
with God? What do they typically pursue to find peace (ex. get drunk, get
high, pursue pleasure, etc). What do they need to do to find peace
(see. Eph.6:15, Rom.5:1)?

3. Read Phil.4:6-9 Why do true believers miss out on the peace of God?
Of the 4 things Paul tells me I must do in this passage, which one do
I find the hardest to consistently practice? Why?

4. What do these verses teach Christians about the peace of God:

• (Matt.5:9) Christians are called _________________!
• (Matt.10:32-39) The peace of God does not mean a life with
no conflict!
• (Rom.12:18) Their responsibility is _________________
____________________________________!
• (Phil.4:6-9) Their daily peace is maintained by ________,
thanksgiving (in all things), _________, and __________!
• (Jam.3:17-18) God’s wisdom is ____________________!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Isa.9:1-7) (The prophecy of the Prince of Peace)
Tue (Lk.2:8-14) (The prophecy fulfilled)
Wed (Rom.5:1) (Peace with God, the fruit of justification)
Thu (Phil.4:6-9) (Peace of God must be pursued daily)
Fri (2Thes.3:16) (Jesus, the Lord of peace)
Sat (Rom.12:17-18) (I must pursue peace in relationships)

cd111211 - Denny Mashburn

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for
He will save His people from their sins.”
Matt.1:21

“Jonah swallowed by a fish? I’d believe it if Scripture said Jonah
swallowed the fish! It’s is not difficult to believe if you believe
in a God of miracles.” Billy Graham

THIS MIRACLE CALLED SALVATION:

1. BEGINS WITH AN EVENT!

“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom.5:1

“There are three aspects of salvation: past, present, and future. In the
past, I was saved from the penalty of sin, which is justification. In the
present, I am being saved from the power of sin, which is sanctification.
In the future, I will be saved from the presence of sin, which is
glorification.” Tom Halladay

GOD MAKES A LEGAL DECLARATION:

• When I exercise saving faith: “For if you confess with your mouth
that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the
dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are
made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are
saved.” Rom.10:9-10 (NLT)

• He deposits my sin to Christ’s account: “who Himself bore our sins
in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to
righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”
1Pet.2:24

• He deposits Christ’s righteousness to my account: “But of Him you
are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness
and sanctification and redemption.”
1Cor.1:30

“Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—Jesus
also became flesh and blood by being born in human form. For only as a
human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of
the Devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he deliver
those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.”
Heb.2:14-15 (NLT)

2. CONTINUES IN A PROCESS!

“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I
myself serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin.”
Rom.7:24-25

“Do you remember when your honeymoon ended? A man was fixing the attic
fan and said that as he lifted himself from the ladder into the attic he
scratched his forehead on a crossbeam. As he crawled along the attic, he
picked up splinters in both hands and cut one hand while replacing the
fan belt. On the way down the ladder he missed the last two rungs and
turned his ankle. When he limped into the kitchen his wife took one look
at him and asked, `Are those your good pants?’ He knew the honeymoon was
over.” Charles Lowery

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted
by the devil.” Matt.4:1

“They told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he replied, "I won't believe
it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them,
and place my hand into the wound in his side…Then he said to Thomas, "Put
your finger here and see my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my
side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!" "My Lord and my God!"
Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have
seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway.”
Jn.20:25, 27-29 (NLT)

“Why would God allow temptations (trials)? They are divine testings that
reveal our hearts (flesh). Isn’t it true that we really don’t know
ourselves until we are put to the test? Our natures (new heart, flesh)
are revealed when they are tested. Anyone can be kind when shown kindness,
but what if someone cuts you off while you are driving or slanders you
behind your back? These are not pleasant experiences, and some of them
come at the hands of evil people who should be rebuked. But God is over
them all, revealing us so that we can be led in more wholehearted trust
in Him.” Ed Welch

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according
to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if
by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Rom.8:12-13

3. WILL BE COMPLETE WHEN CHRIST RETURNS!

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed
what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like
Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him
purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1Jn.3:2-3

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Wow! This point really got my attention in this message. What was it?
2. Read Matt.1:18-25. Was the virgin birth a miracle? How do I respond to
what Billy Graham’s statement: “Jonah swallowed by a fish? I’d believe it
if Scripture said Jonah swallowed the fish! It’s not difficult to believe
if you believe in a God of miracles!” What is the ultimate goal of the
virgin birth (Rom.1:21)?
3. When did you realize the honeymoon (see the quote by Charles Lowery,
pg.2 of outline) was over in your Christian life regarding your
understanding of salvation? How did I respond? What do these verses teach
me about salvation:

• Rom.10:9-10 _________________________________
• Rom.5:1 my past _______________________
• Rom.7:24-25 my present ______________________
• Rom.8:12-13 my challenge ____________________
• Rom.8:23 my future _______________________

4. Read Ed Welch’s quote on pg. 3 of the outline. Do I agree with what he
said. What have I learned about myself in temptations/trials since God
saved me.
5. Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Matt.1:18-25) The virgin birth of Christ
Tue (Rom.10:9-10) Saving faith described
Wed (Rom.5:1) Salvation’s impact on my past
Thu (Rom.7:24-25) Salvation’s impact on my present
Fri (Rom.8:12-13) Salvation’s present challenge to me
Sat (Rom.8:23) Salvation’s impact on my future

cd111204 - Denny Mashburn

“We are in uncharted waters now. A place where—like the man once said of
Hollywood—nobody knows nothing. This the land of denial and secret lives
and sickness.”
Mike Lopresti, USA TODAY

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, `I am the light of the world. He
who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
Jn.8:12

I NEED THE LIGHT GOD GIVES THROUGH CHRIST BECAUSE:

1. CURRENT EVENTS ARE NOT UNCHARTED WATERS, BUT PROOF OF A BROKEN,
SIN-DARKENED WORLD!

“Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery.
And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, `Teacher, this
woman was caught un adultery, in the very act.’”
Jn.8:3-4

HOW BROKEN AND SIN DARKENED IS IT?

A. The age of darkness: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places.”
Eph.6:12

B. It started in the Garden: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying,
`Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat
of it you shall surely die.’”
Gen.2:16-17

C. It has infected us all: “Because, although they knew God, they did not
glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their
thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
Rom.1:21

D. Unbelievers love darkness rather than light: “And this is the
condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. For everyone
practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his
deeds should be exposed.”
Jn.3:19-20

E. Unbelievers can't think straight or live right: “…you should no longer
walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,
having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God,
because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of
their heart; who being past feeling, have given themselves over to
lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Eph.4:17b-19

LIGHT IS AN IMPORTANT METAPHOR:

A. God’s nature is Light: “This is the message which we have heard from Him
and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”
1Jn.1:5

B. Jesus is God: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”
Jn.1:1-2

C. Jesus is God’s light in human flesh: “All things were made through Him,
and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the
life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the
darkness did not comprehend it.”
Jn.1:3-5

D. Jesus declares His deity and power: “Then Jesus spoke to them again,
saying, `I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in
darkness, but have the light of life.”
Jn.8:12

2. NOT ONLY IS THE WORLD BROKEN AND SIN DARKENED, BUT SO AM I!

“Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what
do you say? This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of
which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with
His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him,
He raised Himself up and said to them, `He who is without sin among you,
let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote
on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their
conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the
last.”
Jn.8:5-9

3. I CAN LEAVE MY LIFE OF SIN AND NOT BE CONDEMNED BY IT!

“And Jesus was left alone and the woman standing in the midst. When
Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her,
`Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She
said, `No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, `Neither do I condemn you; go
and sin no more.”
Jn.8:9b-11

4. I NEED GOD'S LIGHT NOT ONLY TO SAVE ME, BUT GUIDE ME!

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, `I am the light of the world. He
who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
Jn.8:12

“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.”
Ps.36:9

><> SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: <><

1. The most important truth I heard in this message was? Why do I think
the Lord brought this to my attention at this time in my life?

2. Read the story of the woman caught in adultery together (Jn.8:1-12).
Jesus brought important light to this serious situation. Identify some
of His “points of light.” (ex. this woman was not the only one guilty;
Jesus did not come to condemn but to save; people can leave their life
of sin…..).

3. What does the Bible teach me about light:

• (2Cor.4:4-6) ___________________________________
• (Jn.3:19-20) ___________________________________
• (1Jn.1:5-7) ____________________________________
• (Jn.8:12) ____________________________________
• (Jn.12:46) ____________________________________
• (Matt.5:14-16) _________________________________

4. (Ps.119:105, 130). There are four key ways God gives us light. They
are prayer, other Christians, circumstances, and the most important way
is found in Ps.119:105, 130. If there is time, share an example of how
God has given me light through each of these ways.

5. Close in prayer

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Jn.8:1-12) (Jesus is the light of the world)
Tue (Eph.6:12) (This is the age of darkness)
Wed (Eph.4:17-19) (Unbelievers live in spiritual darkness)
Thu (Jn.12:46) (All who trust Christ will be given light)
Fri (Matt.5:14-16) (Once saved, I am called to be light)
Sat (Ps.119:105, 130)(God’s word, the key source of light)

cd111127 - Denny Mashburn

“Then he bowed himself, and said, `What is your servant that you should
look upon such a dead dog as I?” 2Sam.9:8

COME AND BLESS THE LORD WITH ME TODAY FOR:

1. HIS MANY TEMPORAL BLESSINGS!

“So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at
the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.” 2Sam.9:13

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.” Phil.4:19

2. HIS MANY SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS!

“So David said to him, `Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness
for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of
Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”
2Sam.9:7

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed
us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”
Eph.1:3

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS FOR CHRIST’S SAKE:

A. ELECTION(God chose me to be holy): “Just as He chose us in Him before
the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame
before Him in love.”
Eph.1:4

B. SUBSTITUTION (God provided a substitute): “But He was wounded for our
transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for
our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
Isa.53:5

C. JUSTIFICATION(God has made me right with Him): “Much more then, having
now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”
Rom.5:9

D. RECONCILIATION (God is at peace with me): “For if when we were enemies
we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having
been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
Rom.5:10

E. ADOPTION (God has made me a part of His family): “So you should not be
like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very
own children, adopted into his family—calling him "Father, dear Father….
And since we are His children, we will share His treasures—for everything
God gives to His Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share his
glory, we must also share His suffering.”
Rom.8:15,17 (NLT)

F. REDEMPTION (God has freed from the bondage of sin): “He has delivered us
from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of
His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of
sins.”
Col.1:13-14

G. PROPITIATION(God’s holy demands are satisfied): “And He Himself is the
propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole
world.”
1Jn.2:2

H. FORGIVENESS (God has released me of my sin debt): “In Him we have
redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
riches of His grace.”
Eph.1:7

I. COMPLETION (God will finish what He started): “Being confident of this
very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until
the day of Jesus Christ.”
Phil.1:6

J. DIRECTION (God governs the details of my life): “Are not two sparrows
sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from
your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do
not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matt.10:29-31

K. PURPOSE (God gives meaning to my sufferings): “And we know that all
things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the
called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined
to be conformed to the image of His son….”
Rom.8:28-29a


“An enlightened man is grateful to God for temporal blessings: but he is
much more grateful to God for spiritual blessings, for temporal blessings
do not last long; they are soon gone. Temporal blessings are not definite
marks of divine favor, since God gives them to the unworthy, and to the
wicked, as well as to the righteous. The corn, and wine, and oil, are for
the rich man; and Lazarus gets even less than his share. Our thanks are due
to God for all temporal blessings; they are more than we deserve. But our
thanks ought to go to God in thunders of hallelujahs for spiritual
blessings. A new heart is better than a new coat. To feed on Christ is
better than to have the best earthly food. To be an heir of God is better
than being the heir of the greatest nobleman.”

Charles Spurgeon

<><
3. SO WHAT?

 God in Christ has restored my self image that guilt threatened to destroy!

 God in Christ has turned my purpose in life from a question to a fact!

 God in Christ has changed suffering from a curse to a blessing and given
me the ability to overcome bitterness by forgiveness!

 God in Christ has given me the power to break cycles of regret as I choose
to focus on what God has given me instead of what God hasn’t given me!

 God in Christ has given me the key to conquering worry and anxiety!

>>> SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What temporal blessings has God given you in the past year that you
would like to praise Him for?
2. What spiritual blessings are you most grateful for this year?
3. Which of the practical applications (So what, #3 on the outline) are
you most thankful for this year?
4. What do these verses teach me about the goodness of God towards me?

• (Ezra 9:13) ______________________________
• (Eph.1:3-4)________________________________
• (Isa.53:5) ________________________________
• (Matt.10:29-31) ___________________________
• (Rom.8:28-29) ____________________________
• (1Thes.5:18)______________________________

5. Close in prayer and have each small group member thank the Lord for at
least one thing He has done for them this past year!

><>Daily Bible Reading

Mon (2Sam.9:1-13) (David’s kindness to Mephibosheth)
Tue (Phil.4:19) (God’s kindness to me in temporal things)
Wed (Eph.1:3) (God’s kindness to me in spiritual things)
Thu (Matt.10:29-31) (I have no reason to worry)
Fri (Rom.8:28-29) (God has given my suffering purpose)
Sat (1Thes.5:18) (Because God is in control and means to
do me good, I can thank Him in all circumstances.

cd111120 - Denny Mashburn

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE
“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
(2) that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in
love, in patience; (3) the older women likewise, that they be reverent in
behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—
(4) that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love
their children, (5) to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to
their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
Tit.2:1-5 (NKJV)

GOD’S WORD TELLS US WHAT A REAL WOMAN IS, AND SHE IS ONE WHO:

A. TAKES GOD AT HIS WORD AND APPLIES HEALTHY TEACHING!

“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.”
Tit.2:1

REMEMBER THE GARDEN OF EDEN:

1. Woman exists a created being “Then the rib which the Lord God has
taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.”
Gen.2:22

2. She has an identity, a woman “So God created man in His own image;
in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Gen.1:27

3. She has a divine calling, a helper “And the Lord God said: `It is
not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to
him.’”
Gen.2:18

4. She fell by failing to submit to God’s word “Now the serpent was
more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And
he said to the woman, `Has God indeed said, `You shall not eat of every
tree of the garden?’”
Gen.3:1

5. She can become the woman God created her to be “For as by one man’s
disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many
will be made righteous.”
Rom.5:19

“To me, a lady is not frilly, flouncy, flippant, frivolous and fluff-
brained, but she is gentle. She is gracious. She is godly and she is
giving. You and I, if we are women, have the gift of femininity. Very
often it is obscured, just as the image of God is obscured in all of us.
I find myself in the sometimes quite uncomfortable position of having to
belabor the obvious, and hold up examples of femininity to women who
almost feel apologetic for being feminine or being womanly. I would remind
you that femininity is not a curse. It is not even a triviality. It is a
gift, a divine gift, to be accepted with both hands, and to thank God for.
Because remember, it was His idea! God’s gifts are masculinity and
femininity within the human race and there was never meant to be any
competition between them…The more womanly we are, the more manly men will
be, and the more God is glorified. As I say to you women, `Be women. Be
only women. Be real women in obedience to God.’”
Elizabeth Elliot

B. PURSUES AND MODELS FOR CHARACTER CLARETIES AS AN OLDER WOMAN!

“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not
slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, that they
admonish the young women…”
Tit.2:3-4a

FOUR QUALITIES MODELED BY OLDER WOMEN:

1. “reverent in behavior” (examples of holy living) “Likewise also
that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty
and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls, or costly
attire. But, with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with
good works.”
1Tim.2:9-10 (ESV)

2. “not slanderers”(not abusive to others verbally, malicious
gossips, telling lies on others)

3. “not given to much wine” (not in bondage to drunkenness)

4. “teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women”
(mentors of good things, things which inspire sound judgment, self
control)

C. PURSUES AND APPLIES 7 CHARACTER QUALITIES AS A YOUNGER WOMAN!

“..that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love
their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to
their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
Tit.2:4-5

SEVEN QUALITIES MODELED BY YOUNGER WOMEN:

1. “love their husbands” (genuine affection based on God’s
command, a quality which at times requires training to do!) “But
if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even
sinners love those who love them.”
Lk.6:32

2. “love their children”(same as #1)

3. “to be discreet”(sensible, prudent)

4. “chaste” (moral and sexual purity, marital faithfulness)

5. “homemakers”(home is their kingdom, highest priority)

6. “good”(kind, doing what is beneficial to others)

7. “obedient to their own husbands”(obey him as if he were
the Lord Himself)

“….that the word of God may not be blasphemed...” Tit.2:5b

<>< SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most important truth I heard in this message was?
Share it!
2. In my opinion, a real woman is ____________.
What did the men in the group say? What did the women in
the group say? What does God say?
3. Pastor Denny told a story of a woman seeking counsel from
her pastor about her living with a difficult husband. The
Pastor challenged her about her attitudes. Later, the man
was saved (after the wife changed her attitude) and became
a Deacon in the church. Read Lk.6:32 and 1Pe.3:1-4. In light
of these scriptures, what do you think about the Pastor’s
counsel and how this story turned out?
4. Read Titus 2:1-5 aloud. Which one of the 4 character qualities
to be pursued and modeled by older women got my attention? Why?
Which one of the 7 character qualities a younger woman is to
pursue and model got my attention? Why?
5. Close in prayer

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Tit.2:1-5) (God’s definition of real men/women)
Tue (Gen.1:27) (Woman’s identity/role comes from God)
Wed (Gen. 3:1) (Woman was deceived and fell)
Thu (Rom.5:19) (Through Christ she can become a real woman)
Fri (Tit.2:1-5) (God’s definition of a real woman)
Sat (1Pet.3:1-4) (How a real woman deals with a difficult, unbelieving husband)

cd111106 - Denny Mashburn

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death
through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—(13)
For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when
there is no law. (14) Nevertheless deati reigned from Adam to Moses,
even over those who has not sinned according to the likeness of the
transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. (15) But
the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense
many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by grace of the one
Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. (16) And the gift is not like that
which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from
one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from
many offenses resulted in justification. (17) For if the one man’s
offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive
abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life
through the One, Jesus Christ. (18) Therefore, as through one man’s
offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so
through one Man’s righteousness act the free gift came to all men,
resulting in justification of life. (19) For as by one man’s disobedience
many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made
righteous.”
Rom.5:12-19 (NKJV)

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”
Rom.5:19

“Show me the man you honor, and I will know what kind of man you are, for it shows me what your ideal of manhood is and what kind of man you long to be.”
Thomas Carlyle

I HONOR CHRIST TODAY BECAUSE HE IS THE GOD-MAN, AND:

1. HE _________ ME AND __________ ME!

“All things were created through Him and for Him. And, He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Col.1:16-17

• He created me!
• He created me for Him!
• He is the eternal One!
• He holds everything together!

BECAUSE OF HIM:

A. I exist, a created being: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Gen.2:7
B. I have an identity, a man: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Gen.1:27
C. I am dependent on others: “And the Lord God said, `It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper comparable to him.’”
Gen.2:18
D. I have an innate desire to worship: “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Jn.4:23-24
E. I can be fixed: “Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, `Where are you?’ So he said, `I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. And He said, `Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?’ Then the man said, `The woman whom You gave me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.’” Gen.3:9-12
F. I can become the man He created me to be : “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2Cor.5:21

2. HE _________ ME TO BE ____________!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2Cor.5:17

• A real man can become ________________: “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church…..” Eph.5:23a

 Honey, am I a servant leader? (weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (strong)
 Kids, am I a servant leader? (weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (strong)
 What would it take to make it a 5? ____________________

• A real man can become ________________: “...and He (Christ) is the Savior of the body.” Eph.5:23b

 Honey, do I make you feel safe? (weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (strong)
 Kids, do I make you feel safe? (weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (strong)
 What would it take to make it a 5? ____________________

• A real man can become _______________: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Eph.5:25

 Honey, are you secure in my love? (weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (strong)
 Kids, do you feel loved by me? (weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (strong)
 What would it take to make it a 5? ____________________

• A real man can become __________________: “So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.” Eph.5:28-29

 Honey, do I provide adequately? (weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (strong)
 Kids, do you have what you need? (weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (strong)
 What would it take to make it a 5? ___________________

3. HE IS MY______________ !

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Rom.8:29

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most thought provoking truth I heard in this message was?
2. What is your definition of a real man? (Go around the room and have each share his/her opinion.)
3. Why is there so much confusion about real manhood today? (ex. sin, people’s ignorance of God’ word, etc.). What does Hosea 4:6a say?
4. What do real men do (see #2 of sermon outline)? They

• ______________ (Eph.5:23a)
• ______________ (Eph.5:23b)
• ______________ (Eph.5:25)
• ______________ (Eph.5:28-29)

Read Rom.5:19. Can a man really achieve all four of these qualities? How so? (see 2Cor.5:21)
5. Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Rom.5:12-19) (Death by Adam, life by Christ)
Tue (Col.1:15-17) (Christ is my Creator and Sustainer)
Wed (Gen.3:1-12) (All men need to be fixed/saved)
Thu (2Cor.5:21) (Christ has made man’s fixing possible)
Fri (2Cor.5:17) (In Christ I become a new creation)
Sat (Phil.1:6) (Christ always finishes what He starts)

cd111030 - Denny Mashburn

“For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Jam.1:7-8 (NAS)

A MESSAGE FOR MISTER FACING BOTH WAYS AND IT IS:

1. BE WISE ABOUT DROUGHTS!

“And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, `As
the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew
nor rain these years, except at my word.’”
1Kgs.17:1

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My
son do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you
are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every
son whom He receives.”
Heb.12:5-6

“God, who is infinite in wisdom and matchless in goodness, has ordered our
troubles, yes, many troubles to come trooping in upon us on every side. As
our mercies, so our crosses seldom come single; they usually come treading
one upon the heels of another; they are like April showers, no sooner is
one over but another comes. It is mercy that every affliction is not an
execution, every correction not a damnation. The more the afflictions, the
more the heart is raised heavenward.”
Thomas Brookes

2. UNDERSTAND THE ROOT OF THE MATTER!

“And Elijah came to all the people, and said, `How long will you falter
between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow
him. But the people answered him not a word.”
1Kgs.18:21

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
(3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.(4) But let
patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing. (5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who
gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
(6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like
a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.(7) For let not that man
suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;(8) he is a double-
minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Jam.1:2-8 (NKJV)

“Therefore by their fruits you will know them!” Matt.7:20

3. DISCERN THE BURN AND HUMBLE MYSELF BEFORE GOD!

“Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the
wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in
the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and
they said, `The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”
1Kgs.18:38-39

“And they said to one another, `Did not our heart burn within us while He
talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’”
Lk.24:32

“Double-mindedness is a common disease that leaves its victims paralyzed
by doubt. How much better to be single-minded! No mumbo-jumbo. No
religious phony baloney. No say one thing but mean something else jive.
No Pharisaic hypocrisy where words come cheap and (religious) externals
are sickeningly pious. The single-minded are short on creeds and long
on deeds. They care….really care. They are humble…truly humble. They
love…genuinely love. They have character…authentic character.”
Chuck Swindoll

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands,
you sinners; and purify your hearts you double minded. Lament and mourn
and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up!”
Jam.4:8-10

4. OBEY GOD BY DOING THE NEXT RIGHT THING!

“And Elijah said to them, `Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of
them escape! So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the
Brook of Kishon and executed them there.”
1Kgs.18:40

>>>Daily Bible Reading<<<

Mon (1Kgs.16:29-34) (Devastation of unwise leadership)
Tue (1Kgs.17:1-7) (God uses drought as divine discipline)
Wed (1Kgs.18:1-19) (Elijah confronts evil leadership)
Thu (1Kgs.18:20-29) (Danger of double-mindedness)
Fri (1Kgs.18:30-45) (God power, the people’s repentance)
Sat (Jam.1:2-8; 4:7-10) (God’s cure for double-mindedness)

cd111023 - Denny Mashburn

"Dad is destiny!" Author Unknown

“And David said, `What have I done now? Is there not a cause?’”
1Sam.17:29

THERE ARE BATTLES TO BE FOUGHT AND I MUST REALIZE THAT:

1. IN EVERY GENERATION THERE IS A CAUSE!

“Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, `What shall be done
for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from
Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the
armies of the living God?’ (27) And the people answered him in this manner,
saying, `So shall it be done for the man who kills him.’(28) Now Eliab his
oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was
aroused against David, and he said, `Why did you come down here? And with
whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride
and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.
(29) And David said, `What have I done now? Is there not a cause?’
1Sam.17:26-29

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed
and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
Gen.3:15

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come2) For men
will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) unloving, unforgiving...”
2Tim.3:1-2

2. I MUST FACE GIANTS AND BEING OVERCOME WITH FEAR IS NOT AN OPTION!

“Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul;
and he sent for him.(32) Then David said to Saul, `Let no man’s heart fail
because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.(33) And
Saul said to David, `You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight
with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”
1Sam.17:31-33

“I wasn’t there…and Jeffrey sank into himself!”
Father of Jeffrey Dahmer

GIANTS STILL MOCK THE ARMY OF GOD!

• Why? God must have made a mistake!
• Man?…how can you know what real men do, your dad was never there
to teach you?
• Leader?....you are going to be just like your dad, there but not
there, and you still hate him for it!
• Lover?....you have no idea how to love a woman and neither did
your old man!
• Father? ….oh please! you are going to parent just like your parents did, and just like theirs did, by default with no purpose, no intentional action, no direction!

“A quality which is prominent in every leader is a strongly developed sense
of dominant purpose and direction in life. He is one who knows with greater
than average strength of conviction what he wants to get done and where he
wants to go. The world stands aside to let pass the man who knows where he
is going!”
Ordway Tead

3. THE CAUSE IS MEANT TO STIR UP FIGHTERS!

“But David said to Saul, `Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and
when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out
after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it
arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your
servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine
will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living
God. Moreover David said, `The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the
lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine….”
1Sam.17:34-37

“Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant. For the Lord will
certainly make for my lord and enduring house, because my lord fights the
battles of the Lord, and evil is not found in you throughout your days.”
1Sam.25:28

“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with
me.”
Ps.119:97-98

4. VICTORY IS GUARANTEED!

“Then David said to the Philistine, `You come to me with a sword, with a
spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of
hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”
1Sam.17:45

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (1Sam.17:1-11) (Goliath defies the army of Israel)
Tue (1Sam.17:12-25) (David visits his brothers in battle)
Wed (1Sam.17:26-37) (David is stirred by Goliath’s insults)
Thu (1Sam.17:38-48) (David knew the battle is the Lord’s)
Fri (1Sam.17:39-58) (David kills Goliath)
Sat (1Sam. 25:28) (Abigail praises David)

cd111016 - Denny Mashburn

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, `The Lord
is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
Judg.6:12

“Dr. Nicholas Murray, president of Columbia University, divides the
world into three parts: Those who make things happen, those who watch
what’s happening and those who don’t know what’s happening.”
Bill Bright

WHAT ARE GOD’S PEOPLE TO DO?

1. LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS!

“When all the generation had been gathered to their fathers, another
generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work
which He had done in Israel.”
Judg.2:10

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right
in his own eyes.”
Judg.21:25

“It has been said that God saves families. There is some biblical ground
for this too: The example of Noah, who constructed an ark for the saving
of his household, the jailer in Philippi who was saved, together with his
household. The instructions for the Passover—the great type of salvation-
deliverance in the Old Testament—stipulated `a lamb for a household.’
Parents should take seriously these biblical types, and claim their
households for God.”
Larry Christenson

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right
in his own eyes.”
Judg.21:25

THE ROLLER COASTER CYCLE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE:

1. DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD: “Then the children of Israel did evil in the
sight of the Lord…Also I said to you, `I am the Lord your God; do not
fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.’ But you have
not obeyed My voice.”
Judg.6:1a,10

2. DEFEAT/BONDAGE: “…So the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian
for seven years.”
Judg.6:1b

3. CRY FOR DIVINE HELP: “So Israel was greatly impoverished because of
the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord.”
Judg.6:6

4. A DELIVERER IS SENT: “And the Lord said to him, `Surely I will be
with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.”
Judg.6:16

“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them for in
doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
1Tim.4:16

• Compromiser says: “It’s my life and I will do what I want!”
• Conqueror says: “Those that honor God, He will honor. Those that
don’t, God will not honor!”

2. BELIEVE GOD ALWAYS BLESSES OBEDIENCE!

“Gideon said to Him, `Oh my Lord, if the the Lord is with us, why then
has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our
fathers told us about, saying, `Did not the Lord bring us up from
Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands
of the Midianites. Then the Lord turned to him and said, `Go in this
might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites.
Have I not sent you?’”
Judg.6:13-14

WHERE ARE THE MIRACLES?

A. RETURN TO WORSHIP(the battle before the battle): “Then he said to Him,
`If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is
You who talk with me. Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to
You and bring out my offering and set it before You. And He said, `I will
wait until you come.’”
Judg.6:17-18

B. GOD CONSUMES THE SACRIFICE: “So Gideon went in and prepared a young
goat, and unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. The meat he put in a
basket, and he put the broth in a pot; and he brought them out to Him
under the terebinth tree and presented them. The Angel of God said to
him, `Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock,
and pour out the broth.’ And he did so. Then the Angel of the Lord put
out the end of the staff that was in His hand, and touched the meat and
the unleavened bread; and fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat
and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the Lord departed out of his
sight.”
Judg.6:19-21

C. GOD REQUIRES LIFE CHANGE: “Now it came to pass the same night that
the Lord said to him, `Take your father’s young bull, the second bull
of seven years old, and tear down the altar of Baal that your father
has, and cut down the wooden image that is beside it; and build an altar
to the Lord your God on top of this rock in the proper arrangement, and
take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the
image which you shall cut down. So Gideon took ten men from among his
servants and did as the Lord had said to him. But because he feared his
father’s household and the men of the city too much to do it by day, he
did it by night.”
Judg.6:25-27

D. GOD GIVES LEADERS INFLUENCE:“But the Spirit of the Lord came upon
Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind
him. And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, who also gathered
behind him. He also sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali;
and they came up to meet them.”
Judg.6:34-35

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and
receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your
souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
yourselves.”
Jam.1:21-22

• Compromisers say: “The way I live does not matter!”
• Conquerors say: “I will put my life on the altar and watch God
do mighty things!”

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Judg.21:25)(The spirit of our age)
Tue (Judg. 6) (Israel turns away from God)
Wed (Judg.7) (Gideon leads the people back to God)
Thu (Judg.8) (Gideon delivers Israel from bondage)
Fri (1Tim.4:16) (The importance of Godly leadership)
Sat (2Tim.1:7) (Be strong and courageous)

cd111009 - Denny Mashburn

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that
something else is more important than fear.”
Michael Catt

COURAGEOUS CHRISTIANS KNOW THAT SOMETHING ELSE IS A WILLINGNESS TO:

1. FOLLOW GOD’S CALL INTO THE UNKOWN!

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: Get out of your country, from your
family and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.
(2) I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your
name great; and you shall be a blessing. (3) I will bless those who
bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the
families of the earth shall be blessed. (4) So Abram departed as the
Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy
five years old when He departed from Haran.”
Gen.12:1-4

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which
he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where
he was going.”
Heb.11:8

• Complacent says: “Stick to the status quo!”
• Courageous says: “I must obey God!”

2. FOLLOW GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FUTURE!

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you;
and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Gen.12:3

“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by
faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, `In you all
the nations shall be blessed.”
Gal.3:8

“And another said, `Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and
bid them farewell who are at my house. But Jesus said to him, `No one,
having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the
kingdom of God.”
Lk.9:61-62

“The Christian family is formed to be the very image of the future
kingdom of God, in which the will of the Lord shall be done on earth
as it is done in heaven. It is not only a school for heaven; in a
certain sense it is the anticipated kingdom of God itself…The Christian
family does not exist for its own benefit. It is created to bring glory
and honor to God. The blessing of a man is a derivative, a by product.
Those who stubbornly hold that their own happiness and convenience are
the highest goals of family life will never understand God’s plan for
marriage and the family for they do not grasp the underlying structure,
the basic starting point.”
Larry Christenson

• Complacent says: “It’s about me and my happiness!”
• Courageous says: “It’s about building the kingdom of God
and glorifying Him through my family!”

3. FOLLOW GOD’S DESIGN AND RECEIVE HIS BLESSING!

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and
his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do
righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what
He has spoken to him.”
Gen.18:19

“Marriage is more than your love for each other. It has a higher
dignity and power, for it is God’s holy ordinance, through which
he wills to perpetuate the human race till the end of time. In your
love you see only your two selves in the world, but in marriage you
are a link in the chain of generations which God causes to come and
pass away to His glory, and calls into His kingdom. In your love you
see only the heaven of your happiness, but in marriage you are placed
at a post of responsibility towards the world and mankind. Your love
is your own private possession, but marriage is more than something
personal—it is a status, an office.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

• Complacent says: “I’ll raise my family just as my parents
did! That’s good enough!”
• Courageous says: “I will intentionally discover and obey the
ways of the Lord in family life!”

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Questions will be drawn from the COURAGEOUS LIVING BIBLE STUDY
WORK BOOKS. This week is lesson 1: “Courageous Call- It takes courage
to fight for my family!”

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Josh 1:1-9) (Be strong and courageous)
Tue (Duet.31:14-23) (Just like Joshua, I have a commission to
lead my family.)
Wed (Josh.1:16-18) (God causes people to follow His leaders)
Thu (Ex.17:8-16) (God gives His leaders great victories)
Fri (Num.13) (God gives His leaders great insight)
Sat (Num 14:1-10) (God gives His leaders great faith)

cd111002 - Denny Mashburn

“..as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow
thereby.” 1Pet.2:2

IF I AM GOING TO GROW, I NEED A DESIRE FOR GOD’S WORD, SO I:

1. MUST BACK TO THE BEGINNING!

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all
evil speaking….”
1Pet.2:1

“Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through
the word of God which lives and abides forever, because all flesh is as
grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass
withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures
forever.”
1Pet.1:23-25

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1Jn.4:19

2. MUST GET RID OF KNOWN SIN!

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all
evil speaking…”
1Pet.2:1

Sins That Kill Desire For God’s Word:

• Malice- evil, ill will, desire to harm someone (revenge).
• Deceit-dishonest, deceitful.
• Hypocrisy- pretense, insincerity, pretending to be something
I am not.
• Envy- resenting what others have, which leads to jealousies,
grudges, hard feelings.
• Evil speaking- to defame, backbiting, gossip about one’s character
behind his back.

“Have you heard about Mrs. So and So?.....A Christian should have nothing
to do with this kind of scandal, but should say in any company, `Stop! I
cannot sit by and hear you say that of an absent person; if he were here,
you might say what you liked, but as he is not, please hold your tongue for
I am here as a defender of those who are back-bitten. Every absent man
should have an advocate in a Christian.”
Charles Spurgeon

3. MUST REMEMBER JUST HOW NEEDY I AM!

“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word….”
1Pet.2:2a

What God Expects Regarding His Word:

A. Read it: “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to
doctrine.”
1Tim.4:13

B. Meditate on it: “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do
according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way
prosperous and then you will have good success.”
Josh.1:8

C. Memorize it: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin
against You.”
Ps.119:11

D. Search it: “…in that they received the word with all readiness, and
searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
Acts 17:11

E. Preach it: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.
Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
2Tim.4:2

“Only 18 percent—less than two of every ten—read the Bible every day. Worst
of all, 23 percent—almost one in four professing Christians—say they never
read the word of God.”
George Barna

“But He answered and said, `It is written, man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Matt.4:4

4. MUST RECOGNIZE I HAVE NOT ARRIVED!

“…that you may grow thereby….” 1Pet.2:2b

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your
statutes.” Ps.119:71

“If Thy law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my
affliction.” Ps.119:92

5. MUST REFLECT ON THE BLESSINGS OF GOD’S GRACIOUSNESS!

“if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1Pet.2:3

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return
there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may
give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that
goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall
accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I
sent it.” Isa.55:10-11

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most convicting truth I heard in this message was? Identify it.
2. Have everyone reflect back on their salvation experience. What was my
attitude toward God’s word right after He saved me? Read 1Pet.1:23-2:1. Is
it important to remember from time to time what happened when God saved
me?
3. Read 1Pet.2:2. Can a Christian lose his desire for God’s word? Why does
this happen? (see Eph.4:30; 1Thes.5:19; Rev.2:4-5).
4. Of the five “musts” given in this message to rekindle my hunger for
God’s word, which one do I need to apply right now?
5. I can choose to desire the word of God. Will I obey this command right
now? Close in prayer for God’s grace and strength to be obedient!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (1Pet.1:23-2:3) (Key to growth-desiring God’s word)
Tue (Rev.2:4-5) (I can lose my desire for the word)
Wed (Eph.4:30) (Sin grieves my desire for the word)
Thu (1Thes.5:19) (Sin quenches my desire for the word)
Fri (Ps.119:71) (God uses suffering to re-kindle my desire)
Sat (Isa.55:10-11) (God’s wants to accomplish His purpose
and bless me through His word)

“America is headed for 310 million people with 310 million religions.
We are a designer society. We want everything customized to our personal
needs—our clothing, our food, our education, now it is our religion.”
George Barna, FUTURECAST

UNDERSTANDING THE STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH PROVIDES :

1. ENCOURAGEMENT TO ALL BELIEVERS TO GROW IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE!

“I write to you little children, because your sins are forgiven you for
His name’s sake.”
1Jn.2:12

• “little children”: begotten ones: “Jesus answered and said to him,
`Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God.”
Jn.3:3

• “sins are forgiven”: continual fresh start: “But if we walk in the
light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1Jn.1:7

• “for His name’s sake”: God's glory: “When they heard these things
they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, `Then God has also
granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
Acts 11:18

2. A MEASURING STICK OF WHERE I STAND IN MY SPIRITUAL GROWTH!

“I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.” 1Jn.2:13c

Young children are characterized by:

• the need for instruction, care, mentoring:“I write to you,
little children…”
1Jn.2:13c

• a basic relationship with their heavenly dad: “..because you have known the Father.”
1Jn.2:13c

• being unskilled in the word: “For everyone who partakes only of
milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid
food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of
use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Heb.5:13-14

• being fleshy in many ways: “And I, brethren, could not speak to you
as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you
with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to
receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.
For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not
carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, `I am of Paul,’ and
another, `I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who
is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to
each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then
neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the
increase.”
1Cor.3:1-7

“I write to you young men because you have overcome the wicked one…I have
written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God
abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.”
1Jn.2:13b,14b

“When George Barna measured people by their belief in seven essential
doctrines defined by the National Association of Evangelicals’ statement
of faith, only 9 percent surveyed qualified. While born again Christians
are twice as likely to possess a biblical worldview, that still represents
less than one out of every five born-again adults. `People say, I believe
in God, I believe the Bible is a good book, and then I believe whatever I
want.”
The Alabama Baptist

Young men are characterized by:

• being skilled in spiritual warfare:“…young men because you have
overcome the wicked one…”
1Jn.2:13b

• strength in revelation/principled living:“..I have written to you,
young men, because you are strong…”
1Jn.2:14b

• having a biblical world view: “the word of God abides in you..”
1Jn.2:14b

• appreciating a good spiritual scrap: “..and you have overcome the
wicked one.”
1Jn.2:14b

• applied knowledge: ““But solid food belongs to those who are of
full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised
to discern both good and evil.”
Heb.5:14

“I write to you fathers because you have known Him who is from the
beginning…I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him
who is from the beginning.”
1Jn.2:13a,14a

Fathers are characterized by:

• A deep intimacy with God;“I have written to you fathers, because
you have known Him who is from the beginning.”
1Jn.2:14a

• Knowledge of God learned in the fire: “Then Job answered the Lord
and said: I know that You can do everything and that no purpose of Yours
can be withheld from You. You asked, `Who is this who hides counsel without
knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too
wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please and let me speak;
You said, `I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ I have heard of
You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor
myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Job.42:1-6

3. A GOAL FOR ME TO SHOOT FOR IN MY CHRISTIAN LIFE!

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on,
that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of
me.”
Phil.3:12

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most important truth God wanted me to get out of this message was?
Explain it!
2. Read 1Jn.2:12-14. Where do I see myself in the 3 levels of spiritual
growth mentioned in this passage?
3. Where would my spouse, children, loved ones, or small group members see
me in these 3 levels of spiritual growth?
4. Where would God see me in these 3 levels of spiritual growth?
5. Read 1Pet.2:1-3. What am I going to do about it? Close in prayer!

Daily Bible Reading:

Mon (1Jn.2:12-14) (Levels of spiritual growth)
Tue (Jn.3:1-10) (Growth begins with the new birth)
Wed (Lk.24:46-47) (The new birth inspires repentance)
Thu(1Pet.2:1-3) (Growth requires repentance and the word)
Fri (Heb.5:12-14) (Spiritual babes are unskilled in the word)
Sat (1Cor.3:1-7) (Spiritual babes must learn to put the flesh to death.)

cd110918 - Dave Nielsen

“that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; [11] in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. [13] Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; [16] however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.[17] Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” Phil.3:10-17 (NAS)

3 KEYS TO FINISHING RIGHT:

1. FIX YOUR FOCUS!

“Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” Phil.3:12

a. Do you know?

b. Are you pressing/stressing or resting?

c. Fear paralyzes/paralysis by analysis.

2. FORGET WHAT’S BEEN FORGIVEN!

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,” Phil.3:13

a. ONE THING!

b. No rear view mirror.

• If you look behind, you crash
• No condemnation

c. What are you going for?

d. Mindset or Set Mind. Think on these things! (Phil.4:8-9)

3. FOLLOW THE FAITHFUL!

a. Join/Partnership/Discipleship

b. Walk= Do life together

c. Full of faith

Additional Sermon Notes

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Small group discussion questions:

1. I needed to hear this message because….?
Share with the group what has been going on in my life.
2. Read Phil.3:12 and then Rom.12:1-2. Why is it so important what I focus on?
3. Is it important to be free from the guilt of past sin and failure? For those who have come to Christ for salvation, the Bible has some encouraging things to say about their sins. Look these verses up and read aloud:

• Isa.1:18
• Jer.31:34
• Mi.7:18-19
• Ps.103:12
• 1Jn.1:9

4. Look up Heb.10:24-25. How important is it that Christians “do life together?” Who are the people who have inspired me the most in my spiritual growth?
5. Pray for grace to “finish right.”

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Phil.3:7-16) (Christ-likeness-my ultimate goal)
Tue (1Cor.9:24) (Running the race)
Wed (Pr.4:18) (Saved to grow)
Thu (1Tim.4:15) (Meditating to grow)
Fri (Ps.84:7) (Promise to those who would grow)
Sat (Rom.12:1-2) (Renewing the mind to grow)

cd110911 - Denny Mashburn

“Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, `Blessed be the God of
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His Angel and
delivered His servants who trusted in Him….” Dan.3:28

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAVING FAITH AND TRIALS IN SPIRITUAL GROWTH:

1. SPIRITUAL LIFE BEGINS AND IS
SUSTAINED BY SAVING FAITH!

“Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, `Blessed be the God of
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His Angel and
delivered His servants who trusted in Him….” Dan.3:28

“Why is faith so essential? It is because of its receptive power. A wallet will not make a man rich, and yet without some place for his money, how could a man acquire wealth? Faith of itself could not contribute a penny to salvation, but it is the wallet which holds a precious Christ within itself. It holds all the treasures of divine love. If a man is thirsty, a rope and a bucket are not in themselves of much use to him. But yet if there is a well near at hand, the very thing that is needed is a bucket and a rope, by means of which a man may draw water out of the wells of salvation, and drink to his heart’s content.”
Charles Spurgeon

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph.2:8-9
“As you have received Christ the Lord, so walk in Him.”
Col.2:6

2. SAVING FAITH IS A GROWING DESIRE TO GLORIFY GOD!

“Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language
which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.” Dan.3:29

“And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body already dead (since he was about a 100 years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” Rom.4:19-20

“Jesus said to her, `Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Jn.11:40

3. SAVING FAITH IS A GROWING DESIRE TO NOT COMPROMISE!

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, `O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Dan.3:16-18

“Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict. What is your faith up against now? The test will either prove that your faith is right or it will kill it…Believe steadfastly on Him and all you come up against will develop your faith. There is a continual testing in the life of faith, and the last great test is death.”
Oswald Chambers
WHAT DOES SPIRITUAL MATURITY LOOK LIKE IN REAL LIFE?

• My God is able!
• He will deliver me!
• But if not, I will not!

4. SAVING FAITH IS A GROWING DESIRE TO SACRIFICE!

“Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, `Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!”
Dan.3:28

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom.12:1-2

5. SAVING FAITH EXERCISED BRINGS CHRIST INTO MY FIERY TRIALS!

“Look! He answered. `I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Dan.3:25

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Read Dan.3:1-30. Why does this story fascinate people so, from Sunday school kids to adults?
2. What is the goal of saving faith?

• Ps.73:25-28
• Rom.4:16-20
• Jn.11:37-40
• 1Cor.10:31

3. Oswald Chambers said, “Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict.” Do I agree with this statement, and if so why or why not? What fiery trial is my faith up against right now?
4. Read Dan.3:16-18, 25. What would happen if I faced every fiery trial in my life with this attitude and response: “My God is able, He will deliver me, but if not I will not?” Do I think Christ would come into the fiery trial with me and help me? Do I think I would grow spiritually?
5. Close in prayer. Bring each individual’s present trials
before the Lord and ask Him for the faith to say: “My God is able, He will deliver me, but if not I will not!”

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Dan.3:1-30) (Role of faith in spiritual maturity)
Tue (Rom.4:16-20) (God’s glory, the goal of saving faith)
Wed (Jn.11:37-40) (We believe to see God’s glory)
Thu (Dan.3:16-18) (Saving faith’s response to fiery trials)
Fri (Dan.3:24-27) (God’s response to saving faith)
Sat (Dan.3:28-30) (God is glorified when faith is exercised)

cd110904 - Denny Mashburn

Too many Christians live on the right side of Easter, but the wrong side of Pentecost; the right side of pardon, but the wrong side of power; the right side of forgiveness, but the wrong side of fellowship. They are out of Egypt, but have not reached the land of promise and blessing. They are still wandering about in the wilderness of frustration and dissatisfaction.”
Graham Scroggie

5 TRUTHS I NEED TO KNOW:

1. GROWTH BEGINS WITH FREEDOM!

“Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
2Cor.3:16-17

THIS FREEDOM MEANS I HAVE BEEN:

• Justified-given a new position before God (Rom.4:25)
• Reconciled- made to be at peace with God (Ro. 5:10)
• Adopted- brought into the family of God (Eph.1:5)
• Redeemed- purchased from penalty and power of sin(Col.1:13-14)
• Propitiated- satisfied the demands of a holy God (1Jn.2:2)
• Forgiven- cleansed from all my sin (Eph.1:7)
• Sanctified- set apart to go in a new direction (1Cor. 6:11)

• This freedom is a new position which is finished, fixed, and permanent!

2. THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH: THE GLORY OF GOD!

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord….” 2Cor.3:18a

THE GLORY OF GOD:

• Is commanded of all of us: “Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name.” Ps.29:1-2
• Was rejected because of sin:“….although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Ro.1:21
• Is restored in me through Christ: “And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jn.1:14
• Is the reason for the growth of the church: “(19) To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (20) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (21) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Eph.3:19-21

3. SPIRITUAL GROWTH DEFINED: THE PROCESS BY WHICH WHAT I DO (practice) LINES UP WITH WHO I AM (position) IN CHRIST!

“…are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2Cor.3:18b

• Starts with freedom, a change of position! (vs.17)
• I see His reflection/image! (vs.18a)
• My position and practice start lining up! (vs.18b)
• It is progressive from one level to another! (vs.18b)

“(13) Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil.3:13-14

4. DISCERNING WHAT SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS NOT: COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS!

A. Growth does not affect my position!

B. Growth’s goal is not sinless perfection!

C. Growth is not measured by time!

D. Growth is not time automatic!

5. I HAVE AN IMPORTANT DECISION TO MAKE!

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Pet.3:18

“No virtue comes from undergoing trials in and of themselves. The outcome depends on how we choose to react to crisis. It is not so much what happens in life that matters as how we react. What trials have in common is their power to open our eyes to reality.”
Chuck Colson

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Read Graham Scroggie’s quote on page one of the
sermon outline. Would I say most people are happy
with their spiritual growth or “frustrated and dis-
satisfied?” Why?
2. Read 2Cor.5:17. What does Paul say happens when a person becomes a Christian? What does it mean to be a “new creature (creation)?” Is this a process or a one time event? (see Jn.3:3).
3. Read 2Cor.3:16-18. Is spiritual growth a one time event or a process. What is God’s purpose for spiritual growth? What is God’s goal for me? (see Phil.3:13-14)
4. The glory of God is the purpose for spiritual growth. Look up the following verses on God’s glory and answer the questions:

• (Ps.29:1-2) What is commanded of men?
• (Rom.1:18-21) What has sinful man done with God’s glory?
• (Jn.1:14) What did Jesus show me by taking on flesh and blood and why did He do it?
• (Eph.3:19-21) What happens when there is spiritual growth in the church?
• (2Pet.3:18) What happens when I make a choice to grow?

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (2Cor.3:16-18) (Growth and the glory of God)
Tue (Rom.3:23) (Sin causes man to miss God’s glory)
Wed (Rom.1:18-23) (Man has outright rejected God’s glory)
Thu (Jn.1:12-14) (Jesus came in the flesh to show us God’s glory and restore it in us.)
Fri (Phil.3:13-14) (My main goal should be Christ-likeness)
Sat (2Pet.3:17-18) (I must be committed to growth)

“Many years ago a good friend of mine, Dr. Robert Lightner, who was a longtime member of the theology department faculty at Dallas Seminary, was involved in a terrible plane crash. He was in a single engine plane that flipped over during takeoff. He was badly injured and bruised beyond recognition. His wife, Pearl, said when she first saw him, `I looked at this black mass of flesh, and I didn’t even know who he was.’ Thankfully, he did recover, and today he is a living testimony of the grace of God through that ordeal. `I learned things I didn’t know I needed to learn!’ Isn’t that the way it usually is?”
Chuck Swindoll

“People enjoy giving good advice. Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing.” Pr.15:23 (NCV)

THREE RIGHT WORDS AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME:

1. “I FEEL LIKE EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD IS MORE IMPORTANTTO YOU THAN I AM!”

“But even if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.” 1Cor.7:28

“One of the best wedding gifts God gave you was a full-length mirror called your spouse. Had there been a card attached, it would have said, `Here’s to helping you discover what you are really like!”
Gary and Betsy Ricucci

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Rom.8:13

I PUT THE FLESH TO DEATH WHEN:

A. I allow the Spirit to control me: “Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.” Eph.5:18 (NLT)
B. I obey the Spirit’s call to submit: “..submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Eph.5:21
C. Husbands obey the Spirit’s command to love: “..let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself.” Eph.5:33
D. Wives obey the Spirit’s command to respect: “..and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Eph.5:33

• Husband’s question for the wife: Do you feal secure in my love?
• Wife’s question for the husband: Do you feal respected by me?

Wisdom for the soul: “If you want a good marriage, seek to make your mate secure in your love and/ or respect.”

2. “AM I OBEDIENT TO THE SLAVE MASTER!”

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey; you are that one’s slave whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness.” But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Rom.6:16-18
“The true position, then, for a man is to be God’s slave. The harsh, repellent features of that wicked institution assume an altogether different character when they become the features of my relation to Him. Absolute submission, unconditional obedience, on the slave’s part; and on the part of the Master complete ownership, the right of life and death, the right of disposing of all goods and personal property, the right of separating husband and wife, parents and children, the right of issuing commandments without a reason, the right to expect that those commandments shall be swiftly, unhesitatingly, precisely and completely performed—these things are innate in our relation to God. Blessed the man who has learned and accepted this as his highest glory and the security of his most blessed life! For, brethren, such submission, absolute and unconditional, the blending and the absorption of my own will in His will, is the secret of all that makes manhood glorious and great and happy!”
Alexander Maclaren

Wisdom for the soul: “The way I live reveals who my master really is!”

3. “GET MY PEOPLE ON THE MISSION FIELD!”

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt.28:19-20

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Wisdom for the soul: “Don’t despise the day of small things!”

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most thought provoking truth I heard in this message was? Share it!
2. Read 1Cor.7:28 aloud. According to this scripture, why do couples have trouble in marriage? Review the chart HOW TO PUT THE FLESH TO DEATH IN MARRIAGE in point 2 of the outline. Share a testimony of how I have learned to apply this in my marriage!
3. Read Eph. 5:33. What happens to men when they do not feel respected by their wives? What happens to women when they are not secure in their husband’s love? (hint: recall the story of Gary and Norma Smalley used in the sermon)
4. Read Rom.6:16-18. Have I ever viewed myself as a slave of Jesus Christ? Why would it matter?
5. Read Matt.28:19-20. Is it important for the members of WVCC to be on mission with God in Ft. Payne, our surrounding state and nation, and around the world? Will I commit to this as a slave and disciple of Christ?

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Pr.15:23) (A wise and timely word is so good)
Tue (Pr.25:11-12) (A fitly spoken word is so valuable)
Wed (Pr.18:21) (Words give life or they kill)
Thu (1Cor.7:33-34) (Obedience to pleasing my mate)
Fri (Rom.6:16-18 (Slaves of Christ and His righteousness)
Sat (Matt.28:19-20) (Being on mission with God)

cd110821 - Denny Mashburn

“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is.” Pr.15:23

“Congenial conversation (suited to one’s needs)—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful!”
Pr.15:23(Msg)

4 WELL TIMED WORDS OF LIFE TO ENCOURAGE MY SOUL:

1. “SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS
HOUSE!”

“And Jesus said to him, `Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.” Lk.19:9

• NEW CREATION “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”
2Cor.5:17

• FUTURE AND HOPE “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer.29:11 (NLT)

• DEVINE PLANS I MUST ACCOMPLISH “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, `Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.” Acts 27:23-24

Wisdom for the soul: “Great sinners make great Christians!”

2. “YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE IT!”

“But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived.” Gen.45:27

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Ro.11:29

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Phil.1:6

Wisdom for the soul: “Sometimes providences, like Hebrew letters, must be read backward.”
John Flavel

3. “YOU ARE NOT GRIEVING, YOU ARE ANGRY!”

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: `Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.” Job 38:1-3

“A few months ago I was officiating minister at the funeral of a teenage boy who had committed suicide. I guess people expected me to explain how a good God could allow such a tragedy. There was a time when I would have tried. But instead, I said, `I don’t understand this. It makes me angry and confused. So if you are angry and confused, at least we can cry together. Angry and confused. I’m not sure about the anger, but I do believe confusion is appropriate when standing before the real God. I honestly used to think that if one worked at it hard enough, studied the Bible long enough, and talked to the right people often enough, one would eventually figure out God. I’m an old guy now, and I’ve been doing all three a long time. And I was wrong.”
Steve Brown

Wisdom for the soul: “If suffering and questions are choking the life out of me, stop asking why and start asking what now!”

4. “YOUR MESSAGE IS ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME!”

“Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.” Pr.18:21 (Msg)

“The lack of encouragement is almost an epidemic. To illustrate this point, when did you last encourage someone else? I firmly believe that an individual is never more Christ-like than when full of compassion for those who are down, needy, discouraged, or forgotten. How terribly essential is our commitment to encouragement! Is there some soul known to you in need of encouragement? A student at school…a young couple up against it…a divorcee’ struggling to gain back self-acceptance…a forgotten servant of God laboring in an obscure and difficult ministry…a widow who needs your companionship…someone who tried something new and failed? Encourage generously! Encouragement, a new watchword for our times. Shout it out! Pass it around!”
Chuck Swindoll

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” Pr.15:30 (NIV)

Wisdom for the soul: “ Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet!”
William Barkley

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. When I heard this in the message, it brought life to my heart and soul! What was it?
2. Read Pr.15:23 aloud. Would I agree with this statement: “A wise word spoken at the right time is a great blessing!” Explain my response.
3. Share a “word in due season” from my past which encouraged me greatly or changed my life!
4. Read aloud Chuck Swindoll’s extended quote on the last page of the sermon outline. Do we encourage each other enough? Go around the room and do it right now by pointing out something encouraging in each person’s life!
5. Pray for God’s grace to encourage others, generously!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Pr.15:23) (A wise and timely word is so good)
Tue (Pr.25:11-12) (A fitly spoken word is so valuable)
Wed (Pr.18:21) (Words give life or they kill)
Thu (Pr.15:30) (Power of good news)
Fri (Col.4:6) (Gracious words are like salt: heals/preserves)
Sat (Pr.24:26) (Wise words are as desireable as a kiss)

cd110814 - Denny Mashburn

“..for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Lk.19:10

ZACCHAEUS IS ME, AND THIS STORY TEACHES ME THAT:

1. I AM A GREAT SINNER!

“Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. Lk.19:1

HIS CONDITION WAS SAD, BECAUSE HE:

• Was a traitor: “..Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector..”Lk.19:1
• Was deviously rich: “…and he was rich….” Lk.19:1
• Felt inadequate: “And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.” Lk.19:3
• Was greedy: “..Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
Lk.19:8
• Was despised/lonely: “..they all complained, saying `He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Lk.19:7

HIS CONDITION, LIKE ALL SINNERS, WAS DESPARATE BECAUSE ALL:

• ARE SELF-CENTERED “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way….” Isa.53:6a
• ARE SPIRITUALLY DEAD “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sin.” Eph.2:1
• ARE DESPERATELY WICKED “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jer.17:9
• ARE NOT GOOD PEOPLE “Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous.” Ps.143:2
• ARE UNABLE AND UNWILLING TO CHANGE “As it is written: there is none righteous, no not one. There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no not one.” Rom.3:10-12

“So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He (Jesus) was going to pass that way.” Lk.19:4

2. JESUS IS A GREAT SAVIOR!

“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Lk.19:10

JESUS IS A GREAT SAVIOR BECAUSE HE:

• Makes divine appointments: “Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.” Lk.19:1
• Has divine knowledge: “..Zacchaeus, make haste and come down..” Lk.19:5
• Is moved by divine necessity: “…I must stay at your house…”
Lk.19:5b
• Is full of divine mercy: “But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, `He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Lk.9:7
• Has a divine blessing: “And Jesus said to him, `Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.” Lk.19:9
3. SALVATION BRINGS A GREAT CHANGE!

“Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, `Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Lk.19:8

THE CHANGE IS NOTICEABLE:

• A humbling desire: “So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.” Lk.19:4
• A change in authority: “Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, `Look Lord….” Lk.19:8a
• A desire to make restitution: “…I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Lk.19:8
• The dominant sin pattern is broken: “..I give half my goods to the poor..” Lk.19:8a
• A strong desire for justice: “..and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Lk.19:8b

“The gospel does not offer to the sinner what he wants naturally. It promises him what he does not want naturally: repentance, righteousness, holiness, death to self.”
John Piper

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Someone read Lk.19:1-10 aloud. What jumps out to me as I read this story? Discuss it!
2. Notice verse 10. Was Jesus seeking Zacchaeus or was Zacchaeus seeking Jesus? Look these verses up and discuss their implications:

• Rom. 3:10-12
• Eph.2:1
• Eph.1:4-5
• Jn.16:8
• Jn.6:44
• Eph.2:4-10

3. Zacchaeus was radically changed by Jesus Christ. How do we know this (see Lk.19:8)? Share how God has changed my life since I repented and believed the gospel.
4. In light of the popularity of the “prosperity gospel” in America, how do I react to this quote by Pastor John Piper:

“The gospel does not offer to the sinner what he wants naturally. It promises him what he does not want naturally: repentance, righteousness, holiness, death to self.”

5. How does it make me feel to know God chose me, and then came seeking me to save me? How does that impact my sense of self worth? What difference should it make in the way I live? Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Lk.19:1-10) (Salvation: When Jesus calls my name)
Tue (Jn.3:16-17) (Whosoever will may come)
Wed (Eph.2:1) (The results of man’s sin problem)
Thu (Rom.3:10-12) (Sins profound effect)
Fri (Eph.1:4-5) (God has a sovereign plan)
Sat (Jn.6:43-47) (The Father draws sinners to Christ)

cd110807 - David Martin, also Amanda Jones & Patrick McMinn

6 All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Col. 1:6, 9-14

THERE IS A DANGER OF MISSING

• A worthy life
• Fruit bearing
• Growth in knowledge
• Strengthening of His Power
• Having a thankful heart

THE DANGER IS THE “SPIRITUAL RUT”

When a church grows too quickly it is in danger of these problems.

• Uncertainty of purpose
• Blurred vision
• Fuzzy priorities
• Compromised values
• Replacing volunteers with professionals

Charles Swindoll “The Church Awakening”

As Ray Steadman crossed the Alaskan boarder he read a sign that said: “Choose your rut carefully; you’ll be in it for the next 200 miles.”

Every Christian is either a Missionary or an imposter.
Charles Spurgeon

So what happens when radical obedience to Christ becomes the new normal? Are you willing to see? You have a choice. You can cling to short-term treasures that you cannot keep, or you can live for long-term treasures that you cannot lose: people coming to Christ; men, women, and children living because they now have food; unreached tribes receiving the gospel. And the all-consuming satisfaction of knowing and experiencing Christ as the treasure above all others.
You and I have an average of about seventy or eighty years on this earth. During these years we are bombarded with the temporary. Make money. Get stuff. Be comfortable. Live well. Have fun. In the middle of it all, we get blinded to the eternal. But it’s there. You and I stand on the porch of eternity. Both of us will soon stand before God to give an account for our stewardship of the time, the resources, the gifts, and ultimately the gospel he has entrusted to us. When that day comes, I am convinced we will not wish we had given more of ourselves to living the American dream. We will not wish we had made more money, acquired more stuff, lived more comfortably, taken more vacations, watched more television, pursed greater retirement, or been more successful in the eyes of this world. Instead we will wish we had given more of ourselves to living for the day when every nation, tribe, people, and language will bow around the throne and sing the praises of the Savior who delights in radical obedience and the God who deserves eternal worship.
Are you ready to live for this dream? Let’s not waver any longer.

David Platt - Radical

cd110731 - Denny Mashburn

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matt.24:36

WHILE I AM WAITING THE BOSS SAID:

1. Watch FOR HIS SECOND COMING!

“(37)But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.(38) For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, (39) and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.(40) Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.(41) Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. (42) Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” Matt.24:37-42

Reasons People Will Not Be Alert:

• Preoccupied (Matt.24:38-39)
• Deceived (Matt.7:21-23)
• love of evil (Jn.3:19-20)
• procrastination (Jam.4:13-17)

2. BE READY FOR HIS RETURN!

“(43) But know this that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. (44) Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matt.24:43-44

• Question #1: Have I really believed? “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom.10:9

• Question #2: Is my faith saving faith?“(19)You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! (20) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” Jam.2:19-20

EVIDENCES OF SAVING FAITH:

• My attitude towards truth: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1Jn. 1:7
• My attitude about sin: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1Jn.1:8-9
• I pursue obedience: “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, `I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.”1Jn.2:3-4
• I love other Christians: “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren.” 1Jn.3:14
• I embrace Jesus as my Messiah: “But you have an anointing from the Holy One and you know all things…Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ…Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either…” 1Jn.2:20,22-23
• I purify my life: “And everyone who has this hope purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1Jn.3:3
• I have the evidence of the Holy Spirit : “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.”
1Jn.4:13
3. Be faithful WITH MY STEWARDSHIP!

“(45) Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season.(46) Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. (47) Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. (48) But if that evil servant says in his heart, `My master is delaying his coming, (49) and begins to beat his fellow servants, an to eat and drink with the drunkards, (50) the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, (51) and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt.24:45-51

“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made—I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ—I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure—I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me and when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.”
Prison cell confession of an African martyr

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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The thought which kept running through my mind as I
listened to this message was? Talk about it!
2. Read Matt.24:36-42. Is being preoccupied with the
mundane cares of everyday life to the detriment of spiritual things a common problem today? How so?
3. Read Matt.24:43-44. Jesus obviously is no thief, but people in the last days are given enough information in scripture to know when He is about to “break back in to history”. What are some reasons why people will not be ready for the Lord’s return? Look up the following verses:

• Matt. 24:38-38 _______________________
• Matt.7:21-23 _________________________
• Jn.3:19-20 ___________________________
• Jam.4:13-17 __________________________

4. What two key questions must I answer for me to know I have saving faith (see point 2 on the outline)? Saving faith has certain evidences, or “works” as James 2:20 puts it. Six are listed under number 2 of the sermon outline. Have I seen these evidences in my life since I became a Christian?
5. Close by reading Matt.24:45-51. What does faithful
stewardship mean (think shape)? Am I becoming a faithful steward? Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Matt.24:36-51) (Getting ready for the second coming)
Tue (Matt.24:38-39) (Some will be preoccupied)
Wed (Matt.7:21-23) (Some will be deceived)
Thu (Jn.3:19-20) (Many will love darkness more than light)
Fri (Jam.4:13-17) (Some will procrastinate-put it off)
Sat (Jam.2:19-20) (Saving faith has evidence-“works”)

cd110724 - Denny Mashburn

I MUST FIX MY MIND ON THE NEXT WORLD TO LEARN:

1. MY ETERNAL EXISTENCE WILL BE IN A NEW HEAVEN!

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.” Rev.21:1

“Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2Pet.3:12-13

THERE WILL BE NO MORE:

• SEA “….also there was no more sea.” Rev.21:1
• CURSED UNIVERSE “…the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” 21:1
• TEARS “..God will wipe away every tear from their eyes..” 21:4
• DEATH “..there shall be no more death…” 21:4
• SORROWS “…nor sorrows….” 21:4
• CRYING “..nor crying…..” 21:4
• PAIN “.. no more pain for the former things have passed away.” 21:4
“Then He who sat on the throne said, `Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, `Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” Rev.21:5

THERE WILL BE:

• A new, massive beautiful city
• An earth which is brand new yet familiar
• Bodies which are brand new yet the same
• A home unlike I’ve ever seen yet what I’ve longed for
• Dynamic life without chaos, atrophy, decay, decline waste, or boredom
• Perfect fellowship with God
• Continuous fascination of learning and discovery
• Continuous pleasure and fulfillment of desire
• Perfect, fulfilling, loving relationships
• Work and service that is fulfilling and meaningful
• The best food I’ve ever tasted served to me by the Lord

“We love newness-yet in each case, what is new is attached to something familiar. We don’t really like things that are utterly foreign to us. Instead, we appreciate fresh and innovative variations on things that we already know and love. So when we hear that in Heaven we will have new bodies and live on a new earth, that’s how we should understand the word new—a restored and perfected version of our familiar bodies and our familiar earth and our familiar relationships.”
Randy Alcorn

2. I WILL LIVE IN A NEW PLACE CALLED THE NEW JERUSALEM!

“Then I, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, `Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Rev.21:2-3
IT IS SPECIAL PIE IN THE SKY, BECAUSE:
(Taken from Rev.21:9-22:5)
• God lights it up: “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it.” Rev.21:23
• It is a 1,500 mile cube: “The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.” Rev.21:16-17
• It contains my mansion (75acres?): “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am, there you may be also.” Jn.14:2-3
• It has unparalleled beauty: “The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold.” Rev.21:18
• I will serve and reign with God: “And there shall be no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him...they shall reign forever and ever.”Rev.22:3,5
• I will see God’s face: “They shall see His face and His name shall be on their foreheads.” Rev.22:4

3. THESE BLESSINGS ARE RESERVED FOR THE OVERCOMERS!

“And He said to me, `It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.”
Rev.21:6-7

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1Jn.5:4-5

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev.21:8
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most fascinating truth I heard about heaven in this message was? Discuss it!
2. Randy Alcorn, in his book called HEAVEN, said this:

“C. S. Lewis said, `Most of us find it very difficult to want heaven at all—except in so far as Heaven means meeting again our friends who have died. One reason for this difficulty is that we have not been trained; our whole education tends to fix our minds on this world. Another reason is that when the real want for Heaven is present in us, we do not recognize it…Nothing is more often misdiagnosed than our homesickness for Heaven. We think that we want sex, drugs, alcohol, a new job, a raise, a doctorate, a spouse, a large-screen television, a new car, a cabin in the woods, a condo in Hawaii. What we really want is the person we were made for, Jesus Christ, and the place we were made for, Heaven.”

My thoughts on this are? Share them!

3. Read Rev.21:1-8 aloud. What I look forward to most in heaven is? Why? (note: review the chart THERE WILL BE NO MORE on pg. 1 of sermon outline, and the chart THERE WILL BE on page 2 of the outline)
4. Rev.21:6-7 says the blessings of the new heaven and earth, and the new Jerusalem are reserved for over-comers! Read 1Jn.5:4-5. What is the key to victory? How does the Bible describe an over-comer and his relationship to the world?
5. Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (2Pet.3:10-13) (God will un-create creation)
Tue (Rev.21:1-8) (My eternal dwelling place)
Wed (Rev.21:9-26) (The glory of my eternal home)
Thu (Rev.22:1-5) (I will see God face to face)
Fri (1Jn.5:1-5) (Over-comers defined)
Sat (Lk.12:35-40) (I will serve God in eternity, but Christ
will serve me also!)

cd110717 - Denny Mashburn

“The unquenchable confidence in a joyous afterlife is embedded deep in our history and psyche. Americans believe it’s our birthright to be happy. We guaranteed it in the Declaration of Independence. We feel we’re entitled to it, and we’ll sue somebody if we don’t get it. Andrew Greeley, professor of sociology at the University of Chicago and a renowned author, supports the idea that Americans are increasingly optimistic about the afterlife. `Belief in hell has decreased,’ he says. `But belief in heaven has not. People have a conviction that God wouldn’t do that to them.”
Melanie Menagh

THE LAST COURTROOM SCENE IN HISTORY TEACHES ME THAT:

1. THE UNREPENTANT MUST STAND
BEFORE THE GREAT WHITE THRONE
TO BE JUDGED!

“(11) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.(12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, …..” Rev.20:11-12a

THIS JUDGMENT:

A. Will be by the Creator: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” Col.1:16
B. Will be in righteousness: “…He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” Ps.9:7b-8
C. Will be by the Son: “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.” Jn.5:22
D. Will examine heart motives: “In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Rom.2:16
E. Will involve the stubborn and unrepentant: “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.” Rom.2:6 (NAS)

2. THE UNREPENTANT WILL BE JUDGED BY THEIR WORKS!

“(v.12b)..and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.(v.13) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each according to his works.” Rev.20:12b-13

• Judged for “the secrets of the heart….” (Ps.44:21)
• Judged for “every idle word….” (Matt.12:36)
• Judged for “every work” (Ecc.12:14)

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, `Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” Gal.3:10
3. THE UNREPENTANT WILL BE
PUNISHED IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!

“(14)Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.(15) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev.20:14-15

THIS ETERNAL PUNISHMENT IS:

• Physical: “So he called to him, `Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.” Lk.16:24 (NIV)
• Emotional: “But Abraham replied, `Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.” Lk.16:25
• Spiritual/Eternal: “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power.” 2 Thes.1:9

“Will a loving God send a man to hell? The answer from Jesus and the teachings of the Bible is, clearly, `Yes!’ He does not send a man willingly, but man condemns himself to eternal hell because in his blindness, stubbornness, egotism, and love of sinful pleasure, he refuses God’s way of salvation and the hope of eternal life with Him. Suppose a person is sick and goes to a doctor. The doctor diagnoses the problem and prescribes medicine. However, the advice is ignored and in a few days the person stumbles back into the doctor’s office and says, `It’s your fault that I’m worse. Do something!’ God has prescribed the remedy for the spiritual sickness of the human race. The solution is personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. Since the remedy is to be born again, if we deliberately refuse it, we must suffer the horrible consequences.”
Billy Graham

“But he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation.” Mk.3:29

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The thought I could not get out of my mind as I listened to this message was…” Share it!
2. Read Rev.20:11-15 aloud. This is the final judgment of the unrepentant. What works will be judged (look these up and read aloud):

• Ps.44:21 __________________________________
• Matt.12:36 ________________________________
• Ecc.12:14__________________________________

3. What is hell like? Everyone read Lk.16:19-31. Take note of the physical, emotional (regrets), and spiritual (separation from God’s presence) torment. My thoughts on this are?
4. Read aloud Matt.25:41. C. S. Lewis, commenting on the reality of hell, said this:

“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, `Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, `Thy will be done.’ All that are in hell, choose it. Without that self choice there would be no hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it!”

Agree or disagree?
5. Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Rev.20:11-15) (The Final Judgment)
Tue (Matt.25:41) (The original purpose of hell)
Wed (Matt.10:28) (God controls hell)
Thu (Lk.16:19-31) (What hell is like)
Fri (2Pet.3:9) (God is patient in His second coming)
Sat (Mk.3:29) (The Spirit draws us to Christ for salvation)

cd110710 - Denny Mashburn

ONE DAY SOON, A DRASTIC CHANGE IS COMING BECAUSE:

1. SATAN WILL BE BOUND!

“(1) Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (2) He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; (3) and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.” Rev.20:1-3

• Rebels have been executed! Rev.19:11-21; Matt.25:41-46

• The beast and false prophet have been thrown into the lake of fire! Rev.19:20

• Satan is bound and thrown into the bottomless pit! Rev.20:2

2. THE REDEEMED WILL REIGN WITH CHRIST FOR A THOUSAND YEARS!

“(4)And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.(5) But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (6) Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Rev.20:4-6

THE 1000 YEAR REIGN OF CHRIST WILL BE:

• Absolute/righteous: “…And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.” Rev.19:15
• Shared with the saints: “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end to him I will give power over the nations.”Rev.2:26
• Include Israel as God’s prime nation: “..In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, `Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zech.8:23
• Over human beings: “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, `Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” Matt.25:34
• A time of righteousness/peace: “Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Isa.32:16-17
• A time of God’s glory: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”Hab.2:14
• A time when the curse is lifted: “The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den” Isa.12:7-8
• A time of physical health/prosperity: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.”
Isa.35:5-6
• A time of long life: “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old, but the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.” Isa.65:20

“Imagine a world dominated by righteousness and goodness, a world where there is no injustice, where no court ever renders an unjust verdict, and where everyone is treated fairly. Imagine a world where what is true and right and noble marks every aspect of life, including interpersonal relations, commerce, education, and government. Imagine a world where there is complete, total, enforced, and permanent peace, where joy abounds and good health prevails, so much so that people live for a hundred years. Imagine a world where the curse is removed, where the environment is restored to the pristine purity of the Garden of Eden, where peace reigns even in the animal kingdom. Imagine a word ruled by a perfect, glorious Ruler, who instantly and firmly deals with sin.”
John MacArthur

3. SATAN WILL FINALLY BE JUDGED!

“(7)Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be
released from his prison (8) and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.(9) They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.(10) The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Rev.20:7-10

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most important truth I learned in this
message was? Talk about it!
2. In the following verses teach, the Millennial reign of
Christ is referred to as:
• (Matt.19:28) the ________________
• (Acts 3:19) times of _________________
• (Acts 3:21) restoration _______________
Is this encouraging? Why or why not?
3. The Bible has much to say of the many and
varied blessings of the millennial reign of Christ. Search
out and see which one interests me the most:
• Isa.9:6-7
• 2Tim.2:12
• Isa.25:8
• Isa.61:11
• Hab.2:14
4. Read Rev.20:7-10 aloud. Why are the near perfect
conditions of the millennium not enough to keep
humans born during this time from rebelling against
Christ.
5. Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Rev.20:1-10) (The 1000 year reign of Christ)
Tue (Dan.7:27) (God’s promise to Old Testament saints)
Wed (Matt.19:28) (God’s promise to the Apostles)
Thu (1Cor.6:1-2) (God’s promise to New Testament saints)
Fri (Isa.9:6-7) (A wonderful ruler)
Sat (2Tim.2:11-13) (A promise to rule with Him)

cd110703 - Denny Mashburn

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords.”
Rev.19:11-16 (NKJV)

cd110626 - Jeff Nelson

This sermon contains some history of the writing of the Bible. The Bible has a wide diversity of about 40 writers, who wrote over a period of 1500 years & three languages, but has only ONE Author. That author is God and His Word has no error. Even though these writers were ranged from Kings to Slaves and used numerous literary styles, the Bible displays an amazing unity.

1) It is one continuous unfolding drama: Redemption from Genesis to Revelation / paradise lost to paradise gained.

2) It has one central theme: The person of Jesus Christ. (Luke 24:27)

3) From beginning to end the Bible has one unified message: Humanity's problem is sin (Gen. 6:5, Rom. 3:23) and the solution is salvation through Christ.(Luke 19:10, Mark 10:45)

<>< ALL Sermon Notes are not available at this time, please check back later. ><>

cd110619 - Denny Mashburn

THE BIBLE DESCRIBES THE TRIBULATION AS:

1. LASTING SEVEN YEARS!

“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week..”
Dan.9:27a
• Week: 7 year period
• (v.25) 69 weeks (490 yrs.): lead up to Messiah’s death
• (v.27) final week: just prior to Messiah’s return

2. INITIATED BY A DECEPTIVE PEACE TREATY!

“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.” Dan.9:27

The bible also predicts that this chaos will pave the way for the rise of a new world leader who will be able to negotiate world peace and deliver on a promise of security and harmony. This world leader is a person whom most Bible students call the Antichrist.”
Dr. Ed Dobson

“You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud,
cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you
against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am
hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes.” Eze.38:16

THE FALSE MESSIAH, ANTICHRIST, WILL:

A. be a totalitarian political leader (Dan.8:23-24)
B. rule the world (Rev.13:7)
C. control the world’s economy (Rev.13:16-18)
D. be a gentile and emerge from the revived old Roman empire (European Union) (Dan.7:24-25)
E. have supernatural power (2Thes.2:9-10)
F. make/break a peace treaty with Israel (Dan.9:27)
G. claim to be God (2Thes.2:4)

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed” Rev.13:11-12

A RELIGIOUS LEADER WILL ARISE, AND HE:

A. is known as the false prophet (Rev.19:20)
B. will have supernatural power (Rev.13:13-14)
C. will promote worship of the beast (Rev.13:15)
D. will control the mark of the beast (Rev.13:16-18)

3. A TIME OF GOD'S GREAT WRATH!

“For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Rev.6:16
THE FIRST 3 ½ YEARS:

• Beginning of labor pains: false messiahs (Matt.24:5), wars (Matt.24:6), famines and earthquakes (Matt.24:7)
• Continuing labor pains: apostasy (Matt.24:9-10), false prophets (Matt.24:11), lawlessness abounds (Matt.24:12)
• 7 seal judgements (Rev.6:1-12; 8:1), 7 trumpet judgements (Rev.8:7-12; 9:1-6, 16; 11:15-19)

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, whoever reads, let him understand, then those who are in Judea flee to the mountains…For there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matt.24:15-16, 21

THE SECOND 3 ½ YEARS (Great Tribulation):

• Final labor pains: antichrist desecrates the temple, believing Jews warned to flee (Matt.24:15-22), unparalleled pain and suffering (Matt.24:21), final 7 judgments of God fall
• 7 bowl judgements: (Rev.16:1-21)

4. A TIME OF POWERFUL EVANGELISM!

 144,000 Jews: “…do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. And I heard the number of those sealed. One hundred and forty four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed..” Rev.7:3-4
 Two witnesses: “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophecy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” Rev.11:3
 3 Angels in the sky: “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every tribe, tongue, and people saying with a loud voice, `fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water...another angel followed saying Babylon is fallen….a third angel followed them saying if anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark…he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God…” Rev.14:11
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The truth that got my attention in this message was….? Describe it!
2. Read Rev.3:10 aloud. The promise to the church at Philadelphia is a promise to all true, faithful Christians. Am I glad the church will not have to go through the tribulation? Why?
3. Read Rev.7:9-17 aloud. People are going to be saved in the tribulation, although they will most likely be martyred (die a violent death). Some will be saved realizing they missed the rapture, others will respond to the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, the two witnesses, and the 3 angels in the sky. What does this reveal about the character of God as His j udgments are being poured out?
4. Read 2Pet.3:1-9. What is the message of scoffers in this passage? Do I really believe the tribulation and the second coming of Christ will happen? Did the flood happen? God is never late nor does He fail to keep His promises. What is He doing by seemingly delaying His coming? (see vs.8-9)
5. Close in prayer

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Dan.9:20-27) (The seventy weeks prophecy) :
Tue (Matt.24:1-14) (First 3 ½ years of tribulation)
Wed (Matt.24:15-26) (Last 3 ½ years, great tribulation)
Thu (Rev.6-1-12; 8:1 ) (Seal judgments, first 3 ½ yrs.)
Fri (Rev. 8:7-12; 9:1-6, 16; 11:15-19) (Trumpet judgments,
first 3 ½ years)
Sat (Rev.16:1-21) (Bowl judgments, last 3 ½ years)

cd110612 - Denny Mashburn

“When you are in distress (tribulation) and all these things
come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.”
Deut.4:30-31

The key to understanding world events is not in knowing what has taken place in Europe, Russia, or the United States, but in Israel! Palestine is the center of God’s arena. That is where Jesus Christ has and will carry out His program. History, after all, is `His story’!”
Bill Gothard

“I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them. So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.” Eze.39:21-22

TRIBULATION IS ABOUT GOD’S GLORY, BECAUSE THROUGH IT:

1. GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

“..for the Lord your God is a merciful God, He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.” Deut.4:31
GOD’S COVENANT WITH ISRAEL:

• Began with Abram: ““Now the Lord said to Abram: `Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Gen.12:1-3
• Involved a divine purpose: “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation….” Ex.19:5-6
• Had as its goal salvation for sinners: “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.”
Jn.4:22
• Was rejected by the Jews: “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus…But they cried out all the more, saying, `Let Him be crucified!’ When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, `I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it. And all the people answered and said, `His blood be on us and on our children.” Matt.27:20, 24-25
• Included scattering/tribulation as a judgment: “And the Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the Lord will drive you….When you are in distress (tribulation) and all these things come upon you in the latter days…” Duet.4:27, 30
• Is not finished: “I say then has God cast away His people? Certainly not…I say then have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.” Rom.11:1, 11

2. GOD PURIFIES THE JEWS!

“When you are in distress (tribulation), and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice….” Deut.4:30

THE TRIBULATION:

• Is a time of Israel’s desolation: “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.” Dan.9:27
• Is a time of Jacob’s trouble: “Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.” Jer.30:7
• Is a time of Israel’s purification: “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like a launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord and offering in righteousness.” Mal.3:2-3
• Is a time of Israel’s refining: “And it shall come to pass in all the land, says the Lord, that two thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one third shall be left in it. I will bring one third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested….”
Zec.13:8-9a
• Is a time of wrath for Gentile nations: “I will bring distress upon men, and they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like refuse. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for He will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land.” Zeph.1:17-18

3. GOD SAVES SINNERS!

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one greives for a firstborn.” Zech.12:10

“For when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” Isa.26:9

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIOINS:

1. The most important truth I learned in this message I never knew before was? Share it!
2. Read Ecc.12:13-14. What was the lesson Solomon finally learned at the end of his life and is described in this passage? As a Christian, what can I learn from this?
3. Read Eze.39:21-22. What is God’s purpose for
judging the nation of Israel in the tribulation?
4. Read Isa.26:9. What is God’s purpose for
judgment in my daily life? Did King David agree?
(see Psalm 119:71)
5. What happens when God’s judgment is ignored?
(see Rev.9:20-21). Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading:

Mon (Deut.4:15-31) (First mention of The Tribulation)
Tue (Eze.39:21-24) (God’s glory in midst of judgment)
Wed (Gen.12:1-3) (God’s covenant of grace)
Thu (Deut.4:30) (God’s covenant of tribulation)
Fri (Dan.9:27) (Seven years of tribulation predicted)
Sat (Isa.26:9) (God’s purpose in tribulation)

cd110605 - Denny Mashburn

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2Cor.5:9-10

“If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for this present world were those who thought most of the next…It is because Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this one.”
C. S. Lewis

I MUST APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST:

1. RIGHT AFTER THE RAPTURE!

“Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2Tim.4:8

“..looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Tit.2:13

2. TO BE JUDGED BY JESUS CHRIST!

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ..”
2Cor.5:10a

“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment
to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father…and the Father has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.” Jn.5:22, 27

3. NOT FOR MY SIN!

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isa.53:5

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Rom.8:1

4. TO RECEIVE MY REWARD!

“Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2Cor.5:6-10

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. The child of God is glad of this… If you have lived only to please Christ you need not be afraid of His coming, for in that day He shall clear away all slander and misrepresentation, and you shall stand out vindicated and justified before an assembled universe.”
Charles Spurgeon

“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet as through fire.”
1Cor.3:12-15
“Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2Tim.4:8

• General rewards
• Specific rewards

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come
from God.” 1Cor.4:5

5. TO HEAR THE SWEETEST WORDS I COULD EVER HEAR: “WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT”!

“His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matt.25:21

"Lord, keep me eternity conscious!” Leonard Ravenhill

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The first thought that comes to mind when I
think of appearing before the judgment seat of
Christ is…..? Is it fear or anticipation?
2. Read 2Cor.5:9-10. This judgment could be
summed up in one word: priorities. Is my life increasingly committed to eternal priorities or temporal priorities. Can I name what some of those priorities should be (hint: think of the 5 purposes of God for every Christian!)?
3. Read 1Cor.3:12-15). Each of us are involved in an eternal construction project. I am either building with gold, silver, and precious stones (service of eternal value) or I am building with wood, hay, straw (temporal actions of no eternal consequence). If I died today, would anyone in this world miss me, spiritually speaking, because I am no longer here?
4. Read 2Tim.4:6-8. Paul’s life and ministry was about to come to an abrupt end (he was beheaded). Was he looking forward to the judgment seat of Christ or was he dreading it? Was he looking for punishment or reward? What am I looking for?
5. Close in prayer with reading Matt.25:21, the words every Christian wants to hear from their Lord on that day!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (2Cor.5:9-10) (The judgment seat of Christ)
Tue (1Cor.3:12-15) (How Christ will evaluate my work)
Wed (2Tim.4:6-8) (It is something to look forward to)
Thu (Rev.21:12) (It will be a time of reward)
Fri (1Cor.4:5) (It will be a time of praise)
Sat (Rom.8:1) (It is not a time of condemnation)

cd110529 - Denny Mashburn

“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1Thes.4:17

THE RAPTURE INFORMS AND ENCOURAGES CHRISTIANS BECAUSE:

1. IT REVEALS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHRISTIAN OR HIS BELIEVING LOVED ONE DIES!

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
1Thes.4:13-14

“And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” Matt.17:3

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And, if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” Jn.14:1-3

2. IT EXPLAINS HOW A CHRISTIAN’S GREATEST HOPE WILL BE FULFILLED!

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1Thes.4:15-17

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1Cor.15:51-53

“Millions of people from all parts of the earth feel a tingling sensation pulsating throughout their bodies. They are all suddenly energized. Those with physical deformities are healed. The blind suddenly see. Wrinkles disappear on the elderly as their youth is restored. As these people marvel at their physical transformation, they are lifted skyward. Those in buildings pass right through the ceiling and roof without pain or damage. Their flesh and bones seem to dematerialize, defying all know laws of physics and biology. As they travel heavenward, some of them see and greet those who have risen from their graves. After a brief mystical union…they all vanish from sight.”
Bruce Bickel, Stan Jantz

“….looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Tit.2:13

3. IT GIVES IMPORTANT INSIGHT INTO WHEN THE EVENTS OF THE SECOND COMING TAKE PLACE!

(1Thes.4:13-18)
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them
in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with
the Lord.”

-Jesus appears in heaven
-He comes for the church
-He comes as a deliverer
-He comes with grace
-He comes as a bridegroom

(Rev.19:11-16)
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse. And He who
sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He
Judges and makes war.”

-Jesus comes to earth
-He comes with the church
-He comes as a warrior
-He comes with wrath
-He comes as a conquering King and Judge

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Rev.3:20

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phil.3:20

4. IT DECLARES WHY THIS TRUTH IS SO IMPORTANT TO CHRISTIANS!

“Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1Thes.4:18

“My love for second coming teachings, particularly the rapture of the church, was sparked as I stood at my father’s grave at the age of nine. His sudden death of a heart attack left me devastated. My pastor, who also was my uncle, pointed his finger toward heaven and proclaimed, `this is not the last of Frank LaHaye. Because of his personal faith in Christ, one day he will be resurrected by the shout of the Lord; we will be translated to meet him and our other loved ones in the clouds and be with them and our Lord forever.’ That promise from Scripture was the only hope for my broken heart that day. And that same promise has comforted millions of others through the years.”
Dr. Tim LaHaye

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. When I saw the video clip of the rapture, my first reaction was (after being startled)? Did it comfort or alarm me?

2. Read 1Thes.4:13-18 aloud. The comfort Paul meant to
give Christ followers involved answering questions such as: what happens to a Christ and his believing loved ones after they die, how will a Christian’s greatest hope
(glorification/transformation) be accomplished, and when
will the rapture and the second coming of Christ take
place? Which question is most interesting to me and what
did I learn from this message and passage of scripture?

3. Read Jn.14:1-3 aloud. Jesus was about to crucified and
shortly thereafter leave His disciples for His return to
heaven. They were troubled. So Jesus tells them He is
coming back for them (the rapture). What truth do I see
in this passage that comforts me as a Christian?

4. Read 1Cor.15:50-58. According to this passage, because
Christians “will be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling
of an eye” (the rapture), how should I then live? (see v. 58)

5. Close in prayer. If I am alarmed by this truth, ask
the Lord to show me why? If I am comforted by this truth,
ask God for grace to “be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord…”

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (1Thes.4:13-18) (Taking comfort in the rapture)
Tue (Jn.14:1-3) (Because of the rapture, be not troubled)
Wed (1Cor.15:50-58) (I will be changed and glorified)
Thu (Rev.3:7-13) (God will keep the faithful from the Great Tribulation)
Fri (Heb.9:28) (I am waiting for Christ, not tribulation)
Sat (Phil.3:20-21) (I am waiting to be transformed)

cd110522 - Denny Mashburn

“Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” Matt.16:3b

THE SIGNS I MUST DISCERN ARE:

5. THE RELIGIOUS SIGNS!

“And Jesus answered and said to them: `Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and will deceive many.” Matt.24:4-5

False Religion: “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matt.24:11

“While there have always been false teachers, today’s world offers a larger number of options than any other time in history. In 1970 there were 26,350 Christian denominations alone. By 1995, over 33,820 Christian denominations had been defined, and explosion of over 7,000 new denominational groups in only 25 years. That amounts to more than one new denomination every day during this time period! In terms of world religions, there are at least 4,200 identifiable religions honoring millions of so-called gods.”
Dr. Tim Lahaye

Apostasy: “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means: for that Day will not come unless the falling away come first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” 2Thes.2:1-3

Latter Rain Promise: “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” Joel 2:28-29

6. THE JEWISH SIGNS!

“And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Lk.21:24

GOD’S DEALINGS WITH ISRAEL:

A. The prophecy of dispersion: “Then the Lord will scatter you among all the peoples from one end of the earth to the other, and there you shall serve others gods, which neither you nor your fathers have known—wood and stone.” Deut.28:64

B. The prophecy of preservation: “For I am with you says the Lord, to save you; though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I will not make a complete end of you….” Jer.30:11

C. The prophecy of regathering: “…Son of man can these bones live?...Therefore prophesy and say to them, `Thus says the Lord God: behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.” Eze.37:3, 12

D. The prophecy of reoccupation: “…And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Lk.21:24

7. THE POLITICAL SIGNS!

“And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it…For I will gather all nations to battle against Jerusalem…” Zech.12:3; 14:2

THE GATHERING OF NATIONS:

A. ARAB NATIONS “They have said, `Come and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more…Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Assyria…Who said, `Let us take for ourselves the pastures of God for a possession.” Ps.83:4,6-8, 12
B. RUSSIA “Son of man, set your face against God, of the land of Magog…..Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army.” Eze.38:2, 15
C. COALITION OF NATIONS “Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes.” Eze.38:15-16

“…the whole world will come together against Israel over the issue of Jerusalem. The Arab nations are demanding sovereignty over Jerusalem. The European Union is insisting that the city be divided between the Arabs and the Jews. The United Nations would like to see the city internationalized, and the Vatican would like to see it put under its control. Even Israel’s greatest ally, the United States, is pressuring the Jews to surrender a part of the city.”
Dr. David Reagan

“..and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved 2Thes.2:10

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most important truth I heard in this message was? Explain it!
2. Read (2Thes.2:1-3) aloud. A survey was taken in 1970 (Glock and Stark survey,) and one of the questions asked of mainline denominational church goers was, `Do you believe the Scriptures are the inspired and inerrant (without errors) word of God?’ 77% of the American Lutherans said no; 67 percent of the American Baptists said no, 87% of Presbyterians said no; 95% of Episcopalians said no. Could this be part of the apostasy Paul was talking about almost 2000 yrs. ago?
3. Read (Jeremiah 30:11; Eze.37:3, 12) Does God have a special plan for Israel and Jerusalem? What is it (see Micah 4:1-7, hint: Jerusalem will become the political, economic and religious center of the world under Christ’s rule!) Does God have a special plan for me?
4. Read Zech.12:3, 14:2. Zechariah prophesied that Jerusalem would become “a heavy stone for all peoples” in the end times. Are the nations in the Middle East gathering against Israel? Is this important for me to observe as a sign of the Lord’s soon return?
5. Close in prayer

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Matt.24:1-11) (Warning against deception)
Tue (2Thes.2:1-12) (Deception comes from not receiving the love of the truth)
Wed (Deut.28:64) (God’s dispersion of rebellious Israel)
Thu (Jer.30:11) (God’s preservation of Israel)
Fri (Eze.37:1-14) (God’s re-gathering of Israel)
Sat (Zech.12:1-3, 14:2 (Jerusalem, the final battle ground)

cd110515 – Denny Mashburn
Part 4 of this Series

“We are on the threshold of the most fantastic and exciting event of history. Nearly 2000 years ago God stepped out of eternity into time, became a man, and visited the earth in the Person of Jesus Christ. Before leaving the earth, He told His disciples that He would physically return to earth at a future time in history when mankind was on the verge of destroying the entire human race. He indicated that this would take place during a thermonuclear war which the Bible described in great detail centuries before the atom bomb was ever heard of. He said that should He not return at the moment that He will, and bring peace to the earth, mankind would not survive this war. His followers asked Him when this would be. He said it was not for them to know the day and the hour; but that He would give them a number of signs. When they saw these signs, they would know that they were living in the generation of His return. They would have this hope to look forward to.”
Andre Cole

“Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” Matt.16:3b

THE SIGNS I MUST DISCERN ARE:

1. THE HEAVENLY SIGN!

“Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, `Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against, yes a sword will pierce through your own soul also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Lk.2:34-35

2. THE PHYSICAL SIGNS!

“All these are the beginning of the birth pains.” Matt.24:8 (ESV)

SOME OF THE PHYSICAL SIGNS WOULD BE:

•Wars, rumors of wars: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…” Matt.24:6-7a
•Famines: “And there will be famines…..” Matt.24:7b
•Pestilences: “…pestilences…..” Matt.24:7b
•Earthquakes: “…and earthquakes in various places..” Matt.24:7b

3. THE SOCIAL SIGNS!

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matt.24:12

“But you must realize that in the last days the times will be full of danger. Men will become utterly self centered, greedy for money, full of big words. They will be proud and abusive, without any regard for what their parents taught them. They will be utterly lacking in gratitude, reverence and normal human affections. They will be remorseless, scandal mongers, uncontrolled and violent and haters of all that is good. They will be treacherous, reckless and arrogant, loving what gives them pleasure instead of loving God. They will maintain a façade of religion but their life denies its truth. Keep clear of people like that.” 2Tim.3:1-6 (Ph)

“It will be a society in which man will love three things: self, money, and pleasure…The religion will be humanism, the love of self. Whenever humanism is the religion, the god is always materialism, the love of money. And when materialism is the god, the lifestyle is always hedonism, the love of pleasure.”
Dr. David Reagan
“Because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Rom.1:21

4. THE KNOWLEDGE SIGNS!

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Dan.12:4

“For three and a half days men from all peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze upon their bodies and will not allow them to be buried. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will hold celebrations and send one another presents, because these two prophets had brought such misery to the inhabitants of the earth.” Rev.11:9-10 (Ph)

5. SO WHAT?

“Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” Matt.16:3b

“So the eunuch answered Philip and said, `I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?’ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture preached Jesus to him.” Acts 8:34-36

“But you, brethren are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”
1Thes.5:4-6


SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most important truth I heard in this message was? Why do I think this is important?
2. Read Matt.16:1-4 aloud. What blinds people to spiritual truth? Look up Jn. 3:19-21, 2Cor.4:4; Lk.19-37-42. What do the Scriptures say?
3. Read Lk.2:34-35 aloud. What is the greatest sign God has ever given mankind? Why did these religious leaders miss this sign? Why do people miss the signs today?
4. Which one of the signs mentioned in this message caught my attention. Why?
5. Close in prayer and pray for spiritual blindness to be removed from the eyes of loved ones, family, friends, and any one attending Wills Valley during this series who is blind but does not know it!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Matt.16:1-4) (Blinded to the signs of the times)
Tue (Lk.2:25-35) (The Sign from heaven)
Wed (Matt.24:1-8) (The signs which mark the beginning of birth pains)
Thu (2Tim.3:1-6) (The lawlessness of the end times)
Fri (Rom.1:18-21) (Living for self and not for God’s glory results in a darkened heart)
Sat ( Acts 8:26-39) (The whole point of prophecy: Jesus)

cd110508 – Denny Mashburn
Part 3 of this Series

“The world is in serious trouble and everyone knows it. Something ominous is about to happen. Even the most powerful people on earth sense that we are running out of time. Never before in all of human history has the world seemed so vulnerable to disaster and at a loss for a workable solution to the world’s problems. Despite today’s technological advances, increasing prosperity, and growing number of opportunities for a better life, many people readily admit to a growing sense of unease about the future. In fact, most would agree we are living in one of the most precarious, chaotic, and even dangerous times in history.”
Dr. Tim Lahaye

THE STUDY OF PROPHECY AND CHRIST’S RETURN IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE:

1. IT REVEALS THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF GOD!

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like Me.” Isa.46:9

“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?
Amos 3:7-8

GOD AND HIS WORD ARE TRUSTWORTHY:

a. Descend from Abraham (Gen.12:3) “He will bless all the families of the earth”
b. Descend from tribe of Judah (Gen.49:8) “His scepter will not depart from Judah”
c. Descend from David’s house (Jer.23:5) “He will be a Branch of righteousness to David”
d. Born of a virgin (Isa.7:14) “He will be born of a virgin”
e. Born in Bethlehem (Mic.5:2) “He will be born in Bethlehem”
f. Rejected by His own people (Ps.118:22) “He will be the stone the builders rejected”
g. Betrayed (Ps.41:9) “He will be betrayed by a trusted friend”
h.Crucified (Ps.22:16) “He will have His hands and feet pierced”
i. Resurrected (Ps.16:10) “He will not corruption of death”

“We find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled even 8 prophecies is 1 in 10 to the 17th power…What are the probabilities of one person fulfilling more than 300 prophecies? It would be the chance of your randomly picking out a single atom from all of the atoms in the universe and having it be the one that had been marked with a microscopic X.”
Peter Stoner

2. GOD CONTROLS THE FUTURE!

“Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done…” Isa.46:10a

“What is prophecy? It is history written in advance—God’s description of future events.”
Dr. Jack Van Impe

• 1/4 of the Bible is prophetic.
• 333 prophecies concerning Christ.
• 109 were fulfilled when He came the first time
• 244 will be fulfilled in His second coming
• 1527 O.T. passages refer to the second coming.
• 330 N.T. passages refer to the second coming.

“Next to the subject of faith, the subject of the second coming is the most dominant subject in the New Testament. For every time in the Bible the first coming is mentioned, the second coming is mentioned 8 times. For every time the atonement is mentioned once, the second coming is mentioned twice.”
Dr. John MacArthur

3. GOD HAS A PLAN AND IT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED!

“..saying, `My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.’” Isa.46:10b

GOD’S GOT A PLAN FOR :

• The church: (Acts 15:14) “Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.”
• Israel: (Acts 15:16) “After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up…”
• The nations: (Acts 15:17) “So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name says the Lord Who does all these things.”
• His Son: (Rev.19:11-13, 15) “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns….and His name is called the Word of God…And He Himself will rule with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”
• Satan: (Rev.20:1,10) “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand…The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
• The earth: (Rom.8:21) “Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
• For me2Thes.1:6-8) “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire take vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most thought provoking truth I heard in this message was? Describe it!
2. Read the quote from Tim Lahaye aloud on page one of the sermon outline. Do I agree with him? Are the devastating events of last week
(tornadoes ripping through the south) relevant to this quote?
3. Read Isa. 46:9-10; Amos 3:7-8 aloud. God tells
me that there is none like Him! What do these two
verses tell me about God’s uniqueness? So what?
4. According to Isa.46:10, God has a plan for everything, including my life. Point three on the sermon guide lists 7 key people, places and things God has a plan for. Which one encourages me the most? Why?
5. The Lord says “I am God and there is none like Me.” Close in prayer, praise Him for His character, and thank Him for the unique opportunities He has given WVCC in the recent days to lift up His name!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Acts 15:14) (God’s plan for the church)
Tue (Acts 15:16) (God’s plan for Israel)
Wed (Acts 15:17) (God’s plan for the nations)
Thu (Rev.19:11-13,15) (God’s plan for His Son)
Fri (Rev.20:1,10) (God’s plan for Satan)
Sat (Rom.8:21) (God’s plan for the earth)
Sun (2Thes.1:6-8) (God’s plan for me)

This video shows only a small part of the damage in Henegar, Pisgah & Cartersville Alabama and what is being done to meet the needs created by the tornadoes of April 27, 2011.

Will's Valley Community Church & The Purpose Center is the EMA Relief Center for Division 2 and Division 3 of DeKalb County from Sylvania Gap Road to Henegar, Ider and Cartersville. Churches and relief workers can receive food, supplies and coordinate efforts at 1311 Isbell Blvd., Fort Payne, AL 35968.

Phone: 256-845-0500

There are many ways to serve from chainsaw operators to sandwich making and delivery!
Will you serve with your family or church family today? Large groups please call ahead if you need assistance locating the needs and accommodations.

cd110501 – Denny Mashburn
Disaster Relief Update after the 4-27-2011 storms that spawned over 150 tornadoes & a message about dealing with life's harsh realities.

cd110424 – Denny Mashburn
Part 2 of this Series

“..so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time apart from sin for salvation.” Heb.9:28

THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT APPEARANCES A PERSON CAN EVER SEE ARE:

1. WHEN JESUS CHRIST APPEARED ON THIS EARTH TO PAY MY SIN DEBT!

“…but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” Heb.9:26b-28b

•At just the right time: “..at the end of the ages…”
•To die, once: “..but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”
•As my substitute: “..so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.”
•Because I am guilty: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…”

SO WHAT?

 BECAUSE I NEED TO BE HEALED! “ ..and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1Pet.2:23 (NAS)

 BECAUSE I NEED A CLEAR CONSCIENCE! “How much more
Shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” Heb.9:14

 BECAUSE I NEED RECONCILIATION! “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Rom.5:10

2. JESUS CHRIST APPEARING BEFORE GOD TO KEEP ME SECURE!

“For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” Heb.9:25

SO WHAT?

 BECAUSE I NEED HIS PRAYERS! “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Heb.7:25

3. WHEN JESUS CHRIST WILL APPEAR
TO MAKE MY SALVATION COMPLETE!

“…so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time apart from sin for salvation.”
Heb.9:28
“It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathos and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea. He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” Isa.11:11-12

ISRAEL, GOD’S TIME CLOCK FOR PROPHECY:

1. The prophecy of a nation, a Seed (Gen.12:1-3) 2000 B.C. FULFILLED IN ISREAL
2. The prophecy of Messiah rejected (Isa.53:3; Jn.1:11) FULFILLED 34 A.D.
3. The prophecy of salvation to Gentiles (Isa.49:6; Acts 28:28)FULFILLED
4. The prophecy of dispersion (Deut.28:64;Lev.26:33)FULFILLED 135 A.D.
5. The prophecy of preservation (Jer.30:11;Isa.49:15)FULFILLED
6. The prophecy of regathering (Isa.11:10-12) FULFILLED 1949
7. The prophecy of reoccupation (Lk.21:24) FULFILLED JUNE 1967
8. The prophecy of the focus of the world (Zech.12:3 14:1-9)CURRENTLY BEING FULFILLED

SO WHAT?

 BECAUSE I NEED HOPE! “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Tit.2:11-13

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most important truth I heard in this message was? Talk about it!
2. Read Heb.9:23-28 aloud. The writer talks about 3 appearances of Christ in this passage. Where does Easter fit in to this scenario? What does Easter mean to me? Share it!
. Read Heb. 9:24. What is Jesus doing in His
second appearing? What insight does Heb.7:25 and Rom. 8:34 give me in what Jesus is doing right now in God’s presence? Does this encourage me? Why?
4. Heb.9:28 tells me that Jesus is about to make His
second and final appearance in history. Which fulfilled prophecy regarding Israel listed under "ISRAEL: GOD’S TIME CLOCK FOR
PROPHECY" got my attention. Why?

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Heb.9:23-28) (The three appearances of Christ)
Tue (Heb.9:26-28) (He appeared to pay my sin debt)
Wed (Heb.9:24)(He is appearing before God to pray for me)
Thu (Heb.9:28) (He will appear soon to complete my salvation.
Fri (Isa.11:11-12) (Israel: God’s prophetic time clock)
Sat (Tit.2:11-13) (Second coming: a time of hope)

cd110417 – Denny Mashburn
Part 1 of this Series

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” Rom.13:11

WHAT TIME IS IT?

1. IT IS TIME TO THANK GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE AT WVCC!

“And do this, knowing the time…..” Rom.13:11a

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil.1:3-6 (NIV)

REMEMBRANCES TO THANK GOD FOR:

Membership: 321
Changed lives: Baptisms (2011) 12, 8yrs. 123
Spiritual growth: 201 class_140, 301 class_100, 401 class_55
Ministries: Construction outreach team, food pantry, evangelism team, Purpose Center, Life Christian School, Bread of Life, Ponderosa Bible Camp, Interfaith Clinic, Missions team (D. R. school, Haiti, Biloxi, Mia & Costel, Global Focus), mag team, children and youth, prayer team, greeters, life groups (14)
Serving in ministry: 91

2. IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP FROM THE SLEEP WE ALL MUST BATTLE!

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand….” Rom.13:11-12a

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.” 1Thes.5:4-7 (NAS)

THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE:

WORSHIP “…true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” Jn.4:23b

FELLOWSHIP “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Heb.10:24-25

DISCIPLESHIP “..teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”
Matt.28:20

MINISTRY “Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you, as faithful dispensers of the wonderfully varied grace of God.”
1Pet.4:10 (Ph)

EVANGELISM “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..”
Matt.28:19

3. IT IS TIME TO CAST OFF SIN FROM OUR LIVES!

“Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.” Rom.13:12b-13

“…Cast off (repent of) works of darkness…:

REVELRY: “wild parties, orgies, fights”
DRUNKENNESS: “getting wasted on purpose”
LEWDNESS: “going to bed with someone unlawfully”
LUST: “excess and absence of sexual restraint”
STRIFE: “contentious, selfish spirit, self centered competitiveness that demands its own way regardless of its affect on others, a desire to prevail over others”
ENVY: “jealousy”

“..Put on the armor of light…walk properly..”:

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LIGHT: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).” Eph.5:8-9
SPOTLESS AND BLAMELESS: “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” 2Pet.3:14

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”
2Pet.3:10-13 (NAS)

4. IT IS TIME TO PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Rom.13:14

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Have I ever been caught off guard by something because I was unaware and unprepared? Share my story!
2. Read Rom.13:11a, which speaks of “knowing the time.” How would I describe the times we are living in?
3. Did I realize that a Christian can become sleepy in his Christian walk? Read Rom.13:11b. How would I describe a sleepy Christian? (hint: apathetic, lethargic, half-hearted, inactive, etc.). Is there a time in my past when I was closer to the Lord in my daily walk than I am now?
4. Paul and Peter agree that a key motive for living a holy life is the second coming of Christ. Have someone read 2Pet. 3:10-14 aloud. Is the “day of the Lord,” (vs. 10) the same as the “day of God,” (vs.12). (hint: they are not the same, because one speaks of judgment and the other of eternity with God and all He has prepared for those who love Him!). So what?
5. How does Paul sum up sanctification (spiritual growth) in Rom.13:14. Who is the key and what am I to do?

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Rom.13:11-14) (It is time to put on Christ)
Tue (1Thes.5:4-7) (Believers can get sleepy at times)
Wed (Eph.5:8-9) (Fruit of the Spirit is light of Christ)
Thu (Matt.16:1-3) (Unbelievers are unaware of the times)
Fri (2Pet.3:10-13) (A key motive for holy living)
Sat (Rom.13:14) (The key to my spiritual growth)

cd110410 – Dr Allen McClellan

“And they sang a new song, saying: `You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Rev.5:9

TRENDS GOD WANTS ME TO BE AWARE OF:

A. THREE TRENDS IN A CHANGING WOLRD!

1. Three prominent audiences and the challenge of pluralism.

2. Aggressive Islamic expansion.

3. The earth’s traumatic upheaval.

B. THREE TRENDS IN WORLD EVANGELISM!

1. People are coming to Christ at an unprecedented rate.
2. The center of gravity is shifting from the West to the East.
3. God is using technology to open doors of opportunity never possible until our lifetime.

C. THREE THINGS GOD IS DOING!

1. He is creating a worldwide desperation.

2. He is redeeming people from all ethnic groups to make (Rev. 5:9) a reality.

3. He is preparing a Bride for Himself.

NOTES:

In 5 years South Korea will be send out more missionaries than any other country in the world.

South Korea is now sending missionaries to the USA.

30,000 a day come to Christ in China.

15,000 to 16,000 a day come to Christ in Indonesia.

The Jesus Video influences someone in the world to become a follower of Christ every 4 seconds.

cd110403 – Denny Mashburn

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2Cor.1:3-4

“Helen, they are not fighting you: these blows, all this wickedness is against Me, she sensed Christ saying as she walked back to the house. All I ask of you is the loan of your body. Will you share with Me one hour in my sufferings for those who need My love through you?”
Dr. Helen Roseveare

PAUL’S INSPIRED TESTIMONY OF COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS TEACHES ME:

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF MY PRAISE!

“Blessed be the God……” 2Cor.1:3a

“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God Who raises the dead.” 2Cor.1:8-9

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Col.3:15

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S PERSONHOOD!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” 2Cor.1:3

“God, Who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Heb.1:1-2

WHAT HAS HE SPOKEN?

• God’s character is redemptive_: “Who (Jesus), being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.”
Phil.2:6-9
• God’s character is mercy_: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1Pet.1:3
• God’s character is comfort_: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” 2Thes.2:16-17 (NAS)

3. THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S PROMISES!

“..Who comforts us in all our tribulations….” 2Cor.1:4a

GOD’S PROMISES OF COMFORT:

• To the depressed: “But God, Who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;” 2Cor.7:6 (NAS)
• To those who may be insecure in God’s love: “ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, `For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Rom.8:31-37 (NAS)
• To those who think their trial is too great to bear: “No temptation (trial) has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted (tried) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”1Co.10:13
• To all believers who live in the flesh: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”2Co.4:7-11

4. THE IMPORTANCE OF MY PURPOSE!

“…that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2Cor.1:4b

“Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us:” 2Tim.2:10-12 (KJV)

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
---------------------------------
1. The most thought provoking truth I heard in this message was…? Discuss it.
2. Read 2Cor.1:1-11. What was God’s grand purpose for Paul in all the sufferings he faced? (see. vs.4-6).
3. Dr. Helen Roseveare, missionary doctor to the Congo, said she heard God’s voice say to her during her terrible ordeal (rape): “Helen, they are not fighting you, these blows, all this wickedness is against Me. All I ask of you is the loan of your body. Will you share with Me one hour in my sufferings for those who need My love through you? Does God’s word teach me I am to share in some small way the sufferings of Christ (read 2Tim.2:10-12) so that others may see God at work in me and be saved?
4. Read 1Thes.5:18 aloud. A great preacher once said, “If a man can praise God in the night, the daylight is not far away. One of the shortest and surest recipes for comfort is to begin to praise God.” Have I found this to be true? Share a testimony.
5. Close in prayer for God’s comfort!

Daily Bible Reading:
--------------------
Mon (2Cor.1:1-11) (God comforts me to be a comforter)
Tue (2Cor.7:6) (God comforts the depressed)
Wed (Rom.8:31-7) (God comforts the insecure)
Thu (1Cor.10:130 (God comforts those in trials)
Fri (2Cor.4:7-11) (God comforts all believers battling the flesh.)
Sat (2Tim.2:10-12) (If I suffer with Him, I will reign with Him.)

cd110327 – Denny Mashburn

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.” Ps.119:71

IN AFFLICTION, GOD’S WORD COMFORTS ME AS I SEE:

1. MY FAITH IS REAL!

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
1Pet.1:6-7

“And the Lord said to Satan, `Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” Job 1:12

( ) Is this trial a test of the reality of my faith?

2. GOD’S CARE FOR ME!

“I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” Ps.116:1-2

( ) Is this a trial to build greater intimacy between me and God?

3. GOD LOVES ME AND IS TRAINING ME!

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives."
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Heb.12:3-11 (NAS)

( ) Is this trial God’s loving attempt to train me
in some aspect of righteousness?

4. MY CHARACTER CHANGING, WHICH GIVES ME HOPE!

“And not only that, we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Rom.5:3-5

( ) Is this trial God’s loving attempt to train me
to stay under pressure until my character is changed and my hope strengthened?

5. MYSELF LEARNING OBEDIENCE!

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” Ps.119:67

( ) Is this a trial to teach me obedience?

6. HEAVEN BECOMING MORE AND MORE ATTRACTIVE!

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19:25-26

( ) Is this trial weaning me from the love of this world and stirring a desire for the next?

7. THE BLESSING OF LOVING GOD THE MOST!

“…by Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—blessing, I will bless you….” Gen.22:16-17

( ) Is this trial revealing something in my life more important to me than my love for God?

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. I once heard a preacher say, “I could preach on suffering 52 weeks out of the year and people would never get tired of it.” Do you agree with that statement, and if so why?
2. Read Ps.119:71 aloud. The Psalmist found comfort “it is good” in learning things from God’s word in the midst of suffering that he had never learned before. Share a story/testimony of how I have found this to be true.
3. Of the 5 truths learned in affliction mentioned in this message, which one has provided me the most comfort? Why?
4. Read the verse aloud from this message that got my attention the most. Why do I think the Holy Spirit caused me to focus on this verse?
5. Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Ps.119:71) (I learn God’s word through suffering)
Tue (1Pet.4:12-13) (I suffer with Christ in afflictions)
Wed (2Tim.2:12)(I will reign with Christ if I suffer with Him)
Thu (Matt.13:3-9;18-23) (My faith is real if I suffer with Christ)
Fri (Heb.12:3-11) (I am trained in righteousness through suffering)
Sat (Ps.119:67) (I learn to obey through suffering)

cd110320 – Denny Mashburn

“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” Ps.119:50

TO RECEIVE GOD’S COMFORT TODAY, I NEED TO:

1. GET RID OF UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS!

“This is my comfort in my affliction….” Ps.119:50

“How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble!” Job 14:1 (NLT)

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked……” Ps.32:10

“Many are the afflictions (bitter circumstances) of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Ps.32:19

“Unrealistic expectations destroy relationships!”

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” Ps.62:5
2. PLACE MY FAITH IN THIS PROMISE!

“This is my comfort in my affliction….” Ps.119:50

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb.11:6

“Remember the word toYour servant, upon which You have caused me to hope.” Ps.119:49

“Basically defined, hope is the Christian’s attitude toward the future. Faith appropriates what God has already said and done in His revealed word, and hope anticipates what He will yet do, as promised in Scripture…Faith and hope are inseparably linked. We believe and so we hope.”
John MacArthur

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1Pet.1:6-7, 13

3. VALUE SUFFERING OF THIS COMFORT!

“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word…”
Ps.119:50

“A survey taken by Barna Research Group among those claiming to be “born again Christians” disclosed these disheartening numbers: Only 18 percent—less than two of every ten—read the Bible every day. Worst of all , 23 percent—almost on in four professing Christians—say they never read the Word of God.”
Donald Whitney

GOD’S WORD:

• Revives: “My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word.” Ps.119:25
• Strengthens: “My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me
According to Your word.” Ps.119:28
• Delivers: “Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.” Ps.119:92
• Calms: “Great peace have those who love Your law; and nothing
causes them to stumble.” Ps.119:165

“The suffering You sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your principles.” Ps.119:71 (NLT)

4. REJOICE IN THE UNIQUENESS OF THIS COMFORT!

“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life (quickened me: KJV).” Ps.119:50

“Brothers and sisters, it is a very strange thing that when God wills to do one thing He often does another. When He wants to comfort us, what does He do? Does He comfort us? Yes, and no: He quickens us, and so He comforts us. Sometimes the roundabout way is the straight way. God does not give the comfort we ask for by a distinct act, but He quickens us, and so we obtain comfort. Here is a person very low and depressed. What does a wise doctor do? He does not give strong drink to act as a temporary aid to his spirits, for this would end in a reaction in which the man would sink lower; but he gives him a tonic, and braces him up, and when the man is stronger, he becomes happier, and shakes off his nervousness. The Lord comforts His servants by quickening them.”
Charles Spurgeon

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. As I listened to this message, this really got my
attention. What was it?
2. Read aloud Job 14:1, Ps.32:10, Ps.32:19. David, unbelievers, and Christians all face suffering. Do I think people in general, and even some Christians, have unrealistic expectations of God when it comes to suffering or affliction? Give some examples of
these expectations. What is the danger in believing these things?
3. Read Don Whitney’s quote under #3 of the
sermon outline. Can we expect God’s supernatural
comfort if we ignore God’s word? What does Ps.119:71 teach me about one of the many
purposes of God allows suffering in my life?
4. Read Ps.119:50 aloud. Share a personal story of how I trusted God for this promise and His word
provided me comfort in a difficult situation. Was it the kind of comfort I expected, or was it
unique? (see Spurgeon’s quote under #4 of the sermon outline)
5. Close in prayer and claim this wonderful promise of God’s comfort!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Ps.119:50) (Comfort promised for God’s people)
Tue (Ps.119:25) (The word revives)
Wed (Ps.119:28) (The word strengthens)
Thu (Ps.119:92) (The word keeps me from perishing)
Fri (Ps.119:143) (The word is my delight when I am
Overwhelmed)
Sat (Ps.119:165) (The word gives great peace)

cd111306 – Denny Mashburn
Part 8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

I AM DESTINED:

1. TO RECEIVE POWER?

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…….” Acts 1:8

THE HOLY SPIRIT:

• Created me: “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4
• Conceived my Savior: “….behold and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, `Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matt.1:20
• Empowered Christ’s sacrifice: “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Heb.9:14
• Wants to control me: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18
• Desires to change me: “..walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal.5:16
• Has gifted me: “But the manifestation of the Spirit given to each one for the profit of all.” 1Cor.12:7
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you….” Acts 1:8

Dunamis: “the power and ability of God given to human beings by the Holy Spirit for a specific purpose.”

2. TO BE A WITNESS?

“….and you shall be witnesses to Me…..” Acts 1:8

Martus: “a witness or observer of something who tells others about it. One who is willing to suffer greatly, even seal their testimony with blood to further their belief.”

“I told them, `God is still on the throne. These little things do not matter: our heavenly Father knows…All our possessions are in their hands, but we praise God for peace in our hearts and a meal tonight. God grant you wisdom in what you do, and us fortitude, courage, and peace of heart…may God be glorified whether by life or by death.”
John Stam

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”
Heb.9:14

3. TO DO THIS HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE!

“…in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

“The church, like the SS United States, has been designed for battle. The purpose of the church it to mobilize a people to accomplish a mission. Yet we seem to have turned the church as a troop carrier into the church as a luxury liner…What would happen if we looked squarely in the face of a world with 4.5 billion people going to hell and 26 thousand children dying every day of starvation and preventable diseases, and we decided it was time to move this ship into battle instead of sitting back on the pool deck while we wait for the staff to serve us more hor d’oeuvres.”
David Platt

4. SO WHAT?

 LASTING FULLFILLMENT COMES THROUGH SACRIFICE

 GOD NEVER WASTES OUR SUFFERING AND SORROW

 WHEN EVERY THING IS SURRENDERED, ANXIETY IS CONQUERED

 BEING A WITNESS MANIFESTS THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST

5. NEXT STEP?

REPENT
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children….” Acts 2:38-39a

SURRENDER
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18

GET READY
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1Pet.3:15

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The thing that got my attention as I listened to this message was…. Explain it!
2. Do you remember the first person that became a Christian because of your witness? Who was it? Tell the story of what happened!
3. Read Acts 1:8 aloud. What do you think are the biggest reasons Christians do not witness? (i.e. fear, apathy, etc.). What perspective does this verse put on these reasons?
4. 1Peter 3:15 says: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” According to Peter, what do I need to do to be ready to be a witness? (sanctify: means make Christ Lord; defense means understanding why I am a Christian and being able to explain it).
5. Close in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Acts 1:1-11) ( The Spirit empowers me to witness)
Tue (Job 33:4) ( The Spirit created me)
Wed (Tit.3:5-6) ( The Spirit saved me)
Thu (Heb.9:14) (The Spirit wants me to offer myself)
Fri (Eph.5:18) (The Spirit desires control me)
Sat (1Pet.3:15) (The Spirit wants me to be ready to witness)

cd110306 – Denny Mashburn
Part 7

"CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK"

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” 1Cor.12:1

THE BASICS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS EVERY BELIEVER NEEDS TO KNOW:

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT DECIDES WHICH GIFT(S) I RECEIVE!

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1Cor.12:11

“But now God has set the members each one of them in the body just as He pleased.” 1Cor.12:18

6. NO SINGLE GIFT IS GIVEN TO EVERYONE!

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” 1Cor.12:29-30
7. I MUST DEAL WITH WRONG ATTITUDES ABOUT SPIRITUAL GIFTS!

“If the foot should say, `Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, `Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them in the body just as He pleased.” 1Cor.12:15-18

“But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, `I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, `I have no need of you’. No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.” 1Cor.12:20-22

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”
1Tim.4:14

“If spiritual gifts are God’s primary means of administering grace to His people, what does that say about believers who refuse to exercise their gifts for the good of the body? Four things come to mind: (1) They are robbing the body of Christ. (2) They are forcing other members of the body to carry their load. (3) They are dead weight on the body, dysfunctional limbs. (4) They are out of touch with the Spirit of God!”
Charles Stanley

8. SPIRITUAL MATURITY TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER SPIRITUAL GIFTS!

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” 1Cor.13:1
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.”
Gal.5:22-23

9. GOD WANTS ME TO DISCOVER MY SPIRITUAL GIFT(S)!

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” 1Cor.12:1

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Eph.4:11-12

NEXT STEP:

• Be filled (walk) in the Spirit.
• Question: What are you drawn to or enjoy?
• Begin serving in an area of interest or need, take note of your desire, and then listen to the body, its leaders and members.
• Take class 301

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most thought provoking truth I heard in this message on spiritual gifts was? Share it!
2. Read 1Cor.12:11, 18. If the Holy Spirit give me a
gift “as He wills,” what important truth does this teach me about giftedness? (hint: my desire should be to discover what gift(s) He has given me and not to seek after particular
gifts).
3. Read 1Cor.13:1 and Gal.5:22-23. Why must
my pursuit spiritual maturity (development of Godly character) take priority over spiritual giftedness?
4. Read 1Tim.4:14 and Matt.25:14-30. Is it possible
for a Christian, even a pastor (i.e. Timothy) to neglect
his gift? What does the parable of the talents
teach me about faithfulness in using my gift(s)? Is
it a sin to neglect the gift God has given me?
5. Read the 4 bullets aloud under point 9 of the
sermon outline. Close in prayer for the Spirit’s
power and direction in discovering and using my
gift(s) for God’s glory and the building up of
WVCC.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (1Cor.12:1-11) (Understanding spiritual gifts)
Tue (1Cor.12:12-31) (Unity amidst diversity)
Wed (1Cor.13:1-13) (Spiritual fruit must precedes gifts)
Thu (Rom.12:3-8) (Seven motivational gifts)
Fri (Eph.4:7-12) (The equipping gifts of the church)
Sat (1Tim.4:14) (I must not neglect my gift(s))

cd110227 – Denny Mashburn
Part 6

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” 1Cor.12:1

THE BASICS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS EVERY BELIEVER NEEDS TO KNOW:

1. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT TRUTH!

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” 1Cor.12:1

Spiritual gift: a special grace and ability of Jesus Christ given by the Holy Spirit to every believer at their conversion to build up the body of Christ and thereby glorify God.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them......” Rom.12:6

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1Pet.4:11

2. UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS REQUIRES DISCERNMENT!

“You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” 1Cor.12:2-3

3. AS A CHRISTIAN, I HAVE AT LEAST ONE GIFT!

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” 1Cor.12:4-7

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1Pet.4:10

4. MY GIFT HAS A MOTIVATION! (PASSION/BURDEN)

MOTIVATION (Rom.12:6-8)
Prophecy
Service
Teaching
Exhortation
Giving
Leadership
Mercy

MINISTRY (Eph.4:11)
Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers

MANIFESTATION (1Cor.12:7-11; 27-31)
Word of wisdom
Word of knowledge
Faith
Healings
Miracles
Prophecy
Discerning of spirits
Tongues
Interpretation of tongues
Helps
Administrations

“TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK”

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. When I think about spiritual gifts, the
first thing I think of is? Has that thought been
helpful or confusing in my spiritual growth?
2. Read 1Cor.12:1. What were you ignorant of
about spiritual gifts before hearing this message?
What do you now understand? Share it with the
group!
3. Read 1Tim.4:14. Why do many Christians seem to neglect their spiritual gift? What are some causes?
4. In point #9 on the outline, I was encouraged to
discover my spiritual gift(s) . What were those 4 things (someone read them aloud)? What am I
going to do about these 4 suggestions?
5. Close in a prayer of commitment to discover and
use my spiritual gift(s) for God’s glory and the
building up of His church.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (1Cor.12:1-11) (Understanding spiritual gifts)
Tue (1Cor.12:12-31) (Unity amidst diversity)
Wed (1Cor.13:1-13) (Spiritual fruit must precedes gifts)
Thu (Rom.12:3-8) (Seven motivational gifts)
Fri (Eph.4:7-12) (The equipping gifts of the church)
Sat (1Pet.4:10-11) (Gifts build the church/glorify God)

cd110220 – Denny Mashburn
Part 5

“CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK”

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal.5:16

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT INVOLVES:

2. UNDERSTANDING THE BATTLE!

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Gal.5:17-18

Observation #1: There is a battle going on inside of me between the FLESH and the SPIRIT!

Observation #2: The battle is normal and good!

“....the battle with our own sinful desires will gradually progress over time. In God’s sovereign plan, conversion does not bring about instant moral perfection. Instead, sinlessness waits for the return of Christ. Meanwhile, God’s plan is that we fight indwelling sin. Since it is God Himself who makes the declaration of war, there is something praiseworthy about the fight as we participate in it. The fight itself brings glory to Him. This is a very important point: the battle is good. It is not a sign of failure; it is a sign that the Spirit is on the move. It is a sign that we are spiritually alive and engaged in the process of sanctification.”
Ed Welch

Observation #3: It is a battle for my thought life!

Observation #4: Thoughts opposed to scripture may be reinforced by strong feelings!

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2Cor.10:4-5

THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE FLESH AND SPIRIT IS WON OR LOST IN THE MIND:

• Strongholds: mindsets, mental fortresses, prisons of the mind, ways of thinking (many times reinforced by strong feelings) erected in our minds against truth.
• Arguments: reasoning, human or demonic, opposed to truth.
• High things: thoughts, exalted and selfish, opposed to the knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture.

Observation #5: Who will be allowed to control my thoughts, me or The Spirit, and what will be my final authority, feelings or scripture!

3. OBSERVING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIFE LIVED IN THE FLESH!

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you I time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal.5:19-21

Observation: The flesh represents the internal desires and temptations of my unredeemed humanness!

4. OBSERVING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIFE LIVED IN THE SPIRIT!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Gal.5:22-23

Observation #1: Fruit is singular!
Observation #2: Fruit is not dependant on circumstances!
Observation #3: Fruit is the evidence of a changed life!

“Testimony of Amanda Fowler”

5. LIVING IN PROMISED VICTORY!

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Gal.5:24-25

Next Steps (my responsibility):

• I will trust The Spirit, not ignore Him
• I will win the battle before the battle each day
• I will make scripture not feelings my final authority
• I will set my mind on The Spirit through scripture
• I will declare war on the strong holds of my life

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. This message was important for me to hear because…..?
2. Read Ed Welch’s quote on page one of the outline. He says the “battle is good.” Do I agree and if so why or why not? What does Galatians 5:17-18 say about the battle? Does it encourage me to know that the normal Christian life is designed to be a battle?
3. Read 2Cor.10:4-5. According to this passage, why is yielding to the Spirit’s control in my thought life and making Scripture my final authority over feelings so important to walking in the Spirit?
4. Read Gal.5:22-23 aloud. Does it encourage me to know that when I am walking in the Spirit (yielding my will, renewing my mind with truth), these attitudes will be produced in me by the Spirit, regardless of circumstances? Reflect on Amanda’s testimony during the message. What fruit was produced by the Spirit in Amanda’s life when she lost her baby prematurely 6 weeks ago?
5. Read Gal.5:24-25. In prayer, ask the Spirit to guide and empower you to walk in Him.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Gal.5:16-18) (The battle every Christian faces)
Tue (Gal.5:19-21) (Characteristics of the flesh life)
Wed (Gal.5:22-23) (Characteristics of the Spirit filled life)
Thu (Gal. 5:24-25) (Walking in the Spirit is possible)
Fri (Eph.5:18) (Walking and being filled are the same)
Sat (2Cor.10:4-5) (Being Spirit filled is a battle for the my mind)

cd110213 – Denny Mashburn
Part 4

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal.5:16

APPROPRIATING THE SPIRIT’S POWER AND INFLUENCE INVOLVES:

1. OBEYING A COMMAND!

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal.5:16

Observation #1: Because walk is a command, I must do something! (Believe/Faith)

Observation #2: When I do as commanded, the Holy Spirit must do something!

“It is not a matter of `All of Him and none of us,’ as the popular saying has it; and it is certainly not a matter of all of us and none of Him. It is the balance of our yieldedness and commitment with the Spirit’s guidance and power.”
John MacArthur

Observation #3: Since the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of
truth, I must learn to focus my mind on truth!

SCRIPTURE IS CLEAR ABOUT THE BATTLE FOR MY MIND (THOUGHTS):

• Set my mind: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, (set their minds on) the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Rom.8:5-6
• Renew my mind: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Ro.12:2
• Meditate with my mind: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble whatever things are just, whatever things are pure whatever things are lovely whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Phil.4:8
• Control my mind: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2Cor.10:4-5

“Walking in the Spirit requires a mind-set, a preoccupation with truth. The battle begins not with the temptation to do something but with the temptation to dwell on anything that conflicts with what is true…As the mind goes, so goes the body. When we refuse to get involved in the battle before the battle, there is no hope for change at the behavior level. By then it is too late. Walking in the Spirit requires that we become hypersensitive to any thoughts that conflicts with truth…Therefore to walk in the Spirit, we must get serious about guarding our minds.”
Charles Stanley

“TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK”

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. This message was important for me to hear because…..?
2. Walking in the Spirit is a battle for my mind and what I focus on. There is a wise saying that goes: “whatever I focus my mind on in time I will become.”
Read aloud Rom.8:5-6, 1Pet.1:13, Rom.12:2, Phil.4:8 (note: these are printed on the outline!). How, in my opinion, is the battle for controlling my thoughts and walking in the Spirit connected?
3. Read Charles Stanley’s quote on page two of the outline. Notice he references “the battle before the battle.” What is so important about the battle before the battle. In this past week, have I won or lost this battle?
4. Read Gal.5:16-18 aloud. Does it encourage me to know that the normal Christian life is designed to be a battle? Read Gal.5:22-23 aloud. Does it encourage me to know that when I am walking in the Spirit, these attitudes will be produced in me by the Holy Spirit.
5. Read Gal.5:24-25. God in Christ has made it possible to walk in the Spirit. Close in prayer, thank the Holy Spirit for living in me and being patient with me. Then, take a step of faith, yield to the Spirit’s control and ask Him to produce His fruit in me as He sees fit!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Gal.5:16-18) (The battle every Christian faces)
Tue (Gal.5:19-21) (Characteristics of the flesh life)
Wed (Gal.5:22-23) (Characteristics of the Spirit filled life)
Thu (Gal. 5:24-25) (Walking in the Spirit is possible)
Fri (Phil.2:12-13) (The balance of walking in the Spirit)
Sat (Ro.8:5-6) (Walking in the Spirit brings life and peace)

cd110206 – Denny Mashburn

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified.” Gal.3:1

TO LIVE THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE:

1. IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF A CRISIS!

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified. This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?”
Gal.3:1-3

“For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jer.2:13

“I found myself sad over a situation in my life. Instead of going to the spring of living waters, where I knew that what I would have found was God’s comfort, where I would have heard Him say such things as, `I will never leave you for forsake you,’ `I give my peace to those whose mind is stayed on me,’ I tried to dig my own well. Instead of coming to that fount of living water, I walked right by God, said my hellos to Him, grabbed a shovel and began digging. Searching for a way to feel better I thought, `I’m hungry, maybe some food will help.’ I went into our kitchen and saw on the counter the three bags of my children’s Halloween candy! I thought, `This will do it, this will make me feel lots better!’ So I took a piece of candy from each of the three bags and I ate them. Even the chocolate didn’t make me feel any better, so I dug a little deeper with that shovel. I went to the cupboard and got out the chips! I was soon full, but I was still sad, still depressed. So then I thought, `Aha, I’ll call a friend. I’ll get someone on the phone who will pat me on the back and tell me what a nice person I am. That’s what I need to do.’ And as I walked over and picked up the phone I heard God saying to me, `Kay, you’re digging your own well. I’m standing right here. I AM THE SPRING OF LIVING WATER! I CAN QUENCH YOUR THIRST!
Kay Warren

2. I MUST TRUST GOD TO DO WHAT HE HAS PROMISED AND COMMANDED!

“…Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith. Having begun in the Spirit are you now being made perfect by the flesh?.” Gal.3:2-3

“Then we believed that Jesus was our Savior from the guilt of sin, and according to our faith it was unto us; now we must believe that He is our Savior from the power of sin, and according to our faith it shall be unto us. Then we trusted Him in forgiveness, and it became ours; now we must trust Him for righteousness, and it shall become ours also. Then we took Him as a Savior in the future from the penalties of our sins; now we must take Him as a Savior in the present from the bondage of our sins. Then He lifted us out of the pit; ; now He is to seat us in heavenly places with Himself.”
Hannah Whitehall Smith

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”
Eze.36:27

“What I am trying to say is that the power of God, the resurrection power of God, is not a power that makes a great demonstration. It is quiet. We are so used to power that makes noises that we don’t think we have power if we don’t have noise. Things buzz, hum, pulsate, pound, explode, and bang, and these are seen as power. But this is power that you don’t feel. You don’t have any sense that it is happening, but it is happening. This power has a peculiar characteristic: It only happens when you begin to act! When you begin to exercise the gifts that God has given you, then the power begins to flow, not before. Then God will work through you to accomplish things that will leave you gasping, sometimes, at what He has done. You didn’t feel this power. You don’t suddenly feel strong, capable, and mighty. No, you felt weak; Paul says that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, but we pay not attention, sometimes, to such a statement. If you feel weak, if you feel inadequate, if you feel ineffectual, this is no hindrance to being used of God and exercising the power of God—not in the least! That is what this teaching is. Many people never discover what God could do in their lives because they keep waiting to feel powerful before they act. No, you won’t feel powerful. Begin to reach out and act to meet the needs around, and suddenly you discover that there is unusual power at work. I have a power toothbrush that runs by a battery. It has an unusual characteristic. When you get the toothpaste on the toothbrush and you are ready to brush your teeth, you look around for the button to turn it on. But you don’t need a button to turn it on. The directions instruct you to put it up to your teeth and press, and suddenly the power will be there. I remember with what unbelief I tried this the first time, but to my amazement, it worked. I put the toothbrush up and began to press against my teeth, and suddenly, the brush began to move up and down—there was a power available. This is a trivial example of what the power of God is like, but resurrection power works much the same way. It works when you reach out to somebody. It works when you sit down to exercise a teaching gift, to comfort someone who is in trouble, or to confront someone who is taking a wrong course. It works when you expect it to be there. That is, it works by faith.”
Ray Stedman

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I
live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
Himself for me.” Gal.2:20

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most important truth I learned in this message was? Discuss it.
2. Read Galatians 3:1-3 aloud. Bewitched comes
From the Greek word (baskaino) which means to be “led astray by things that are not true!” What are some common ways of thinking that lead
people astray about how to be saved (ex. I am a good person, etc.? What are some common ways of thinking that lead people astray about the how to live the spirit filled life (ex. I must do the best I can, etc.).
3. Read Kay Warren’s testimony aloud to the group (pg.2 of the outline). Give some examples of “wells I have dug” as worthless substitutes for the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Read Galatians 2:20. Am I living the Christian life, or is Christ living it in me? (hint: its both!) And what is the key in this verse to appropriating all that the Spirit of Christ has for me?
5. Close in prayer and by faith ask the Holy Spirit to fill and control each person to do and be what God has promised and commanded.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Gal.3:1-3) (I am saved and spirit filled by faith)
Tue (Jer.2:13) (Two evils that tempt each Christian)
Wed (Eze.36:25-27) (The promises in the New Covenant)
Thu (Col. 2:6-7) (I live Christianity the way I received it)
Fri (Gal.2:20) ( I live and yet Christ lives in me)
Sat (Rom.8:5) (I must set my mind/believe these truths)

cd110130 – Denny Mashburn

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” Jn.14:15

I NEED HELP:

1. IN BEING CHANGED!

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Jn.3:6

THE HOLY SPIRIT:

• is a person: “..give you another Helper, that He…” Jn.14:15
• is God: “…the Spirit of God descending like a dove..” Matt.3:16
• creates: “..and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters..” Gen.1:2
• inspires Scripture: “..but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2Pet.1:21
• gives life to the spiritually dead: “..that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Jn.3:6

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Tit.3:5

2. IN RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT!

“I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `Upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” Jn.1:33-34

THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT:

• was an answer to Jesus’ prayer: “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” Jn.14:16
• was the Holy Spirit coming into the disciples: “The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” Jn.14:17
• had to be waited on by the 120 : “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, `you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-5
• initially happened at Pentecost: “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4
• now it happens when one repents: “Then Peter said to them, `Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.”
Acts 2:38, 41-42

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” 1Cor.12:13

In my own study of the Scriptures through the years I have become convinced that there is only one baptism with the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer, and that takes place at the moment of conversion…All believers are baptized with the Holy Spirit. This does not mean, however, that they are all filled or controlled by the Spirit. The important thing is the great central truth—when I came to Christ, God gave His Spirit to me.”
Billy Graham

3. IN PRESERVING MY SALVATION!

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in Whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is the guarantee of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Eph.1:13-14

4. IN BEING DELIVERED FROM SIN!

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through the sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” 2Thes.2:13

5. IN LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE!

“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” Jn.14:18

“If the Christian life was simply a matter of doing our best, there was no need for God to send the Holy Spirit to help us!”
Dr. Charles Stanley

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1Cor.6:19

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What was the most important truth you learned from this message? Why do you think it is important?
2. Have I or others been guilty of referring to the Holy Spirit as it instead of He? Why do some Christians refer to Him in such an impersonal way? What would happen if you called your husband or wife an it?
3. What have you been taught about the baptism of the Holy Spirit in your past experience? Does it line up with the truth as presented in the chart on page two of the outline entitled: “The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit.”
4. Read 1Cor.12:13 aloud. Why would it be important for every believer to know that the Holy Spirit indwells them at the moment of salvation? Has anyone ever asked you, `Have you received the baptism of the Spirit?’ What did you say? What did they say?
5. Read Jn. 14:16-18. Close in prayer, thank the Holy Spirit for living in you, express your appreciation to Him for all He does, ask Him to fill you this week with His help to be the Christian God has saved you to be and to face the challenges which threaten to defeat you in your Christian life.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Jn.14:15-18) The promise of a Helper
Tue (Jn.3:1-8) The Spirit gives spiritual life
Wed (Acts 1:1-8) The Spirit had to be waited on by the 120
disciples of Jesus at Pentecost
Thu (Acts 2:2-4) The Spirit baptized those 120 believers
shortly thereafter in a powerful way
Fri (Acts 2:38) The three thousand that heard the
disciples preaching, repented and
received the Holy Spirit immediately,
there was no waiting!
Sat (1Cor.12:13) The norm for the Christian life: every
true believer in Jesus is baptized by the
Spirit the moment they repent and
believe.

cd110123 - Denny Mashburn

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18

“The hardest lessons in life to learn are many times the ones you thought you already knew!
A Wise Counselor

TO BE FILLED:

1. I NEED TO REMEMBER ITS NECESSITY!

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do
nothing.” Jn.15:5

“And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Acts 5:32

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp-stand from its place—unless you repent.” Rev.2:5

2. I NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS NOT!

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation…”
Eph.5:18a

IT IS NOT:

• A condition in which my self control is lost!
• A sudden, permanent zap of spiritual maturity!
• A passive “let go and let God” attitude
• A heightened sense of self effort!

3. I NEED TO REALIZE IT IS A COMMAND
TO BE OBEYED!

“…..but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18b

• Present tense: Day by day, moment by moment

• Passive voice: Something I permit to be done to me

• Imperative mood: NOT Optional

Literal translation: “be being kept filled”

4. I NEED TO SURRENDER TO HIS CONTROL!

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18

Filled (play-rah’-oh): Controlled
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, `Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” Jn.6:63-65

Keys To Being Controlled By The Spirit:

• CONFESS:“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Eph.4:30
• SURRENDER: “Do not quench the Spirit.” 1Thes.5:19
• DESIDE: “I say then, `Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.’” Gal.5:16

5. RESULTS: ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS!

“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Eph.5:19-21

• (vs. 19) Joy
• (vs.20) Giving thanks
• (vs.21) Submission

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How did I answer this question when it was posed during the message: `Think back to the best time in your Christian life, when you were at your best and strongest. What was it like or how would you describe it?
2. Read Eph.5:15-17, aloud. The Apostle Paul tells
us in these verses what the will of the Lord is for
every believer. It is also the most important command a
Christian can obey. What is it?
3. Read Eph.1:13-14, aloud. What is the Holy Spirit called in these verses, “the Spirit of ________?”Some of the promises
which the Spirit reveals and gives me assurance to claim
are:

• (2Cor.5:5) the Spirit is my guarantee
• (Jn.14:1-3) I have a heavenly home
• (Jn.14:12) I can do greater things
• (Acts 1:8) I will receive power to witness
• (Jn.14:13-14) My prayers will be answered
• (Gal.5:16) I can conquer the lusts of my flesh

4. In this message, I learned that the keys to being filled by the Spirit are: confess, surrender, decide. What are the biggest hindrances to my applying these concepts on a daily basis? What am I going to do about it?
5. Close in prayer, confess any known sin, surrender to Christ’s control, and decide to be obey God’s word in the area of my life the Spirit brings to mind.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Eph.5:15-18) (Key command of the Christian life)
Tue (Jn.15:1-5) (Without Christ’s Spirit I can do nothing)
Wed (Acts 5:32) (Spirit inhabits those who obey)
Thu (Eph. 4:29-31) (Sins grieves the Spirit)
Fri (1Thes.5:19) (Self centeredness quenches the Spirit)
Sat (Eph.5:19-21) (Results of being filled/controlled by the
Spirit)

cd110116 - Dr Allen McClellan

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, `The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”
Matthew 9:35-38

Reasons why Christians do not have God’s heart for the world:

1. Ignorant of the need.
2. Disobedience to God’s command.
3. Satanic attack.
4. World evangelization is not a priority.

TO HAVE GOD’S HEART FOR THE WORLD, WE MUST:

1. SEE THE WORLD AS GOD SEES IT!

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” Matt.9:36

Key word: VISION

2. LOVE THE WORLD AS GOD LOVES IT!

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” Matt.9:36

Key word: PASSION

3. ACT FOR THE WORLD AS GOD WOULD HAVE YOU ACT!

“Then He said to His disciples, `The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” Matt.9:37-38

Key word: ACTION

Actions we can take to embrace God’s heart for the world:

1. Become informed.
2. Get to know missionaries.
3. Pray for world evangelization.
4. Give to world evangelization.
5. Go yourself.

Key question: How can I be the most meaningfully and strategically involved in world evangelization?

Key word: OBEDIENCE

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The most through provoking truth I heard in this
message was? Describe it!
2. Have someone read Matthew 9:35-38 aloud. Notice verse 36. What would happen if I and every one in our small group regularly prayed for God to send out “laborers” in Ft. Payne and around the world in 2011?
3. Read Matt. Matthew 6:1-4. What would happen if I and every one in our small group regularly gave (“charitable deed”) to world evangelization in 2011? What does God promise in verse 4?
4. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What is the first word in verse 19? What would happen if I committed to spend at least one week of 2011 in another context (another place, city, or country other than my own community) to obey Christ’s command to go and evangelize the world?
5. Read Matt.9:38 aloud one last time. Close in prayer to the Lord of the harvest.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Matt.9:35-36) (God’s heart for the world)
Tue (Matt.9:37) (Harvest is there, laborers are few)
Wed (Matt.9:38) (The vital need for specific prayer)
Thu (Matt.28:18-20) (God’s strategy for world
evangelization: make disciples)
Fri (Matt.28:19) (Making disciples: go, baptize)
Sat (Matt.28:20) (Making disciples: teach)

cd110109 - Denny Mashburn

SPIRITUAL INVENTORY: A PROMISE OF GOD'S BLESSING!
“….But from this day I will bless you….” Haggai 2:19b

IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S PROMISED BLESSING:

1. AS A SEEKER, I MUST OBEY THE GOSPEL!

“In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2Thes.1:8

“Whereas salvation is a gift to be received, the gospel is a command to be obeyed.”
John MacArthur

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
Acts 17:30-31

“Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” Heb.12:16-17

Reasons I Won’t Obey:

• ( ) I am a good person
• ( ) I don’t want to give up certain sins
• ( ) There will be a more convenient time
• ( ) I cried and prayed and nothing happened
• ( ) I don’t want to give up control of my life

2. AS A CHRISTIAN, I MUST OBEY GOD's WILL FOR ME!

“Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord.” Haggai 1:12

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.”
1Cor.6:19-20

“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1Pet.2:5

To Build My Temple, I Must Offer Him :

• ( ) My body for His service (Rom.12:1)
• ( ) Love for others (Eph.5:1-2)
• ( ) Renewal of my mind (Rom.12:2)
• ( ) Serving and sharing (Heb.13:16)
• ( ) Souls I have won for Him (Rom.15:15-16)
• ( ) Praise no matter what (Heb.13:15)
• ( ) Prayer (Rev.8:3-4)

“Beloved, depend upon it, our miseries grow at the root of our selfishness. Where selfishness begins, sorrow begins; and where selfishness is dead, grief is dead. Do you comprehend me? If our souls had wholly given up everything to Jehovah’s will, we should never lose anything, for we should already have given it up.”
Charles Spurgeon

3. AS A CHURCH, WE MUST OBEY GOD's PURPOSES FOR THE CHURCH!

“Consider now this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid—consider it. Is the seed still in the barn? As yet the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yielded fruit. But from this day I will bless you.”
Haggai 2:18-19

“Jesus said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matt.22:37-39

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matt.28:19-20

The Church Can Expect God’s Blessing When It
Obeys God In:

• ( ) Worship “…love the Lord your God..”
• ( ) Fellowship “…baptize them…”
• ( ) Discipleship “….teaching them to observe..”
• ( ) Service “….love your neighbor..”
• ( ) Evangelism “..go...make disciples…all nations”

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Think back to a time in my life when God blessed me tremendously because of my obedience to Him. Share it with the group!
2. Someone read 1Sam.15:22 aloud. Saul was rejected as king of Israel because he was disobedient to God’s will. According to this verse, what is the one thing God wants most from His people and the one thing He always blesses?
3. Someone read Joshua 1:8. This the only verse in the King James translation that uses the word “success.” What does God promise He will bless with prosperity and success if I will do it?
4. Look at the list of spiritual sacrifices (bottom of outline, pg.2) that every Christian is called to do to “build their temple” for God. Which one or two do I need to obey this year? What am I going to do to be obedient?
5. Look at the list of God’s purposes for the church
at the bottom of pg. 3 of the sermon outline. Which one or two do I need to be obedient in this year. What am I going to do to be obedient? Close in prayer!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Hag.2:15-19) (Obedience always brings blessing)
Tue (1Sam.15:22) (Obedience, what God wants most)
Wed (Josh.1:8) (Obedience brings success in all I do)
Thu (1Cor.6:19-20) (My body is the temple)
Fri (1Pet.2:5) (I am saved to offer spiritual sacrifices)
Sat (2Thes.1:8) (The gospel is a message to be obeyed)

cd110102 - Denny Mashburn

SPIRITUAL INVENTORY!

“Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: `Consider your
ways.’” Haggai 1:5

BLESSING WILL FOLLOW SELF EXAMINATION, BUT I MUST:

1. BE WILLING TO HEAR A REBUKE!

“Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet,
saying, `Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled
houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?’” Hag.1:4

EXCUSES FOR NOT SERVING GOD:

• Genes: “..the woman whom You gave me…she gave me of the tree and I ate.” Gen.3:12
• Inadequacy: “..who am I that I should go to Pharaoh..” Ex.3:11
• Anger at God: “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry.” Jon.4:1
• Insincerity: “..I have bought a piece of ground and must go and see it…I have bought five yolk of oxen, and I am going to test them…I have married a wife and cannot come.” Lk.14:18-20
• Unbelief: “..go away for now when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Acts 24:25
• Indifference: “…the time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” Hag.1:2

Spiritual Inventory:

( ) “I’m just human, everybody is doing it…!”
( ) “I am not gifted or talented, God can’t use me…!”
( ) “Why did God let that happen….!”
( ) “I am overwhelmed with work, when I get my job
situation figured out, I’ve got to work on my
marriage…!”
( ) “I’ve got some things I got to do before I change!”
( ) “It’s all about chasing the American dream right!”
( ) ____________________________________________

“Because we are starting to redefine Christianity. We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist Him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with. A nice, middle class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn’t mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who would not expect us to forsake our closest relationships so that He receives all our affection. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on our comforts, because, after all, He loves us just the way we are. A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid dangerous extremes, and who, for that matter wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream. But do you realize what we are doing at this point? We are molding Jesus into our image!”
David Platt, RADICAL

2. REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-EXAMINATION!

“…consider your ways…..” Hag.1:5

Bible’s Call To Self Examination:

• David: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps.139:23-24
• Hypocrites: “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matt.7:5
• Participants at the Lord’s Supper: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup…For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.”
1Cor.11:28,31
• Christians: “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ….” 2Cor. 5:9-10
• Spiritually dead: “Then I saw a great white throne…the dead standing before God…the books were opened….” Rev.20:11-12

3. SEE THE WISDOM OF CAUSE AND EFFECT!

“Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: `Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.’ Thus says the Lord of hosts: `Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,’ says the Lord. You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of hosts. Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. Therefore, the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.” Hag.1:7-11

Spiritual Inventory:

 Cause: (fruit) __EXCUSES
 Cause: (Root) __SELFISH INDIFFERENCE TO GOD's WORK
 Effect: ____Loss of God's Glory
 Effect: ____Loss of God's Blessing
 Effect: ____Divine Discipline
 Effect: ____Economic/Social Anxiety

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt.6:33
CORPORATE PRAYER MEETING

“Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or I might command locusts to devour your crops, or I might send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” 2Chron. 7:12-14 (NLT)

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Haggai 1:1-11) (Divine rebuke on wrong priorities)
Tue (Hag.1:12-15) (Obedience and the Spirit’s presence)
Wed (Hag.2:1-9) (Return of God’s glory)
Thu (Hag.2:10-19) (Important object lessons)
Fri (Hag.2:20-23) (Promise of blessing)
Sat (Matt.6:33) (Divine priorities)

cd101226 - Dr Allen McClellan

HOW TO MAKE 2011 THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE!
If you want the new year to be any different from this last year, you must change!

TO MAKE 2011 THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE, YOU MUST:

1. PUT THE PAST BEHIND YOU!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Phil.3:13

• If we let the past control our lives, we surrender to guilt or bitterness or both.

• The past is beyond our control.

• Learn from yesterday and let it go.

2. LEAVE THE FUTURE IN GOD'S HANDS!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3:13-14

“My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.” Ps.31:15

• If we let the future control our lives, we surrender to fear and anxiety or both.

• We have no promise of tomorrow.

• Much of the future is beyond our control.

• To overcome fear and anxiety, we must pray and trust in God.

3. LEAR TO LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME!

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matt.6:34

“So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Ps.90:12

Three things to do at the beginning of every day:

• Spend time alone with God.

• Surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

• Put on the whole armor of God.

Small Group Discussion Question

1. The most important truth I got from Dr.
McClellan’s message was…..? Share it!
2. Read Phil.3:13, Ps.103:12. What one past sin or
failure do I need learn from and let go of
this year? (See 1John 1:9)
3. Read Phil.3:13-14; Prov.20:24. What one
anxiety about the future do I need to pray
about and trust God to take care of?
4. Read Psalm 90:12. What one thing do I need
to pursue that would make the biggest difference
in my spiritual growth this year?
5. Close in prayer for God’s grace and wisdom.

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Phil.3:12-14) (The number one goal: Christ-likeness)
Tue (Ps.31:15) (My times are in God’s hands)
Wed (Prov.20:24) (God orders the steps of His people)
Thu (Matt.6:34) (Godly priorities defeats daily anxieties)
Fri (Ps.90:12) (If we ask, God will teach us to use time
wisely)
Sat (Pr.16:3) (Commitment brings God’s direction)

cd101205 - Denny Mashburn

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE

“Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God. He made himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form He obediently humbled Himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Because of this, God raised Him up to the heights of heaven and gave Him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil.2:5-11 (NLT)

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Phil.2:5 (NLT)

“It has become apparent one of the greatest needs of our day is to restate the obvious!”
Author Unknown

CHRISTMAS, GOD’S GREATEST MIRACLE, IS:

1. WHEN GOD LEFT HIS EXALTED POSITION!

“Though He (Christ Jesus) was God, He did not think of
equality with God as something to cling to.” Phil.2:6 (NLT)

“The Father and I are one.” Jn.10:30 (NLT)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All
things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Jn.1:1-3 (NKJV)

2. WHEN GOD CAME TO EARTH AS A SLAVE!

“Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave….” Phil.2:7a (NLT)

HE GAVE UP:

• DISPLAY OF DIVINE GLORY : “As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.” Lk.9:29
• INDEPENDENT USE OF DIVINE AUTHORITY : “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” Jn.6:38
• EXERCISE OF CERTAIN ATTRIBUTES : “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matt.24:36
• ETERNAL RICHES: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2Co.8:9
• UNIQUE FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER : “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, `Eli, Eli, Lama Sabacthani?’ that is, `My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me.” Matt.27:46

“If you want to find our what a person is really like, if you want to do a test of leadership, if you want to do a test of character, give them privileges. The more privileges you give them, the more they will reveal their character. If you give somebody responsibilities, they will do them to get paid, right? That doesn’t give you any indication of character. Give them privileges and you will find out whether they have character. A noble person will use his privileges to help others. A noble person will somehow take those privileges and spend them on other people. A lesser person will use his privileges to separate him from other people, to elevate himself.”
John MacArthur

“And whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to
serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Matt.20:27-28 (NLT)

3. WHEN GOD BECAME A MAN!

“..and was born a human being. When He appeared in human
form…” Phil.2:7b (NLT)

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Lk.2:7

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the
neighborhood……” Jn.1:14a (MSG)

4. WHEN GOD DIED A CRIMINAL'S DEATH!

“…He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a
criminal’s death on a cross.” Phil.2:8 (NLT)

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He
was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our
iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by
His stripes we are healed.” Isa.53:4-5

5. WHEN GOD WAS ELEVATED TO HIS
RIGHTFUL POSITION OF LORD!

“Therefore God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and
gave Him the name above all other names, 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.” Phil.2:9-11 (NLT)

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Share with the group the best Christmas memory you have ever had.
2. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
3. David Platt in his book RADICAL (pg. 33) tells the story of sitting outside a Buddhist temple in Indonesia where he engaged in conversation with a Buddhist and Muslim leader. They said “we may have different views about small issues, but when it comes down to essentials, all religions are the same.” David suggested they viewed God as sitting at the top of a mountain and even though we all take different routes to the top, we will all get there. They agreed. David asked, “what if God came down to where we are?” They said that would be great! David replied, “Let me introduce you to Jesus!” (Read Matt.1:18-23). My thoughts on this are?
4. Read (Lk. 2:1-14) aloud. Why did the King of the Universe (Jesus Christ) enter this world just like us, as a baby?
5. DIGGING DEEPER: What was Jesus doing before He took on flesh and blood? (see Micah 5:2; Jn.8:57-59; Col.1:16; Ex.3:2-4). What difference should these truths make in the way I live this week?

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Phil.2:5-11) (Incarnation: when God took on flesh)
Tue (2Cor.8:9) (He came to deliver me from the poverty
of sin.)
Wed (Jn.8.57-59) (Jesus, the eternal God)
Thu (Col.1:16) (Jesus, the Creator)
Fri (Lk.2:1-7) (Jesus, a human baby in a manger)
Sat (Phil.2:9-11) (Jesus, Lord of all)

cd101128 - Denny Mashburn

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:25

“Sing out your thanks to the Lord; sing praises to our God, accompanied by harps.” Ps.147:7 (NLT)

TO EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF GIVING THANKS, I MUST:

1. REMEMBER THE MANY REASONS I HAVE TO THANK GOD!

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing
hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”
Acts 16:25

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart. Where there is no memory of the heart, there is an absence of grateful feelings. Thankfulness is the expression of a grateful feeling, while gratitude is the feeling itself. There can be no thankfulness where there is no gratitude…A man that is ungrateful sums up all the evil that a man can be guilty of.”

William Thayer

MEMORIES OF A TRANSFORMED HEART:

• I was the ungrateful: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Rom.1:18,21
• I was spiritually dead: “And you He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Eph. 2:1
• I was God’s enemy: “And you who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet He has now reconciled.”
Col.1:21
• I was the chief of sinners: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” 1Tim.1:15

“The Bible describes us as enemies of God and objects of His wrath. We are spiritually dead and eternally separated from God. What’s worse is that we can do nothing to change our status before God. No one who is morally evil can choose good, no man who is a slave can set himself free, no woman who is blind can give herself sight, no one who is an object of wrath can appease that wrath, and no person who is dead can cause himself to come to life. The gospel confronts us with the hopelessness of our sinful condition…But (today) we live in a land of self-improvement!
David Platt, RADICAL

“May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light. He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” Col.1:12-14 (NLT)

2. SURRENDER TO THE CONTROL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

“Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Acts 16:26
.
TRUTH + OBEDIENCE= POWER:

• My purpose includes suffering:“Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:15
• Salvation has changed my perspective:“I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead!”
Phil.3:7-11 (NLT)
• I will evaluate my circumstances with truth: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Rom.8:28
• I will give God thanks in all things: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1Thes.5:18

3. EXPECT OTHERS TO TAKE NOTICE!

“And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice saying, `Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.’ Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, `Sirs what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, `Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’”
Acts 16:27-31

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The thing I am most thankful for is……?
2. Read Ephesians 2:1 aloud and David Platt’s quote from page 2 of the sermon guide. How should it affect me when I reflect on how bad my situation was before Christ saved me? (Read Col.1:12-14)
3. Read Acts 16:25 and 1Thes.5:18 aloud. What does the story in Acts 16 and the exhortation in 1Thes. 5 teach me about experiencing God’s power when I face the struggles and trials of daily life? Does God’s power have to demonstrate itself in the form of an earthquake, like Paul and Silas experienced, or can it be in less dramatic ways. (ex. Like Job, whose circumstances did not change, but his perspective did and he repented and thanked God. Then God blessed him! See Job 42:1-6)
4. The Philippian jailer and his family were saved as a result of watching Paul and Silas face their trial. Would a lost person watching me go through my most recent trial be drawn to Christ or pushed away from Him?
5. Close in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to fill and control each person as they leave and get ready to face a new day if the Lord wills!

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Acts 16:16-34) (Giving thanks, experiencing power)
Tue (Eph.2:1) (My condition was hopeless)
Wed (Col.1:12-14) (But Christ saved me, I am so thankful)
Thu (Eph.5:17-18) (Controlled by the Spirit, God’s will)
Fri (Rom.8:28) (I can obey with hope)
Sat (1Thes.5:18) (I can give thanks no matter what)

cd101121 - Dr Allen McClellan

...In the midst of a problem, it is crucial that we have the right response!

...The key to having the proper response is getting the right perspective!

IN ORDER TO GET THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE, WE MUST UNDERSTAND THREE THINGS:

1. The unfailing providence of God! ...To get God's perspective on our problem, we must see God's providential hand in it!

2. The unknown purposes of God! ...God uses problems to test our faith! ...God uses problems to build our faith! ...Satan wants to use problems to question our faith and to destroy our faith!

3. The unseen provision of God! ...we tend to look to other people for what only God can do! ...God wants us to see Him as our source! ...God often solves our problems by showing us more of Himself! ...God meets our needs in His timing! ...God's provision depends on our obedience!