9/25/2016
"Optical Illusions"
1 Cor. 1: 18-29

OPTICAL ILLUSIONS 1 COR.1. 18-29 I.  IT IS AMAZING HOW DIFFERENTLY PEOPLE ______ THINGS: A.  Sometimes there are optical _______ that confuse us B.  Sometimes we read things from different experiences  II.  THE WAY PEOPLE SEE THE WORLD, LIFE, JESUS, SPIRITUAL THINGS DEPENDS ON THEIR MINDS, EXPERIENCES, AND _______________: A.  Letter to Corinthians focuses attention on what is wise, foolish, strong, and weak B.  To some, Jesus and his death and especially his resurrection = ____________ III.  THE WAY PEOPLE PERCEIVE & UNDERSTAND THINGS IS CALLED THEIR _______________ . * C. S. Lewis- I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. IV.  IS IT FOOLISH TO HAVE A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW?  It depends… A.  The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are _________ B.  It is the _________ of God to believers. V.  WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR BELIEVERS TO HAVE A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW…A JESUS PERSPECTIVE? A.  The ______ of secular worldview is very strong- even against believers B.  The pull of the secular worldview will be even greater on your children. C.  Ultimately the secular worldview leads to _____________ VI.  TRUSTING THAT JESUS AND GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT ARE AT WORK LEADS TO LIFE, PEACE, HOPE, A GLORIOUS FUTURE, and many other ____________ A.  Christians _________ in and stand for things  B.  They have ______- life is not lived in vain. C.  They believe in right and ______…and the Bible is the basis for this VII.  A JESUS WORLDVIEW POINTS US AND THOSE WHOM WE CAN INFLUENCE TOWARDS ____________.  A.  Contrary to what the secular worldview says, the Bible is not “unfounded mythology.” B.  Faith in Christ Leads to __________! VIII.  DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE _____________ A.  Consecrate yourself to Jesus as Lord and Savior B.  Share your simple but powerful __________ of how Jesus changed you and how He is at work in you C.  ______ and learn about Jesus, the Bible, the Christian faith…so that you can defend and persuade those who ask you about your hope.

9-18-2016
Guest Speaker, Rev. Charles Cole
"Believe, Know and Commit"
Deuteronomy 6. 1-9

9-11-2016
"Are You Prepared to Give an Answer?"
1 Peter 3: 15-17

Are You Prepared to Give an Answer? Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect  (1 Peter 3:15)               I.         BELIEVERS NEED TO KNOW AND BE EVEN MORE PREPARED TO DEFEND THEIR FAITH THAN OUR PARENTS AND BELIEVERS OF PREVIOUS GENERATIONS. a.      Christians in America and other places around the world are often faced with the need to be able to defend their faith.  b.      Do you know what you believe and ______?  II.        BUT DO THIS WITH GENTLENESS AND ____________… a.      More often than not, it is ______ ____ ____ rather than what you say that will bring an unbeliever to Christ.  b.      Just make sure it’s your ideas that offend and not _____, that your beliefs cause the dispute and not your behavior.  III.        SO WHY DO PEOPLE NEED TO BE ABLE TO DEFEND THEIR FAITH? a.      We are called to love the Lord with "all our _______" (The Great Commandment).  b.      We are admonished to be able to give an answer for the hope within us c.       We are called to honor God-   In your hearts.…set Christ apart as Lord… d.      We need to know right teaching so we can avoid and correct ________ teaching. IV.       WHY DO I BELIEVE IN THE BIBLE?- Here are a few reasons a.       It has been verified by several scientific ________ b.      It is obvious that SOMETHING HAPPENED- c.        It is not just a history book, it is a __________ book about God’s story- his plan, purpose, and salvation, and continuing work in this world.       V.       WHAT TO DO WHEN PEOPLE CHALLENGE YOUR BELIEF                           IN THE BIBLE? a.      Encourage them to ______ it-  too many people deny the Bible but have never really read it. b.      Encourage them to investigate for themselves- to do their own search for the truth. c.       Challenge them to ________ their findings: d.      Live your life as an outward example of one who believes in Jesus e.       Allow the Savior to _________ your life

9-4-2016
"A Song When I'm Not Sure What Lies Ahead"
Psalm 90

A SONG WHEN I AM NOT SURE WHAT LIES AHEAD Psalm 90 I.  Opening Question:  WHERE IS _______ TO YOU? A.  Psalm 90- opens with worship & adoration…”God, YOU have been our (___________) dwelling place throughout all generations.” B.  QUESTION:  When you’re not sure of what lies ahead, and feeling a little fearful, do you long for a place of security, and refuge?  II.  PSALM 90- A _____ when I am not sure what lies ahead.  It teaches us about A.  The __________ of God (vs. 1-2) B.  The brevity of man’s life (vs. 3-6) C.  God’s _____, knowledge, and power (vs. 7-8) D.  Desire for God’s wisdom for our passing days  (vs. 9-12) E.  ______ for God’s favor (vs. 13-17) III.  QUESTION: Are You Uncertain about what lies ahead? IV.  SOME GUIDANCE from PSALM 90 A.  Let God be your “_______ place” – your security…HAVE FAITH IN GOD B.  Don’t let people or ________ be your security, because they “pass away all too quickly” C.  “_________ your days…” – recognize your limited time here, so that you can use your days & time in ways that make a difference. D.  Pray for God’s favor- for gladness, compassions, His satisfaction in the mornings.”             E.  Remember- FROM EVERLASTING TO                                EVERLASTING – ___ IS _____!