10-26-2014
"Following Jesus or Following the Rules"
Matthew 23. 13-26

FOLLOWING JESUS OR FOLLOWING THE RULES? Scripture-  Matthew 23. 13-26 I.  THE SPIRITUAL “FAN CLUB” A.  Sanhedrin- ______ men B.  They were _____  of God…not followers II.  John 8- The woman caught in adultery. A.  Leaders wanted to trap Jesus and to prove by his refusal to condemn her that He didn’t follow the laws of God B.  So He couldn’t be from God…COULDN’T BE THE MESSIAH! C.  If we examine our hearts and actions, would we be fans, or followers? III.  So How Can You Diagnose if you are a Fan Rather Than a Follower? (What are some signs). A.  Fans choose rules over relationships B.  Fans choose laws over love C.  Fans Choose Guilt over grace IV.  FANS MISS WHAT REALLY MATTERS: A.  It is important that you “know Jesus.”  B.  There may be bigger churches and much better preachers & teachers.  But don’t miss the main point-  YOU NEED TO KNOW JESUS! V.  It is an eternal matter that you are “NOT A FAN…BUT A FOLLOWER OF JESUS.” A.  A FOLLOWER knows Jesus B.  A FOLLOWER shows Jesus

10-19-2014
Guest Speaker, Mr. Brian Johnson
"In the Beginning God Created"
Genesis 1.1

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed  Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 1.  How does evolution vs. creation influence our world view A.  Evolution                                      We are a result of time and random chance                                      We are constantly changing                                      We are our own ultimate authority B.  Creation                                      God intentionally created us the way we are                                      God is our ultimate authority 2.  God loves us A.  He created us in His image B.  We messed up C.  He provided a plan for salvation                                      Roman 5:18-19  Resources on the Web 1.  Web Resources A.  www.icr.org B.  answersingenesis.org 2.  The age of the earth A.  http://www.icr.org/article/evidence-for-young-world/ B.  https://answersingenesis.org/evidence-for-creation/the-10-best-evidences-from-science-that-confirm-a-young-earth/ 3.  Worldwide flood A.  https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global/worldwide-flood-evidence/ B.  http://www.icr.org/article/520/

10-12-2014
"The Comfortable Cross"
1 Corinthians 1. 18-25

THE COMFORTABLE CROSS 1 CORINTHIANS 1. 18-25 I.  WE LOVE COMFORT BUT THERE’S A ______ IN LOVING COMFORT TOO MUCH: A.  Our ______ follows suit B.  Luke 9. 23, says there is a cost to being a follower. II.  HOW DOES THE WORLD VIEW THE _______ & CHRISTIANITY? A.  1 Corinthians 1- Paul talks about how the world sees the cross. 1.  _____________- ultimate symbol of weakness 2.  Stumbling block for Jews    B.  Even, in our day, champions are not _______…they do not show weakness. III.  GOD IS NOT LIKE WHAT THE WORLD MIGHT _____________   A.  He uses what the world says is foolishness- and turns it into the _______ of salvation B.  Jews demand miraculous signs & Greeks look for wisdom…but we preach Christ crucified C.  What seems like the ultimate moment of God’s weakness was in reality the ultimate moment of God’s ___________ IV.  WHAT GOD DID FOR THE CROSS HE CAN DO FOR _______ A.  When you are ________ - you are exactly where you need to be for God to show His strength B.  Look at those in the Bible whom God chose to use. C.  God shows us that when we ________ we are strong, that’s when we are really weak. V.  WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ______ UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW: “Bring it all, or I will send you packing” A.  _______ the cost – There will be a cross for you…if you follow B.  Make the Commitment- Decide to “take it up” or be a fan C.  ______ UP- foolishness…weakness…loss…fatigue…persistence VI.  WHAT ______ OF CROSS DOES GOD HAVE IN MIND FOR YOU? A.  Not a comfortable one… B.  But, then again, how else will you ever experience _______  __________?  VII.  GOD CAN DO FOR YOU WHAT HE DID FOR THE CROSS- _______  His power. A.  There’s a danger in loving comfort too much-   B.  We seek every way possible to ______ the foolishness, or suffering, or weakness, or lack of control that comes with any real cross.  C.  And in doing that, we miss-out on experiencing the power of God.

10-5-2014
"Yada, Yada, Yada"
Luke 7. 36-50

YADA, YADA, YADA Luke 7. 36-50 I.  SCRIPTURE LESSON- Describes the Difference between Fan & Follower A.  Simon the Pharisee- has invited Jesus for _________ B.  The Sinful ________- shows the opposite  C.  Jesus said, “I tell you, her many _____ have been forgiven.” II.  GOD KNOWS US ­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________ A.  Biblical word for intimacy is the word “know”- _____ B.  To be really known by someone and share deep & personal stuff, is something many people long for, but never experience. …Others are so afraid of intimacy that they run for their lives at first sign of it. C.  God knows us, and all about us-  In Psalm 139…David describes how deeply he is “known” by God III.  GOD WANTS YOU TO ________ HIM A.  It’s one thing to “be known” but another to have the relationship work _____  ____ B.  If we make ourselves _______  to God, He is going to know a lot about us that we are not proud of. C.  If we avoid INTIMACY we may avoid hurt,  but we also miss out on being DEEPLY LOVED, AND DEEPLY _________. IV.  FANS CHOOSE KNOWLEDGE, ____________ EMBRACE INTIMACY A.  Many people in church have _______ to embrace that kind of relationship with Jesus. B.  Studying and learning the Bible is invaluable… But, Jesus offered INTIMACY C.  Jesus was offered a meal by Simon…but He was offered a broken ______ by the sinful woman. D.  What are some of the areas of your life that you need to open up to Jesus, but are afraid to? · Wouldn’t it feel good to be like that woman in Luke 7, who went away feeling ______, and loved, and forgiven?